‘Improvement’ can go with any proposition, but more often goes with ‘in’; e.g., ‘As I write this, we are working night and day to redesign the site to reflect the improvements in technology.’ // e.g., He added that he is looking forward to an improvement in facilities and services at the hospital.
Insoluble (not '
Gloucester (pronounced ˈɡlɒstə) = A city in south-western England. My comment: Gloucester is also a street in London.
Dilemma (pronounced daɪˈlem.ə in British English and dɪˈlem.ə in North American English) = (noun) A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable; e.g., He wants to make money, but he also disapproves of it: David's dilemma in a nutshell./// A difficult situation or problem; e.g., The insoluble dilemma of adolescence.
Androgynous (pronounced anˈdrɒdʒɪnəs) (the noun is ''androgyny,'' and it is pronounced anˈdrɒdʒɪni) = (adjective) Partly male and partly female in appearance; of indeterminate sex; e.g., A stunningly androgynous dancer.
Bell pepper = sweet pepper.
See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/Poivrons_Luc_Viatour.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Oranje_paprika.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/Red_capsicum_and_cross_section.jpg and https://i1.wp.com/www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ThinkstockPhotos-478991905.jpg?resize=696%2C464
Ascertain (pronounced ˌasəˈteɪn) = (verb) Find something out for certain; make sure of; e.g., An attempt to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Impatient (not to be confused with ‘inpatient’ (= a patient who stays in a hospital while under treatment)) = (adjective) Having or showing a tendency to be quickly irritated or provoked./// Restlessly eager.
Respond (vs) response
Respond = (verb) Say something in reply; e.g., She could not get Tom to respond to her words.
Response = (noun) A verbal or written answer; e.g., Without waiting for a response, she returned to her newspaper.
Accuse someone of (not ''accuse someone
Difficulty in; e.g., The lack of air in a birth chart can indicate difficulty in the expression of that person.// e.g., He had no difficulty in making friends.// Note: difficulty may sometimes go with ‘to’; e.g., ‘I managed with difficulty to struggle upright.’
Read – read (past simple; pronounced red)) – read (p.p.; pronounced red); e.g. ''I have already read (pronounced red) this book.''
Take part/ participate in (not participate
Storey (UK English) (story in North American English) = level (floor) of a building; e.g., Single–story/ three-story house.// e.g., Their new house has four storeys (^^). We may also use the word ‘floor’; e.g., A two-floors high house.// e.g., We live on the 3rd floor.// e.g., A ground floor apartment (^^).
The advantage of something.// Put somebody/ be at an advantage.// Be/ work to somebody’s advantage /// Have the advantage of = (dated) Be in a stronger position than; e.g., He had the advantage of having positions supported by a majority of the country, after all.
Be of benefit to somebody// Be for/ to somebody’s benefit.// To the benefit of; e.g., She drinks a lot less now, to the benefit of her health as a whole (^^).// For the benefit of = In order to help or be useful to; e.g., A venue run for the benefit of the community.// e.g., Utilitarianism is the doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority.// In order to interest or impress someone; e.g., It was all an act put on for his benefit./// The benefit of the doubt = the state of accepting something or someone as honest or deserving of trust even though there are doubts; e.g., He might be lying, but we have to give him the benefit of the doubt and accept what he says for now ((***) for this definition and example).
Population is a countable noun and goes with singular or plural verb; e.g., Throughout the war, there were horrific casualties amongst the civilian populations of both countries (^^).// e.g., A surprising percentage of the population is illiterate (^^).// e.g., The global population is expected to increase.// e.g., The growth of the economy in countries with younger populations (not ‘younger population’) is boosted(my example).
Personnel is an uncountable noun and goes with a singular or plural verb; e.g. The UN personnel were molested by protesters (*).
Telecommuting = (noun) Work from home, making use of the Internet, email, and the telephone.
Allegations of; e.g., ‘I don't know the inside story on the allegations of racism that have been investigated.// e.g., He made allegations of corruption against the administration./// We may sometimes say ‘allegations that’; e.g., Allegations that the army was operating a shoot-to-kill policy.
Hide from/ in/ away; e.g., He hid the money in the house.// e.g., They swept up the pieces and hid them away.// e.g., Then Joseph finds gold in a creek(= a stream or narrow river (*)), first hides this from his family, then abandons them to go prospecting.
Bored (pronounced bɔːd) = (adjective) Feeling weary and impatient because one is unoccupied or lacks interest in one’s current activity; e.g., It was a cold, wet day and the children were bored.// e.g., He was getting bored with/ of doing the same thing every day (**).
Workaholic = (noun) a person who compulsively works excessively hard and long hours; e.g., A self-confessed workaholic, John says that he can't remember when he last had a break (**).
Receipt (with the meaning of proof of purchase) = (countable noun) A written or printed statement acknowledging that something has been paid for or that goods have been received; e.g., ‘Always make sure you get a receipt.’
Conflict of interest = A situation in which the concerns or aims of two different parties are incompatible; e.g., The conflict of interest between elected officials and corporate lobbyists./// A situation in which a person is in a position to derive personal benefit from actions or decisions made in their official capacity; e.g., Paul quit his job after questions about a possible conflict of interest./// My comment as a medic: conflict of interest is also referred to a study (research) You may read an article about this on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK22926/
Lush (pronounced lʌʃ) = (adjective) (of vegetation, especially grass) Growing luxuriantly; e.g., Lush greenery and cultivated fields.// e.g., Creatures and beings of every nature and species come to live in that lush and green country.//e.g., Kings Park itself is a city park in which lush cultivated landscapes blend with bushland./// Very rich and providing great sensory pleasure; e.g., Lush orchestrations.// e.g., Colors are lush, rich, and warm while never appearing overly saturated.// e.g., Recent developments in recording processes had resulted in rock albums becoming more lush, with a rich, textured sound./// (UK English) (informal) Sexually attractive; e.g., ‘I’d had my suspicions when I'd seen the man looking over the girl's lush body from time to time during the day.'' // e.g., He wanted her more than anything, and the sight of her lush naked body made his passion rise for her immediately.// e.g., She's almost entirely in shadow, but he can see the lush curves of her naked body./// Very good or impressive; e.g., ''I had some lush pressies(= presents).'' /// (noun) (informal) A heavy drinker, especially a systematic one; e.g., A lush who doesn't make sense very much most of the time.// e.g., He's a bitter lush who's caught drunk driving early in the film and almost sent to prison.// e.g., '''How about jumping out on the lushes coming out of the pub?''
Lust = (noun) a powerful sexual desire; e.g., He knew that his lust for her had returned.// e.g., A woman talks about her sexual experiences, her lust for celebrities and the self-discoveries inherent in simply living life.// e.g., ''I don’t think its love so much as lust.'' /// Lustfully (adverb)./// (noun) A potent feeling of wanting something; a strong desire; e.g., His lust for power ((^^)for all but the first 2 examples).// e.g., It's wonderful to see the children's lust for life (= how enthusiastic they are about life).// e.g., A lust for power and fame ((**) for the previous 2 examples).
Lustfulness (uncountable noun)./// Lustful (adjective) Having or showing strong feelings of sexual desire; e.g., Lustful glances.// e.g., His lustful hunger for young women.// e.g., 'My interest in women is nothing to do with anything lustful.'' // e.g., Lustful thoughts ((**) for the 3 previous examples).//// (verb) (irregular always + adverb/ preposition) = to have a strong desire for something; e.g., Kate has been lusting for my job for a long time ((*) for the last definition and example).
Prezzie or pressie (pronounced ˈprɛzi) = (noun) (UK English) (informal) A present (= something that you are given, without asking for it, on a special occasion, mainly to show friendship, or to say thank you) (*)); e.g., A birthday card and prezzie for Peter.// e.g., ‘I had some cards and a pressie waiting for me in the post.’
Abide by something = (verb) to accept or obey an agreement, decision, or rule; e.g., Competitors must abide by the judge’s decision (^^).// e.g., The president of Catalonia said he would not abide by the Spanish government’s decision to annul the referendum (from the media).// e.g., Firms may be able to cooperate by agreeing to abide by the decisions of an external regulator who can be appointed by the firms.
Keep track of = to make certain that you know what is happening or has happened to someone or something; e.g., ''My sister has had so many different jobs, I find it hard to keep track of what she’s doing.'' // ''If you buy a house, keep track of deductible (= relating to an amount or part that can be taken away from a total; pronounced dɪˈdʌktɪbl̩ (*)) mortgage expenses and your mortgage interest.''
Instalment (installment in North American English) = (noun) A sum of money due as one of several equal payments for something, spread over an agreed period of time; e.g., The first installment of a grant for housing.// e.g., The purchase price is paid in installments.// e.g., ‘To buy my laptop (1 word) I charged my VISA with 12 monthly installments of $100 each’ (my example)./// Any of several parts of something that are published, broadcast or made public in sequence at intervals; e.g., Filming the final installment in his Vietnam trilogy.// e.g., But amongst this chaos, Stewart has beamed down to promote Star Trek: Nemesis, the 10th installment of the feature film series.// e.g., Two more installments of the British documentary series Chaplin Today are offered here./// (mass noun) The process of installing something; installation; e.g., Installment will begin early next year.// e.g., Its installment has increased the capacity of the system to 9,000 of a population.
Altogether (not a
Bait = (noun) food used to entice fish or other animals as prey. My comment: we can use it metaphorically; e.g.; This woman is jailbait (she is under 18).
Jailbait or jail bait = slang for a person who is younger than the legal age of consent for sexual activity, with the implication that a person above the age of consent might find them sexually attractive (*****).
Automatic Kalashnikov rifle (AK-47) = a type of a selective-fire (semi-automatic and automatic) assault rifle invented by the Russian general and inventor Mikhail Kalashnikov (*****). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Ak74l.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/AK-47_type_II_Part_DM-ST-89-01131.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/5%2C45mm_AK-12_6P70_assault_rifle_at_Military-technical_forum_ARMY-2016_03.jpg [My comment: on childish internet video games and naïve ‘action movies’ it is known as AK-47 (Automatic Kalashnikov Rifle), as we all tend to Americanize the English language and abbreviate everything. However, a Russian will not recognize the rifle from this abbreviation!]
Outdated = (adjective) out of date; obsolete; e.g., Outdated equipment.// e.g., ‘You emphasize that some of those magazines from the past are strangely not outdated.’// e.g., If approval isn't granted in May, the application may die due to outdated financial data.
Exemption (vs.) Exception
Exemption (pronounced ɪɡˈzɛmpʃn) (exempt is the adjective) = (noun) with special permission not to do or pay something; e.g., Goods exemption from this tax include books and children clothes.// e.g., Pregnant women are exempt from dental charges (^^) // e.g., Vehicles that may qualify for exemption from tax.
Exception (pronounced ɪkˈsep.ʃ(ə)n) = (noun) A person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule; e.g., He always plays top tunes, and tonight was no exception.// e.g., The administrator made an exception in the Colonel's case and waived the regular visiting hours.// e.g., There are exceptions to every rule.// e.g., ''I like all kinds of movies with the exception of (= but not) horror movies.'' // e.g., Her books are always entertaining, and this one is no exception.// e.g., ''You must report here every Wednesday without exception'' ((**) for the last 4 examples).
Except (pronounced ɪkˈsept) = (preposition; conjunction)not including; but not; e.g., Everyone was there except for Mary.// e.g., The museum is open daily except Monday/ Mondays (^^).
On the scene = used to say that someone or something is or has become an essential part of a situation, activity; e.g., She was lonely for a while, but now there's a new boyfriend on the scene.// e.g., A famous singer who first burst on the scene last year. [Note: Something bursts onto the scene = it suddenly starts or becomes active, usually after developing quietly for some time; e.g., He burst onto the fashion scene in the early 1980s.] // e.g., Our lives have changed a lot since computers have come/appeared on the scene (***)// e.g., Paramedics came fast on the scene.// My comment: for ‘die’ we may use the form ‘died at the scene’; e.g., A bomb attack on a funeral in Kabul - seven died at the scene (from the BBC) // e.g., A man riding a motorcycle died at the scene after colliding with a car (from the media).// We may also say ‘dead in the Field.’
Dissimilar (not ‘
Kiosk = (noun) a small open-fronted hut (= a small single-story building of simple or crude construction, serving as a poor, rough, or temporary house or shelter) or cubicle from which newspapers, refreshments, tickets, etc., are sold. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Quiosco_modernista_Gran_Canaria.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Feature._Rush_Hour_BAnQ_P48S1P09119.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7c/Aioi_Station_in_Hyogo_J09_11.jpg/220px-Aioi_Station_in_Hyogo_J09_11.jpg and http://www.tisak.hr/Images/t900x600-61/Kiosk-3.jpg
Denote = (verb with object) Be a sign of; indicate; This mark denotes purity and quality.// e.g., After materials had been returned, each participant was thanked, and his or her credit slip was signed denoting participation. // e.g., This is a beautiful metaphor that denotes visions of purity and unblemished perfection./// Stand as a name or symbol for; e.g., Question marks (?) denote instances where digit identity could not be assigned with certainty.// e.g., The level of output per firm is denoted by X.
Allowance (as a noun) = (noun) The amount of something that is permitted, especially within a set of regulations or for a specified purpose; e.g., Baggage allowance.// e.g., The system is supposed to force companies that exceed their national emission allocations to buy extra allowances from more efficient companies or face fines.// e.g., The Weight Watchers diet gives slimmers a point system for food and drink, allowing them to eat what they like as long as it is within their daily allowance./// (UK English) An amount of money that can be earned or received free of tax; e.g., A personal allowance.// e.g., As long as the total amount of interest falls within the allowance, then no tax will be payable.// e.g., Higher personal allowances are given to people aged 65 and over and 75 and over./// (Horse racing) A deduction in the weight that a horse is required to carry in a race; e.g., To help young jockeys get a foothold in the sport, those under 26 can claim a weight allowance in certain races (they are known as apprentice jockeys)./// A sum of money regularly paid to a person to meet needs or expenses; e.g., The elderly receive a heating allowance every winter.// e.g., The review panel also wants mobile phone call allowances to be limited to £5 per month. // e.g., Entitlements range from parliamentary salaries down to a variety of allowances like the printing allowance./// (US English) A small amount of money regularly given to a child by its parents (pocket money in British English – see below) e.g., Parents would transfer allowance money to their child's credit card.// e.g., ''He threatened me that if I don't eat my lunch, I won't get any allowance from my parents.'' // e.g., To develop a workable budget with your child, have her divide the total amount of the allowance into three categories: spending, savings, and giving.
Pocket money (UK English) (allowance in North American English – see above) = (mass noun) A small amount of money given to a child by its parents, typically on a regular basis; e.g., Parents are also advised to know where their teenagers are at all times and to be responsible regarding giving them pocket money.// e.g., She saved her pocket money to buy her mother a scarf./// A small amount of money suitable for minor expenses; e.g., He was glad he still had pocket money and that he had ten dollars left in case he needed money.// e.g., My father paid for my digs and gave me pocket money.// e.g., As for asylum seekers on two-thirds benefit, this sum is more pocket money than most can expect.
Entitlement (pronounced ɪnˈtʌɪt(ə)lmənt) = (mass noun) The fact of having a right to something; e.g., Full entitlement to fees and maintenance (pronounced ˈmeɪn.tən.əns) should be offered.// e.g., The nature and extent of these entitlements can vary enormously from one company to another./// The amount to which a person has a right; e.g., His annual leave entitlement.// e.g., People find it difficult to get information regarding their entitlements and benefits.// e.g., Subsequent cases have held that once an entitlement is decided, a token amount ought not to be awarded./// The belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment; e.g., ''No wonder your kids have a sense of entitlement.'' // (as modifier) e.g., This entitlement mentality is completely out of control.// e.g., Her insufferable sense of entitlement has turned her into a laughing stock.//// (countable noun) (US English) A government scheme (pronounced skiːm) that provides benefits to any individual meeting certain eligibility requirements; e.g., Social Security, Medicare, and other entitlements are going broke.// e.g., The conservative assault on federal entitlement programs climaxed in the mid-1990s.// e.g., Our unsustainable senior-citizen (a politically correct term for the ''elderly'') entitlement programs threaten the medium-term and long-term macroeconomic future.
Auditorium (pronounced ˌɔː.dɪˈtɔː.ri.əm) = (noun) (plural = auditoriums or auditoria)The part of a theatre, concert hall, or other public building in which the audience sits. Synonym = theater.// See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/Vienna_-_Vienna_Opera_main_auditorium_-_9825.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Sala_cine.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Regensburg_Stadttheater_Zuschauerraum_2004.jpg and http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/wp-content/plugins/doptg/uploads/k62wOrZweAaW1zpryWaqT1cmewZCBOyNLcAzwmWxhSe142NnAfafjtxnQxNpDCTDH.jpg and https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/ce/93/9c/auditorium-theatre.jpg // e.g., A feature of the theatre is that all the foyer (pronounced ˈfɔɪ.eɪ) areas and the auditorium are accessible to wheelchairs.// e.g., The stage was small and the auditorium had only 300 seats./// (US English) A large building or hall used for public gatherings, typically speeches or stage performances (such as concerts). Synonym = assembly hall.// See http://archive.county10.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/02/Arena-Renovated_6087.jpg and https://visitkcfiles.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/municipal-auditorium_arena_800x400.jpg and http://www.cowboybasketballcamps.com/images/ArenaAuditorium_725pxSFW.jpg // e.g., The National Indoor Arena (pronounced əˈriː.nə) is a magnificent auditorium and one of Britain's premier indoor venues (venue = the place where something happens, especially an organized event such as a concert, conference, or sports event; pronounced ˈven.juː).// e.g., See the massive dance floors proposed for the auditorium and sports hall.// e.g., Runners return to the auditorium, where the scenes which have just been shot are immediately shown to the audience.
A theatre (theater in North American English) Complex
Multiplex = (noun) a movie theater (cinema in North American English) complex with multiple screens within a single complex. They are usually housed in a specially designed building. Sometimes, an existing venue undergoes a renovation where the existing auditoriums are split into smaller ones, or more auditoriums are added in an extension or expansion of the building. The largest of these complexes can sit thousands of people and are sometimes referred to as a megaplex (*****). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Amc30ontariomills.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/Rave_Multiplex_Ann_Arbor.JPG
IMAX = a 70-mm motion picture film format and a set of cinema projection standards developed in Canada in the late 1960s and early 1970s. IMAX can record and display images of far greater size and resolution than conventional film systems. Unlike conventional projectors, the film is run horizontally so that the image width is greater than the width of the film. Since 2002, some feature films have been converted into an IMAX format for displaying in IMAX theatres, and some have also been partially shot in IMAX. IMAX is the most widely used system for special-venue film presentations (*****).See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/LG_IMAX%2C_Sydney%2C_Australia.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/IMAX_Sacramento%2C_CA.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/IMAX_%C2%AE_Theatre.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Viewing_3D_IMAX_clips.jpg
Account for (something) = (verb) give a satisfactory record of something, typically money, that one is responsible for; e.g., ‘I had to account for every penny I spent.’ /// Provide or serve as a satisfactory explanation for; e.g., He was brought before the Board to account for his behavior./// Supply or make up a specified amount or proportion; e.g., Social security accounts for 1/3 of total public spending./// Succeed in killing, destroying, or defeating; e.g., A mishit (= hitting or kicking a ball badly or in the wrong direction) drive accounted for Smith, who had scored 30.
Cuffing season = (slang) the period of autumn and winter, when single people are considered likely to seek settled relationships rather than engage in casual affairs.
Spurn (pronounced spəːn) = (transitive verb) Reject with disdain or contempt; e.g., He spurned my offers of help.// e.g., Steven plays the part of the young lover spurned by his mistress.// e.g., She spurned his attention and refused to see him.// e.g., The emphasis is on opportunities lost or spurned ((**) for the previous 4 examples).// e.g., He has heightened his isolation by spurning diplomatic initiatives from African neighbors and launching a crackdown on local media.
Molest = (verb with object) Assault or abuse a person, especially a woman or child, sexually; e.g., He was charged with molesting and taking obscene photographs of a ten-year-old boy.// e.g., Your child will need medical care if he has been sexually molested or physically injured.// e.g., A female student was sexually molested in India./// Attack, in general; e.g. The UN personnel were molested by protesters ((*) for this meaning and example).
Molestation = (mass noun) Sexual assault or abuse of a person, especially a woman or a child; e.g., He was tried for molestation of three young girls./// (countable noun) e.g., The boy said the alleged molestations occurred two days apart.// e.g., Sexual molestation.//// Molester (noun) e.g., A person who sexually assaults or abuses someone, especially a woman or child; e.g., A serial child molester.
Bald (vs) Bold
Bald (pronounced bɔːld) = (adjective) with little or no hair on the head; e.g., At 20 he was already going bald (^^) /// Not having any extra detail or explanation; plain or blunt; e.g., The bald statement in the preceding paragraph requires amplification.
Bold = (adjective)(of a person, action, or idea) Showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous; e.g., A bold attempt to solve the crisis./// (of a color or design) Having a strong or vivid appearance; e.g., A coat with bold polka dots./// (noun) A bold typeface or letter (e.g., the letter ''d'' on update); e.g., Difficult words and phrases are highlighted in bold.
Compass (pronounced ˈkʌm.pəs) = (noun) An instrument containing a magnetized pointer that shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Kompas_Sofia.JPG/1200px-Kompas_Sofia.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Plastic-compass.jpg /// A pair of compasses (plural) (or compass) (drawing tool)= An instrument for drawing circles and arcs and measuring distances between points, consisting of two arms linked by a movable joint, one arm ending in a point and the other usually carrying a pencil or pen. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Cyrkiel_RB1.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Zirkel.jpg /// The range or scope (= the range of a subject covered by a book, program, discussion, class, etc. (*)) of something; e.g., The event had political repercussions (= an unintended consequence occurring sometime after an event or action, especially an unwelcome one)that are beyond the compass of this book./// (verb) Go around something in a circular course; e.g., The ship wherein Magellan compassed the world./// Contrive (=create or bring about an object or a situation by deliberate use of skill and artifice) to accomplish something; e.g., He compassed his end only by the exercise of violence.
Artefact (‘artifact’ in North American English) = (noun) An object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest. Synonyms: article, handiwork, historical object; e.g., Gold and silver artifacts.// e.g., ‘I can't help but think about how the great museums of Europe amassed their collections of cultural artifacts.’ // e.g., The film is most interesting as an historical artifact and an example of a black-cast film that seems to respect the actors, though not financially.//// Something observed in a scientific investigation or experiment that is not naturally present but occurs as a result of the preparative or investigative procedure; e.g., Widespread tissue infection may be a technical artifact.// e.g., The curvature of the surface is an artefact of the wide-angle view.// e.g., ''Could the observed bundling be an artifact of specimen preparation for electron microscopy?''
Artisan (pronounced ˈɑː.tɪ.zæn) = (noun) A worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand. Synonym = craftsman. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Traditional_Bagh_hand_block_print_master_craftsman-artisan-artist_Mohammed_Bilal_Khatri%2C_Madhya_Pradesh%2C_India.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Gibraltar_33.JPG and https://artisansofmorocco.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/artisans-2048-shot-2-1.jpg // e.g., Bali is blessed with skilled and creative artisans as well as potential markets.// e.g., Street markets where local artisans display handwoven textiles, painted ceramics (pronounced səˈræm.ɪks) and leather goods.// e.g., ''The craftsmen I hire are skilled artisans who stay with me from project to project.'' // e.g., Sarajevo and Mostar are well known for the wool rugs and carpets their artisans produce./// (as modifier) (Of food or drink) made in a traditional or non-mechanized way using high-quality ingredients; e.g., Britain's artisan cheeses.// e.g., The growing appreciation of artisan foods.
Craftsman = (noun) a worker skilled in a particular craft; e.g., The tiles are handmade by trained craftsmen.// e.g., Our country has the pride of having master craftsmen who carve out excellent products with their deft hands.
Haven (pronounced ˈheɪv(ə)n) (not to be confused with heaven (pronounced ˈhev.ən; = paradise; while ‘the heavens’ means the sky)!)= (noun) A place of safety or refuge; e.g., A haven for wildlife.// e.g., The various investigations underway should yield very important insights into how we can make buildings safer havens, and easier to escape as well.// e.g., The (internet) chat rooms were the havens of the anonymous.// e.g., Zambia and Zambians have the potential to make the country not only a haven of peace but also a land of plenty./// (also known as anchorage) An inlet providing shelter for ships or boats; a harbor or small port. For a ship haven See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/Harbour.clovelly.arp.750pix.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/84/Punta_del_este3.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/Natural_harbor_in_Vizhinjam_930218630_a6a5d892d0_o.jpg and http://www.travel-new-england.com/photos/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Nantucket-Light-Ship.jpg and http://visitgrandhaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_1531-Copy1.jpg // e.g., ''I can see a lot more vessels taking advantage of this natural boat haven over the winter.'' // e.g., Timber was brought downriver to the haven.// e.g., These days the port is mainly used as a haven for small fishing boats.// e.g., He sailed the boat straight to the nearest pirate haven to recruit a real crew ((*) for the last 2 examples).
Tax haven (pronounced ˈheɪv(ə)n) (not ‘tax heaven’ – the confusion occurs because in many languages the above phrase is translated to ‘tax paradise’!`) = a place where people pay less tax than they would pay if they lived in their own country; e.g., The company is switching its operations to the offshore tax haven of the Dutch Antilles.// e.g., This tax haven has no exchange control regulations so that money can move in and out of the country without awkward questions being asked.// e.g., He may emigrate to a tax haven and collect his money (*).
Contribute (pronounced kənˈtrɪb.juːt or ˈkɒn.trɪ.bjuːt (beware of the pronunciation!)) to; e.g., Her family has contributed $40,000 to the fund.// e.g., ‘You can contribute to the site by donating’ (my example).
Offshore company/ account [‘offshore’ (1 word) is an adjective so it is accompanied by a verb. So, we don’t use it alone as it is not a noun; e.g., it is wrong to say, ‘There are plenty of offshores’ – Instead we can say ‘There are plenty of offshore companies/ accounts’].
Consortium (pronounced kənˈsɔː.ti.əm) = (countable noun) (plural = consortiums or consortia) An association, typically of several companies; e.g., Such a case would only come after a successful lawsuit against the government by one of the consortiums that failed to secure the licence in 1995.// e.g., The Paradise and Panama papers were revealed by the international consortium of investigative journalists (from the media).// e.g., The six consortiums all had foreign telecoms expertise, substantial financial backing from both foreign and Irish sources and a recognizable Irish presence on the ground./// (Law) (mass noun) The right of association and companionship with one’s husband or wife; e.g., The amount awarded for loss of consortium must be included.// e.g., The jury also made an award to him for loss of consortium.// e.g., The action for loss of consortium in a sense would become irrelevant so far as concerns husbands and wives.
Enterprise (pronounced ˈɛntəprʌɪz) = (noun) A business or company. Synonyms: business.// e.g., A state-owned enterprise.// e.g., It is a commercial enterprise which invites business from the public in terms of sales, parts, servicing and works./// A project or undertaking, typically one that is difficult or requires effort. Synonyms: undertaking.// e.g., A joint enterprise between French and Japanese companies./// e.g., We want added-value projects, enterprises that involve design and development, for instance.// e.g., The Universe was believed to be far too complex for such an enterprise to be even considered.// e.g., China and Russia will support a joint enterprise and have voted for the UN Security Council resolution of condemnation./// (mass noun) Initiative (= the ability to use your judgment to make decisions and do things without needing to be told what to do (*)) and resourcefulness; e.g., Scotland needs many more people like them with ambition, courage and a strong spirit of enterprise.// e.g., Success came quickly, thanks to a mixture of talent, enterprise, and luck.// e.g., The spirit of enterprise depends on this will (= the mental power used to control and direct your thoughts and actions, or a determination to do something, despite any difficulties or opposition (*)) to win.
Undertaking= (noun) A formal pledge (= a serious or formal promise, especially one to give money or to be a friend, or something that you give as a sign that you will keep a promise (*)) or promise to do something; e.g., ‘I give an undertaking that we shall proceed with the legislation (= laws, considered collectively).’ // e.g., He said he gave residents an undertaking that he would deal with anti-social behavior.// e.g., ''I had to sign an undertaking that I would come back and surrender myself to the authorities.'' /// (mass noun) The action of undertaking to do something; e.g., The film is organized around the undertaking of a single task.// e.g., The knowing undertaking of an obligation.//// A task that is taken on; an enterprise; e.g., A mammoth (= huge) undertaking that involved digging into the side of a cliff face.// e.g., The task was a mammoth undertaking, requiring thousands of hours of research, writing, sourcing photographs and planning the events of the day itself.// e.g., The 1956 Suez Crisis was a multilateral enterprise - an undertaking by France, Great Britain, and Israel (My comment: The Suez is of crucial importance as an international trade route, and for this reason, its control was a matter of tension)./// A company or business; e.g., National transport undertakings.// e.g., Measures to privatize publicly owned undertakings and weaken trade unions were also introduced.// e.g., Perhaps ironically, for a business whose potential rests on the World Wide Web, on-line grocery retailing is a local undertaking./// (mass noun) The business of managing funerals./// (mass noun) (UK English) The action of catching up with and passing another vehicle while traveling on the inside. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEAjG-Rw1_s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zruj1EEtKd8 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIVF2JALNWg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QurxVS27BFA // e.g., The Highway Code discourages undertaking on motorways.
Mammoth (pronounced ˈmaməθ) = (noun) A large extinct elephant of the Pleistocene epoch (= a long period of time, especially one in which there are new developments and great change; pronounced ˈiː.pɒk (*)), typically hairy with a sloping back and long curved tusks. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/Mammuthus_trogontherii122DB.jpg
and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQR5P_C2ElE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ078VfQXQI /// (adjective) Huge; e.g., A mammoth corporation.// e.g., This is a mammoth task by any criteria, and the more hands there are the lighter the workload for each individual.// e.g., A scandal of mammoth proportions has hit the media industry, but no-one seems to be giving it a second thought.
Tusk (pronounced tʌsk) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) A long pointed tooth, especially one which protrudes from the closed mouth, as in the elephant, walrus, or wild boar (= a tusked Eurasian wild pig from which domestic pigs are descended). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Tanzanian_Elephant.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/Walrus2.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Sus_scrofa_majoris_-_Museo_Civico_di_Storia_Naturale_Giacomo_Doria_-_Genoa%2C_Italy.jpg
and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/MammothVsMastodon.jpg //// A long, tapering object or projection resembling a tusk; e.g., (as modifier) A tusk tenon joint.
Walrus (pronounced ˈwɔːl.rəs) = (noun) a mammal that lives in the sea and on beaches in the Arctic. It is similar to a seal but larger, with two tusks and long hairs growing near its mouth (*). See
and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Walrus_Cows_and_Yearlings_on_Ice.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/Walrus2.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Noaa-walrus12.jpg
and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI9tSvkuVQQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvWLbK_mNw0 and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/Pacific_walrus_bull_odobenus_rosmarus.jpg
Resourcefulness = (mass noun) The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties; e.g., His films show remarkable technical resourcefulness.// e.g., ''I will look to the resourcefulness of business to help solve some of the problems we confront.'' // e.g., Mosquitoes are marvels of resourcefulness–one variety, Aedes communis, can handily survive sub-zero Arctic winters.
Interested (adjective) goes with ‘in’; e.g., He didn’t seem very interested in what I was saying (**). But sometimes ''interested'' may also go with ‘to’; e.g., ‘I would be interested to hear more about your work.’
Interesting for/ to: a) Interesting for; e.g., The play is particularly interesting for the light it throws on London life of the time.// e.g., ‘We are trying to set up a program which will be interesting and exciting for them.’ b) Interesting to; e.g., It will be very interesting to see what they come up with.// e.g., ‘What is interesting to me is that this style of language was pretty universal only a few years ago’
Trafficking; e.g., Human trafficking.
Refuge (vs.) Refugee
Refuge (pronounced ˈrɛfjuːdʒ) = (mass noun) The state of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or difficulty; e.g., He was forced to take refuge in the US embassy.// e.g., ‘I sought refuge in a drink!’ // e.g., This was not difficult, given that less than 15 percent of people sought refuge in public shelters or tube stations./// (countable noun) A place or situation providing safety or shelter; e.g., The family came to be seen as a refuge from a harsh world.// e.g., Churches have become the only refuge for people who have lost everything./// (countable noun) An institution providing safe accommodation for women who have suffered violence from a spouse or partner. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P3KTTiYtqs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivUyLapV9sY and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO8M_G4dW3E // e.g., The issue of domestic violence and the absence of refuge for women who want to escape abusive partners in Sligo was raised./// (countable noun) (UK English) A traffic island. See https://www.trafficchoices.co.uk/images/schemes/refuge_island.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JilnyFNS-sand https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c4/Refuge_Island.jpg // e.g., Traffic calming proposals included the creation of a central refuge at the west end of the village to help older adults cross the road.
Refugee (pronounced ˌref.juˈdʒiː) (some pronounce it wrongly as ˌref.juˈdʒiː) = (noun) A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster; e.g., Tens of thousands of refugees fled their homes.
It is worth doing it (gerund)
Outlet = (My comment: I know that most of you know the word as ‘shopping or clothes outlet’; however, it has other meanings as well!) (noun) A pipe or hole through which water or gas may escape. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctYSKfagrlI and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmfosAQqDl8 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0Ffl3PFGG8 and https://www.newsone.tv/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/sewerwater.jpg // e.g., This heated air moves up due to a natural chimney effect and exits through outlets at the roof.// e.g., Looking from north to south, there is a row of many concrete pipe outlets./// The mouth of a river. See https://cdn.thinglink.me/api/image/713808303196471298/1240/10/scaletowidth and https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Zulwn9LttBk/maxresdefault.jpg // e.g., There they built Fort Clatsop and wintered near the outlet of the Columbia River.// e.g., The inlets and outlets of several lakes have been destroyed.//// (electric outlet) An output socket in an electrical device. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/Schuko_%28CEE_7-3%29_socket-outlets%2C_with_and_without_shutters.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/NBR_14136_plugs_and_outlet.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Au-outlet.jpg and https://static.cms.yp.ca/ecms/media/1/10-1427727089-600x360.jpg and https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/black-cable-plugged-white-electric-outlet-12045385.jpg // e.g., ‘I'm going to have electric outlets for electric shavers.’ // e.g., The electricity that we get from power outlets and batteries can power all different kinds of devices.’ /// A point from which goods are sold or distributed. For outlet stores See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/NebraskaCrossing.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Merrimack_Premium_Outlet_Mall_stores.jpg For shopping outlets See http://2c2f06a14a9ade4267e6-fb8aac3b3bf42afe824f73b606f0aa4c.r92.cf1.rackcdn.com/propertyimages/887/las-vegas-north-premium-outlets-09.jpg and https://adc3ef35f321fe6e725a-fb8aac3b3bf42afe824f73b606f0aa4c.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/Simon%20Website/SEARCH/1279.jpg and http://www.barcelonaconnect.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/la-roca-village-chic-outlet-shopping-en12304.jpg // e.g., A fast-food outlet.// e.g., Most of the items on display are being sold in mainstream shopping outlets in Sweden and, in some cases, across the world.// e.g., Not all shops in outlets malls are outlets and sell items cheaper than normal./// A market for goods; e.g., The state system provided an outlet for farm produce.// e.g., Clearly, the large firms see this field as just one of their several market outlets, but one which generates sufficient sales and fits in with their other operations.// e.g., Farming is oriented toward local market outlets that serve local consumers rather than national or international mass markets./// A shop that sells goods made by a particular manufacturer at discounted prices. For clothes outlet See http://www.apfelwiese.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/fabrikverkauf%20VAUDE.jpg?itok=1loPSQsb and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8cyvpJYZlk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb_HbZRDW-c // e.g., A designer outlet.// e.g.,(as modifier) An outlet store.// e.g., Plans are also underway to open 20 outlet stores in strategic locations across the US which are expected to improve market share dramatically./// A means of expressing one’s talents, energy, or emotions; e.g., ‘Writing became the main outlet for his energies.’// e.g., The increasing number of niches and individual outlets has broadened the talents that are rewarded.
Output socket (outlet in North American English) = (noun) an electrical device receiving a plug or light bulb to make a connection. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/Schuko_%28CEE_7-3%29_socket-outlets%2C_with_and_without_shutters.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/NBR_14136_plugs_and_outlet.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Au-outlet.jpg and https://static.cms.yp.ca/ecms/media/1/10-1427727089-600x360.jpg and https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/black-cable-plugged-white-electric-outlet-12045385.jpg and http://s7g3.scene7.com/is/image//ae235?src=ae235/14790_P&$prodImageMedium$ and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/French-power-socket.jpg and http://www.legrand.com.sg/uploads/tx_templavoila/German_socket_outlet_sm_281125_p_111104.jpg
Niche (pronounced niːʃ // pronounced nɪtʃ in North American English) (My comment: I guess that most know the marketing meaning rather than the meaning of a shallow recess) = (noun) A shallow recess, especially one in a wall to display a statue or other ornament. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Orsanmichele%2C_base.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/Madonna_and_Child_%28Filippo_Lippi%29.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/Hornacina_talamantes.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Bailleul-sur-Th%C3%A9rain_niche_statue_%C3%A9glise.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/17/Statue_of_St_Peter_in_niche%2C_St_Peter%27s_Church%2C_Cardiff.jpg and http://www.speel.me.uk/gppic/niche/niche16.jpg // e.g., Each niche holding a shepherdess (= female shepherds) in Dresden china.// e.g., Large structures resembling churches with niches for life-like marble statues of the saints may be found in Metairie Cemetery./// One's niche = (phrase) A comfortable or suitable position in life or employment; e.g., He is now head chef and feels he has found his niche.// e.g., It will be interesting to see whether his next feature takes him into new territory or whether he elects to remain within the same, comfortable niche.// e.g., Parents ensured the best for their children and they, in turn, were bound in duty to look after their elderly parents, who were respected and given a comfortable niche in their homes./// (Ecology) A role taken by a type of organism within its community; e.g., Some early humans may have started eating meat as a way to survive within their own ecological niche.// e.g., The niche left vacant by the disappearance of wolves.// e.g., All display similar ecological niches where they are most commonly found./// A specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service; e.g., He believes he has found a niche in the market.// e.g., Smaller cooperatives must find and develop a niche for their specialty product./// (adjective) Denoting or relating to products, services, or interests that appeal to a small, specialized section of the population; e.g., Other companies in this space had to adapt to being niche players.// e.g., A niche show that ran on late-night television.// e.g., The video game industry is no longer niche.// /(verb with object) Place something in a niche; e.g., These elements were niched within the shadowy reaches.// e.g., Niched statues.
Strain (with the meaning of ‘separating solids from a liquid’ or ‘sieve’) = (verb with object) Pour a mainly liquid substance through a porous (= something that has many small holes, so liquid or air can pass through, especially slowly; pronounced ˈpɔː.rəs (*)) or perforated device or material in order to separate out any solid matter. See http://slideplayer.com/slide/9874166/32/images/33/Cooking+Terms+Strain+Toast+Separate+solids+from+a+liquid.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxyEpjW2zDo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpHZvykbHrQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwf_twV-Xzg // e.g., ‘Strain the custard into a bowl.’ // e.g., ‘Once the concentration is strong, strain the mixture, then place strips of paper in the water and simmer until most of the water is evaporated.’ /// Cause liquid to drain off (food which has been boiled, soaked, or canned) by using a porous or perforated device. For straining pasta See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG3mYpRWCp4 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwn1mQSAKyU and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Noxb9Zfdzrk // e.g., She turned to the sink to strain the noodles.// e.g., ‘Remove from the heat and serve as it is or strain the leaves and potato into a food processor.’ /// Drain liquid off food by using a porous or perforated device; e.g., ''Strain off the surplus fat.'' // e.g., ‘It is at this point that you would want to strain off the residual liquid.’
Strainer = (noun) A device having holes punched in it or made of crossed wires for separating solid matter from a liquid. For a tea strainer See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Laboratory_sieves_BMK.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Ami_shakushi.Scoop.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A2Z35TgJ_E and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzdzbQ18CFc and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzZn_CJJMH8 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qq3TyElMwo For poaching (poach = cook an egg without its shell, in or over boiling water) eggs in a strainer See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGdC8PXK5mU // e.g., A tea strainer.
Colander (pronounced ˈkɒl.ən.də(r)) (not to be confused with ‘calendar’ that is pronounced similarly!) = (noun) A perforated bowl used to strain off liquid from food, especially after cooking. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Kevgir.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Plastic_Colander.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad5q-EQ1-2w and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdLA40yskjg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPlqCbMqjJY For draining pasta through a colander See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd3Vz3x-sDw // e.g., ‘When the beans are ready, remove the herbs, and drain the beans into the colander, reserving their cooking liquid in the bowl beneath.’
Sieve (pronounced sɪv) = (noun) (sieve or sifter) a utensil (= an implement, container, or other article (= a particular item or object, typically one of a specified type), especially for household use) consisting of a wire or plastic mesh held in a frame, used for straining solids from liquids, for separating coarser from finer particles, or for reducing soft solids to a pulp. For a metal sieve See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Laboratory_sieves_BMK.jpg and http://www.thecompanyshed.co.nz/store/images/Lrg%20Sieve%20in%20use%20-%20Sml.jpg For a soil sieve See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH6JU4aTmXE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dzwlKycb90 For a kitchen sieve See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Ami_shakushi.Scoop.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAaVoDipkaE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1F_O6gOjls // e.g., A wired garden sieve// e.g., A mesh sieve./// Used figuratively concerning the fact that a sieve does not hold all its contents; e.g., He's forgotten all the details already; he’s got a mind like a sieve!’ /// (verb with object) Put a food substance or other material through a sieve. For tea sieving See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBwtUWPVAWU For sand sieving See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ek6-rM5xj8 // e.g., ‘Sieve the flour and sugar together in a bowl.’ // e.g., ‘Dredge (= to drop flour, sugar, etc. over food (*)) with sieved icing sugar.’ /// Sieve something out = (phrase) Remove unwanted items; e.g., Filters sieve large particles out of the water to prevent them from harming the pumps./// Sieve through = (verb; no object) Examine in detail; e.g., Lawyers had sieved through her contract.
Riddle (pronounced ˈrɪd.l) = (noun) A question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning, typically presented as a game; e.g., Scientists may have solved the riddle of Saturn's (the 6th planet from the sun) rings.// e.g., They started asking riddles and telling jokes.// e.g., Hamlet asks the gravediggers who is to be buried, but he receives riddles instead of answers./// A large coarse sieve, especially one used for separating ashes from cinders or sand from gravel. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Soil_sifter.jpg and http://www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk/images/products/product_5340.JPG and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvkJq1QB2sg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_p2HMx5pww and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej-TdUBhQWE // e.g., The riddles rhythmically shook and the millstones ground round and round./// (transitive verb) To make a lot of holes in something; e.g., The anti-aircraft guns riddled the plane’s wing with bullets ((^^) for the meaning as a verb).
Frosting (icing in British English) = (noun) a sweet food used to cover or fill cakes, made from sugar and water, or sugar and butter (^^). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Chocolate_Sour-Cream_Icing_on_cake.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Icing_to_be_spread_on_cake.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Chocolate_Cupcakes_with_Raspberry_Buttercream_detail.jpg and http://www.twosisterscrafting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/best-pink-lemonade-frosting-main.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y5dc3xfWQ0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD8v-gW4bjY
Icing sugar (or powdered sugar or confectioner’s sugar in North American English) = a soft powder made from sugar that is used for making icing for cakes (^^). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5e/Powdered_Sugar_-_Macro.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Cannoli_%281%29.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bbefH44UvE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I-ncMvsywU
Confectioner (pronounced kənˈfek.ʃən.ə(r)) = (noun) a company or person that makes or sells sweets or chocolate. [My comment: you may have watched the movie ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ with Johnny Dep. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFVGCUIXJls and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMFQtY6655E and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAviyhpn7Lg ]. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cBja3AbahY
Confection (pronounced kənˈfek.ʃ(ə)n) = (noun) (formal) a decorated cake or unusual sweet dish (^^). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Pink_and_white_Easter_petits_fours.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/La-Pone-Jordan-Almonds.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5e/Powdered_Sugar_-_Macro.jpg and https://static1.squarespace.com/static/556e536de4b0b824f1edbbcb/58e6c7381b10e3ec532026b7/58e6c73920099eff43ad0502/1491520681972/IMG_0850.jpg and https://cdn2.harryanddavid.com/wcsstore/HarryAndDavid/images/catalog/1530_334z.jpg /// The action of mixing or compounding something; e.g., This allowed greater use of that process on the confection of prostheses compared to the brazing process.
Cinder (pronounced ˈsɪn.də(r)) = (noun) a small piece of partly burned coal or wood; e.g., The cake was burned to a cinder (i.e., burned black) (^^).// e.g., ‘Get rid of the cinders before you build a new fire.’ // e.g., Then one of them actually danced in a frenzied state on glowing cinders, accompanied by drums. (*). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/Cinderamboycrater.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Volcano_q.jpg
Clinker (pronounced ˈklɪŋkə) = (mass noun) The stony residue from burnt coal or from a furnace. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgp5AYUOr1E and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLD-EWX_X5w and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c4587Y-ffE // e.g., These small grayish black pellets are called clinker.// e.g., The building can store as much as 300,000 tons of clinker.//// Clinker brick (countable noun) A brick with a vitrified surface// rough dark-colored bricks ((*****) for the 2nd part of the definition). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Hamburg.Reemtsma.Details.wmt.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Piece_of_vitrified_brick_found_in_Brick-Kiln_Covert_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1801642.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/VanHoesenHouse_2.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Clinker_brick_closeup.jpg // e.g., (as modifier) clinker-brick walls./// (cement) In the manufacture of Portland cement, clinker occurs as lumps or nodules, usually 3 millimeters (0.12 in) to 25 millimeters (0.98 in) (***** for this). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/27/LDClinkerScaled.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Hot_Clinker_2.jpg /// (informal) (US English) Something that is unsatisfactory, of poor quality, or a failure; e.g., Marketing couldn't save such clinkers as these films.// e.g., So, updates will come a little quicker now, this was the clinker.// e.g., ‘Your own prior experience with a clinker marriage does count for something’ /// A wrong musical note; e.g., A string breaks, you hit a clinker, you forget where you are in a piece./// (British English) (dated) Something or someone excellent or outstanding; e.g., ‘He was a real clinker!’
Residue (pronounced ˈrɛzɪdjuː) (beware of the pronunciation!) = (noun) A small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been taken or used; e.g., The fine residue left after the sorting of tea.// e.g., Further opportunities in Ireland arise from wastewater treatment plants and agricultural residues.// e.g., (figurative) The residue of the country’s colonial past./// A substance that remains after a process such as combustion or evaporation; e.g., The ash was a residue from coal-fired power stations.// e.g., Scattered depressions in the desert fill with water after a rainfall, retaining an alkaline residue as the water evaporates.// e.g., When heated, this produces methane gas and a solid residue of sodium carbonate.//// (Law) The part of an estate that is left after the payment of charges, debts, and bequests (= legacies); e.g., The residue of the estate was divided equally among the cousins.// e.g., The residue of the Estate is to be invested and the net income derived from the investment is to be paid to the applicant during her lifetime.
Residual (pronounced rɪˈzɪdʒ.u.əl) = (adjective) Remaining after most of something has gone/ resulting or left from something that was previously present; e.g., ''I still felt some residual bitterness twelve years after my divorce.'' // e.g., Residual oil has to be cleaned up.// e.g., It’s a great project to work on, and will have residual benefits for years to come./// (accounting) Used to describe an amount of money that is left after some other payments have been made; e.g., The $50,000 to complete the project is to come from residual funds (*).
Net income (also known as total comprehensive income, net earnings, net profit, bottom line, gross profit, gross margin, sales profit, or credit sales) = (business and accounting) an entity’s income minus the cost of goods sold, expenses and taxes for an accounting period. It is computed as the residual (= used to describe an amount of money that is left after some other payments have been made (*)) of all revenues (revenue = income, especially when of a company or organization and of a substantial nature) and gains over all expenses and losses for the period and has also been defined as the net increase in shareholders' equity that results from a company's operations (*****).
Eggplant (US English) = aubergine (pronounced ˈəʊ.bə.ʒiːn) (UK English). See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YreJEe_Dw8M and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/Solanum_melongena_24_08_2012_%281%29.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f9/Three_Types_of_Eggplant.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4ZI4SsYUrM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdRAtmfORJ0
Simmer (pronounced ˈsɪm.ə(r) = (verb; no object) (Of water or food that is being heated) stay just below boiling point while bubbling gently. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4WO_x2Xygk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwjk6zmjP70 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7jO7gYm1cA // e.g., The goulash (= a highly seasoned Hungarian soup or stew of meat and vegetables, flavored with paprika) was simmering in the oven.// e.g., ‘While the stew (= a dish of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid in a closed dish or pan) is simmering, cut rounds of pita bread into quarters.’ /// (verb with object) Keep food just below boiling point when cooking or heating; it e.g., ‘Simmer the sauce gently until thickened.’ // e.g., He’s standing at the stove, simmering spaghetti sauce.//// Exist in a suppressed state; e.g., But anger is still simmering, and policymakers would be wise to heed (= pay attention to; take notice of) it.// e.g., Her voice became silent as the emotions simmered, and soon, her face emerged again, and she was drying her tears.// e.g., The disagreement simmered for years and eventually boiled over./// Show or feel barely (= only just; almost not) suppressed anger or other strong emotion; e.g., He was simmering with resentment.// e.g., Her speech certainly had the noble accent it acquired when she was simmering with suppressed anger. /// Simmer down = become calmer and quieter; e.g., She gave him time to simmer down after their argument.// e.g., The debate has simmered down now to wondering which message they lacked - the centrist or the leftist one, neither of which seems all that promising.
Heed (pronounced hiːd) = (verb with object) Pay attention to; take notice of; e.g., She should have heeded the warnings.// e.g., Now, having heeded the warnings of their own dads, they appear to be taking the challenge of fatherhood seriously.// e.g., The next morning they were released with a warning, and it's clear that at least for now, they are heeding that warning./// (mass noun) Careful attention; e.g., If he heard, he paid no heed.// e.g., ‘We must take heed of the suggestions.’ // e.g., He urged the vicar (= (in the Roman Catholic Church) a representative or deputy of a bishop) to reconsider the plans and take heed of what protesters were saying.// e.g., Only the ones who recognize the message he is trying to forward would pay heed.
Stove (pronounced stəʊv) = (noun) An apparatus (the technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or purpose; pronounced ˌæp.əˈreɪ.təs) for cooking or heating that operates by burning fuel or using electricity. For a Kitchen/ cook stove (cooker in British English) See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Fouday-Po%C3%AAle.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Schloss_Wolfshagen_Gartensaal_Ofen.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Pentagonal_self_cleaning_wood_stove.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwJcnFcg6K4 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29G4rnCfKRM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr6Eskt_S_Q and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YMc8mwQoRo For an electric range stove and oven See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndQU7RtqfRw and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOdYp8CFjdU and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ydoSXBfhQI //// e.g., Woodstove/ pellet stove / gas stove.// e.g., There are children out there that don't know you can buy the actual kernels and pop them, in a pan, on the stove. (My comment: I guess it refers to corn kernels)./// (verb) Treat an object by heating it in a stove in order to apply a desired surface coating; e.g., After coating, the item is stoved at fairly high temperatures, generally 150-180°C, when the powder melts and flows out to a level, integral coating.
Kernel (pronounced ˈkɜː.n(ə)l) = (noun) A softer, usually edible part of a nut, seed, or fruit stone contained within its hard shell. For palm kernel See http://www.palmoilmillplant.com/uploads/allimg/Palm-Kernel-Meal.jpg and http://www.palmoilmillplant.com/uploads/allimg/palm-kernel-and-palm-fruit.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Palm_oil_fruit.jpgFor corn kernel See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/Ab_food_06.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/CSIRO_ScienceImage_3195_Maize_or_corn.jpg For wheat kernel See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d3/Wheatberries.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/Puffed_wheat_berries.png // e.g., Palm/ corn/ wheat kernel.// e.g., Palm kernel oil.
Rejuvenate (pronounced rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪt) = (verb with object) Make someone or something look or feel better, younger, or more vital; e.g., A bid to rejuvenate the town center.// e.g., ‘Rejuvenate your soul by traveling to India’ (from a BBC ad). // e.g., the herbal body wrap tightens and rejuvenates the skin. /// (often as adjective rejuvenated) Restore a river or stream to a condition characteristic of a younger landscape. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W__Ae95AAqg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi-1aG1srLo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AnpIh9B4Tw // e.g., A rejuvenated stream.// e.g., ‘Ultimately, how much of the marshland (= land consisting of marshes (marsh = an area of low-lying land that is flooded in wet seasons or at high tide, and typically remains waterlogged at all times)) do you think will be rejuvenated or restored?’
‘Saudi corruption purge (= an abrupt or violent removal of a group of people; pronounced pɜːdʒ) after the anti-corruption committee formed by a royal decree’ (= an official order issued by a legal authority) (from the media).
‘Singapore now uses driverless busses’ (from the media).
‘Myanmar signs an agreement for the repatriation (= the return of someone to their own country) of the Muslim refugees’ (from the media).
‘Envoys (envoy = a messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission; pronounced ˈɛnvɔɪ) met Dalai Lama’ (from the media).
‘Informed consumers are making irrational (= not using reason or clear thinking (*)) choices!’ (My comment: this is marketing!)
‘‘Origin’ is Dan Brown’s new book about human’s quest (= a long or arduous search for something) for the origin of life. Dan Brown has been accused (by the Church) of undermining the key tenets (= doctrines) of faith. However, he never declared that he is an atheist!’ (from the media).
Stand trial (not ‘stand
On a regular basis
At the correct moment
‘Zimbabwe president’s resigning is an opportunity to forge (here has the meaning of creating something strong, enduring, or successful; pronounced fɔːdʒ) new path free of oppression. The dictator resigns after 37 years, and his announcement of resignation halted impeachment (= (especially in the US) the action of formally accusing a public official of a serious offense in connection with their job (*)) hearing. He alleged plans underfoot to eliminate him. After the announcement of the president’s resignation, car horns (not ‘corns’) blared (blare = to make a very loud noise; pronounced bleə(r)) and excited crowds raced through the streets of the Zimbabwean capital Harare’ (from the BBC and http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/World/Car-horns-wild-cheers-Harare-Mugabe-resigns/688340-4197424-q0uq46/index.html ).
Various is pronounced ˈvɛːrɪəs. Variety is pronounced vəˈrʌɪəti. Variable is pronounced ˈvɛːrɪəb(ə)l.
Anchor (pronounced ˈæŋ.kə(r)) (= a heavy metal object, usually shaped like a cross with curved arms, on a strong rope or chain, that is dropped from a boat into the water to prevent the boat from moving away// a person who reports the news and manages reports by others on a television or radio program (*))
Offence (offense in North American English)
Marseilles (pronounced mɑːˈseɪ) (= city in France)
Pre-existing (pronounced ˌpriː.ɪɡˈzɪs.tɪŋ) e.g., Pre-existing studies.
Pedophile (or paedophile) (pronounced ˈpiː.də.faɪl in British English and ˈped.oʊ.faɪl in North American English) (not ‘pedophilic’, as it doesn’t exist as an adjective))
Paedophilia (or Paedophilia; pronounced ˌpiː.dəˈfɪl.i.ə); e.g., Paedophilia on the internet is a worrying issue.
Food/ wood preservatives (pronounced prɪˈzɜː.və.tɪvs)
Unspoiled (Unspoilt in British English)
Fulfil (fulfill in North American English)
‘Many children in Ghana live on the streets’ (street children) (from the media).
1,200,000 = one point two million.
‘Radioactivity traces in Europe make scientists assume a potential nuclear accident in Russia’ (that was covered up) (Autumn 2017; from the media).
On special occasions (not ‘
Begin – beginning
Dried in the sun
Altogether
Cool – cooled
Pause is pronounced pɔːz.
‘A new space race is underway’ (news title from the media) (My comment: it refers to India!).
Northern Ireland/ Europe
Corruption crackdown (= dealing with bad or illegal behavior (^^)) in China.
Pennsylvania
‘No fatalities were reported.’
Mississippi (all vowels are 'i' and all consonants, except the first (‘M’), are doubled)
‘I am quite (= a little or a lot but not completely (*)) pleased with the IELTS results’
Electrical socket (outlet or socket in North American English)
Domestic/ household appliances
Electrical current (pronounced ˈkʌrənt)
‘A cord leading to a plug’
‘A woman with curly hair wearing a necklace and earrings’
The day after tomorrow (i.e., 2 days from now)
Fortnight (= 2 weeks)
‘A year from now’
On July 11th/ On the 4th of June/ On September 3rd
On weekday mornings
Once every other week (= once every 2 weeks)
Hardly ever (= rarely)
Once in a while// Occasionally
Now and then
‘The population is increasing at a rate of about 8,000 people a year/ annually’
Dye (To change the color e.g. She dyed her hair) (vs.) die
‘A building with a row of windows’
Irreversible
‘I incline to the view…’/ ‘I am inclined to believe that…’
Account for
Consist of
To the advantage/ benefit of
Above all,… (conclusion)
‘Aristotle, referring to young boys of his time, says that the young are presumptuous (= show little respect for others; pronounced prɪˈzʌmp.tʃəs (^^)) and impudent (= rude and not showing respect, especially towards someone who is older or in a more important position; pronounced ˈɪm.pjə.d(ə)nt (^^)), not showing (not ‘
Professor
‘Time passes up fast/ quickly’
‘It matches my interests’
‘I may buy (for) my sister a T-shirt’
Luggage/ Baggage
Town/ urban planning
Mars (ancient Greek/Roman god & planet)
Satisfied/ contented with/// / dissatisfied with
Speaking personally,…(But we can also say ‘Personally speaking,…')
Miss the bus./// Miss/ Be late for my appointment
On foot/ horseback./// By train/car/bus/plane/ship
Brand clothes
Ignorance is pronounced ˈɪɡn(ə)r(ə)ns.
Lebanon – Lebanese
‘There should be a global agreement aiming to decrease greenhouse gas emissions so that we can limit (not ‘so to limit’) global warming/ the increase in the global temperature.
Overall, the global annual temperature has increased at an average rate of 0.07°C (0.13°F) per decade since 1880 and at an average rate of 0.17°C (0.31°F) per decade since 1970.’ (Reference for the 2nd paragraph (Retrieved: September 20, 2017): https://www.co2.earth/global-warming-update )
‘The state should fine (= to charge someone an amount of money as a punishment for not obeying a rule or law (*) - ‘fine’ can be a noun and a verb as well) the industries that pollute the environment and impose the implementation of this, regardless of the political pressure/ cost.’
A powerful feeling
Corporate lobbyists
Plentifully
Kazakhstan (country)
‘To rub salt in the wound.’
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