Children’s Illustrated Thesaurus

consider

confident 1 confused 2 a
» adjective sure about something » adjective in an untidy mess
b
Angela had worked hard The papers lay c
and was confident of success. in a confused heap.
certain, convinced, Will resolved the conflict between chaotic, disordered, He fixed the loose connection d
positive, satisfied, the friends. disorganized, untidy in the circuit board. e
secure, sure antonym: tidy
antonym: uncertain conflict 1 connection 2 f
» noun disagreement confusing » noun a point where things g
confident 2 » adjective bewildering or
» adjective sure of yourself and argument Will resolved are joined He fixed the h
the conflict between the friends. puzzling Trying to find our loose connection in i
Hari was a confident actor. antagonism, disagreement, way in the city was confusing. the circuit board. j
assured, self-assured, discord, friction, hostility, baffling, bewildering, coupling, fastening,
self-possessed opposition, strife complicated, puzzling junction, link k
antonym: shy l
conflict 2 confusion conscience m
Hari was a confident actor. » noun a war or battle » noun an untidy mess » noun a sense of right n
o
confine 1 The man reported on the The room was in a state and wrong Phil’s conscience p
» verb to limit to something conflict in the Middle East. of confusion with furniture told him the right thing to do. q
battle, combat, fighting, all over the place. principles, scruples,
specified We confined our strife, war chaos, disarray, disorder, sense of right and wrong r
discussion to tennis rather than disorganization, mess s
sport in general. conflict 3 antonym: order conservative
limit, restrict » verb to differ or disagree » adjective unwilling to change t
connect 1 u
confine 2 The team leaders conflicted » verb to join together People often get more v
» verb to prevent from leaving over who should go first. conservative as they grow older. w
be at variance, The firefighter connected conventional, traditional, x
His flu confined him to bed be incompatible, clash, the hose to the tap. hidebound, reactionary y
for two days. differ, disagree affix, attach, couple, antonym: radical
hem in, imprison, restrict, fasten, join, link z
shut up, immure, confuse 1 antonym: separate consider 1
incarcerate, intern » verb to mix two things up » verb to judge someone
The firefighter connected the hose
confirm 1 It is possible to confuse to the tap. or something We consider
» verb to say or show that fact with fiction. him the perfect candidate.
mistake, mix up, connect 2 believe, judge, rate,
something is true Kate was muddle up » verb to associate one thing regard as, think,
given a certificate to confirm deem, hold to be
that she had passed the test. confuse 2 with another Laughter
bear out, endorse, prove, » verb to puzzle or bewilder is connected to happiness. consider 2
substantiate, validate, ally, associate, link, relate » verb to think carefully
verify, authenticate, The complicated instructions
corroborate confused me. connection 1 I will consider your offer.
baffle, bewilder, mystify, » noun a link or relationship contemplate, deliberate,
confirm 2 puzzle, bemuse, faze, meditate, muse, ponder,
» verb to make something nonplus, perplex Bridget had connections reflect, think about,
to a large number of people. cogitate, mull over,
definite The date of the confused 1 affiliation, association, ruminate
election was confirmed. » adjective puzzled or bewildered bond, correlation,
fix, settle correspondence, link, consider 3
Hattie was confused – the relation, relationship » verb to take into account
information didn't make sense.
baffled, bewildered, You should consider
muddled, perplexed, Ruth’s feelings.
puzzled, at a loss, at sea, bear in mind,
flummoxed, nonplussed make allowances for,
respect, take into account,
think about

49

consideration

A consideration 1 constant 1 contact 1 container
B »  » noun careful thought about adjective going on all the time » noun something that holds
something Ramon’s decision There was constant barking noun the state of being in
required careful consideration. things Gail used a plastic
from the dog next door. » touch with someone container for her food.
C attention, contemplation, continual, continuous, We must keep in contact. holder, vessel, receptacle,
communication, in touch repository

deliberation, study, thought eternal, nonstop, perpetual, contemplate 1
» verb to think carefully about
D consideration 2 relentless, incessant, contact 2
E » noun concern for someone interminable, sustained, » noun someone you know something Maria paused
unremitting to contemplate her options.
Please show consideration antonym: periodic He had a contact in the consider, examine,
for others and work quietly. music business. muse on, ponder,
constant 2 acquaintance, connection reflect on, think about
F concern, kindness, » adjective staying the same
respect, tact contact 3 contemplate 2
The thermometer showed » verb to get in touch with » verb to consider doing
G consideration 3 the temperature was constant.
H » noun something to be taken even, fixed, regular, stable, Abbey contacted the something He contemplated
steady, uniform, immutable, company to complain. becoming a vet.
into account Safety is invariable approach, communicate consider, envisage, plan,
a major consideration. antonym: changeable with, get hold of, think of
get in touch with, reach
I factor, issue, point construct contempt
J consist: consist of » verb to build or make » noun complete lack of respect

» verb to be made up of something He’s constructing Rick’s contempt for the
The brain consists a compost bin. club’s rules was foolish – they
assemble, build, create, asked him to leave.
K of millions of nerve cells. erect, make, put together, derision, disdain, disregard,
be composed of, put up disrespect, scorn
antonym: respect
L be made up of, comprise
M conspicuous contest 1
He’s constructing a compost bin. Abbey contacted the company » noun a competition or game
» adjective easy to see or notice to complain.
Sarah wore her bright red It was a thrilling contest
contain 1 between two strong teams.
N coat to be conspicuous. » verb to include as a part of competition, game, match,
apparent, blatant, evident, tournament
The glass contains the juice
O noticeable, obvious, from 10 oranges. contest 2
perceptible, patent, comprise, include » noun a struggle for power
manifest
There was a bitter contest
P over who should control
the nation’s future.
Q consult contain 2 battle, fight, struggle
» verb to go to for advice » verb to keep under control
R grill
S Sarah wore her bright red coat Consult your doctor Hans was finding it difficult
before training for the race. to contain his excitement. bake
to be conspicuous. ask for advice, confer with, control, curb, repress,
refer to restrain, stifle
T
U boil fry

V

WX verb to prepare food for eating

Y cook » by heating it in some way
I enjoy cooking for friends.

Z

50

contest 3 continue 2 convenient cool a
» verb to go on existing » adjective helpful or easy to use
verb to object formally conventional 2 b
Their friendship continued Cycling was a convenient » adjective familiar, or generally c
» to a statement or decision even when one of them way to get around.
You have 14 days to contest moved abroad. handy, helpful, useful, used The coach taught us d
the plans for the extension. carry on, endure, last, user-friendly, all a conventional tennis serve. e
challenge, dispute, oppose, persist, remain, survive labour-saving, serviceable customary, ordinary,
question antonym: inconvenient orthodox, regular, f
antonym: accept continue 3 standard, traditional g
» verb to start doing again convention 1
continual 1 convey h
When he returned from noun an accepted way of » verb to cause information or i
adjective happening all holiday, Reg continued to work j
on his model aeroplanes. » behaving or doing something ideas to be known She
» the time without stopping carry on, recommence, The convention is to shake conveyed her thoughts on k
There was continual rain resume hands when you strike a deal. global warming to the class. l
the afternoon of the fair. code, custom, etiquette, communicate, express, m
constant, continuous, continuous practice, tradition, get across, impart n
endless, eternal, nagging, » adjective going on without propriety, protocol o
perpetual, uninterrupted, convince p
incessant, interminable, stopping The continuous The convention is to shake hands q
unremitting building work went on when you strike a deal. verb to persuade that
for weeks. r
continual 2 constant, continued, convention 2 s»o mI ectohninvigncisedtruheim s
» adjective happening again and extended, prolonged, » noun a large meeting of an
uninterrupted of my innocence. t
again Paolo received antonym: periodic organization or group The assure, persuade, satisfy u
continual reminders to renew society hosted a convention v
his membership of the club. control 1 of children’s authors every year. convincing w
frequent, recurrent, regular, » noun power over something assembly, conference, » adjective persuasive Jackie x
repeated congress, meeting y
antonym: occasional The children learning to ski had a convincing argument.
were under the control of an conventional 1 conclusive, effective, z
continue 1 experienced instructor. persuasive, plausible,
» verb to keep doing something authority, command, adjective relating to what powerful, telling,
direction, government, cogent, incontrovertible
She continued talking even management, power, rule, » is normally done or believed antonym: unconvincing
though no one was listening. supremacy, jurisdiction, His uniform was
carry on, go on, keep on, mastery, superintendence conventional school wear. cook
persist conformist, conservative,
unadventurous, bourgeois, verb to prepare food for eating
She continued talking even though control 2 staid by heating it in some way
no one was listening. » verb to be in charge of
▼ SEE BELOW
Camilla controlled the rota
for cleaning the hamster cage. cool 1
administer, be in charge of, » adjective having a low
command, direct, govern,
have power over, temperature There was
manage, rule a gust of cool air.
chilled, chilly, cold,
poach steam refreshing
antonym: warm

barbecue

microwave toast

roast stew

51

cool

A cool 2 copy 3 correspond cosy 1
B » adjective staying calm » verb to make a copy of » verb to be similar or connected » adjective warm and comfortable

José kept cool through The teacher copied the to something else The two Guests can relax in the
the whole incident. handout and gave a sheet maps correspond – they both cosy lounge.
of it to each pupil. show the old tower at the top comfortable, snug, warm
C calm, collected, composed, counterfeit, duplicate, of the hill.
level-headed, relaxed, reproduce agree, be related, coincide, cosy 2
serene, dispassionate, correlate, fit, match, tally » adjective pleasant and
corny
D imperturbable, » adjective unoriginal or corrupt 1 friendly She enjoyed
unemotional, » adjective acting dishonestly the cosy chat with her friends.
sentimental Dad always friendly, informal,
E unexcited, unruffled listens to corny music. or illegally Her scheme intimate, relaxed
antonym: nervous banal, hackneyed, maudlin, was unfair and showed her
sentimental, stale, to be corrupt. council
F cool 3 stereotyped, trite, crooked, dishonest, » noun a governing group
G » verb to make or become cool mawkish, old hat, fraudulent, shady (informal),
unoriginal unscrupulous, unethical, of people The city
Elsa put the cupcakes on unprincipled, venal council had ordered
a rack to cool. correct 1 antonym: honest the road closure.
» adjective without mistakes assembly, board,
H chill, cool off, freeze, corrupt 2 committee, panel,
refrigerate Jonathan’s calculations conclave, convocation
antonym: heat were correct. verb to change a computer file
accurate, exact, faultless, count 1
I flawless, precise, right, true » by introducing errors » verb to add up
J I should take a backup
correct 2 copy in case the original is I counted the money.
K » adjective socially acceptable corrupted. add up, calculate,
L alter, contaminate, falsify, tally, compute,
Our teacher said the correct manipulate, doctor enumerate, tot up
M way to greet the head was
N “Good morning, Mr Brown”. corruption I counted the money.
O Elsa put the cupcakes on a rack acceptable, appropriate, » noun dishonest and illegal
fitting, okay or OK (informal), count 2
to cool. proper, seemly behaviour The police » verb to be important
antonym: wrong arrested him on charges
P cooperate of corruption. Your opinions count.
correct 3 bribery, dishonesty, fraud, carry weight, matter,
» verb to work together Laura verb to make right » Jimmy extortion, profiteering, rate, signify, weigh
venality
cooperated with the rest of the corrected the errors in his work. count 3
amend, cure, improve, cost 1 » noun a counting or number
Q team to finish the task. rectify, reform, remedy, » noun the amount of money
R collaborate, join forces, right, emend, redress counted The count
needed The cost of revealed that our group
pull together, work together correction chocolate has gone up. had the most votes.
» noun the act of making charge, expense, outlay, calculation, reckoning,
S copy 1 payment, price, rate sum, tally, computation,
noun something made to something right We made a enumeration
correction to our design project. cost 2
T » look like something else adjustment, amendment, » noun loss or damage
Tony made a copy of righting, rectification
They extended the house but
U his favourite painting. at the cost of the garden.
counterfeit, duplicate, fake, detriment, expense, penalty

V forgery, imitation, replica, cost 3
reproduction, facsimile, » verb to involve a cost of
likeness, replication
The airfares were going
W copy 2 to cost a lot of money.
X » verb to do the same thing come to, sell at,
set someone back (informal)
as someone else My little
We made a correction to our
Y brother copies everything design project.
that I do.
ape, emulate, follow,

Z imitate, mimic, follow suit,
parrot, simulate

52

counteract cover a
» verb to reduce the effect of
courage b
something Water the plants »  noun lack of fear c
to counteract the drying effect The knight showed great courage fighting the dragon.
of the sun. d
act against, offset, bravery e
counterbalance, daring
countervail, negate, nerve f
neutralize g
valour
countless She taught a course on algebra. fearlessness pluck h
» adjective too many to count heroism i
course 2 guts j
She was the star of » noun a series of lessons
countless films. grit k
infinite, innumerable, She taught a course l
myriad, untold, on algebra. m
incalculable, limitless, classes, curriculum n
measureless, multitudinous o
course 3 p
country 1 » noun a way taken to get q
» noun a political area
somewhere The sailor r
He drove over the border changed the yacht’s course s
between the two countries. to avoid the rocks.
kingdom, land, state direction, line, path, route, t
trajectory, way u
country 2 v
» noun land away from towns court 1 w
x
and cities My friend lives noun a place where legal y
right out in the country.
bush (New Zealand and » matters are decided z
South Africa), countryside, He ended up in court
outback (Australia and New for theft.
Zealand), outdoors bench, law court, tribunal
related words:
adjectives pastoral, rural court 2
» verb (old-fashioned) to hope

to marry Grandpa said
he courted Grandma for years
before she agreed to marry him.
go steady, woo

My friend lives right out courtesy fanetoanyrm:
in the country. » noun polite and considerate
The dragon flew
courage behaviour He showed away in fear.
courtesy to other drivers, giving
noun lack of fear way to them on the busy road.
civility, courteousness,
▶▶ SEE RIGHT gallantry, good manners,
grace, graciousness,
course 1 politeness
» noun a policy of action
cover 1
Jed took the only course »verb to protect or hide
left open to him.
plan, policy, procedure He covered his face.
cloak, conceal, cover up,
hide, mask, obscure,
screen, shade
antonym: reveal

53

cover

A cover 2 crack 1 crash 3 create 1
B » verb to form a layer over » noun the failure of a business » verb to make something
verb to become damaged,
The fish was covered with There was a stock market happen The band coming
breadcrumbs. » with lines on the surface crash overnight. on stage created a buzz of
The road surface cracked bankruptcy, collapse, excitement around the room.
C coat, overlay in the heat. depression, failure, ruin bring about, cause, lead to,
D cover 3 break, fracture, snap occasion

» noun something which protects crack 2 crash 4 create 2
» verb to find the answer to » verb to have an accident »verb to invent something
or hides They snuggled
something We’ve managed His car crashed into He created a new type
E down under the covers. to crack the problem. the back of a van. of kite.
case, coating, covering, decipher, solve, work out bump, collide, drive into, coin, compose, devise,
have an accident, formulate, invent, originate
F jacket, mask, screen, crack 3 hurtle into, plough into,
wrapper » noun a line or gap caused by wreck creative
» adjective able to invent
G damage There was a large crawl 1
crack in the wall. Sheila is so creative –
H break, cleft, crevice, verb to move slowly on hands she’s writing and illustrating a
I fracture, fissure, interstice graphic novel in her spare time.
J They snuggled down » and knees or near the ground fertile, imaginative,
crafty The ladybird crawled through inspired, inventive
under the covers. » adjective clever and rather the grass.
creep, drag, edge, inch, credit
K cow dishonest The crafty kid slither, on hands and knees » noun praise for something
L » noun a farm animal kept for managed to get both his
parents to give him his pocket crawl 2 Luca took all the credit
milk or meat A herd of dairy money that week. » verb to be full of The branch for my idea.
artful, cunning, devious, commendation, glory,
M cows stood in the field. scheming, slippery, sly, wily was crawling with red ants. praise, recognition, thanks,
bovine, cattle be alive with, be full of, acclaim, Brownie points,
cram be overrun (slang), kudos
N coward » verb to stuff something into swarm, teem antonym: disgrace
O » noun someone who is easily
a container or place Minnie creepy
scared I’m a coward when crammed chips into her mouth. » adjective (informal) strange and
it comes to the dark so Dad jam, pack, squeeze, stuff
frightening The old house
P leaves the landing light on. crash 1 The branch was crawling with is really creepy at night.
chicken (slang), » noun an accident involving a red ants. disturbing, eerie, macabre,
scary (informal), sinister,
Q wimp (informal) moving vehicle No one was craze spooky, unnatural
hurt in the car crash. » noun a brief enthusiasm for
cowardly accident, bump, collision, crime
pile-up (informal), smash something Yoga is Jasmine’s » noun an act that breaks the law
R » adjective easily scared latest fitness craze.
She was too cowardly to get fad, fashion, trend, vogue Shoplifting is a crime.
misdemeanour, offence,
S the spider out of the bath. crazy 1 violation, wrong, felony,
chicken (slang), faint- » adjective (informal) very strange malfeasance, misdeed,
hearted, gutless (informal), transgression
or foolish People thought
T sookie (New Zealand), our plans were crazy. criminal 1
craven, lily-livered, foolish, insane, mad,
ridiculous, wild, zany noun someone who has
U pusillanimous, spineless, antonym: sensible
timorous » committed a crime
No one was hurt in the car crash. crazy 2 The criminal spent 10 years
V antonym: brave » adjective (informal) very keen in prison.
crash 2 crook (informal), culprit,
cower noun a loud noise » I heard on something Gavin’s crazy delinquent, offender,
about football. villain, evildoer, felon,
W » verb to bend down with fear a crash coming from outside. fanatical, mad, obsessed, lawbreaker, malefactor
The dog cowered before bang, clash, din, smash passionate, smitten, wild,
enamoured, zealous
X the cat.
cringe, quail, shrink

Y
Z

54

crumple

criminal 2 criticize cross 3 The monkey used the stone as a
» adjective involving crime verb to find fault » The bus » noun a mixture of two things a crude tool to open the nuts.
b
Stealing is a criminal driver was criticized for not The dog was a cross crude 1 c
offence. being on time. between a collie and a retriever. » adjective rough and simple
corrupt, crooked, illegal, censure, condemn, blend, combination, d
illicit, unlawful, culpable, find fault with, mixture The monkey used the e
felonious, indictable, knock (informal), stone as a crude tool to
iniquitous, nefarious pan (informal), put down, cross 4 open the nuts. f
antonym: legal disparage, excoriate, » adjective angry I’m very primitive, rough, g
lambast, lambaste rudimentary, simple
cripple 1 antonym: praise cross with him. h
» verb to injure severely angry, annoyed, fractious, crude 2 i
crook fretful, grumpy, in a bad » adjective rude and offensive j
He was crippled for months » noun (informal) a criminal mood, irritable, irascible,
after the accident. peevish, testy, tetchy He had a crude and k
disable, lame, The man is a crook embarrassing sense of humour. l
maim, paralyse and a liar. crouch coarse, tasteless, vulgar, m
cheat, rogue, scoundrel » verb to squat down boorish, crass n
cripple 2 (old-fashioned), shark, antonym: refined o
» verb to prevent from working swindler, thief, villain We all crouched p
in the grass. cruel q
Snow crippled the bus crooked 1 bend down, squat » adjective deliberately causing
network and we got the day off. » adjective bent or twisted r
bring to a standstill, impair, We all crouched in the grass. hurt Her words were cruel. s
put out of action The nails were crooked after barbarous, brutal, callous,
Dad’s attempts to hammer crowd 1 cold-blooded, heartless, t
critical 1 them into the hard wall. » noun a large group of people inhumane, sadistic, savage, u
» adjective very important bent, deformed, distorted, vicious v
irregular, out of shape, A huge crowd gathered antonyms: compassionate, w
It is critical to add the twisted, warped in the square. kind x
ingredients in the right order. antonym: straight horde, host, mass, mob, y
crucial, deciding, decisive, multitude, swarm, throng cruelty
momentous, pivotal, vital crooked 2 » noun cruel behaviour z
antonym: unimportant » adjective dishonest or illegal crowd 2
» verb to gather close together Leaving Maz out of the final
critical 2 My parents hoped the match was an act of cruelty.
» adjective very serious salesman wasn’t crooked. Hundreds of fans crowded barbarity, brutality,
corrupt, criminal, into the hall. callousness, inhumanity,
Her car was in critical need dishonest, fraudulent, congregate, gather, savagery, viciousness
of a new battery. illegal, shady (informal), swarm, throng antonyms: compassion,
grave, precarious, serious dishonourable, nefarious, kindness
unprincipled crowded
critical 3 antonym: honest » adjective full of people crumple
» verb to squash and wrinkle
adjective finding fault with cross 1 It was a crowded room.
» verb to go across congested, full, She crumpled the paper
» something or someone overflowing, packed in her hand.
The boy thought his teacher The bridge crosses the river. crease, crush,
was too critical and had marked ford, go across, screw up, wrinkle
his essay down. span, traverse
carping, derogatory,
disapproving, disparaging, The bridge crosses the river. crucial
scathing, captious, » adjective very important
cavilling, censorious, cross 2
fault-finding » verb to meet and go across He held his nerve at the
antonym: complimentary crucial moment and won
The bus stop is near the game.
criticism the traffic lights where the central, critical, decisive,
» noun expression of disapproval roads cross. momentous, pivotal, vital
crisscross, intersect
His criticism of the play 55
was harsh.
censure, disapproval,
disparagement,
fault-finding, flak (informal),
panning (informal),
denigration, stricture
antonym: praise

crush

A curb 1 curious 2 The tailor cut the cloth with
B » verb to keep something within » adjective strange and unusual a sharp pair of scissors.
C
D limits Owen must learn to The shop was full of cut 1
E My little brother loves to crush curb his temper. curious trinkets.
F the garlic. check, contain, control, bizarre, extraordinary, verb to mark, injure, or remove
G crush 1 limit, restrain, suppress odd, peculiar, singular, part of (something or someone)
strange, unusual
verb to destroy the shape curb 2 antonym: ordinary » with something sharp
The tailor cut the cloth
H » of by squeezing noun an attempt to keep current 1 with a sharp pair of scissors.
My little brother loves chop, clip, nick, score,
to crush the garlic. » something within limits noun a strong continuous slice, slit, trim
Parents called for stricter
I crumble, crumple, curbs on who could be invited » movement of water cut 2
mash, squash to the school party. She was almost swept away » verb to reduce something
brake, control, limit, by the current of water.
J crush 2 limitation, restraint flow, tide, undertow Dad cut the amount of TV
K » verb to defeat completely we watched.
cure 1 current 2 cut back, decrease, lower,
His football team was verb to make well » The reduce, slash, abridge,
crushed with a 6–0 defeat. adjective happening, being downsize, rationalize
ointment cured the rash. antonym: increase
L overcome, put down, quell, heal, remedy » done, or being used now
stamp out, vanquish His current car goes much cut 3
cure 2 faster than his last one. » noun a mark or injury made
M cry 1 » noun something that makes an contemporary, fashionable,
N » verb to have tears coming from ongoing, present, by cutting Sofia had a cut
illness better The medicine present-day, today’s, on her finger.
your eyes The film made was a cure. up-to-the-minute gash, incision, slash, slit
her cry. medicine, remedy, antonym: past
treatment cut 4
O bawl, blubber, howl, sob, curve 1 » noun a reduction in something
weep, whimper, wail curiosity 1 noun a bending line » There
» noun the desire to know There was a cut in the
P cry 2 was a curve in the road. number of books in the library.
Q » verb to call out loudly The man showed curiosity arc, bend, trajectory, turn cutback, decrease,
in his family tree. related word: adjective sinuous lowering, reduction, saving
“See you soon!” they cried. inquisitiveness, interest antonym: increase
call, exclaim, shout, yell curve 2
curiosity 2 » verb to move in a curve cute
R cry 3 » noun something unusual » adjective pretty or attractive
S » noun a loud or high shout The road curved sharply
The museum was full to the left. You were such a cute baby!
The fans in the stadium gave of relics and curiosities. arc, arch, bend, swerve appealing, attractive,
freak, marvel, novelty, charming, dear,
T a cry of disappointment when oddity, rarity custom 1 good-looking,
the striker missed the goal. » noun a traditional activity gorgeous, pretty
call, exclamation, antonym: ugly
The tea-drinking ceremony
U shout, yell is an ancient Chinese custom. cynical
convention, practice,
cunning 1 ritual, tradition adjective always thinking

V » adjective clever and deceitful The museum was full of relics custom 2 » the worst of people
The boy had a cunning plan. and curiosities. » noun something a person Alistair had a cynical
artful, crafty, devious, sly, attitude that made him
curious 1 always does It was her seem world-weary.
W wily, foxy, Machiavellian » adjective wanting to know custom to get up at 7 o’clock distrustful, sceptical
X antonym: open every morning.
He was curious about habit, practice,
cunning 2 the new neighbours. routine, wont
inquiring, inquisitive,
Y » noun cleverness and deceit interested, nosy (informal) customer
The goats showed cunning antonym: incurious » noun someone who buys
in finding food.
something The shop was
Z deviousness, guile filled with customers.
buyer, client, consumer,
patron, purchaser, shopper

56

dash

daft damage 2 The ocean can be dangerous daring 2 a
» adjective extremely silly » noun harm that is done during a storm. » noun the courage to take risks
b
Wearing shorts in snowy to something The storm dangerous Ben showed his daring when c
weather is a daft idea. caused damage to the town, » adjective likely to cause harm he spoke in assembly for five d
crazy, foolish, ludicrous, flattening several houses. minutes without notes. e
preposterous, ridiculous, harm, injury The ocean can be dangerous audacity, boldness,
silly, stupid during a storm. bravery, courage, guts f
antonym: sensible damp 1 hazardous, perilous, risky, (informal), nerve (informal), g
» adjective slightly wet treacherous fearlessness, intrepidity,
damage 1 antonym: safe temerity h
» verb to cause harm to The towel was damp once antonym: caution i
he had used it after swimming. dare 1 j
something Hail damaged clammy, dank, humid, » verb to challenge someone to dark 1
the corn crop. moist, sodden, soggy, wet » adjective lacking light k
harm, hurt, injure do something I dare you to l
damp 2 jump off the top diving board. It was too dark to see what m
Hail damaged the corn crop. » noun slight wetness challenge, defy, throw was happening. n
down the gauntlet black, cloudy, dim, dingy, o
The damp all over the walls murky, overcast, shadowy, p
left a dark stain. dare 2 swarthy q
dampness, humidity, » verb to have the courage to do antonym: light
moisture, clamminess, r
dankness something Nobody dared dark 2 s
to complain to the angry man.
danger risk, venture noun lack of light t
» noun the possibility of harm u
daring 1 ▼ SEE BELOW v
A stampeding hippo is » adjective willing to take risks w
a great danger in Africa. dash 1 x
hazard, jeopardy, menace, They made a daring escape » verb to rush somewhere y
peril, risk, threat by helicopter.
antonym: safety adventurous, audacious, Madison dashed towards z
bold, brave, fearless, the finish line.
intrepid, valiant bolt, fly, race, run,
antonym: cautious rush, sprint, tear,
make haste, hasten

dash 2

verb to throw or be thrown

» violently against something
The huge waves dashed
against the rocks.
break, crash, hurl,
slam, smash

dark 2 noun lack of light » It is

difficult to see in the dark.

dimness gloom dusk laingtohntym:

I’m squinting to Can you see It’s only 6 o’clock. The light helps
adjust to the dimness. in the gloom? It’s dusk – it’s not me see.
pitch dark yet.
darkness
murk
The room was plunged
into darkness. I can’t make much
out in this murk.

57

dash

A dash 3 dead 1 £350 decide
verb to ruin or frustrate » adjective no longer alive » verb to choose to do something

B » someone’s hopes or ambitions He found a dead jellyfish She decided to sign up for
The children’s hopes of a washed up on the beach. swimming lessons.
deceased, departed, choose, come to a decision,
C picnic were dashed by the rain. extinct, late determine (formal),
crush, destroy, disappoint, antonym: alive elect (formal), make up your
foil, frustrate, shatter, mind, reach a decision,
dead 2 resolve (formal)
D thwart, confound, quash » adjective no longer functioning
decision
dash 4 The radio is dead. » noun a judgment about
defunct, not working
E » noun a sudden movement something The judges came
or rush Harper made a deadly She didn’t buy the handbag to a decision about who the
» adjective causing death because it was too dear. winner was.
F dash for the door. conclusion, finding,
bolt, race, run, rush, The Brazilian wandering dear 3 judgment, resolution,
spider is the world’s most » adjective costing a lot ruling, verdict
G sprint, stampede deadly arachnid.
destructive, fatal, She didn't buy the handbag declaration
dash 5 lethal, mortal because it was too dear. » noun a forceful or official
costly, expensive,
H » noun a small quantity of deal pricey (informal) announcement She made
something He added » verb to cope successfully with her declaration in public for
deceive all to hear.
I a dash of salt to his meal. something Ethan deals affirmation, protestation
drop, pinch, splash, with stress by doing yoga. verb to make someone believe (formal), statement,
attend to, cope with, testimony, assertion,
J sprinkling handle, manage, see to, » something that is untrue avowal
take care of The advert deceived the
daydream 1 public by claiming the product She made her declaration in public
dear 1 would make them look younger. for all to hear.
K » noun a series of pleasant con (informal), double-cross,
thoughts His mind often noun a person for whom dupe, fool, mislead, take in, declare
trick, bamboozle, beguile,
L drifted into a daydream. » you have affection hoodwink verb to state something
dream, fantasy, pipe Happy Valentine’s Day, dear.
angel, beloved decent 1 » forcefully or officially
M dream, reverie (old-fashioned), darling, » adjective of an acceptable Rohan declared that he was
love, sweetheart, going to sail round the world.
N treasure (informal) standard The pay was affirm, announce,
decent although not generous. assert, certify, proclaim,
O adequate, passable, profess (formal), pronounce,
reasonable, respectable, state, attest, aver, avow
P satisfactory, tolerable
Q decline 1
decent 2 » verb to become smaller
R His mind often drifted into » adjective correct and
a daydream. or weaker The plants in the
respectable She was a garden declined during winter.
S daydream 2 decent person who always decrease, diminish, drop,
T » verb to think about pleasant tried to do the right thing. fall, go down, plummet,
proper, respectable reduce, dwindle, wane
things Noah daydreams of antonym: improper antonym: increase

U being famous. Happy Valentine’s Day, dear. deceptive
dream, fantasize
dear 2 adjective likely to make people
dazed » adjective much loved
» believe something untrue
V » adjective unable to think clearly He was a dear friend The deceptive honey badger
At the end of the interview of mine and I miss him. looks cute, but it can give
beloved, cherished, darling, a painful scratch.
W I felt dazed and exhausted. esteemed, precious, prized, false, fraudulent, illusory,
X bewildered, confused, treasured misleading, unreliable,
delusive, specious
dizzy, light-headed,
numbed, stunned,

Y disorientated,
punch-drunk, stupefied

Z

58

decline 2 defeat 1 deformed a
» verb to win a victory over
verb to refuse politely to defender b
someone I defeated last c
» accept or do something year’s arm-wrestling champion. noun a person who argues d
He declined their invitation beat, conquer, crush, rout, e
as he didn't want to go out. trounce, vanquish (formal) » in support of something
abstain, excuse yourself, The man was a committed f
refuse, turn down The sudden decrease in sales defeat 2 defender of human rights. g
antonym: accept was a shock. » noun a failure to win advocate, champion,
supporter h
decline 3 decrease 2 His basketball team suffered i
» noun a gradual weakening » noun a lessening in the amount a crushing defeat. deficiency j
conquest, debacle (formal), » noun a lack of something
or decrease There was of something The sudden rout, trouncing k
a decline in the number of decrease in sales was a shock. antonym: victory The disease scurvy is l
bees visiting the hive this year. decline, drop, lessening, caused by a deficiency m
decrease, downturn, reduction, abatement, defect of vitamin C. n
drop, fall, recession, curtailment, cutback, » noun a fault or flaw deficit, deprivation, o
shrinkage, slump diminution inadequacy, lack, p
antonym: increase antonym: increase A software defect made want (formal) q
the phone unusable. antonym: abundance
decorate 1 deep 1 deficiency, failing, fault, r
» verb to make more attractive » adjective having a long way flaw, imperfection, deficient s
shortcoming, weakness » adjective lacking in something
She decorated her room to the bottom The rabbit t
with posters and pictures. dug a deep hole. defence 1 The bald, muddy lawn was u
adorn, deck, ornament, bottomless, yawning » noun action to protect deficient in grass. v
beautify, bedeck, antonym: shallow inadequate, lacking, poor, w
embellish, festoon something Many short, wanting x
plant-eating dinosaurs had y
spikes and weapons on their definite 1
tails as a form of defence. » adjective unlikely to be z
cover, protection,
resistance, safeguard, changed Dad set a
security definite limit to my
holiday money.
She decorated her room with The rabbit dug a deep hole. defence 2 assured, certain, decided,
posters and pictures. » noun an argument in support fixed, guaranteed, settled
deep 2
decorate 2 » adjective great or intense of something Jason's only definite 2
» verb to put paint or wallpaper defence for taking the » adjective certainly true
Joe had a deep love of sport chocolate without asking
on They decided to decorate and played in many teams. was that he was hungry. Hot cocoa was a definite
the house and paint her extreme, grave, great, argument, excuse, help in getting to sleep.
bedroom walls yellow. intense, profound, serious explanation, clear, positive,
do up (informal), justification, plea black-and-white, clear-cut,
renovate deep 3 cut-and-dried
» adjective low in sound defend 1
decrease 1 » verb to protect from harm deformed
» verb to become or make less The man had a deep voice » adjective abnormally shaped
and sang bass in choir. The cat defended her kittens
The dentist said we should bass, low, resonant, from the dog next door. The deformed carrot looked
decrease the amount of sugar sonorous cover, guard, protect, as if it had two legs.
we eat. antonym: high safeguard, shelter, shield disfigured, distorted
cut down, decline,
diminish, drop, dwindle, defend 2 The deformed carrot looked as if
lessen, lower, reduce, » verb to argue in support of it had two legs.
shrink, abate, curtail,
subside, wane I defended his silence,
antonym: increase explaining he was shy not rude.
endorse, justify,
stick up for (informal),
support, uphold

59

degrade

A degrade deny 2
B » verb to humiliate someone » verb to refuse to believe

Ava was sorry that her something She denied
mean remark had degraded the existence of ghosts.
reject, renounce
C her friend.
demean, humiliate deny 3 No one knew who owned the derelict
» verb to refuse to give building with the broken window.
D delay 1
E » verb to put something off something Pamela’s mum derelict
denied her any more snacks » adjective abandoned and in
until later Lunch was before dinner.
delayed by an hour as our refuse, withhold poor condition No one knew
who owned the derelict building
F guests were late. The girl deliberated over department with the broken window.
defer, postpone, put off, what to eat. » noun a section of an abandoned, dilapidated,
shelve, suspend neglected, ruined
deliberate 3 organization The shop’s
G delay 2 sock department was always descend
H » verb to slow or hinder verb to think carefully busier than swimwear in winter. » verb to move downwards
division, office, section,
something Fallen trees on » about a choice unit We descended the stairs.
The girl deliberated dip, dive, fall, go down,
I the road delayed her journey. over what to eat. depend on 1 plummet, sink
hinder, impede, obstruct, debate, meditate, mull over, » verb to rely on antonym: ascend
set back, hold up, retard ponder, reflect
You can depend on me to describe
J delay 3 delicious help you in an emergency. » verb to give an account of
K » noun a time when something bank on, count on,
adjective tasting very nice rely on, trust something The teacher
is delayed The fog grounded asked Amy to describe what
▶▶ SEE RIGHT depend on 2 she did in her spare time.
L planes, causing flight delays. » verb to be affected by define, depict, portray,
interruption, obstruction, delight 1 characterize, detail
setback » noun great pleasure or joy The taste depends on the
quality of the ingredients. deserve
M delete It gives me great delight to be determined by, hinge on, » verb to have a right to
N » verb to remove something welcome you to our new home. be subject to, hang on,
glee, happiness, joy, rest on something Mum works hard,
written She deleted the pleasure, rapture, so she deserves a rest.
satisfaction deposit be entitled to, be worthy of,
O final paragraph because it » verb to put down or leave earn, justify, merit, warrant
repeated an earlier one. delight 2
cross out, erase, rub out, » verb to give someone great somewhere She deposited design 1
the coin in the piggy bank. » verb to make a plan of
P blue-pencil, edit out, pleasure The squeaky toy drop, lay, leave, place,
strike out delighted the baby. put down something She couldn’t
amuse, captivate, charm, wait to design her new
Q deliberate 1 enchant, please, thrill bedroom herself.
R » adjective done on purpose draft, draw up, plan
demand
When I found the textbook » verb to need or require design 2
» noun a plan or drawing
S under Doug’s desk, I realized something Running the
it was part of a deliberate obstacle course demanded Brad showed us his design
attempt to cheat in the exam. strength and coordination. for a vegetable patch.
involve, need, require, model, plan, blueprint,
T calculated, conscious, take, want, call for, entail, schema
intentional, premeditated, necessitate
design 3
U studied deny 1 She deposited the coin in » noun the shape or style of
antonym: accidental » verb to say that something is the piggy bank.
something Mel had a funky
deliberate 2 untrue He denied he broke new design for a clock.
the ornament on purpose. form, pattern, shape,
V » adjective careful and not contradict, refute, abjure, style
hurried The vet’s disavow, disclaim, gainsay,
rebut, repudiate
W movements were gentle and antonym: admit
X deliberate as he felt the cat’s

leg for bruising.
careful, cautious,

Y measured, methodical
antonym: casual

Z

60

design

tasty a

Cakes are a tasty yummy b
teatime treat. c
d
luscious e

I fpnadrtilceumlaornlydlruizszclieoucsa.kes Marzipan is yummy, f
I prefer it to icing. g

delectable scrumptious h
i
She sloacidalthcaatféthweecreupdcealekcetsabfrloem. Anything with icing is scrumptious! j
the
k
appetizing mouth-watering l
m
The bakery had an array of appetizing cakes. The mobuatkhi-nwgawtearsinsgostmemelpl toinf gc.akes n
o
delicious p
» adjective tasting very nice The cake was delicious. q

r
s

t
u
v
w
x
y

z

61

desire

A desire 1 determine 3 devoted
B » verb to want something » verb to find out the facts about » adjective very loving and loyal

We can stay longer at something The X-ray will He was a devoted father.
the fair if you desire. determine if there are any constant, dedicated,
broken bones. doting, faithful, loving,
C crave, fancy, long for, ascertain (formal), confirm, loyal, true
want, wish, yearn, discover, establish,
ache for, covet find out, verify die 1
verb to stop living » The
D desire 2 The destruction of the rainforest determined
E » noun a feeling of wanting left many animals homeless. » adjective firmly decided Mia flowers had drooped and died.
cark it (Australia and
something I have a strong destruction was determined to finish the New Zealand; informal),
» noun the act of destroying race, however long it took her. expire (formal), pass away,
F desire to help people. bent on, dogged, intent on, pass on, perish (formal)
appetite, craving, something The destruction persistent, purposeful,
hankering, longing, wish, of the rainforest left many resolute (formal), die 2
animals homeless. single-minded, tenacious, verb to fade away » Liam
G yearning, yen (informal) annihilation, demolition, steadfast, unflinching,
devastation, obliteration unwavering reassured her that the worry
despair 1 she felt would soon die.
detail develop 1 fade away, fade out,
H » noun a loss of hope » noun an individual feature of » verb to grow or become more peter out
Emma felt despair at the
something We discussed advanced The seedling die out
I thought of yet another long every detail of the play. developed new leaves. verb to cease to exist » Many
car journey. aspect, element, particular, advance, evolve, grow,
point, respect, fine point, mature, progress, result, ancient customs have died out.
J dejection, despondency, nicety spring disappear, fade, vanish
gloom, hopelessness
determination The seedling developed difference 1
K despair 2 » noun a firm decision to do new leaves. » noun a lack of similarity
L verb to lose hope » I despair
something Adam showed between things There is
at this rain – will it ever stop? determination in his training a huge difference between the
feel dejected, for the Olympics. size of a Yorkshire Terrier and
perseverance, persistence, a Great Dane.
M feel despondent, resolution, resolve (formal), contrast, discrepancy,
lose heart, lose hope tenacity, doggedness, disparity, distinction,
single-mindedness, divergence, variation
N despite steadfastness, willpower antonym: similarity
O » preposition in spite of
determine 1 develop 2 There is a huge difference between
He gave a great talk despite » verb to cause or control a » verb to become affected by the size of a Yorkshire Terrier and
his fear of public speaking. a Great Dane.
situation or result The size an illness or fault He
P in spite of, notwithstanding of the chicken determines the developed pneumonia. difference 2
(formal), regardless of cooking time. catch, contract (formal),
control, decide, dictate, fall ill, get, go down with, noun the amount by which
Q destroy govern, shape pick up, succumb
R » verb to ruin something » two quantities differ
determine 2 devious The difference between
completely The fire » adjective achieving your goal by 17 and 19 is two.
verb to decide or settle balance, remainder
S destroyed the building. sly methods He got another
annihilate, demolish, » something firmly turn by being devious, claiming
devastate, obliterate, The date of the match had he'd missed out last time.
not yet been determined. calculating, scheming,
T raze, ruin, wreck arrange, choose, decide, underhand, wily
fix, resolve, settle
U 62

V

W
X

Y The fire destroyed the building.

Z

dig

difficult » 1 adjective not easy to do or solve a
The puzzle was difficult to finish.
b
arduous c
d
It was a long, arduous e
journey from one end of
the country to the other. f
g
challenging
h
He found it challenging to finish hard i
all his homework before football j
practice started. It was hard to find
a subject she enjoyed k
demanding knotty more than art. l
m
She had a demanding n
schedule. o
p
intractable Would the detective ever q
solve the knotty problem?
(formal) r
laborious s
The company had an
intractable problem. Checking the entire database t
was a laborious task. u
thorny v
problematic w
It was a thorny issue x
to work out who should It could be problematic y
sit where. trying to fit everyone
into one car. z

tough

She found the practical
exam really tough.

uphill

It was an uphill
battle getting her
son to tidy his room.

antonym: easy

This jigsaw is so easy!

different 1 different 3 difficult 2 difficulty 2
» adjective unlike something else » adjective distinct and » adjective not easy to deal with » noun the quality of being

His shiny green shoes were separate The school He was difficult to deal with difficult Getting on and off
different to everyone else’s. supports a different charity because of his mood swings. the bus on crutches was a
contrasting, every year. demanding, troublesome, difficulty she had to overcome.
disparate (formal), another, discrete (formal), trying, obstreperous, hardship, strain,
dissimilar, opposed, unlike, distinct, individual, refractory, unmanageable tribulation (formal),
at odds, at variance, separate arduousness,
divergent (formal) difficulty 1 laboriousness
antonym: similar difficult 1 noun a problem » The main
dig 1
different 2 adjective not easy to do difficulty was that her car » verb to break up soil or sand
» adjective unusual and out of or solve wouldn’t start.
complication, hassle The dog used its front paws
the ordinary Jane's hairstyle ▲ SEE ABOVE (informal), hurdle, obstacle, to dig a hole in the ground.
was different, shaved at the pitfall, problem, snag, burrow, excavate, gouge,
front and long at the back. trouble, impediment, hollow out, quarry, till,
special, unique stumbling block tunnel

63

dig

A dig 2 dim 2 direct 2 direction 2
B » verb to push something in » adjective vague or unclear » adjective clear and honest » noun control and guidance

She could feel the tight She had a dim memory He gave a direct answer to of something He chopped
bracelet digging into of seeing the girl her rambling question: “No”. vegetables under the
somewhere before. blunt, candid, forthright, chef’s direction.
C her arm. faint, hazy, indistinct, frank, straight, charge, command, control,
jab, poke, thrust obscure, shadowy, vague, straightforward guidance, leadership,
fuzzy, ill-defined, antonym: devious management
D dig 3 indistinguishable
E » noun a push or poke antonym: clear direct 3 dirt 1
» verb to control and guide » noun dust or mud
Daisy silenced Matt with dim 3
a dig in the arm. » adjective (informal) slow to something Christopher The bike was covered in dirt.
is captain and directs the dust, filth, grime,
F jab, poke, prod, thrust understand He is rather team on the field. muck, mud
G dim, but don’t offend him control, guide, lead,
H by saying so! manage, oversee, run, dirt 2
I dumb (informal), obtuse, supervise noun earth or soil » He drew
J slow, stupid, thick (informal)
K Daisy silenced Matt with a dig antonym: bright direction 1 a circle in the dirt with a stick.
earth, soil
in the arm. diminish noun the line in which
» verb to reduce or become dirty 1
L dim 1 » something is moving
M » adjective not bright or well-lit reduced The biscuit stash He walked for an hour adjective marked with dirt
diminished throughout the day. in the wrong direction.
The light from the lamp was contract, decrease, lessen, course, path, route, way ▼ SEE BELOW
dim, and he couldn't see well lower, reduce, shrink,
weaken He walked for an hour in the dirty 2
N enough to read his book. wrong direction. » adjective unfair or dishonest
dark, dull, grey, murky, direct 1
poorly lit, shadowy It was a dirty deal that
adjective in a straight line or tricked Joe into doing his
O brother's chores as well as
P » with nothing in between his own.
Dad took the most direct corrupt, crooked
route to the airport. antonym: honest
immediate, personal,
straight, uninterrupted
antonym: indirect

Q dirty

R
S

T » 1 adjective marked with dirt
He was always getting his
U filthyclothes dirty.
What a filthy T-shirt!
WXV grimy muckyHfreormbtohoetsgwraesrseagnrdimmy ud.
Dcloont’htepsuotnyothuer mcaurcpkeyt.
YZ grubbyTghruebtbeyamhanwdesrebteoflodretoeawtainsgh. their

64

discharge

disable disagree 2 disappear 1 disaster a
» verb to stop something » verb to think that something » verb to go out of sight » noun a very bad accident
b
working You need to is wrong I disagree with your The aircraft disappeared The flood was a disaster. c
disable the alarm before statement that cats are boring off the radar. calamity (formal), d
you enter. because they sleep all the time. be lost to view, drop out of catastrophe, misfortune, e
deactivate, defuse, object, oppose, sight, fade, recede, vanish tragedy
immobilize take issue with antonym: appear f
discard g
disadvantage disagreeable disappear 2 » verb to get rid of something
» noun an unfavourable » adjective unpleasant in some » verb to stop existing h
She discarded the piece of i
circumstance They way The smell of old The snow disappeared when paper with her old notes on. j
considered the advantages cabbage was disagreeable. the sun came out. cast aside, dispose of,
and disadvantages of horrible, horrid, nasty, cease (formal), die out, dump (informal), jettison, k
moving house. objectionable, obnoxious, go away, melt away, shed, throw away, l
drawback, handicap, unfriendly, unpleasant pass, vanish throw out m
minus, weakness, antonym: agreeable n
downside, hindrance disappointed She discarded the piece of paper o
antonym: advantage disagreement 1 with her old notes on. p
» noun a dispute about adjective sad because hopes q
disagree 1 discern
» verb to have a different opinion something My friend and » have not been fulfilled r
I had a disagreement about I was disappointed that we verb (formal) to notice or s
She disagreed with which pop group was the best. didn’t go swimming.
everything he said. altercation (formal), dejected, despondent, » understand something with t
differ, dispute, dissent argument, difference, disenchanted, disillusioned, u
antonym: agree dispute, quarrel, row, downcast, saddened, difficulty Abigail discerned v
squabble, tiff disheartened, let down someone walking towards her w
She disagreed with everything antonym: agreement antonym: satisfied through the mist. x
he said. detect, make out, y
disagreement 2 disappointment 1 notice, observe, perceive,
» noun an objection to something » noun sadness because hopes see, spot z

There was disagreement over have not been fulfilled Book discharge 1
the head insisting we wore our early to avoid disappointment. » verb to send something out
school tie on the bus home. dejection, despondency,
dissent, objection, regret, disenchantment, The cleaned water will be
opposition disillusionment discharged into the sea.
emit, empty, expel, flush,
disappointment 2 give off, release
» noun something that does not
discharge 2
meet your expectations The » verb to allow someone to leave
film was a disappointment;
it was really boring. hospital or prison He has a
blow, setback broken arm but was discharged
from the hospital yesterday.
stainedfHroims sthhoertgsrawsesr.e stained disapproval free, let go, liberate,
» noun the belief that something release, set free
uncleanThe
is wrong John’s mum discharge 3
into expressed disapproval when » verb to dismiss someone from
tuhnecwleaasnhkinitgwmilal cghoinsetr.aight he wore ripped jeans to school.
antonym: clean censure, condemnation, a job He was discharged for
criticism shouting at his boss.
The substitute didn’t play and antonym: approval dismiss, eject, fire (informal),
so his kit remained clean. sack (informal)
disapprove
» verb to think that something

is wrong Everyone
disapproved of the stickers
all over Maria’s precious violin.
condemn, deplore (formal),
dislike, find unacceptable,
take a dim view of,
frown on, take exception to
antonym: approve

65

discharge

A discover
B

C » verb to find something or find out about something
She discovered a shell in the rock pool.

D

E

F

G come across unearth
H The children came across the
He unearthed a shell
pool when exploring the beach. hidden in the mud.

I

J find
K She didn’t know what she

would find in the water.

L find out
M He wanted to find out
N more about hermit crabs.

O learn stumble onHe went to the library to
QP realize stumble acrosslearn about rock pools.
They realized that the or
tide was coming in.
Stumbling across the rock pool was
the highlight of their day at the beach.

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

66

dispute

discharge 4 disgrace 2 dishonesty Her drawer was in disorder, and it a
» verb to bring shame upon » noun dishonest behaviour was impossible to find an eraser.
noun a sending away from b
The dog disgraced itself Her lies and dishonesty disorder 1 c
» a job or institution by ripping the cushions. had annoyed people. » noun a state of untidiness d
A broken leg led to her discredit, shame cheating, corruption, e
discharge from the team deceit, trickery, duplicity, Her drawer was in disorder,
for the rest of the season. disgraceful fraudulence, mendacity and it was impossible to find f
dismissal, ejection, » adjective deserving of shame antonym: honesty an eraser. g
expulsion, clutter, disarray, muddle
the sack (informal) Grace had wasted a disintegrate antonym: order h
disgraceful amount of paper » verb to break into many i
discourage while trying to write the letter. disorder 2 j
» verb to make someone lose scandalous, shameful, pieces The sandcastle » noun a lack of organization
shocking, discreditable, disintegrated when the tide k
enthusiasm Don’t let these dishonourable came in. The play ended in disorder l
problems discourage you. break up, crumble, when they all forgot their lines m
daunt, deter, dissuade, disgust 1 fall apart, fall to pieces, and shuffled off the stage. n
put off, demoralize, » noun a strong feeling of dislike fragment chaos, confusion, o
dishearten disarray, turmoil p
antonym: encourage Leah felt disgust at the q
thought of eating a worm. disorder 3
discover nausea, repulsion, » noun a disease or illness r
revulsion s
verb to find something or It was a rare nerve disorder.
find out about something The sandcastle disintegrated affliction, complaint, t
when the tide came in. condition, disease, illness u
◀◀ SEE LEFT v
Leah felt disgust at the thought dislike 1 dispose of w
discuss of eating a worm. » verb to consider something » verb to get rid of something x
» verb to talk about something y
disgust 2 unpleasant We don’t always Tie the bag and dispose of it.
We discussed what we » verb to cause someone to feel have liver on the menu because discard, dispense with, z
should do tomorrow. lots of people dislike it. dump, get rid of,
debate, exchange views on, disgust The foul smell abhor (formal), be averse to, throw away
go into, talk about disgusted him. detest, hate, loathe, not be
repel, revolt, able to abide, not be able to disprove
discussion sicken, nauseate, bear, not be able to stand » verb to show that something
» noun a talk about something turn your stomach antonym: like
is not true The science
The teachers sat in another disgusting dislike 2 experiment will either prove
room to have a discussion. » adjective very unpleasant or » noun a feeling of not liking or disprove the theory.
consultation, conversation, discredit, give the lie to,
debate, dialogue, unacceptable That rubbish something Mum looked invalidate, prove false,
discourse, talk dump is one of the most at the weeds in the garden refute
disgusting things I’ve ever seen. with dislike. antonym: prove
The teachers sat in another room foul, gross, obnoxious, animosity, antipathy,
to have a discussion. repellent, revolting, aversion, distaste, hatred, dispute 1
sickening, vile, nauseating, hostility, loathing » noun an argument
disgrace 1 repugnant antonym: liking
The dispute between
noun loss of respect because dishonest disobey them is now settled.
» adjective not truthful It is » verb to deliberately refuse to argument, clash, conflict,
» of a dishonourable action disagreement, feud,
By refusing to shake hands dishonest to mislead people. follow instructions He was row, wrangle
after the match, he has brought corrupt, crooked, deceitful, forever disobeying rules.
disgrace upon the whole team. fraudulent, lying, break, defy, flout,
scandal, shame, mendacious, untruthful infringe, violate,
discredit, dishonour antonym: honest contravene (formal),
antonym: credit transgress
antonym: obey

67

dispute

BA drag »verb to pull something along the ground
 He dragged the sled across the snow.

C lug draw
D Nobody else wanted to lug
Draw up your sled and join us!
the sled up the hill.
haul
E
F It was a heavy load to haul.

G

H tow
I trail
His arm ached from
His scarf trailed on the towing his friends.

J ground behind him.

K dispute 2 distinguish 1 distress 3 distribute 3
verb to question something’s » verb to see the difference » verb to cause someone » verb to divide and share

L » truth or wisdom between things A pet can’t unhappiness It distressed something Chores were
Tim disputed the claim that distinguish right from wrong. Gran that the cousins left evenly distributed among all
differentiate, without saying goodbye. family members.
M he hadn't even tried to win. discriminate, tell, tell apart, bother, disturb, grieve, allocate, allot,
challenge, contest, tell the difference pain, sadden, trouble, dispense (formal), divide,
contradict, deny, upset, worry dole out, share out,
distinguish 2 apportion, mete out
N query, question » verb to just recognize distribute 1
antonym: accept » verb to hand something out disturb 1
something I heard shouting » verb to intrude on someone’s
O distant 1 but was unable to distinguish The head teacher distributed
P » adjective far away in space the words. the prizes to the winners. peace She crept past her
discern, make out, circulate, hand out, sleeping father so as not to
or time A distant ship pick out, recognize pass around, pass round disturb him.
bother, disrupt, intrude on
Q appeared on the horizon. distract distribute 2
far, outlying, » verb to stop someone from disturb 2
out-of-the-way, remote, verb to spread something » verb to upset or worry someone
concentrating Playing
R faraway, far-flung, far-off computer games distracted » through an area The scenes on the news
antonym: close John from his homework. Distribute the sprinkles disturbed him.
divert, draw away, evenly over the cupcake. agitate, distress, shake,
S sidetrack, turn aside diffuse, disperse, trouble, unsettle, upset,
scatter, spread worry
T
dive
U distress 1 » verb to go head first into water
noun great suffering » The
V A distant ship appeared on Sharon dived into the pool.
W the horizon. pain from her broken arm was jump, leap, submerge
causing her distress.
heartache, pain, sorrow, divide 1
suffering » verb to split something up

X distant 2 distress 2 Distribute the sprinkles evenly He divided the tin of food
Y » adjective cold and unfriendly » noun the state of needing help over the cupcake. between the two cats.
cut up, partition, segregate,
He is polite but distant. The ship sent out a signal separate, split, split up
aloof, detached, reserved, that it was in distress. antonym: join
difficulty, need,
Z withdrawn, standoffish, straits, trouble
unapproachable
antonym: friendly

68

drastic

A fence divides the field between do 2 double 2 downfall a
the sheep and the cows. verb to be sufficient » It is » adjective consisting of two » noun the failure of a person
b
divide 2 best to send a birthday card, parts A double pram was or thing The king’s greed c
» verb to form a barrier between but an email will do. needed for the twin babies. had been his downfall. d
be adequate, be sufficient, dual, twin, twofold collapse, fall, ruin e
things A fence divides the suffice (formal)
field between the sheep and doubt 1 drab f
the cows. do 3 » noun a feeling of uncertainty » adjective dull and lacking g
bisect, separate » verb to perform at a certain
She had doubts about brightness The army truck h
divide 3 level Connie did well at tap. travelling in rainy weather. was painted in drab colours. i
» verb to cause people to fare, get on, manage misgiving, qualm, dingy, dismal, dreary, dull, j
scepticism, uncertainty gloomy, grey, sombre,
disagree My parents were dodge 1 antonym: certainty cheerless, lacklustre k
divided over which colour to » verb to move out of the way antonym: bright l
paint the walls. doubt 2 m
come between, set against The player in white » verb to feel uncertain about The army truck was painted n
one another, split dodged the tackle. in drab colours. o
duck, swerve something Sam doubted his p
division 1 ability to play a concerto. drag q
» noun separation into parts be dubious, be sceptical,
query, question verb to pull something along r
The city’s division into two antonym: believe the ground s
parts was caused by the railway
line that ran through its centre. The player in white dodged doubtful ◀◀ SEE LEFT t
partition, separation the tackle. » adjective unlikely or uncertain u
drain 1 v
division 2 dodge 2 It’s doubtful he’ll do another » verb to cause a liquid to flow w
» noun a disagreement » verb to avoid doing something tour as he wants a change. x
debatable, dubious, somewhere Kevin pulled y
There were divisions in the He dodged the question by questionable, uncertain out the plug to drain water
community over where the talking about something else. antonym: certain from the bath. z
carnival should be held. avoid, elude, evade, draw off, pump
breach, difference of get out of, shirk, sidestep down 1
opinion, rupture, split drain 2
adverb towards the ground, » verb to flow somewhere
division 3
» noun a section of something » or in a lower place Some rivers drain into lakes.
He walked down the stairs. discharge, empty, flow,
The costume division was downwards, downstairs seep
easier to find than the props. antonym: up
department, section, sector drain 3
dog » verb to use something up
dizzy » noun an animal often kept as
» adjective about to lose your The long day of travelling
a pet The dog is a loyal pet. drained her of energy.
balance Manuel had a dizzy canine, mongrel, consume, exhaust,
spell and almost fell over. mutt (slang), pooch (slang) sap, tax, use up
giddy, light-headed related words:
drastic
do 1 adjective canine; female bitch; » adjective severe and urgent
verb to carry out a task » He young pup, puppy
Now is the time for drastic
just didn’t want to do any work. doomed He walked down the stairs. action if we are going to save
carry out, execute (formal), » adjective certain to fail the day.
perform, undertake down 2 extreme, harsh,
It was a doomed attempt » adjective depressed He felt radical, severe
to retrieve the ball – they would
never be able to reach it up in down when his team lost.
the tree. dejected, depressed,
condemned, hopeless, dispirited, fed up (informal),
ill-fated glum, melancholy,
miserable, sad,
double 1 despondent, morose,
» adjective twice the usual size pessimistic

Bad traffic meant it took
double the time to get home.
twice, twofold

69

draw

A draw 1 dreary drip 2
B » verb to make a picture » adjective dull or boring » noun a small amount of a

Lucas decided to draw It was a dreary, rainy day. liquid There were drips of
the view through the window. boring, drab, dull, paint on the carpet when Dad

C paint, sketch, trace humdrum, monotonous, finished painting the wall. The ball dropped and bounced
D draw 2 tedious, uneventful bead, drop, droplet, on the ground.
antonym: exciting dribble, globule
» verb to move somewhere
The car drew away from dress 1 drive 1
E the kerb. » noun a piece of clothing » verb to operate or power a
move, pull It was a hot day so she drop 1
wore a summer dress. machine or vehicle He liked » verb to fall downwards
F draw 3 frock, gown, robe to drive the car on empty roads.
operate, pilot, power, The ball dropped and
G verb to pull something » Max propel, run, steer, work bounced on the ground.
drew his chair nearer to the fire. descend, fall, plummet,
drag, haul, pull drive 2 sink, tumble

H drawback » verb to force someone to do drop 2
noun a problem that makes » verb to become less
something Ambition drove
I something less than perfect Jim to work harder. Temperatures can drop
compel, force, lead, to freezing at night.
» The only drawback was that motivate, prompt, push, decline, decrease, fall,
spur
J the apartment was too small.
difficulty, hitch, problem, plummet, sink, slump,
It was a hot day so she wore drive 3 tumble
K snag, trouble a summer dress. » verb to force something pointed antonym: rise
L dreadful
into a surface Rick used drop 3
» adjective extremely bad She a sledgehammer to drive » noun a small amount of
the pegs into the ground.
M thought the play was dreadful: hammer, knock, ram, a liquid A drop of ink
poor acting and no plot. sink, thrust splashed from the end
appalling, atrocious, of the pen.
bead, drip, droplet,
N awful, frightful, ghastly,
horrendous, terrible

O antonym: wonderful dress 2 dribble, globule
» noun clothing in general The
dream 1 drowsy
invitation said “casual dress”. » adjective tired and sleepy
P » noun mental pictures while attire (formal), clothes,
sleeping Ahmed had a clothing, costume, It had been an exhausting
dream that his rabbit could fly. garb (formal), apparel, day and he felt drowsy.
raiment lethargic, sluggish
Q hallucination, trance,

R vision, delusion, reverie dress 3 drug 1
S dream 2 » verb to put on clothes » noun a treatment for disease

noun something that The little boy had dressed The drug was a type
T » you want very much himself and put his trousers Rick used a sledgehammer to drive of antibiotic.
His father’s dream was to be on back to front. the pegs into the ground. medication, medicine
promoted in the next year. attire (formal), clothe,

U ambition, aspiration, garb (formal) drive 4 dry 1
daydream, fantasy, antonym: undress » noun a journey in a vehicle » adjective without any liquid

V Holy Grail, pipe dream drink We decided to go for a drive The path was dry after
in the car. several days of sunshine.
verb to swallow liquid excursion, jaunt, journey, arid, dried-up, parched
W ride, run, spin, trip antonym: wet
▶▶ SEE RIGHT

X drip 1 drive 5 dry 2
Y » verb to fall in small drops » noun energy and determination » verb to remove liquid from
Z His father’s dream was to be
Rain dripped from the Justin had the drive to something You wash up
promoted in the next year. brim of his cap. succeed against all odds. and I’ll dry the pots.
dribble, splash, trickle ambition, determination, drain, dehumidify,
energy, enterprise, dehydrate, desiccate
initiative, motivation, vigour antonym: moisten

70

dying

dubious 1 dull 2 They dumped the extra sand duty 1 a
» adjective not entirely honest or » adjective not bright or clear back at the quarry.
noun something that b
reliable Rachel didn’t Brown is a dull colour, dump 1 c
believe his dubious answer that unlike bright, cheerful yellow. » verb to get rid of something » you ought to do d
his bus had broken down. drab, gloomy, muted, We have a duty to look e
crooked, dishonest, sombre, subdued They dumped the extra sand after the environment.
questionable, suspect, antonym: bright back at the quarry. obligation, responsibility f
suspicious, unreliable discharge, dispose of, g
dull 3 get rid of, jettison, duty 2
dubious 2 » adjective covered with clouds throw away, throw out » noun a task associated h
» adjective doubtful about i
The weather is always dull dump 2 with a job My main duty j
something My parents and foggy. » verb (informal) to put as a chauffeur is to drive
were dubious about the cloudy, leaden, murky, people from one place k
number of friends I’d invited overcast something down We to another. l
for a sleepover. antonym: bright dumped our coats and ran off. assignment, job, m
doubtful, nervous, deposit, drop responsibility, role n
sceptical, suspicious, dumb 1 o
unconvinced, undecided, » adjective unable to speak dupe duty 3 p
unsure verb to trick someone » She » noun tax paid to the q
We were all struck dumb
dull 1 with surprise. realized he’d duped her when government There’s no r
» adjective not interesting mute, silent, speechless he pulled a rabbit from her hat. duty to pay on perfume at s
cheat, con (informal), the airport.
I found the chess game dumb 2 deceive, delude, fool, excise, levy (formal), t
dull as Millie took so long » adjective (informal) slow to play a trick on, trick tariff, tax u
between moves. v
boring, drab, humdrum, understand She called him dying: be dying for w
monotonous, tedious, dumb for not understanding » verb to want something very x
uninteresting what the teacher said, and y
antonym: interesting the teacher scolded her for much I’m dying for a pizza.
being rude. ache for, hunger for, z
dim, obtuse (formal), stupid, long for, pine for,
thick (informal) yearn for
antonym: smart

gulp sip

Gulping the water gave him hiccups. She sipped tea
from a china cup.
imbibe

The bride’s father imbibed rather
too much alcohol at the wedding.

quaff drink
»vfreo rHmbethodisrsawfnaakvllohouowrtitlceiqhmuoicudogl.ate
He quaffed huge cups
of water after the race.

guzzle

sup Don’t guzzle all the juice!

She supped her soup
straight from the mug.

swig

He swigged the lemonade
straight from the bottle.

71

eager

A earn 1
verb to get money in return

B » for doing work
John earns a good wage.

C bring in, draw, get, make,
obtain, net, procure, reap

D earn 2 Lynn planted the flower and
» verb to receive something that filled the pot with earth.
E
you deserve Tina earned her earth 2
F eager early 2 scholarship through hard work » noun soil from the ground
adjective wanting very much and determination.
adjective near the beginning acquire, attain (formal), win Lynn planted the flower
G to do or have something and filled the pot with earth.
» of a period of time Earth 1 clay, dirt, ground, soil,
» Robert was eager to earn The Battle of Waterloo took » noun the planet on which loam, topsoil, turf
place in the early 19th century.
H some extra money and took primeval, primitive we live Most of Earth’s ease 1
on a paper round. surface is covered with water. » noun lack of difficulty or worry
early 3 globe, planet, world
I anxious, ardent, avid, related word: After weeks of practice, Len
enthusiastic, keen, adverb before the arranged adjective terrestrial passed his test with ease.
leisure, relaxation,
J raring to go (informal), » or expected time Most of Earth’s surface is covered simplicity
fervent, hungry, zealous We arrived early at the with water.
cinema so that we wouldn’t ease 2
K early 1 have to queue.
adjective before the arranged ahead of time, beforehand, verb to make or become
in advance, in good time,
L » or expected time prematurely » less severe or intense
Kate was early; none of The doctor gave him some
medicines to ease the pain.
M her friends had arrived yet. abate, calm, relax,
advance, premature, relieve, slacken, allay,
untimely alleviate, assuage

N antonym: late

O eat
P

Q » 1 verb to chew and swallow food
There’s never any food left

R when the dogs have finished eating.

S chew

T munch

U gobble
V

W
X snack

YZ chomp guzzle
(informal)

72

ecstasy

ease 3 economic 1 economy a
» verb to move slowly or carefully » adjective concerning the way » noun the careful use of things
b
He eased open the heavy money is managed It is hard to save money Ben always c
door and peered outside. to start a business when the spent too much; he needed to
creep, edge, guide, inch, economic situation is bad. start shopping with economy. d
lower, manoeuvre, squeeze budgetary, commercial, frugality (formal), prudence, e
financial, fiscal, monetary restraint, thrift
f
easy 1 The body of the van had been economic 2 ecstasy g
» adjective able to be done eaten away by rust. » adjective making a profit » noun extreme happiness
h
without difficulty This is an eat away Bananas are an economic Winning the gold medal i
easy puzzle with lots of clues. » verb to destroy something crop to grow. was total ecstasy! j
light, painless, simple, productive, profitable, bliss, delight, elation,
smooth, straightforward slowly The body of the van viable, money-making, euphoria, exaltation, k
antonym: hard had been eaten away by rust. profit-making, remunerative joy, rapture l
corrode, destroy, dissolve, m
easy 2 erode, rot, wear away economical 1 n
» adjective comfortable and » adjective cheap to use and o
eccentric 1 p
without worries We had an » adjective regarded as odd or saving you money Our car q
easy, relaxed day at the beach. may not be fast, but it’s very
carefree, comfortable, peculiar My friend wears economical to run. r
leisurely, quiet, relaxed eccentric hats with bells on. cheap, cost-effective, s
bizarre, outlandish, quirky, economic, inexpensive
eat 1 strange, weird, whimsical t
economical 2 u
verb to chew and swallow food v
adjective careful and sensible w
▼ SEE BELOW x
» with money or materials y
eat 2 eccentric 2 It is more economical Winning the gold medal was
» verb to have a meal for us to make hot chocolate total ecstasy! z
noun someone who is at home than to buy it from
We like to eat dinner early. the café.
breakfast (formal), dine, » regarded as odd or peculiar careful, frugal, prudent,
feed, have a meal, Gran is a bit of an eccentric thrifty
lunch (formal), picnic with her strange views on life.
character, crank

devour swallow feeds
(on)

scoff

nibble

wolf down consume

73

edge

A efficient eliminate 1 emphasis
» verb to get rid of someone » noun special or extra
B adjective able to work well
C or something My lactose- importance The book
» without wasting time or energy intolerant friend has to placed more emphasis on
D Kit’s an efficient worker eliminate dairy foods the characters than the plot.
E who helps us get things from her diet. accent, importance,
done quickly. cut out, do away with, prominence, weight
F Don’t go near the edge of the cliff! businesslike, competent, eradicate, get rid of,
G edge 1 economic, effective, remove, stamp out emphasize
organized, productive
noun the place where antonym: inefficient eliminate 2 verb to make something seem
» verb to beat someone in a
H »something ends or meets effort 1 » especially important or obvious
something else Don’t go » noun physical or mental energy competition Dan’s team was He emphasized the need for
eliminated in the first round. everyone to stay quiet while
I near the edge of the cliff! It took a lot of effort knock out, put out they visited the reptile house.
border, boundary, brim, to move the heavy box. accent, accentuate,
fringe, lip, margin, rim, application, energy, embarrass highlight, play up, stress,
exertion, trouble, work underline, foreground,
J perimeter, periphery verb to make someone prioritize, underscore
antonym: centre effort 2
» noun an attempt or struggle » feel ashamed or awkward employ 1
K edge 2 My dad likes to embarrass » verb to pay someone to work
L » verb to move somewhere slowly Mum’s cake-making efforts me in front of my friends!
are greatly appreciated by her disconcert, fluster, for you The family next
The cat edged towards the hungry family. humiliate, shame, door employs me to babysit.
mouse, but it saw him and attempt, bid, stab (informal), discomfit, faze, mortify appoint, commission,
struggle engage (formal), hire,
M scampered away. embarrassed take on
creep, inch, sidle elaborate 1 » adjective ashamed and
» adjective having many different employ 2
N educated awkward She was easily » verb to use something
O » adjective having a high parts She threw an embarrassed and turned red
elaborate party with lots of when anyone looked at her. When his parents said no,
standard of learning entertainment and music, ashamed, awkward, Kieran employed a new strategy
Our head teacher is and huge amounts of food. humiliated, red-faced, to get what he wanted.
complex, complicated, self-conscious, sheepish, bring to bear, make use of,
P an educated and wise lady. detailed, intricate, involved abashed, bashful, use, utilize
cultivated, cultured, antonym: simple discomfited, mortified
employee
Q intellectual, learned, elaborate 2 embarrassment
erudite, well-educated » adjective highly decorated » noun shame and awkwardness noun someone who is paid

R education The wooden box had I laughed loudly to cover my » to work for someone else
S noun the process of elaborate carvings. embarrassment at falling over. Hannah was one of eight
fancy, fussy, ornate awkwardness, employees on the farm.
» learning or teaching bashfulness, humiliation, hand, worker, workman
A good education is The wooden box had self-consciousness, shame,
elaborate carvings. chagrin, discomfiture, employer
T essential for success in life. mortification » noun someone that other
coaching, e-learning, elaborate 3
emergency people work for The new
U instruction, schooling, verb to add more information » noun an unexpected and office assistant thanked her
training, tuition employer for giving her the job.
» about something difficult situation It was an boss, gaffer (informal)
effect He promised to elaborate on emergency: she was lost and
the plan by giving more details. couldn’t find her way home. employment
V » noun a direct result of develop, enlarge, expand crisis, pinch
something Regular piano noun giving someone paid work
emit
W practice had a real effect on » verb to give out or release » or having paid work
X my playing. Will you stay in education
something The alarm or seek employment?
consequence, end result, emitted a loud, shrill ring. engagement, enlistment,
fruit, result, upshot exude, give off, give out, hiring, recruitment
release, send out, utter,
Y produce, radiate, send forth ▶▶ SEE RIGHT

Z

74

employment a
arts and media science, technology,
b
and engineering c

health and sport TV/film-maker photographer astronomer IT worker animals d
dancer e

biologist f
g
dentist vet
h
artist musician astronaut i
engineer j
pharmacist ecologist
k
nurse veterinary nurse l
therapist m
farmer n
o
doctor actor scientist p
personal trainer q
marine
biologist r
s
employment zookeeper
t
security and emergency services kinds of employment sales, finance, and public life u
v
paramedic coastguard teacher librarian w
firefighter x
chef y
carpenter
politician z

accountant

air force police airline cabin crew translator
engineer officer

surveyor
electrician

truck driver charity
worker
sailor
architect pilot

estate agent plumber hairdresser air-traffic
controller

construction and housing travel and leisure

75

empty

A empty 1 encourage 2
» adjective having no people » verb to support a person or
B
or things in it There was activity Her family’s cheers
C no food in the house; the encouraged Zoe to run faster.
cupboards were empty. aid, boost, favour, help,
D bare, blank, clear, incite, support, foster,
deserted, unfurnished, further, promote,
E uninhabited, vacant strengthen
F close antonym: full
G celnimdainxg end 1
H empty 2
I ccoufnlimncilsiunhsaiotinon » adjective boring or without noun the last part of a period
J or event
value or meaning The offer
K to go on holiday together was ◀◀ SEE LEFT
L an empty promise.
M inane, meaningless, end 2
N worthless » noun the furthest point of

empty 3 something I was staying in a
» verb to remove people or things room at the end of the corridor.
boundary, bounds, edge,
Danny sat down and emptied extremity, limits, margin
the water that had got into
his boots. end 3
clear, drain, evacuate,
unload noun the purpose for
antonym: fill
» which something is done
By studying for our exams,
we’re all working towards the
same end, which is to pass!
aim, goal, intention, object,
objective, purpose, reason

O Danny sat down and emptied the end 4
P water that had got into his boots. » verb to come or bring to a

endQ enclose finish Jim waited for the
R » 1 noun the last part of a period » verb to surround a thing or film to end before going home.
or event The curtains closed bring to an end, cease,
at the end of the play. place completely The book conclude, finish, stop,
arrived enclosed in a protective terminate
S plastic bag. antonym: begin
encircle, fence off, hem in,
T surround, wrap endanger

U antonym: encourage 1 verb to put someone or
» verb to give someone
beginning » something in danger
V The curtains will open confidence She was The lack of rain has
at the beginning of encouraged by the teacher’s endangered the plants
W tomorrow’s performance. praise for her essay. in my garden.
cheer, hearten, reassure compromise, jeopardize,
X antonym: discourage put at risk, risk, threaten

Y endure 1
» verb to experience something
Z
difficult The students
endured a three-hour exam.
cope with, experience,
go through, stand, suffer

endure 2
» verb to continue to exist

Phil’s jeans endured despite
years of wear and tear.
last, live on, remain, survive

76

equal

enemy ensure entry 2 a
» noun someone who is against » verb to make sure about » noun the way into a particular
b
you The knight fought something Fran tried the place The main entry to c
a duel against his enemy. door again to ensure it was the house is around the side.
adversary, antagonist, securely locked. door, doorway, entrance, d
foe, opponent guarantee, make certain, gate, way in e
antonym: friend make sure
entry 3 f
energetic enterprise 1 Some of the volunteers were more » noun something that has been g
» adjective full of energy » noun a business or company enthusiastic than others.
written down Writing about h
The energetic kitten The grocery store was enthusiastic the flight home was Liz’s final i
climbed the curtains. a small family enterprise. entry in her travel journal. j
animated, dynamic, business, company, adjective showing great item, note, record
indefatigable, spirited, concern, establishment, k
tireless, vigorous firm, operation » excitement and eagerness envy 1 l
m
energy enterprise 2 for something Some of noun a feeling of resentment n
» noun the ability and strength » noun a project or task the volunteers were more o
enthusiastic than others. » about what someone else has p
to do things I’ve not got Lara’s latest enterprise ardent, avid, devoted, He felt envy at the sight q
the energy to go swimming. was to learn how to drive. eager, excited, keen, of his friend’s large garden.
drive, life, spirit, strength, effort, endeavour, passionate, fervent, jealousy, resentment r
vigour, vitality, élan, verve, operation, project, wholehearted, zealous s
zeal, zest undertaking, venture antonym: apathetic envy 2
» verb to want something that t
enjoy entrance 1 u
» verb to find pleasure in » noun the way into a particular someone else has James v
envied Peter’s new bike. w
something I haven’t enjoyed place I met Barry at the be envious, begrudge, x
a film as much as that in ages! entrance to the station. be jealous, covet, resent y
appreciate, delight in, door, doorway, entry,
like, love, relish, revel in, gate, way in James envied Peter’s new bike. z
take pleasure from,
take pleasure in Lara’s latest enterprise was entrance 2 equal 1
to learn how to drive. » noun a person’s arrival » adjective the same in size,
enlarge
» verb to make something larger entertain somewhere The celebrity amount, or value Everyone
» verb to keep someone amused made a dramatic entrance. at the party had an equal
The team became so appearance, arrival, entry number of jelly beans.
successful that they had or interested The puppy equivalent, identical,
to enlarge the stadium. entertained the whole family. entrance 3 the same
add to, expand, extend, amuse, charm, delight, » noun the right to enter
increase, magnify, enthral, please equal 2 : equal to
augment, broaden, distend, somewhere If you buy a
elongate, lengthen, widen entertainment special pass, you can gain early adjective having the necessary
» noun enjoyable activities entrance to the theme park.
enlarge on access, admission, entry » ability for something
The television provided the Rhett was equal to the task
verb to give more information entertainment for the evening. entrance 4 and could do it with ease.
amusement, enjoyment, » verb to amaze and delight capable of, up to
» about something fun, pleasure, recreation
The teacher told Paul to someone The audience was
enlarge on his answers to get enthusiasm entranced by the singer’s voice.
more marks in the test. » noun eagerness and enjoyment bewitch, captivate, charm,
develop, elaborate on, delight, enthral, fascinate,
expand on in something Alice showed enchant, enrapture,
great enthusiasm for the piano spellbind
enormous and practised daily.
» adjective very large in size eagerness, excitement, entry 1
interest, keenness, warmth, » noun a person’s arrival
or amount The enormous ardour, fervour, relish, zeal
monument dominated somewhere The audience
the skyline. fell silent when the hero made
colossal, gigantic, huge, his entry onto the stage.
immense, massive, appearance, arrival,
tremendous, vast entrance
antonym: tiny

77

equal

A equal 3 escape 2 essentials even 3
verb to manage to avoid » adjective the same
something Sid was lucky to
escape injury when he fell over. At half-time, the scores
verb to be as good as plural noun the things that were even.
are most important
»  » something else Mike’s swim
We had enough money
B » time equalled his previous best.
C be equal to, match avoid, dodge, duck, to buy only the essentials. equal, identical, level,
D equip elude, evade basics, fundamentals, neck and neck
necessities, prerequisites,
» verb to supply someone with escape 3 rudiments event 1
» noun something that happens
something The orienteering noun something that distracts esteem
He was still amazed by the
E teams were equipped with » you from something unpleasant noun admiration and events of last week.
a compass and map. Listening to music provided
F arm, endow, fit out, Kate with an escape from her » respect for another person affair, business,
provide, supply hard day. Our teacher is popular and circumstance, episode,
distraction, diversion, relief held in high esteem by the rest experience, incident,

G equipment of the staff. matter
noun the things you need admiration, estimation,
regard, respect, reverence, event 2
H for a particular job honour, veneration (formal) » noun a competition
▶▶ SEE RIGHT
estimate The next event is
I erode » noun a guess at an amount, the long jump.
J » verb to wear something away bout, competition, contest
quantity, or outcome The
and destroy it The cliffs final fee was five times higher everyday
were being eroded by the than the original estimate. » adjective usual or ordinary
appraisal, assessment,
K constant pounding of the sea. estimation, guess, quote, Getting up early was part
corrode, destroy, reckoning, valuation of Liam’s everyday life.
common, daily, day-to-day,
L deteriorate, disintegrate
mundane, ordinary, routine,
M Listening to music provided Kate eternal banal, unexceptional
with an escape from her hard day. » adjective lasting forever
N essence 1 evident
noun the most basic and The baddie in the film was » adjective easily noticed
seeking the secret to eternal life.
O » important part of something everlasting, immortal, or understood Claire’s
The essence of the story unchanging happiness was evident from
the smile on her face.
P could be summed up in even 1 apparent, clear, noticeable,
Q The cliffs were being eroded by the a few words. » adjective flat and level obvious, palpable, plain,
constant pounding of the sea. core, heart, nature, soul, visible, conspicuous,
spirit, crux, kernel, Dad used a spirit level to manifest, patent
make sure the shelf was even.
err substance flat, horizontal, level, evil 1
smooth
R » verb to make a mistake essence 2 antonym: uneven noun the force that causes
Sophie had erred in her » noun a concentrated liquid
» bad things to happen
S timings and arrived far too late. Sheryl added a teaspoon Most film plots are based
blunder, go wrong, make of vanilla essence to the around the conflict between
chocolate brownies. good and evil.
T a mistake, miscalculate badness, immorality,
sin, vice, wickedness,
error concentrate, extract baseness, depravity,
sinfulness
U » noun a mistake essential 1 antonym: good
The error was easy to fix. » adjective extremely important
Dad used a spirit level to make evil 2
V blunder, fault, lapse, A battery is essential for sure the shelf was even. » noun something unpleasant
mistake, slip making a phone work.
crucial, indispensable, vital even 2 or harmful The dentist
W escape 1 lectured the class on the evils
X » verb to manage to get away essential 2 of sugary foods.

The dog escaped from
Y the garden. » adjective basic and important » adjective without changing or
break free, break out, Flour is an essential varying The dam let through affliction, ill, misery, sorrow
Z get away, make your ingredient for any baker. an even flow of water.
escape, run away, basic, cardinal, fundamental, constant, regular, smooth,
run off, abscond, bolt key, main, principal steady, uniform

78

examination

evil 3 exact 2 exactly 2 exam a
» adjective morally wrong or bad » noun a test to find out how
verb (formal) to demand interjection an expression b
The evil deeds of the much you know The maths c
superhero’s enemy are » and obtain something » implying total agreement exam was three hours long. d
too many to count. Vicky wanted to exact “We’ll never know the examination, oral, test e
bad, depraved, malevolent, a positive response from answer.” “Exactly! So let’s f
sinful, vile, wicked the school for her statement stop guessing.” examination 1 g
antonym: good on recycling. absolutely, indeed, » noun a careful inspection
command, extract, impose, precisely, quite h
exact 1 insist on, insist upon, wring of something The divers i
» adjective correct in every detail exaggerate carried out an examination j
exactly 1 of the shipwreck to find out
Alf built an exact replica » adverb with complete accuracy verb to suggest something is where the ship had come from.
of the first steam engine. analysis, inspection, study
accurate, authentic, and precision The train » more, better, or worse than it
faithful, faultless, arrived exactly at five o’clock.
precise, true accurately, faithfully, just, really is Lionel exaggerated
antonym: approximate on the dot, precisely, quite the size of the hens he claimed
antonym: approximately to keep in his garden.
overdo, overestimate,
overstate

dad’s scientifc apparatus climbing kit k
tools l
m

n

o
p

q

pool stuff fshin g tack e r
l s

camping gear t
u
equipment v
w
» noun the things you need for a particular job x
The shed was full of equipment for our hobbies. y

z

79

examination

A except excess 3 The children were very excited
» preposition apart from » adjective more than is needed to get a dog.
B
Chris always gets the The airline charged us excited
C 8.10 train, except when an additional fee for our » adjective happy and
he’s running late. excess baggage.
D The doctor made an examination apart from, but, extra, superfluous, surplus enthusiastic The children
of the patient’s chest. other than, save (formal), were very excited to get a dog.
with the exception of excessive agitated, enthusiastic,
E examination 2 » adjective too great We never feverish, high (informal),
F » noun a check carried out on exceptional 1 thrilled
» adjective unusually excellent, travel first class because the antonym: bored
someone by a doctor The cost is excessive.
doctor made an examination talented, or clever Lee’s enormous, exaggerated, excitement
piano playing is exceptional, needless, undue, » noun interest and enthusiasm
G of the patient’s chest. he should be on the stage. unreasonable,
check, checkup, medical excellent, extraordinary, disproportionate, The release of his latest
outstanding, phenomenal, exorbitant, immoderate, song has caused great
H examine 1 remarkable, talented inordinate, profligate excitement.
I » verb to look at something antonym: mediocre activity, adventure,
exchange 1 agitation, commotion,
very carefully Experts exceptional 2 enthusiasm, thrill,
examined the frozen remains verb to give something in animation, elation,
adjective unusual and likely furore, tumult
J of a woolly mammoth. » return for something else
analyse, go over, » to happen very rarely We exchanged exciting
Having two people win first phone numbers.
K go through, inspect, place was an exceptional event barter, change, swap, adjective making you feel
look over, study, in sport history and had never switch, trade
peruse, scrutinize happened before. » happy and enthusiastic
isolated, out of the It was the most exciting race
L examine 2 ordinary, rare, special, I’ve ever seen, no one could
M » verb to give someone a medical unheard-of, unusual, predict who would win.
unprecedented (formal) dramatic, electrifying,
examination The patient was antonym: common exhilarating, rousing,
stimulating, thrilling,
N examined by several specialists. excess 1 We exchanged phone numbers. intoxicating, sensational,
check, inspect, look at, test stirring
noun behaviour that goes exchange 2 antonym: boring
O example 1
noun something that represents » beyond what is acceptable noun the act of giving exclude 1
Stacey shopped to excess » verb to decide not to include
P » a group of things and regretted her purchases. » something for something else
The museum held several extravagance, indulgence, There was a useful exchange something The teacher
intemperance, of ideas in the classroom. excluded the easy words
Q examples of Roman swords. overindulgence interchange, swap, from the spelling test.
illustration, sample, switch, trade eliminate, ignore, leave out,
specimen omit, rule out
Stacey shopped to excess excite 1 antonym: include
R example 2 and regretted her purchases.
S » noun something that people verb to make someone feel exclude 2
excess 2
can imitate The respect » noun a larger amount than » enthusiastic or nervous verb to stop someone going
Zara was extremely excited
T that Gran showed people necessary An excess of about her upcoming holiday. » somewhere or doing something
is an example to us all. houseplants made the room agitate, animate, The cat was excluded
look like a jungle. thrill, titillate from the lounge to stop it
U ideal, model, paragon, glut, overdose, surfeit, scratching the furniture.
prototype, archetype, surplus, overabundance, excite 2 ban, bar, forbid, keep out,
exemplar, paradigm plethora, superfluity blackball, debar
antonym: shortage verb to cause a particular
V excellent
W » adjective extremely good » feeling or reaction
The dull film failed to
It’s an excellent book, excite anyone.
arouse, elicit, evoke, incite,
X one of my favourites. inspire, provoke, stir up,
beaut (Australia and New fire, foment, inflame,
Zealand; informal), brilliant, kindle, rouse

Y cracking (Britain, Australia, 80
and New Zealand; informal),

Z fine, first-class, great,
outstanding, superb
antonym: terrible

explode

exclusive exhaust 2 expert 2 a
» adjective available only to a few » verb to use something up » adjective skilled and
b
rich people The restaurant completely Stuart drank knowledgeable Becky’s c
was so exclusive, you could so much tea, he exhausted expert performance on the
only get in by invitation. the supply of tea bags. guitar impressed everyone. d
chic, classy, posh (informal), consume, deplete, run able, adept, experienced, e
select, up-market through, use up knowledgeable, proficient,
skilful, skilled, adroit, f
excuse 1 expand We chose the dancers with the dexterous, masterly, g
» noun a reason or explanation » verb to make or become larger most experience to take on practised
the leading roles in the ballet. h
Stop making excuses and The balloon expanded explain i
get on with your work! when it was filled with air. experience 1 j
explanation, justification, develop, enlarge, » noun knowledge or skill in a verb to make clear by providing
pretext, reason extend, fill out, grow, k
increase, swell particular activity We chose » extra information l
excuse 2 antonym: contract the dancers with the most The teacher explained how m
» verb to forgive someone or experience to take on the the machine worked. n
The balloon expanded when leading roles in the ballet. define, describe, illustrate, o
someone’s behaviour Please it was filled with air. expertise, know-how, elucidate, expound p
excuse my late arrival. knowledge, training, q
forgive, overlook, pardon, expand on understanding explanation
turn a blind eye to » verb to give more information » noun a helpful or clear r
experience 2 s
exempt about something Please » noun something that happens description The headmaster
» adjective excused from a duty expand on your story, I want wanted an explanation for why t
to hear more details. to you Mark’s round-the- the children were late to class. u
or rule Ann was exempt develop, elaborate on, world trip was an experience clarification, definition, v
from singing in the choir enlarge on that he’d never forget. description, exposition w
due to her sore throat. adventure, affair, x
excused, immune, not liable expect 1 encounter, episode, explode 1 y
» verb to believe that something incident, ordeal » verb to burst or cause to burst
exercise z
» noun activity that keeps you fit is going to happen The vet experience 3 loudly The party balloons
expects the baby elephant will » verb to have something happen exploded and made them
Half an hour of exercise is be born in the next 12 hours. all jump.
the best way to start the day. anticipate, assume, believe, to you We’re experiencing blow up, burst, detonate,
activity, exertion, training, imagine, presume, reckon, a few technical problems. go off, set off
work, workout think, envisage, forecast, encounter, have,
foresee, predict meet, undergo explode 2
Half an hour of exercise is » verb to become angry suddenly
the best way to start the day. expect 2 experienced
» verb to believe that something » adjective very skilful as a result I asked him if he’d move up
exhaust 1 a seat and he just exploded.
» verb to make very tired is your right I expect to be of practice After 20 dives, blow up, go berserk,
given a pay rise. Naomi considered herself go mad
The marathon exhausted her demand, rely on, require an experienced diver.
and she felt ready to go to bed. expert, knowledgeable, explode 3
drain, fatigue, tire out, practised, seasoned, » verb to increase suddenly and
wear out well-versed
antonym: inexperienced rapidly Sales of computer
games have exploded in
expensive expert 1 recent years.
» adjective costing a lot of money » noun a skilled or rocket, shoot up, soar

The trainers were very knowledgeable person Nigel Sales of computer games have
expensive, and it took Charles is an expert on cheetahs. exploded in recent years.
a long time to save up for them. ace (informal), authority,
costly, dear, pricey, buff (informal), geek, guru,
exorbitant, overpriced master, professional,
antonym: cheap specialist, wizard
antonym: novice

81

explosion

A explosion expression 2 extract 3
B » noun a violent burst of energy » noun a word or phrase used to » noun a small section of music

There was an explosion as communicate Helen hadn’t or writing Joanne read an
the fireworks lit up the sky. heard that particular expression extract from her story.
before, but she understood excerpt, passage, reading,
C bang, blast its meaning. section, snatch, snippet
D expose 1 idiom, phrase, remark, term
extraordinary
» verb to make something visible extend 1 The giraffe stretched its neck to » adjective unusual or surprising
The dog’s digging exposed » verb to have a particular size its full extent to reach the leaves.
Seeing a shooting star is
E the buried treasure. or position The caves extend extent an extraordinary experience.
reveal, show, uncover for miles beneath the hills. » noun the length, area, or size amazing, bizarre, odd,
continue, hang, reach, singular, strange,
F expose 2 stretch of something The giraffe surprising, unusual
G » verb to tell the truth about stretched its neck to its full antonym: ordinary
extend 2 extent to reach the leaves.
someone or something verb to stick out » A large degree, level, measure, extreme 1
Sonny’s real reason for scale, size, expanse, » adjective very great in degree
rock extended from the cliffs. magnitude
H wanting his pocket money early jut out, project, or intensity He felt extreme
was exposed when he appeared protrude (formal), stick out pain in his knee while jogging.
acute, deep, dire, great,
I wearing a brand new jacket. A large rock extended from extra 1 intense, profound, severe
bring to light, reveal, the cliffs. » adjective more than is usual
show up, uncover, unearth He felt extreme pain in his knee
extend 3 or expected Neha placed while jogging.
J express 1 » verb to make something larger an extra blanket on the bed
K » verb to say what you think because it was very cold extreme 2
Mum wants to extend the that night. » adjective unusual or
Sonia expressed a desire house and build a conservatory. added, additional, excess,
add to, develop, enlarge, further, more, new, spare, unreasonable Flora’s angry
L to take part in a foreign expand, widen, augment, ancillary, auxiliary, reaction was extreme and
language exchange group. broaden, supplement supplementary she regretted it once she’d
communicate, phrase, put, calmed down.
extensive 1 extra 2 drastic, exceptional,
M put across, utter, voice, » adjective covering a large area excessive, extravagant,
articulate, couch, noun something that is not radical, unreasonable
It took several hours to cross
N enunciate, verbalize the extensive forest. » included with other things extreme 3
O express 2 broad, expansive, large, The parents had to pay extra
spacious, sweeping, for private riding lessons. noun the highest, lowest,
» adjective very fast vast, wide addition, bonus
The express train was the » or furthest degree or point
extensive 2 extract 1 We ran right the length
P quickest way to get to the city. » adjective very great in effect of the park, from one
direct, fast, high-speed, verb to take or get something extreme to the other.
The flood caused extensive boundary, depth, end,
Q nonstop damage across the whole area. » out of somewhere height, limit, ultimate,
comprehensive, Citric acid can be extracted acme, apex, nadir,
R considerable, far-reaching, from orange juice. pinnacle, zenith
great, pervasive, untold, draw, mine, obtain, pull out,
S widespread remove, take out

T extract 2
» verb to get information from
U
someone The police
V The express train was the quickest interviewed the suspect in an
way to get to the city. attempt to extract information
from him.
W expression 1 draw, elicit (formal), get,
X » noun a look that shows your glean, obtain

feelings The expression on

Y Dad’s face was one of relief
when we told him he hadn’t

Z missed Mum’s birthday.
countenance, face,
aspect, mien

82

faith

fail 2 faint 2 a
» verb to omit to do something » adjective feeling dizzy and
b
Jamie failed to phone, even unsteady Mira felt a bit faint c
though he said he would. after rushing around so much.
neglect, omit dizzy, giddy, light-headed, d
enervated, vertiginous e
face 1 factor fail 3 f
» noun the front part of the head » verb to become less effective faint 3 g
noun something that helps » verb to lose consciousness
A strong wind was blowing in When Dad’s eyesight began h
my face, making my eyes water. » to cause a result to fail, he went for an eye test. temporarily The soldiers i
countenance, features, A key factor in ice-skating cease, decline, give out, had to stand for hours in j
mug (slang), physiognomy is good balance. stop working, crash, sink the heat and one fainted.
aspect, cause, black out, collapse, k
face 2 consideration, element, failure 1 pass out, swoon (literary) l
» verb to look towards something influence, part, » noun a lack of success m
circumstance, determinant fair 1 n
or someone Her room faced She tried her best, » adjective reasonable and just o
onto the street. factory but it ended in failure. p
be opposite, look at, » noun a building where goods breakdown, defeat, To keep things fair, they all q
overlook downfall, fiasco, took turns on the zip wire.
are made The workers made miscarriage equal, equitable, impartial, r
face 3 desks in the furniture factory. antonym: success legitimate, proper, upright, s
» noun a surface or side of mill, plant, works disinterested,
failure 2 dispassionate, unbiased t
something The explorers » noun an unsuccessful person antonym: unfair u
approached the mountain’s v
summit via its north face. or thing The storm made the fair 2 w
aspect, exterior, front, barbecue a complete failure. » adjective having light-coloured x
side, surface disappointment, flop y
(informal), loser, no-hoper hair or pale skin She had
The explorers approached the (Australia and New Zealand), long, fair hair. z
mountain’s summit via its incompetent, ne’er-do-well blond or blonde, light
north face. antonym: dark
failure 3
fact » noun a weakness in something She had long, fair hair.
» noun a piece of information
A failure in the electrical fair 3
that is true The fact is that system stopped the doorbell » noun an outdoor entertainment
only male lions have manes. working.
certainty, reality, truth deficiency, shortcoming Tom had made cakes for
antonym: lie the school fair.
The workers made desks faint 1 bazaar, carnival, exhibition,
in the furniture factory. » adjective lacking in intensity festival, fete, show

fade Rick tried to rub out faith 1
» verb to make or become less the picture, but it left » noun trust in a thing or
a faint outline behind.
intense The fabric had dim, faded, indistinct, a person I have faith in you
faded in the bright sunlight. low, muted, vague to succeed in whatever you do.
die away, dim, discolour, antonym: strong confidence, trust
dull, wash out

fail 1 Rick tried to rub out the picture,
» verb to be unsuccessful but it left a faint outline behind.

Claire tried to fix her 83
bike but failed, so she
had to walk.
be defeated, be in vain,
be unsuccessful,
come to grief, fall
through, flunk (informal)
antonym: succeed

faith

A faith 2 Nicky fell from his bike fame
B » noun a person’s or community’s onto the path. » noun the state of being very

religion Charles followed well-known The film brought
the Christian faith. him international fame.
eminence, glory,
C belief, creed, persuasion, prominence, renown,
religion reputation

D faithful 1 fall 1 familiar Joao and Carla were football
E » adjective loyal to someone or » verb to descend towards the » adjective knowing something fanatics and went to every match.

something The dog was my ground Nicky fell from his well Most children are fanatic
uncle’s faithful companion. bike onto the path. familiar with nursery rhymes.
collapse, drop, plunge, acquainted with, aware of, noun someone who is
F devoted, loyal, staunch, topple, trip knowledgeable about,
true, steadfast, unwavering antonym: rise versed in » extremely enthusiastic about
antonym: unfamiliar
antonym: unfaithful fall 2 something Joao and Carla
» verb to become lower or less family 1 were football fanatics and went
G faithful 2 » noun a group of relatives to every match.
H » adjective accurate and truthful The number of fish in the activist, devotee, extremist,
sea has fallen due to overfishing. My family always gets militant, zealot
The film was faithful decline, decrease, diminish, together for dinner.
dwindle, plummet, subside, descendants, relations, fanatical
I to the novel. abate, depreciate, ebb relatives
accurate, exact, strict, true antonym: increase related word: adjective familial adjective showing extreme

J fake 1 fall 3 » support for something
noun a deceitful imitation » noun a reduction in amount Lisa was fanatical about
animal conservation.
K » of a thing or person There has been a fall in fervent, obsessive,
These paintings are fakes. ice-cream sales now that passionate, rabid, wild,
summer is over. immoderate, zealous
L copy, forgery, fraud, decline, decrease, drop,
imitation, reproduction, reduction, slump fancy 1
sham antonym: rise » verb to want to have or do

M fake 2 false 1 My family always gets together something Liam fancied
N » adjective imitation and not » adjective not true or correct for dinner. a pizza.
be attracted to, hanker
genuine Alice wore a Ellen was accused of family 2 after, have a yen for,
spreading false rumours. » noun a group of related species would like
O fake moustache as part of erroneous, fictitious,
her costume. incorrect, mistaken, untrue Tigers are members of the fancy 2
artificial, counterfeit, false, antonym: true cat family. » adjective special and elaborate
class, classification, kind
P imitation, phoney or phony false 2 She was wearing a fancy
(informal), assumed famous hat, full of feathers.
adjective not genuine but » adjective very well-known decorated, elaborate,
Q antonym: real extravagant, intricate,
related words: prefix pseudo- » intended to seem so The chef’s TV show made ornate, baroque,
The woman was wearing him famous. embellished, ornamented
R false eyelashes. celebrated, distinguished, antonym: plain
artificial, bogus, fake, illustrious, legendary,
S forged, simulated, ersatz, noted, renowned, lionized far 1
spurious antonym: unknown
T antonym: genuine adverb at a great distance
related word: prefix pseudo- fan
U » from something
false 3 noun an enthusiast about The top of the mountain
V Alice wore a fake moustache as » adjective unfaithful and was far above us.
W part of her costume. » something or someone afar, a great distance,
deceitful Ivy was a false George was the band’s a long way, deep, miles
X fake 3 friend, betraying Belinda to biggest fan.
Y » verb to pretend to experience their teacher. adherent, admirer, far 2
deceitful, disloyal, devotee, geek (slang), » adverb to a great extent or
something She faked a insincere, unfaithful, lover, supporter, zealot,
tummy ache so she wouldn’t duplicitous, perfidious aficionado, buff, enthusiast degree The computer he
bought was far better than the
Z have to eat the school dinner. other options.
feign, pretend, simulate considerably, incomparably,
much, very much

84

fatal

far 3 fast 1 far outlying a
» adjective moving at great speed
adjective very distant »3 adjective very distant The outlying areas are b
The fast train sped along The cottage was in the only accessible by car. c
▶▶ SEE RIGHT the tracks. far south of the country.
accelerated, hurried, quick, d
fascinate rapid, speedy, swift, fleet, faraway e
» verb to be of intense interest to mercurial, winged f
antonym: slow He wanted to travel g
someone He was fascinated to faraway locations.
by the fossil collection. fast 2 h
absorb, bewitch, captivate, » adverb quickly and without i
enthral, intrigue, beguile, j
enchant, spellbind, transfix delay You’ll have to get
there fast to make the start k
fashion 1 of the film. l
» noun a popular style of dress hastily, hurriedly, m
quickly, rapidly, swiftly n
or behaviour Diana dressed antonym: slowly o
according to the latest fashion. p
craze, fad, style, trend, fast 3 q
vogue » adverb firmly and strongly
r
fashion 2 Alex held fast to the swing. s
» noun a manner or way of doing firmly, securely, tightly
t
something Paul thanked my long u
mother for the lift in his usual v
polite fashion. It is a long way w
manner, method, to walk on foot. x
mode, way y

fashion 3 Alex held fast to the swing. remote removed z
» verb to make and shape
fasten She had a cottage Her life in the country
something The child » verb to close or attach in a remote village. was so far removed from
fashioned a doll from her life in the city.
playdough. something Fasten your distant
construct, create, make, seat belts. nanetoanyrm:
mould, shape, work attach, fix, join, lock, He watched the
secure, tie distant horizon. The station was very
The child fashioned a doll near his house.
from playdough. fat
» adjective weighing too much
fashionable
» adjective very popular The dog had become rather
fat in its old age.
The fashionable restaurant chubby, fleshy, gross,
was a favourite of the rich obese, overweight,
and famous. plump, podgy (informal),
current, in (informal), latest, roly-poly (informal),
popular, prevailing, chic, tubby (informal), stout
in vogue, trendsetting antonym: thin
antonym: old-fashioned
fatal 1
» adjective causing death

A bite from a funnel web
spider can be fatal to humans.
deadly, incurable, lethal,
mortal, terminal

85

fatal

A fatal 2 favour 2 favouritism
B »  » adjective having an undesirable noun a kind and helpful action » noun unfair favour shown to
effect There was a fatal flaw Can you do me a favour?
in the plan and the plot failed. a person or group The head
courtesy, good turn, boy showed favouritism in
picking his friend to help him.
C calamitous, catastrophic, kindness, service bias, one-sidedness,
disastrous, lethal antonym: wrong nepotism, partiality,
partisanship
D fate favour 3 antonym: impartiality Elsa was feeling left out.
E » noun a power believed to » verb to prefer something or
fear 1 feel 1
control events Fate would someone James favoured » noun an unpleasant feeling of » verb to experience emotionally
decide who won the lottery. the brown boots over the black.
F chance, destiny, fortune, prefer, single out danger Julie suffered from Elsa was feeling left out.
providence, kismet, a fear of heights. experience, suffer, undergo
nemesis, predestination alarm, awe, dread, fright,
panic, terror, feel 2
G fault 1 apprehensiveness, » verb to believe that something
noun something for which cravenness, trepidation
James favoured the brown boots is the case Grace felt that
H someone is responsible over the black. fear 2 telling the teacher was the
» verb to feel frightened of right thing to do.
» It was Eva’s fault that the favourable 1 believe, consider, deem,
» adjective of advantage to something There is no need judge, think
man had fallen over; she’d left to fear my dog – she won’t bite.
someone The wind was be afraid, be frightened, feel 3
I her bag in his way. favourable for sailing and we be scared, dread, take fright » verb to touch something
J blame, liability, responsibility set out to sea.
advantageous, beneficial, feature 1 physically Daisy felt the
fault 2 good, opportune, suitable, » noun a particular characteristic rabbit’s soft fur.
auspicious, propitious, finger, fondle, stroke, touch
K » noun a defective quality in timely of something The fireplace
something There was a fault antonym: unfavourable was an original feature of the feeling 1
old house. » noun the experiencing of an
L with the vending machine aspect, attribute,
and no drinks would come out. characteristic, mark, emotion Max couldn’t hide
property, quality his feelings of jealousy.
M blemish, defect, deficiency, emotion, fervour, heat,
drawback, failing, flaw, feature 2 passion, sentiment
» noun a special article or
N imperfection, weakness feeling 2
antonym: strength programme The magazine » noun a physical sensation
included a feature on the
O fault 3 favourable 2 season’s latest trends. Zoe had an uneasy feeling
verb to find reasons to be article, column, item, and the hair stood up on the
adjective positive and piece, report, story back of her neck.
P » critical of someone sensation, sense
Lydia’s conduct cannot » expressing approval The magazine included a feature
Jake received a favourable on the season’s latest trends. feeling 3
Q be faulted – she behaves review, which really boosted » noun an opinion on something
beautifully. his confidence. feature 3
blame, censure, criticize affirmative, amicable, Brett had strong feelings
approving, friendly, verb to include and draw about global warming and
R faulty positive, sympathetic, its effects on the environment.
S » adjective containing flaws or welcoming » attention to something inclination, opinion,
antonym: unfavourable The TV programme featured point of view, view
errors The sound system an interview with the film’s star.
was faulty and kept giving out emphasize, fellowship 1
favourite 1 give prominence to, » noun a feeling of friendliness
T ear-piercing squawks. spotlight, star
defective, flawed, imperfect, adjective being someone’s within a group Lydia felt
invalid, unsound, fallacious, a sense of fellowship with the
» best-liked person or thing new people she’d met on
U imprecise, malfunctioning Mia’s favourite food is toast. the course.
best-loved, dearest, brotherhood, camaraderie,
V favour 1 favoured, preferred companionship

W » noun a liking or approval of favourite 2
something Everyone was in
noun the thing or person
X favour of the new plans; no one
argued against them. » someone likes best
approval, esteem, grace, Tracey was the teacher’s
favourite and was always asked
Y support to hand out the books.
antonym: disapproval

Z darling, idol, pet, pick

86

fill

fellowship 2 fierce 1 fighter a
» adjective wild and aggressive
noun a group of people with noun someone who physically b
The fierce lion chased c
» a common interest the antelope. » fights another person
The fellowship of writers aggressive, dangerous, Soldiers are trained fighters. d
met once a month. ferocious, murderous, soldier, warrior e
association, brotherhood, barbarous, fell, feral f
club, league, society antonym: gentle figure 1 g

female 1 The music festival was lively. fierce 2 noun a number, or an amount h
» noun a person or animal that » adjective very intense i
festival 2 » represented by a number j
can have babies The baby » noun an organized series There was a fierce contest Jim was happy with the
chimpanzees were cared for between the two teams. figure he paid for the new car. k
by the females in the group. of events The music intense, keen, relentless, amount, digit, number, l
girl, lady, woman festival was lively. strong numeral, statistic, total m
antonym: male carnival, entertainment, n
fair, fete, gala fight 1 figure 2 o
female 2 » verb to take part in a battle » noun a shape, or the shape p
» adjective relating to females few q
» adjective small in number or contest The boxer fought of someone’s body The
She was the world’s fastest hard to win the final round. ballerina has an elegant figure. r
female distance runner. There were few seats left battle, brawl, grapple, body, build, form, physique, s
feminine, girlish, womanly on the bus so we had to stand. struggle shape, silhouette
antonym: male infrequent, meagre, t
not many, scanty, fight 2 The ballerina has an elegant figure. u
fertile scarce, sparse » noun an aggressive struggle v
antonym: many figure 3 w
adjective capable of producing The kittens would have noun a person » Gandhi x
fidget play fights. y
» plants or offspring » verb to move and change action, battle, bout, was an inspirational figure
The fertile soil produced combat, duel, skirmish for so many people. z
healthy plants with lots of fruit. position restlessly Stop character, dignitary,
fruitful, productive, prolific, fidgeting and sit still! person, personality, player
rich, fecund fiddle (informal), jiggle,
antonym: barren squirm, twitch The kittens would have play fights. figure 4
» verb (informal) to guess or
fervent field 1 fight 3
» noun an area of farmland » noun an angry disagreement conclude something I figure
adjective showing sincere I’ll get it right eventually if I try
The field was full of sheep. Steve felt bad after his fight enough times.
» and enthusiastic feeling green, meadow, pasture with Aaron, so he went back expect, guess, reckon
Mum is a fervent admirer to say sorry. (informal), suppose
of this artist and buys his field 2 argument, dispute,
paintings whenever she can. » noun a particular subject or row, squabble fill
ardent, committed, devout,
enthusiastic, impassioned, interest The discovery verb to make something full
passionate, zealous was a breakthrough in the
field of physics. ▼ SEE BELOW
festival 1 area, department, domain,
» noun a time of religious province, speciality,
territory, discipline, metier
celebration Easter, Passover,
and Holi are springtime
festivals in different religions.
anniversary, holiday

fill gorge

»verb to make something full He gorges on food until aenmtonpytmy:
The hamster filled its there’s no room for any more.
cheek pouches with food. Tehmephtiaemd sthteer fcooomdpbleotwell.y
pack
cram
Afollodhaimntsotethrseipracchkeeks.
His cwhiethekssuwnfelorewcerrasmemedesd.
stuff stock
Can he
more in stuff any We stock the cupboards
there? with plenty of pet food.

87

final

A final 1 find 1 finish 2 firm 2
B » adjective being the last one » verb to discover something » noun the last part of something » adjective resolute and

in a series Today is I can’t find my notes. Naomi tried to stay awake determined The teacher
the fifth and final day come across, discover, to see the film through to was firm in her decision to
locate, track down, turn up, the finish. keep the class in detention.
C of the cricket Test match. unearth, descry, espy, close, completion, adamant, determined,
closing, concluding, ferret out conclusion, end, ending, inflexible, resolute,
eventual, last, ultimate antonym: lose finale, culmination, staunch, unshakable,
denouement, termination obdurate, steadfast,
D antonym: first find 2 antonym: start unwavering
» verb to realize or learn
final 2 finish 3 firm 3
something We found that » noun the surface appearance » noun a commercial organization
E » adjective unable to be changed we got on well.
or questioned The umpire’s become aware, detect, of something Would you We employed a local firm
discover, learn, realize like a matt or gloss finish on to decorate the house.
F decision is final. your photos? business, company,
absolute, conclusive, fine 1 grain, lustre, polish, shine, corporation, enterprise,
» adjective good and admirable surface, texture organization
G definite, definitive
Loretta wears fine clothes – fire 1 first 1
finally 1 unlike my shabby outfits. » adjective done or in existence
admirable, beautiful, noun the flames produced
H » adverb happening after a long excellent, magnificent, before anything else Neil
time After waiting a week, outstanding, splendid » when something burns Armstrong was the first human
A fire flickered in to set foot on the Moon.
I the package finally arrived. fine 2 the fireplace. earliest, initial, opening,
at last, at the last moment, » adjective small in size or blaze, combustion, original, primeval
flames, inferno antonym: last
J eventually, in the end, thickness A spider’s web
in the long run is made up of fine threads first 2
of silk.
K finally 2 delicate, lightweight, adverb done or occurring
L » adverb in conclusion of powdery, sheer, small,
diaphanous, gauzy, » before anything else
something And finally, gossamer First wash your hands,
before I finish, I’d like to talk then you can eat.
A fire flickered in the fireplace. beforehand, earlier, initially,
M to you about my favourite book. to begin with
in conclusion, in summary, A spider’s web is made up of fire 2
fine threads of silk. » verb to shoot or detonate first 3
N lastly » adjective more important than
O finance 1 something Jerry fired
the pistol to start the race. anything else Your safety
» verb to provide the money for detonate, explode, launch, is our first priority.
set off, shoot chief, foremost, leading,
something The school fete prime, principal
fine 3 fire 3
P raised enough money to finance » adjective subtle and precise first-rate
the new science labs. verb (informal) to dismiss » adjective excellent Ellis was
We had a general plan
Q back, fund, pay for, support but needed to sort out the » someone from a job a first-rate cellist.
fine details. She was fired from her job. excellent, exceptional,
finance 2 fastidious, keen, precise, discharge, dismiss, make first-class, marvellous,
refined, sensitive, subtle redundant, sack (informal) outstanding, splendid,
R » noun the managing of money superb, superlative (formal),
and investments Banks finish 1 firm 1 unparalleled
play a leading role in the » verb to complete something » adjective solid and not soft
fissure
S world of finance. Tom finished his homework Put the jelly in the fridge » noun a deep crack in rock
T banking, budgeting, in time to watch TV before bed. until it is completely firm.
close, complete, conclude, compressed, congealed, or the ground There was
commerce, economics, end, finalize hard, rigid, set, solid, stiff a deep fissure in the rock that
antonym: start antonym: soft was too dangerous for the
U investment climbers to cross.
cleft, crack, crevice, fault,
financial rift, split

V » adjective relating to money
Simon solved his financial

W problems by dogsitting to
supplement his pocket money.

X economic, fiscal, money,
budgetary, monetary,
pecuniary

Y

Z

88

flat

The plug fits the socket exactly. fix 2 flash a
» verb to repair something broken
fit 1 » 2 verb to shine briefly and often repeatedly b
» verb to be the right shape Dad fixed the leaky tap. The lighthouse’s light flashed c
correct, mend, patch up, in the distance.
or size The plug fits the repair d
socket exactly. twinkle e
belong, correspond, fix 3 f
dovetail, go, match » noun (informal) a difficult The stars twinkled g
in the night sky.
fit 2 situation He was in a fix h
» verb to place something in and wasn’t sure what to do. flare i
difficulty, mess, j
position Chris fitted the predicament, quandary The beam of light flared.
new stereo into the car. k
adapt, arrange, place, flabby glintht glinted on the waves. l
position » adjective fat and with loose glitterThe sea glittered in t m
n
fit 3 flesh Doing sit-ups can moonlight. o
» adjective in good physical help tone a flabby tummy. p
sagging, slack, flaccid, sparkleThe reflected light sparkled like a diamond. q
condition The doctor said pendulous he
I was fit and healthy. antonym: taut Lig r
healthy, in good condition, s
robust, trim, well flash 1
antonym: unfit » noun a sudden short burst of t
u
fitting 1 light There was a flash v
of lightning. w
adjective appropriate and burst, flare, sparkle x
y
» suitable for something flash 2
The fireworks were a fitting z
end to a great day. verb to shine briefly and often
appropriate, correct, repeatedly
proper, right, suitable,
apposite, decorous, seemly ▶▶ SEE RIGHT

fitting 2 flashy
» noun a part attached to » adjective showy in a vulgar way

something else The Ricky wore flashy clothes.
bathroom fittings were chrome. flamboyant, garish, showy,
accessory, attachment, tacky (informal), tasteless,
component, part, unit ostentatious
antonym: modest
fix 1
» verb to attach or secure Ricky wore flashy clothes.

something Mum fixed the flat 1
shelves to the wall. » noun a set of rooms for living
attach, bind, fasten,
secure, stick in Alice and Lily lived in
a two-bedroomed flat.
apartment, rooms

89

flat

A flatter 2 float 1
B » verb to make more attractive
verb to be supported by water
Those clothes really flatter or air
your figure.
enhance, set off, suit ▼ SEE BELOW
C
D flattery float 2
E Lisa and Jude upgraded their TV » noun flattering words and » verb to be carried on the air

to one with a flat screen. behaviour Vicky was The smell of freshly baked
suspicious of Dan’s flattery – bread floated past my window.
what did he really want? drift, glide, hang, hover
adulation, fawning,
F flat 2 blandishment, flood 1
» noun a large amount of water
G » adjective level and smooth obsequiousness,
Lisa and Jude upgraded their sycophancy coming suddenly Many
TV to one with a flat screen. houses and cars were damaged
Ben practised yoga and had in the flood.
H horizontal, level, levelled, a flexible body. deluge, downpour,
smooth, unbroken flaw spate, torrent
antonym: uneven » noun an imperfection in flexible 1
» adjective able to bend or be Many houses and cars were
I flat 3 something There was damaged in the flood.
J » adjective without emotion a crucial flaw in their plan. bent easily Ben practised
or interest The blemish, defect, fault, flood 2
» noun a sudden large amount of
imperfection yoga and had a flexible body.
elastic, lithe, pliable, something A flood of people
entered the shop all at once.
K disappointing musical flee supple, ductile, lissom, rush, stream, torrent
performance left the » verb to run away from lissome, pliant
audience feeling flat.
something The boys fled flexible 2
L boring, dull, insipid, the park pursued by a dog. » adjective able to adapt or
monotonous, weak bolt, escape, fly, leave,
run away, take flight change My time is flexible,
M flatter 1 so let’s meet whenever is best
N » verb to praise someone, for you.
often insincerely adaptable, discretionary,
Nigel flattered Felix about open

O his violin playing but secretly flinch
thought some of the notes » verb to move suddenly with

P were wrong. fear or pain A sharp pain in
compliment, fawn

Q The boys fled the park pursued her knee made Laura flinch.
cringe, shrink, start, wince

R by a dog.
S
float
T » 1 verb to be supported by water or air
Many boats were floating on the water.

U

V be on the surface lie on the surface
W

X stay bob
Y afloat
Z drift

90

fold

flood 3 fly 2 focus 2 a
» verb to overflow with water » verb to move very quickly » noun the centre of attention
b
The river flooded its banks. Debbie flew down the stairs; The celebrity guest was the c
deluge, drown, overflow, she was terribly late. main focus of the gala dinner.
submerge, swamp dart, dash, hurry, race, centre, focal point,
rush, speed, tear hub, target
flourish 1
The waterfall flowed down the foam 1 foil 1 d
verb to develop or function steep drop. » verb to swell and form bubbles » verb to prevent something from e
f
» successfully or healthily flow 1 The soap foamed as I happening “Foiled again!” g
The strawberries were washed my hands. the baddie exclaimed as the
flourishing in the garden. verb to move or happen bubble, fizz, froth sheriff arrested him. h
bloom, boom, come on, check, counter, defeat, i
do well, prosper, succeed, » in a continuous stream The soap foamed as frustrate, thwart, j
thrive The waterfall flowed I washed my hands. circumvent, nullify
antonym: fail down the steep drop. k
circulate, glide, roll, foam 2 foil 2 l
flourish 2 run, slide » noun a mass of tiny bubbles » noun a contrast to something m
» verb to wave or display n
flow 2 There was a lot of foam Luke is very serious and o
something The conductor » noun a continuous movement on top of my hot chocolate. made the perfect foil for the p
flourished his baton wildly, bubbles, froth, head, lather comedian’s jokes. q
lost in the music. of something The flow of antithesis, background,
brandish (literary), display, busy traffic prevented him focus 1 complement, contrast r
hold aloft, wave from crossing the road. » verb to concentrate your vision s
current, drift, flood, fold 1
flourish 3 stream, tide on something The optician » verb to bend something
» noun a bold sweeping or told Ron to focus on the red
fluent dot on the screen. To make an origami boat,
waving movement Linda aim, concentrate, direct, fix fold the paper as shown.
gave a flourish as she tried adjective expressing yourself bend, crease, crumple,
on the coat. tuck, turn under
flick, sweep, wave » easily and without hesitation
The girl was fluent in To make an origami boat,
Linda gave a flourish as she tried three languages. fold the paper as shown.
on the coat. articulate, easy, effortless,
flowing, ready
waft antonym: hesitant
sail
fly 1
swim » verb to move through the air

The child chased the birds,
and they flew high out of reach.
flit, flutter, sail, soar

wash t
u
glide
v
antonym: w
x
sink y

z

91

fold

A

CB coppice copseThe oaks in the coppice were

D cut back to encourage growth.
The copse behind the house was
too small to shade the garden.

E

F forest grove

G There was no undergrowth jungle
H in the olive grove.
The jungle was
I noun a wooded area of trees dense and swampy.

J » and dense vegetation spinney
Harry spotted a deer in the forest.
The bushes were thorny
K in the spinney.

L

M rainforest
N The rainforest was hot
and steamy.

O

thicketP The thicket was thick

Q with brambles.

RS woodTina and Hugo picnicked woodland

T under a shady tree in Tom left the woodland
the wood. and walked across a field.

U

V

W
X

Y

Z

92

form

fold 2 The refrigerator was full force 1 forgive a
» noun a crease in something of food for the week ahead. » verb to compel someone to do » verb to stop blaming someone
b
The fabric of Martha’s dress food something The snow forced for something Will you c
hung in folds. » noun things eaten to provide us to abandon the car and walk. ever forgive me for forgetting
bend, crease, pleat, wrinkle compel, drive, make, oblige, your birthday? d
nourishment The pressurize, coerce, impel, absolve, condone, e
follow 1 refrigerator was full of food obligate excuse, pardon f
for the week ahead. antonym: blame g
verb to come after someone diet, fare, foodstuffs, force 2
nourishment, provisions, » noun a pressure to do forgiveness h
»or sNoimghetthfoinllgows day. refreshment, provender, » noun the act of forgiving i
subsistence, victuals something The rebels took j
come after, succeed, related word: the building by force. I ask for your forgiveness.
supersede noun gastronomy compulsion, duress, acquittal, mercy, pardon, k
antonym: precede pressure remission, absolution, l
fool 1 exoneration m
follow 2 » noun an unintelligent person force 3 n
verb to pursue someone » The » noun the strength of something form 1 o
Ben is clever, but he likes » noun a type or kind p
goslings followed their mother. to play the fool. The force of gravity is what q
hound, pursue, stalk, track dope (informal), dunce, causes an apple to fall to the Sam spoke a form
idiot, ignoramus ground. of Chinese that Anna r
The goslings followed their mother. impact, might, power, couldn’t understand. s
fool 2 pressure, strength class, kind, sort, type,
follow 3 » verb to trick someone variant, variety t
» verb to act in accordance with foreign u
Don’t let Gus fool you » adjective relating to other form 2 v
something Follow the with his charm. » noun the shape or pattern of w
instructions carefully. con (informal), deceive, countries Jack’s passport x
comply, conform, obey, dupe, mislead, trick, contained stamps from all the something The 3D jigsaw y
observe bamboozle, hoodwink foreign countries he’d visited. had the form of a globe.
distant, exotic, overseas contours, layout, outline, z
follower foolish shape, structure
» noun a supporter of a person » adjective silly and unwise foremost
» adjective most important form 3
or belief Steve’s blog had Emma felt foolish when
thousands of followers. she wore her shirt inside out. or best Nadia is the school’s verb to be the elements that
believer, disciple, fan, inane, nonsensical, foremost football player.
henchman, supporter, senseless, silly, best, chief, first, greatest, » something consists of
adherent, protagonist unintelligent, unwise leading, most important, Rachel’s childhood formed
antonym: leader antonym: wise prime, principal, top the basis of her novel.
compose, constitute,
fond 1 forbid Nadia is the school’s foremost make up, serve as
» adjective feeling affection or football player.
verb to order someone form 4
liking My sister had become forest » verb to organize, create, or
very fond of her new hamster. » not to do something
adoring, affectionate, Mary was forbidden from noun a wooded area of trees come into existence Paul
devoted, doting, watching TV after 9pm. and dense vegetation formed a bowl from clay.
having a liking for, loving ban, exclude, outlaw, assemble, create, develop,
prohibit, veto ◀◀ SEE LEFT draw up, establish,
fond 2 antonym: allow fashion, make
» adjective unlikely to happen forget
» verb to fail to remember Paul formed a bowl from clay.
or be fulfilled Amy had
fond hopes of becoming an something I forgot my
actress one day. house keys; now I’m locked out.
deluded, empty, foolish, fail to remember,
naive, vain, delusory, omit, overlook
overoptimistic antonym: remember

93

formal

A

CDBE hcDciomanonfiedivnsaenPrfyteit–tdheih’nsaeg.nteltls cronybyTohnisy fwoaostbsaullrrcoruonndieesd.
conRsutbacyntaocnodmmLiplpayniawoenrnsie.on
F heSrhamraotnesgoatesthoeutwweietkhend.mate

G

H ally friend
I
waSlaalysmwawnhaeasnrgeBuveemnre’tsnhte.re
J » noun a person you know and like
Tim sat with his friends
most lunchtimes.

K

MONL soul mateotkhnesoroJwiuselnwtmhhaiaannttkediesnSagaca.nhlldy are palSaamreagnrdeaDtapnals.

sidekick

P Ben’s sidekick feeds fragile
him lines so he can » adjective easily broken or
Q formal 1 tell his jokes.
adjective in accordance damaged The antique china
formidable plate was extremely fragile.
R » with convention » adjective difficult to overcome breakable, dainty, delicate,
We attended a formal flimsy, frail, frangible, infirm
Climbing the cliff was going antonym: tough
S dinner at the hotel. to be a formidable challenge.
conventional, correct, challenging, daunting, fragrance
difficult, intimidating, » noun a pleasant smell
T precise, stiff mammoth, onerous
antonym: informal The flowers had a
The old fort was built to sweet fragrance.
U formal 2 defend the harbour from attack. aroma, perfume, scent,
V » adjective official and publicly smell
fort
recognized No formal » noun a building for defence The flowers had a sweet fragrance.

W announcement has been made. and shelter The old fort
approved, legal, official, was built to defend the harbour
prescribed, regular from attack.
castle, citadel, fortification,
X former fortress
Y » adjective existing in the past
Climbing the cliff was going to be
The former Olympic a formidable challenge.

Z champion congratulated
this year’s winners.
ancient, bygone, old, past

94

frustrate

fragrant free 3 friend frivolous a
» adjective having a pleasant » verb to release from captivity » adjective not serious or sensible
noun a person you know b
smell The lemongrass Nathan’s friends helped and like She knew buying another c
and ginger made the curry him to free his foot from party dress was frivolous.
wonderfully fragrant. beneath the rock. ◀◀ SEE LEFT flippant, foolish, juvenile, d
aromatic, perfumed, discharge, liberate, release, puerile, silly e
sweet-smelling set at liberty, set loose, friendly antonym: serious f
emancipate, unfetter » adjective kind and pleasant g
frank antonym: imprison front 1
» adjective open and Peter had a friendly » noun the part that faces h
freedom 1 relationship with his neighbour. i
straightforward Ryan and » noun the ability to choose affectionate, amiable, forward The front wall of j
his mum had a frank discussion close, cordial, genial, the house was painted blue.
about his poor exam results. Sara had the freedom to welcoming, companionable, face, frontage k
blunt, candid, honest, open, decide for herself what to wear. comradely, convivial antonym: back l
plain, straightforward discretion, latitude, antonym: unfriendly m
leeway, licence, scope front 2 n
fraud 1 » noun the outward appearance o
» noun the act of deceiving freedom 2 Peter had a friendly relationship p
» noun the state of being free or with his neighbour. of something Despite feeling q
someone Sid committed nervous, Jo put on a brave front.
fraud by taking on someone being set free Lydia felt an appearance, exterior, r
else’s identity. amazing sense of freedom now face, show s
deceit, deception, guile, that the holidays were here.
hoax, trickery, chicanery, emancipation, liberty, front 3 : in front t
duplicity, spuriousness release, deliverance » preposition further forward u
antonym: captivity v
fraud 2 The car in front stopped w
freedom 3 : friendship suddenly so Mum slammed x
noun someone or something on the brakes. y
freedom from noun a state of being ahead, before, leading
» that deceives you z
Don’t believe what that » noun the absence of something » friendly with someone frown
man says – he’s a fraud. Their friendship was » verb to draw the eyebrows
charlatan, cheat, fake, unpleasant She enjoyed important to him.
forgery, imposter, quack freedom from pain for the first affection, attachment, together Ann frowned
time that day when she took off closeness, goodwill at the naughty child.
free 1 her tight shoes. antonym: hostility glare, glower,
» adjective not being held exemption, immunity knit your brows, scowl

prisoner The chicks escaped frenzy frighten frozen
from their cage and were found » noun wild and uncontrolled » verb to make someone afraid » adjective extremely cold
running free in the garden.
at large, at liberty, behaviour The fish darted The dog tried to frighten the Neil felt frozen, despite
liberated, loose around in a feeding frenzy. others away by barking fiercely. his big winter jacket.
antonym: captive agitation, fury, hysteria, alarm, intimidate, scare, arctic, chilled, frigid,
madness, rage, delirium, startle, terrify, terrorize, icy, numb
The chicks escaped from their paroxysm unnerve
cage and were found running Neil felt frozen, despite his big
free in the garden. frequent 1 frightened winter jacket.
» adjective happening often » adjective having feelings of fear
free 2 frustrate
» adjective available without Alex walked the dog about something The cat » verb to prevent something
on a frequent basis. was frightened by the noise
payment Tom was giving common, continual, of the fireworks. from happening Jon’s
away free magazines at the everyday, habitual, afraid, alarmed, petrified, efforts to start a fire were
local shop. recurrent, repeated scared, startled, terrified, frustrated by the rain.
complimentary, gratis, antonym: rare cowed, panicky, block, check, foil, thwart,
unpaid, without charge terror-stricken forestall, nullify
frequent 2
» verb to go somewhere often frightening
» adjective causing someone
When they had nothing else
to do, the boys frequented to feel fear Thunder
the local park. and lightning can be
attend, haunt, quite frightening.
patronize, visit alarming, hair-raising,
antonym: avoid intimidating, menacing,
terrifying

95

fulfil

A fulfil function 2 furious 1 fun
B » verb to carry out or achieve » adjective extremely angry
noun a large formal dinner, »1 noun an enjoyable activity
something Sam knew he The man was furious that  The theme park was
would fulfil his dream and » reception, or party my ball had broken his window. great fun.
Her parents were going enraged, fuming, infuriated,
C travel the world one day. to a function in the city. livid, mad, raging, frenzied, amusement
accomplish, achieve, dinner, gathering, incensed, tumultuous
carry out, perform, party, reception enjoyme
entertainment
D realize, satisfy function 3 furious 2 nt
» verb to operate or work » adjective involving great energy, pleasure
full 1 recreation
The heater was not effort, or speed There was
E » adjective filled with something functioning properly – it a furious contest between
The suitcase was so full of was stone cold. the two racing drivers.
go, operate, perform, breakneck, fierce, frantic,
F clothes, we couldn’t close it. run, work frenzied, intense, manic,
filled, loaded, packed, frenetic
fund 1
G saturated » noun an amount of money fuss 1
antonym: empty » noun anxious or excited
Ali needed to find a way
H to add to his savings fund. behaviour What’s all
capital, foundation, pool, the fuss about?
I reserve, supply agitation, bother,
J commotion, confusion, stir,
fund 2 to-do, ado, fluster, palaver
K » noun a large amount of
L The suitcase was so full of fuss 2
something She had a fund » verb to behave in a nervous or
clothes, we couldn’t close it. of knowledge about dinosaurs.
hoard, mine, reserve, restless way Waiters fussed
M full 2 reservoir, store around the table.
N » adjective missing nothing out bustle, fidget, fret
fund 3
I want to hear the full story » verb to provide the money for fussy
of what happened. » adjective difficult to please
something Helen was raising
O comprehensive, detailed, money to fund a local charity. The toddler was a fussy
exhaustive, extensive, finance, pay for, subsidize, eater and refused to eat pasta.
maximum, thorough support choosy (informal),
discriminating, exacting,
P full 3 funny 1 fastidious, particular,
Q » adjective loose-fitting » adjective being strange or odd faddish, finicky, pernickety

Her full skirt was made Chris heard a funny noise. futile
mysterious, odd, peculiar, » adjective having no chance of
R of a lot of material. puzzling, strange, unusual
baggy, loose, voluminous success Kelly made a futile
funny 2 effort to catch the fish, but it
S fun 1 » adjective causing amusement slipped through her fingers.
noun an enjoyable activity abortive, forlorn,
Jessica laughed at her unsuccessful, useless, vain
T ▶▶ SEE RIGHT sister’s funny story. antonym: successful
amusing, comic, comical,
fun 2 : make fun of hilarious, humorous, witty, future
droll, jocular, risible » adjective relating to a time after
U » verb to tease someone antonym: serious
Don’t make fun of him. the present Future
generations may one day
V deride, laugh at, mock, live on the Moon.
ridicule, taunt, lampoon, approaching, coming,
forthcoming, impending,
W rib, satirize later, prospective
X function 1 antonym: past

noun the useful thing that Jessica laughed at her sister’s
funny story.
Y » something or someone does
The function of an oven is to

Z heat food.
duty, job, purpose, remit,
responsibility, role

96

gap

gamble 1 a
» verb to bet money on
b
something Louis gambled c
on the lottery once a year, on
his birthday. d
back, bet, wager e

gadget gain 1 gamble 2 The atmosphere was great f
» noun a small machine » verb to get something gradually » verb to take a risk for the first game of the season. g

or tool The kitchen The motorbike gained speed. He had gambled on it game h
was full of gadgets to achieve, acquire, earn, being a hot day and wore i
make cooking easier. obtain, secure, win, attain, his shorts. noun an occasion on which j
appliance, device, capture, reap chance, risk, stake, hazard,
machine, tool, take a chance, venture » people compete k
implement, instrument, gain 2 The atmosphere was l
utensil » verb to obtain an advantage great for the first game m
of the season. n
The kitchen was full of gadgets I did my training in an office clash, contest, match o
to make cooking easier. to gain work experience. p
benefit, profit gap 1 q
gap
gain 3 noun a space or a hole r
in something s
noun an increase or
▼ SEE BELOW t
» improvement in something u
Jon’s financial gains He had gambled on it being a hot gap 2 v
were down to good work day and wore his shorts. » noun a period of time w
and determination. x
advance, growth, gamble 3 After a two-year gap, y
improvement, » noun a risk that someone takes the fair came back to town.
increase, rise hiatus (formal), interlude, z
We are taking a gamble interval, lull, pause
on a young player.
chance, lottery, risk

» 1 noun a space or a hole break crack

in something I found a gap big One part
enough to stick my hand through. had a crack.

There watasonaecpleoainnt.
break

hole opening chink

cbTriahgweelhntoohlureoguwhgathso. Tohpeerneinwgahsearne. Itihncroothuulegdhwsaaelelc.hink

cleft crevice space cranny

Ospnleit,blreicakvinhgad A rock plant was Ttwhoerebrwicakss ahasdpafcaellewnhoeuret. I could just see
a cleft. growing in the crevice. through the cranny.

97

gap

A gap 3 gasp 2 gaudy generous 2
noun a difference between » noun a short quick breath of air » adjective colourful in a vulgar » adjective willing to give money,

B » people or things The audience gave a gasp as way The fake gems time, or help The offer
There was a gap between the actor walked on stage. in the jewellery were gaudy. to make all the invitations
gulp, pant, puff bright, flashy, garish, loud, was very generous.
C what they hoped for and what showy, tacky (informal), charitable, hospitable,
they got. gather 1 vulgar, jazzy, ostentatious, kind, lavish, liberal,
difference, disparity tasteless, tawdry munificent, open-handed,
verb to come together prodigal, unstinting
D (formal), inconsistency in a group general 1 antonym: mean
» adjective relating to the whole
garbage 1 SEE RIGHT genius 1
of something There was » noun a very clever
E » noun things that people gather 2 a general increase in student
do not want Garbage » verb to bring things together numbers across all subjects. or talented person Lena
broad, comprehensive, was a mathematical genius.
F was piled on the street, The squirrel gathered overall, generic, brain, master,
ready to be collected. the nuts into a pile. indiscriminate, mastermind, virtuoso
accumulate, amass, panoramic, sweeping
G debris, junk (informal), litter, collect, hoard, stockpile antonym: specific genius 2
refuse (formal), rubbish, » noun extraordinary ability
The squirrel gathered the nuts general 2
H trash, waste into a pile. » adjective widely true, suitable, or talent Bradley is a
I garbage 2 mathematician of pure genius.
gather 3 or relevant The campaign brains, brilliance, intellect
noun (informal) ideas and » verb to learn or believe should raise general awareness
about bullying. Bradley is a mathematician
J » opinions that are untrue or something Listening broad, common, universal, of pure genius.
unimportant I personally to the headlines, I gathered widespread, accepted
think that this is garbage. that the band had fallen out antonym: special gentle
over money problems. » adjective not violent or rough
K drivel, gibberish, assume, conclude, hear, generosity
nonsense, rubbish learn, understand » noun willingness to give money, The mother reminded
her children to be gentle
L garbled gathering time, or help Elsa is well with the toys.
M » adjective confused or incorrect » noun a meeting with a purpose known for her generosity benign, kind, kindly, meek,
in sharing her sweets. mild, placid, soft, tender,
Anita couldn’t understand Luca had been nervous benevolence, charity, compassionate, humane,
the garbled voicemail message. about the hockey team kindness, bounty, lenient, sweet-tempered
gathering, but it had ended liberality, munificence, antonym: cruel
N confused, distorted, up being fun. open-handedness
incomprehensible, assembly, congregation, antonym: meanness genuine
jumbled, unintelligible get-together (informal), » adjective not false or pretend
meeting, rally, generous 1
O gasp 1 conference, congress, » adjective very large Amir Experts are convinced
verb to breathe in quickly convention that the painting is a genuine
donated a generous amount work by the artist Monet.
P » through your mouth of clothes to charity. authentic, bona fide,
Beth gasped for air after abundant, ample, plentiful dinkum (Australia and New
antonym: meagre Zealand; informal), honest,
Q running so fast. real, true
choke, gulp, pant, puff, Amir donated a generous amount antonym: fake
of clothes to charity.
R catch your breath,
fight for breath

S

T

U

V

W Beth gasped for air after running
X so fast.

Y

Z

98