TIPS for English (17): Words(I) (g)

For the benefit of = (phrase) In order to help or be useful to; e.g., Conflicts are fought by states for the benefit of the state, not the civilization.// e.g., After the sermon (= a talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one given during a church service and based on a passage from the Bible), a collection was taken up for the benefit of the poor of  Leicester.// e.g., He wanted his money to be used for the benefit of (= to help) poor children ((**) for this example).//// In order to interest or impress someone; e.g., It was all an act put on for his benefit.// e.g., But to keep up appearances, perhaps for the benefit of us tourists, a ridiculous play is acted out.// e.g.,  ‘Does anyone else wonder if the teary eyes were an act, put on for the benefit of the media?’

To the benefit of = (phrase) a helpful or good effect, or something intended to help; e.g., (formal) He drinks a lot less now, to the benefit of his health as a whole (*).

Adorn (pronounced əˈdɔːn) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) to add something decorative to a person or thing; e.g., The bride’s hair was adorned with white flowers (^^).// e.g., Pictures and prints adorned his walls.// e.g., During the Christmas festival each one is adorned with decorations.// e.g., The ready-made curtains that could adorn the walls of living rooms are an added attraction.

Adornment (pronounced əˈdɔːnm(ə)nt) = (noun) Something decorative, or the act of decorating something or someone; e.g., The necktie is no longer a necessary male adornment.// e.g., These are the many jewelry makers who turn gold into beautifully crafted adornments.// e.g., Earrings have always been included in the category of body adornment.//// (mass noun) The action of adorning something; e.g., Precious stones have been used for the purposes of adornment for over 6,000 years.// e.g., Throughout history, Africans have imported glass beads (bead = a small piece of glass, stone, or similar material, typically rounded and perforated for threading with others as a necklace or rosary or for sewing onto fabric) and used them for adornment and elaborate beadwork.// e.g., Of course, some flowers are used for personal adornment, both the blossoms themselves and their essences in the form of perfumes.

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 (= take in information, ideas, or culture and understand fully) new elements.// e.g., It targets talented Year 10 students with an aptitude for enterprise.// e.g., ‘Sometimes I completely lose my inborn aptitude for sleeping for excessively long stretches.’

Unparalleled (pronounced ʌnˈparəlɛld) = (adjective) having no equal; better or greater than any other; exceptional; e.g., They enjoyed success on a scale unparalleled by any previous pop group (^^) e.g., The sudden rise in unemployment is unparalleled in the post-war period.// e.g., The governor said this amount of aid to one area was unparalleled.

Vat (not to be confused with ‘vet’) = (noun) large container used for mixing or storing liquid substances, especially in a factory.  For (large) beer vats See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZUnDvXeAOk  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSxHy809j5k and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54IRBJ62JFE // For a minced (= (especially of meat) having been cut up into very small pieces (*)) meat vat See http://media.liveauctiongroup.net/i/4755/6920235_1.jpg?v=8C96564584CD2B0 For wine vats See http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2010/03/25/3098594/IMG3523.JPG               // e.g., A vat of wine/ oil.// e.g., The cocoa beans are fermented in vats for about a week.

Associate (pronounced: adjective and noun =  əˈsəʊʃɪət // Verb = əˈsəʊʃɪeɪt) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (pronounced əˈsəʊʃɪət) (adjective) a title of a person whose rank is slightly lower or less complete than the full official position described; e.g., The associate director of the academy.// e.g., An associate member of an organization.// e.g., Associate director/ producer ((*) for all but (= except) the 1^st example).///  (attributive) Connected with an organization or business; e.g., An associate company.// e.g., It has also brought in other international business names such as Gillette and Samsung as associate sponsors.//// (pronounced əˈsəʊʃɪət) (noun) Someone who is closely connected to another person as a companion, friend, or business partner; e.g., A close associate of the Minister.// e.g., A close associate of the author denied reports that he was sick.// e.g., A business associate.//// (US English) (related to qualification) Someone who holds an associate's degree; e.g., An associate of arts ((*) as a noun, for all but the 1^st example).///  A person with limited or subordinate membership of an organization; e.g., An Associate of the Linnaean Society.// e.g., ‘We know you are a member of the Resistance, or at least an associate of the organization.’ // e.g., On that night sixty names were given in for nomination as members and associates./// (Psychology) A concept connected with another; e.g., The patient was asked to commit to memory a list of five paired associates.// e.g., In this task, listeners heard sets of five paired associates.//// (verb with object)   (pronounced  əˈsəʊʃɪeɪt/) to connect someone or something in your mind with someone or something else (often associate someone/something with); e.g., ‘I associated wealth with freedom.’ // e.g., Most people associate this beer brand with good quality ((*) for the definition and the 2^nd example as a verb).// Be associated with = be involved with; e.g., He has been associated with the project from the (very) first./// Associate oneself with = allow oneself to be connected with or seen to be supportive of; e.g., ‘I cannot associate myself with some of the insulting language used.’ /// (verb; no object) Meet or have dealings with someone regarded with disapproval; e.g., He began to associate with (not to) the Mafia.

Flue (pronounced fluː) (beware of the pronunciation!) (not to be confused with ‘flu,’ although they sound the same!) = (noun) A duct for smoke and waste gases produced by a fire, a gas heater, a power station, or other fuel-burning installation. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Seven-flue_Stack_1834.png and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or03hkSqpF4 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rOl8CYBAkg and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06RPgCSD5Zc  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gr36tv38ec  // e.g., No air rises up the chimney, usually because the flue is blocked.// e.g., (as modifier) Flue gases./// A channel for conveying heat; e.g., Older boilers send a lot of the heat they generate out of the flue into the air.// e.g., This design has an additional high temperature mass located at the hottest part of the flue to provide several hours of stored heat for the Stirling engine.////  Flue pipe (labial pipe) = an organ pipe that produces sound through the vibration of air molecules, in the same manner as a recorder or a whistle. Air under pressure (called wind) is driven down a flue, and against a sharp lip called a Labium, causing the column of air in the pipe to resonate at a frequency determined by the pipe length. Hence, there are no moving parts in a flue pipe. This contrasts with reed pipes, whose sound is driven by beating reeds, as in a clarinet. Flue pipes are common components of pipe organs ((*****) for flue pipe). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Schuke-sofia-principal.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/Stuttgart_Christuskirche_05.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Flue_pipe_cross_section.png

Copious (pronounced ˈkəʊpɪəs) = (adjective) Abundant (= plentiful) in supply or quantity; e.g., He took copious notes.// e.g., ''But my greatest one is - by far and away - the ability to watch copious amounts of YouTube videos.''// My comment: in medicine, there is an expression ‘copious amount of sputum.’ This, especially when thick (and with a green or rusty tint), may be associated with a bacterial lung infection.

Expectorate (pronounced ɪkˈspek.t(^ə)r.eɪt) = (verb with object) Cough or spit out phlegm from the throat or lungs; e.g., He was expectorating dirty colored sputum.// (verb; no object) e.g., A sign asks visitors not to expectorate in the sinks.// e.g., ‘Besides, who could like an instrument where all you do is expectorate into metal tubes?’

Phlegm (pronounced flem) = (noun) the thick viscous substance secreted by the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages, especially when produced in excessive or abnormal quantities, e.g., when someone is suffering from a cold; e.g., Production of phlegm, shortness of breath (SOB), and wheezing were significantly more prevalent in exposed than in reference subjects.

Orangutan (or orangutang or orang) is pronounced əˈræŋ·əˌtæŋ or əˈræŋ·əˌtæn.

Printed circuit (pronounced ˈsɜː.kɪt) board = a thin rigid board containing an electric circuit; a printed circuit. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/PCB_Spectrum.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/Hand_Etched_PCB.png and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/PCB_design_and_realisation_smt_and_through_hole.png and https://circuitboard.com/images/circuitboard3.jpg and http://www.circuitstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Printed-Circuit-Board-PCB.jpg

Telephone switchboard = An installation for the manual control (by the telephone operator) of telephone connections in an office, hotel, or other large building. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Jersey_Telecom_switchboard_and_operator.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Offutt_Air_Force_Base_operator.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/TexasRichardson_telephoneExchangeOperator.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Photograph_of_Women_Working_at_a_Bell_System_Telephone_Switchboard_%283660047829%29.jpg

Electrical switchboard = An apparatus (= a set of equipment or tools or a machine that is used for a particular purpose; pronounced ˌæp.əˈreɪ.təs (*)) for varying connections between electric circuits (circuit = a closed system of wires or pipes through which electricity or liquid can flow; pronounced ˈsɜː.kɪt) in other applications. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/Antique-Electrical-Switchboard.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ac/LV_switchboard.jpg and https://www.mrswitch.com.au/home/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Switchboard.jpg   and https://www.hallelectrical.co.nz/site/hallelectrical/images/JC_Photo_Uploads/Electrical%20Switchboard%20Upgrades%20&%20Installations.jpg

Residual-current device (RCD) (or residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB)) (in the US and Canada is known as ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), ground fault interrupter (GFI) or appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI); in the UK is known as RCD – the combined RCD+MCB (miniature circuit breaker) is known as RCBO (residual-current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection; in Australia is sometimes known as safety switch or RCD) =  a device that instantly breaks an electric circuit to prevent serious harm from an ongoing electric shock. An injury may still occur in some cases, for example, someone falls after receiving a shock (*****).//// A switch which cuts the power to a machine or appliance in case of emergency. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9a/Residual_current_device_2pole.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Differential_residual_current_circuit_interrupter.JPG  and https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0020/12917/Switchboard_safety_switch.jpg and  http://www.electricianstoday.com.au/wp-content/uploads/switch.png

Valiant (pronounced ˈvæl.i.ənt) = (adjective) Possessing or showing courage or determination. (My comment: you may also have watched the movie ''Prince Valiant'').// e.g., A valiant warrior.// e.g., He made a valiant effort to hold his anger in check.// e.g., The company has made a valiant effort/ attempt in the last two years to make itself more efficient.// e.g., The team made a valiant effort to take the lead in the third quarter, but they were too far behind ((**) for the last 2 examples).

Gallant = (adjective) (of a person or their behavior) Brave; heroic; e.g., Here he once again proved that he was a brave and gallant soldier.// e.g., He had made gallant efforts to pull herself together.// e.g., A play is not a play without a gallant hero completing some epic task./// (of a man) Charmingly attentive and chivalrous to women. See https://www.1st-art-gallery.com/thumbnail/292000/292357/painting_page_800x/Roybet/A-Gallant-Gentleman.jpg?ts=1505655060  // e.g., ‘A gallant gentleman came over and kissed my hand.’ // e.g., My sister thought that was very gallant of him (not ‘he was gallant’, as gallant is an adjective, not a noun).// e.g., Paul sighed in relief, and kissed Sindy in the most charming and gallant manner.

Chivalrous (pronounced ˈʃɪv(ə)lrəs) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) (Of a man or his behavior) courteous (= polite and showing respect; pronounced ˈkɜː.ti.əs (*)) and gallant, especially towards women; e.g., ‘Shall I be chivalrous and offer you my coat?’ // e.g., Nick pulled Mary's chair out for her and she blushed forgetting how dining with a chivalrous man felt like.// e.g., The western ideal of chivalrous behavior in warriors continues to be honored centuries after the disappearance of the armored knight./// Relating to the historical concept of chivalry e.g., The concept of chivalrous combat.// e.g., This is David's Castle was where he and his chivalrous companions lived.// e.g., That doesn’t means you can’t be brave, strong and chivalrous.’

Chivalry (pronounced ˈʃɪv(ə)lri) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (mass noun) The medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/Meister_der_Manessischen_Liederhandschrift_001.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d3/Leighton-God_Speed%21.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Ghent_Altarpiece_E_-_Knights_of_Christ.jpg  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_ypna0s2II and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7j0V1AHvBU  e.g., The age of chivalry.// e.g., She was impressed by his attention to the codes of chivalry.// e.g., Orders of chivalry had their origins in the religious orders of the Medieval Church, and in particular those created in the Holy Land during the crusades. /// The combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, namely courage, honor, courtesy (= polite behavior, or a polite action or remark; pronounced ˈkɜː.tə.si (*)), justice, and a readiness to help the weak; e.g., Tales of chivalry and knightly deeds (= actions).//  e.g., ‘Keep to the ideals of chivalry, in times of crisis and in your ordinary life.’ .// e.g., The full flowering of the ideals of knighthood and chivalry is found in poetry in the high Middle Ages.///  Courteous (= polite and showing respect; pronounced ˈkɜː.ti.əs (*)) behavior, especially that of a man towards women; e.g., He still retained a sense of chivalry towards women.// e.g.,  He never started a fight, and he kept to the laws of chivalry, common thief though he was.

Look forward to something = (phrasal verb) to feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen; e.g., ''I'm really looking forward to my holiday.'' // (+ -ing verb (gerund)) e.g., He was looking forward to seeing his grandchildren again.//// (+ -ing verb (gerund)) (formal) used at the end of a formal letter to say you hope to hear from or see someone soon, or that you expect something from them; e.g., ''I look forward to hearing from you.'' // e.g., ''In the circumstances, I look forward to receiving your client's cheque for the sum of $300 within the next five days'' (*).

Solace (pronounced ˈsɒlɪs) (My comment: You may have watched the James Bond movie ‘Quantum of Solace’) = (mass noun) comfort or consolation in a time of great distress or sadness; e.g., She sought (seek – sought – sought) solace in her religion.// e.g., She found solace for her grief by teaching herself to sew using an embroidery (= patterns or pictures that consist of stitches sewn directly onto cloth; pronounced ɪmˈbrɔɪ.d(ə)r.i) kit.// e.g., So many times she wanted to turn back and seek solace in the comfort of her home and family./// (verb with object) give solace to; e.g., They sat in silence, solacing themselves in each other’s tears.// e.g., If a person solaces himself for being fat by eating more, he’s going to eat more to solace himself for the extra weight! // e.g., The soundlessness of nature impressed and solaced her.

Cypress tree = a common name for various coniferous trees or shrubs of northern temperate regions that belong to the family Cupressaceae. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Actinostrobos_arenarius_fruits_murchison.JPG  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Fokienia_hodginsii_-_Kunming_Botanical_Garden_-_DSC03140.JPG  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/Taxodium_ascendens_in_the_Black_Water%2C_Okefenokee.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/Pilgerodendron_uviferum.jpg  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7l7Yb3cQUY  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgEa-JiKwBA  The Mediterranean cypress (also known as Italian cypress, Tuscan cypress, Persian cypress, or pencil pine), Cupressus sempervirens, is a species of cypress native to the eastern Mediterranean region. It is very long-lived, with some trees reported to be over 1,000 years old! (*****) See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Cupressus_sempervirens_Stricta.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Cypress_of_Abarqu.JPG  and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupressus_sempervirens#/media/File:Vincent_Van_Gogh_0016.jpg

Pestiferous (pronounced pɛˈstɪf(ə)rəs) (beware of the pronunciation!) (My comment: ‘pestis’ (Yersinia pestis is the bacterium) means plague!) = (adjective) (literary) Harboring (= preserving) infection and disease; e.g., The pestiferous area around the prison.// e.g., Newly drafted in from Europe for the most part, they died like flies in the pestiferous climate.// e.g., The doctor then said that the clinic has become as ubiquitous (= present, appearing or found everywhere; pronounced juːˈbɪk.wɪ.təs) as the mosquito in a swamp and equally pestiferous./// (humorous) Constituting a nuisance (= a person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance; pronounced ˈnjuː.səns ); very annoying; e.g., 'That pestiferous nephew of yours.’ // e.g., ‘I was the world's worst reference librarian, as it was always my pleasure to tell the student to look it up for himself and not to bother me with his pestiferous inquiries!’ (= asking information) // e.g., Happy the man who did not stand in the way of sinners or sit down in the seat of pestiferous people.

Wretched (pronounced ˈrɛtʃɪd) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) (of a person) in a very unhappy or unfortunate state; e.g., ‘I felt so wretched because I thought I might never see you again.’ // e.g., But he doesn’t make you think that the people were a poor, wretched mass of unwashed humanity.// e.g., A wretched childhood.// e.g., The people there live in wretched conditions, with no running water ((**) for the previous 2 examples).// e.g., A fanatic easily makes conquests among wretched people./// Of poor quality; very bad; e.g., The wretched conditions of the slums (slum = a squalid (= (of a place) extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect) and overcrowded urban street or district inhabited by very poor people).// e.g., The weather was of a wretched description, raining practically all day.// e.g., He lived among coal miners for a time to experience the wretched conditions of the underclass during that era (= a long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic; pronounced ˈɪə.rə)./// Used to express anger or annoyance; e.g., She disliked the wretched man intensely.// e.g., But then she reveals that their wretched father recently paid a visit.// e.g., ‘I fear the worst is yet to come, for now she has brought Father into the wretched business.’

Pursuit (noun) (mnemonic trick: all vowels are with ‘u’) vs. pursue (verb)

Pursuit (pronounced pəˈsjuːt) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) The action of following or pursuing someone or something. For a high-speed pursuit (or chase) See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K3dZmrcriU and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWN8pjnzal0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwM7EZY8rHw  and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=837QGJZy_t4 // e.g., The cat crouched (crouch = adopt a position where the knees are bent and the upper body is brought forward and down, sometimes to avoid detection or to defend oneself) in the grass in pursuit of a bird.// e.g., High-speed pursuit./// An activity of a specified kind, especially a recreational or athletic one; e.g., A whole range of leisure pursuits.// e.g., Among his favored recreational pursuits is painting.// e.g., A very wide range of extra-curricular activities is offered, including performing arts, sport and leisure pursuits./// Give pursuit = (of a person, animal, or vehicle) start to chase another; e.g., Three cavalry companies gave pursuit.// e.g., He sheathed his bloody sword and ran into the shadows, hoping no one would give pursuit./// (countable noun) A cycling race in which competitors set off from different parts of a track and attempt to overtake one another. See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Dutch_Team_Cycling_at_the_2012_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Women%27s_team_pursuit.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Dutch_team_Cycling_at_the_2012_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Women%27s_team_pursuit_%283%29.JPG  // e.g., (as modifier) The Olympic pursuit champion./// (Physiology) The action of the eye in following a moving object.

Pursue (pronounced pəˈsjuː) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb with object) Follow someone or something in order to catch or attack them; e.g., The police officer pursued the van./// (Of a person or way) continue or proceed along a path or route; e.g., The road pursued a straight course over the scrubland.

Pickup truck = a light-duty truck having an enclosed cab and an open cargo area with low sides and tailgate. In Australia and New Zealand, both pickups and coupé utilities are called utes (short for a utility vehicle), while in South Africa they use the term bakkie (*****). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/Ford_F-150_crew_cab_--_05-28-2011.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/FORD_PICKUP_TRUCK.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/Toyota-1984-truck.jpg and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickup_truck#/media/File:1956_Dodge_pickup_truck_(15587290885).jpg

It’s time

We can use the expression ‘it’s time’ + subject + past verb form to refer to the present moment; e.g., It’s almost 10 p.m. It’s time we went home (not: It’s time we go home).

‘It’s time’ with a verb in the to-infinitive form can refer to the speaker and the listener together: e.g., ‘It’s time to start packing (or It’s time we started packing). Our flight is leaving in 3 hours.’

Exaggerate (pronounced ɪɡˈzædʒ.ə.reɪt) (beware of the pronunciation!) (it is usually not accompanied by a preposition) = (verb with object) Represent something as being larger, better, or worse than it really is; e.g., She was apt to exaggerate any aches (ache = a continuous or prolonged dull pain in a part of one’s body) and pains.// e.g., ‘Furthermore, there are no legal penalties for taking a false or exaggerated claim to court.’   (My comment: I am not sure if this is true, as there may be a claim for defamation from the other side).// (verb; no object) e.g., ‘I couldn't sleep for three days—I’m not exaggerating.’  // e.g., ‘I don’t think it will be exaggerating to say that the composers new work is a masterpiece’ ((**) for the last example)// e.g., ‘I think I rather exaggerate the time (not ‘in the time’) I spend working out at the gym’ (my own example!)./// (as adjective exaggerated) = enlarged or altered beyond normal proportions; e.g., It’s an exaggerated intensity of feeling invested in something which doesn't finally matter.// e.g., ‘I read to them every night in great detail and exaggerated voices.’

‘News’ is an uncountable noun; e.g. This news has been well received by some residents who were beginning to lose faith in the council a few weeks ago.// e.g., In the life of a migrant, the big news event is not who came in first in the Bass Hill election.// e.g., The good news is that powerful preconditioning techniques have been developed for many problems of practical interest.//// On the news; e.g.,  ''Was there anything interesting on the news this evening?'' ((**) for the last 2 examples).

Exploit (pronounced a) Verb = ɪkˈsplɔɪt. b) Noun as exploit = ˈɛksplɔɪt. c) Noun as exploitation = pronounced ɛksplɔɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n) (beware of the pronunciation!)  = a) (verb with object) (pronounced ɪkˈsplɔɪt) Make full use of and derive benefit from a resource; e.g., 1,000 companies sprang up to exploit this new technology./// Make use of a situation in a way considered unfair or underhand; e.g., The company was exploiting a legal loophole (= a small mistake in an agreement or law that gives someone the chance to avoid having to do something (*))./// Benefit unfairly from the work of someone, typically by overworking or underpaying them; e.g., These workers are at particular risk of being exploited in the workplace./// b) Noun (pronounced ˈɛksplɔɪt) = A bold or daring feat (= an achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength); e.g., Despite a series of colorful exploits, his agents obtained little intelligence of value.// e.g., It has everything the TV audience need, dramatic scenery, heroic exploits, a stage of passion and color.// A software tool designed to take advantage of a flaw in a computer system, typically for malicious purposes such as installing malware; e.g., ‘If someone you don't know tweets you a link, it’s either spam, an exploit, or probably both.’ c) Exploitation (of) (pronounced ɛksplɔɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n) (noun) = The action or fact of mistreating someone in order to benefit from their work; e.g., The exploitation of migrant workers./// The action of making use of and benefiting from resources; e.g., The Bronze Age saw exploitation of gold deposits.

Finery (pronounced ˈfʌɪn(ə)ri) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (mass noun) Expensive or ostentatious (= characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice) clothes or decoration. For finery clothes See https://assets.finerylondon.com/spree/products/5467/product/AZ1-029_WHITMORE-DRESSES-NAVY-FINERY-LONDON_0151-srg.jpg?1447325671    // For finery decoration See    https://us.123rf.com/450wm/francoiscoguitto/francoiscoguitto1601/francoiscoguitto160100007/51031078-finery-of-christmas.jpg?ver=6  // e.g., Officers in their blue, gold, and scarlet (= brilliant red color) finery.// e.g., The pupils dressed in white finery sat attentively throughout the mass.// e.g., There we all were in our finery, waiting for the bride and groom to arrive.// e.g., The stars arrived for the Oscars dressed in all their finery ((**) for the last 2 examples).

Sycamore (pronounced ˈsɪkəmɔː) = a large Eurasian maple with winged fruits, native to central and southern Europe. It is planted as a fast-growing ornamental but tends to displace native trees. Note: The name derives from ancient Greek ‘sykomoros’ meaning ’fig-mulberry’ ((*****) for this note). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Acer_pseudoplatanus_005.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/Acer_pseudoplatanus_Chaltenbrunnen.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/The_Martyrs_tree_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1277399.jpg For the sycamore (or sycomore) of the Bible See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Ficus_sycomorus_0003.jpg  and and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/Sycamore_fruits.jpg

Morus (mulberry) = a small deciduous (= (of a tree or shrub) shedding its leaves annually; pronounced dɪˈsɪdʒ.u.əs) tree with broad leaves, native to East Asia and long cultivated elsewhere. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ad/Morus_alba_FrJPG.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Mulberry_in_Libya.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/Mulberry_in_Southern_Brazil.jpg and  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/Silkworm_mulberry_tree_zetarra_marugatze_arbolean3.JPG

Poppy (My comment: contrary to popular belief, the ubiquitous (= present, appearing, or found everywhere; pronounced juːˈbɪk.wɪ.təs) red poppy is not the source of opium) = a flowering plant of the family Papaveraceae. Poppies are herbaceous plants, often grown for their colorful flowers. One species of poppy, Papaver somniferum, also known as opium poppy or bred poppy, is the source of the narcotic drug opium which contains powerful medicinal alkaloids such as morphine and has been used since ancient times as an analgesic and narcotic medicinal and recreational drug. It also produces edible seeds (*****). For the red poppy See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Poppies_in_the_Sunset_on_Lake_Geneva.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Oriental_poppies_gone_wild_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1397319.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/Red_poppie.jpg  For the yellow poppy See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/Yellow_Poppy.jpg  For the poppy Papaver somniferum that is source of opium See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/Opium_poppy.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/Schlafmohn_Papaver_somniferum_2019-06-17_13-19-31_%28C%29.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Coquelicots_-_Parc_floral_6.JPG and (Capsule of Papaver somniferum showing latex (opium) exuding from an incision) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Opium_pod_cut_to_demonstrate_fluid_extraction1.jpg

Unbidden (pronounced ʌnˈbɪd(ə)n) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) Without having been commanded or invited; e.g., Unbidden guests.// e.g., The issue of race is an occasional unbidden guest at the dinner table in white America.// e.g., At night, images would come unbidden into his mind ((**) for this example)./// (especially of a thought or feeling) Arising without conscious effort; e.g., Unbidden tears came to his eyes.// e.g., That image just seems to have appeared unbidden in his fevered little fantasy about nefarious Anti-American Red Cross workers with foreign-sounding names.// e.g., At the thought of him, an unbidden idea popped into my head.

Nefarious (pronounced nəˈfeə.ri.əs) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) (typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal; e.g., The nefarious activities of the organized-crime syndicates.// e.g., Criminals don’t carry out their nefarious acts in and around taxis.// e.g., It was just a rock known for nefarious activities that took place there.// e.g., The company’s CEO seems to have been involved in some nefarious practices/ activities.// e.g., In the 1950s and 1960s, a number of laboratory studies cemented the view that social influence has nefarious consequences on otherwise rational (= based on or in accordance with reason or logic) individuals ((**) for the last 2 examples).

Sup (pronounced sʌp) (as a verb; from supper) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (Northern English) (dated) Take a drink or liquid food by sips or spoonful; e.g., He supped up his soup delightedly./// (verb; no object) e.g., He was supping straight from the bottle./// (dated) Eat supper; e.g., 'You’ll sup on seafood delicacies.'

Splendor (US English) (splendour in British English) (pronounced  ˈsplɛndə) = (mass noun) Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur; e.g., The barren (= (of land) too poor to produce much or any vegetation) splendor of the Lake District.// e.g., Arabian art, according to Streisand, has always been one of great wonder, splendor, and beauty.// e.g., The story, a fairy tale that carries a remarkable moral, is brought to animation with magnificent splendor and humor.//// Splendors = Magnificent features or qualities; e.g., The splendors of the imperial court.// e.g., Holidaymakers come back year after year and, amid the splendors of the Alps, they insist on bourgeois comforts and good Bavarian cooking.// e.g., We see them dreaming of the splendors of imperialist Russia, but get very little sense of the monotony they wish to escape.// e.g., The splendors preserved today would impress any tourist.

Grandeur (pronounced ˈɡræn.dʒə(r)) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (mass noun) Splendor and impressiveness, especially of appearance or style; e.g., The majestic grandeur and simplicity of Roman architecture.// e.g., ‘If it is style, elegance, and grandeur you are after then this five-bed detached property may be the home for you.’ // e.g., Cuba and her people have a vibrant and passionate past and one that echoes around the fading grandeur of her elegant architecture. /// High rank or social importance; e.g., His facade (= a false appearance that makes someone or something seem more pleasant or better than they really are) of grandeur.// e.g., The West Indian islands became the hub (= the effective center of an activity, region, or network) of the British Empire, of immense importance to the grandeur and prosperity of England.

Carouse (pronounced kəˈraʊz) (beware of the pronunciation!) (not to be confused with ‘carousel’!) = (verb; no object) (literary or humorous) Drink alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively (full of energy; pronounced ˈlʌɪvli) way. See  https://i.pinimg.com/736x/b6/2a/85/b62a85abbdc626dc346a32372851826d--drinking-masters.jpg    // e.g., They danced and caroused until the drink ran out.// e.g., A night of carousing. // e.g., ‘We’d been up carousing till the early hours and were exhausted.’ // e.g., They were out carousing till dawn ((**) for the last 2 examples).

Encomiast (pronounced ɛnˈkəʊmɪast) = (noun) (formal) A person who publicly praises or flatters someone else; e.g., ‘Yesterday, I watched a program by a famous encomiast in China.’// e.g., He is admired not as an uncritical encomiast of his own culture and society, but rather as an exemplum of the spirit.

Exemplum (pronounced ɛɡˈzɛmpləm or ɪɡˈzɛmpləm) (plural = exempla) = (noun) An example or model, especially a story told to illustrate a moral point; e.g., Consequently, the exempla in this section illustrate the kind of balanced prudence encouraged by Raison and Christine: the definitive ideal is the prudent woman depicted in Proverbs 31.// e.g.,  The mock-heroic story is full of rhetoric and exempla, and it is one of the most admired of the Tales, regarded as the most typically ‘Chaucerian’ in tone and content.// e.g., Macbeth lives as an exemplum of the perverted hero, because of Shakespeare's ability to give life to every stage of his disastrous career.

Descant (pronounced a) Noun = ˈdɛskant. b) Verb = dɛˈskant or dɪˈskant) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) (pronounced ˈdɛskant) (Music) An independent treble melody sung or played above a basic melody. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5E0PGkUvrE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1WVTFwfm0o     /// (literary) A discourse (= written or spoken communication or debate; pronounced ˈdɪs.kɔːs) on a theme; e.g., His descant of deprivation.// e.g., ‘I had been going to mark the 1000^th posting here with a descant on futility and failure, as is traditional on New Year’s Eve.’ // e.g., These wonderful letters are a descant to the two recent major biographies./// (Verb; no object) (pronounced dɛˈskant or dɪˈskant) (literary) Talk tediously (tedious = too long, slow, or dull: tiresome or monotonous; pronounced ˈtiː.di.əs) or at length; e.g., ‘I have descanted on this subject before’  // e.g., It is a pleasure to hear my refugee (pronounced ˌref.juˈdʒiː)  patients descant on that great historical achievement.// e.g., When he has begun to descant on a subject which interests his morbid (= characterized by an abnormal and unhealthy interest in disturbing and unpleasant subjects, especially death and disease) feelings, he knows not when to pass to another.

Morbid (pronounced ˈmɔːbɪd) (the noun is morbidity) = (adjective) characterized by or appealing to an abnormal and unhealthy interest in disturbing and unpleasant subjects, especially death and disease; e.g., He had long held a morbid fascination with the horrors of contemporary warfare.// e.g., ‘We stayed out of morbid curiosity to see what would happen.’ // e.g., ‘As much as it was a part of society, I found it morbid and disgusting to laugh and cheer and a horrible death just for entertainment.’ //// (medicine) Of the nature of or indicative of disease; e.g., The treatment of morbid obesity.// e.g., Deep puncture wounds from animal bites become morbid if not promptly tended (tend = care for or look after) and closely followed.

Affirm (pronounced əˈfəːm) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb) (reporting verb) State emphatically or publicly. Synonym = declare.// (verb with object) e.g., He affirmed the country’s commitment to peace.// (with clause)  e.g., They affirmed that policies were to be judged by their contribution to social justice.// e.g., He was careful to proclaim his allegiance (= loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause; pronounced əˈliː.dʒ(ə)ns) to President Johnson, and affirmed that he would send more money to the center if they needed it./// (verb with object) Declare one’s support for; uphold; defend; e.g., The referendum affirmed the republic’s right to secede (pronounced sɪˈsiːd; = withdraw formally from membership in a federal union, an alliance, or a political or religious organization).// e.g., ‘In supporting this motion, we affirm those values.’ // e.g., The evidence provided by the Secretary of State supported and affirmed much of the reporting in the Press.// e.g., However, it may be an example of an ideal affirmed by everyone but not always fully supported in practice./// (verb with object) (Law) Accept or confirm the validity of a judgment or agreement; ratify (= sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid); e.g., The Court of Appeal affirmed a decision of the High Court.// e.g., This wide discretion (= the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information) of the chief constable (=  a peace officer with limited policing authority, typically in a small town) to keep the peace was affirmed by the House of Lords.//// (verb; no object) (Law) Make a formal declaration rather than taking an oath; e.g., As a result, a witness can request to affirm, rather than swear.// e.g., He refused to take the oath but chose simply to affirm on being admitted to the Privy Council.// e.g., ‘Now, Mr. Smith, you had better be sworn or affirmed.’ // (verb with object) Offer someone emotional support or encouragement; e.g., There are five common ways parents fail to affirm their children.// e.g., Good teachers know that students need to be both affirmed and challenged.// e.g., Labor that does not affirm humans and, instead, reduces them to objects for manipulation, is a form of oppression./// Give life a heightened sense of value, typically through the experience of something emotionally or spiritually uplifting; e.g., It is a rich and challenging motion picture that both affirms life and emphasizes its fragility.// e.g., They were simply making themselves visible, affirming their existence and moral legitimacy.// e.g., The content celebrates and affirms the lives of people with disabilities.

Affirmative (pronounced əˈfɜː.mə.tɪv) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) Agreeing with a statement or to a request; e.g., An affirmative answer.// e.g., The police surgeon examined her for bruises, while she nodded her affirmative answer.// e.g., He hadn't been confident of her affirmative answer at all.//// (Logic Grammar) Stating that a fact is so; making an assertion (contrasted with negative and interrogative); e.g., Affirmative sentences.// e.g.,  If any of the two terms of an affirmative categorical is ‘empty,’ then the term in question refers to nothing./// (Of a vote) expressing approval or agreement; e.g., Adoption shall require the affirmative vote of 2/3 of the Parliament members present.// e.g., The only discussion was a quick affirmative vote to accept changes made to the policy during a special Senate ‘committee of the whole’ meeting May 8.// e.g., He said he waited four months hoping that it could be given an affirmative vote by the House (of Representatives).///  Relating to or denoting proposed legislation which must receive a parliamentary vote in its favor before it can come into force; e.g., Regulations under the Bill (= a draft of a proposed law presented to parliament for discussion) would be subject to the affirmative procedure.// e.g., Any use of clause (= a particular and separate article, stipulation, or proviso in a treaty, bill, or contract) 7 will also ‘be subject to parliamentary oversight by the affirmative resolution (= an official decision that is made after a group or organization has voted (*)) procedure.’ /// Offering emotional support; e.g., The family is usually a source of encouragement from which affirmative influences come./// e.g., ‘We recognize and honor the multitudes of affirmative influences people from various cultures have on our campus and our society at large (= as a whole).’ // e.g., The importance of affirmative support is emphasized most strongly by those significant others whose definition of self and role is perceived as devalued.//// (noun) A statement of agreement with an assertion (= a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief) or request; e.g., He accepted her reply as an affirmative.// e.g., ‘I asked if I would see him later and he answered me in the definite affirmative.’ // e.g., They came remarkably close to answering with a simple affirmative./// (Grammar) A word used in making assertions or to express consent; e.g., The construction is symmetric neither with the main clause nor with the relative clause affirmatives./// (Logic) A statement asserting that something is true of the subject of a proposition; e.g., In this way, it is possible to state that the ‘logic of the affirmative statement’  and the ‘logic of the operation’ are functionally equivalent./// The affirmative = a position of agreement or confirmation; e.g., ‘And I’m undecided as to whether golf is really a sport, but I’d tend towards the affirmative.’ // e.g., His answer veered (veer = suddenly change an opinion, subject, type of behavior, etc.) towards the affirmative./// (exclamation) (US English) Agreeing with a statement or request; yes; e.g., ‘Affirmative, sir,’ responded the ship’s tactical officer.// e.g., ‘Affirmative Sergeant. Move up and secure firing positions.’ // e.g., ‘Affirmative, Colonel,’ was the reply. ‘All targeting solutions are locked in.’ /// In the affirmative = (phrase) So as to accept or agree to a statement or request; e.g., He answered the question in the affirmative.// e.g., In the case of children, it may be easy to answer that question in the affirmative. // e.g., If these questions are answered in the affirmative, a lawsuit is born.

Veer (pronounced vɪə(r)) = (verb; no object, with adverbial of direction) Change direction suddenly. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7hWDQjxVLE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjhhp9eEKeo and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzVd07xeRNU  // e.g., An oil tanker that had veered off course.// e.g., After this, the path veers right, away from the river.// e.g., ‘We were on a boat tour when the captain dramatically veered off course, frantically (= done in a hurried way and in a state of excitement or confusion (*)) talking on his cell phone!’ /// Suddenly change an opinion, subject, type of behavior, etc.; e.g., The conversation eventually veered away from theatrical things.// e.g., In later years Steven’s politics veered in an anarchist direction.// e.g., The conversation veered towards language and accents.//// (of the wind) Change direction clockwise around the points of the compass (the opposite of ‘back’)) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edk-hiS7CKo&list=PLtakbfh4FkY6hAfy89fLa8l_tY9tzVndv and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GeiGr52EBs and (referred to a hurricane) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nuln3vwugNg // e.g., The wind veered a point.// e.g., At sunset, the wind freshened and veered to the north.// e.g., The race began in a fresh south-westerly wind, which soon veered to the west and then swung round to the north before virtually dying away altogether./// (noun) A sudden change of direction;  e.g., What had seemed at the time like an unexpected veer off into uncharted territory ultimately proved to be an anomaly as Henson returned to much safer and more familiar ground in subsequent series./// (American Football) An offensive play using a modified T-formation with a split backfield, which allows the quarterback the option of passing to the fullback, pitching to a running back, or running with the ball. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDsh6sIy6Yk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC0_kIUsKzM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwtyMIrm1GA    // e.g., The veer offensive requires the quarterback to make the decision to run or hand off the ball even faster.

Bill (as a noun) = (noun) A printed or written statement of the money owed for goods or services; e.g., The bill for their meal came to $19.// e.g., The groups say that money should go to the panel writing the spending bill for education and human services.// e.g., He couldn’t pay bills, check money coming into his account or make salary payment./// A draft of a proposed law presented to parliament for discussion; e.g., A debate over the civil rights bill.// e.g., The two bills presently before parliament contain very similar measures.// e.g., A discussion on a bill presented by a ‘cabinet minister’ would be put to a vote after discussions./// A program of entertainment at a theatre or cinema; e.g., She was top of the bill at America’s leading vaudeville (= a type of entertainment popular chiefly in the US in the early 20th century, featuring a mixture of specialty acts such as burlesque comedy and song and dance) house.// e.g.,  This, the only native play on the bill, proved easily the most interesting and was the best acted.// e.g., ‘It can put you top of the bill at the theatre.’  //// (US English) A banknote; e.g., A ten-dollar bill.// e.g., He pulled out the money his father had given him to pay for the mare (= female horse; pronounced meə(r)) and peeled off a ten-dollar bill.// e.g., Sam smiles and then puts a ten-dollar bill on the table./// A poster or handbill (= a small printed advertisement or other notice distributed by hand). For a handbill See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/68/Without_breaking_stride%2C_homeward_bound_commuter_as_the_Staten_Island_Ferry_Terminal_reaches_for_leaflet_from_street..._-_NARA_-_549907.jpg  and https://4.imimg.com/data4/XG/XN/MY-8698367/handbill-designing-250x250.jpg and   https://www.indianplayschools.com/wp-content/uploads/Handbill-Copy.jpg  // (as modifier) e.g., He has been hard at work bill posting in a poster and sticker campaign.// e.g., ‘Well, first we did some illegal bill postering and then we stole some milk crates (crate = a slatted wooden case used for transporting or storing goods).’

Flyer or pamphlet (pronounced ˈpæm.flət) = (noun) a form of paper advertisement intended for wide distribution and typically posted or distributed in a public place, handed out to individuals or sent through the mail. Flyers range from inexpensively photocopied leaflets to expensive, glossy, full-color circulars (*****). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Flyers_sobe_2.jpg  and https://dictionary.cambridge.org/images/thumb/pamphl_noun_002_26306.jpg?version=5.0.63 and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/68/Without_breaking_stride%2C_homeward_bound_commuter_as_the_Staten_Island_Ferry_Terminal_reaches_for_leaflet_from_street..._-_NARA_-_549907.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/Helmand_leaflets350.jpg

Emulate (pronounced ˈem.jə.leɪt) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb with object) Match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation; e.g., Most rulers wished to emulate Alexander the Great.// e.g., His advice to those who would emulate his success is first to get education.// e.g., They will do very well if they emulate the success of their legendary father./// (Imitate); e.g., ‘Hers is not a hairstyle I wish to emulate.’ // e.g., ‘We certainly wouldn’t be trying to emulate people with blurred vision.’ // e.g., Another 150 people took part in simulated tasks and interviews emulating the shopping experience.//// (Computing) Reproduce the function or action of a different computer, software system, etc.// e.g., The adaptor is factory set to emulate a Hercules graphics board.

Ample (pronounced ˈamp(ə)l) = (adjective) Enough or more than enough; plentiful; e.g., There is ample time for discussion.// e.g., An ample supply of consumer goods.// e.g., There will be ample opportunity for discussion from the floor, and the meeting may last well into the evening.// e.g., ‘You’ll have ample opportunity to ask questions after the talk’  ((**) for this example).///  Large and accommodating; e.g., He leaned back in his ample chair.// e.g., ‘Boot (= the trunk of a car) space is not extensive but more ample than you’d expect.’ // e.g., People who have a modest home with an ample garden will be able to accommodate this breed (probably referring to a dog).///  (of a person’s figure) full or broad; e.g., She stood with her hands on her ample hips.// e.g., Her features were actually too full and sensual, her figure too ample to fit the mold.// e.g., Her ample body became a sign of financial abundance (= a very large quantity of something; pronounced əˈbʌn.d^əns) afforded by the upper class.

Amply (pronounced ˈæm.pli) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adverb) Enough or more than enough; plentifully; e.g., The persistent reader is amply rewarded.// e.g., The self-portraits are amply represented here, 13 altogether.// e.g., This was a production which amply deserved its sell-out success.// e.g., They have written a clearly organized and amply documented work.

Propriety (pronounced prəˈprʌɪəti) (not related to ‘property’) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (mass noun) Conformity to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals; e.g., She always behaved with the utmost propriety.// e.g., There are different standards of propriety for an intimate dinner than for the State of the Union address.// e.g., The movie deals with the need for moral propriety in life.// e.g., The movie deals with the need for moral propriety in life.// e.g., The director insisted that there was no question as to the propriety of how the funds were raised ((**) for this example)./// Proprieties = the details or rules of behavior conventionally considered to be correct; e.g., Even at the Commonwealth level, there were times when the Chief Justice thought he had a responsibility to throw the proprieties and conventions to the wind.// e.g., He’s a great one for the proprieties.// e.g., The rule of law and constitutional proprieties were discarded (discard = get rid of someone or something as no longer useful or desirable).//// The condition of being right, appropriate, or fitting; e.g., They questioned the propriety of certain investments made by the council.// e.g., ‘In my view, this connotes something more than a legitimate disagreement between counsel as to the propriety of particular questions.’ // e.g., He had no reason to question his doctor about the propriety of their use.

Impropriety (pronounced ˌɪmprəˈprʌɪəti) = (noun) A failure to observe standards or show due honesty or modesty; improper language, behavior, or character; e.g., She was scandalized at the impropriety of the question./// e.g., (countable noun) There are no demonstrable legal improprieties.// e.g., He has been mired (mire = involve someone or something in a difficult situation;  pronounced mɑɪər) in accusations and allegations of corruption, sexual impropriety, and drug use.// e.g., None of the allegations related to financial impropriety or willful misconduct (= unacceptable or improper behavior, especially by an employee or professional person).

Wilful (or willful in North American English) = (adjective) (of an immoral or illegal act or omission) intentional; deliberate; e.g., Willful acts of damage.// e.g., ‘Is there a danger of much being lost or obscured from either willful or unintentional neglect?’ // e.g., This willful act was in direct violation of Article 5 of the United Nations (UN) Convention on children./// Having or showing a stubborn and determined intention to do as one wants, regardless of the consequences; e.g., A spoiled, willful child.// e.g., The newly married couple was very happy, although many people warned the kindly man about the willful and headstrong nature of his new step-son.// e.g., ‘I laughed at loud at her stubborn and willful spirit.

Counsel (as a verb: Counsell in British English) = (noun) Advice, especially that given formal; e.g., As for the EU (European Union), the situation is really bad, though wiser counsels may prevail in the next week or so.// e.g., (countable noun)  For the public, simple counsels of more patience are not enough.// e.g., With wise counsel, a couple can buy a home that will be appreciating in value.//// The lawyer or lawyers conducting a case.// Synonyms: lawyer, advocate, attorney, attorney-at-law, counselor, solicitor, barrister (also barrister-at-law; pronounced ˈbarɪstə(r)) e.g., The counsel for the defense.// e.g., ‘I have still to consult with counsel in this matter, my Lord.’ // e.g., Defense counsel replied that he would be calling evidence to the contrary in regard to that charge.//// Counsel (counsell in British English) = (verb) Advise someone, especially on social or personal problems; e.g., The police have provided experts to counsel local people affected by the tragedy.// e.g., My job involves counseling unemployed people on/about how to find work ((^^) for the meaning as a verb).// e.g., He was counseled by his supporters to return to France./// Give professional help and advice to someone to resolve personal or psychological problems; e.g., She was being counseled for depression.// e.g., His wife is a psychologist who counsels cancer patients for a living./// Recommend a course of action; e.g., The athlete’s coach counseled caution.// e.g., ‘I would prefer that patience be counseled and that the process take its course.’

Deliberate (pronounced: a) Adjective = dɪˈlɪb(ə)rət.  b) Verb = dɪˈlɪbəreɪt) (beware of the pronunciation!) = a) (adjective) (pronounced dɪˈlɪb(ə)rət) Done consciously and intentionally. Synonyms: intentional./// e.g., A deliberate attempt to provoke conflict.// e.g., The action and conduct of the two newspapers was conscious and deliberate./// Careful and unhurried; e.g., A conscientious and deliberate worker.// e.g., Their movements like the placement of the candles are measured and deliberate.// e.g., He straightened his spine and took a few slow, deliberate steps forward.// Fully considered; not impulsive; e.g., A deliberate decision.// e.g., But this question assumes that writing is a whole lot more conscious and deliberate than it actually is.// e.g., Only deliberate effort enables one fully to grasp the implications of such a position. /// b) (Verb) (pronounced dɪˈlɪbəreɪt) Engage in long and careful consideration; e.g., She deliberated over the menu.// e.g., The jury had deliberated for 7 hours after the five-week trial.// e.g., ‘I had planned this moment for so long, tripped over details in my head, deliberated over how I would do this.’ // (verb with object) Consider a question carefully e.g., Jurors deliberated the fate of those charged.// (with clause) e.g., They deliberated what they should do with him.// e.g., Scientists are still deliberating this question.

Coop (vs) Coup

Coop = (noun) a cage or pen (= a small area surrounded by a fence, especially one in which animals are kept) in which poultry are kept.// See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqnr0bMkoUs and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/Henhouse_near_Ganthorpe_-_geograph.org.uk_-_670026.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/Chickens_in_tractor_organic_farm.jpg   // e.g., ‘If we don't stop these groups, tomorrow you won't be able to milk cows or keep chickens in coops.’ /// (UK English) A basket used in catching fish.

Coup (coup d'état) = (noun) coup d'état; a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government; e.g., He was overthrown in an army coup.// e.g., Earlier this year more than 80 suspected mercenaries (mercenary = a soldier who fights for any country or group that pays them; pronounced ˈmɜː.s(ə)n.ri (*)) were arrested for their alleged plan to help carry out that coup./// An instance of successfully achieving something difficult; e.g., It was a major coup to get such a prestigious contract.// e.g., And the first major media entity to cover it in depth will score a major coup.// e.g., This may prove to have been the biggest marketing coup of all./// An unusual or unexpected but successful tactic in card play.

Inseparable (not 'unseparable') = (adjective) Unable to be separated or treated separately; e.g., Research and higher education seem inseparable./// (noun) A person or thing inseparable from another; e.g., ‘We are two good old enemies, John and I, inseparable, in fact.’

Hitherto (pronounced ˌhɪð.əˈtuː (hɪð.ɚˈtuː in North American English) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adverb) Until now or until the point in time under discussion; e.g., There is a need to replace what has hitherto been a haphazard (= random) method of payment.// e.g., Hitherto part of French West Africa, Benin achieved independence in 1960.// e.g.,  New technology means it is worthwhile extracting oil from fields hitherto economically unviable.// e.g., They were forced to call on the coalition partners whose presence they had hitherto ignored.// e.g., Anthony revealed hitherto unsuspected talents on the dance floor ((**) for the last example).

Haphazard (pronounced hapˈhazəd) (it is hap - hazəd) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) Lacking any obvious principle of an organization; random; e.g.., The kitchen drawers contained a haphazard collection of silver souvenir spoons.// e.g., The music business works in a haphazard fashion.// e.g., These difficulties are unfortunately compounded by a haphazard organization.// e.g., He tackled (tackle = make determined efforts to deal with a problem or difficult task) the problem in a typically haphazard manner.// e.g., Haphazard record-keeping made it difficult for the agency to keep track of its clients ((**) for the last 2 examples).

Inimical (pronounced ɪˈnɪmɪk(ə)l) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) Tending to obstruct or harm; harmful; e.g., The policy was inimical to UK’s real interests.// e.g., Excessive managerial control is inimical to creative expression ((**) for this example).// e.g., Both the leaders stressed the need for better coordination among the alliance partners and facing the challenge of the situation collectively to defeat the forces inimical to the restoration of peace.// e.g., The notion of casual employment was entirely inimical to that old model of master and servant, because the essence of the master and servant relationship was that it was a continuing relationship.///  Unfriendly; hostile; e.g., An inimical alien power.// e.g., What waited for them at the end of such perilous (= full of danger or risk) journey was inimical climate and unfriendly natives.// e.g., He here insinuates (= to suggest, without being direct, that something unpleasant is true; pronounced ɪnˈsɪn.ju.eɪt) their complicity (= the state of being involved with others in illegal activity or wrongdoing) with the inimical powers that oppress the people.

Creed (My comment: I guess you all know the computer game ‘Assassin’s creed’!) = (noun) A system of religious belief; a faith; e.g., People of many creeds and cultures.// e.g., ‘You are intolerant of other races, creeds and religions.’ // e.g., All belief systems, ideologies, creeds, and theological frameworks turn to dust! //// Often:  ‘the Creed’ = A formal statement of Christian beliefs, especially the Apostles’ Creed or the Nicene Creed; e.g., The godparents will then swear that they believe in the Creed and the (10) Commandments.// e.g., In his book, he draws on one novel or film to illuminate each article of the Apostle’s Creed.// e.g., ‘You know he doesn’t want a quotation from the Creed used on Sundays.’ //// A set of beliefs or aims which guide someone’s actions; e.g., Liberalism was more than a political creed.// e.g., Constitutional or not, the ideals are part of the American ethos (= the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations; pronounced ˈiː.θɒs) and creed.// e.g.,  Irish Toryism was the dominant political creed down to 1859, at least in terms of Westminster seats.

Rota (pronounced ˈrəʊtə) (referred to workplace, it is called ‘roster’ in North American English; as if we talk about a military unit or a sports team!) (My comment: in the British NHS, this word is of vital importance defining hospital doctors’ weekly schedule, or ‘weekly Rota/ duty roster’) = (UK English)  A list showing when each of a number of people has to do a particular job; e.g., A cleaning rota.// e.g., On the negative side, the directive has resulted in unsocial shifts and yet another tier (= one of several layers or levels; pronounced tɪə(r)) of bureaucracy to ensure that rotas are compliant.// e.g., The rota was a print out of the weekly schedule fastened to a clipboard.// e.g.,  Doctor rotas can be particularly challenging as they need to comply with different sets of rules, including the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) legislation (from the media). (My comment: hospitals should follow this directive, as it ensures the patients’ safety from doctors who are not exhausted from work!). [Note: On call rotas can be worked from home or from the hospital (‘resident on-call’). On call rotas are a suitable working arrangement where the workload is of such a nature that, when working a standard working week, you are not required to work for a substantial portion of your out-of-hours duty. (Reference: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/employment/contracts/juniors-contracts/rotas-and-working-patterns/rota-types/on-call-rota  )./// The Rota = The supreme ecclesiastical and secular (= not having any connection with religion; pronounced ˈsek.jə.lə(r) court of the Roman Catholic Church.

Roster (pronounced ˈrɒs.tə(^r)) (‘rota’ in British English) = (noun) A list or plan showing turns of duty or leave for individuals or groups in an organization; e.g., Next week’s duty roster.// e.g., ‘Work out a roster of who is on duty on what day and time.’ // e.g., ‘If you look on the duty roster, you'll see when you’re working’ ((**) for this example)./// A list of members of a team or organization, in particular of sports players available for team selection; e.g., A cluster of outstanding players on the club’s roster.// e.g., The label assembled an extraordinarily eclectic roster of artists.// e.g., ‘There are player rosters, so you know who had a hand in the results and how to contact them, if you want.’ //// (British English) Place on or assign according to a duty roster; e.g., The locomotive (= a powered rail vehicle used for pulling trains; also  known as ‘loco’ in the UK; pronounced ˌləʊ.kəˈməʊ.tɪv) is rostered for service on Sunday.// e.g.,  ‘We had absolutely no say in when we were rostered on, or who we were rostered on with.’ // e.g., First Responders worked rostered shifts but more were needed to provide 24-hour cover seven days a week.

Supplicate (pronounced ˈsʌplɪkeɪt) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb; no object) Ask or beg for something earnestly or humbly.// Synonym = entreat.// (with infinitive) e.g., The plutocracy supplicated to be made peers.// e.g., When the boy walked into the synagogue tonight, he did so in reaction to an overwhelming urge to be one with his people in supplicating the Almighty (= (of God) having the power to do everything (*)) on this holiest day.// e.g., He should willingly and with an open heart and mind supplicate for divine guidance and ask for direction so that the problem is solved in his own best interest.// e.g., ‘I knew I could not go on supplicating for more.’  // e.g., Among all who traveled north, official or commoner, there were none who did not supplicate his spirit and offer sacrifices at his temples ((**) for the last 2 examples).

Plutocracy (pronounced pluːˈtɒkrəsi) = (noun) A system of government in which the richest people in a country rule or have power./// e.g., It’s time we put an end to plutocracy.// e.g., The attack on the Bank of England was a gesture against very symbol of plutocracy./// A country where the richest people have power; e.g., ‘No one can accept public policies which turn a democracy into a plutocracy.’// e.g., ‘Since when did the US become an official plutocracy?’/// The richest people in a country who have power in it ((^^) for the definitions and all but the 1^st example); e.g., Officials were drawn from the new plutocracy.// e.g., In the end, the financial plutocracy handpicked the US president.

Commendable = (adjective) Deserving praise; e.g., He showed commendable restraint.// e.g., ‘Given just a couple hours to tell a tale, I think all in all the folks involved did a commendable job.’ // e.g., Commendable efforts/ behavior/ bravery.// e.g., The subject matter is necessarily complex, but the author makes a commendable effort to try to explain these complicated biological processes in simple language ((**) for the last 2 examples).

Arcade (pronounced ɑːˈkeɪd) (beware of the pronunciation!) (My comment: I am sure most know this word from computer  games!) = (noun) A covered passage with arches along one or both sides. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Great_Mosque_of_Kairouan_gallery.jpg and (one side) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/S95NormanArcadeEly.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Metz_-_Place_Saint-Louis_-622.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/Umayyad_Mosque_-_courtyard.JPG and  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/Firenze%2C_loggia_del_Mercato_Nuovo_%2803%29.jpg // e.g., The arcade became an important passageway between Fox Street and the square.// e.g., The arcade leads through to a playground, also designed by the students./// A covered walk with shops along one or both sides. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EeTfiBWZzU and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zopDhHJpig and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjQkXQBd7pI and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q4E0L_2T6s  // e.g., A shopping arcade.// e.g., Burlington Arcade.// e.g., Full of arcades, shopping malls, supermarkets, and banks, it has no parking system whatsoever (= at all).//// (Architecture) A series of arches supporting a wall, or set along it. See    //// Short for amusement arcade (often referred to as "video arcade" or simply "arcade") = (British English) An indoor area containing coin-operated game machines. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Daiichhisega.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/24/Wizard_of_Oz_game.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Donkey_Kong_arcade_at_the_QuakeCon_2005.png  Arcade game = a coin-operated game machine. ((*****) for this definition). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/Light_gun_survival_horror_arcade_game.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d8/Mall_culture_jakarta24.jpg  and  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/GitarFreaks_and_DrumMania_V_cabinets_and_player.jpg

Slash = (noun) A cut made with a wide, sweeping stroke. See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARXN4SOl8lg  and https://i.pinimg.com/736x/32/d8/ae/32d8ae6b414d504eb356e374b561f7bb--link-zelda-skyward-sword.jpg and https://orig00.deviantart.net/44cb/f/2016/239/e/1/www_gifcreator_me_o9z9fn_by_r_a_b_b_o_t_t-dafjbvi.gif  // e.g., The man took a mighty slash at his head with a large sword.// e.g., ‘I caught the slash on the blade pressed against my wrist.’ // e.g., The slash caught him from his left cheek in a diagonal line to his forehead./// A long, deep cut made by a knife or sword. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNKr3pljaew  (in this reenactment they used real swords!) e.g., He staggered (stagger = walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall) over with a crimson (= a rich deep red color inclining to purple) slash across his temple (= the flat part of either side of the head between the forehead and the ear).// e.g., He was taken to the hospital with slashes to his eye and deep cuts to his upper lip.// e.g., The flesh had been chewed away at one hand leaving a mighty slash down his palm.//// An oblique stroke (/) in print or writing, used between alternatives (e.g., and/or), in fractions (e.g., 3/4), in ratios (e.g., miles/day), or between separate elements of a text. See https://www.computerhope.com/cdn/keyboard/forward-slash.jpg and https://www.wpclipart.com/computer/keyboard_keys/number_pad/computer_key_Forward_Slash.png // e.g., The slashes in Caxton’s text were an experiment in punctuation, and are roughly equivalent to commas./// Debris resulting from the felling or destruction of trees. See http://kotv.images.worldnow.com/images/23021550_BG1.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=800   and https://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2011/10/logging-slash-debris-clearcut-photo.jpg and http://www.slashbuster.com/images/treatlogginslash.jpg  // e.g., The mountainsides were strewn (p.p. of strew = to spread things in an untidy way over a surface, or to be spread in an untidy way over a surface (*)) with slash.// e.g., Adults like fresh stumps (stump = the part of something such as a tree, tooth, arm, or leg that is left after most of it has been removed (*)), slash, and logging (= the activity of cutting down trees in order to use their wood; pronounced ˈlɒɡɪŋ (*)) debris./// (US English) A tract of swampy ground, especially in a coastal region. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/Hoher_Vogelsberg_Wannersbruch_NR_319289_Alnus_glutinosa_Coarse_woody_debris_Swamp_River_source.png and https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wt7RUBeSavc/maxresdefault.jpg and http://cleanmalaysia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/TRPT_PeatSwamp_Action.jpg   // e.g., Slash Pine is named after the ‘slashes’ - swampy ground overgrown with trees and bushes - that constitute its habitat.// e.g., The Goose Hill ridges are separated by slashes of the extensive marsh (= an area of low-lying land that is flooded in wet seasons or at high tide, and typically remains waterlogged at all times), lying north and east of them, named Goose Hill marsh./// (informal) (British English) An act of urinating; e.g., ‘George went upstairs for a slash.// e.g., ‘I go to bed about 12 pm and wake up about 4 am to go for a slash.’ //// (mass noun; usually as modifier) A genre (= a category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter; pronounced ˈʒɑ̃ː.rə or ˈʒɒn.rə) of fiction, chiefly published in fanzines or online, in which characters who appear together in film, television, or other popular media, are portrayed as having a sexual, especially homosexual, relationship. See (Star Trek https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnKLUENdwL8 and  also  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMl9FQH8mRY and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxe9AtmdT1o and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wz2KWCixtE // e.g., This year’s sleeper hit is a faithful screen adaptation of Star Trek slash fiction.// e.g., ‘It was my first attempt at writing slash.’ //// A bright patch or flash of color or light; e.g., The foliage (= plant leaves, collectively) is handsome—yellow and gold with the odd slash of red.// e.g., Old ladies with still - good cheekbones, groomed swept-up hair and a slash of red lipstick are everywhere.// e.g., This piece, from 1989, is a meeting of blue and gold planes framed by frantic (= ) green and orange slashes.///// (Verb) Cut something with a violent sweeping movement, typically using a knife or sword. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNKr3pljaew  (in this reenactment they used real swords!) For wrist slash See (art) https://img00.deviantart.net/91f2/i/2007/340/d/5/wrist_slash_2_by_ulla_andy.jpg   and (warning: it is real) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r_M7SCzNy0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbgFDnAnF7k // e.g., A tire was slashed on my car.// e.g., She had even considered slashing her wrists.// e.g., ‘For what felt like hours we climbed behind the trackers slashing the undergrowth ahead.’ // e.g., (verb; no object) The man slashed at him with a sword./// (informal) (My comment: it is informal, so you should not use it in the IELTS graph section!) Reduce a price, quantity, etc. greatly; e.g., The workforce has been slashed by 1,000.// e.g., A vicious cycle emerges where prices are slashed and producers try to out-discount each other.// e.g., Since then, health officials have been tirelessly working to slash the conception rate among schoolgirls.//// Crack (= break or cause to break without a complete separation of the parts) a whip (= lash)); e.g., He slashed his whip so near the horse that the creature was frightened.// e.g., He said it with a finger poised on his bottom lip as he began thinking about slashing his whip.//// Criticize severely; e.g., It was Dr. Smith who had slashed the book.// e.g., In this book, the irreverent (= showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously) British art critic slashes his way through the New York art scene from the 1950s to recent times.// e.g., ‘How could I not slash this movie?’

Fanzine (pronounced ˈfanziːn) (beware of the pronunciation!) (origin: blend of ‘fan’ and ‘magazine’) = (noun) a magazine, usually produced by amateurs, for fans of a particular performer, group, or form of entertainment. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/1970s_fanzines_%2821224199545%29.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/93/Horrors_of_the_Screen_3_fanzine_cover_1964.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS9DjOoFxvA  // e.g., Rather like the football club, the fanzine has undergone a re-branding since edition three last hit the terraces.// e.g., (with modifier) A football fanzine.// e.g., As an object of cult-like worship, he is the subject of books, fanzines, websites, and films.

Awash = (predicative) (adjective) Covered or flooded with water, especially seawater or rain. See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5_SpCjuUeY and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khE8K3XA7JI  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J2A5OcqYVk and  http://www.thestandard.com.hk/newsImage/20170719/47388498contentPhoto1.jpg and http://www.limerickpost.ie/site/wp-content/uploads/20140201-110137.jpg  // e.g., The boat rolled violently, its decks awash.// e.g., The gutters (gutter = a shallow trough fixed beneath the edge of a roof for carrying off rainwater)  were awash with dirty water, rushing down the storm-drain.// e.g., Two walls of the gallery are covered with her canvases, awash with deep blues and cheerful yellows (colors)! /// Containing large numbers or amounts of someone or something; e.g., The city was awash with journalists.// e.g., The media industry - no less than the campaign system - is awash in oceans (pronounced ˈəʊ.ʃ(ə)ns) of dollars. // e.g., Declared biologically dead in 1957, the Thames is now awash with wildlife, ecologists say.///  Level with the surface of the water so that it just washes over; e.g., A rock awash outside the reef (= a line of rocks or sand just above or just below the surface of the sea, often dangerous to ships (*)) entrance.// e.g., ‘Here we discovered a rock awash not noted in either chart or guide.’

Embitter (pronounced ɪmˈbɪt̬·ə(r) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb with object) (usually as adjective: embittered) = Make someone feel bitter or resentful (= feeling angry because you have been forced to accept someone or something that you do not like (*)); e.g., He died an embittered man.// e.g., He was deeply embittered when he retired in 1998.// e.g., He didn’t let illness and divorce embitter her.// e.g., ‘Is this just the fact that he was fired, and so he’s embittered?’

Gaze (vs) Graze 

Gaze (not to be confused with ‘graze’) = (noun) A steady intent look. See http://wallsdesk.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Sensual-gaze-Wallpapers0.jpg  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOp7wtvlp4w and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHD_E2Tsa4Y // e.g., He turned, following her gaze.// e.g., ‘The young man followed my gaze then looked at me for a minute as if trying to make up his mind.’ // (verb) Look steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought. Synonym: stare at.// e.g., He could only gaze at her in astonishment.

Graze (not to be confused with ‘gaze’) = (noun) A slight injury where the skin is scraped. Synonyms: scratch, scrape, abrasion, cut. // See https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bvfSvk8vcIQ/maxresdefault.jpg and  https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5e/Treat-a-Graze-Step-6.jpg/aid588345-v4-728px-Treat-a-Graze-Step-6.jpg  and  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/Finger_cut.jpg  // e.g., ''It’ll be fine, it’s only a graze.'' /// (verb) (of cattle, sheep, etc.) Eat grass in a field. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Grazingjf.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Masaai_with_cattle.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Kangur.rudy.drs.jpg  and https://www.noble.org/globalassets/images/news/ag-news-and-views/2014/10/hero/grazing.jpg and  https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/beef-cattle-grazing-in-pasture-inga-spence.jpg   // e.g., Cattle graze on the open meadows (meadow = a piece of grassland, especially one used for hay; pronounced ˈmed.əʊ)./// Scrape the skin of a part of the body so as to break the surface but cause little or no bleeding; e.g., She fell and grazed her knees.

Relish (pronounced ˈrɛlɪʃ) = (noun) Great enjoyment; e.g., She swigged a mouthful of wine with relish.// e.g., And on his own steam, Jim continues his good work with grace and relish.// e.g., There had been relish and delight in his voice when he spoke of those possibilities./// Liking for or pleasurable anticipation of something; e.g., ‘I was appointed to a post for which I had little relish.’ // e.g., He understands the historic significance of the ship and at the same time his enthusiasm and relish for the opportunity were obvious./// A condiment (= a substance, such as salt, that you add to food to improve its taste (*)) eaten with plain food to add flavor; e.g., ‘Use salsa as a relish with grilled meat or fish.’ // e.g., ‘Add the fresh-squeezed juice into salsas and relishes for an added shot of flavor.’ // e.g., ‘Show off your line of homemade corn relish at the local fair.’ //// (archaic) An appetizing flavor; e.g., The tired glutton (= an excessively greedy eater; pronounced ˈɡlʌt̬.(^ə)n) finds no relish in the sweetest meat./// A distinctive taste or tinge (= a tendency toward or trace of some color; pronounced tɪndʒ); e.g., The relish of wine./// (verb with object) Enjoy greatly; e.g., He was relishing his moment of glory.// e.g., He relishes studying technology and economic trends.// e.g., Many relish its sweet taste, but it is by and large an acquired one.// e.g., Thomas was primarily inspired by the processes of design and editing; he relished working with photographers // Anticipate with pleasure; e.g., We did not relish the idea of a strike.// e.g., Though she did not relish being alone in the apartment for any length of time.// e.g., He relished the idea of seeing envy on their faces.//// (archaic) Make pleasant to the taste; add relish to; e.g., ‘I also have a novel to relish my wine.’

Condiment (pronounced ˈkɒndɪm(ə)nt) (beware of the pronunciation!)  =   (noun) A substance such as salt, ketchup, mustard (pronounced ˈmʌs.təd), or pickle that is used to add flavor to food.// Synonym = seasoning.// See    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Salt%2C_sugar_and_pepper_shakers.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Typical_Polish_set_of_spices.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/ASC_Leiden_-_W.E.A._van_Beek_Collection_-_Dogon_markets_08_-_Various_condiments_at_Sangha_market%2C_Mali_1992.jpg  and https://s-i.huffpost.com/gen/1683348/images/o-CONDIMENTS-facebook.jpg  // e.g., Nearly all of the credits are written with condiments like mustard and mayonnaise (pronounced ˌmeɪ.əˈneɪz in British English and ˈmeɪ.ə.neɪz in North American English; also known as mayo (informal)) on foods like hamburgers and corn dogs.// e.g., It was used as a condiment and to flavor pickles and sauces.// e.g., Food stations need condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.

Swig (pronounced swɪɡ) (not related to swing) = (noun) A large draft of drink. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBS-22BYNcQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT2-HQwNlS0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3Q8VC_Qn_Y   and  https://s3-media2.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/pXpizdLjmik6oWm-PxGK6g/348s.jpg  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmrUJJiy8hw  // e.g., She took a swig of tea/ beer.// e.g., ‘I pulled the bottle out from under the cushion and took a swig of the liquor in it.’ // e.g., From the pocket of his khaki jacket, he picked a small liquor bottle and took a swig./// (verb with object) (informal) Drink in a large gulp. See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnNbboQUTzo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2eVe_oxp4E and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-jIWOKvCT8  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-Iyz204Tsw   and   http://www.evilenglish.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Albee_chugs-667x446.jpg  // e.g., Tom swigged the wine in five gulps.// e.g., (verb; no object) Rosh swigged at his beer.// e.g., We all went to swim before lunch, rather necessary after swigging Martinis (My comment: drinking alcohol or eating food before swimming may be proven deadly).

Gulp = (verb) swallow drink or food quickly or in large mouthfuls, often audibly. See  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnNbboQUTzo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2eVe_oxp4E and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-jIWOKvCT8  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-Iyz204Tsw   and   http://www.evilenglish.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Albee_chugs-667x446.jpg   // e.g., He gulped his drink down/ he gulped down his drink before ordering another one.// An act of gulping food or drink; e.g., He swallowed the last of his tea in a single gulp and looked desultorily (= in a way that is without a clear plan or purpose and shows little effort or interest; pronounced ˈdes.(ə)l.t(ə)r.(ə)l.i in British English and ˈdes.əl.tɔːr.(ə)l.i in North American English (*)) at the empty cup.

Batter (related to cooking) (not to be confused with butter) = thin dough (= a thick, malleable mixture of flour and liquid, used for baking into bread or pastry) that can be easily poured into a pan. It is used mainly for pancakes, light cakes, and as a coating for fried foods. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/01/Batter_for_pancakes.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/%E0%B2%97%E0%B3%8B%E0%B2%A7%E0%B2%BF_%E0%B2%B8%E0%B2%82%E0%B2%AA%E0%B2%A3%E0%B3%86.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Crepesteig_040.jpg

Corn dog (or ‘corndog’) = a sausage (usually a hot dog) on a stick that has been coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter and deep fried. (*****). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/CornDog.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/Panchuker.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Korean_potato_corn_dog.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9a/Tornado_corn_dogs.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Corn_dog_with_mustard.jpg

Replenish (pronounced rɪˈplɛnɪʃ) = (verb) Fill something up again; e.g. 'I replenished Peter’s glass with mineral water.// e.g., Instead of spending money on replenishing the dilapidated library, the university is investing in lame (= weak and not deserving to be believed (*)) television advertisements.// e.g., Recharge is the amount of water from precipitation (= rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground) that replenishes groundwater in storage./// Restore a stock or supply to a former level or condition; e.g., All creatures need sleep to replenish their energies.// e.g., However, the National Energy Fund may be replenished, also by January of next year.// e.g., Ship stocks will then be replenished from the base warehouses.// e.g., Only during deep, restful sleep can human brain cells replenish the energy stores they deplete during a full day of thinking, sensing and reacting (you may read the Stanford research on https://news.stanford.edu/pr/96/960116sleep.html).

Dilapidated (pronounced dɪˈlapɪdeɪtɪd) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (adjective) (of a building or object) in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect. For a dilapidated house See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/Jamestown_church_ruins_bw.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/More_Dilapidation_%283712693387%29.jpg  and https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ed/52/d4/ed52d41c1f542415ee3cc48ab94613bc--haunted-places-haunted-houses.jpg and https://t00.deviantart.net/29tfb8eeEcoLHQK_oJdP9-vi2Yk=/fit-in/700x350/filters:fixed_height(100,100):origin()/pre00/5561/th/pre/i/2013/090/5/e/villa_19___front_side_by_bestarns-d5zz98k.jpg    // e.g., The complex has been neglected and has become a dilapidated landmark in the city.// e.g., Old, dilapidated buildings.// e.g., The tank was now somewhat dilapidated.

Dilapidate (pronounced dɪˈlapɪdeɪt) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb with object) (archaic) Cause something to fall into disrepair or ruin; e.g., A ruined Chappell, built by the Spaniard, and dilapidated by the Dutch.// e.g., All the money has fled to the suburbs and left the city to dilapidate and disintegrate.

Affront = (noun) An action or remark that causes outrage or offense; e.g., He took his son’s desertion (= the act of leaving the armed forces without permission; pronounced dɪˈzɜː.ʃ(ə)n) as a personal affront.// e.g., The sackings (= firing employees) were an affront to justice.// e.g., It is an affront to anyone with any sense of human dignity and common decency, regardless of where they stand on the issue.// e.g., He regarded the comments as an affront to his dignity.// e.g., Such statements are an affront to people of conscience ((**) for the previous 2 examples)./// (verb with object) Offend the modesty or value of; e.g., She was affronted by his familiarity.// e.g., ''I was slightly affronted that he seemed to know more about it than I did.'' // e.g., Joe looked slightly affronted by that question, but smiled.

Procreate (pronounced ˈprəʊkrɪeɪt) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (verb; no object) (of people or animals) Produce young; reproduce; e.g., Species that procreate by copulation.// e.g., It seems that the sole purpose for an animal’s existence is to mate and procreate for the survival of their species.// e.g., The termination of menstruation means the ending of a woman’s biological ‘obligation’ to procreate.

Copulation = (noun) sexual intercourse. [My comment: in formal English, especially in science such as biology, we mainly use this term for other than human species. For human, we use the term sexual intercourse].//// e.g., Males may seek copulation with the breeding female.// e.g., Same-sex copulation and bonding are common in hundreds of species, from bonobo apes to gulls (gull or seagull = a bird that lives near the coast with black and white or grey and white feathers (*)). (My comment: The widespread belief that homosexuality in nature is uncommon is wrong, as more than 1,500 species exhibit homosexuality).// e.g., In the laboratory, golden egg bugs copulate repeatedly, with copulations often lasting greater than 10 hours!

Slap-bang = marked by roughness and impetuousness of manner or method; e.g., Businessmen of the slap-bang, horn-blowing, bluff, good-natured … kind (Edna Ferber).// e.g., Slap-bang… production methods (K. B. Butler) (***).

Impetuous (vs.) Impetus

Impetuous (pronounced ɪmˈpet.ju.əs) (beware of the pronunciation!) (the adverb is impetuously, and the noun is impetuousness or impetuosity) = (adjective) likely to do something suddenly, without considering the results of your actions; e.g., ‘He’s so impetuous! Why can’t he think things over before he rushes into them?’ (*).// e.g., At this stage in a man’s growth, the fiery (= emotional or easily made angry; pronounced ˈfaɪ(ə).ri) impetuous impulses of his youth have given way to a more balanced and thoughtful view.// e.g., ‘Beware of making rash judgments and impetuous commitments.’ / / e.g., They say he is too impetuous, too rash, too impulsive./// Moving forcefully or rapidly; e.g., An impetuous but controlled flow of water.// e.g., The guardsman was watching the impetuous flow, a broad smile on his face./// An impetuous word or action is said or done suddenly, without considering the likely results e.g., The prime minister may now be regretting his impetuous promise to reduce unemployment by half ((*) for this definition and examples).

Impetus (pronounced ˈɪmpɪtəs) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (mass noun) The force or energy with which a body moves.// Something that encourages a particular activity or makes that activity more energetic or effective ((^^) for the 2^nd part of the definition). Synonyms = momentum, propulsion, impulsion, impelling force, motive force, driving force. For the theory of impetus you may visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_impetus and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTsLdRQf1XE   // e.g., Hit the booster coil before the flywheel loses all its impetus./// Something that makes a process or activity happen more quickly; e.g., The ending of the Cold War gave new impetus to idealism.// e.g., ‘I believe that these new leaders add a new impetus to the situation.’ // e.g., Often the impetus for change in education has had to come from outside the school establishment.// e.g., The recent publicity surrounding homelessness has given (a) fresh impetus to the cause ((**) for the last 2 examples).

Barracks (or barrack) (pronounced ˈbarəks) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (plural noun; often treated as singular) A building or group of buildings used to house (= (verb) provide a person or animal with shelter or living quarters) soldiers. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Caserne_Chanzy.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/Chelsea_Barracks_-_geograph.org.uk_-_812156.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/The_New_Barracks_%2818thC%29%2C_Edinburgh_Castle.JPG  and  http://www.gjenvick.com/DigitalAssets/WorldWarI/CampGrant/1917-PictorialHistory/Photo-05-TypicalBarracksBuilding-500.jpg  // e.g., The troops were ordered back to barracks.// e.g., The main army barracks.// A building or group of buildings used to house a specific group of people, such as laborers or prisoners, in austere (= severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; pronounced ɔːˈstɪə(^r)) conditions; e.g., Factory owners were usually responsible for the housing of their workers, providing barracks nearby.// e.g., ‘But on the other end, you don’t want the campus to be a barrack.’ /// (UK English) A large, ugly building; e.g., That great barrack of a house.///  Barrack = (verb with object) Provide soldiers with accommodations in a building or set of buildings; e.g., The granary in which the platoons were barracked.// e.g., ‘Does anyone know where the Police Battalions were barracked in Krakow (= the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland (*****))?’ /// Jeer (= make rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voice) loudly at someone performing or speaking in public in order to express disapproval or to create a distraction; e.g., Opponents barracked him when he addressed the opening parliamentary session.// e.g., The disgraceful barracking that came from the mob (= a large crowd of people, especially one that is disorderly and intent on causing trouble or violence).// e.g., If fans barracked black players, they would lose those players./// Barrack for = (verb; no object) (New Zealand & Australian English) Give support and encouragement to; e.g., ‘I take it you’ll be barracking for Labor tonight?’

Granary (pronounced ˈɡræn.(^ə)r.i) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) A storehouse for threshed grain. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/Zaprice_One_cell_granary_03.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Kashan_granary_Barry_Kent.JPG/220px-Kashan_granary_Barry_Kent.JPG and (modern) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/Shelby_County%2C_Iowa._These_granaries_are_located_near_Irwin_Village%2C_and_much_of_the_corn_which_is_n_._._._-_NARA_-_522350.jpg  // e.g., However, they should consider sprinkling the powder inside the granaries before the grain has been stored.

Thresh (or thrash) (pronounced θreʃ) = (verb) Separate grain from a plant, typically with a flail or by the action of a revolving mechanism. See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/Batteuse_1881.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Agriculture_of_Bangladesh_10.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/A_farmer.jpg and https://i.ytimg.com/vi/R7qschUGaY0/maxresdefault.jpg and https://beingwoven27.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/620598.jpg    // e.g., Machinery that can reap and thresh corn in the same process.

Flail (pronounced fleɪl) = (noun) A threshing tool consisting of a wooden staff with a short heavy stick swinging from it. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Threshing-with-flail-RSJ.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/Battage_%C3%A0_Fl%C3%A9au.jpg  and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Dreschflegel.jpg  and  https://historyonthefox.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/threshing-with-flail-ancient-cropped.jpg?w=506 and https://media1.britannica.com/eb-media/83/145783-004-FA217993.jpg   // e.g., In some Middle Eastern locations, the same animals dragged a sledge over the ears, or workers manually threshed the plants with sticks or flails, to accomplish the same purpose./// A device similar to a flail, used as a weapon or for flogging; e.g., This man was far better with his weapon, a flail that was whipping dangerously close to Peter’s face.// e.g., Taking a flail, the priestess scourged (scourge = whip someone as a punishment; pronounced skəːdʒ) the body of the horse./// A machine having a similar action to a flail, used for threshing or slashing; e.g., (as modifier) A flail hedge trimmer./// (verb) Wave or swing or cause to wave or swing wildly. [My comment: a chest trauma (injury) involving the ribs (it may involve the lungs (parenchyma) as well) may lead to flail chest with abnormal chest movements during respiration]./// e.g., (verb; no object) His arms were flailing helplessly.// e.g., ‘I danced my hardest and flailed my arms as wildly as I could, but it was all to no avail (= help or benefit).// e.g., He came at me, screaming and flailing his arms wildly about.///   (verb; no object) Flounder (= struggle or stagger helplessly or clumsily in water or mud); struggle uselessly; e.g., ‘I was flailing about in the water.’ // e.g., He burst to the surface, flailing about and coughing.// e.g., ‘I flailed around trying desperately to grab hold of something./// (verb with object) Beat or flog someone; e.g., He escorted them, flailing their shoulders with his cane.// e.g., ‘I flailed my fists at him and he struck me back hard.’ // e.g., As they hurried to do as he ordered, he flailed his strap against each of their backs in turn./// (UK English) Cut vegetation with a flail; e.g., The modern practice of flailing hedges every year with mechanical cutters.

Cane (pronounced keɪn) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) The hollow, jointed stem of tall grass, especially bamboo or sugar cane, or the stem of a slender palm such as rattan. Sugarcane (or sugar cane, or simply cane) = several species of tall perennial true grasses of the genus Saccharum, tribe Andropogoneae, used for sugar production. The plant is two to six meters (six to twenty feet) tall. It has stout, jointed, fibrous stalks that are rich in sucrose, a simple sugar that accumulates in the stalk internodes ((*****) for sugar cane). For stalks (stalk =  the main stem of a herbaceous plant) of sugar cane See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Cut_sugarcane.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/CSIRO_ScienceImage_10529_Sugarcane_and_bowl_of_sugar.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/Cannes-sucre-Georgi.jpg  and   http://gtlawconsumerproductscounselor.default.wp1.lexblog.com/files/2014/07/shutterstock_151528985.jpg  // e.g., They brought the eggs back to Constantinople in hollow canes./// A length of cane or a slender stick, especially one used as a support for plants, as a walking stick, or as an instrument of punishment. For a wooden cane walking stick See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Une_canne_de_marchand_Ch%C3%A2lus.jpg  and  http://cdn3.volusion.com/p47su.y695r/v/vspfiles/photos/9703148-2.jpg?1377948759    and  https://images.custommade.com/XJM4f4ZOeDa-YG8Zzf8OO9pJNPg=/custommade-photosets/59604/59604.174546.jpg   // e.g., Similarly, canes or walking sticks are often coated with Teflon, so that they will not slip on hard, smooth surfaces./// (verb) Beat with a cane as a punishment. See https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSDjnSyDNirNuYbKnrdhkGnuhlZ6flTeALTaX8D_WxjAe2ASvhLLeW421v4lHsV-cVn4-9AhMlK65CHlLfv3ns6G4o9Zv9SX4e_Swlf0IbysLNWcAwKJTyBSxKFaFJ2v50DIs_d0fSkA/s320/IMG_9282.JPG   and http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/04/05/article-2125336-019980E20000044D-465_468x286.jpg   // e.g., ‘I remember anticipating the possible punishment of being caned for writing about an enemy provoking the authorities.’ // e.g., Raynold was caned for bullying by the headmaster./// Make or repair furniture with cane; e.g., Armchairs with caned seats./// Get canned = (slang) get fired, lose the job; e.g., ‘If you continue to space out you are going to get canned’ (#) for the last definition & example).

Flog = (verb with object) Beat someone with a whip or stick as punishment or torture. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Pelourinho.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Prisoners_whipped.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Johann_Moritz_Rugendas_in_Brazil.jpg  and   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_ctjpLMWpU and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrstTn5JSgQ   // Synonyms: whip (pronounced wɪp), scourge (pronounced skɜːdʒ), flagellate (pronounced ˈflædʒ.ə.leɪt), lash, birch (pronounced bəːtʃ).// e.g., He was flogged until his back was bloody, forcing him to sleep on his stomach in the tiny cell in the prison in which he was jailed.// e.g., The stolen horses will be returned, and the thieves flogged.// e.g., The men had been flogged and branded on the forehead./// (informal) Promote or talk about something repetitively, or at excessive length; e.g., The issue has been flogged to death already.// e.g., A marketing department gets stuck on one promotional idea and just flogs it to death.// e.g., However, there’s a danger that a successful formula be flogged to death./// (informal) (UK English) Sell or offer for sale; e.g., He made a fortune flogging beads (bead = a small piece of glass, stone, or similar material, typically rounded and perforated for threading with others as a necklace or rosary or for sewing onto fabric) to hippies.// e.g., The Alhambra was the place to be and tickets were flogged on the black market.//  (informal) (verb; no object, with adverbial of direction) (UK English) Make one’s way with strenuous effort; e.g., ‘By 9 pm we had flogged up the slopes to Grey Crag./// (noun) (informal) (UK English) An arduous (= involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring) climb or struggle; e.g., A long flog up the mountainside.

Birch (pronounced bəːtʃ) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) A slender hardy tree which has thin peeling bark and bears catkins (catkin = a flowering spike of trees such as willow and hazel). Birch trees grow chiefly in northern temperate regions and yield hard, pale, fine-grained timber. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Betula_pendula_001.jpg/1200px-Betula_pendula_001.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Birch_trees_in_Finland.JPG    // (mass noun) The hard, fine-grained pale wood of birch trees./// (historical) A formal punishment in which a person is flogged with a bundle (= a collection of things, or a quantity of material, tied or wrapped up together) of birch twigs (twig = a slender woody shoot growing from a branch or stem of a tree or shrub). See  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Whipping_of_an_incarcerated_delinquent%2C_Germany_17th_century.jpg/220px-Whipping_of_an_incarcerated_delinquent%2C_Germany_17th_century.jpg  and    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Koerperstrafe-_MA_Birkenrute.png   // e.g., There were calls to bring back the birch./// (verb with object) (historical) Beat someone with a bundle of birch twigs as a formal punishment; e.g., The school would attempt to birch them into submission.

Corporal punishment (or physical punishment) = a punishment intended to cause physical pain on an individual. It is most often practiced on minors, especially at home and school settings. Common methods include spanking or paddling. It has also historically been used on adults, particularly on prisoners and enslaved people. Other common methods include flagellation and caning (*****). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Pelourinho.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fc/Whipping_of_an_incarcerated_delinquent%2C_Germany_17th_century.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Flogging.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDz6WRSXmAQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cn0fdd_kJk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrHCPGv9F2w

Scourge (pronounced skəːdʒ) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) (historical) A whip used as an instrument of punishment. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Karwats.jpg  // e.g., They were in hot pursuit of their escaping slaves, with whips and scourges cracking, and blades drawn./// A person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering; e.g., The scourge of mass unemployment.// e.g.,  The street is the latest in Swindon where normal life has been ruined by the scourge of anti-social behavior.// e.g., He suffered the scourge of asthma all his life./// (verb with object) (historical) Whip someone as a punishment. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/Flagellants.png and  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Gordon%2C_scourged_back%2C_NPG%2C_1863.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRtPqABvCdg and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fghjCa9lhY // e.g., Our people did scourge him severely.// e.g., ‘He continued to scourge me even after I had collapsed onto the pier (= a structure leading out from the shore into a body of water, in particular; pronounced pɪə(^r)).//// Cause great suffering to; e.g., Political methods used to scourge and oppress workers.// e.g., Eight hundred years have passed since the Great Conflict scourged the world and covered it in shadow.// e.g., He also scourges the bureaucracy and the corruption, and the collusion between the Mafia and politicians.

Contain (with the meaning of not to allow to spread) = (verb) to keep something harmful within limits and not allow it to spread; e.g., This review analyzes the spread of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of policy efforts to contain the disease across a large number of countries (from the web).// e.g., Medical teams were scrambling (scramble =  struggle or compete with others for something in an eager or uncontrolled and undignified way) to contain the illness that has already killed thousands in China.// e.g., At least 91 firefighters, assisted by six water-bombing planes and six helicopters, tried to contain the fire (from Reuters).// e.g., More police were sent to help contain the violence./// To control or hide a strong emotion, such as excitement or anger; e.g., He could no longer contain his anger and started yelling at her.// e.g., (humorous) ''Contain yourself! It's not that exciting!'' (**)