English Language Lessons: TIPS for English (23): Words(I) (m)

· Ferret = (noun) A small, yellowish-white animal with a long body, bred for hunting rabbits and other small animals. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Ferret_2008.png and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/Mustela_putorius_furo_profile.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Jake_0314.jpg and http://cdn.skim.gs/images/htlpqr436vnkrvk1uj7g/ferret-facts and http://chadwellanimalhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ferretFeatured.jpg and http://www.marshallpet.com/images/7ECXpl/0df9_700w/0137_walking_jacket.png // (verb) (irregular + adverb or preposition) (UK English) To search for something by moving things around with your hands, especially in a drawer, bag, or other closed spaces e.g., ‘I was just ferreting around in my drawer for my passport.’/// (irregular verb) To search for something or someone, by looking in many places or asking many questions e.g., ‘After a bit of ferreting, I managed to find the address.’/// Ferret something out = (phrasal verb) To find out a piece of information or find someone or something, after looking in many places or asking many questions e.g., (+ question word) ‘I know this name, but I haven't managed to ferret out where he lives’ (*).

· Private (vs) GI (army)

· Private (army) = (noun) a soldier of the lower rank in the army e.g., Save Private Ryan (the movie – See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSKerypwUDM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYID71hYHzg ).// (as a form of address) e.g., ‘You’re dismissed private’ (^^).

· GI (army) = a soldier in the US army, especially in the 2^nd world war (WWII) (^^).

· Vaudeville (pronounced ˈvɔːdəvɪl) = (mass noun) A type of entertainment popular chiefly in the US in the early 20^th century, featuring a mixture of specialty acts such as burlesque comedy and song and dance. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/The_Sandow_Trocadero_Vaudevilles%2C_performing_arts_poster%2C_1894.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Houdini-Elephant.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZo4imTt4Og and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNTbJi8rc1Q and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsVQ9e8nWx0 /// e.g., His comedic roots are in vaudeville./// (as modifier) e.g., A stage show with vaudeville acts and dancing girls./// (Countable noun) A light or comic stage play with interspersed songs.

· Vault (pronounced vɔːlt) = (noun) a roof in the form of an arch or a series of arches, typical of churches and other large, formal buildings.// Synonyms: arched roof, dome.// See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/05/Vo%C3%BBte_de_l%27%C3%A9glise_Saint-S%C3%A9verin_%C3%A0_Paris.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/St_Paul%27s_Cathedral_Choir_looking_east%2C_London%2C_UK_-_Diliff.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Groin_vault_under_edit.jpg // e.g., Gothic architecture has a particular look: the pointed or ogival arch, ribbed vaults, rose windows, towers, and tremendous height in the nave./// A large room or chamber used for storage, especially an underground one e.g., In recent years the British Museum the V&A and the Dulwich Picture Gallery have all reported losses from open displays or storage vaults./// Bank vault = a secure space where money, valuables, records, and documents are stored. It is intended to protect their contents from theft, unauthorized use, fire, natural disasters, and other threats, much like a safe. Unlike safes, vaults are an integral part of the building within which they are built, using armored walls and a tightly fashioned door closed with a complex lock. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/WinonaSavingsBankVault.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/Bank_vault_1901.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Immeuble_du_Cr%C3%A9dit_Lyonnais_%28si%C3%A8ge%29.jpg /// (verb with object)/ (usually as adjective vaulted) = provide a building or room with an arched roof or roofs e.g., A vaulted arcade./// Construct a roof in the form of a vault e.g., An unusual brick vaulted ceiling./// (verb) (no object) Leap or spring while supporting or propelling oneself with one or both hands or with the help of a pole. For pole vault See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9c/Pole_Vault_Sequence_3.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Men_decathlon_PV_French_Athletics_Championships_2013_t141910a.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Allison_Stokke.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfGIZX7enN8 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYPV9co7YYQ For vault in gymnastics See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/Vault_figure.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/Anefo_910-8764_Nederlandse.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/Vault_-_multiple_exposures.jpg For a dash/ speed vault on parkour See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Parkour_-_Poliana.jpg and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LazyVault.gif and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMlyD1thViE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCoY76Mb9mI e.g., He vaulted over the gate./// (verb) (with object) Jump over an obstacle by vaulting e.g., Jack vaulted the barrier.

· Vaulting (vs) Pommel horse (gymnastics)

· Vaulting horse = (gymnastics) A padded wooden block used for vaulting over by gymnasts and athletes. See https://i.ytimg.com/vi/19N6uruAyos/maxresdefault.jpg and https://typeset-beta.imgix.net/2016/7/9/542890180.jpg

· Pommel horse = (gymnastics) A vaulting horse fitted with a pair of curved hand grips, used for a gymnastic exercise consisting of swings of the legs and body. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Christopher_Cameron%2C_2010.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Schuhmann_cavallo_atene_1896.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Gymnastics_brokenchopstick.jpg/300px-Gymnastics_brokenchopstick.jpg and https://i.ytimg.com/vi/19N6uruAyos/maxresdefault.jpg

· Plank = (noun) a long, narrow, flat piece of wood or similar material, of the type used for making floors. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/US_Navy_090513-N-1060K-122_Ship_restorers_Chris_Hanlon%2C_bottom%2C_and_Paul_Chiasson_line_up_a_new_plank_of_white_oak_along_USS_Constitution%27s_starboard_side.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Two-plank_footbridge_to_stairs_across_water.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Dufferin_Terrace_boardwalk_with_booksellers_tents_and_Chateau_Frontenac_behind_2005.jpg // e.g., Oat/ concrete planks.// e.g., A plank of wood.// e.g., We used a plank to cross the ditch./// An important principle on which the activities of a group, especially a political group, are based e.g., The party’s policy is based on 4 central planks.// e.g., Education reform was one of the main planks of their election campaign (^^)./// (also called a front hold, hover, or abdominal bridge) An isometric core strength exercise that involves maintaining a position similar to a push-up for the maximum possible time. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/A_U.S._Coast_Guard_recruit%2C_assigned_to_Company_Oscar_188%2C_performs_a_plank_during_incentive_training_at_Coast_Guard_Training_Center_Cape_May_in_Cape_May%2C_N.J.%2C_July_31%2C_2013_130731-G-WA946-943.jpg

· Peg = (noun) A small stick or hook that sticks out from a surface and from which objects, especially clothes, can hang. See http://www.petersens.co.nz/images/surpeg.png For ground peg See http://www.allotment-garden.org/store/equipment/assets/steel-ground-pegs-10-pack.jpg and https://www.harrodhorticultural.com/uploads/images/products/Plastic-Ground-Peg-1_large.jpg // For clothes peg See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Clothespin-2459e.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Clothpin.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Red_clothespin.JPG and https://image.freepik.com/free-photo/clothes-peg_2517158.jpg and http://www.pngpix.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PNGPIX-COM-Cloth-Pegs-PNG-Transparent-Image.png and https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaq6Aj5pAqebIuFME7D8PrpMYH7i3NZ-JogQR4A6a-Oe5jSdje6oLvoF-Mo1yvtWDvgLgHHMZIJD8rwBRYBKJETvu6wgTzGNuZp4hxrN2fL5eqr9vh-sX_UPh9b4C9NogBknR8KeW1RVR/s400/clothespegfoosball2.jpg and https://i1.wp.com/www.irishamericanmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Clothes-peg-or-pin-on-the-line-after-rain.jpg For tent peg See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Zeltnagel2.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Wooden_stake_holding_guy_rope.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Zeltnagel.jpg // e.g., He took off his coat/hat and hung it on the peg./// A reason for discussing something further e.g., They decided to use the anniversary as the peg for/ a peg on which to hang a TV documentary./// A device used to fasten something into a particular place. For hammering tent pegs See http://www.easycamp.com//~/media/Brandsites/EasyCamp%202013/News/April/Easy%20Camp%20tent%20peg%20guide_620x300.ashx and https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1AvNuKVXXXXXsXVXXq6xXFXXXR/Heavy-Duty-Outdoor-Camp-Mallet-Hammer-font-b-Tent-b-font-font-b-Pegs-b-font.jpg // e.g., ‘Hammer the tent pegs firmly into the ground.’/// (US English) (informal) A low fast throw in baseball./// An arrangement that fixes a price, currency, etc. at a particular level e.g., The government removed the currency from its peg against the dollar./// (usually transitive verb + adverb/preposition) To fasten something in place with pegs e.g., Make sure the tarpaulin is securely pegged down.// (UK English) e.g., ‘I'll peg out the clothes before I go to work.’/// (transitive verb) to make a price, currency, etc. stay at a particular level e.g., The agreement works because member nations haven't tried peg prices./// (transitive verb) (US English) (informal) To throw a ball in baseball low and fast. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9isYmvYTUU0 // e.g., Mattingly pegged the ball to Stanley (*).

· Tarpaulin (pronounced tɑːˈpɔːlɪn) = (mass noun) Heavy-duty waterproof cloth, originally of a tarred canvas. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Tarpaulin_fly_tent.jpg/1200px-Tarpaulin_fly_tent.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/VW_T5_Doppelkabine-Pritsche-Plane_Seitenansicht-links_LWS3143.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Abandoned_homeless_shelter_Mawson_Canberra.JPG and http://www.hygradesafety.com/tarpaulins/img_tarpaulins/tarpaulin_covering%20car.png // e.g., The sun was quite low when the train pulled into another yard, and he had covered them with tarpaulin once again.// e.g., A stretch of a roof is covered with tarpaulin./// (countable noun) A sheet or covering of tarpaulin e.g., Large tarpaulins were pulled over the hold.

· Timber (pronounced ˈtɪm.bə(r)) = (noun) Wood prepared for use in building and carpentry. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/Wood_from_victoria_mountain_ash.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3b/Freshlycutlogs.JPG and http://www.wertztimberveneer.com/img/layout-styles.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/Timber_DonnellyMills2005_SeanMcClean.jpg // e.g., The exploitation of forests for timber.

· Lumber (pronounced lʌmbə) = (verb; no object, with adverbial of direction) Move in a slow, heavy, awkward way e.g., A truck lumbered past.// e.g., Trucks steadily lumber across the bridge linking the countries, ferrying North Korean raw materials into China and Chinese manufactured goods to market in North Korea../// (mass noun) (UK English) Articles of furniture or other household items that are no longer useful and inconveniently take up storage space.// (as modifier) e.g., A lumber room.// e.g. ‘I grabbed many cans of Lysol, loaded them into the car, and continued to the storage room where lumber lay about.’/// (US English) Timber sawn into rough planks or otherwise partly prepared. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/Wood_from_victoria_mountain_ash.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3b/Freshlycutlogs.JPG // e.g., He sat at a makeshift desk of unfinished lumber.// (as modifier) e.g., A lumber company.// e.g., If cut for lumber, this single tree would yield 600, 120 board feet, the makings of 40 five-room houses./// (usually) Be lumbered with = (UK English)(informal) (verb with object) Burden someone with something unwanted e.g., The banks do not want to be lumbered with a building that they cannot sell./// (usually) Lumbering = (verb; no object) (US English) Cut and prepare forest timber for transport and sale e.g., The traditional resource industries of the nation, chiefly fishing and lumbering./// (noun) (informal) (Scottish English) A person regarded as a prospective sexual partner e.g., They end the evening in a disco where they wait for a lumber./// (verb with object) (informal) (Scottish English) Casually strike up a relationship with (a prospective sexual partner e.g., He lumbered her from a pub in London.

· Boogie (also known as boogie-woogie) = (mass noun) A style of blues played on the piano with a strong, fast beat. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Red_Dog_Shuffle_-_Colin_Ross_Quartet.ogv and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkRfjahMheQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMCaHD91dyc e.g., The strident boogie of the title track./// (countable noun) e.g., The pianist cruises through old-fashioned boogies./// (informal) (countable noun) A dance to pop or rock music. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XURVDwVoXk8 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAo7j_2l6Mw /// (verb) (no object) (informal) Dance to pop or rock music e.g., Peter went off to boogie to a steel band./// (no object, with adverbial of direction) (US English) Move or leave somewhere fast e.g., ‘I think we'd better boogie on out of here.’

· Arbitrary = (adjective) Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system e.g., An arbitrary decision.// e.g., The numbering of years is a cultural artifact based on some rather arbitrary decisions made along the way./// (of power or a ruling body) Unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority e.g., A country under arbitrary government.// e.g., A right of access to a court is one of the checks on the danger of arbitrary power./// (Mathematics)(of a constant or other quantity) Of undefined value.

· Whim (pronounced wɪm) = (noun) A sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained e.g., She bought it on a whim./// (mass noun) e.g., He appeared and disappeared at whim.// e.g., It's absurd to suggest that decisions like these can be taken on a whim by the Home Secretary.

· Facile (pronounced ˈfæs.aɪl) (adjective) (not to be confused with the verb ‘facilitate’) = (adjective) describes a remark or theory that is too simple and has not been thought about enough (^^); Ignoring the true complexities of an issue; superficial e.g., A facile explanation.// e.g., ‘We should avoid facile recriminations about who was to blame’ (^^^ for the above 2 examples). Facile generalizations.// e.g., The fate of the book's heroes, Chris and Rowland, is so predictable and facile that it undermines what little complexity existed in their relationship throughout the novel.// e.g., Many examples and precedents elude or combat this facile notion./// (of a person) Having a superficial or simplistic knowledge or approach e.g., A man of facile and shallow intellect.// e.g., She is often facile, especially when relying on pop psychology./// (especially of success in sport) Easily achieved; effortless e.g., A facile seven-lengths victory.// e.g., The U.12 team from Kiltegan completed the double when they took the title with a facile win over Knockananna at Aughrim.

· Crotchet (pronounced ˈkrɒtʃɪt) (also known as a quarter note) = (UK English) (Music)A note having the time value of a quarter of a semibreve or half a minim, represented by a large solid dot with a plain stem. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Quarter_note_run.png and http://www.coreknowledge.org.uk/images/musicalnotation.jpg and https://melodiousmusicschool.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/notes.jpg /// A perverse or unfounded belief or notion e.g., The natural crotchets of inveterate bachelors./// Crotchety = (adjective) often in a bad mood and easily annoyed e.g., By the time the lunch began, the kids were getting tired and crotchety (^^^ for the last example).

· Inveterate (pronounced ɪnˈvɛt(ə)rət) = (adjective) (attributive) Having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change e.g., An inveterate gambler.// e.g., He was a congenital reformer, an inveterate crusader./// e.g., An inveterate grassroots activist and organizer, she led the campaign to expose sterilization abuse in Puerto Rico, where it was rampant./// (of a feeling or habit) Long-established and unlikely to change e.g., His inveterate hostility to what he considered to be the ‘reactionary’ powers.// e.g., Its inveterate good manners.

· Incorrigible (pronounced ɪnˈkɒrɪdʒɪb(ə)l) = (adjective) (of a person or their behavior) not able to be changed or reformed. Synonym = inveterate. // e.g., She's an incorrigible flirt.// e.g., ‘I must admit to being an incorrigible optimist.’/// e.g., ‘I was driving to work this morning when I heard the incorrigible duo on the morning radio talk show.’ /// (Noun) An incorrigible person e.g., All repeat offenders, but none of them real hard-case incorrigibles.// e.g., ‘We see the main character's transformation from innocent, Hello-Kitty kid to corrupted, drug-using, sex-having, shoplifting incorrigible.’

· Grass roots (or Grassroots) = (plural noun) The most basic level of an activity or organization.// (as modifier) e.g., Improving the game at grassroots level.// e.g., Political action at the grassroots level also took off./// Ordinary people regarded as the main body of an organization's membership e.g., ‘You have lost touch with the grassroots of the party.’// e.g., The Democrats wrote new rules designed to give control to grassroots party members.

· Flick = (noun) A sudden quick movement.// For a flick of the wrist See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh-UjwlAxL0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7rfOUtIMCc // e.g., The flick of a switch.// e.g., A flick of the wrist./// The sudden release of a bent finger or thumb, especially to propel a small object. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R2EfjXo5_o // e.g., She sent her cigarette spinning away with a flick of her fingers./// A light, sharp, quickly retracted blow, especially with a whip (= lash). See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nheSHg-i7Hg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bebg2uvYJ6w // A flick through = a quick look through a book, magazine, etc. e.g., A quick flick through the family album./// (informal) (UK English) (old-fashioned) A cinema film e.g., A Hollywood action flick./// ''The flicks'' = (UK English) The cinema e.g., Fancy a night at the flicks?./// (rare) A group of hares or rabbits./// (fencing) A fencing technique. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Semi-final_Cadot_v_Tao_Challenge_International_de_Paris_2013_ts184536.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/Choi_v_Perrier_Challenge_Revenu_2013_t145016.jpg // (verb) (with object) Strike or propel something with a sudden quick movement of the fingers. For flicking a pen See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHUOxdptu0s and for pen spinning See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voqYX8_VjvQ // e.g., John flicked his bow tie.// e.g., Anna flicked some ash off her sleeve./// Make or cause to make a sudden quick movement.// (verb with object) e.g., The horse flicked its tail.// (verb; no object) e.g., The tip of his tongue flicked out./// Turn an electrical device on or off e.g., She flicked on the air conditioning./// e.g., Thomas flicked the switch and she blinked in the harsh light./// (verb with object) Move an object rapidly up and down so as to strike something or someone e.g., The driver flicked his whip and the cab moved off./// ''Give someone the flick (or get the flick)'' = (phrase) (informal) Reject someone or be rejected in a casual or offhand way./// Flick through = (phrasal verb) To glance at the pages of a book, magazine, etc. e.g., She was flicking through a copy of ‘Vogue.’// e.g., A researcher flicking through an occult book.

· Scramble = (verb) Make one's way quickly or awkwardly up a steep gradient or over rough ground by using one’s hands as well as one's feet.// For rock scrambling See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7FXpwgrZKU and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtFwOJieF28 // e.g., We scrambled over the damp boulders./// Order a fighter aircraft to take off immediately in an emergency or for action. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Pilot_seen_running_to_fighter.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kblABluQFRY and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIKxCSsDp0 // e.g., The F16 fighter-jets (warplanes) were scrambled again, this time meeting Russian fighters.// (scramble is often used metaphorically such as a pet scrambling – See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw1K8fAqvRw or on Jiu Jitsu – See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7SRQpmJ4iY )./// Make something jumbled or muddled e.g., Maybe the alcohol has scrambled his brains./// (sports) (Of a quarterback) Run with the ball behind the line of scrimmage, avoiding tackles. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xmIZ5DTVO8

· Scrambled eggs = a dish of eggs prepared by beating them with a little liquid and then cooking and stirring gently. Unlike pancake or omelette (omelet in US English) scrambled egg is virtually never browned (***** for this). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Scrambled_eggs-01.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Scrambed_eggs.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/Eggjf1785.JPG

· Scrabble = (intransitive verb) An act of scratching or scrambling for something. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsZYGLjvBgA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3RgE3P8gbk // e.g., She heard the scrabble of claws (of the cat) behind her.// A board game. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Scrabble_game_in_progress.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/Scrabble_2015.jpg and http://media.onsugar.com/files/2010/11/46/6/1161/11617959/b85bdd7ca4db70df_scrabble_board_game.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swlg3vQXboE // (verb) Scratch or grope around with one's fingers to find, collect, or hold on to something e.g., He scrabbled at the grassy slope, desperate for purchase.// e.g., He was scrabbling about in the sand searching for the ring.// e.g., He scrabbled up the cliff.// e.g., We were scrabbling over the rock.// e.g., The government is scrabbling around for ways to raise revenue without putting up taxes (^^^ for the last 4 examples).

· Jumble = (noun) An untidy collection or pile of things.// For a jumble room See https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/09/a7/1d/86/jumble-room.jpg // e.g., The books were in a chaotic jumble.// For jumbled books See http://www.creativeboom.com/uploads/articles/c4/c474be2a9399258c9c6b43993d217dd0b62c5dfe_1200.jpg // e.g., The stony path wound up the hill past a cave shrine and spiraled between one last jumble of boulders./// (UK English) (mass noun) Articles collected for a jumble sale e.g., We are collecting jumble for charity./// (also known as knots) the widespread travel cookie (***** for this). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/Buttermilk_jumbles.jpg /// (verb with object) Mix up in a confused or untidy way e.g., A drawer full of letters jumbled together.

· Boulder = (noun) A large rock, typically one that has been worn smooth by erosion. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/Balanced_Rock.jpg and https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c6/8b/7c/c68b7c5af8c03372cd687b0cc2e88a59.jpg and http://www.therockplacellc.com/wp-content/gallery/boulders-moss-boulders/river-rock-boulder.jpg

· Muddle = (verb) (with object) Bring into a disordered or confusing state e.g., They were muddling up the cards.// For cards in a muddle See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lni4w2DFKFo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7XyzMYOmsc // e.g., ''I had even put in soft lenses, which always hurt so badly so that I didn't have to have glasses muddling up my face.'' /// Confuse a person or their thoughts e.g., Peter was hopelessly muddled by the rates of exchange./// (verb) (no object, with adverbial) Busy oneself in an aimless or ineffective way e.g., She was muddling about in the kitchen.// e.g., That would preclude idiots from muddling around in areas they have no knowledge of./// Mix a drink or stir an ingredient into a drink. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPCu1Tg21kc and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdmJC_-oGMI (such as in the movie ''Cocktail'' (1988) with Tom Cruise - See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyAxE2vS318 ) /// (noun) (usually in singular) An untidy and disorganized state or collection e.g., The finances were in a muddle.// (mass noun) e.g., He was able to cut through confusion and muddle./// A mistake arising from or resulting in confusion e.g., A bureaucratic muddle./// ''Muddle through'' = (phrasal verb) Cope more or less satisfactorily despite lack of expertise, planning, or equipment e.g., While the children were young, we managed to muddle through.// e.g., ''When I left my husband I knew it would be tough and I told myself we'd have to muddle through''./// ''Muddle something up'' = (phrasal verb) Confuse two or more things with each other e.g., The words seemed to have got muddled up.// e.g., ‘I think a lot of people muddle celebrities up with soaps.’

· Muzz = (noun) A muddle or blur e.g., In the echoed hall, every other word is lost in the muzz.// e.g., There is something in the muzz of his mind that says, ‘Walk softly.’

· Grope (pronounced ɡrəʊp) = (verb; no object, with adverbial) Search blindly or uncertainty by feeling with the hands.// For a blind-folded person groping a woman See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lgmnxw7ZfEk // Synonym = fumble.// e.g., He groped for his spectacles./// Move along uncertainly by feeling objects as one goes e.g., He blew out the candle and groped his way to the door./// Grope for = search uncertainly for a word or answer in one's mind e.g., He was groping for the words which would express what he thought./// (verb) (informal) (with object) Fondle someone for sexual pleasure roughly or clumsily, or without the person's consent. For a video of a woman claiming of being groped See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcgWpW3FtyQ and for a woman groping a man See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmW8nzwd1rY and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8_G-w7Bhoo // e.g., ‘I don't want strangers groping me.’// e.g., They groped each other wildly in the taxi./// (noun) An act of fondling someone for sexual pleasure e.g., She and David sneaked off for a quick grope.

· Fumble = (noun) An act of using the hands clumsily while doing or handling something. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dYI5ljZNCs // e.g., Just one fumble during a tire change could separate the winners from the losers.// e.g., The instructions make it so simple that even a child can go through it confidently, without a falter nor a fumble./// (informal) An act of fondling someone for sexual pleasure e.g., A quick fumble in a downtown tavern./// (In ball games) an act of failing to catch or field the ball cleanly. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Peach_Bowl_fumble_aftermath.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Andrew_Luck_fumbles_at_2009_Big_Game.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB0siPtfptg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmgVF7EPL7c and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWl3cg-gdD8 // e.g., He recovered a fumble after a bad exchange./// An act of managing or dealing with something clumsily e.g., ‘We are not talking about subtle errors of judgment, but major fumbles.’ /// (verb; no object, with adverbial) Do or handle something clumsily e.g., He fumbled with the lock.// Fumble about/around = move clumsily in various directions using the hands to find one's way e.g., He fumbled about in the dark but could not find her./// (verb with object and adverbial) Use the hands clumsily while doing or handling something e.g., She fumbled a cigarette from her bag./// (verb with object) (In ball games) fail to catch or field the ball cleanly e.g., ‘Have you ever seen him fumble a ball?’ // (verb; no object) e.g., The keeper fumbled./// Express oneself or deal with something clumsily or nervously e.g., Mike had fumbled for words.

· Fondle = (verb) (with object) Stroke or caress lovingly or erotically. Synonym = Caress.// See https://thumb1.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/90327/549856888/stock-photo-loving-couple-fondle-each-other-549856888.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9xjA85VzC8 e.g., He kissed and fondled her./// (noun) An act of fondling e.g., One person's affectionate pat is another's lascivious fondle.

· Lascivious (pronounced ləˈsɪvɪəs) = (adjective) Feeling or revealing an overt sexual interest or desire. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ouiw7XfT4s // e.g., He gave her a lascivious wink.// e.g., He finds himself on a psycho-erotic country estate where all manner of lewd and lascivious acts are taking place.

· Grassy = (adjective) Covered with grass e.g., Now there were sheep grazing on the grassy slopes./// Characteristic of or resembling grass e.g., An intense grassy green.

· Initiative (pronounced ɪˈnɪʃətɪv) = (noun) The ability to assess and initiate things independently e.g., ‘You should use your initiative, imagination, and common sense.’ // e.g., One country can be a leader on one issue in which it has competence, initiative, resources, and interest./// The power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do e.g., By not immediately pressing them in their retreat from the village, he lost both the initiative and an opportunity to curb the tribesmen and end the war finally.// e.g., Ireland had not played particularly well in that first half, had forced a dream start but quickly lost the initiative as they allowed their insecurities and nervousness to manifest itself into their play./// An act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something e.g., A new initiative against car crime.// e.g., What we have demonstrated is that even without a media partner, we still have the capability internally to drive this initiative./// A proposal made by one nation to another in an attempt to improve relations e.g., A Middle East peace initiative./// The initiative = (especially in Switzerland and some US states) The right of citizens outside the legislature to originate legislation./// On one's own initiative = without being prompted by others e.g., An activity in which the nurse acts on her own initiative.

· Incentive = (noun) Something that motivates or encourages one to do something; motive e.g., The state should give farmers an incentive to improve their land.///// e.g., Tax incentives have been very effective in encouraging people to save and invest money of their income.// (+ to infinitive) e.g., There is little incentive for people to leave their cars at home when public transport remains so expensive.// e.g., Bonus payments provide an incentive to work harder (^^^ for all except the 1^st example).

· Neon – pronounced ˈniː.ɒn. For the neon lights in Times Square in Manhattan, New York City (NYC) See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT5a7bGrmYE and https://www.thepinnaclelist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/sensory-overload-in-times-square-new-York-the-neon-heart-of-manhattan-920x575-1840-the-pinnacle-list-tpl.jpg

· Ballot = (noun) a system or occasion of secret voting e.g., Representatives were elected by ballot.// e.g., They decided to hold a ballot.// e.g., 3% of ballot casts were blank.// e.g., Ballot is not the only condition to have democracy (today we have a Parliamentary system instead of direct democracy)./// Ballot paper = a paper on which you write your vote. See http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03559/tweet_3559201b.jpg /// Put something to the ballot = (Phrase) to vote secretly on a particular matter e.g., ‘This seems to be an area of disagreement, so lets put it to the ballot’./// (transitive verb) To organize a secret vote by a group of people in order to find out their views, e.g., The union decided to ballot its members on the issue (^^).

· Merchant = (noun) A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially one dealing with foreign countries or supplying merchandise to a particular trade. Synonyms = trader, dealer, wholesaler.// e.g., The area's leading timber merchant./// A person with partiality or aptitude for a particular activity or viewpoint e.g., His driver was no speed merchant./// (adjective) Of or relating to merchants, trade, or commerce e.g., The growth of the merchant classes.

· Merchandise (pronounced: Noun = ˈmɜː.tʃ(ə)n.daɪs/ /ˈmɜː.tʃ(ə)n.daɪz /// Verb = ˈmɜː.tʃ(ə)n.daɪz) = (mass noun) (pronounced ˈmɜː.tʃ(ə)n.daɪs/ /ˈmɜː.tʃ(ə)n.daɪz ) Goods to be bought and sold e.g., Shops which offered an astonishing range of merchandise.// e.g., During that year he sold both goods raised on the farm and general store merchandise similar to that sold at the family store on Huguenot Street./// Branded products used to promote a film, pop group, etc., or linked to a fictional character; merchandising e.g., The official merchandise for the film.// e.g., ‘I didn't feel the previous merchandise really reflected the character of the club.’ /// (verb with object) (pronounced ˈmɜː.tʃ(ə)n.daɪz) = Promote the sale of goods, especially by their presentation in retail outlets e.g., A new breakfast food can easily be merchandised./// Promote or publicize an idea or person e.g., They are merchandising ‘niceness’ to children.

· Stifle (pronounced ˈstʌɪf(ə)) (past simple: stifled) = (verb with object) To cause to be unable to breathe because you have no air. Synonyms = suffocate, choke, asphyxiate. See http://previews.123rf.com/images/dmitrimaruta/dmitrimaruta1206/dmitrimaruta1206 00156/13982246-Office-fight-Woman-trying-to-stifle-a-man-on-the-sofa-Stock-Photo.jpg //e.g., He is said to have stifled his victim with a pillow.// (figurative) e.g., He almost stifled in the heat of the city./// To prevent something from happening, being expressed, or continuing. For stifling a sneeze See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXOAjM__g-Y e.g., He stifled a cough/ yawn/ scream/ sneeze.// e.g., I don’t know how I managed to stifle my anger./// Stifling = extremely hot and unpleasant e.g., I cannot bear this stifling humidity.// e.g., Several hundred people have crammed into the stifling room (^^).

· Cram = (verb with object) Fill a place or container to the point of overflowing.// For a yard crammed with cars See http://www.thedailystar.net/sites/default/files/customphp/photo/2009/02/04/2009-02-04__f06.jpg and http://www.insideedition.com/sites/default/files/styles/931x523/public/images/2010-08/1087.jpg?itok=6A-VeB-D // For crammed garbage cans See http://www.thedailystar.net/sites/default/files/customphp/photo/2009/02/04/2009-02-04__f06.jpg and https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5700053979_2e1629a119_b.jpg // e.g., The ashtray by the bed was crammed with cigarette butts./// Force people or things into a place or container that is or appears to be too small to contain them. For crammed people into a phone booth See https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/40/105113265_77a431355e_z.jpg?zz=1 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79j8q5Ndbig // e.g., ‘It's amazing how you've managed to cram everyone in.’// (figurative) She had crammed so much into her short life./// (verb) (no object) (of a number of people) Enter a place that is too small to accommodate all of them e.g., They all crammed into the car.// For crammed people in a car See http://mentalfloss.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/car-cramming-renault.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avHkxuvHHJk /// (verb) (no object) Study intensively over a short period of time just before an examination e.g., Lectures were called off so students could cram for the semester finals.

· Glimpse = (noun) A momentary or partial view (look). See http://www.davidjayspyker.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/spyker-painting-acrylics-glimpse-2000.jpg // e.g., He caught a glimpse of the ocean.// e.g., She looked around the beautifully adorned room and caught a glimpse of herself in a round oval mirror./// A brief insight or indication e.g., During the interview he offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of TV./// (transitive verb) To see something or someone for a very short time or only partly e.g., We glimpsed the ruined abbey from the windows of the train (^^ for the meaning as a verb)

· Upheaval = (noun) A violent or sudden change or disruption to something e.g., Major upheavals in the financial markets.// e.g., Times of political upheaval.// e.g., Much of the initial enthusiasm had cooled when the fall of the Bastille was followed by continued upheavals./// Upward displacement of part of the earth's crust e.g., The first upheaval produced a hill which was called Roof Mountain.

· Thwart (pronounced thwɔːt) = (verb with object) To prevent someone from accomplishing something e.g., She was thwarted in her desire to punish Uncle Jim.// e.g., Did things happen to thwart people from voting? // e.g., ‘And, when I'm thwarted, I'm likely to go all sour and spiky and be a pig to live with.’// e.g., He never did anything to thwart his father./// Oppose a plan, attempt, or ambition successfully e.g., The government had been able to thwart all attempts by opposition leaders to form new parties.// e.g., ‘Fortunately, I am a light sleeper, so I should be able to thwart any attempts to slice bits off me for a tasty midnight snack!’// e.g., But it can be said that police and intelligence work is disrupting the terrorist networks and thwarting their plans./// (noun) A structural crosspiece sometimes forming a seat for a rower in a boat e.g., His hull is painted white with blue trim on the thwarts. See http://www.grapeviewpointboatworks.com/images/rangeley/thwarts_fitted.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/67/Canoe_drawing_showing_thwarts_-_01.png/1200px-Canoe_drawing_showing_thwarts_-_01.png // (Preposition) From one side to another side of; across e.g., A pink-tinged cloud spread thwart the shore.

· Hull (pronounced hʌl) = (noun) The main body of a ship or other vessel, including the bottom, sides, and deck, but not the masts, superstructure, rigging, engines, and other fittings. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/LOA-LWL.svg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Vasas_hull_profile.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Tigre_%281724%29_mg_5065.jpg/220px-Tigre_%281724%29_mg_5065.jpg and http://www.marineinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/shiphull.png // e.g., The main hulls and bridge deck of the ship are of steel construction./// (also known as hask) The outer covering of a fruit or seed, especially the pod of peas and beans, or the husk of grain. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c4/E8025-Milyanfan-corn-huskers.jpg For hull peas See http://emerils.com/sites/default/files/styles/wmax-600-sq/public/IMG_4910.JPG?itok=ATF5Ossu For purple hull peas See http://emerils.com/sites/default/files/styles/wmax-600-sq/public/IMG_4910.JPG?itok=ATF5Ossu and for purple hull beans See http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/350x235p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/154/153/77286996_XS.jpg // e.g., Sunflower seed hulls, roasted and ground, were used by Native Americans and pioneers as a coffee substitute./// (verb) (US English = shuck) To remove the covering of the steam and leaves from some fruits, vegetables, and seeds e.g., We sat in the garden hulling strawberries (^^ for the meaning as a verb).

· Pod (not to be confused with 'pond') = (noun) An elongated seed vessel of a leguminous plant such as the pea, splitting open on both sides when ripe. For pea pods See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Peas_in_pods_-_Studio.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Pisum_sativum_MHNT.BOT.2010.12.9.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Peas_for_sale_on_a_UK_greengrocer%27s_market_stall_in_August_2013.jpg and https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dVoeABqDJDc/maxresdefault.jpg and http://dothanalabamaphotographer.studioenvogue.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/peapod.jpg // e.g., Gorse (= a yellow-flowered shrub of the pea family) pods were popping in the sun./// The egg case of a locust (here locust relates to the pod of a pea family plant, not the insect!). See https://permies.com/t/1664/a/45128/honey-locust.jpg and https://i.pinimg.com/736x/98/28/b8/9828b82f5edff00ace57a3e118193c4e--stair-railing-railings.jpg /// (Geology) A body of rock or sediment whose length greatly exceeds its other dimensions. See http://img.sloclimbing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/964692_338210572971746_404890533_o.jpg // e.g., Chalk-rich pods of glaciofluvial sands and gravels./// A narrow-necked purse net for catching eels. See https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/00/15/7f/00157f5f756340eb2a83bb4647467835.jpg and http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/x2590e/x2590e37.gif /// (often with modifier) A detachable or self-contained unit on an aircraft, spacecraft, vehicle, or vessel, having a particular function e.g., The torpedo's sensor pod./// (verb) (no object) (of a plant) Bear or form pods e.g., The peas have failed to pod./// (verb) (with object) Remove peas or beans from their pods prior to cooking e.g., Our friends would pick and pod the peas and beans./// ''In pod'' = (dated, informal) Pregnant./// (noun) A small herd or school of marine animals, especially whales. See http://focusingonwildlife.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/whale2.jpg and http://cdn.ohmygodfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/kilwhale-05.jpg // e.g., A pod of 500 dolphins frolicking in the bay./// POD = (abbreviation) Short of ''print-on-demand'' e.g., POD enables publishers to take chances with authors.

· Torpedo = (noun) A cigar-shaped self-propelled underwater missile designed to be fired from a ship or submarine or dropped into the water from an aircraft and to explode on reaching a target. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Mark_8_torpedo_in_Germanton_Park.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82_%D0%B2%D1%8B%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B0_%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%8B_%D0%B8%D0%B7_%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%8F_%281916%29.png and http://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/imagelibrary/Archive/nri/naval/features/Deadliest%20torpedoes/4-imageTorpedo-62.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJttDDx0Axs

· Torpedo fish = an electric ray. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Torpedo_torpedo_corsica3.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Torpedo_torpedo_corsica4.jpg/220px-Torpedo_torpedo_corsica4.jpg

· Eel (pronounced iːl) = (noun) A long, thin, snake-like fish, some types of which are eaten. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/Anguilla_japonica_1856.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/Conger_conger_Gervais.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/FMIB_35739_Anguilla_vulgaris_--_Anguilla.jpeg and http://britishseafishing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/RS-Conger1.jpg and http://animal-dream.com/data_images/eel/eel2.jpg // e.g., Jellied eels (*).

· Husk = (noun) The dry outer covering of some fruits or seeds. Synonym = shell.// For psyllium seed husk (it is helpful for people with constipation) See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c4/E8025-Milyanfan-corn-huskers.jpg and http://fitnesspell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/image-isabgol-psyllium-seed-husk-1.png and http://www.parentinghealthybabies.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/psyllium-husk-2.jpg For fruit husk See https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/shell-husk-prized-durian-fruit-27547356.jpg // e.g., The fibrous husk of the coconut.// (mass noun) e.g., Oats contain more husk than barley./// A dry or rough outer layer, especially when it is empty of its contents e.g., The husks of dead bugs./// (verb) (with object) Remove the husk or husks from e.g., They set up mills to husk the rice./// (mass noun) Bronchitis in cattle, sheep, or pigs caused by parasitic infestation, typically marked by a husky cough (as a medic, I am not aware of a similar term in human)./// Huskiness e.g., The husk in her voice./// (verb) (with direct speech) Say something in a husky voice e.g., ‘What big blue eyes you have,’ husked Lorenzo.

· Husky = (noun) a powerful dog of a breed with a thick double coat that is typically gray, used in the Arctic for pulling sleds. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Husky_3.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Huskiesatrest.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/Husky_on_San_Francisco_sidewalk.jpg and https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LQkvmlHDh7hWz4iGP4Eul4o7xCYUYJHfhXtj1rf QzgazAlIHDy6V4vwkFVWkk5tB_Pvx=w300 // e.g., Similarly, a trip to where the Huskies are bred and trained to pull sleighs takes you right to the heart of what the traditional lifestyle is like./// (adjective) (of a voice or utterance) Sounding low-pitched and slightly hoarse. For husky male voice See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUe0X1R54g4 and for female husky voice See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o2ZVOSMQ2U (an example of a husky male voice is that of George Clooney's - See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyyCfoL72SA ) // e.g., His voice became a husky, erotic whisper./// (of a person) Big and strong e.g., George looked a husky, strong guy.// e.g., He was a few inches shorter than me, and he’s husky./// Like or consisting of a husk or husks e.g., The husky stem of a palm tree.

· Drudgery = (mass noun) Hard, menial or dull, boring work e.g., The drudgery of housework (**) e.g., Domestic drudgery.// e.g., In as far as farm drudgery and prison could offer a good life at all, things weren't bad compared to life in British jails at the time.

· Menial (pronounced ˈmiːnɪəl) = (adjective) (of work) Not requiring much skill and lacking prestige e.g., Menial factory job.// e.g., A menial task.// e.g., Many refugees who were professionals in their countries now find themselves performing menial tasks or manual labor. (My politically incorrect comment: and of course were welcomed, in countries such as Germany, as cheap labor!)

· Illiteracy = (noun) The inability to read or write e.g., The ineffective educational system meant that illiteracy was widespread.// e.g., Rural adult illiteracy is a matter of alarming concern./// Lack of knowledge of a particular subject; ignorance (pronounced ˈɪɡn(ə)r(ə)ns) e.g., His economic illiteracy.

· Illiterate = (adjective) Unable to read and write e.g., A surprising percentage of the population is illiterate./// Knowing little or nothing about a particular subject e.g., Computer illiterate.// e.g., Financially/ technological illiterate (^^).

· Literate = (adjective) Able to read and write e.g., Their parents were uneducated and barely literate.// e.g., Within a few years, most Cherokees had become literate in their own language./// Having education or knowledge, typically in a specified area e.g., We need people who are economically and politically literate.// e.g., ‘I enjoyed reading the transcripts of David's well-crafted, highly literate speeches.’/// (noun) A literate person e.g., ‘You don't have to be a literate to know the wiser option.’

· Innumerate (pronounced ɪˈnjuː.mər.ət) = (adjective) Unable to understand and use numbers in calculations (^^); without a basic knowledge of mathematics and arithmetic e.g., It’s a part of the literacy/numeracy problem - If someone is innumerate there's no point trying to explain significance as a percentage etc.// e.g., We need to stop being an innumerate country and start to get on board the fact that it is perfectly possible for everybody to understand the basics of statistics.// (noun) An innumerate person.

· Faculty = (noun) The teaching or research staff of a university or college, or of one of its departments or divisions, viewed as a body e.g., There were then no tenured women on the faculty.// A group of university departments concerned with a major division of knowledge e.g., The Faculty of Arts./// An inherent mental or physical power e.g., The faculty of sight.//e.g., His critical faculties./// A licence or authorization from a Church authority e.g., The vicar introduced certain ornaments without the necessary faculty to do so.

· Rational (the opposite is irrational) = (adjective) Based on or in agreement with reason or logic e.g., ‘I am sure there is a perfectly rational explanation for his behavior.’// e.g., Because these choices seem rational in the circumstances does not remove the fact that decisions have been made./// Able to think sensibly or logically e.g., ‘Mary's upset—she's not very rational.’/// Endowed with the capacity to reason e.g., Man is a rational being./// (Maths) (of a number, quantity, or expression) Expressible, or containing quantities which are expressible, as a ratio of whole numbers.

· Rationalize = (verb with object) attempt to explain or justify a behavior or an attitude with logical reasons, even if these are not appropriate e.g., He couldn't rationalize her urge to return to the cottage.// e.g., She could easily rationalize her actions by thinking she's working towards moving out of there./// (UK English) Make a company, process, or industry more efficient, especially by dispensing with superfluous personnel or equipment e.g., ‘The process of rationalizing our property portfolio has been finalized.’ // e.g., ‘If we rationalize production, will that mean redundancies (= being not or no longer needed or useful)?’/// Reorganize a process or system so as to make it more logical and consistent e.g., Parliament should seek to rationalize the country's court structure.// e.g., The computer system needs upgrading, there is a workforce shortage, and there is a need to rationalize the system so that fewer checks on routine imports are automatically carried out./// (Mathematics) Convert a function or expression to a rational form.

· Permissiveness = (noun) Tolerance; great or excessive freedom of behavior e.g., A new age of sexual permissiveness.// e.g., The permissiveness of the 1960s.// e.g., The biotech industry has grown up in an era of almost complete permissiveness.

· Mishit (pronounced a) Verb mɪsˈhɪt = b) Noun = mɪsˈhɪt or ˈmɪshɪt) = (pronounced mɪsˈhɪt) (verb with object) (In various sports) hit or kick a ball badly or in the wrong direction e.g., An incompetent tennis player, he mishit the shot.// (verb; no object) e.g., Pamela mishit wildly./// (pronounced mɪsˈhɪt or ˈmɪshɪt) (noun) An instance of hitting or kicking a ball badly or in the wrong direction e.g., After a further mishit, his 3^rd attempt proved successful.

· Depot (pronounced ˈdɛpəʊ) = (noun) a place for the storage of large quantities of equipment, food, or some other commodity. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Home_Depot,_center_aisle,_Natick_MA.jpg For bus depot See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/Bandra_BEST_Bus_Depot1.JPG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/Bus_melnikov.JPG For an arms depot See http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/Content/Upload/Slider/7201729131514542623701.jpg and http://images3.naharnet.com/images/140470/w460.jpg?1414751559 For army depot (not for training) See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/US_Army_52306_Operation_Tell_Your_Story_at_Anniston_Army_Depot%2C_Ala.jpg For fruit depot See http://myfooddepot.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Fruit.jpg For foods depot See https://s3-media3.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/Mw6cqUUdQ1yXwHcTnR5WbA/348s.jpg // e.g., An arms depot.// // e.g., A place where buses, trains, or other vehicles are housed and maintained and from which they are dispatched for service. For bus depot See http://www.uitp.org/sites/default/files/styles/news-new-format-big/public/WienerLinien_Depot.jpg?itok=xYEkIDCc and http://www.uitp.org/sites/default/files/styles/news-new-format-big/public/WienerLinien_Depot.jpg?itok=xYEkIDCc For train depot See http://www.bertramtx.com/train-at-bertram-depot.jpg /// (Military) A place where recruits are trained, or other troops are assembled. For army depot See https://7002560b0b4ce33b03fce3c7-restontechwiz.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/letterkenny2.jpg and for marine corps recruit depot See https://media.defense.gov/2016/Dec/29/2001683182/636/305/0/161227-M-CF555-027.JPG and https://www.army.mil/e2/c/images/2016/12/12/459922/original.jpg // e.g., Only conscripts who lived near a training depot had permission to commute to it.

· Inventory = (most kids know this word from the computer games they play)(noun) A complete list of items such as property, goods in stock, or the contents of a building. Synonyms: list, listing, catalog, record, register, checklist.// e.g., About 6% of the slaves listed as sick in inventories of sugar properties suffered from cansaço or exhaustion./// (US English) A quantity of merchandise or goods held in stock e.g., ‘In our warehouse you'll find a large inventory of new and used bicycles.’ /// (in accounting) The entire stock of a business, including materials, components, work in progress, and finished product e.g., This reconciliation covers both what we call produced assets, which are fixed assets, and inventories./// (verb with object) Make a complete list of, e.g., It seemed that this person might have been chasing items mainly, but since the whole collection wasn't inventoried, it was really impossible to say.// e.g., ‘I inventoried his collection of drawings.’ /// Enter in a list e.g., Every book was inventoried.

· Weary (pronounced 'ˈwɪəri', not 'weari') = (adjective) Very tired, especially after working hard for a long time e.g., He is a little weary after his long journey.// e.g., ‘Sit down and rest your weary legs’./// Weary of = boring with something because you have experienced too much of it e.g., ‘I’ve been going out with the same people to the same clubs for years and I have grown weary of it.’/// (intransitive verb) To make someone feel tired e.g., ‘Children wear me all day with their constant inquiries and demands.’// To start to feel that someone or something is boring e.g., Some people never seem to weary of eating the same type of food every day./// Wearily (adverb) e.g., I dragged myself wearily out of bed at 5 o’ clock this morning (^^).

· Weariness (pronounced ˈwɪərɪnɪs) = (mass noun) Extreme tiredness; fatigue e.g., He began to feel weariness./// Reluctance to see or experience any more of something e.g., Growing war-weariness.

· Wearisome (pronounced ˈwɪərɪs(ə)m) = (adjective) Causing a person to be tired and/or boring e.g., Simple repetitive tasks can be very wearisome (^^).

· Upshot = (noun) The final or eventual outcome or conclusion of a discussion, action, or series of events; result, conclusion e.g., The upshot of the meeting was that he was on the next plane to London.// e.g., ‘Anyway, the upshot is that I was on a train yesterday afternoon when I'd like to have been in front of a TV set.’

· Throw something up = Produce new problems or ideas (*) e.g., The meeting threw up some interesting ideas (**).// e.g., Studies in genes have thrown up amazing results.

· Throw up a job = Choose to leave or stop doing a job (*) e.g., She has thrown up her job and gone off to India to work for a charity (**)

· Throw up = Vomit e.g., ‘I leaned over and threw up again.’

· Offset = (noun) A consideration or amount that diminishes or balances the effect of a contrary one e.g., An offset against taxable profits.// The amount or distance by which something is out of line e.g., These wheels have an offset of four inches./// A side shoot from a plant serving for propagation. See http://images.tutorvista.com/content/reproduction/offset-vegetative-propagation.gif /// A sloping ledge in a wall or other feature where the thickness of the part above is diminished. See http://www.diychatroom.com/attachments/f19/23690d1281404514-furring-out-2x4-wall-2x6-wall-offset.jpg // e.g., You can also specify part wall thickness or clearance offset ./// A bend in a pipe to carry it past an obstacle. See http://www.ncc-flue.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27 136e95/d/o/double_offset_bend_45__1.jpg // A method of printing in which ink is transferred from a plate or stone to a uniform rubber surface and from that to the paper (offset printing). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/DE-Zeitungsrollenoffsetdruck_by_Steschke.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Bogenoffsetmaschine-2-1980.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/Scanseri_4c_offset.jpg // (verb) Counteract something by having an opposing force or effect e.g., The deficit has been more than offset by capital inflows./// Place out of line e.g., Several places where the ridge was offset at right angles to its length./// (Of ink or a freshly printed page) Transfer an impression to the next leaf or sheet./// To balance one influence against an opposing influence, so that there is no great difference as a result (*) e.g., The extra cost of travelling to work is offset by the lower price of house here.// e.g., (UK English) He keeps his petrol (gas) receipts because petrol is one the expenses that he can offset against tax (= can show to the tax office (revenue department) as being a business cost, and so not pay tax).

· Propagation = (mass noun) The breeding of specimens of a plant or animal by natural processes from the parent stock. See http://www.coolgarden.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/plant-cuttings.jpg and https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/d4/13/78/d41378a2552192b0038cbf5a7b107e94.jpg //e.g., The propagation of plants by root cuttings.// (as modifier) e.g., Propagation techniques such as grafting./// Reproduction by natural processes e.g., Hunting regulations ensure the propagation of the species.// e.g., Asexual propagation is the primary mode of reproduction./// The action of widely spreading and promoting an idea, theory, etc. e.g., His life was devoted to the propagation of the Catholic faith.// e.g., The propagation of ideas was important./// Transmission of motion, light, sound, etc. in a particular direction or through a medium e.g., The propagation of radio waves through space. For wave propagation See https://sub.allaboutcircuits.com/images/02406.png // e.g., The physics of light propagation.

· In essence = relating to the most important characteristics or ideas of something; fundamentally e.g., In essence, both sides agree on this issue (^^)// e.g., In detail the class system is complex, but in essence it is simple.// e.g., Football, in essence, is competitive and it is important for the health of the game that it remains so.

· NGOs = (abbreviation) non – governmental organizations.

· Mesh = (noun) (a piece of) material like a net with spaces in it, made from wire, plastic, or thread. For a mesh bag See http://www.aplusmarine.com/assets/images/2250.png For a metal screen mesh See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/Screen_Mesh.jpg For a chain mesh fence See http://www.henrycoate.co.uk/RCsite/photos/ANTI%20INTRUDER%20FENCE.jpg and for a wire mesh fence See http://www.cnmesh.cc/wire_mesh_images/wire_mesh_index/wire_mesh_fence1.jpg For a tea mesh strainer See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7c/Tea_strainer_2.jpg For a mesh strainer (used in the kitchen - cooking) See https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1r1sdNpXXXXX4XpXXq6xXFXXXY/2016-Practical-New-Mesh-Strainers-Stainless-Steel-Colander-Cooking-Tools-Soup-Skimmer-Scoop-Colander-Kitchen-Accessories.jpg_640x640.jpg For a mesh sieve See http://www.vjtech.co.uk/Portals/0/productimages/396_05955.jpg // e.g., A sieve with a fine/large mesh.// e.g., A wire mesh fence./// For mesh hair See https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0XlfbK7bxkRl3AAfy3MAMIxPxvQwMXUM1m6i0-lcZJb2IhpiyPRxK2OfUjPe6lD-V-AJjMANJdD46kkrfG4RMPd8_d6UM600dmjJhnFE7KpohkSS4nE8hvQAQmju4NdKDh3zYVNY27Q/s1600/enVOGUE+-+HAIR+Ad+Paige+web.jpg /// (irregular verb) When different things or people mesh, they suit each other or work well together e.g., The members of the team just didn't mesh.// e.g., ‘I need a job that meshes with my family life, as I have two little kids.’/// (irregular verb) (specialized engineering) To join together in the correct position, e.g., His car's gears aren't meshing correctly (*).

· Demise (pronounced 'dɪˈmʌɪz') (it is only a noun; not a verb, so it is wrong to say ‘He ~~demised~~’) = (noun) The death of a person.// e.g., Mr. Smith's tragic demise.// See http://9639-presscdn-0-85.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Demise-of-Classic-Investing-622x415.jpg // Note: Demise is only a noun and is not used as a verb; thus it is wrong to say ‘Peter demised’, but ‘Peter’s demise devastated me’./// The end or failure of an enterprise or institution e.g., The demise of the industry. // (Law) Conveyance or transfer of property or a title by will or lease e.g., Where a landlord let premises by demise to a tenant, he was regarded as parting with all control over them.

· Disinterested = (adjective) Not influenced by considerations of personal advantage e.g., A banker is under an obligation to give disinterested advice.// e.g., A disinterested observer/ judgement.// A piece of disinterested advice (^^^ for the last 2 examples)./// Having or feeling no interest in something; uninterested.// Note: ‘uninterested’ as a word is usually preferred from ‘disinterested’ for the meaning of ‘not interested in something’./// e.g., His father was so disinterested in her progress that he only visited the school once (^^).

· Utter = (transitive verb) Make a sound with my voice or say something e.g., He sat through the whole meeting without uttering a word./// (adjective) (before a noun) Complete or extreme e.g., Utter confusion/ misery/ chaos.// e.g., Utter nonsense/ rubbish/drivel.// e.g. The meeting was a complete and utter waste of time./// Utterly (adverb) e.g., What an utterly stupid thing to do (^^).

· Drivel (pronounced ˈdrɪv(ə)l) = (noun) Nonsense or boring and unnecessary information e.g., ‘You don't believe the drivel you read on the internet, do you?’// e.g., ‘You are talking drivel as usual.’/// (Adjective) Driveling e.g., ‘Who was that driveling idiot on the radio this morning?’ (^^)

· Young people are keen to (here we don’t use keen ‘on’) question things/ everything

· Tempers sometimes fray!

· He gave him a (friendly) pat on the back.

· The new president had a friendly conversation with the outgoing president.

· The new president of France was elected with the outstanding number of 66% of the vote cast. However, 16 million people abstained from the latest elections! The new president of France pledged (= made a formal promise) more legal reforms for job growth (from the media).

· The governor declared a state of emergency for the impending (= that is about to happen) hurricane strike.

· He went on hunger strike.

· Old age pensioner = retiree (retired) (US)= superannuant (New Zealand). See http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/07/24/article-0-1432F2E6000005DC-665_634x477.jpg (*****).

· We tackle stress

· We alleviate pain

· Remain at large = (phrase) (commonly used by journalists) (related to a suspect or a fugitive) When someone is not arrested (e.g., by the police) but is still chased (a common colloquial & media expression).

English Language Lessons

English Language Lessons

Friday, July 5, 2019

TIPS for English (23): Words(I) (m)

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