Useful words – definitions
(Regarding pronunciation, I
underline and have bold the letter that needs to be stressed)
Controversy (pronounced ˈkɒn.trə.vɜː.si
or kənˈtrɒv.ə.si) = (noun) a
lot of disagreement or argument about something, usually because it
affects or is important to many people, e.g., There was a big
controversy surrounding/ over the use of drugs in athletics.//
e.g., The police have caused heated/ fierce (1) controversy ever since it was introduced (^^).
(1) fierce (pronounced fɪəs) =
showing a powerful, heartfelt intensity.
Contentious (pronounced kənˈtɛnʃəs) = (adjective) Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial, e.g., A contentious issue.// e.g., Some of the most contentious and disputed issues of our day are bioethics matters./// Involving heated arguments, e.g., The socio-economic plan had been the subject of contentious debate./// (of a person) Given to provoking argument, e.g., The book fails to portray the bawdy (1) and contentious woman who always wanted to be on center stage./// (Law) Relating to or involving differences between contending parties, e.g., ‘I, therefore, agree that the client care letter or any contentious business agreement should be attached to the bill of costs.’ (1) Bawdy (pronounced ˈbɔː.di) = dealing with sexual matters in a comical way; humorously indecent.
Tendentious (pronounced tɛnˈdɛnʃəs) = (adjective) Expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of view, especially a controversial one.// Synonym = contentious, controversial.// e.g., A tendentious reading of history.// e.g., The version is not itself a lie, but it is a relentlessly tendentious interpretation.// e.g., The channel is dispensing a view of the world that is tendentious and intellectually idle.
Contemplate = (verb with object) Look thoughtfully for a long time, e.g., He contemplated his image in the mirrors.// e.g.,
George was thoughtfully contemplating the carpeted floor for a moment.
/// Think about, e.g., He couldn’t
even begin to contemplate the future.// e.g., He began contemplating a
political career./// (verb; no object) Think
deeply and at length, e.g., He sat morosely (= sullen (= gloomy) and ill-tempered) contemplating.//
e.g., ‘It's at times like these when I sit and contemplate and plot.’
/// Have in view as a probable intention, e.g., He contemplated an action for the damages.//
e.g., A similar project was being contemplated in the Rivertown area.
Envisage ((pronounced ‘ɪnˈvɪzɪdʒ’)
(Envision in North American English) = (transitive verb) to imagine or expect something in the future, especially
something good, e.g., It's envisaged
that the building will start at the end of this year.// e.g., ''When
do you envisage finishing the project?'' /// to form a mental picture of something or someone you have never
seen, e.g., He should have envisaged what
would happen to him after insulting her sister.// e.g., ''He wasn't
what I'd expected - I'd envisaged someone much taller'' ((*) for the
definitions and for all but the 3rd example).
Contend (for) = (contend for) (verb; no object) struggle to surmount (= overcome a difficulty or obstacle) a difficulty, e.g., She had to
contend with his uncertain temper.// e.g., Both had to
contend with the disadvantage of their sex, but they dealt with it in very
different ways.// e.g., They are
contending with the sudden drop in temperatures./// (contend
for) Compete with others in a struggle to achieve
something, e.g., Factions (1) within the
government were contending for the succession to the presidency.// e.g.,
More than once he contended for the Championship.// e.g., Beijing is
contending for the leadership of the 21st century./// (verb with clause) Assert (= state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully) something as a position in an argument, e.g., He contends that the judge was wrong.//
e.g., He contends that in the past, his department has not had to worry
about hazards caused by dry weather.// e.g., The legend contends that
Valentine served as a priest during 3rd century Rome.
(1) faction = a small, organized, dissenting
group within a larger one, especially in politics
Usher (as a verb) = (usually transitive verb + adverb/ preposition) Show or guide someone somewhere, e.g., A waiter ushered me to a table.// e.g., The boss ushered us into his office ((^^^) for this example)./// Cause or mark the start of something new, e.g., The railroads ushered in an era (1) of cheap mass travel.
Probe = (noun) a thorough
investigation into a crime or other matter, e.g., A probe into city hall corruption.// e.g.,
The arrests followed Operation Norwest, a probe into drug trafficking
conducted by the National Crime Squad.
Concede = (reporting verb) Admit or agree that something is true after first denying or resisting it.// (with clause) e.g., ‘I had to concede that I’d overreacted.’ // (with direct speech) e.g., ‘All right then,’ he conceded./// Admit defeat in a match or contest, e.g., ‘Reluctantly, I conceded defeat.’// e.g., On July 2, Thailand conceded defeat to currency speculators and let the baht float against the dollar // (verb with object) Surrender or yield a possession, right, or privilege, e.g., In practical terms, this means that we stop conceding territory to the enemy.// e.g., If the union wants more money, it has to be ready to concede ground./// Grant a right, privilege, or demand, e.g., Their rights to redress (1) of grievances (2) were conceded once more.// e.g., The fact is that to concede a right of this nature would have ruptured Marx’s vision of communist harmony.
(1) redress = remedy or set right an undesirable or unfair situation; rectify.
(2) grievance
= a real or imagined wrong or other cause for complaint or protest, especially
unfair treatment.
Denote = (verb with object) Be a sign of; indicate,
e.g., This mark denotes purity and quality.// e.g., After
materials had been returned, each participant was thanked and his or her credit
slip was signed denoting participation.// Stand as a name or symbol for, e.g., Question marks (?) denote instances where digit identity
could not be assigned with certainty.// e.g., The level of output
per firm is denoted by X.
Delineate = (transitive verb) To describe or portray something precisely, e.g., The government needs to pass new legislation delineating the president’s discretion (1) concerning the right of the people to keep and bear (2) arms./// To describe or mark the edge of something, e.g., The boundary of the car park is delineated by a low brick wall ((^^) for the 2nd definition).
(1) discretion = the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation.
(2) bear (pronounced beər) = (in this example) (of a person) carry.
Repercussions = aftereffects (or after-effects) =
aftermath = consequence = ramifications
Aftereffect(s) or after-effect(s) (1 word or hyphened) = (countable, usually, a plural noun) an unpleasant effect that follows an event or accident, sometimes continuing for a long time or happening sometime after it/ a result of a condition or event, e.g., Headaches are an aftereffect of this sort of accident (1) (^^).// e.g., He was suffering the after-effects of the drug.
(1) e.g., (head) concussion (= temporary unconsciousness caused by a blow to the head. The term is also used loosely for the aftereffects such as confusion or temporary incapacity).
Repercussion(s) = (countable, usually plural noun) An unintended consequence of an event or action,
especially an unwelcome one, e.g., The move would have grave (= serious) repercussions for the entire region.//
e.g., That affected not only the racial mix of the country but went on to
have wider repercussions on the country's culture.// e.g.,
These are huge differences that would inevitably have dramatic
repercussions on the overall cost of credit.
Aftermath = (singular noun) The consequences or aftereffects of a significant unpleasant event, e.g., Food prices soared in the aftermath of the drought (1).// e.g., He was devastated and traumatized in the aftermath of the landslide (2).// e.g., Historically, change has happened only in the aftermath of a major crisis.
(1) drought
(pronounced draʊt) = a prolonged period of abnormally low
rainfall; a water shortage resulting from this.
(2) landslide = the sliding down of a mass of earth
or rock from a mountain or cliff.
Ramification(s) = (countable,
usually plural noun) A
complex or unwelcome consequence of an action or event; consequence, e.g., Any change is bound to have legal ramifications.//
e.g., ‘We leave the discerning (= having or showing good judgment) readers to
judge by themselves the real ramifications of the issue.’/// A subdivision of a complex structure or process, e.g., An extended
family with its ramifications of neighboring in-laws.
Detrimental = deleterious (pronounced ˌdel.ɪˈtɪə.ri.əs)
= noxious = harmful = damaging = prejudicial
(pronounced ˌpredʒ.əˈdɪʃ.(ə)l).
Deleterious (pronounced ˌdel.ɪˈtɪə.ri.əs)
= (adjective) (formal) Causing harm or
damage; harmful, e.g., Divorce is assumed to have deleterious effects on
children.// e.g., Any move is likely to have a deleterious effect
on their health and will certainly adversely affect the quality of
their life.
Prejudicial (pronounced predʒəˈdɪʃ.əl) = (adjective) Harmful
to someone or something; detrimental,
e.g., The proposals were considered prejudicial to the city center.//
e.g., They had infiltrated a military airfield, which was regarded as
prejudicial to the state’s interests.// e.g., ‘In any event, he did have a prejudicial interest and that neither he nor the
council could reasonably have taken a different view.// e.g., It is said
that the remark about being a troublemaker was so highly prejudicial to the
defendant that the trial should not have continued.
Detrimental = (adjective) Tending
to cause harm; harmful, e.g., Recent policies have been detrimental to the
interests of many old people.// e.g., Moving her could have a
detrimental effect on her health.// e.g., ‘I am satisfied that publication
of the report would be deeply damaging and detrimental to their welfare (= the health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group).’
Noxious (pronounced ˈnɒk.ʃəs) = (adjective) Harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant, e.g., They were overcome by the noxious fumes.// e.g., What's less well understood is how noxious such projects are for the cities that surround them.// e.g., The residents say that even in fine and warm weather, they also have to endure the noxious smell of sewage ((pronounced ˈsuː.ɪdʒ) = waste matter such as water or human urine or solid waste (*)) from their drains.
Obnoxious (pronounced əbˈnɒkʃəs) = (adjective) Extremely unpleasant, e.g., Obnoxious odors.// e.g., He found her son somewhat obnoxious.// e.g., His is biased, obnoxious, and arrogant.// e.g., More than just unpleasant, the obnoxious smell was stifling (1) and suffocating.
(1) stifle (pronounced ˈstaɪ.f(ə)l) = (of heat, air, or a room)
very hot and causing difficulties in breathing; suffocating)
Reprimand = rebuke = reprehend
= reproach = admonish
Reproach =
(transitive verb) To criticize someone,
especially for not being successful or not doing what is expected e.g., His mother reproached him for not
eating all his dinner.// e.g., ‘You have nothing to reproach yourself for/with.’///
(noun) Something that you say or do to criticize
someone, especially for not being successful or not doing what is expected, e.g., The look of reproach on his face
made her feel guilty.// e.g., ‘Your reproaches are useless – what is
done is done’ (^^). Reproach someone with = accuse someone of; rebuke, e.g., His wife reproached him with cowardice.
Rebuke (pronounced rɪˈbjuːk) = (verb with object) Express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behavior or actions, e.g., She had rebuked him for drinking too much.// e.g., The judge publicly rebuked the jury./// (noun) An expression of sharp disapproval or criticism, e.g., The Academy (1) issued a rare rebuke of the studio for its campaign.// e.g., The Press Council delivered one of the strongest rebukes in its 30-year history.
(1) The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) = an American organization responsible for the Academy Awards (Oscars) (*****).
Reprimand = (noun) A formal expression of disapproval, e.g., The golfer received a reprimand for a breach of rules.// e.g., In the end, he got away with a fine and a reprimand, and the woodblocks (1) for a satirical triptych were destroyed./// (verb) (with object) Address a reprimand to, e.g., Officials were reprimanded for poor work.// e.g., Solicitors who breach the rules may be reprimanded or charged with misconduct.
(1) woodblock = a block of wood,
especially one from which woodcut prints are made.
Reprehend (pronounced ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnd) = (verb with
object) Reprimand, e.g., A recklessness
which cannot be too severely reprehended.// e.g., ‘I knew my posture had
been less than perfect, and I feared
he wished to reprehend me.’ // e.g., Once
she had upset Helen because Helen was playing with her dolls and making much
noise and Sophie tried to reprehend her.// e.g., She used to
reprehend him to use his right hand when he was a little boy, but he
wasn't very successful (my comment: as this unwise tactic in the past was wrong).
Reprehensible = (adjective) deserving censure or condemnation, e.g., Reprehensible conduct/ actions (**).// e.g., His complacency (1) and reprehensible laxity (= lack of strictness or care).// e.g., But his behavior toward his son is often reprehensible.
(1) complacency (pronounced kəmˈpleɪ.s(ə)n.si) = a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements.
Rebuff = (verb with object) Reject someone or something in an abrupt or ungracious (1) manner.// Synonyms: reject, turn down.//e.g., ‘I asked Marry to be my wife and was rebuffed in no uncertain terms.’// e.g., George appeared in person in March to appeal that decision, but his entreaty (2) was rebuffed.// e.g., He rebuffed all suggestions that he should resign ((^^^) for this example)./// (noun) An abrupt or ungracious rejection of an offer, request, or friendly gesture, e.g., His reserve (3) was not intended as a rebuff.// e.g., Our request for assistance has been rebuffed ((^^^) for this example)./// (mass noun) e.g., Callers phoning a chatline need not fear rebuff.
(1) ungracious = not polite or friendly.
(2) entreaty = an attempt to persuade someone to do something (**).
(3) reserve = a lack of warmth or openness in manner or
expression.
Admonition = (noun) A firm warning or reprimand, e.g., He received numerous admonitions for his bad behavior.// e.g., He paid no heed (1) to the admonitions of the trial judge.// e.g., He then went ahead with settlement building in spite of government admonitions.// e.g., The most common parental admonition must be ‘don’t stay out late!’ ((^^^) for the last example).
(1) heed = careful attention.
Admonitory (pronounced
ədˈmɒnɪt(ə)ri) = (adjective) Giving
or conveying a warning or reprimand, e.g., The
sergeant lifted an admonitory finger.// e.g., An
admonitory remark ((^^) for the last example).
Admonish (pronounced ədˈmɒnɪʃ) = (verb with object) Warn or reprimand
someone firmly, e.g., She admonished me for appearing at breakfast unshaven.//
e.g., During the city council’s final
session, council members admonished the bureaucracy for their lack of
care for the venue./// (verb with object and infinitive) Advise or urge someone earnestly (1), e.g., She admonished him to drink no more than one glass of wine.// e.g., The
Supreme Court has admonished us to leave such matters to Congress. (1) earnestly = with sincere and intense conviction; seriously.
Reproof = (noun) An expression of blame
or disapproval, e.g., She welcomed him with a mild reproof for leaving her
alone.// e.g., She needed no reproof from her parents - she had herself
for that.// e.g., She stood looking at me, arms crossed as if waiting
for a reproof./// (mass noun) e.g., A look of reproof.
Chide (pronounced tʃaɪd) = (verb with object) Scold (1) or rebuke, e.g., She chided him for not replying to her letters.// (with direct speech) – ‘You mustn't speak like that,’ she chided gently.// e.g., ‘When I refused to eat my soup, she chided me.’// e.g., He also chided one reviewer at another paper for being self-centered.
(1) scold = to speak to someone angrily because you disapprove of their behavior, e.g., My mother scolded me for breaking her favorite vase (*).
Disparage (pronounced dɪˈsparɪdʒ)
(verb) = belittle = denigrate
= undervalue = downgrade
Disparage (pronounced dɪˈsparɪdʒ)
= (verb) Regard or represent as
being of little worth; belittle, e.g., He never missed an opportunity to disparage his
competitors.// e.g., Some
critics have disparaged Hogan’s emphasis on the love story between
the two main characters.// e.g., ‘You should persist and never minimize or disparage yourself or your abilities.’// e.g., However,
efficacy studies and theoretical speculations should not be disparaged or
dismissed.
Belittle (pronounced bɪˈlɪt(ə)l)
= (verb with object) Dismiss someone or
something as unimportant, e.g., He
belittled her riding skills whenever he could.// e.g., His wife, Mary, belittles his obsession and ridicules
his dreams.// e.g., How sad to hear commentators belittling
the march.
Wasteful = extravagant =
prodigal (pronounced ˈprɒd.ɪ.ɡ(ə)l) = spendthrift = improvident (pronounced ɪmˈprɒvɪd(ə)nt) = profligate (pronounced ˈprɒflɪɡət)
Wasteful = (adjective) (of a person, action, or process) using or expending something
of value carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose, e.g., Wasteful energy consumption.//
e.g., We are finding that they are disappearing fast because of careless,
wasteful use of outdoor light.// e.g., ‘I had not realized before
what a wasteful power source it is.’
Extravagant (pronounced ɪkˈstræv.ə.ɡ(ə)nt) = (adjective) Lacking restraint in spending money or using resources, e.g., It was very extravagant of you to buy oranges out of season (**).// e.g., It was rather extravagant to buy both.// e.g., The court had heard earlier how the three men were caught when Sam went on an extravagant spending spree (1) using fraudulent credit cards./// Extreme and unreasonable, e.g., The product does not live up to the extravagant claims of the advertisers (^^)./// Resulting from or showing a lack of restraint in spending money or resources, e.g., Extravagant gifts like iPhones./// Exceeding what is reasonable or appropriate; excessive or elaborate, e.g., Extravagant claims about the merchandise (2).
(1) spree = a short period of doing a particular, usually enjoyable, activity much more than is usual.
(2) merchandise (pronounced ˈmɜː.tʃən.daɪs or ˈmɜː.tʃən.daɪz) = goods that are bought and sold.
Prodigal (pronounced ˈprɒdɪɡ(ə)l) = (adjective) spending money or using resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant, e.g., Prodigal habits die hard.// e.g., Above all, the executive must curb its own prodigal spending./// Having or giving something on a lavish (1) scale, e.g., The dessert was prodigal with whipped cream.// e.g., In a book so prodigal of riches, one finds, unbelievably, neither an index nor a glossary./// A person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way, e.g., The government wished to ‘clip the wings’ of the local authority prodigals./// A person who leaves home to lead a prodigal life but later makes a repentant return, e.g., In Jesus’ parable (2) of the prodigal, the father welcomes his boy home by redefining what it means to belong to the family. (1) lavish = sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious.
(2) parable (pronounced
ˈpær.ə.b(ə)l) = a simple story used to illustrate a moral
or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.
Prodigious (pronounced prəˈdɪdʒəs) = (adjective) remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree, e.g., The stove (1) consumed a prodigious amount of fuel.// e.g., His memory was prodigious.// e.g., He took a prodigious amount of drugs washed down with booze (2).// e.g., This process, as seen by the previous Lexington example, burns a prodigious amount of fuel.
(1) stove = an apparatus for cooking or heating that operates by burning fuel or using electricity.
(2) booze (pronounced buːz) = alcohol, especially hard
liquor.
Spendthrift (pronounced ˈspɛn(d)θrɪft)
= (noun) a
person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way. Synonym
= profligate.// e.g., Peter was a spendthrift and a
heavy gambler.// (as modifier) e.g., My spendthrift uncle.//
e.g., The Air Force career they later had did not exactly allow them to
become spendthrifts.
Profligate (pronounced ˈprɒflɪɡət) = (adjective) Recklessly extravagant (1) or wasteful in the use of resources, e.g., Profligate consumers of energy.// e.g., The combined loss of possession and position is profligate to the point of wasteful.// e.g., It is the profligate consumer who has kept the economy afloat since 2000.// e.g., She is well-known for her profligate spending habits.// e.g., The profligate use of antibiotics has led to the evolution of resistant bacteria ((^^^) for the previous 2 examples)./// Licentious (2); dissolute (4), e.g., He succumbed (5) to drink and a profligate lifestyle.// e.g., In Northern Europe, they’ll deny you a discharge if they think you ran up the original debt in a profligate or immoral fashion./// A licentious (2), dissolute (4) person, e.g., He is a drunkard and a profligate.// e.g., She continues to put up with her husband’s profligate behavior.// e.g., Corporate bodies are more corrupt and profligate than individuals because they have more power to do mischief (6) ((^^^) for the previous 2 examples).
(1) extravagant (pronounced ɪkˈstræv.ə.ɡ(ə)nt) = lacking restraint in spending money or using resources.
(2) licentious (pronounced laɪˈsen.ʃəs) = promiscuous (3) and unprincipled in sexual matters.
(3) promiscuous (pronounced prəˈmɪs.kju.əs) = having or characterized by many transient sexual relationships.
(4) dissolute (pronounced ˈdɪs.ə.luːt) = lax in morals; licentious (2).
(5) succumb (pronounced səˈkʌm) = fail to resist pressure, temptation, or some other negative force.
6) mischief = playful misbehavior or troublemaking
(especially in children).
Improvident (pronounced ɪmˈprɒvɪd(ə)nt) = (adjective) not having or showing foresight (1); spendthrift (2) or thoughtless, e.g., Improvident and undisciplined behavior.// e.g., Every improvident loan requires an improvident borrower to seek and accept it!// e.g., This bill (3) proposes to create a civil action for the improvident transfer of property by a vulnerable adult.// e.g., Many people of normal capacity make improvident and unwise decisions in business matters.
(1) foresight = the ability to predict what will happen or be needed in the future.
(2) spendthrift = a person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way.
(3) bill = a draft of a proposed law presented to parliament for discussion.
Segregation = (mass noun) The action or state of setting someone or something apart from others, e.g., The segregation of pupils with learning difficulties.// e.g., Occupational segregation occurs from a very early age.// e.g., Both are oil towns with amazingly strict class segregation./// The enforced separation of different racial groups in a country, community, or establishment, e.g., An official policy of racial segregation.// e.g., All except the rabid (1) racists considered racial segregation immoral and indefensible.
(1) Rabid = having
or proceeding from extreme or fanatical support of or belief in something.
Desegregate (pronounced diːˈsɛɡrɪɡeɪt) = (verb with object) End a policy of racial (or sexual) segregation (= separation) in an organization, e.g., Actions to desegregate schools.// e.g., The court also stipulated (1) that the districts could be released from court-ordered desegregation if the students and faculty were desegregated and the district met other desegregation requirements.// e.g., President Truman desegregated the US armed forces in 1948.// e.g., Plans to desegregate the schools/universities ((^^^) for the last 2 examples).
(1) Stipulate = demand or specify a requirement, typically as part
of a bargain or agreement.
Decadence (pronounced ˈdek.ə.d(ə)ns) = (mass noun) Moral or cultural decline as characterized by excessive indulgence (1) in pleasure or luxury, e.g., This has been a long-term process of decadence, of culture, and of the economy.// e.g., He denounced (2) Western decadence.// e.g., For Webster’s audience, Italy was perceived as a site of political intrigue, economic power, decadence, and moral decay./// Luxurious self-indulgence, e.g., It doesn't have that luxurious feeling of decadence like having coffee and scones (3) at 3 p.m. when everyone else is working.// e.g., ‘Cream cakes on a Wednesday—pure decadence!’
(1) Indulgence = an occasion when you allow someone or yourself to have something enjoyable, especially more than is good for you (*).
(2) Denounce = publicly declare to be wrong or evil.
(3) Scone = small, often sweet, bread. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Scones_cream_jam.jpg
Decadent (pronounced ˈdɛkəd(ə)nt) = (adjective) Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline, e.g., A decaying, decadent Britain.// e.g., Those values have more or less passed away during this decadent cultural period we have lived in.// e.g., The doom of what they see as the decadent West is, they say, inevitable./// Luxuriously self-indulgent (1), e.g., A decadent soak in a scented bath.// e.g., Grab your swimsuits and get ready for a day of decadent indulgence (1)./// (noun) A person who is luxuriously self-indulgent, e.g., For half a million dollars, he offers rich decadents the chance to lead a safari.// e.g., The story concerns a dissolute (2) decadent who is enchanted (3) (^^)) with his beloved Alicia’s, form, but who detests what he considers to be the frivolity (4) and shallowness of her personality.
(1) Indulgence = an occasion when you allow someone or yourself to have something enjoyable, especially more than is good for you (*).
(2) Dissolute (pronounced ˈdɪs.ə.luːt)
= lax in morals.
(3) Enchanted (pronounced ɪnˈtʃɑːn.tɪd) = affected by magic or seeming to be affected by magic.
(4) Frivolity = lack of
seriousness; lightheartedness.
Appal (appall in North American English) (pronounced əˈpɔːl) = (verb with object) Greatly dismay (1) or horrify, e.g., Bankers are appalled at the economic incompetence of some ministers.// e.g., ‘Alice looked at me, appalled.’ // e.g., Pater said he is appalled that he was left stranded (2) to deal with the crisis himself.// e.g., He witnessed some appalling acts of barbarism during the war.// e.g., Conditions in prison are said to be appalling ((^^^) for the last 2 examples).
(2) Stranded = (adjective) left without the means to move from somewhere./// (of a boat, sailor, or sea creature) left aground on a shore.
Appalling (pronounced əˈpɔːlɪŋ) = (adjective) Causing shock or dismay (1); horrific, e.g., The dog suffered appalling injuries during the attack.// e.g., ‘So for my son, this was a terrible shock, and he started having appalling nightmares.’// e.g., ‘You will also be constantly reminded of your appalling actions through your own and your partner’s permanent injuries.’ /// Very bad; awful, e.g., His conduct was appalling.// e.g., It is an appalling and chilling chronicle of arrogance, complacency (2), and collusion.// e.g., The killing of innocents is deplorable (mentioned below) and appalling in any part of the world.
(1) Dismay = concern and distress caused by something unexpected.
(2) Complacency (pronounced kəmˈpleɪ.s(ə)n.si)
= a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s
achievements.
Deplorable
(pronounced dɪˈplɔːrəb(ə)l)
= (adjective) Deserving strong condemnation; completely
unacceptable, e.g., Many children in Africa live in deplorable conditions.//
e.g., These kinds of
outrages are deplorable and the perpetrators (1) should be brought to justice.// e.g., Even if their claims are exaggerated, any loss of
life is deplorable and unacceptable.// e.g., The killing of
innocents is deplorable and appalling in any part of the world./// Shockingly bad in quality, e.g., The football game was played in deplorable weather conditions.// e.g., His spelling was deplorable.// e.g., Many
live without electricity and work in deplorable conditions.
(1) Perpetrator = a person who carries out a
harmful, illegal, or immoral act.
Dismay = (mass noun) Concern and distress caused by something unexpected, e.g., It found, much to our dismay, that many, many young Australians have no sense of their own future at all.// e.g., Things got heated, and to my dismay, the racial slurs (1) started from both sides..// e.g., ‘Before considering Mr. Jones’ attack on the judgment, I express my dismay at the futility of the litigation!’ /// (verb with object) Cause someone to feel concerned and distressed, e.g., He was also dismayed at the organization and facilities and finally walked off the job in disgust.// e.g., They were dismayed by the U-turn (2) in the policy.// e.g., To most experts, such findings have been somewhat dismaying.
(1) Slur = a remark that criticizes someone and is likely to have a harmful effect on their reputation (*).
(2) U-turn = the turning of a vehicle in a U-shaped course so as to face in
the opposite direction; here, it means a change of plan, especially a
reversal of political policy
Complacency (or complacence) (pronounced kəmˈpleɪ.s(ə)n.si)
= (noun) a feeling of calm satisfaction with your own
abilities or situation that prevents you from trying harder, e.g., ‘What annoys me about these girls is their complacency
– they seem to have no desire to expand their horizons.’ // e.g., There
is no room for complacency if we want to stay in this competition (*).//
e.g., ‘I would like to see less
complacency over crime levels in the area and less smugness on the
local environment.’// e.g.. Still, there are no grounds for
complacency, and there is justified fear for the future./// A
feeling of calm satisfaction with your abilities or situation that prevents
you from trying harder, e.g., ‘We’re
finally making a profit, but there is no reason for complacency’ ((^^) for
the 2nd definition).
Poise (pronounced pɔɪz) = (mass noun) Graceful and elegant bearing in a person, e.g., Poise and good deportment (mentioned
below) can be cultivated.// e.g., The key to your personal success in
this effort is to use poise, grace, and tact. (My comment: this is
important as many people are tactless)./// Composure (mentioned below) and dignity of manner, e.g., At least he had a moment to think, to
recover his poise.// e.g., After 30
minutes in recovery, the patient had recovered her poise and sense of humor.//
e.g., ‘I was very impressed with her poise and composure.’///
(verb) Be or cause to be balanced or suspended. Synonym = balance./// (verb; no object) e.g., He poised motionless on his toes.///
(verb with object) (figurative) e.g., The world was poised between peace and
war./// Be poised = be ready and prepared
to do something./// (with infinitive) e.g., Teachers
are poised to resume their attack on government school tests.
Composure = (noun) The state or feeling
of being calm, confident, and in control of oneself, e.g., She was
struggling to regain her composure.// e.g., After regaining some of his composure, the artist went to the local
pub to meet his wife as arranged.// e.g., ‘Before I could regain my composure, I felt
a tug (= a hard or sudden pull) from
behind, as if someone was grabbing me
by my collar.’// e.g., ‘I didn’t want to lose my composure in front of her.’
Demeanour (demeanor in North American English) = (noun) a way of looking and behaving; outward behavior or bearing, e.g., She has the demeanor of a woman who is
contented (= satisfied) with her life.// e.g., There was nothing
in his demeanor that suggested he was anxious (^^).// e.g., Both men are
renowned for their friendly demeanor and reassuring manner.
Countenance = (noun) a person’s face or facial expression, e.g., His impenetrable eyes and inscrutable (1) countenance give little away.// e.g., Perhaps in reaction to the comments of their unseen interlocutors (= those involved in a conversation), their countenances are frozen in exasperation (2).// e.g., He was of noble countenance.// e.g., Her countenance masked her feelings ((^^^) for the 2 previous examples)./// Support, e.g., He gave his specific countenance to the occasion.// e.g., The man, appropriately, shone (past and p.p. of ‘shine’) his countenance approvingly upon her./// (verb with object) Admit as acceptable or possible, e.g., He was reluctant to countenance the use of force.// e.g., The school will not countenance bad behavior.// e.g., This school will not countenance lateness ((^^^) for 2 previous examples).
(1) inscrutable = impossible to understand or interpret.
(2) exasperation = a
feeling of intense irritation or annoyance.
Deportment = (mass noun) (UK English) The way a person stands and walks, particularly
as an element of etiquette (mentioned below), e.g., To have
good/bad deportment.// e.g., Speech and deportment lessons.// e.g.,
Poise is directly concerned with good deportment.// e.g., On top
of their confident deportment, which is physically lean and facially
striking in the first place, there’s a fully made-up, designer appearance.///
(US English) A person’s behavior or
manners, e.g., There are team
rules governing deportment on and off the field.// e.g., Her hospitality is only
equaled by her charity, her graceful deportment by her goodness of
heart.
Etiquette (pronounced ˈet.ɪ.ket)
= (uncountable noun) The set of rules or
customs that control accepted behavior in particular social groups or social
situations, e.g., Social
etiquette dictates that men cannot sit while women are standing.// e.g., Diplomatic
etiquette forbids calling for the death of a national leader./// A set of rules that helps people understand how they should
behave in particular business or professional situations, e.g., A report into corporate culture in Britain
highlights how there has been a decline in all areas of business etiquette (^^).
Disposition = (noun) A person’s inherent qualities of mind and character, e.g., ‘Your sunny disposition has a way of rubbing off on those around you.’// e.g., He has the disposition of a saint.// e.g., His cheery disposition masked a fierce (1) determination to win./// (often with infinitive) An inclination or tendency, e.g., The Prime Minister has shown a disposition to alter policies.// e.g., The judge’s disposition to clemency (= mercy; lenience)./// (mass noun) The way in which something is placed or arranged, especially in relation to other things, e.g., The plan shows the disposition of the rooms.// e.g., In early 2000, Jim began to seriously plan for the inevitable disposition of his collection./// The action of arranging people or things in a particular way, e.g., ‘By observing the spirit of the enemy’s men and getting the best position, you can work out the enemy's disposition and move your men accordingly.’// e.g., We would not interfere with his disposition of the costs./// Dispositions = the stationing of troops ready for military action, e.g., The new strategic dispositions of our forces.// e.g., We have to consider the impact of the revolt on military dispositions./// (mass noun) (Law) The distribution or transfer of property or money to someone, especially by bequest (= a legacy), e.g., This is a tax that affects the disposition of assets on death.// e.g., There was some contention (= heated disagreement) about the sale and disposition of certain assets./// The power to deal with something as one pleases, e.g., If Napoleon (pronounced nəˈpəʊlɪən) had had railways at his disposition, he would have been invincible.// e.g., You have dedicated some of the material resources at your disposition to the creation of Art.
(1) fierce (pronounced fɪəs)
= showing a powerful, heartfelt intensity.
Ascribe = (verb with object) ascribe
something to = attribute something to a cause, e.g., He ascribed
Samantha’s short temper to her upset stomach.// e.g., She still
ascribes the results to chance.//// (usually as ‘be ascribed to’) = attribute a text, quotation, or work of art to a particular
person or period, e.g., A quotation ascribed to Thomas More (the writer of ‘Utopia’).///
(usually as ‘be ascribed to’) = regard a quality as
belonging to, e.g., Tough-mindedness
is a quality commonly ascribed to top bosses.// e.g., ‘Would your
workers ascribe these qualities to you?’ // e.g., The same
mistake would be made in ascribing those attributes to the foundation.
Assimilate = (transitive or
intransitive verb) Take in information,
ideas, or culture and understand fully,
e.g., Mary tried to assimilate the week’s events.// e.g., The experts can better assimilate
information based on their expectations from the mental model./// Absorb and integrate people, ideas, or culture into a wider
society or culture, e.g., Pop trends are assimilated into the mainstream with
alarming speed.// e.g., The Bakongo are a
blend of peoples who assimilated the Kongo culture and language over time.///
(verb; no object) Become absorbed and integrated
into a society or culture, e.g., The
older generation had more trouble assimilating.// e.g., ''
Unassimilated = (adjective) (especially of a people, an idea, or a culture) not
absorbed or integrated into a wider society or culture, e.g., The peoples (‘people’ is a
countable, plural noun) remain distinct and unassimilated.// e.g., Unassimilated
migrants from the countryside.// e.g., As a former professor, Bazerman would not have been representative of
German Jewry (= Jews collectively) had he been depicted as unassimilated.//
e.g., ‘I
know that many European countries already have major problems with large unassimilated
minorities.’
Discourse (pronounced a) noun: ˈdɪskɔːs b) verb: dɪsˈkɔːs) =
a) (noun) (pronounced ˈdɪskɔːs) Written or spoken communication or debate.// (mass noun) e.g., The language of political discourse.//
(countable noun) e.g., An imagined discourse between two people.//
(countable noun) To have a formal
discussion of a topic in a speech or writing, e.g., A discourse on
critical theory. b) (verb; no object) (pronounced dɪsˈkɔːs) Speak or write authoritatively about a topic, e.g., He could discourse at great length on the history of Europe.///
Engage in conversation, e.g.,
She spent an hour discoursing with his
supporters.// e.g., He misses being in a classroom discoursing with
students.
Hamper = (verb with object) Hinder or impede the movement or progress of, e.g., Social services chiefs have warned that plans to boost the number of adoptions could be hampered by lack of staff (= personnel).// e.g., Their work is hampered by lack of funds.// e.g., The police organized several cranes to tow away (1) vehicles in the area that were hampering the movement of the firefighters (1 word).
(1) tow away
= pull another vehicle or boat along with a rope, chain, or tow bar.
Tamper = Tamper with something = (intransitive verb) To touch or change something when you should not, especially when this is illegal, e.g., ‘I could see immediately that the lock had been tampered with.’ // e.g., Tampering with pipelines could result in ruptures or fires (**) for the first 2 examples).// e.g., They pleaded guilty to tampering with a government record.// e.g., There were not many employees who had the opportunity and capability of tampering with the products./// (intransitive verb)To touch or change something without permission or without enough knowledge of how it works, e.g., ‘Don’t tamper with the boiler’ (^^).// e.g., Some people believe that tampering with nature is intrinsically wrong, and others maintain that inserting plant genes in animals, or vice versa, is immoral. You may read Nature’s article at https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732
Tackle = (transitive verb) Make determined
efforts to deal with a problem or difficult task, e.g., Police have launched an initiative to tackle
rising crime.// e.g., To date, Maryland has successfully tackled
the issue of transferring an occupational associate’s degree./// e.g., Ways
to tackle stress.// e.g., The agreement aims to tackle
greenhouse (1 word) gas emissions and limit the increase in global
temperature (from the media).
Ambiguity (pronounced ˌæm.bɪˈɡjuː.ə.ti) = (mass
noun) (plural = ambiguities) Uncertainty or inexactness of meaning in
language// The quality of being open to more than one interpretation, e.g., We can detect no ambiguity in this section of the
Act (= a written ordinance of
Congress or another legislative body; a statute).// (countable noun) e.g., Ambiguities
in such questions are potentially very dangerous.// e.g., Since there is no ambiguity or uncertainty, the application of this
rule does not arise.
Ambiguous (pronounced æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs) = (adjective) Having or expressing more than one possible meaning, sometimes intentionally, e.g., His reply to my question was somewhat ambiguous.// e.g., The wording (1) of the agreement is ambiguous.// e.g., The government has been ambiguous on this issue (^^).
(1)
Wording = the words used to express something; the way in which something is
expressed.
Unambiguous (ʌnamˈbɪɡjʊəs) = (adjective) not open to more than one interpretation, e.g., Instructions should be unambiguous.// e.g., Within task sections, offices are arranged in a clear hierarchy with unambiguous chains of command.// e.g., Mr. Blair has unambiguous evidence, now is the time to share it.// e.g., The minister promised a clear and unambiguous statement on the future of the coal industry.
Dubious (pronounced ˈdʒuː.bi.əs in British English and ˈduː.bi.əs in North American English) = (adjective) Thought not to be completely true or not able to be trusted, e.g., These claims are dubious and not scientifically proven.// e.g., He has been associated with some dubious characters.// e.g., Ruth Ellis has the dubious (= bad) distinction of being the last woman to be hanged in Britain./// Feeling doubt or not feeling certain; doubtful, e.g., The team had the dubious distinction of ranking 32nd in the league.// e.g., ‘I am dubious about his promises to change his ways.’/// Not to be trusted, or not completely moral, e.g., A dubious character (^^).
Denounce = (verb with object) publicly declare something to be wrong or evil, e.g., The Assembly denounced the use of violence.// e.g., He was widely denounced as a traitor.// e.g., He is brought to jail; she publicly denounces him, and the court sentences him to 8 months in prison.// e.g., The government called on the group to denounce the use of violence.// e.g., The film was denounced for the way it portrayed its female characters.// e.g., They denounced him as a bigot (mentioned below).// e.g., ‘Others might cry or get bent out of shape when their personal tastes are denounced and ridiculed, but not him…’ (David Sedaris) ((***) for the previous 4 examples)./// Inform against, e.g., The high priest denounced him to the King for heresy.// e.g., Survivors were denounced as traitors and suffered severe discrimination.// e.g., He was denounced as a traitor, that is, by criminals.// e.g., He was denounced to the authorities ((***) for the previous example).
Decry = (verb with object) Publicly denounce, e.g., They decried human rights abuses.// e.g., The bill’s (bill = a draft of a proposed law presented to parliament for discussion) critics decried it as a denigration (= the action of unfairly criticizing someone or something) of traditional marriage.// e.g., ‘Not that I am decrying the ability of those chosen.’
Prejudice (pronounced ˈpredʒədɪs)
= (noun) Preconceived
opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience, e.g., ‘It’s not a
bunch of theory I've cooked up based on my own prejudices.’ // e.g., Prejudice against foreigners/ migrants.//
(countable noun) e.g., Deep-rooted class prejudices.// Dislike, hostility, or unjust behavior deriving from
preconceived and unfounded opinions,
e.g., Accusations of racial prejudice./// Harm or injury that results or may result from some action or
judgment, e.g., Prejudice resulting from delay in the institution of the
proceedings./// (Verb) Give rise to prejudice
in someone; make biased, e.g., The statement
might prejudice the jury./// Cause harm to a state
of affairs, e.g., Delay will likely prejudice the child’s welfare.
Bigot (pronounced ˈbɪɡət) = (noun) A person who is obstinately (1) or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance.// Synonym = dogmatist. // e.g., He was labeled a bigot after making offensive comments.// e.g., ‘A bigot is a hater, she said. A bigot hates Catholics. A bigot hates Jews. … It is no sin to be poor, she said. It is a sin to be a bigot. Don’t ever be one of them.’ (Pete Hamill; A Drinking Life) (***) // e.g., ‘Don’t let a few small-minded bigots destroy the good image of the city.’// e.g., He was a fanatical bigot.
(1) obstinate (pronounced ˈɒb.stɪ.nət) = stubbornly refusing to change
one’s opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to
do so.
Bigotry = (mass noun) Intolerance towards
those who hold different opinions from oneself.// Synonym = Prejudice
(pronounced ˈpredʒədɪs).//
e.g., The difficulties of combating prejudice and bigotry.//
e.g., He never reacted with hatred or bigotry.// e.g., His
article amounts to pure opinionated bigotry.
Jingoism
(pronounced dʒɪŋɡəʊɪz(ə)m) = (mass noun; derogatory) Extreme patriotism,
especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy; e.g., The popular jingoism that swept the lower–middle
classes.// e.g., ‘So it would be a mistake to allow, by default,
jingoism to become synonymous with patriotism and the American spirit.’ // e.g., ‘But do any American governors
actually believe in this sort of jingoism, or do they just affect to do so
for political purposes?’ [My comment: an example of jingoism is the one that impregnates most American war movies. Additionally, many Americans have a sense of jingoism. It is not patriotism, but going one step further].
Xenophobia
(pronounced ˌzen.əˈfəʊ.bi.ə) = (noun) Intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries e.g., ‘If categorization and bias come so
easily, are people doomed to xenophobia and racism?’ /// Xenophobic
(adjective) e.g., There have been outbursts of xenophobic violence.
Rife (pronounced rʌɪf) =
(adjective) (predicative) (especially of
something undesirable) Of common occurrence; widespread, e.g., Male chauvinism was rife in medicine.//
e.g., Sexual harassment is rife.//
Rife with = full of, e.g., The streets were rife with rumor and
fear.// e.g., Many civilians
will claim the judiciary (1), like the rest of the government, is rife
with corruption./// (Adverb) In an unchecked or widespread manner, e.g., Speculation ran rife that he was an arms dealer.//
e.g., Rumors ran wild and rife, but
the band would not play together again until 1993.
(1) Judiciary = the
judicial authorities of a country; judges collectively.
Instigator (pronounced ˈɪnstɪɡeɪtə ) = (noun) A person who brings about or initiates something; an initiator.// e.g., He was not the instigator of the incident.//
e.g., Any instigators of violence will be punished.// e.g., The author implies that the means of understanding
the causes of violence and the motivations of its instigators lie in
the study of the previous 14 centuries.
Incisive (pronounced ɪnˈsʌɪsɪv) = (adjective) (of a person or mental process) Intelligently analytical and clear-thinking, e.g., He was an incisive critic.// e.g., Consider this incisive analysis of the Whitewater investigation.// e.g., These traits have made him one of the liveliest and most incisive intellectuals in the US./// (of an account) Accurate and sharply focused, e.g., The songs offer incisive pictures of American ways.// e.g., Its impact is enhanced by incisive writing and compelling evidence in profusion./// (of an action) Quick and direct, e.g., The most incisive move of a tight match.// e.g., After a scrappy start, both teams settled down, with Manchester producing a series of incisive moves.
Wording
(pronounced ˈwɜː.dɪŋ) = (noun) The choice and meaning of the words used when you say or write
something, e.g., He agreed that the wording of
the advertisement was unnecessarily offensive, and it was changed.///
e.g., ‘We don't know the exact/ precise wording of the agreement’
(*).
Absurd (pronounced əbˈsəːd) = (adjective) Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate, e.g., The allegations are patently (1) absurd.// e.g., In my view, his evidence is patently absurd, unreasonable, and not remotely believable./// Arousing amusement or derision (2); ridiculous, e.g., ‘It may look absurd, but having a treadmill desk could improve your attention span.’ // e.g., It’s an absurd situation – neither of them will talk to the other.// e.g., ‘Don’t be so absurd! Of course, we want you to come to the party.’ /// (noun) The absurd = an absurd, e.g., The following incidents bordered on the absurd.
(1) patently (pronounced ˈpeɪ.tənt.li) = in a clear way.
(2) derision (pronounced dɪˈrɪʒ.(ə)n) = the situation in which someone or something is laughed at and considered stupid or of no value, e.g., They treated his suggestion with derision.// e.g., His speech was met with hoots/howls of derision.// e.g., Talk of tougher laws was met with derision (*).
Merit (pronounced ˈmer.ɪt) = (noun) the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward, e.g., Music composers of outstanding merit.// e.g., Civil servants should be recruited on merit alone./// A good feature or point, e.g., The relative merits of both approaches, have to be considered./// A passing grade in an examination denoting above-average performance, e.g., ‘If you expect to pass, why not go for merit or a distinction?’/// (verb) Deserve or be worthy of reward, punishment, or attention, e.g., The results have been encouraging enough to merit further investigation.// e.g., By now, the trend is prominent enough to have merited a New York Times Magazine cover story./// Merits = (noun) (Law) The intrinsic rights and wrongs of a case, outside of any other considerations, e.g., A plaintiff (1) who has a good arguable case on the merits./// Judge/ consider something on its merits = (phrase) assess something solely with regard to its intrinsic quality rather than other external factors, e.g., A proposal should be judged on its merits when it comes forward for approval.
(1) plaintiff (pronounced ˈpleɪn.tɪf) =
a person who brings a case against another in a court of law.
Meritocracy = (noun) Government or the holding of power by people selected according
to merit (= the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so
as to deserve praise or reward), e.g., Progress towards meritocracy was slow.// e.g., A
good focus for a discussion of meritocracy, reverse discrimination, innate
abilities, cultural prejudice, etc./// A society governed by people selected according to merit, e.g., Britain is a
meritocracy, and everyone with skill and imagination may aspire to reach the
highest level./// A ruling or
influential class of educated or able people e.g., The governing
class, defended as a meritocracy, resembles nothing more than the Chinese
mandarinate.
Mediocre (pronounced ˌmiːdɪˈəʊkə)=
(adjective) Of moderate or low quality,
value, ability, or performance: ordinary, so–so, e.g., The dinner was delicious, but the dessert was mediocre.//
e.g., The carpenter did a mediocre job (***) .// e.g., He is an enthusiastic if mediocre painter.//
e.g., His system turns mediocre
players into good ones and good
players into great ones.
Mediocrity =
(noun) The quality or state
of being mediocre (mentioned
above), e.g., ‘Came to terms (= come to accept a new and painful or
difficult event or situation) with his mediocrity.’/// Moderate ability or value, e.g., Fed up with the mediocrity of the local schools./// A mediocre person, e.g., A most intelligent middle-aged mediocrity (Oscar
Wilde) (***).
Utilitarian = (adjective) Designed to be useful or practical rather than
attractive, e.g., A utilitarian building.// e.g., Grips on
any handgun can be works of art or strictly utilitarian objects that
fulfill a need.// e.g., Craftsmen
survived by producing souvenirs rather than utilitarian objects
Utilitarianism = (noun) The doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for
the benefit of a majority, e.g., Rule
utilitarianism holds that a behavioral code or rule is morally right if the
consequences of adopting that rule are more favorable than unfavorable to
everyone./// The doctrine that an
action is right in so far as it promotes happiness and that the greatest
happiness of the greatest number should be the guiding principle of conduct, e.g., One version of
utilitarianism holds that a good way of increasing total happiness is to bring
into the world more happy people.
Content (vs) Context
Content [pronounced: a) Noun: i) The things
that are held or included in something: pronounced ˈkɒntɛnt.
ii) A state of satisfaction: pronounced
kənˈtɛnt. b) Adjective and verb: kənˈtɛnt] = (noun) (also contents) (pronounced ˈkɒntɛnt) The things that are held or included in something, e.g., He unscrewed the top of the flask and drank
the content./// The amount of a
particular constituent occurring in a substance, e.g., Soy milk has a low-fat content./// A list of the chapters or selections given at the front of a
book or periodical, e.g., The contents page./// The material dealt in a speech, literary work, etc. as distinct
from its form or style, e.g., The tone, if not the content, of her book, is
familiar./// (noun) (pronounced kənˈtɛnt) A state of
satisfaction, e.g., The greater part of the century was a time of content.// e.g., ‘We were
content to coexist in peace, but you could not have it so!’// e.g., We had to content ourselves with watching the sea lions
from the shore
((**) for this example)./// A member of the British House of Lords who
votes for a particular motion./// (adjective) (pronounced kənˈtɛnt) In a state of peaceful happiness, e.g., He seemed more content, less bitter.///
Satisfied; willing to accept something, e.g. He had to be
content with 3rd place./// (verb) (pronounced kənˈtɛnt)
Satisfy someone, e.g., Nothing would content her apart from going to
London./// Content oneself with = accept as adequate
despite wanting more or better, e.g., ‘We contented ourselves with a few small purchases.’
Context = (noun) The circumstances that form the setting for an event,
statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood, e.g., The proposals need to be considered in
the context of new European directives.// e.g., ‘It takes longer to explain
our context so you can understand the impact of such thing in our
culture.’// The parts of something
written or spoken that immediately precede and follow a word or passage and
clarify its meaning, e.g., Skilled readers use context to construct meaning from
words as they are read.// e.g., Numerous ((pronounced ˈnjuː.mə.rəs)
= many) grammatical items can only be understood if the context is taken
into account./// In context = considered together
with the surrounding words or circumstances, e.g., The complex meaning of irony is only graspable in
context./// Out of context = without the
surrounding words or circumstances and so not fully understandable, e.g., The article portrayed her as
domineering by dropping quotes from her out of context.
Tangible (pronounced ˈtæn.dʒə.b(ə)l) = (adjective) Perceptible by touch, e.g., The atmosphere of neglect and abandonment was almost tangible.// e.g., Tangible asset./// (noun) A thing perceptible by touch, e.g., Even in the straight world of economics, where production and tangibles were once central, indices (1) of happiness, creativity, and other non-material values have taken center stage./// Real and not imaginary; able to be shown, touched, or experienced, e.g., ‘We need tangible evidence if we are going to take legal action.’ // e.g., Other tangible benefits include an increase in salary and shorter working hours ((^^^) for the last definition).
(1) indices (pronounced ˈɪn.dɪ.siːz) = plural of index.
Secular (pronounced ˈsek.jə.lə(r)) = (adjective) Denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis, e.g., Secular buildings.// e.g., We live in an increasingly secular society, in which religion has less and less influence on our daily lives.// e.g., Secular education.// e.g., A secular state ((^^^) for the previous 3 examples)./// (of a fluctuation or trend) occurring or persisting over an indefinitely long period, e.g., There is evidence that the slump (1) is not cyclical (2) but secular.
(1) slump = a sudden severe or prolonged fall in the price, value, or amount of something.
(2) cyclical (or cyclic) (pronounced ˈsaɪ.klɪ.kəl or ˈsɪk.lɪ.kəl)
= occurring in cycles; recurrent.
Impregnate (pronounced ˈɪm.preɡ.neɪt in British English and ɪmˈpreɡ.neɪt in North American English) (verb (the noun is impregnation; pronounced ɪmprɛɡˈneɪʃ(ə)n) = (verb) Soak or saturate something with a substance. Synonym = infuse. e.g., Wood that had been impregnated with preservatives.// eg., The (face) mask is impregnated with ginseng, vitamin E, aloe vera, and green tea./// Fill with a feeling or quality, e.g., An atmosphere impregnated with tension.// e.g., It was just really impregnated with this horrible atmosphere.
Discord (pronounced ˈdɪs.kɔːd) (the
opposite is ‘accord,’
pronounced əˈkɔːd) = (noun) (uncountable) (pronounced ˈdɪs.kɔːd) Disagreement between people, e.g., A prosperous family who showed no
signs of discord.// e.g., However, their
understanding did not prevent discord between the inconsistent emperor and his
subjects.// e.g., The
condition is also linked with drug and alcohol abuse, memory problems, family
discord, and inability to function in social life./// Lack of agreement or harmony between things, e.g., The discord between indigenous and Western cultures.//
e.g., There is racial discord and
disharmony among ethnic groups in our country.// e.g., As reasons for misunderstanding or discord diminish,
both cultures will realize greater rewards.///
(verb; no object) (archaic) (of people) Disagree, e.g., ‘We discorded commonly on two points.’//
e.g., The Frenchmen, however, discording with
the English, departed and left
Captain Morgan and his countrymen to seek fortune in their own way.///
(of things) Be different or in disharmony, e.g., The party’s
views were apt to (= having a tendency to do something) discord with
those of the leading members of the administration.// e.g., ‘Exactly because of that reason, I will need to
discord with the part of the article defending that companies are
able to ‘create’ needs within customers.’
Subvert (pronounced səbˈvəːt)
= (verb with object) Undermine the power and
authority of an established system or institution, e.g., An attempt to subvert the democratic
government.// e.g., ‘Are
we to save our democratic systems by subverting them?’ // e.g., By
showing how easy it is to subvert the system, the fear goes away.//
e.g., The institution is successfully subverted from its institutional
purpose and is converted into a private enterprise.
Subversion = (mass noun) The undermining of the power and authority of an established system or institution, e.g., The ruthless subversion of democracy.// e.g., A 10-year sentence for inciting (1) subversion./// (countable noun) e.g., Subversions of conventional morality.// e.g., If those protests lead to constitutionally questionable successions (2), it becomes a subversion of democracy.
(1) incite = encourage or stir up violent or unlawful behavior.
(2) succession = the action or process of inheriting a title, office, property, etc.
Subversive (pronounced
səbˈvɜː.sɪv) (not related to
‘submissive’) = (adjective) Seeking or intended to subvert an established system
or institution, e.g., Subversive literature.// e.g., He has even banned subversive activities
such as opera, ballet, and the circus.// e.g., Then came the fun of the
1950s with comic books being called subversive Communist propaganda.//
e.g., The family has become a subversive
institution - almost an underground conspiracy - at war with the state and the state-sponsored
culture./// (noun) A subversive person, e.g., By now known as a subversive and
revolutionary, Karl Marx was expelled from Paris at the request of
the Prussian authorities.// e.g., By the term subversives, they mean trade
unionists, socialists, and other campaigners.
Endeavour (endeavor in North American English) (to) (pronounced enˈdev.ə(r)) = (verb; no object, with infinitive) Try hard to do or achieve something, e.g., She is endeavoring to help the Third World.//
e.g., Engineers are endeavoring to locate the source of
the problem ((^^^) for the last
example)./// (noun) An attempt
to do something, e.g.,
In spite of (or despite) our best endeavors, it has proven
impossible to contact him.// e.g., Crossing the North Pole on
foot was an amazing feat of human endeavor.// e.g., Artistic
endeavor ((^^) for the definition as a noun).
Abundant (pronounced əˈbʌnd(ə)nt)
= (adjective) Existing or available in large
quantities; plentiful, e.g., There was abundant
evidence to support the theory.// e.g., It is a region with
abundant natural resources (for this example). Abundant in = (adjective) Having plenty of, e.g., The riverbanks were abundant in beautiful wild
plants./// Abundantly (adverb) e.g., The
plant grows abundantly in woodland.// e.g., ‘You have made your feelings
abundantly clear (= very clear)’ ((^^) for
the definition as an adverb).
Accord
(pronounced əˈkɔːd) = (noun) An
official agreement or treaty
(mentioned below),
e.g., The two leaders signed a peace
accord.// e.g., Before 1987, the accord between the Labor
government and the unions was a simple affair./// (mass noun) Agreement or harmony, e.g., The project is completely in accord with government
policy ((^^^) for the examples). Of your own accord = If you do something of your own accord, you do
it without being asked to do it, e.g., He
came of his own accord. No one asked him to come./// With one accord = If people do something with one accord, they do
it together and in complete agreement, e.g.,
With one accord, the delegates (1) walked out of the conference ((^^)
for the last 2 definitions)./// (verb) To treat
someone specially, usually by showing respect, e.g., (+ two objects) The massed crowds of
supporters accorded him a hero’s welcome.// e.g., Certainly, in our
society, teachers don’t enjoy the respect that is accorded to doctors and
lawyers ((*) for this definition and examples)./// Accord with = (verb, no object) (of a concept or fact) be harmonious or
consistent with; e.g., His views
accorded well with those of Merilyn.
(1) delegate = a person sent or authorized to represent others, in particular, an elected representative sent to a conference.
Treaty (pronounced ˈtriː.ti) = (noun) A formally concluded and ratified (mentioned below) agreement between countries, e.g., The prince represents Monaco in its foreign relations and signs and ratifies treaties.// e.g., A peace treaty.// e.g., The Treaty on European Union (EU)./// (+ to-infinitive) e.g., ‘We have signed/ concluded a treaty with neighboring states to limit emissions of harmful gases’ ((^^^) for the last 3 examples).
Ratify (pronounced ˈratɪfʌɪ) = (verb with object) (ratifies, ratified, ratifying) Sign or give formal consent to a treaty (mentioned
above), contract, or
agreement, making it officially valid, e.g., Both countries were due to ratify the treaty by the
end of the year.// e.g., The US government hasn’t ratified this agreement yet.
Conversely = (adverb) introducing a statement or idea which
reverses one that has just been made or referred to; e.g., Conversely, to drive unpredictably is to drive dangerously.// e.g.,
This conversely means that hundreds of events never even register in
awareness.// e.g., The same is true with salty food, just
as, conversely, the less sugar or salt we eat, the more sensitive we become to
their presence.
Reckon (pronounced ˈrɛk(ə)n) = (verb with object) Establish by counting or calculation; calculate; e.g., His debts were reckoned at $150,000.// e.g., The Byzantine year was reckoned from 1 September./// Reckon someone/ something among = include someone or something in a class or group; e.g., The society can reckon males of the royal blood among its members.// e.g., Forrest McDonald wrote in 1994 that ‘it is my personal belief, that someday (1 word) he will be reckoned among the ‘great’ or ‘near great’ presidents.’ /// (informal) (with clause) Be of the opinion, e.g., He reckons that the army should pull out entirely.// e.g., ‘I reckon I can manage that.’ .// e.g., Additionally, some experts reckon that many Britons have lost their basic kitchen skills! //// (verb with object and complement) Consider or regard in a specified way; e.g., The event was reckoned a failure.// e.g., Her first novel, published in 1997, was reckoned to be one of the finest literary debuts (1) of the decade.//// Reckon on/to = (verb; no object) Have a specified view or opinion; e.g., ‘What do you reckon on this place?’ he asked.// e.g., ‘First of all, what do you reckon to the Champions League draw?’ (2)./// (verb with object) (UK English) Rate highly, e.g., 'I don’t reckon her chances.’ // e.g., Peter could play three chords on his nylon-stringed guitar, and Paul had a sense of rhythm, so we reckoned our chances of a stab at fame and fortune./// Reckon on = (verb; no object) Rely on or be sure of; e.g., They had reckoned on a day or two more of privacy.// e.g., ‘We’re reckoning on a two-year project this time.’/// (informal) (with infinitive) Expect to do a particular thing; e.g., He comes to town to shop for various goods and reckons to add a wife to that goods list! // e.g., He reckons saving about $100 a year on parking in town in this way./// To be reckoned with (or 'to reckon with') = a thing or person that is not to be ignored or underestimated; e.g., The trade unions were a political force to be reckoned with.// e.g., The vitality of the Vietnamese economy and its superb growth rates are making Vietnam an economic force to be reckoned with./// Reckon with (or without) = (phrasal verb) take (or fail to take) into account; e.g., They hadn’t reckoned with a visit from Sarah.// e.g., ‘Unfortunately, we had reckoned without the New York weather, which decided to bucket down with rain all morning.’ //// Reckon with = (phrasal verb) settle accounts with, e.g., God sees the sin of his own people and will reckon with them for it.
(2) draw= a game that ends with the score even; a tie.
Aptitude = (noun) a natural ability or skill; e.g., My son has no/ little aptitude for sport.// e.g., We will take your personal aptitudes and abilities into account (^^).// e.g., Foreign language aptitude.// e.g., Children with an aptitude for painting and drawing.//// A natural tendency, e.g., The aptitude of this society to assimilate (1) new elements.// e.g., It targets talented Year 10 students with an aptitude for the enterprise.// e.g., ‘Except sometimes I completely lose my inborn aptitude for sleeping excessively long stretches.’
(1) assimilate = take in information, ideas, or culture and understand fully.
Avoiding common mistakes in the Essay (examples)
I have graduated in biology (not ‘graduated biology’). The studies should match (not
‘match to’) the student’s (not ‘interests’). They
say that only with medical, IT (= information technology), and law
studies will someone (not ''someone will'') stand a chance of
finding (not ‘to find) a job. Apparently, when someone
studies something that they do (not ‘τηατ does’) not like,
with the only incentive (= motivation) to have increased chances to
find a job, it means that he/she (or ‘he or she’ or ‘they’) will
practice an occupation that may not fit his/her (or ‘their’) interests (not ‘interest’).
Contrary to the past/ On the contrary, today, the
family’s role is less important. The family (not ‘Family’ without ‘the’; here, ‘the family’ is regarded as an
institution) throughout human history played a significant role in
society. Family supports the children financially until
adulthood (not ‘their adulthood’). However, it often
intervenes in people’s lives (not ‘peoples' life’), causing
indignation (= resentment, anger) and quarrels.
On our social media, such
as Facebook (not ‘the Facebook’, as we speak generally),
we communicate (not ‘we feedback’ as it is not a verb and also does not fit
here) with our virtual/cyber friends (don’t write ''mutual friends''). Most people today have internet (not ‘an internet,’ as here we
speak generally) access (beware of the typo ‘assess’).
But many (people) neglect to communicate with real friends or date (not
‘date with’) a partner. Staying online may be a wasteful
squandering of time that often can lead to addiction.
Contemporary kids fritter their time away on the internet, neglecting physical
workouts. People who endlessly/ aimlessly stay online usually neglect socializing with real individuals, and this may render them introverted and isolated (not
‘isolate’ or ‘introvert’ as here we use it as an adjective)
There should be a global agreement aiming to decrease greenhouse
(1 word) gas emissions
so that we can limit (not ‘so to limit’)/ tackle global warming. The governments need to pass new laws/ legislation on
protecting the environment/ need to tackle the pollution of the
environment by passing new laws (not ‘a new law’)/
new legislation. If they neglect to do so (to introduce new legislation), then the
situation (not ‘then things’) may be rendered irreversible.
Young people are familiar with (not ‘familiarized themselves’) the internet and
online tools. The discovery/ advent (= the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event) of
computers was a major turning point in modern history (not
‘the modern history’). Contemporary applications of
computers (not ‘applies,' as ‘apply’ is a verb) include the interactive
whiteboard in school classrooms that has
replaced the old-fashioned blackboard (on which we write with chalk)
Parents should not be authoritarian but show
love and understanding/ compassion. They should not be condescending (= having or showing a feeling of patronizing
superiority). Parents should openly admit their mistakes.
Additionally, they should avoid heavy criticism as
children that experience heavy criticism tend to criticize others (not ‘the
others’) when they grow up.
Aristotle, referring to young boys of his time, says that they (the young) are presumptuous (= show little respect for others (^^)) and impudent ((pronounced ˈɪm.pjə.dənt) = rude and not
showing respect, especially towards someone who is older or in a more important
position (^^)), not showing (do not write 'paying
respect')/ lacking respect to adults (not ‘the
adults’). The same phenomenon/ trend/ norm of an impertinent (=
not showing proper respect; rude) and insolent ((pronounced ˈɪn.səl.ənt) = showing a rude and
arrogant lack of respect)) youth is prevalent today as well!
Some people may seek oblivion (= the state of being unaware or unconscious of
what is happening) from (not ‘oblivion of’) their
miserable life by abusing 'psychedelic' drugs that drive
them to a world of illusion/ oblivion.
Undoubtedly (pronounced ʌnˈdɑʊ·t̬ɪd·li; we do not
pronounce the ‘b’ here), during the last years, populism is gaining
ground over political parties. It increases the chances of politicians
to gain (not ‘to raise in’) power. Populism originates from
(not ‘originates to’) the lack of a proper/ broad education (not
‘wide education’ as wide is usually used to define space) of the mass
that consequently is more prone to it. Education begins
with primary school (not ‘the primary school’ as we speak generally). Populism
is based on the lower instincts of the people who enjoy being flattered
and having their personal (not ‘personally’) responsibility
removed. Removing their responsibility and casting it (better than
‘throwing it’ that is more colloquial) somewhere else is a characteristic of
populism. Populism is a drawback even for economies. In Greece,
the populist leader of the socialist party who ruled the country during
the 1980s hired about 25 percent of the working population as public servants
(= persons who work in the public sector, i.e., for the government) to earn votes (not ‘earn votes so that’) to remain in power, not minding that
the country would (not ‘the country will’ as it is like a
conditional) inevitably become bankrupt because of the hydrocephalic
public sector (not ‘public section’)
The economy's growth in countries with younger populations (not ‘younger population’ – also, the population is a countable noun +
singular/plural verb) is boosted. These countries have a working population
of young individuals who can find a job abroad, all over the world
(not ‘in all over the world’). In fact, people in developing
countries can work in a developed country regardless
of their salary (not ‘regardless their salary’). These people
have a better (not ‘a higher’) chance to be hired by the indigenous
population that is aged enough or reluctant to apply for
(here ‘apply to’ does not fit, as we ‘apply for a job’) a manual
labor post. [My comment: most people in developed countries have a bunch of degrees
and seek an office rather than manual work, even though they have fewer
chances to find a decent job in their field! (we write ‘fewer
chances’ and not ‘less’ as ‘chances’ is a countable noun)].
Developing countries have a higher ratio (pronounced ˈreɪ.ʃi.əʊ) of
younger adults compared to older (not ‘compared to an
older population’). Thus, in the developing world where the
proportion of the young (not ‘younger’) compared to the elderly
is enough (not ‘right enough’) so that the insurance cost of younger
workers is sufficient (not ‘to be sufficient’) for the state to
pay the expenses of the elderly, meaning their health care (not ‘Medicare’
as this relates only to the USA!) and their pensions.
Capitalism, as an economic system, fulfills only the interests (not ‘the interest’) of
the financial Trusts and the speculators. It is not even to
the advantage of (not ‘at the advantage’) the
government’s economy. Capitalism is abundant ((adjective)= plentiful;
pronounced əˈbʌn.dənt) in disadvantages as it is
to the benefit of (not ‘of the benefit’) the
rich, rather than society (not ‘the society,’ as we are generally
speaking). The failure (not ‘the fail’) of capitalism as an
ideal financial system means an alternative should be sought (the verb is 'seek'). By keeping
shares in organizations, including utility services, such as (electric) power,
gas supply, and transportation, such as the railways (not ‘such as
railway’) the government will take part in the profits (not
‘take part at/from the profits’ – we always say take part/ participate in)
from these organizations (not ‘of these organizations’). In
communism, to put it simply (not ‘to put it simple’), idle and hard-working employees were paid the same wage, regardless of
their productivity (not ‘regardless their production’) and their level
of education. In e-democracy, also known as ‘internet democracy,’ people,
instead of taking part periodically in referendums
(not ‘at referendums’– we always say take part/ participate in), they
can take part immediately in the decisions (not ‘at the
decisions’ – remember: take part/participate in) of the state with
the aid of the internet. But a shortcoming (=
defect, fault, flaw) of this system is that it is rather a
political than a financial system (not ‘rather than a financial
system’). (My comment: you will never meet this theme as a topic because it is literally politically incorrect! I just tell it for the record!)
Most cities, such as London, Paris, and New York (not ‘the New York City’), are
cosmopolitan. But they should meet some special conditions for
people to live harmoniously (it is an adverb following the
verb ‘live’ – we do not write ‘harmonically, as it does not exist).
These problems originate from (not ‘originate to’) the isolation
of people from different cultures in neighborhoods that, in fact, are ghettoes.
Some specific conditions should exist so that the inhabitants of
different countries can be integrated (not ‘to be integrated’) and
not remain (not ‘not to remain’) unassimilated
[adjective; (= especially of a people, an idea, or a culture) not
absorbed or integrated into a wider society or culture]. Many countries,
including those in Southern Europe (not ‘South Europe’), were
unready to welcome and provide economic refugees with essential needs.
Of crucial importance is their incorporation in the
education system (not ‘to the education system’// also wrong is ‘the
educational system’). The expenses for education and health care
should be covered by the state, at least for migrants who cannot afford to
pay the cost of these (not ‘the cost for these’).
Vouchers can also be used/ (not ‘can be also used’) by
refugees, for instance, to buy supermarket goods. Migrants need to
find work (not ‘find a work’ as we do not speak about a specific work)/ a
job so as (not ‘so as that’) not to turn to illegal
ways of earning money. Special care should be given to fight racism,
such as with public-funded antiracist spots in the media and with cross-cultural
(not ‘cross culture’) events, including art performances and games
(My comment: here I gave my best to be politically correct!)
There is a controversy (pronounced ˈkɒn.trə.vɜː.si or kənˈtrɒv.ə.si)
on sharing all the available information or not (not ‘on
sharing or not all the available information’). Access to
information should be free, as this is mandatory for the
development of the academic world, scientific research, business, and
trade (not ‘the scientific research, the business, and the trade,’ as we are
generally speaking). There is a debate about whether (beware of
the typo ‘weather) information should be freely accessible (not
‘free accessible’ or ‘for free accessible’ – also beware of the typo ‘assessible’).
Many claim that everything should be shared publicly, and nothing should
be kept secret (not ‘nothing should kept secret’).
Information sometimes is too valuable to be shared.
For instance, it may involve patented (pronounced ˈpeɪtəntɪd
or ˈpætəntɪd) studies used by companies that are
not keen to share (not ‘keen to sharing’ as ‘to’ makes already a
bare infinitive with ‘to’) their patent with other companies. Information
based on scientific studies should not be free of charge, as when it is
chargeable, it funds research that is costly to undertake
(not ‘very costly to be held’). All data should be available to
everyone. Simply, this is how the (do not omit
‘the’) academic world works: by sharing information. This is especially
important to scientific research that is built on the foundations (not
‘on the ground’) of previous/ pre-existing (pronounced ˌpriː.ɪɡˈzɪs.tɪŋ)
studies.
Nowadays, an (do not omit ‘an’) unhealthy
diet is widespread in western countries and is also a worrying
(beware of the typo ‘warrying’) trend in the developing ones (not
‘in the developing’). Undoubtedly (pronounced ʌnˈdɑʊ·t̬ɪd·li; we do not pronounce the ‘b’
here), the effects of an unhealthy diet are considerable
for the individual, as well as society (not ‘the society,’ as we are
generally speaking). An (don’t omit ‘an’) unhealthy diet has
deleterious (= harmful) effects on individuals, as it leads to
obesity (pronounced əʊˈbiː.sə.ti) that is the cause
of myriads of infirmities (1) (or ‘a myriad of infirmities,’
but not ‘myriads infirmities’) that are a significant burden to the
expenditure of the health care system in treating them (not
‘on treating them’). Instead, this money could be spent more
productively, such as on education (not ‘in education,’ as we ‘spend money on’),
health care, and public investments. In some people, a ‘fat tax’ may act
even in the opposite way/ oppositely, as they may react with stubbornness
eating even more unhealthily (the adverb follows the
verb ‘eating’ – here, we do not write ‘unhealthy’). From/ to
my perspective, a ‘fat tax’ should exist and be implemented in
consumable goods. Everything taken into account/ consideration
(or Taking everything into account/ consideration), an unhealthy
diet has negative consequences (not
‘consequence’) to society (not ‘the society,’ as we are generally
speaking). In my opinion (not ‘To my opinion’)/ To my mind, the benefits from this tax outweigh (not
‘outweight’ as ‘weight’ is the noun and ‘weigh’ the verb – also ‘outweight’
does not exist) the claims that it is unfair and unnecessary.
(1) Infirmity = physical or mental weakness.
The advent (= the
arrival of something or someone notable) of the internet was a breakthrough/ a turning point in human history. It was not only (not
‘It not only was’) a way of immediate access (beware
of the typo ‘assess’) to information, but it has also changed the way/how we
communicate. The internet can even help someone find a partner. Some argue
that using social media to communicate is counterproductive, as
we have no real friends to hang out (hang out is a verb in North
American English) and talk/meet face-to-face. Things are made worse
(not ‘things are come worse’) when someone seeks a partner via social media,
as he or she (or ‘they’) haven’t (we use the plural as
it means they) got the chance to live communication. Some argue that the
internet is frittering our time away (not ''is
‘time-frittering''), as this communication is in front of a screen
(not ‘a device’s screen’) rather than live and direct. Moreover, a worrying
(beware of the typo ‘warrying’) trend is that profiles are not personalized
(or individualized), but often are fake, meaning you do not know to
whom you are speaking (not ‘speaking to’). There are many cases of
people lured (1) by perverted people, and their meeting ended up in
rape (not ‘to a rape’). In fact, a pedophile (or paedophile;
pronounced ˈpiː.də.faɪl in British English and ˈped.oʊ.faɪl
in North American English; ‘pedophilic’ doesn’t exist as an
adjective) can easily use the internet to seek/ lure/ snare victims. So, the
menace ((pronounced ˈmen.ɪs) = threat, danger) of
paedophilia (pronounced ˌpiː.dəˈfɪl.i.ə) on the internet
is a significant issue. Everything considered, the
internet has changed things in communication, as it has made it feasible (not
‘has rendered it feasible’) to chat with people from the four
corners of the world. The fact that many profiles lie
about (not ‘lie on’) their real identity questions the safety of
communicating via the internet, and this is of crucial
importance to minors (not ‘to minor’). In my
opinion (not ‘to my opinion’), the negative aspects outweigh
(not ‘outweight’ as ‘weight’ is the noun and ‘weigh’ the verb – also
‘outweight’ does not exist) the positive.
(1) Lure = tempt a person or an animal to do something or
to go somewhere, especially by offering some form of reward.
The internet has changed modern life in a way that may be
considered detrimental (= harmful) to everyone (not
‘detrimental’ alone, without an object), especially (not ‘especially
for’) the young due to the amount (not ‘due to amount’)
and the type of data that can access. It is not the internet harmful per
se (= (adverb) by or in itself), but the way we use it. There
are myriads of fake profiles over the web (not ‘Fake profiles are
myriad over the web’). You may come across (not ‘come
across to’) profile pictures that were tracked down on the internet
and belong to a (not ‘belong to different’ without 'a') different
person, for instance, a handsome male or an impressive female or even a celebrity. We should all wonder if it is
possible that most social media profiles have (not ‘to have’)
avatars of young, good-looking individuals.
A worrying trend is when biases and stereotypes are uttered
by the young (not ‘by young’ without 'the'). Using the internet unwisely has serious
repercussions (= consequences), especially for/on
(‘for’ here fits better; we do not write ‘especially to the young’) the
young. The data that people are bombarded with when they get
online can be questioned about (not ‘questioned for’) the
reliability and credibility of their sources. Information through
(not ‘throughout’) the internet travels at the speed of light.
Speaking for (not speaking of’) myself, (comma
here) I only trust information (not ‘I trust information only’) from
reliable sources.
A 48-hour (not 48-hours of’) weekly
working time frame was a major turning point in human
(not ‘human’s) history. Recently there has been a tendency
towards working flexible hours, especially fewer
(not ‘less hours,’ as ‘hours’ is a countable noun) than the
standard 48 weekly working hours. Some suggest that this
will be to (not ‘at the benefit’) the benefit of
the employees as they will have more spare time to spend engaging (not ‘spend at engaging’) in leisure activities. To
put this into perspective, I incline to the
opponents’ view that cutting working hours is
to (not ‘at the advantage’) the advantage of the
employers, but not of the employees who will now work for a lower wage. This will cause them frustration. The former will earn more
money, but the latter (pronounced ˈlæt.ə(r); =
denoting the second or second mentioned of two people or things) although they will work less time (we use ‘less’ as time is an uncountable noun) and will have
much more free time (not ‘pastime’), they will feel disappointed
by their pay cut.
The menace ((pronounced ˈmen.ɪs)
= threat or danger) of air pollution, water shortage, and desertification,
as well as accumulation of non-recyclable materials (not
‘unrecyclable’ or ‘not recyclable’), including plastic, and the climate
change, are all worrying issues. There are concerns that
the environmental catastrophe (pronounced kəˈtæs.trə.fi) may be irreversible
unless specific measures are taken to tackle its causes (not
‘tackle with its causes’). It is clear that the pre-existing accords (pronounced əˈkɔːds)=
official agreements or treaties) are
hampered (hamper = hinder or impede
the movement or progress of) by the reluctance to be
ratified (ratify = sign or give formal
consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid)
and implemented by all countries, especially the ones that contribute
the most to industrial pollution (not ‘to the industrial pollution,’ as
we are generally speaking) (My comment: such as the US, China, and
India). Emission of toxic fumes is
responsible for the greenhouse (1 word) effect that has deteriorated
(not ‘is deteriorated’) sharply because of the ozone reduction in
the atmosphere. It is of crucial importance to replace coal
energy with environmentally-friendly (not ‘friendly to
the environment’) alternatives, including renewable energy
such as wind, solar, biomass, wave, and tidal ((pronouncedˈtaɪ.dəl) = of, relating to, or affected by
tides) energy. Thus, there should be a global agreement to replace fossil fuels (not ‘fossil
fuel’) with (not ‘replace fossil fuels from’) alternative energy
sources, and this agreement to be implemented. The existing
measures are not enough, as it seems that neither the
great polluters pay for their contribution to pollution, nor will this
measure solve the problem (not ‘nor will this measure will not solve
the problem; here we have inversion) as the emission of
toxic fumes continues to exist. Plastic, as a material, has deleterious(=
harmful) effects on the
environment, and we should keep in mind that not only can it not
be recycled (not ‘not only it cannot be recycled;’ here
we have inversion), but also is a byproduct of
oil that we need to get rid of as a fossil fuel. The
energy produced from composted trash is not green
energy, as it is based on combustion creating carbon dioxide again. However, it is acceptable if special filters are
used to retain smoke from combustion. It is necessary for
all countries to agree on (not ''to agree with'') specific
measures to tackle global warming (not ‘tackle with
global warming’) and environmental pollution. An accord should be ratified and implemented by all so as to guarantee (not ‘so to guarantee) that we
should put an end to (not ‘put an end on’) the destruction
of the environment. Otherwise, things will become irreversible, and
the destruction of our planet will include the human race/ humanity/
humans (not ‘will include human species’ // also, don’t use the term
‘mankind’ that is gender-biased language!) as we are an inseparable
part of the environment that we inhabit.
Nowadays, consumerism affects
modern humans to a great extent (not ‘extend’ as ‘extend’ is the verb and ‘extent’ is the noun).
The question if a strong desire to possess things
makes people less aware of important personal
qualities is a controversial one. In fact, materialism makes
people less keen to (here, ‘keen to’ fits better than ‘keen on’) adopt
moral values, including empathy and courtesy. Consumerism monopolizes
people’s lives, who struggle and even work overtime to buy and possess material
goods, such as smartphones (1 word), laptops, smart TVs, and others,
that supposedly make their owners feel happy. Although they may
be considered cheap, in fact, some of these gadgets (such as
iPhones) may be costly. Instead of being concerned
(not ‘instead of concerning’) about others, we
often feel them as rivals of (not ‘on’) our everlasting
race for materialism. Consumerism destroys human relationships
as it has a detrimental (= harmful or damaging) effect/impact on our relationship with the others/ are detrimental to our relationships with others. The competition for obtaining
material goods makes people reluctant to socialize with others. Materialism
deprives us of (not ‘deprives us from’) virtues
that are of crucial importance to society. This inhuman
behavior is against our nature as Aristotle used to say that a
human is a social animal (or ‘humans are social
animals’ (human is a countable noun; it may also be an adjective). Speaking
for myself, in my life, I have met plenty of people whose only
concern was to just get something from me or offer only when this was
mutual, rather than offering me something regardless of my counteroffer.
And this was very disappointing when it comes to (not ‘with’)
colleagues who are supposed to show genuine empathy. Consumerism has
serious repercussions (repercussion = an unintended consequence occurring sometime after an event or action,
especially an unwelcome one) on human (here ‘human’ is an
adjective) relations, and this can be explained by their rivalry for
possessing tangible (= perceptible
by touch) (or secular (pronounced ˈsek.jə.lə(r))
= denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or
spiritual basis)) rather than moral values. Materialism deprives us of
virtues, including concern and empathy for (or empathize with) others, which are
significant for creating bonds with our neighbors.
Nowadays, there are still people who cannot adapt to (not ‘adopt,’ as it doesn’t fit here) the
smartphone (1 word) craze and
prefer using less sophisticated mobile phones of previous generations
just to communicate, rather than using them for other purposes. Undoubtedly,
smartphones mean more than the voice communication that telephones
previously offered exclusively. A smartphone may offer a
myriad (or ‘myriads’) applications that can be used
for (not ‘used in’) various purposes. It seems that
most people today are familiar with smartphone technology
and consider it as a mandatory gadget that they
cannot live without (not ‘without this’). There is a population,
including the ‘old guard,’ that is less familiar with technology
and has difficulty even using (not ‘to use,’ as ‘difficulty’ goes
with a gerund, i.e. -ing verb, e.g., difficultly doing/using) a computer.
Especially the elderly are apt to (apt + infinitive = tending to do something) use older
technology that for younger individuals may seem obsolete (=
out of date, outdated). Many people, especially people over
retirement age (i.e., over 67 years old), prefer using an older model
of a mobile phone, as a smartphone would be too complicated to use effectively. Additionally, not all young people own a smartphone,
as some prefer older conventional mobile phones (we
used a comma here), and this comprises a significant number but are
surely fewer (we say ‘fewer people’ as it is a plural
noun) than people of older age who are unaccustomed
to smartphone technology. However, not adapting (not
‘adopting,’ as it doesn’t fit here) to smartphone technology has
greater implications for a young person as contemporary
life is built around (not built in’) this
technology. People who are not used to the latest apps may be considered as
technologically (it is an adverb, used here after the verb
‘considered’) ignorant, having a form of high-tech ‘illiteracy’
(= the inability to read or write; here means lack of knowledge in a particular subject; ignorance). This is especially important to their relationship with others. Today, socializing is based on social media and various other applications
that are easily accessible (beware of the typo
‘assessible’ that has a different meaning) by smartphones. Today many
people chat with friends on the internet, and smartphones are a way of keeping
them ‘24/7’ online. Speaking for (not speaking of’) myself, I
recall in the past my tenacious (1) persistence of using
(not ‘to use,’ we prefer a gerund here) an old model mobile phone, as my
view was that you need to have an expensive well-known smartphone brand to take
advantage of its facilities. People who are not familiar with
smartphones may feel frustrated, as they are deprived of
(not ‘deprived from’) a technology that is considered
essential not just to communicate but also to interact with other
individuals.
(1) tenacious = holding tightly onto something or keeping an
opinion in a determined way (*))
Reference
(Retrieved: March 18, 2017 – April 21, 2018):
The definitions without a symbolic mark at the end are
taken from the 'Google translator or the Oxford dictionary
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/
It should be noted that the definition of the words, as
well as the examples, in the Oxford dictionary
(https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/) are also used by the 'Google translator'
meaning that they are available to the public via the 'Google translator'
separately
Oxford online dictionary
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/ (for
all the words except the (*) and for all the examples except the (**)))
Cambridge Advanced Learning Dictionary, paperback with
CD-ROM, 4th edition, edited by Colin McIntosh, Cambridge University Press, 2013
(^^) (^^^ for the examples)
Cambridge online dictionary
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/ (*) ((**) for the examples)
Merriam – Webster (US English) online dictionary
https://www.merriam-webster.com/ (***)
((^) for the examples)
The Free Dictionary by Farlex (online)
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ (****)
Urban Dictionary http://www.urbandictionary.com/ (#)
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page (*****)
‘Google translation’ and Google explanation
Longman Dictionary (online) on
http://www.ldoceonline.com/
Collins dictionary (online) on
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/
Your dictionary http://www.yourdictionary.com/
Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/
Images are tracked down on ‘Goggle images’
My own definition! (in a few words)
From the ‘BBC’ (international) and the ‘Deutsche Welle’
(international; English version) TV channels (news and reports, as well as
documentaries), the ‘CNN’ site, the ‘Animal Planet site, and the ‘National
Geographic site.
Reference – Links
(Retrieved February 16, 2017):
https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_writingskills/writing_tuts/linking_LL/linking3.html
https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_WritingSkills/writing_pdf/Linking%20words%20and%20phrases.pdf
http://library.bcu.ac.uk/learner/writingguides/1.33.htm
http://ieltsliz.com/linking-words-for-writing/
http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/Transitions.html
http://www.essayzone.co.uk/blog/how-to-begin-a-new-paragraph-useful-linking-words-and-phrases/
https://blog.udemy.com/linking-words-for-essays/
https://blog.udemy.com/linking-words-for-essays/
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