English Language Lessons

English Language Lessons
*Politically Incorrect Opinion Texts: https://drjamesmanos.blogspot.com/2022/03/politically-incorrect-opinion-texts-of.html *Τexts with Ηealth-related Τopics: https://mymedicaltexts.blogspot.com *Herbs & Supplements: https://herbsanddietarysupplementsdatabase.blogspot.com *Source for the image (free to use): Hypothetical flag quartering the British and American flags (January 11, 2009). Author: Lunar Dragoon. Source: Wikipedia Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:UK-US_flag.png

Friday, July 5, 2019

TIPS for English (14): Words(I) (d)


Bland = (adjective) lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting; e.g., His family now lived in a typically bland modern suburb but his heart lay with the little island where he grew up.// e.g., ''I find chicken a little bland.'' // e.g., Pop music these days is so bland ((**) for the last 2 examples).

Hearty = (adjective; heartier, heartiest) Loudly vigorous and cheerful; e.g., A hearty and boisterous character.// e.g., He sang in a hearty baritone.// e.g., He bursts into loud, hearty laughter, and refuses to be drawn./// (of a feeling or an opinion) deeply or strongly felt; e.g., He expressed his hearty agreement.// e.g., Hearty congratulations./// (of a person) strong and healthy; e.g., The cloned soldiers look, think, and act alike, and their performance in battle proves beyond a doubt that they are hearty and hale members of the human race.// e.g., They were greeted by a large, hearty woman with rosy cheeks./// (of food) wholesome and substantial; e.g., Evening meals of good, hearty Swiss cooking.// e.g., The food is equally hearty, and even the cakes have a rocky, challenging quality.// e.g., These go well with Mexican foods, hearty sausages, and smoky flavors./// (of a person's appetite) robust and healthy; e.g., James goes for a long walk to work up a hearty appetite for dinner.// e.g., The menu has choices to suit both those with hearty appetites and those who are seeking lighter fare. 

OP (My comment: most kids know this abbreviation from battlefield computer games & action movies!) = (noun) (abbreviation) A surgical or other operation; e.g., More worrying is that they are encouraged to use national health beds and operating theaters to do private ops the next day.// A minor op./// (abbreviation) Military operations; (as modifier) e.g., The ops room.// e.g., Nerf war: Special ops./// (abbreviation) A radio or telephone operator; e.g., It’s a tricky equation - one few cable ops can afford to lose./// (abbreviation) (of a book) out of print./// (abbreviation) (in online forums or comment pages) original post (or poster); e.g., ‘To the OP: I hope you will continue to explore this venue.’ /// (abbreviation) An opportunity; e.g., A photo op (= a chance for a politician, etc. to be photographed looking good or doing good things) ((*) for this definition and example).

Grovel (pronounced ˈɡrɒv(ə)l or ˈɡrʌv(ə)l) = (verb; no object) Lie or crawl abjectly on the ground with one’s face downwards. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3DACQzBlXQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7qtj3FuOzA and For dogs groveling  See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL7EncHkZSc and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCTnO9qCMZM // e.g., She was groveling on the floor in fear.// e.g., He groveled at Nick’s feet.// e.g., He gasped as he saw her, and fell to the ground, groveling at her feet, pleading with her./// Act in an obsequious (= obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree) way in order to obtain someone’s forgiveness or favor. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pmm67c7TyTI  ///  e.g., They criticized leaders who groveled to foreign patrons.// e.g., An employee who forgot their password to log in to the corporate network would probably get a withering look from the support staff as they groveled to have it reset.// e.g., ‘You groveled to him, so let him have you.’

Hellish (pronounced ˈhɛlɪʃ) = (adjective) Of or like hell; e.g., An unearthly, hellish landscape.// e.g., War is hell, but can be made more or less hellish.// e.g.,  They marched all day, passing through a hellish, wrecked landscape./// (informal) Extremely difficult or unpleasant; e.g., The wind increased blow harder and harder in a hellish gale (= a very strong wind; pronounced ɡeɪl) that never seemed to cease.// e.g., It had been a hellish week./// (adverb) (British English) (informal) (as submodifier) (used for emphasis) Extremely; e.g., A good short story is hellishly hard to write, so you can agonize over them.// e.g., ‘It was hellish expensive!’

Tacky = (adjective) (of glue, paint, or other substances) not fully dry and retaining a slightly sticky feel. For a tacky glue See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXuIaFrgfHw  and   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjERFoS2V-c  and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtoDF5k4mo4 /// e.g., The paint was still tacky.// e.g., This paint was tacky rather than wet, but it was clearly brand new.// e.g.,  ‘Remove each stick, add a dot of tacky glue to the hole, and replace the stick.’/// (informal) Showing poor taste and quality; e.g., He was middle-aged, with a prominent potbelly (= a fat, round stomach) and tacky gold jewelry.// e.g., Even in her faintly tacky costumes, she won our hearts.// e.g., They are like bad actors from a tacky soap opera.

Cheeky (My comment: it is not related to cheeks!) = (adjective) Showing a lack of respect or politeness in a way that is amusing or appealing; e.g., A cheeky grin (= broad smile).// e.g., ‘Some of his questions were a bit cheeky, and I applaud you for revealing your income.’// e.g., The fact that the film tries to go back to cheeky black comedy after this is simply baffling (baffle= impossible to understand; perplexing)./// (informal) (of something pleasurable) consumed or done in an unplanned, a rather self-indulgent way; e.g., A cheeky pint.// e.g., Venturing south for a cheeky weekend away.

Deranged = (adjective) Mad; insane; e.g., A deranged gunman.// e.g., For, demented as he is, he is sublimely unaware that he is deranged.// e.g., She was present when the deranged former boyfriend of one of her children attacked her family with a gun.

Demented (My comment: it is not related to madness, although in British English it may be related to an irrational behavior!) = (adjective) Suffering from dementia (a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning; Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia; pronounced dɪˈmɛnʃə); e.g., The diagnosis of an independent depressive disorder becomes difficult in the demented patient./// (British English) (informal) Behaving irrationally due to anger, distress, or excitement; e.g., She was demented with worry.// e.g., It sounds like an orchestra of demented bassoonists playing at full tilt.// e.g., Conversations may be in whispers or, often, in demented shouting contests.

Sublime (pronounced səˈblʌɪm) =  (adjective) Of very great excellence or beauty; e.g., Beethoven’s sublime piano concertos.// e.g.,  Experiences that ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous.// e.g., His final album is a masterpiece of raw emotions, sublime melodies, and achingly beautiful lyrics./// Producing an overwhelming sense of awe (= a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder; pronounced ɔː) or other high emotion through being vast or grand; e.g., A sense of the sublime.// e.g., It is perceived as pure and religious, mythical and, in a banal sense, sublime.// e.g., In each religion, we discover the interweaving of the sublime and the ridiculous, the liberator and the oppressive, the radical and the conventional./// (of a person’s attitude or behavior) extreme or unparalleled (= having no parallel or equal; exceptional); e.g., He had the sublime confidence of youth.// e.g., ‘Why combine sublime knowledge with utter (= complete; absolute) inexperience?’ // e.g., Her demeanor (= outward behavior or bearing) was sublime to behold (= see or observe someone or something, especially of remarkable or impressive nature) in the torchlight that glowed upon her./// (verb; no object) Chemistry (of a solid substance) change directly into vapor when heated, typically forming a solid deposit again on cooling. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5o0TUHtvI8 For subliming of iodine See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX9pskbKSw0   For subliming of dry ice See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOCfCTPjnHw  // e.g., The ice sublimed away, leaving the books dry and undamaged./// (verb with object) Cause a substance to sublime; e.g., These crystals could be sublimed under a vacuum./// (verb with object) (archaic) Elevate to a high degree of moral or spiritual purity or excellence; e.g., ‘Let your thoughts be sublimed by the spirit of God!’

Awe (pronounced ɔː in British English and ɑː in American English) = (noun) (uncountable) A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder; e.g., They gazed in awe at the small mountain of diamonds.// e.g., The sight filled me with awe.// e.g., They were in awe of the myth of Brazilian football./// (archaic) Capacity to inspire awe; e.g., ‘Is it any wonder that Christmas Eve has lost its awe?’ ///  (verb with object) Inspire with awe; e.g., They were both awed by the vastness of the forest.// e.g., Everyone was awed by the moral implications of mass murder on such a grand scale.// e.g.,  At the Metropolitan she awes nobody as the goddess of War.///  Be (or stand) in awe of = (phrase) feel awe for; e.g., The rest of the girls sat in awe of our school hero.// e.g., His staff members are in awe of him.

Regalia (pronounced rɪˈɡeɪlɪə) = (plural noun; treated as singular or plural) The emblems or insignia (= an official emblem; pronounced ɪnˈsɪɡ.ni.ə) of royalty, especially the crown, scepter, and other ornaments used at a coronation. See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/King_Haakon_VII_and_Queen_Maud.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9c/The_Throne_of_Kandyan_Kings.jpg   and  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Kronjuwelen2%2C_Schatzkammer_Residenz_M%C3%BCnchen.jpg and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1-9EjQZZWo // e.g.,  We saw the Scottish Crown Jewels, the second most expensive in Europe and the oldest royal regalia in Britain.// e.g., The principal pieces of St Edward’s regalia, including the coronation crown, were delivered directly to the Mint./// The distinctive clothing worn and ornaments carried at formal occasions as an indication of status. For a bishop’s regalia See    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO8O7AlLYrQ  // e.g., The Bishop of Florence in full regalia.// e.g., ‘I expected David to emerge in full Navy regalia, dress uniform, and everything.’

Dabbing (or the ‘dab’) (not to be confused with ''dubbing'') (My comment: I have never heard the 2nd meaning; I guess it is slang) = (mass noun) The action of performing a dance move or gesture, originating in hip-hop and often done as part of a celebration, in which one arm is bent at an angle across the chest while the other is fully extended parallel to the first arm, with the face turned towards the bent elbow. See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rq_QGMhyJk

Launderette or laundrette (British English) (pronounced ˌlɔːnˈdret) (beware of the pronunciation!) (in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand they use the word ‘Laundromat’ (trademark)) = (noun) a place where you pay to use machines that wash and dry clothes; a self-service laundry, coin laundry, or coin wash. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/Laundromat.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1k_THq622E For Laundromat™ See   https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/5029_Germantown.JPG

Resilient running track/ Flooring = special surface for running. [Resilient = (adjective) (of a substance or object) able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed]. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/Grayson_running_the_4x100.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Sina_Schielke_%28192%29_wins_the_100_metres_race_-_ISTAF_2006_-_Berlin%2C_3_September.jpg

Kettle = (noun) a container for boiling water, that has a lid, handle, and spout and is made from plastic or metal. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kettle#/media/File:USKettle.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/Bernadotte_Wasserkessel.jpg   and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ad/Kettle.JPG and For a jug style electric kettle See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/Electric_kettle_-_%D0%AD%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D1%87%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA.JPG  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/Electric_kettle_phillips_white.JPG   /// Put the kettle on = (phrase) to start to boil water in a kettle (*)./// (British English) A small area in which demonstrators or protesters are confined by (riot) police seeking to maintain order during a demonstration. See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtkuGDTQhks  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YkkPbneKEg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaUXQWuVrvY  /// e.g.; Activists in the kettle were protesting at being held and resisting arrest./// (verb with object) (British English) (of the police) confine a group of demonstrators or protesters to a small area, as a method of crowd control during a demonstration; e.g., The plan was to get as close to the protest as possible without getting kettled.

Fish kettle = an oval (= shaped like a circle that is flattened so that it is like an egg or an ellipse; pronounced ˈəʊ.vəl) pan for cooking a whole fish. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_kettle#/media/File:Fish_kettle.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSsE8r1cDnQ

Communal (pronounced ˈkɒm.jə.n(ə)l in British English and ˈkɑː.mjə.n(ə )l in North American English) = (adjective) Shared by all members of a community; for common use; e.g., A communal bathroom and kitchen./// Involving the sharing of work and property; e.g., Communal living./// Relating to or done by a community; e.g., Communal pride in impressive local buildings.///  (of conflict) Between different communities, especially those having different religions or ethnic origins; e.g., Violent communal riots.// e.g., This is especially true where human suffering is caused by communal conflict

Segue (vs.) Segway

Segue (pronounced ˈsɛɡweɪ) (beware of the pronunciation!) (not to be confused with Segway (TM)) = (verb; no object, with adverbial) (in music and film) to move easily and without interruption from one piece of music, part of a story, subject, or situation to another. See  For segue film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L49ArfCE9Hs and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTqPdXINiL0 and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_xAjCMvmhQ  For segue music See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es8EHg3iO_Q and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JZ3LCa-sLI and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-mh-7DEYr0   // e.g., His performance of ‘Caroline’ segued into a cover version of ‘My Tears.’ // e.g., In live performance, a segue can occur during a jam session, where the improvisation (= a performance that an actor, musician, etc. has not practiced or planned) of the end of one song progresses into a new song.// e.g., Realist scenes segue into prison scenes through visible set changes (*)./// Move or shift from one role, state, or condition to another; e.g., From the humor magazine, the New York-born artist segued into producing films.///  An uninterrupted transition from one piece of music or film scene to another; e.g., The visual transition is one of several seamless segues.// e.g., There are random segues from black & white to color stock, sometimes in the same scene./// A transition from one role, state, or condition to another; e.g., ‘That’s actually a perfect segue into my next question.’

Segway™ (trademark) (pronounced ˈsɛɡweɪ) (not to be confused with segue) (My comment: you may not know the word, but I am sure you have seen it on TV or the street) = (noun) (trademark) A two-wheeled motorized personal vehicle consisting of a platform for the feet mounted above an axle and an upright post surmounted by handles, controlled by the way the rider distributes their weight. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/Segway_Polizei_4.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/FlorenceSegwayTour.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmlg5QkusFQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxsW-XZ9cQwa and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpEcI1Ak4MI

Allude =  (verb; no object) allude to = suggest or call attention to indirectly; hint (= suggest or indicate something indirectly or covertly) at; e.g., She had a way of alluding to Jim but never saying his name.// e.g., This violates the Establishment Clause, because the tablets allude to the Ten Commandments and thus endorse religion.// e.g., The Times manages to avoid direct joke references to his name, but cunningly alludes to it./// Mention without discussing at length; e.g., ‘We will allude briefly to the main points.’ // e.g., ‘Needless to say, Palestine wasn’t mentioned or even alluded to at all.’ // e.g., ‘That’s all I can think of now, but new characters will be introduced and I will allude to them.’/// (of an artist or a work of art) recall an earlier work or style in such a way as to suggest a relationship with it; e.g., Often his work alludes more or less obliquely to gay experience..// e.g., The photographs allude to Italian Baroque painting.// e.g., Nevertheless, by evoking (= bringing to mind) the Grape Society, the painter alluded to a literary ancestry.

Eulogy (pronounced ˈjuːlədʒi) (beware of the pronunciation!) (noun; the verb is eulogize, pronounced ˈjuː.lə.dʒaɪz) = (noun) A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, especially a tribute to someone who has just died. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0acsiKlIBs4 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdZj8YVpId0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L81CBvtbmQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GfjgRhPmaM // e.g., A eulogy to the Queen Mother.// e.g., Then there will be a real state funeral, familiar nostalgia, more eulogies to praise duty and endurance.// e.g., The piece is a eulogy by his sister Sarah on the death of their mother.

Sanctuary = (mass noun) Refuge or safety from pursuit, persecution, or other danger. For a church as a sanctuary See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/Richard_Burchett_-_Sanctuary_%281867%29_contrasted.jpg  For Ajax (= a Greek hero of the Trojan war; pronounced ˈeɪdʒaks) violating Cassandra's sanctuary at the Palladium See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/Aias_Kassandra_Louvre_G458.jpg   // e.g., Her son took sanctuary in the church./// (countable noun) e.g., She thought of her room as a sanctuary./// A nature reserve. For a farm sanctuary See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/FarmSanctuary.JPG        // e.g.,  A bird sanctuary.// e.g., Not far from the club is the Nairobi National Park, a sanctuary for wildlife./// A place where injured or unwanted animals of a specified kind are cared for. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV_RJlvGyzQ   and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjskzicUA74  For a home animal sanctuary  See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20lSrqqBY08  For a donkey sanctuary See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI5aDzIVxSw   // e.g., A donkey sanctuary./// A holy place; a temple; e.g., The sanctuaries of the ancient god Apollo and the goddess Athena.// e.g., But to her relief, she saw temple guardians standing outside the massive doors of the sanctuary./// The inmost recess or the holiest part of a temple; e.g., The inner sanctuary where the reliquary was kept./// The part of the chancel of a church containing the high altar. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/StMarysSanctuary.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/Sanctuary_final.webmsd.webm   and  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f7/Churchofstpaulandandrewinterior.jpg  // e.g., The four knights tried to drag him outside, to avoid aggravating their sacrilege (= violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred (= connected with God or the gods or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration); pronounced ˈsæk.rɪ.lɪdʒ) by defiling (defile = to spoil something or someone so that that thing or person is less beautiful or pure; pronounced dɪˈfaɪl (*)) the sanctuary.

Dame (pronounced deɪm) = (US English) (informal) (dated) A woman; e.g., She was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1983.///  (in the UK) The title given to a woman with the rank of Knight Commander or holder of the Grand Cross in the Orders of Chivalry (= the system of behavior followed by knights in the medieval period of history, that put a high value on honor, kindness, and courage; pronounced ˈʃɪv.(ə )l.ri (*)); e.g., Dame Vera Lynn./// (humorous) (archaic) An elderly or mature woman, e.g., A matronly dame presided at the table./// (UK English) A comic middle-aged female character in modern pantomime, usually played by a man; e.g., Last year’s folk devil becomes next year's pantomime dame.

Economic vs economical

Economic = (adjective) (before noun) Related to trade, industry, and money; e.g. Economic (not ‘economical’) figures/ status/ policy/ state/ reforms.// e.g., The government’s economic policies have led us into the worse recession for years.// e.g., The country has been in a deplorable (= deserving strong condemnation) economic state.//// (adjective) Making a profit or likely to make a profit; e.g. We had to close our London (not London’s) office; – with the rent so high it just wasn’t so economic (not economical)(^^).

Economical = (adjective) not using a lot of fuel, money, etc.// e.g., ‘What’s is the most economical way of heating this building?’// e.g., There is an increasing demand for cars which are more economical on fuel (^^); e.g., A small, economical car./// (of a person or lifestyle) Careful not to waste money or resources; e.g., She was economical in all areas of life./// Using no more of something than is necessary; e.g., They are economical with their actions.

Woollen (UK English)// Woolen (US English) e.g., A coarse woolen cloth.

Timid = (adjective) shy and nervous; without much confidence; easily frightened; e.g., ‘I was too timid to ask for what I wanted.' // e.g. A timid child.// e.g., ‘I am not as timid as in the past.’ // e.g., Sheep are generally timid and tend to flock (= to move or come together in large numbers) together, although they do not compete for rank.

Spacious (pronounced ˈspeɪʃəs) = (adjective) (specially of a room or a building) having ample (= plentiful) space; e.g., Spacious house/ living room/ accommodation (** for this example).// e.g., The hotel has a spacious lounge and TV room.

Opt-out = (noun) a situation in which some members of a group have the right not to join or be involved in a process; e.g., The President of the European Union (EU) said that it is better to have opt-outs for one or two countries./// An opt-out from/ on something; e.g., There is an opt-out for these employees from the requirement to have health coverage./// Opt-out clause/ provision (= a condition or requirement in a legal document)/ agreement; e.g.,  The contract bans opt-out agreements for employees on probation (= a period of time at the start of a new job when you are watched and tested to see if you are suitable for the job)./// Opt-out feature/ policy/ process; e.g.,  Privacy groups criticized the opt-out feature, because it appears in a pop-up window for only a few seconds before disappearing.

Steadfast (it is not related to fast) = (adjective) staying the same for a long time and not changing quickly or unexpectedly; loyal/ firm; e.g., A steadfast friend/ ally.// e.g., Steadfast loyalty.// e.g., The group remained steadfast in its support for the new system, even when it was criticized by the press (*).

Conciseness (or concision) (pronounced kənˈsaɪs.nəs) = (uncountable noun) the quality of being short and clear, and expressing what needs to be said without unnecessary words; e.g., The letters were edited for clarity and conciseness.// e.g., She told the story with admirable conciseness.// e.g.,  Conciseness is one of the skills essential to the job (*).

Juncture = (noun) a particular point in events or time; e.g., That limits students’ freedom during one of the most critical junctures of their lives.// e.g., We are at a critical juncture in the future of the European Union (EU).// e.g., It also comes at an interesting juncture as Turkey makes its bid to join the European Union (EU)./// A place where things join; e.g., The plane crashed at the juncture of two mountains.// e.g., ‘Do not draw at the point where two veins join as there is a valve at these junctures.’ //// (Phonetics) The set of features in speech that enable a hearer to detect a word or phrase boundary (e.g. to distinguishing ‘I scream’ from ‘ice cream’)./// At this juncture = at the present time; now (It implies that what is the case now may not always have been so or may not remain so); e.g., It is difficult to say at this juncture whether this upturn (= an improvement or upward trend, especially in economic conditions or someone's fortunes) can be sustained.// e.g., At this juncture, there is a desperate need for human contact.// e.g., At this juncture, it is impossible to say whether she will make a full recovery (**).

Eruption = (noun) An act or instance of erupting [= (of a volcano) become active and eject lava, ash, and gases]. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lava_forms.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/Stromboli_Eruption.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Tavurvur_volcano_edit.jpg    // e.g., The eruption of Vesuvius.// e.g. The volcano was long-dormant (= not active or growing but has the ability to be active at a later time (*)), but now is on the verge of eruption/ has recently shown signs of eruption./// A sudden outbreak of something, typically something unwelcome or noisy; e.g., A sudden eruption of street violence.// e.g., The sudden eruption of gunfire was so thunderous that the very air seemed to vibrate./// A spot, rash, or other mark appearing suddenly on the skin. For skin eruption See https://img.medscapestatic.com/pi/meds/ckb/56/27456tn.jpg and https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/polymorphic-light-eruption/PublishingImages/Polymorphic_light_eruption_342x198_C0166700.jpg   // e.g., Irritable skin eruptions./// (tooth eruption)  the emergence of teeth through the gum.

Impede (pronounced ɪmˈpiːd) (beware of the pronunciation!) (the noun is impediment (pronounced ɪmˈpɛdɪm(ə)nt)] = (verb) Delay or prevent someone or something by obstructing them; hinder; e.g., The sap (= the fluid that circulates in the vascular system of a plant) causes swelling that can impede breathing (My comment: I guess it refers to poison ivy).// e.g., Although she's shy, it certainly hasn't impeded her career in any way./// To slow something down or prevent an activity from making progress at its previous rate; e.g., Shortages of medicine were impeding the effort to control diseases ((**) for the 2nd definition and the last 2 examples).

Abject (pronounced ˈæb.dʒekt) (beware of the pronunciation!) (not to be confused with ''subject'') = (adjective) (of something bad) experienced or present to the maximum degree; e.g., His letter plunged (plunge = jump or dive quickly and energetically) her into abject misery.// e.g., The masses were sunk in abject poverty and misery.// e.g.,  The abject misery, the clearest glimpse (= a momentary or partial view) of absolute evil, is almost impossible to describe./// (of a situation or condition) extremely unpleasant and degrading (= causing a loss of self-respect; humiliating); e.g., The abject condition of the peasants.// e.g., He saw firsthand the abject conditions of the working people there.// e.g., Onshore, the housing conditions were abject./// Showing no pride or respect for yourself ((*) for this definition); e.g., An abject apology.// e.g., ‘I answered, staggered (stagger = astonish or deeply shock) at this abject rudeness.’ // e.g., ‘I compose abject apologies in my head and fill out the registration form.’

Obsequious (pronounced əbˈsiːkwɪəs) (beware of the pronunciation!) (adjective; the adverb is obsequiously) = (adjective) Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNUSwJaPwn8  and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPcEQVln4HU and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pmm67c7TyTI  // e.g., They were served by obsequious waiters.// e.g., He was obedient to his Christchurch bosses, but not at all obsequious.// e.g., The person he hires will be insipid (= lacking flavor; weak or tasteless; pronounced ɪnˈsɪpɪd) and obsequious.

Insipid (pronounced ɪnˈsɪpɪd) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) Lacking flavor; weak or tasteless; e.g., Mugs (mug = a large cup, typically cylindrical and with a handle and used without a saucer) of insipid coffee.// e.g., ''We settled for lager (= a kind of beer, effervescent and light in color and body) and got the most insipid, tasteless liquid I’ve swallowed in a long time.'' // e.g., Hearty food will make a lighter wine taste insipid.///  Lacking vigor or interest; e.g., The pictures are good but the text is mostly insipid.// e.g., The textbooks are often insipid and bland, presenting a world which has no realities that children experience.// e.g., John’s charm begins to work on Daisy, who is bored by her dull life and insipid husband.

Probity (pronounced ˈprəʊ.bə.ti in British English and ˈproʊ.bə.ti  in American English) = (mass noun) (formal) The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency; e.g., This they seem to regard as a mighty temple of moral probity and rhetorical genius.// e.g., Financial probity.// e.g., Since he first gained national prominence 10 years ago, his name has been a byword for probity and decency.// e.g., The Qur'an does not clearly define any of these categories but presumes a certain amount of moral probity on part of the reader.

Reverential (pronounced rɛvəˈrɛnʃ(ə)l) = (adjective) Of the nature of, due to, or characterized by reverence (= deep respect for someone or something); e.g., Their names are always mentioned in reverential tones.// e.g., There, most voices conjoin in reverential awe (= a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder; pronounced ɔː).// e.g., But, for the most part, the media coverage of the Pope’s death has been respectful and reverential

Horrid (pronounced ˈhɒrɪd) = (adjective) Causing horror; e.g., A horrid nightmare.// e.g., The horrid images of mistreatment by military police being broadcast around the globe have already proved damaging to their interests.// e.g., ‘Why couldn't it have all been a horrid nightmare?’ /// (informal) Very unpleasant; e.g., The teachers at school were horrid.// e.g., A horrid gray color.// e.g., He was pointing to a horrid vase./// (archaic) Rough; bristling; e.g., A horrid beard.

Pester (pronounced ˈpɛstə) = (verb with object) Trouble or annoy someone with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions; e.g., He constantly pestered her with phone calls.// e.g., Unscrupulous (= having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair) companies will instead pester you with annoying phone calls/ emails or unannounced visits.// e.g., ‘The idea of running around pestering my friends for votes is quite distasteful.’

Distasteful = (adjective) Causing dislike or aversion (= a strong dislike or disinclination.); disagreeable or unpleasant; e.g., Customers complained about the distasteful odor.// e.g., She found such cynicism (pronounced ˈsɪn.ɪ.sɪ.zəm) distasteful.// e.g., If someone is unpleasant or distasteful, postings from that address can be blocked.

Denominate (pronounced dɪˈnɒmɪneɪt) = be denominated = (of sums of money) be expressed in a specified monetary unit; e.g., Their real estate loans were denominated in US Federal Reserve notes.// e.g., The borrowings were denominated in US dollars.// Governments monopolize the supply of currency denominated in the national monetary unit.//// (formal with object and complement) Call; name; e.g., Large bodies of water, greater than many bodies denominated seas, are called lakes, gulfs, or basins.// e.g., The name Peru was pervasive during the colonial period and was used to denominate the larger sections of the powerful viceroyalty of Lima.

Pinkie (pronounced ˈpɪŋki) = (noun) (informal) (My comment: not related to pink! - It is more common in American English rather than British) The little finger. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/Little_finger.jpg and  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_finger#/media/File:Signet_and_Wedding_rings.jpg  /// e.g., Bring the thumb and pinkie up until they are upright.// (as modifier) e.g., ‘You're skinnier than my pinky finger!’ /// (US English) (derogatory, informal) A term used by black people for a white person./// The maggot (= a soft-bodied legless larva, especially that of a fly found in decaying matter) of the green bottle fly, used as fishing bait./// (Australian English) (dated, informal) (mass noun) Cheap or home-made wine. (My comment as an Aussie: never heard!)./// Pinky swear or pinky promise = a gesture, common among young Americans, made when a person wraps one of their pinky fingers around another person's pinky and makes a promise (*****). (My comment: some kids do it as well). See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/Pinky_swear.JPG  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XgmzYhZfD8  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqTpHnzA_ko

Signet (pronounced ˈsɪɡ.nət) ring = a ring that is traditionally worn on the little finger of a gentleman’s left hand, a practice still common especially in the UK, Australia, and European cultures. A signet ring is considered part of the regalia of many European monarchies, and also of the Pope, with the ring always worn on the left little finger. In modern times the signet ring is worn less often, as rings are worn on various different fingers (*****).  See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/Signet_and_Wedding_rings.jpg

Sceptre (British English) (scepter in North American English) (pronounced ˈsep.tə(r)) = (noun) a decorated stick that is carried by a queen or king during some official ceremonies as a symbol of their authority (*). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Pedro_Am%C3%A9rico_-_D._Pedro_II_na_abertura_da_Assembl%C3%A9ia_Geral.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/17/Zeus_Hermitage_St._Petersburg_20021009.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Darius_the_Great.jpg

Mint  (My comment: you all know it as a chewing gum flavors: spearmint and peppermint) = (noun)   An aromatic plant native to temperate regions of the Old World, several kinds of which are used as culinary herbs.// e.g., A mint in a large pot with drainage holes.// (countable noun) e.g., There are many other mints with distinct aromas./// (mass noun) The flavor of mint, especially peppermint; e.g., A tasty mint and chocolate flavored cone./// A peppermint sweet; e.g., She pulled out a packet of mints from his pocket./// A place where money is coined, especially under state authority. For the old San Francisco Mint (built in 1874) See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/Old_San_Francisco_Mint.jpg  /// e.g., Die (= an engraved device for stamping a design on coins or medals) links between coins indicate that they were made at the same mint.// e.g., The US mint struck one billion dollar coins between 1989 and 2000.// e.g., The Argentinian mint has only ever issued three commemorative coins./// A mint = (informal) A large sum of money; e.g., ‘The curtains had cost me a mint.’// e.g., The bank made a mint from the upheaval  (= a violent or sudden change or disruption to something) in the money markets.///  (adjective) (of an object) in pristine (= in its original condition; unspoiled; pronounced ˈprɪs.tiːn) condition; as new; e.g., A pair of speakers, mint, $200.// e.g., It is a great second box set of 4 records, mint./// (British English) Very good; e.g., There was Tom, looking really mint in his new jacket.///  (verb with object) Make a coin by stamping metal. For a coining press See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Coiningpress1.jpg   and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/1831_coining_press_%28M.A.N._1873-22-19%29_01.jpg       /// e.g., Only coins of a relatively high denomination (= the face value of a banknote, coin, or postage stamp) were minted.// e.g., A  Bulgarian coin was minted in the 1930s with a picture of the relief credited to Khan Krum.// e.g., The last silver coins were minted with the date 1970./// Produce for the first time; e.g., An example of newly minted technology.// e.g., For those kids music feels fresh, newly minted.// e.g., Father John, North Fork’s newly minted, liberal priest, finds himself filled with doubt about his calling./// In mint condition = (phrase) (of an object) new or as new; e.g., The stamps are packaged to arrive in mint condition.// e.g., It’s exceptionally well decorated on the inside and obviously in mint condition.// e.g., The three ten-inch records are in mint condition.

Mint (vs.) Peppermint (vs.) Spearmint

Mint or Mentha = (noun) a genus of strongly scented herbs, including the species Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata) (*****).



Commemorative (pronounced kəˈmɛm(ə)rətɪv) = (adjective) acting as a memorial or mark of an event or person; e.g., A commemorative plaque (= an ornamental tablet, typically of metal, porcelain, or wood, that is fixed to a wall or other surface in commemoration of a person or event; pronounced plɑːk).// e.g., Large commemorative war memorials tried to address the enormity of the loss./// (noun) An object such as a stamp or coin made to mark an event or honor a person; e.g., There are two types of postage stamps: definitives and commemoratives.// e.g., Children attending the game receive commemoratives.

Bun (pronounced bʌn) (My comment: I know that most of you know the sweet; I just added this word for the North American meaning that is more striking as well as the phrase ''have a bun in the oven''!) = (noun) A small cake, typically containing dried fruit. For a saffron bun See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Saffron_bun_20051213_001.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/LucyBun.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Cornish_Saffron_Buns.jpg // e.g., A currant bun.// e.g., The Berliner, a bun or a jam doughnut, also had to be changed in name.///  A bread roll. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Hotdog_-_Evan_Swigart.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/13-08-31-Kochtreffen-Wien-RalfR-N3S_7849-024.jpg and  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Korb_mit_Br%C3%B6tchen.JPG ///  (in Scotland and Jamaica) A rich fruit cake or currant bread./// A hairstyle in which the hair is drawn back into a tight coil at the back of the head. For a donut bun hairstyle See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/Circumbraided_Donut_Bun.JPG  For a Sumo wrestler with a topknot See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/Minanogawa.jpg For double or pigtail buns (often called odango, a type of Japanese dumpling) See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Odango-estilos.svg /// Buns = (American English) (informal) A person’s buttocks; (My comments: also called ‘bums’!) e.g., It takes a very secure individual to call their buttocks, buns! // e.g., ‘Tight, toned and shapely buns and thighs can be yours with this energetic new yoga program!’/// Have a bun in the oven = (phrase) (informal) Be pregnant; e.g., ‘It was still a bit strange that I was not yet twenty but still had a bun in the oven.’

Currant (pronounced ˈkʌr.(ə)nt) (not to be confused with current) = (noun) a small dried fruit made from a seedless variety of grape originally grown in the eastern Mediterranean region, now widely produced in California, and much used in cooking. For Zante currants (or Corinthian raisins) See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Grape_Rasins_plus_Zante_Currants.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Sunmaid-Raisin-Pile.jpg   For currant buns See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/Minikrentenbollen_IMGP6988_wp.jpg  // e.g., A currant bun./// A Eurasian shrub that produces small edible black, red, or white berries. See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Zante_currant_drying_in_Tsilivi.jpg //// A berry from a currant shrub. For fresh Zante currants See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Seitan_Chicken_with_Tempeh_Bacon%2C_and_Champagne_Grapes_with_Truffle_Oil_Crostini_%284836410847%29.jpg

Raisin (pronounced ˈreɪ.z(ə)n) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) a partially dried grape. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Sunmaid-Raisin-Pile.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/Raisins_01.jpg  For Corinthian raisins (Zante currants) See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Grape_Rasins_plus_Zante_Currants.jpg For raisin buns See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/Minikrentenbollen_IMGP6988_wp.jpg  /// e.g., As with mashed potatoes, you can also use white rice with raisins as a side dish with meals./// Note: In the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, the word "raisin" is reserved for the dark-colored dried large grape, while sultana is the golden-colored dried grape (*****). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/Raisins_2.jpg For both varieties See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/Raisins_01.jpg

Dumpling = (noun) a dish that consists of pieces of dough (flour mixed with water and often yeast, fat, or sugar, so that it is ready for baking; pronounced dəʊ) made from a variety of starch sources wrapped around a filling or of dough with no filling. The dough can be based on bread, flour, or potatoes, and may be filled with meat, fish, cheese, vegetables, fruits, or sweets. Dumplings may be prepared using a variety of methods, including baking, boiling, frying, simmering, or steaming, and are found in many world cuisines (*****). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/DumplingFillings.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Toasted_Ravioli.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Dropped_dumplings.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Gujhia.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Empanadas_cordobesas_%28Argentina%29_caseras.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Palt_exterior.jpg

Snip (pronounced snɪp) = (verb with object) Cut something with scissors or shears (= a cutting instrument in which two blades move past each other, like scissors but typically larger; pronounced ʃɪəz), typically with small quick strokes. For thread snips See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc2AmQgbEKU   For a garden snip pruner (prune = trim a tree, shrub, or bush by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth) See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAFREWcar5A   // e.g., A burglar will never be able to disarm the system by snipping the wires.// e.g., She was snipping a few dead heads off the roses.// (verb; no object) e.g., She inspected the embroidery, snipping at loose threads./// An act of snipping something; e.g., He took a snip at a dandelion (= a widely distributed weed of the daisy family, with a rosette of leaves, bright yellow flowers followed by globular heads of seeds with downy tufts, and stems containing a milky latex; pronounced ˈdæn.dɪ.laɪ.ən) on the grass.// e.g., The tips should be sharp enough to trim closely with a single snip./// A small piece of something that has been snipped off; e.g., The collage (= a piece of art made by sticking various different materials such as photographs and pieces of paper or fabric onto a backing; pronounced ˈkɒl.ɑːʒ ) consists of snips of wallpaper./// The snip = (British English) (informal) A vasectomy (= a surgical procedure for male sterilization or permanent contraception). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/Vasectomy_diagram-en.svg /// e.g., About 6,000 men get the snip every year, and numbers are increasing./// A surprisingly cheap item; a bargain; e.g., The wine is a snip at $4.// e.g., ‘See for yourselves and get a 30 percent discount on this title into the bargain - a snip at just $10.’ /// Snips = shears for cutting metal. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/Left-right-snips.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/Tinsnips.jpg   and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc2AmQgbEKU For a garden snip pruner See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAFREWcar5A   For aviation snip See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECuP0SRBa5o   /// e.g., Tin snips.// e.g., Cut a new piece of corner bead using aviation snips./// (North American English) (informal) A small or insignificant person; e.g., ‘Imagine that little snip telling me I was wrong!’

Embroider (pronounced ɪmˈbrɔɪ.də(r)) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb) to decorate cloth or clothing with patterns or pictures consisting of stitches that are sewn directly onto the material. See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5lqZsfwdf0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ1IVP6d0Vw   and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_odDW7-SgI   // e.g., ‘I am embroidering this picture for my mother.’/// To make a story more entertaining by adding imaginary details to it; e.g., ‘Naturally, I embroidered the tale a little to make it more interesting.’// e.g., Mary sometimes embroiders the facts, so don’t believe every word she says (*).

Embroidery (pronounced ɪmˈbrɔɪ.d(ə)r.i) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) The art or pastime (= hobby) of embroidering cloth (= fabric). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7b/17.17-37-1969-Kaukasisk-broderi.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/Kazakh_rug_chain_stitch_embroidery.jpg and  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/%D4%B1%D5%AD%D5%A1%D5%AC%D6%81%D5%AD%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%AB_%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%A6_%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%B6%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%BD%D5%B6.jpg  // e.g., Needlework and embroidery traditionally belong to them.// e.g., ''My mother decided I should learn embroidery.'' ///  Cloth decorated with embroidered designs; e.g., The bazaars stock a wide variety of embroidery.// (countable noun) e.g., She frequently exhibited embroideries./// Embellishment or exaggeration in the description of an event; e.g., Fanciful embroidery of the facts.// e.g., In remaining loyal to the facts and avoiding unnecessary embroidery, the story stands as a testament to the human spirit.

Squab (pronounced skwɒb) = (noun) A young pigeon eaten as food (*). For squab birds See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Pigeon_Chicks2_2am.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/King_pigeons.jpg  For squab as a food See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/Chinese_squab.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/HK_Quarry_Bay_%E8%8B%B1%E7%9A%87%E9%81%93_King%27s_Road_%E5%94%90%E9%A0%86%E8%88%88_%E7%87%92%E5%91%B3_Tang%27s_Roast_shop_%E4%B9%B3%E9%B4%BF%E8%82%89_Squab_display_on_sale_Nov-2010.JPG  // e.g., They taught me to raise pigeon squabs in the barn and farm./// (British English) The padded back or side of a vehicle seat; e.g., Electric seat adjusters are usually on the side of the seat squab./// A thick stuffed cushion, especially one covering the seat of a chair or sofa.

Attorney general = (in the US) = The US Attorney General (A.G.) is the head of the US Department of Justice concerned with all legal affairs and is the chief lawyer of the United States government. In cases of the federal death penalty, the power to seek the death penalty rests with the Attorney General (*****).

State (with the meaning of ceremony or impression) = (mass noun) Pomp (= ceremony and splendid display, especially at a public event) and ceremony associated with monarchy or high levels of government. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyAzK-4YDFI and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9htrOgVGT0  //  e.g., She was buried in state.// It was on the stool that a deceased person was bathed before being laid in state.// e.g., The sailors lay him in state on the dock at Odessa, and the workers file out in their hundreds to pay their respects./// (as modifier) Involving the ceremony associated with a head of state. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM6qtjsWZ4Y  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I28V800cO0   /// e.g., The Queen paid a state visit to India.// e.g., A state ceremony would be ‘appropriate’ recognition of her stature./// A specified impression taken from an etched or engraved plate at a particular stage; e.g., An oblong (= having an elongated shape, like a rectangle or an oval) plate, drypoint, first state of eight./// A particular printed version of the first edition of a book distinguished from others by pre-publication changes; e.g., There are five states of the 1st edition.// e.g., He frequently made numerous changes as he progressed, preserved in the succeeding states of the print ./// (verb with object) (Music) Present or introduce a theme or melody in a composition; e.g., A bold theme is stated at the beginning, driving the entire eight-minute allegro (= a piece of music that is played in a fast and energetic way (* for this)).  

Etch (pronounced etʃ) = (verb with object) engrave metal, glass, or stone by coating it with a protective layer, drawing on it with a needle, and then covering it with acid to attack the parts the needle has exposed, especially in order to produce prints from it (printmaking (1 word)). For metal etching See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m9oxo0e5l0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qn7ZyPdJug For etching (as printmaking) See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivAPODbzUso and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-mOTJo53AY    /// e.g., Etched glass windows.// e.g., Aquatint is a process of achieving tone by etching a metal plate./// Cut or carve a text or design on a surface e.g., His initials were etched on the table. See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxVyB4i-3_4 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHdkanpiCE4 and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/47/Do_the_Dab.jpg     /// e.g., He made an attempt at dabbing after his team won./// The action or practice of inhaling small quantities of a concentrated and vaporized drug, typically cannabis oil or resin; e.g., Even among marijuana proponents, dabbing is a polarizing topic.

Reliquary (pronounced ˈrɛlɪkwəri) (reliquaries) = (noun) a container for holy relics. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Reliquary_Shrine_Jean_de_Touyl.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/Reliquary_Cross_%28French%2C_The_Cloisters%29.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Chasse_saint_taurin.jpg and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reliquary#/media/File:LaszloOradea.jpg  // e.g., Between 1422 and 1425 a new reliquary was made for Saint Philip's arm.// e.g., ''In the main prayer hall, we stood before a reliquary said to contain the head of Zachariah, father of John the Baptist.''

Relic = (noun) A part of the body or something that belonged to a holy person. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/St._Yves.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/10.2006_Brazos_relicario.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Relics_of_Saint_Demetrius.jpg and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relic#/media/File:2018_Maastricht_Heiligdomsvaart,_reliekentoning_Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek,_voorbereiding_15.jpg  // e.g., These bones are the relics of a 12th-century saint ((**) for the definition and the example)./// An object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest; e.g., Models of historic buildings and cultural relics enable architects and archaeologists to study their subject in closer detail than might otherwise be possible.// e.g., During the dig (excavation), the archaeological team found some relics from the Stone Age.// e.g., The country's employment system is a relic of the 1960s when jobs were scarce (= rare) ((**) for the last 2 examples).

Barely (pronounced ˈbɛːli) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adverb) Only just; almost not; e.g., She nodded, barely able to speak.// e.g., They barely pay their taxes.// (as submodifier) e.g., A barely perceptible pause./// Only a very short time before; e.g., They had barely sat down before 10 police officers swarmed in./// In a simple and sparse (= small in numbers or amount, often spread over a large area (*)) way; e.g., Their barely furnished house./// (archaic) Openly; explicitly.

Spat = (noun) (informal) A quarrel about an unimportant matter; e.g., When we had our little spats, he had only to smile to get back on the right side of me.// e.g., Almost immediately they run into a pointless spat with local tough guys that spirals into a violent feud (= a state of prolonged mutual hostility, typically between two families or communities, characterized by violent assaults in revenge for previous injuries; pronounced fjuːd).// e.g., Turkey hikes (hike = increase something, especially a price, sharply) tariffs (tariff= a tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports; pronounced ˈtær.ɪf in British English and ˈter.ɪf in American English) on US imports as spat escalates (from the media)./// (usually spats) (historical) A short cloth gaiter covering the instep and ankle. See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Spat_commons_2.JPG and         https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/Sumner-Longfellow_crop.jpg For navy guard wearing canvas leggings See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/US_Navy_030708-N-5862D-127_Members_of_the_U.S._Navy_Ceremonial_Guard_stand_in_formation_next_to_the_Lone_Sailor_statue_at_the_U.S._Navy_Memorial.jpg /// (UK English) A cover for the upper part of an aircraft wheel. Wheel fairings are often called "wheel pants", or "speed fairings" (***** for this). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/AmericanAviationAA-1YankeeWheelFairing.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/Cessna182t_skylane_n2231f_cotswoldairshow_2010_arp.jpg /// Past simple and past participle of spit.///  (verb; no object) (informal) Quarrel about an unimportant matter; e.g., People expected him and his wife to spat continually.// e.g., The latest trouble to hit Airbus involves a transatlantic spat over aircraft subsidies (subsidy = a sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive; pronounced ˈsʌb.sɪ.di).

Gaiters (pronounced ˈɡeɪ.təz) = (noun) garments worn over the shoe and lower pants leg and used primarily as personal protective equipment; similar garments used primarily for display are spats. Originally, gaiters were made of leather. Today, gaiters for walking are commonly made of plasticized synthetic cloth such as polyester. Gaiters for use on horseback continue to be made of leather (*****). For hiking gaiters See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/Tourist_Gaiters.jpg  For infantry (soldiers) gaiters See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/05/Infantry_gaiters.jpg For navy guard wearing canvas leggings See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/US_Navy_030708-N-5862D-127_Members_of_the_U.S._Navy_Ceremonial_Guard_stand_in_formation_next_to_the_Lone_Sailor_statue_at_the_U.S._Navy_Memorial.jpg   For a horse rider’s gaiters See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Huaso-leg.jpg

Hike (pronounced hʌɪk) (my comment: It has also other meanings than a long walk) = (noun) A long walk or walking tour./// See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcdhpKpTR8E  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75-MF8D_T3g  For bears hiking See   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoQN9v1ui8c  // e.g., A four-mile hike across rough terrain (= a stretch of land, especially with regard to its physical features)./// (informal) A long distance; e.g., ‘It's such a hike from Adelaide to Perth!’ (My comment as an Aussie: both cities are in Australia)./// A sharp increase, especially in price; e.g., A price hike.// e.g., Fears of a hike in interest rates./// (verb; no object, with adverbial of direction) Walk for a long distance, especially across the country; e.g., They hiked across the moors (moor = an open area of hills covered with rough grass, especially in Britain (*))./// (verb with an object) Pull or lift up something, especially clothing; e.g., Jim hiked up his trousers to reveal his socks.// e.g., He snatched the book, hiked up his black robes, and ran./// Increase something, especially a price, sharply; e.g., The government hiked up the price of milk by 20 per cent.// e.g., Turkey hikes tariffs (tariff = a tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports; pronounced ˈtær.ɪf in British English and ˈter.ɪf in American English) on US imports (from the media).// e.g., Yet trying to hike the minimum wage always sparks a monumental battle in Washington./// Take a hike = (phrase) (informal) (usually in imperative) = go away (used as an expression of irritation or annoyance); e.g., ‘We'll look at a report that says the Baby Boom generation could save America’s job market by taking a hike!’ // e.g., ‘I called once for registration and they told me to take a hike!’

Hitchhike = (verb) travel by getting free rides in passing vehicles. See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/Walker_Evans_Hitchhidkers_Vicksburg_%28vicinity%29_March_1936.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Elsa_amylin_kiwi_experience-2006-11-28.jpg and  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Hitchhiker%27s_gesture.jpg   /// e.g., He dropped out (= abandon a course of study or reject conventional society to pursue an alternative lifestyle) in 2018 and hitchhiked west.

Warehouse (not wearhouse) (pronounced: Noun= ˈweə.haʊs.// Verb = ˈweə.haʊz) = (noun) (pronounced ˈweə.haʊs) (plural = warehouses) A large building where raw materials or manufactured goods may be stored before their export or distribution for sale. Synonyms: storeroom, storehouse. See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Automatisches_Kleinteilelager.jpg   and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Pallet_racks.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/India_House_5.JPG // e.g., At present (= now), most of the site is used as a distribution warehouse and very little manufacturing is carried out./// A large wholesale or retail store; e.g., A discount warehouse./// (pronounced ˈweə.haʊz) (verb with an object) Store goods in a warehouse; e.g., It is almost as expensive to hold, move and warehouse things as to produce them./// Place imported goods in a bonded warehouse pending the payment of import duty./// (US English) (informal) Place a prisoner or a psychiatric patient in a large, impersonal institution in which their problems are not satisfactorily addressed; e.g., ‘Our objective is not to warehouse prisoners but to help inmates build new lives.’


Well-bred = (adjective) having or showing good breeding or manners; e.g., She noted that most of her friends were a bit stiff in manner, well-bred, polite, and arrogant; as were most of the ladies.

Nationwide (1 word) = (adjective) extending or reaching throughout the whole nation. Synonyms: national, countrywide.// e.g., A nationwide hunt.// e.g., A nationwide campaign for a free press in the US (from the media).//// (adverb) Throughout a whole nation; e.g., The company employs 6,000 people nationwide.

Mechanize (mechanise in British English) (pronounced ˈmɛk(ə)nʌɪz) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb with object) Introduce machines or automatic devices into a process or place; e.g., The farm was mechanized in the 1960s’./// (usually as adjective mechanized) Equip a military force with modern weapons and vehicles; e.g., The units comprised tanks and mechanized infantry./// Make mechanical in character; e.g., Public virtue (= behavior showing high moral standards) cannot be mechanized or formulated.

Cowardice (pronounced ˈkaʊədɪs) (beware of the pronunciation!) (from ''coward;'' the adjective is cowardly; pronounced kaʊ.əd.li) = (noun) Lack of bravery; e.g. ''My cowardice got the better of me and I crept out of the room.'' // e.g., His decision not to hold an election led to accusations of cowardice.’

Circle (vs.) Cycle (beware of the pronunciation!) 

Circle (pronounced ˈsəːk(ə)l = (noun) (shape) a round plane figure whose boundary (the circumference) consists of points equidistant from a fixed point (the center). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Circle-withsegments.svg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Circle_-_black_simple.svg and http://iconshow.me/media/images/ui/ios7-icons/png/512/circle-outline.png // e.g., ''Draw a circle with a compass.''

Cycle (pronounced ˈsʌɪk(ə)l) = (noun) a series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order; e.g., The boom and slump periods of a trade cycle.// e.g., The life cycle of a moth ((**) for the 2nd example)./// (British English) a bicycle; e.g., Cycles cannot be taken on this train./// One in a series of movements that a machine performs; e.g., The washing machine’s spin cycle./// (countable noun + singular or plural verb) A group of plays, poems, songs, etc. written by one person and connected with each other by dealing with the same characters or ideas; e.g., It’s one in a cycle of plays that are being performed on successive evenings ((*) for the last 2 definitions).

Vicious circle (also sometimes as Vicious cycle) (circle is pronounced ˈsəːk(ə)l, while cycle is pronounced ˈsʌɪk(ə)l) = A sequence of reciprocal cause and effect in which two or more elements intensify and aggravate each other, leading inexorably to a worsening of the situation; e.g. Debtors were caught in a vicious circle: they could not be freed until they had paid their debt, and were not able to pay their debt as long as they were in prison.

Yuan (pronounced juˈɑːn) (beware of the pronunciation!) (plural= yuan) = the standard unit of money (currency) used in China.

Briton (pronounced ˈbrɪt(ə)n) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) British. [My comment: Briton sounds like ''Britain'', not Brighton! Brighton is a resort on the southern coast of England, and it is pronounced ˈbrʌɪt(ə)n]

Vice versa (pronounced ˌvaɪs ˈvɜː.sə) = (adverb) With the main items in the preceding statement the other way around; e.g., Cruise from Cairo to Aswan or vice versa.

Pilgrimage (pronounced ˈpɪlɡrɪmɪdʒ) = (noun) a special journey made by a pilgrim (= a person who makes a journey, often a long and difficult one, to a special place for religious reasons; pronounced ˈpɪl.ɡrɪm); e.g., Muslims try to make/ go on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life (^^).


Lock (related to hair or tuft) = (noun) a piece of a person's hair that coils or hangs together.  See https://i.pinimg.com/736x/87/bc/27/87bc2727d86be7ec95ab94a7b85bb9e6--weave-hairstyles-long-hair.jpg and https://i.pinimg.com/736x/74/5a/eb/745aeb44e0c765e7383baedfb1c53ee7--hairstyles-for-black-hair-winter-hairstyles.jpg  // e.g., She pushed back a lock of hair.//// Locks = (literary) a person's hair; e.g., Flowing locks and a long white beard./// A tuft (= a bunch or collection of something, typically threads, grass, or hair, held or growing together at the base) of wool or cotton.

Lunatic = (adjective) mentally ill (not in technical use); e.g., ‘Do you remember that one episode of X-Files (TV series) with that crazed lunatic writer who was in love with Scully?’ /// (noun) a mentally ill person (not in technical use); e.g., She continued to gape (= to look in great surprise at someone or something, especially with an open mouth (**)) at him as if he was a runaway lunatic from a nearby mental asylum.

Band-Aid™ (sticking plaster in British English)) = (US English) (trademark) A piece of sticking plaster of a type having a gauze pad. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/BandAid.jpg  // e.g., He put a Band-Aid on his hand.


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