A
(99 words)
abandon
verb [ T ]
to stop doing an activity before you have finished it:
The game was abandoned at half-time because of the poor weather conditions.
They had to abandon their attempt to climb the mountain.
Sweden isn’t likely ever to abandon its traditional neutrality.
Pressure to abandon the new motorway is increasing.
A lot of farming techniques have been abandoned because they were too labour-intensive.
abnormal
adjective
different from what is usual or average, especially in a way that is bad:
abnormal behaviour/weather/conditions
They said that the delay to our flight was due to abnormal bad weather conditions.
Because he has to work abnormal hours, Jack doesn’t often eat with the rest of the family.
aboard
adverb, preposition
on or onto a ship, aircraft, bus, or train:
We spent two months aboard ship (= on the ship).
I jumped aboard the motor boat and we set off for the island.
abortion
noun
[ C or U ] the intentional ending of a pregnancy:
She decided to have/get an abortion.
This change in the law would make abortion illegal except for strictly defined medical reasons.
Some women choose to have an abortion rather than care for a severely disabled child.
Her husband longed for children, and she had an abortion without telling him.
Many women die or become infertile as a result of unsafe abortions.
absorb
verb [ T ]
to understand facts or ideas completely and remember them:
It’s hard to absorb so much information.
accelerate
verb [ I or T ]
to happen or make something happen sooner or faster:
Inflation is likely to accelerate this year, adding further upward pressure on interest rates.
They use special chemicals to accelerate the growth of crops.
acceptance
noun [ U ]
the act of agreeing to an offer, plan, or invitation:
Her acceptance of the award was very controversial.
an acceptance speech
accepted
adjective
generally agreed to be satisfactory or right:
“Speed bump” now seems to be the generally accepted term for those ridges in the road that slow traffic down.
accessory
noun
[ C usually plural ] something added to a machine or to clothing that has a useful or decorative purpose:
She wore a green wool suit with matching accessories (= shoes, hat, bag, etc.).
Sunglasses are much more than a fashion accessory.
Accessories for the top-of-the-range car include leather upholstery, electric windows, and a sunroof.
We stock the full range of model railway accessories.
We stock a range of bedroom and bathroom accessories as well as furniture.
acclaimed
adjective
an acclaimed artist/writer/poet
“Dinner Party”, based on the critically acclaimed novel by Bill Davies, was made into a film last year.
acclaim
verb [ T often passive ]
to give public approval and praise:
She was universally/widely/publicly acclaimed for her contribution to the discovery.
She is being acclaimed (= publicly recognized) as the greatest dancer of her generation.
accomplish
verb [ T ]
to finish something successfully or to achieve something:
The students accomplished the task in less than ten minutes.
She accomplished such a lot during her visit.
I feel as if I’ve accomplished nothing since I left my job.
You can actually accomplish a lot more by gentle persuasion.
If you are fit, the climb can be accomplished in less than three hours.
New technology means that astronomers can accomplish in a single night what once took years.
The new coach told the press that he believed his team could accomplish great things.
in accordance with a rule, law, wish, etc.
following or obeying a rule, law, wish, etc.:
In accordance with her wishes, she was buried in France.
by/from all accounts
as said by most people:
据说：
By all accounts, San Francisco is a city that’s easy to fall in love with.
accusation
noun [ C or U ]
a statement saying that someone has done something morally wrong, illegal, or unkind, or the fact of accusing someone:
You can’t just make wild accusations like that!
He glared at me with an air of accusation.
[ + that ] What do you say to the accusation that you are unfriendly and unhelpful?
He felt a sense of incredulity, anger and pain at the accusation made against him.
There isn’t a shred of evidence to support her accusation.
His response to the accusation was rapid.
accustomed
adjective
familiar with something:
She quickly became accustomed to his messy ways.
I’m not accustomed to being treated like this.
acknowledge
verb [ T ]
to accept, admit, or recognize something, or the truth or existence of something:
[ + -ing verb ] She acknowledged having been at fault.
[ + that ] She acknowledged that she had been at fault.
Historians generally acknowledge her as a genius in her field.
[ + obj + to infinitive ] She is usually acknowledged to be one of our best artists.
They refused to acknowledge (= to recognize officially) the new government.
He didn’t even acknowledge my presence (= show that he had seen me).
Always acknowledge your sources at the end of an essay.
It is widely acknowledged that the welfare system is under-resourced.
She acknowledged me with a quick bob of her head.
to tell someone, usually in a letter or email, that you have received something they sent you:
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.
acquaintance
noun
[ C ] a person that you have met but do not know well:
a business acquaintance
action
[ C or U ] specialized law a legal process that is decided in a law court:
She brought an action (for negligence) against the hospital.
A criminal action was brought against him.
The book was halted in South Africa by a threat of legal action.
out of action
If a machine or vehicle is out of action, it is not working or cannot be used:
I’m afraid the TV’s out of action.
If a person is out of action, they are injured or ill and cannot do things they usually do:
Jackson’s torn ligaments will keep him out of action for the rest of the season.
active
adjective
An active volcano is one that might erupt (= throw out hot liquid rock or other matter) at any time.
adaptation
noun
[ U ] the process of changing to suit different conditions:
The documentary is about corruption, crime and human adaptation to difficult circumstances.
His team’s successful adaptation to life in the top-flight has come as no surprise.
addictive
adjective
An addictive drug is one that you cannot stop taking once you have started:
Tobacco is highly addictive.
An addictive activity or food is one that you cannot stop doing or eating once you have started:
The problem with video games is that they’re addictive.
These nuts are addictive – I can’t stop eating them.
address
verb [ T ]
to give attention to or deal with a matter or problem:
The issue of funding has yet to be addressed.
The government has to address the rise in violent crime.
Airports are trying to address security concerns without causing inconvenience to passengers.
administration
informal admin
noun
[ U ] the arrangements and tasks needed to control the operation of a plan or organization:
Teachers complain that more of their time is taken up with administration than with teaching.
The new administration is still in the shakedown period.
Hard-liners are expected to be purged from the administration.
administrative
adjective
relating to the arrangements and work that is needed to control the operation of a plan or organization:
administrative work
an administrative problem
Your responsibilities will be mainly administrative.
administrator
noun [ C ]
someone whose job is to control the operation of a business, organization, or plan:
From 1969 to 1971, he was administrator of the Illinois state drug abuse program.
She works as a school administrator.
We’re engaging the services of a professional administrator.
Our new administrator seems to be trying to stamp her authority on every aspect of the department.
The new administrator in accounts is a real stunner.
adviser/advisor
noun [ C ]
someone whose job is to give advice about a subject:
An independent adviser has been brought in to conciliate between the two sides involved in the conflict.
An outside adviser has been brought in to arbitrate the dispute between the management and the union.
affluent
adjective
having a lot of money or owning a lot of things:
affluent nations/neighbourhoods
after all
despite earlier problems or doubts:
The rain has stopped, so the game will go ahead after all.
have sth against sb
If you have something against someone, you dislike them for a reason:
I’ve nothing against him – I just don’t have much in common with him.
agency
noun
[ C ] a government organization:
an overseas aid agency
the Central Intelligence Agency
agenda
noun [ C ]
a list of matters to be discussed at a meeting:
There were several important items on the agenda.
The question of security is high on the agenda for this afternoon’s meeting.
aggression
noun [ U ]
spoken or physical behaviour that is threatening or involves harm to someone or something:
Some types of dog are bred for aggression.
an act of aggression
aggressive
adjective
determined to win or succeed and using forceful action to win or to achieve success:
She carved out a reputation for herself as an aggressive businesswoman.
He’s so aggressive – it’s as if he’s always trying to prove something.
aid
noun
[ C ] a piece of equipment that helps you to do something:
teaching aids, such as books and videos
A thesaurus is a useful aid to writing.
[ U ] help in the form of food, money, medical supplies, or weapons that is given by a richer country to a poorer country:
The Vatican has agreed to donate $80,000 in humanitarian/emergency aid to countries affected by the war.
About a fifth of the country’s income is in the form of foreign/overseas aid.
verb [ T ]
to help:
Huge projects designed to aid poorer countries can sometimes do more harm than good.
His excuse for drinking brandy is that it’s said to aid digestion.
in aid of sb/sth
UK
in order to collect money for a group of people who need it:
a concert in aid of famine relief
be on/off (the) air
If a programme or a person is on/off (the) air, they are/are not broadcasting on radio or television:
The radio station is on air from 6 a.m.
As soon as the war started, any broadcasts with a military theme were taken off the air.
alarm
verb [ T ]
to make someone worried or frightened:
I didn’t want to alarm him by telling him that she was ill.
alarming
adjective
causing worry or fear:
alarming news
There has been an alarming rise in the rate of inflation.
alert
adjective
quick to see, understand, and act in a particular situation:
I’m not feeling very alert today – not enough sleep last night!
Parents should be alert to sudden changes in children’s behaviour.
Doing puzzles and crosswords regularly keeps your mind alert and active.
Although Granny was frail in her old age, but was mentally very alert.
A small animal must always remain alert for predators.
There have been some thefts recently, so please stay alert and don’t leave handbags and valuables around.
noun [ C or U ]
a warning to people to be prepared to deal with something dangerous:
a bomb alert
The army was put on (full) alert as the peace talks began to fail.
The public were warned to be on the alert for (= watching carefully for) suspicious packages.
be all very well / be all well and good
used to show that you do not agree with something or that you are annoyed about something:
Patience is all very well as long as you don’t have to be patient for too long.
allegation
noun [ C ] formal
a statement, made without giving proof, that someone has done something wrong or illegal:
Several of her patients have made allegations of professional misconduct about/against her.
[ + that ] Allegations that Mr Dwight was receiving money from known criminals have caused a scandal.
There is no substance to the allegation.
Are you able to verify your allegation?
He’s demanding a full apology from the newspaper for making untrue allegations about his personal life.
alleged
adjective formal
said or thought by some people to be the stated bad or illegal thing, although you have no proof:
It took 15 years for the alleged criminals (= people thought to be criminals) to prove their innocence.
He is being hunted by police for his alleged involvement in several murders.
allocate
verb [ T ]
to give something to someone as their share of a total amount, to use in a particular way:
The government is allocating £10 million for health education.
[ + two objects ] As project leader, you will have to allocate people jobs/allocate jobs to people.
It is not the job of the investigating committee to allocate blame for the disaster/to allocate blame to individuals.
Try to allocate yourself a set time each day to practise your exercises.
allow for sth
to consider something when you are planning something:
We allowed for living expenses of £20 a day.
[ + -ing verb ] You should allow for the plane being delayed.
We have to allow for the possibility that we might not finish on schedule.
You have to allow for a time lag between order and delivery.
allowance
noun
[ C ] money that you are given regularly, especially to pay for a particular thing:
The perks of the job include a company pension and a generous travel allowance.
I couldn’t have managed at college if I hadn’t had an allowance from my parents.
ally
noun [ C ]
someone who helps and supports someone else:
He is generally considered to be the prime minister’s closest political ally.
a staunch friend and ally
a steadfast friend/ally
alongside
preposition, adverb
next to, or together with:
A car pulled up alongside (ours).
The new pill will be used alongside existing medicines.
Most of the staff refused to work alongside the new team.
The UK fought alongside France, Turkey, and Sardinia during the Crimean War.
As we drew alongside the black car, I suddenly recognized my ex-boyfriend at the wheel.
New pedestrian pathways are being built alongside the road.
They found themselves working alongside like-minded young people with similar values.
alteration
noun
[ C ] a change, usually a slight change, in the appearance, character, or structure of something:
The house needed extensive alterations when we moved in.
Some alterations to our original plans might be necessary.
[ U ] the process of changing something:
The landscape has undergone considerable alteration.
alternate
verb
[ I usually + adv/prep ] to happen or exist one after the other repeatedly:
She alternated between cheerfulness and deep despair.
adjective
If something happens on alternate days, it happens every second day:
Private cars are banned from the city on alternate days.
amateur
adjective
taking part in an activity for pleasure, not as a job:
an amateur astronomer/boxer/historian
He was an amateur singer until the age of 40, when he turned professional.
noun [ C ]
a person who takes part in an activity for pleasure, not as a job:
This tennis tournament is open to both amateurs and professionals.
disapproving someone who does not have much skill in what they do:
I won’t be giving them any more work – they’re a bunch of amateurs.
amid
preposition formal
in the middle of or surrounded by:
On the floor, amid mounds of books, were two small envelopes.
The new perfume was launched amidst a fanfare of publicity.
The town sits amid gentle hills and dense forest.
among
preposition
to each one in a group of three or more people or things:
The cost should be shared equally among the three of you.
ample
adjective
more than enough:
You’ll have ample opportunity to ask questions after the talk.
There’s ample evidence that the lawyer knew exactly what she was doing.
“Will that be enough paper for you?” “Oh yes, that’s ample.”
There’s ample room for another desk in the reception area.
We should have ample time for a drink before the show begins.
analytical
adjective formal analytic
examining or liking to examine things very carefully:
He has a very analytical mind.
Some students have a more analytical approach to learning.
angle
noun [ C ]
SPACE BETWEEN LINES
the space between two lines or surfaces at the point at which they touch each other, measured in degrees:
The interior angles of a square are right angles or angles of 90 degrees.
The boat settled into the mud at a 35° angle/at an angle of 35°.
POSITION
a position from which something is looked at:
The tower is visible from every angle/all angles.
I realized I was looking at it from the wrong angle.
WAY OF THINKING
a way of considering, judging, or dealing with something:
Try looking at the problem from another angle/from my angle.
The press was looking for a new/fresh angle on the situation.
at an angle
not horizontal or vertical, but sloping in one direction:
The picture was hanging at an angle.
He wore his hat at a jaunty angle.
annoyance
noun
[ U ] the feeling or state of being annoyed:
I can understand your annoyance – I’d be furious if she ever treated me like that.
(Much) to our annoyance, (= we were very annoyed that) we couldn’t see anything from the back row of the theatre.
anticipate
verb [ T ]
EXPECT
to imagine or expect that something will happen:
We don’t anticipate any trouble.
[ + -ing verb ] They anticipate having several applicants for the job.
[ + that ] They anticipate that they will have several applicants for the job.
[ + question word ] At this stage we can’t really anticipate what will happen.
The anticipated inflation figure is lower than last month’s.
We’ve tried to anticipate the most likely problems, but it’s impossible to be prepared for every eventuality.
The holiday cost a lot more than we had anticipated.
Police are anticipating trouble at tonight’s game.
TAKE ACTION
to take action in preparation for something that you think will happen:
It’s always best to anticipate a problem before it arises.
The army anticipated (= took action in preparation for) the explosion by evacuating the town.
antisocial
adjective
harmful to society:
antisocial behaviour
Increasingly, smoking is regarded as an antisocial habit.
They have very antisocial neighbours who play music all night and leave rubbish everywhere.
Sport and other clubs keep young people from becoming involved in vandalism and other antisocial activities.
often avoiding spending time with other people:
I hope they won’t think I’m antisocial if I don’t join them in the bar.
anywhere near
informal
close in time, quality, distance, or amount:
Are we anywhere near finishing yet or is there still some way to go?
apparent
adjective
[ before noun ] seeming to exist or be true:
There are one or two apparent discrepancies between the two reports.
She has this apparent innocence which, I suspect, she uses to her advantage.
appeal
noun
[ C ] a request to the public for money, information, or help:
对公众的呼吁，请求：
They’re launching (= starting) an appeal to raise money for famine victims.
[ + to infinitive ] The police have issued an appeal to the public to stay away from the area over the weekend.
The missing child’s distraught parents made an emotional appeal for information on TV.
The appeal for people to donate blood was very successful.
verb
[ I ] to make a serious or formal request, especially to the public, for money, information, or help:
They’re appealing for clothes and blankets to send to the devastated region.
The police are appealing to the public for any information about the missing girl.
I tried to appeal to (= ask for support based on) his sense of loyalty, stressing how good the company had been to him.
[ + to infinitive ] Church leaders have appealed to the government to halt the war.
appetite
noun
[ C or U ] the feeling that you want to eat food:
All that walking has given me an appetite.
I won’t have any chocolate, thanks. It will spoil (= reduce) my appetite.
I haven’t got much of an appetite (= I am not hungry).
The children all have healthy/good appetites (= they eat a lot).
Both viruses cause fever and loss of appetite.
She’s got a hearty appetite.
We worked up a real appetite climbing in the mountains.
The appetite, says the proverb, grows with eating.
Growing boys have ravenous appetites.
applaud
verb
[ I or T ] to show enjoyment or approval of something such as a performance or speech by clapping the hands repeatedly to make a noise:
鼓掌：
You should have heard the audience applaud – the noise was fantastic.
She was applauded for a full five minutes after her speech.
applause
noun [ U ]
the sound of people clapping their hands repeatedly to show enjoyment or approval of something such as a performance or speech:
掌声：
His speech met with (= received) loud applause.
So let’s have a round of applause, please, for (= please applaud) a very talented young lady who is going to sing for us.
So let’s hear some applause for these talented young performers.
She made her exit from the stage to rapturous applause.
It was several minutes before the applause died down.
There was polite, muted applause when I finished speaking.
The concert hall resounded with cheers and applause.
appliance
noun [ C ]
a device, machine, or piece of equipment, especially an electrical one that is used in the house, such as a cooker or washing machine:
electric/domestic/household appliances
We stock a wide range of domestic appliances, including fridges, freezers and dishwashers.
Don’t plug in an electrical appliance with wet hands – you could get an electric shock.
Are all of the kitchen appliances included in the price of the house?
Modern appliances such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners and steam irons make housework easier.
apply
verb
[ T ] to make use of something or use it for a practical purpose:
He wants a job in which he can apply his foreign languages.
The court heard how the driver had failed to apply his brakes in time.
If you apply pressure to a cut it’s meant to stop the bleeding.
If it continues to bleed, you may have to apply a tourniquet to the limb.
If he still refuses we could always apply a little pressure, as it were.
It’s important to apply research in a practical way and not leave it on the shelf.
It is intended that these guidelines should be applied flexibly and pragmatically.
appoint
verb
[ T ] to choose someone officially for a job or responsibility:
We’ve appointed three new teachers this year.
He’s just been appointed (as) director of the publishing division.
[ + to infinitive ] A commission has just been appointed to investigate fraud claims.
The truth is that they appoint no more than a token number of women to managerial jobs.
archaeologist
noun US also archeologist
考古学家
A team of archaeologists are working on a previously undisturbed area of the abbey grounds.
She wanted to be an archaeologist and took part in several digs in her youth.
Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of an Anglo-Saxon settlement.
The site of the temple was discovered by a group of amateur archaeologists.
He is an archaeologist who recently excavated an extraordinary Olmec site in Mexico.
archaeology
noun [ U ] US also archeology
考古学
She is an expert on the archaeology of ancient Egypt.
Excavating human remains is one of the most exciting parts of archaeology.
The Department of Archaeology has organized a dig in medieval Exeter this summer.
arise
verb [ I ]
formal to happen:
Should the opportunity arise, I’d love to go to China.
Could you work on Saturday, should the need arise (= if it were to be necessary)?
Are there any matters arising from (= caused by) the last meeting?
If any complications arise, let me know and I’ll help.
Problems arise if the parents’ approach to discipline is inconsistent.
An occasion may arise when you can use your knowledge of French.
An unforeseen difficulty has arisen.
His reputation for carelessness was established long before the latest problems arose.
art
noun [ C ] a skill or special ability:
the art of conversation
Getting him to go out is quite an art (= needs special skill).
arts
[ plural ] subjects, such as history, languages, and literature, that are not scientific subjects:
At school I was quite good at arts, but hopeless at science.
Children should be given a well-balanced education in both the arts and the sciences.
arts graduates/degrees
assert
formal to say that something is certainly true:
[ + that ] He asserts that she stole money from him.
asset
noun
[ C ] a useful or valuable quality, skill, or person:
He’ll be a great asset to the team.
Her eyes are her best asset (= most attractive feature).
Knowledge of languages is a real asset in this sort of work.
As a footballer his great asset was his calm, phlegmatic manner.
Her knowledge and experience would make her a priceless asset to the team.
[ C usually plural ] something valuable belonging to a person or organization that can be used for the payment of debts:
A company’s assets can consist of cash, investments, specialist knowledge, or copyright material.
liquid assets (= money or things that can easily be changed into money)
assign
verb [ T ]
[ often passive ] to give a particular job or piece of work to someone:
[ + two objects ] UN troops were assigned the task of rebuilding the hospital.
The case has been assigned to our most senior officer.
associate
verb [ T ]
to connect someone or something in your mind with someone or something else:
Most people associate this brand with good quality.
He has been associated with some dubious characters.
I am happy, indeed proud, to be associated with this project.
assumption
noun
[ C ] something that you accept as true without question or proof:
People tend to make assumptions about you when you have a disability.
These calculations are based on the assumption that prices will continue to rise.
assurance
noun
[ C ] a promise:
[ + (that) ] She gave me her assurance (that) she would sign the contract immediately.
Despite the government’s repeated assurances to the contrary, taxation has risen over the past decade.
The fact that the number of deaths from cancer in the area has doubled surely gives the lie to official assurances of the safety of nuclear power.
assure
verb [ T ]
to cause something to be certain:
The play’s popularity has been assured by the critics’ rave reviews.
Excellent exam results meant that she was assured of a place at university.
all at once
suddenly and unexpectedly:
All at once there was a loud crashing sound.
random
adjective
happening, done, or chosen by chance rather than according to a plan:
random checks/tests/attacks
We asked a random sample/selection of people what they thought.
at random
by chance, or without being chosen intentionally:
The winning entry will be the first correct answer drawn at random.
attack
verb
[ T ] to criticize someone strongly:
She wrote an article attacking the judges and their conduct of the trial.
The report attacks the idea of exams for seven and eight-year-olds.
attain
verb [ T ] formal
to reach or succeed in getting something:
He has attained the highest grade in his music exams.
We need to identify the best ways of attaining our objectives/goals.
India attained independence in 1947, after decades of struggle.
attendance
noun
[ U or C ] the fact of going somewhere such as a church, school, etc. regularly:
Attendance at lectures is compulsory.
He failed the course because of his poor record of attendance.
[ C or U ] the number of people who go to an event, meeting, etc.:
Attendances at church are falling.
As the course becomes more difficult, there’s usually a corresponding drop in attendance.
At last month’s meeting, attendance was poor.
Attendance at the meeting was rather thin.
Ticket prices were lowered in an attempt to increase attendance at home games.
auction
noun [ C or U ]
拍卖：
They’re holding an auction of jewellery on Thursday.
The painting will be sold at auction next week.
The house and its contents are being put up for auction.
audition
noun [ C ]
试镜：
His audition went well and he’s fairly hopeful about getting the part.
The director is holding auditions next week for the major parts.
The director made some positive comments about my audition but I couldn’t tell if he was genuinely impressed.
She sang really badly at her audition, so she didn’t get into the choir.
authentic
adjective
If something is authentic, it is real, true, or what people say it is:
There’s a Greek restaurant in town which serves wonderfully prepared authentic dishes.
He was there and saw what happened, so his is the only authentic account.
The hotel even has an authentic Japanese garden.
authority
noun
[ C ] a group of people with official responsibility for a particular area of activity:
the health authority
the local housing authority
authorise/authorize
verb [ T ]
to give official permission for something to happen, or to give someone official permission to do something:
Who authorized this expenditure?
[ + to infinitive ] I authorized my bank to pay her £3,000.
Several unreliable dealers have been struck off our list of authorized suppliers.
authorised/authorized
avenue
noun [ C ]
a wide road with trees or tall buildings on both sides, or a wide country path or road with trees on both sides:
This avenue of mature trees has a preservation order on it.
We walked down a broad avenue lined with trees.
King’s Avenue is the first right.
The broad avenues are shaded by splendid trees.
awareness
noun [ U ]
knowledge that something exists, or understanding of a situation or subject at the present time based on information or experience:
Public awareness of the problem will make politicians take it seriously.
Environmental awareness has increased dramatically over the past decade.
There is a growing awareness of the seriousness of this disease.
Greenpeace works to promote awareness of the dangers that threaten our planet today.
This task is designed to test the child’s spatial awareness.
away
adjective
An away match or game is played at an opposing team’s sports ground:
客场：
We lost the away game but won both home games.
uk Everton unveiled their new yellow-and-blue away strip (= clothing worn by a team at away games).