· Coercion (pronounced kəʊˈɜː.ʃən) = (noun) The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats e.g., It wasn't slavery because no coercion was used.// e.g., He refused to speculate as to the identity of the groups or individuals who had been behind the coercion.// e.g., This is really your opportunity to be yourself, to do something without coercion from others.// e.g., He claimed the police had used coercion, threats and promises to illegally obtain the statement (^^^ for the last example).
· Coerce (pronounced kəʊˈɜːs) = (verb with object) Persuade an unwilling person to do something by using force or threats e.g., He was coerced into giving evidence.// e.g., Prosecutors say the family was coerced into making the video./// Obtain something from someone by using force or threats e.g., Their confessions were allegedly coerced by torture.// e.g., The alleged intention was to coerce privatization of the national oil company into the hands of the foreign investor group.
· Nepotism (pronounced ˈnep.ə.tɪ.zəm) = (mass noun) The practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs e.g., His years in office were marked by corruption and nepotism.// e.g., Those at the top indulged in nepotism, power politics and failed to give the Church a lead.// e.g., Re-registration is necessary to avoid corruption, collusion or nepotism among civil servants.
· Belie (pronounced bɪˈlaɪ) = (verb with object) (Of an appearance) fail to give a true impression of something e.g., His lively, alert manner belied his years.// e.g., Though his eyes were beginning to dance with a glee that completely belied the tears upon his face.// e.g., The brilliance of the sun belied the low temperature./// Fail to fulfill or justify a claim or expectation e.g., The quality of the music seems to belie the criticism.// e.g., But their political views and their actions belie that claim.// e.g., The strong shows of support for him belied claims that the party was falling apart without its leader.
· Glee = (mass noun) Great delight, especially from one's own good fortune or another's misfortune e.g., His face lit up with impish (= inclined to do slightly naughty things for fun; mischievous) glee.// e.g., ‘A lot of people are relishing (= enjoy greatly) this situation with glee and waiting to see what I'll do.’// e.g., Her eyes went wide with delight as she spun around in glee, holding back a squeal./// A song for men's voices in three or more parts, usually unaccompanied, of a type popular especially c.1750–1830.
· Gang (with a meaning other than an organized group of criminals or a group of young people involved in petty crime or violence) = (informal) A group of people, especially young people, who regularly associate together e.g., ‘Let's get the rest of the gang together and hang out at the canteen’.// e.g., He was worried about the availability of toilet facilities and electricity for the gang./// An organized group of people doing manual work e.g., A government road gang.// e.g., He had the pleasure of working with rail gangs under the supervision of three locals, all now long retired./// A set of switches, sockets, or other electrical or mechanical devices grouped together. For a gang box See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/Gangbox.jpg // e.g., The machine had a gang of cutter chains on a swiveling head./// (as a modifier, in combination) e.g., A three-gang switch./// (verb) Gang up = (verb; no object) (Of a number of people) form a group or gang e.g., Three banks ganged together to form a ‘virtual bank.’ // Gang up = (verb) Join together in order to intimidate or oppose someone e.g., They ganged up on me and nicked my pocket money./// (verb with object) Arrange electrical devices or machines together to work in coordination e.g., Adjacent faders can be ganged for common manipulation.
· Nick = (noun) A small cut or notch. For a skin nick See https://plasticsurgerykey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/00131.jpeg For shaving nick See https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2012/10/shavingwound.jpg and http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/shavingtp_3789.jpg // e.g., A small nick on his wrist.// e.g., There are few film defects such as nicks or blemishes to be seen./// The nick = (UK English) (informal) Prison e.g., ‘He'll end up in the nick for the rest of his life.’// e.g., ‘I turned up a slightly cynical, badly-dressed student and left four days later, after a short spell in Southampton nick, as the blazing-eyed, still badly-dressed eco-bore I am today.’ /// A police station e.g., He was being fingerprinted in the nick.// e.g., ‘I'm Sergeant George Smith, and this is PC Lee Peters from Westing nick.’ /// The junction between the floor and side walls in a squash court or real tennis court./// (verb with object) Make a nick or nicks e.g., He had nicked himself while shaving.// e.g., A bioweapon delivery system could be your next-door neighbor or the mosquito that nicked you before dinner! /// (UK English) (informal) Steal e.g., The Liverpool supporter, it was announced, couldn't make it because his car had been nicked.// e.g., ‘I feel almost like a tourist - that's why I'm always nicking things from places we go, souvenirs.’ /// Nick someone for = (US English) Cheat someone of a sum of money e.g., Banks will be nicked for an extra $30 million.// e.g., ‘They nicked me for eight grand for a fourteen-month course.’ /// (UK English) (informal) Arrest someone e.g., Steven and David got nicked for burglary.// e.g., ‘I would have nicked him too but there was no room in the police car.’/// In good nick = (phrase) (informal) In a specified condition e.g., ‘You've kept the car in good nick.’ // e.g., ‘I have not scored too many runs for Yorkshire this season, but I feel in good nick, and once my bowling is back to full speed I am confident I will soon be at my best again.’ /// In the nick of time = (phrase) Only just in time e.g., The rescue came in the nick of time.// e.g., ‘I was, though, lucky enough to get into a National Guard unit in the nick of time, about a day before I was drafted.’/// (verb) (informal) (verb; no object; with adverbial of direction) (Australian & New Zealand English) Go quickly or surreptitiously (= Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved) e.g., They nicked across the road./// Nick off = depart; go away e.g., ‘I got up and got dressed and nicked off.’ /// Get nicked = (phrase) (informal) (often in imperative) Go away (used as an expression of anger or impatience) e.g., ‘All these guys who want everything located in Sydney and Melbourne can get nicked.’
· Canteen (pronounced kanˈtiːn) = (noun) A restaurant provided by an organization such as a college, factory, or company for its students or staff. (My comment: in the US they call it cafeteria). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Calhan_Colorado_High_School_Cafeteria_by_David_Shankbone.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/PCC_Four_Winds_Dining_Facility_Interior.jpg and http://hg2.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/toronto-eat-canteen-4.jpg and https://i1.wp.com/clients.thewebsiteshop.ie/canteencelbridge/wp-content/uploads/sites/241/2015/04/Canteen-Celbridge-main-image.jpg?fit=1600%2C856&ssl=1 /// A small water bottle, as used by soldiers or campers. See https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4UAoquTRNvM/maxresdefault.jpg and https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/62a50eb8-b283-47ef-9e98-0f4c8c46b4ab_1.72305806896d755ff0c961a763049234.jpeg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF and https://c.76.my/Malaysia/camouflage-colour-military-army-soldier-water-bottle-canteen-matthew1389-1706-11-Matthew1389@1.jpg /// (UK English) A specially designed case or box containing a set of cutlery. See http://www.waxantiques.com/gfx/lg_720430.jpg and http://www.waxantiques.com/gfx/lg_526119.jpg
· Grand (when refers to money) = (noun) (informal) A thousand (1,000) dollars or pounds e.g., ‘He gets thirty-five grand a year.’// e.g., ‘Two grand doesn't go far when consulting a lawyer for legal advice.’
· Fader (pronounced ˈfeɪdə) = (noun) A device or control for varying the volume of sound, the intensity of light, or the gain on a video or audio signal. For sound fader balance See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa6JVP0W2PE For audio mix fader See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J20MSnHmP0k For changing fader to gain See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WR3yTQrgIw
· Wile (pronounced wʌɪl) = (noun) (plural = wiles) = Devious or cunning stratagems employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants e.g., She didn't employ any feminine wiles to capture his attention.// e.g., The devious wiles of the politicians.// e.g., ‘But, come on, you must remember how fascinating it was to be in close contact with an attractive male around about the time you discovered your feminine wiles?’ /// (Adjective) (Attributive) Used to emphasize the extent of something, especially something negative e.g., ‘Losing the final was a wile blow!’
· While (or wile) (pronounced wʌɪl) away something = (phrasal verb) To spend time in a relaxed way, sometimes when waiting for something else to happen e.g., I used to knit a lot when I was pregnant just to while away the time (*) // e.g., The gang had played monopoly as they wiled away the hours.
· Consummate (pronounced: a) Adjective = ˈkɒns(j)əmət or kənˈsʌmət. b) Verb = ˈkɒns(j)əmeɪt) = a) (Adjective) (pronounced ˈkɒns(j)əmət or kənˈsʌmət) Showing a high degree of skill and flair; complete or perfect e.g., She dressed in consummate elegance.// e.g., He's a consummate politician, skilled at spinning his own legends.// e.g., ‘How can he recover as the consummate talent he is?’ // e.g., A life of consummate happiness.// e.g., A consummate athlete/ liar/ gentleman (^^ for the previous 2 examples)./// (verb with object) (Pronounced ˈkɒns(j)əmeɪt) Make a marriage or relationship complete by having sexual intercourse.// e.g., The marriage was never consummated (^^ for this example).// e.g., His first wife refused to consummate their marriage.//// Complete a transaction e.g., The property sale is consummated.// e.g., Households and businesses readily use Credit to consummate transactions, with traditional money playing a small and declining role.
· Hoodwink = (archaic) blindfold. See http://www.masonic-lodge-of-education.com/images/Hoodwink_man.jpg and http://www.masonic-lodge-of-education.com/images/Hoodwink_front_448x336.jpg /// (verb) (obsolete) Hide./// To deceive by false appearance; dupe e.g., People who allow themselves to be hoodwinked by such promises.//// e.g., ‘Don't let yourself be hoodwinked into buying things you don't need’.// e.g., Tom Sawyer famously hoodwinked the other boys into thinking there was nothing more enjoyable than whitewashing a fence (***).
· Dupe (pronounced djuːp) = (noun) one that is easily deceived or cheated; fool./// (transitive verb) To deceive or cheat easily; to make a dupe of e.g., I was duped into buying a counterfeit.// e.g., They duped her out of $100.// e.g., We were duped into thinking the dummy was a real alien (***) // e.g., The newspaper was duped into publishing an untrue story./// (noun) A victim of deception e.g., Men who were simply the dupes of their unscrupulous leaders.// e.g., They believe that people who think otherwise are, at best, the innocent dupes of Satan.
· Counterfeit (pronounced kaʊn.tə.fɪt) = (adjective) Made to look like the original of something, usually for dishonest or illegal purposes e.g., Counterfeit jewelry / coins/ passports (^^) e.g., Counterfeit $10 notes./// Pretended; sham e.g. A counterfeit image of reality.// e.g., He gave a counterfeit cough./// (noun) A fraudulent imitation of something else e.g., He knew the tapes were counterfeits.// e.g., The public should feel proud of refusing counterfeits and buying copyrighted products.// e.g., Huge machines process hundreds of thousands of bills and coins, counting up the take and looking for counterfeits./// (verb with object) Imitate fraudulently e.g., ‘My signature is extremely hard to counterfeit.’/// Pretend to feel or possess an emotion or quality e.g., ‘No pretense could have counterfeited such terror.’ /// (literary) Resemble closely e.g., Sleep counterfeited Death so well.// e.g., ‘You guys do the best at counterfeiting friendship.’
· Sham = (noun) A thing that is not what it is purported to be e.g., Our current free health service is a sham.// e.g., If the new security focus is a sham, expect to see more official denial./// (mass noun) Pretense e.g., Jim abhorred sham and affectation./// A person who pretends to be someone or something they are not e.g., He was a sham, totally unqualified for his job as a senior doctor./// (adjective) Bogus; False e.g., A clergyman who arranged a sham marriage./// (verb; no object) Falsely present something as the truth e.g., ‘Was he ill or was he shamming?’/// (verb with object) Pretend to be or to be experiencing e.g., He shams indifference./// (verb; no object, with complement) e.g., The Opossum escapes danger by shamming dead.
· Affectation = (noun) (disapproving) behavior or speech that is not sincere e.g., She has too many little affectations.
· Purport (Pronounced a) Verb = pəˈpɔːt. b) Noun = ˈpəːpɔːt) = a) (Verb) (Pronounced pəˈpɔːt) (with infinitive) Appear to be or do something, especially falsely e.g., He is not the person she purports to be.// e.g., The purported marriage was void./// b) (mass noun) (Pronounced ˈpəːpɔːt) The meaning or sense of something, typically a document or speech e.g., ‘I do not understand the purport of your remarks.’// e.g., The BBC now insists that Fields of Gold ‘is a fictional drama which does not purport to be a documentary’./// The purpose or intention of something e.g., The purport of existence.// e.g., It did not purport to be a notice conveying any such intention on the part of the Secretary of State.
· Abhor (pronounced əbˈhɔː) = (verb) (with object) Regard with disgust and hatred e.g., She abhorred sexism in every form.// e.g., ‘I'm one of those people who is always on time, and abhors lateness.’// e.g., ‘I abhor all forms of racism.’
· Abhorrent (pronounced əbˈhɒr(ə)nt) = (adjective) inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant e.g., Racism was abhorrent to us all.// e.g., I find it abhorrent that some groups of Bolton's community, such as pensioners, will struggle to meet the increase.// e.g., Abusive child labor is abhorrent and should be banned and eradicated.
· Repugnant (pronounced rɪˈpʌɡnənt) = (adjective) extremely distasteful; unacceptable e.g., Cannibalism seems repugnant to us.// e.g., Anna is shocked again by George's repugnant appearance./// Repugnant to = in conflict or incompatible with e.g., A by-law must not be repugnant to the general law of the country.// e.g., What's repugnant to justice is the attitude that some people should be denied it, no matter what is done to them.
· Outwit = (verb) (with object) Deceive by greater ingenuity e.g., He had outwitted many an opponent.// e.g., In order to make sense of Aslan's victory it must be noted that he effectively deceives the witch and so outwits her in his return to life.// e.g., If youths consistently saw criminals outwitting the police, they would idolize the criminals.
· Ingenuity (pronounced ˌɪn.dʒəˈnjuː.ə.ti) = (noun) Someone’s ability to think of clever new ways of doing something e.g., Drug smugglers constantly use their ingenuity to find new ways of getting drugs into a country (^^).
· Ingenuous (pronounced ɪnˈdʒɛnjʊəs)(not to confused with ‘ingenious’) = (adjective) (of a person or action) innocent and unsuspecting/ honest, sincere, and trusting, sometimes in a way that seems silly e.g., He eyed her with wide, ingenuous eyes.// e.g., She's staggeringly ingenuous, or possibly very cunning indeed.// e.g., Sometimes the reviewer knows nothing of the author or the reputation in which a book comes wrapped, the result being a rare, ingenuous honesty.// e.g., It was rather ingenuous of him to ask a complete stranger to look after his luggage (^^^ for the last example and the 2nd part of the definition).
· Heroine (pronounced ˈherəʊɪn) (not to be confused with the addictive drug ‘heroin!’ that sounds the same) = (noun) a woman admired for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities e.g., She was a true feminist heroine./// The chief female character in a book, play, or film, who is typically identified with good qualities, and with whom the reader is expected to sympathize e.g., Jane Austen's heroines./// (in mythology and folklore) A woman of superhuman qualities and often semi-divine origin, in particular, one whose deeds were the subject of ancient Greek myths e.g., When Kaliope had no interesting news from the city, Kyron told us war stories and about heroes, heroines, gods and goddesses.
· Frisky = (adjective) playful and full of energy e.g., He bounds about like a frisky pup (= puppy).// e.g., ‘I later spotted a sign warning that frisky rhinos could damage door mirrors!’
· Dope (pronounced dəʊp) = (noun) A drug taken illegally for recreational purposes, especially marijuana or heroin e.g., Saying that people who might use heroin start with dope is not the same as saying that people who use dope might use heroin. That doesn't make cannabis a gateway./// A stupid person e.g., Though he wasn't an intellectual giant, he was no dope, either./// Information about a subject, especially if not generally known e.g., Our reviewer will give you the dope on hot spots around the town./// Varnish applied to the fabric surface of model aircraft to strengthen them and keep them airtight. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/RAF2699.jpg // e.g., Airplanes were made of dope, fabric, and wood - all highly flammable./// (verb) Administer drugs to (a racehorse, greyhound, or athlete) in order to inhibit or enhance sporting performance e.g., The horse was doped before the race./// Smear or cover with varnish or other thick liquid e.g., She doped the surface with photographic emulsion./// Add an impurity to a semiconductor to produce a desired electrical characteristic./// (adjective) Very good e.g., ‘That suit is dope!’
· Marijuana (or marihuana) (pronounced ˌmarɪˈhwɑːnə) is cannabis, especially as smoked or consumed as a psychoactive (mind-altering) drug. /// Cannabis is pronounced ˈkanəbɪs. Hemp is the cannabis plant, especially when grown for fiber. Crack is a hard, crystalline form of cocaine broken into small pieces and smoked. Heroin (pronounced ˈhɛrəʊɪn) is a highly addictive analgesic drug derived from morphine, often used illicitly as a narcotic producing euphoria. Opium is a reddish-brown heavy-scented addictive drug prepared from the juice of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), used as a narcotic and in medicine as an analgesic. It is a different species, but the same genus, from common poppy (Papaver rhoeas) and pale poppy (Papaver argemone).
· Greyhound (pronounced ˈɡreɪhaʊnd) = (noun) A dog of a tall, slender breed having keen sight and capable of high speed, used since ancient times for hunting small game and now chiefly in racing and coursing. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/GraceTheGreyhound.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUsQ0wmsS7U and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrMwBrqKMTA
· Accost = (verb) (with object) approach and address someone boldly or aggressively e.g., Reporters accosted him in the street.// e.g., He was accosted by a thief, demanding his money or his life.// e.g., ‘I am walking speedily along New York's Fifth Avenue when this elegant stranger accosts me, grabs my arm in a vice-like grip and hisses, ‘Where did you get that pin?’// ‘I am usually accosted by beggars and drunks as I walk to the station’ (^^^ for the last example).
· Hiss = (verb; no object) Make a sharp sibilant sound as of the letter ''s''. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6uyJg2NTJA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAb5HgiO_zk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGQ5SjMSIag // e.g., The escaping gas was hissing.// e.g., After about a minute, a single car stopped in front of them, its door hissing open with pneumatic sibilance./// (Of a person) make a sibilant sound as a sign of disapproval or derision. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SglWeNKIevg // e.g., The audience hissed loudly at the mention of his name.// e.g., Not realizing it was still sharp, he hissed in pain as it cut him./// (verb) (with object) Express disapproval of someone by hissing e.g., He was hissed off the stage./// (reporting verb) Whisper something urgently or angrily./// (with direct speech) ''Get back!'' he hissed./// (noun) A sharp sibilant sound e.g., The spit and hiss of a cornered cat./// A sibilant sound used to convey disapproval or derision. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8aUOQctC4Q e.g., The audience greeted this comment with boos and hisses./// (mass noun) Electrical interference at audio frequencies e.g., Tape hiss.
· Derision (pronounced dɪˈrɪʒ(ə)n) = (mass noun) Contemptuous ridicule or mockery e.g., My stories were greeted with derision and disbelief.// e.g., A serious debate is not welcome in the mainstream; dissent (= disagreement) is treated with contempt or ignored.// e.g., They treated his suggestion with derision (^^^ for the last example).
· Sibilant = (adjective) Making or characterized by a hissing sound e.g., His sibilant whisper./// (Phonetics) (of a speech sound) Sounded like a hissing effect, for example ''s'', ''sh''. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy8lWv5jJg8 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig8_C_vBqOc and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6uyJg2NTJA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAb5HgiO_zk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGQ5SjMSIag /// (noun) (Phonetics) A sibilant speech sound.
· Excise (pronounced: (a) Noun = ˈek.saɪz. b) Verb = meaning ‘cut out surgically’ = ekˈsaɪz) = a) (mass noun) (usually as modifier) (pronounced ˈek.saɪz) A tax levied on certain goods and commodities produced or sold within a country and on licences granted for certain activities e.g., The rate of excise duty on spirits.// e.g., There is no hope of buying a bottle of wine here for $2 at the current rate of excise duties and tax./// (verb) (with object) (usually as adjective excised) Charge excise on goods e.g., Excised goods./// b) (verb) (with object) (pronounced ekˈsaɪz) Cut out surgically e.g., The precision with which surgeons can excise brain tumors.// e.g., Excised tissue./// Remove a section from a text or piece of music e.g., The clauses were excised from the treaty.// The disc is rounded out with some deleted and extended scenes, most of which are just snippets of dialogue and shots excised with good reason.
· Snippet (pronounced ˈsnɪpɪt) = (noun) A small and often interesting piece of news, information, or conversation e.g., ‘I heard an interesting snippet on the radio this morning.’// e.g., ‘I love listening to snippets of conversation in restaurants.’
· Spirit = (noun) A strong alcoholic drink e.g., Vodka is a type of spirit (^^).
· Plead (pronounced pliːd) = (reporting verb) Make an emotional appeal.// (verb; no object) e.g., She pleaded with them not to gag the boy.// (with direct speech) e.g., ‘Don't go,’ she pleaded.// (with infinitive) e.g., Tom pleaded to go with her.// e.g., He gave her a pleading look.// e.g., Labor MPs pleaded with the government to pull back./// (verb with object) Present and argue for a position, especially in court or in another public context e.g., The idea that in public relations work someone is paid to plead a special case is disliked./// (Law) (verb; no object) Address a court as an advocate on behalf of a party e.g., The Constitution prohibits a retired Supreme Court judge from pleading before any court./// (Law) (verb; no object, with complement) State formally in court whether one is guilty or not guilty of the offence with which one is charged e.g., The youth pleaded guilty to murdering the girl.// The two (women) suspects plead ‘not guilty’ (in courts we don’t plead ‘innocent,’ but ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’ of a crime) of the murder of the half-brother of the leader of North Korea./// e.g., In court, he pleaded guilty to two offenses of actual bodily harm but denied specific details of the attack./// (Law) Invoke a reason or a point of law as an accusation or defense e.g., On trial for attempted murder, she pleaded self-defense.// e.g., As counsel for the Bank has pointed out, the Statement of Defense does not plead unconscionability./// Offer or present as an excuse for doing or not doing something e.g., She pleaded family commitments as a reason for not attending.
· Gag = (My comment as a medic: in medicine we refer to ‘gag (or pharyngeal) reflex’ and if it is intact – it may not be if e.g., in a comatose patient e.g., after head trauma (injury)) (noun) A piece of cloth put in or over a person's mouth to prevent them from speaking or crying out. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqzpq0SY4Bc and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLXKcqx788o&list=PLNOLEgQp37pnptNwPx05lnGkvxHTc9C0r // e.g., A cloth gag was put over his mouth to stop him from speaking./// A device for keeping the patient's mouth open during a dental or surgical operation. See http://www.dhresource.com/albu_1076889894_00-1.0x0/non-latex-rubber-dam-and-mouth-gag-lip-and.jpg /// A joke or an amusing story or scene, especially one forming part of a comedian's acting in a film or play. For laugh gags See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqpkt80WbX0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkXlUNCN6VM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COyiPDHhcXE // e.g., ‘We're looking for jokes, gags, funny stories, pictures, whatever, but they must be your original work.’/// (verb) Put a gag on someone e.g., She was bound and gagged by robbers in her home/// Choke or retch e.g., He gagged on the sourness of the wine./// Tell jokes.
· Intercede = (verb) (no object) Intervene on behalf of another e.g., ‘I prayed that she would intercede for us.’// e.g., In the past year the agency interceded on behalf of immigrants from Somalia to Lebanon, from Iraq to Haiti, Brazil, and beyond.// e.g., Several religious leaders have interceded with the authorities on behalf of the condemned prisoner (^^^ for the last example).
· Bequeath (pronounced bɪˈkwiːth) = (verb) (with object) Leave property to a person or other beneficiary by a will e.g., He bequeathed his art collection to the town.// e.g., ‘I intend to bequeath my property to a charity.’/// Pass something on or leave something to someone else e.g., He ditched the unpopular policies bequeathed to him.// e.g., He won't talk about the $3 trillion deficit he is bequeathing the nation or about wages.
· Defy = (verb with object) Openly resist or refuse to obey e.g., A woman who defies convention.// e.g., The establishment refuses to defy its campaign donors in the pharmaceutical (drug) industry./// Be of such a kind or nature that a specified attitude or action is almost impossible e.g., His actions defy belief.// e.g., The outfit defied adequate description./// (verb with object and infinitive) Appear to be challenging someone to do or prove something e.g., He glowered at her, defying her to mock him.// e.g., ‘I defy you to watch the film and not turn away, or at least feel genuine revulsion, at several points./// (archaic) Challenge someone to fight e.g., ‘Go now, defy him to the combat.’
· Glower (pronounced ˈɡlaʊ.ə(r)) = (intransitive verb) to look very angry, annoyed, or threatening. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oUd_pERkF4 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZv3km6q3_0 // e.g., ‘There is no point glowering at me like that – you know the rules.’// (figurative) Large black rain clouds glowered (= looked likely to produce rain) in the sky.// (noun) e.g., An angry glower.
· Revulsion (pronounced rɪˈvʌlʃ(ə)n) = (mass noun) A sense of disgust and loathing e.g., ‘I feel utter revulsion at the people that did this.’// e.g., News of the attack will be met with sorrow and revulsion.// e.g., But it is not moral revulsion, let alone newsworthiness, that is animating the news media./// (Medicine) (historical) The drawing of disease or blood congestion from one part of the body to another, e.g. by counterirritation. (My comment as a medic: never heard).
· Loathe (vs) Loath
· Loathe (pronounced ləʊð) = (verb) feel intense dislike or disgust for e.g., She loathed him on sight.// e.g., He loathes Hollywood, finds it distasteful and banal, hates the idea of her art being tainted by commerce.// e.g., If her daughter ends up loathing her she has nobody but herself to blame.
· Loath (pronounced ləʊth) = (adjective) reluctant; unwilling e.g., ‘I was loath to leave.’// e.g., But he admits it was a job he was initially loath to take .// e.g., The Indian government is loath to divide an already divided state any further.// e.g., Farmers are loath to invest in improving productivity when they have no title to the land they till.
· Taint = (noun) A trace of a bad or undesirable quality or substance e.g., The taint of corruption that adhered to the regime.// e.g., In the end, it was the taint of sleaze that destroyed his reputation./// Something with a contaminating influence or effect e.g., What's being to protect our foodstuffs against taint and what can we expect to be the symptoms of such a thing? // e.g., The taint that threatens to stain most of the company’s other partners.//// (verb) Contaminate or pollute something e.g., The air was tainted by fumes from the cars.// e.g., A meat processing plant in Southern California mixed ground beef tainted with E. coli (a gut bacterium) with other ground beef./// Affect with a bad or undesirable quality e.g., His administration was tainted by scandal.// e.g., He's smart and energetic and he's never been tainted by corruption or scandal.//// (US English) (vulgar slang) The perineum.
· Sleaze = (mass noun) (UK English) Immoral, sordid, and corrupt behavior or activities e.g., Political campaigns that are long on sleaze and short on substance.// e.g., ‘And as for sleaze or corruption, what I'd like to know is: where are they?’ // e.g., The sleaze factor was the major reason for his electoral defeat (^^^ for this example)./// (US English) (informal) (countable noun) (also known as sleazebag or sleazeball) A sordid, corrupt, or immoral person e.g., Having failed as a leading man, he triumphs as a sleaze.// e.g., The guy may be a sleaze and a manipulator, but the newspaper means a lot to him./// (verb; no object, with adverbial) (informal) Behave in an immoral, corrupt, or sordid way e.g., ‘And it’s this guy who was sleazing onto me at my recent house party’.// e.g., ‘You're the last person who has to sleaze around bars!’
· Sordid = (adjective) Involving immoral or dishonorable actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt e.g., The story paints a sordid picture of bribes and scams.// e.g., It is about the sordid deeds people's abject ambitions ultimately lead to.// e.g., The Dutroux case, which uncovered a sordid picture of judicial and political corruption, implicated the highest levels of Belgian society./// Dirty or squalid. For a sordid room See http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/3d1c56f6530f1dda84485d586e889b20 and http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/cf5aab25174487a102e48e9aa409b663 and https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/69/4c/04/most-sordid-room.jpg and http://delivery.gettyimages.com/xr/2438090.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=3&d=77BFBA49EF878921F7C3FC3F69D929FDA3FFA1BE2AF9BEA471E23EA62BBA9216FD430C1A3D490AD1A55A1E4F32AD3138 // e.g., The overcrowded housing conditions were sordid and degrading.// e.g., After 18 months of complaining to various authorities and writing to the Craven Herald, the town hall entrance is still filthy and sordid.
· Abject (misery/ poverty/ failure etc.) (pronounced ˈæb.dʒekt) = (adjective) the state of being extremely unhappy, poor, unsuccessful etc. e.g., They live in an abject poverty.// e.g., The policy has turned out to be an abject failure (^^).
· Appal (appall in US English) (pronounced əˈpɔːl) = (verb with object) Greatly dismay or horrify e.g., Bankers are appalled at the economic incompetence of some ministers.// e.g., ‘Alice looked at me, appalled.’ // e.g., Pater said he is appalled that he was left stranded to deal with the crisis himself.
· Appalling (pronounced əˈpɔːlɪŋ) = (adjective) Causing shock or dismay; horrific e.g., The dog suffered appalling injuries during the attack.// e.g., ‘So for my son, this was a terrible shock, and he started having appalling nightmares.’// e.g., ‘You will also have a constant reminder of your appalling actions through your own and your partner's permanent injuries.’ /// Very bad; awful e.g., His conduct was appalling.// e.g., It is an appalling and chilling chronicle of arrogance, complacency, and collusion.// e.g., The killing of innocents is deplorable and appalling in any part of the world.
· Dismay = (mass noun) Concern and distress caused by something unexpected e.g., It found, much to our dismay, that many, many young Australians have no sense of their own future at all.// e.g., Things got heated, and to my dismay, the racial slurs started, from both sides..// e.g., ‘Before considering Mr. Jones' attack on the judgment I express my dismay at the futility of the litigation.’/// (verb with object) Cause someone to feel concern and distress e.g., He was also dismayed at the organization and facilities and finally walked off the job in disgust.// e.g., They were dismayed by the U-turn in policy.// e.g., To most experts, such findings have been somewhat dismaying.
· Deplorable (pronounced dɪˈplɔːrəb(ə)l) = (adjective) Deserving strong condemnation; completely unacceptable e.g., Many children in Africa live in deplorable conditions.// e.g., These kinds of outrages are deplorable and the perpetrators should be brought to justice.// e.g., Even if their claims are exaggerated, any loss of life is deplorable and unacceptable.// e.g., The killing of innocents is deplorable and appalling in any part of the world./// Shockingly bad in quality e.g., The game was played in deplorable weather conditions and in the end, Real Madrid CF emerged victorious by a point.// e.g., His spelling was deplorable.// e.g., Many live without electricity and work in deplorable conditions.
· Audacious (pronounced ɔːˈdeɪʃəs) = (adjective) Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks e.g., A series of audacious takeovers./// e.g., Only someone really audacious would take such a risk.// e.g., What a match, what a turnaround and what a scintillating performance by this brave, audacious and talented Welsh team./// Showing an impudent (pronounced ˈɪm.pjə.dənt ; = rude and not showing respect, especially towards someone who is older or in a more important position (^^)), lack of respect e.g., He made an audacious remark.// e.g., He is audacious, showing such willful disrespect to the past that one wonders if it ever existed! // e.g., Apparently, organized crime in France is getting to be pretty audacious.
· Venture (vs) adventure
· Venture = (noun) A risky or daring journey or undertaking e.g., Pioneering ventures into little-known waters.// e.g., Sometimes those test cases are, by their very nature, very, very risky ventures.// e.g., Presenting this sketch as a public performance in Belfast was a daring venture./// A business enterprise, typically one that involves risk e.g., A joint venture between two aircraft manufacturers.// e.g., Others say they might invest in an Internet venture, and its stock shoots up./// (verb; no object, with adverbial) Undertake a risky or daring journey or course of action e.g., She ventured out into the blizzard.// e.g., His prescription - substituting therapy for justice - ventures into a dangerous moral territory./// (verb with object) Expose to the risk of loss e.g., Agents for other people's money, they do not venture their own capital./// (verb; no object, with infinitive) Dare to do or say something that may be considered audacious (often used as a polite expression of hesitation or apology) e.g., ‘May I venture to add a few comments?’ /// (with object) e.g., He ventured the opinion that Paul was insane.//// ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’ = (phrase) (proverb) You can't expect to achieve anything if you never take any risks e.g., ‘However, nothing ventured, nothing gained, I hunted around to see if I could find either one of my two watercolor boxes.’
· Adventure = (noun) An unusual and exciting, typically hazardous (pronounced ˈhæz.ə.dəs), experience or activity e.g., His recent adventures in Italy./// (verb) Engage in hazardous and exciting activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory e.g., They had adventured into the forest.
· Zest = (noun) enthusiasm, eagerness, energy, and interest e.g., ‘It is wonderful to see the children’s zest for life.’// e.g., The recording captures the zest of this live concert performance (^^) ‘// e.g., They campaigned with zest and intelligence./// (in singular) e.g., He had a great zest for life./// A quality of excitement and piquancy e.g., ‘I used to try to beat records to add zest to my monotonous job.’ ./// The outer colored part of the peel of citrus fruit, used as a flavoring. For lemon zest See http://www.thefreshloaf.com/files/70534/lemon-zest-is-key-to-healthy-lemon-water.jpg and https://cdn.instructables.com/FIG/SBBA/H5TUCKXC/FIGSBBAH5TUCKXC.MEDIUM.jpg // e.g., ‘Add 3 tablespoons of lemon zest.’ /// Scrape off the outer colored part of the peel of a piece of citrus fruit for use as a flavoring e.g., ‘Zest the orange and lemon, taking care to discard all of the white pith.’
· Piquancy = (mass noun) A pleasantly sharp and appetizing flavor; spiciness e.g., The slightly spicy sauce with the lime butter piquancy certainly paid off with this dish.// e.g., Kosher salt is the key to the steak's flavor and piquancy./// The quality of being pleasantly stimulating or exciting; interest e.g., The tragedy only adds piquancy to the tale.
· Pith = (mass noun). The spongy white tissue lining the rind of oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits. See https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/media/english/fullsize/c/cit/citru/citrus_fruits.jpg and http://www.healthyfoodstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Citrus-pith.png and http://www.urbansacredgarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/citrus-diagram.jpg /// (Botany) The spongy cellular tissue in the stems and branches of many higher plants. See http://philschatz.com/biology-book/resources/Figure_30_02_07.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/Crassula_ovata%2C_vascular_bundles_labelled_in_cross-section.jpg /// The essence of something e.g., The pith and core of socialism./// Vigor and conciseness of expression e.g., He writes with a combination of pith and exactitude./// (verb with object) Remove the pith from e.g., Peel and pith the oranges./// Pierce or sever the spinal cord of an animal so as to kill or immobilize it. (My comment as a medic: I remember at the physiology class treating this way frogs in order to kill them before the experiment – really brutal! The sound of the severed head was disgusting and appalling!) See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmhfAGyvDkQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP9agaL3-7s
· Exact (adjective; = precise & verb) – exactness (noun) – exactitude (noun; formal) – exacting (adjective) – exactly (adverb)
· Exact (as a verb) = (transitive verb) To demand and get something, sometimes using force or threats, or to make something unnecessary e.g., To exact revenge on someone.// e.g., Heart surgery exacts tremendous skill and concentration.// e.g., The blackmailers exacted a total of $200,000 from their victims (^^).
· Concise (= short and clear, expressing what needs to be said without unnecessary words e.g., Make your answers clear and concise) – concisely (adverb) – conciseness or concision (noun)
· Unnecessary (adjective) – Unnecessarily (adverb)
· Citrus (pronounced ˈsɪtrəs) = (noun) A tree of a genus that includes citron, lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit. Native to Asia, citrus trees are widely cultivated in warm countries for their fruit, which has juicy flesh and a pulpy rind e.g., Citrus fruits.// e.g., Orchards carpet the land in parts of California, and oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrus are common trees in home gardens.
· Crayfish (crawfish in US English) = (noun) A nocturnal freshwater crustacean that resembles a small lobster and inhabits streams and rivers. See https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1163/2672/products/Ghost-Crayfish_1024x1024.jpg?v=1466292551 and https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1163/2672/products/Red-Crayfish_1024x1024.jpg?v=1466292946
· Crawfish = (US English) (noun) A freshwater crayfish. See above./// Retreat from a position e.g., The three networks, intimidated by the public outcry, had begun to crawfish.// e.g., If there were a shred of sense in this analogy, hunting would have been banned five years ago, whereas, in fact, he has ‘crawfished’ about like anything trying to avoid it.
· Juggle = (verb with object) Continuously toss into the air and catch a number of objects so as to keep at least one in the air while handling the others. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2_j6kMg1co and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRSq-qZQLF4// (verb; no object) e.g., He can't juggle.// e.g., When he dropped one club out of reach, they continued juggling with the remaining five.// e.g., He added more and more, until he was juggling at least twenty stones without hesitation, perfectly./// Cope with by adroitly balancing several activities e.g., She works full time, juggling her career with raising children.// e.g., They are constantly juggling the nation's many competing needs./// Organize information or figures in order to give a particular impression e.g., The average first-time buyer spends many hours juggling figures as they try to budget for their first home.// e.g., Defense chiefs juggled the figures on bomb test.
· Juggler (pronounced ˈdʒʌɡ.lər) = (noun) A person who juggles objects in order to entertain people. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvMa90zkFOI and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKRrfAzdpW8
· Adroit (pronounced əˈdrɔɪt) = (adjective) Clever or skillful e.g., He was adroit at tax avoidance.// e.g., Even the most clever, adroit, and skillful legislature cannot achieve zero risks in human affairs.// e.g., He was a self-taught musician, and the beauty of his compositions lies in the adroit mix of folk, Indian classical and western classical music.
· Adroitly (pronounced əˈdrɔɪtli) = (adverb) In a clever or skillful way e.g., He managed the evacuation adroitly.// e.g., He led the church adroitly through a most difficult period.// e.g., At his best, he can deliver fiction as adroitly as any writer around.// e.g., During conflicts, persistent, well-organized minorities can adroitly handle and dominate their opponents.
· Crackdown = (noun) (usually in singular) A series of severe measures to restrict undesirable or illegal people or behavior e.g., A crackdown on car crime.// e.g., Police have issued their first fines as part of a crackdown on illegal parking in London.// e.g., Corruption crackdown in China.
· Nag = (verb with object) Harass someone constantly to do something that they are averse to. For a nagging wife See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxYB6IvVWS0 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2auon76-JeE // e.g., He constantly nags his daughter about getting married.// (with an infinitive (to)) She nagged him to do the housework./// (verb; no object) e.g., He's always nagging at her for staying out late./// (verb; no object) Be persistently painful or worrying to e.g., Something nagged at the back of his mind./// (noun) A person who nags someone to do something e.g., Women put up with it because we don't want to be perceived as nags or, worse still, incompetent./// A persistent feeling of anxiety e.g., She felt a little nag of doubt./// (noun)(derogatory) (informal) A horse, especially one that is old or in poor health. See https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8247/8538895056_ecb7831cc6_b.jpg and http://www.weblearneng.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/images-122.jpg // e.g., The old nag the lad fetched smelled sweaty.
· Freight = (noun) Goods transported by truck, train, ship, or aircraft.// Synonyms = cargo, goods, load.// See http://starcomarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Slideshow.jpg and http://www.hammersson-international.com/files/feature-4.jpg For train freight See https://www.american-rails.com/images/FCTTXCharlotteFlat.jpg // e.g., According to transport experts, one freight train carries the equivalent of 75 lorry loads, reducing road congestion and pollution levels./// A train of freight cars (also known as railroad box cars). See https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gj1qeB-XiIc/maxresdefault.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Box_car_DSSA_18052.jpg e.g., Sugar and molasses moving by freight./// (verb) Transport goods in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft e.g., The metals had been freighted from the city.
· Shabby = (adjective) In poor condition through long use or lack of care. For shabby clothes See http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/thumb/msid-49596839,width-400,resizemode-4/49596839.jpg and http://static.getkempt.com/photos/assets/woolfiller_crop.jpg // e.g., A conscript in a shabby uniform saluted the car.// e.g., Regardless of the kitchen's shabby condition, this was home to me./// Dressed in old or worn clothes e.g., A shabby fellow in slippers and an undershirt./// (of behavior) Mean and unfair e.g., The door holds fast for just a moment before giving, groaning its displeasure at the shabby treatment it has recently received.
· Undershirt = (US English) An undergarment worn under a shirt; a vest. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Vest.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/T_in_blue_undershirt_with_sleeves_%281_November_2008%29.jpg and https://artofstyle.club/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/undershirt.jpg and https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB16agfMpXXXXXyXVXXq6xXFXXXf/Man-Nylon-Undershirt-Men-Ice-Silk-Spandex-See-Through-Shirts-Male-Mesh-Breathable-Close-fitting-Short.jpg /// (My comment: a T-shirt may be worn as an undershirt or outwear)
· Mean (pronounced miːn) (here with the meaning of ‘not kind’ or ‘violent’) = (adjective) Unkind or unpleasant e.g., ‘Stop being so mean to me!’ /// Frightening and likely to become violent e.g., A mean-looking youth (^^).
· Juggernaut (pronounced ˈdʒʌɡənɔːt) = (My comment: I guess most of you, especially the younger, know only the Marvel comics fictional character!) (noun) A huge, powerful, and overwhelming force. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/44/Juggernaut2.PNG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6e/Ultjugg.jpg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65WjztFp4uQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmHUtpZUUa8 [Note: The above usage of the word originated in the mid-nineteenth century as an allegorical reference to the Hindu temple cars of Jagannath Temple in Puri, which apocryphally were reputed to crush devotees under their wheels (***** for this). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Juggernaut.jpeg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Rath_Yatra_Puri_2007_11071_crop.jpg ].// e.g., The juggernaut of public expenditure.// e.g., People around the world look at the US and see a powerful, war-hungry juggernaut.// e.g., The juggernauts of consumerism and affluenza are upon us, and we need to start somewhere now./// (UK English) A large, heavy vehicle, especially an articulated lorry. See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Backing_it_in_2.jpg and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/Truck.car.transporter.arp.750pix.jpg and http://www.davidwallphoto.com/gallery/Australia/Northern_Territory_Top_End/ANTr510.jpg and http://m2.wish.co.uk/v4/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/428x297/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/t/r/truck-driving-experience-7481_5_2.jpg // e.g., The juggernaut thundered through the countryside./// (Cain Marko) A fictional character appearing in US comics books published by Marvel Comics (***** for this meaning). See https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/44/Juggernaut2.PNG and https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6e/Ultjugg.jpg
· Undershirt = (noun) An undergarment worn under a shirt. See https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2013/06/Undershirt-400-menswear1.jpg and https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2013/06/White-Cotton-Tank.jpg // e.g., He'd always wear undershirts under his dress shirts, and cufflinks in his French sleeves.
· Cufflinks = (noun) a device for fastening together the sides of a shirt cuff, typically a pair of linked studs or a single plate connected to a short swiveling rod passed through a hole in each side of the cuff. See https://qph.ec.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-27c9f27c02c8b2d12aa71831a15faf3c and https://cdn.noths-static.com/system/product_images/images/001/390/496/original_hand-made-personalised-photo-cufflinks.jpg // e.g., A man in a fine suit would take the extra step and slip on a classy pair of cufflinks to complete his look.
· Tag along = (phrasal verb) (informal) to go somewhere with a person or group, usually, when they have not asked you to go with them e.g., ‘I don't know her, she just tagged along with us’ (*).
· Tagalong = (noun) one that persistently and often annoyingly follows the lead of another e.g., His little sister was sometimes a tagalong on his outings with his friends (***).
· Motif (pronounced məʊˈtiːf) = (noun) A pattern or design. For a flower motif See https://www.hennydonovanmotif.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/181-small-montana-C4.jpg and http://interunet.com/sites/default/files/styles/vehicle_images/public/crochet-flower-motifs.jpg?itok=mZAY1kOM // e.g., We chose some curtains with a flower motif./// (noun) An idea that is used many times in a piece of writing or music e.g., The motif of betrayal is crucial in all these stories (*).
· Bespoke (vs) Bespeak
· Bespoke = a) Past simple or p.p. of the verb ‘bespeak’ (the p.p. usually is ‘bespoken’). b) (adjective) Specially made for a particular person/ customer e.g., A bespoke suite/ furniture (*) // e.g., Bespoke kitchens.// e.g., Bespoke software systems.// e.g., Group tours and bespoke itineraries.// Making or selling bespoke goods, especially clothing e.g., The bespoke tailors of Savile Row.
· Bespeak (as a verb it hasn’t the same meaning with the adjective ‘bespoke’) = (verb with object)(irregular verb: bespeak – bespoke – bespoke or bespoken) Be evidence of; indicate e.g., The attractive tree-lined road bespoke money.// e.g., They all bespeak a past that didn't have the Valley's problems of today that I'll muse about over the next few weeks./// Order or reserve something in advance e.g., The defendant's insurers took steps to bespeak his medical records.// e.g., ‘You will, therefore, wish me a good supper at Bill Hill, and I will remember to bespeak some roasted potatoes.’// (archaic) Speak to.
· Itinerary (pronounced aɪˈtɪn.(ə)r.(ə)r.i) = (noun) A planned route or journey e.g., His itinerary included an official visit to Canada.// e.g., But the exact itinerary of the tour is yet to be finalized.// e.g., Group tours and bespoke itineraries./// A travel document recording a route or journey e.g., ‘We will soon send you an itinerary.’// e.g., A website will be set up for the participants of this tour with instructional articles and a detailed itinerary.
· Grimy (pronounced ˈɡraɪ.mi) = (adjective) dirty. See http://www.oddities123.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/dirty-jobs-02.jpg and http://www.mommyish.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/shutterstock_99393236__1395865261_142.196.167.223.jpg // e.g., The child's face was grimy and streaked with tears (*) // e.g., The grimy industrial city.// e.g., The workers were all very grimy, and their weariness showed in their dirty faces.
· Stumble = (verb) to step awkwardly, while walking or running, and fall or begin to fall. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCalvRnefyU and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nipn6eUha4M and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSLhP5Oje5k // e.g., Running along the beach, he stumbled on a log and fell on the sand.// e.g., In the final straight Mary stumbled, and although she didn't fall it was enough to lose her first place./// To walk in a way that does not seem controlled e.g., We could hear him stumbling about/around the bedroom in the dark.// e.g., He pulled on her clothes and stumbled into the kitchen./// To make a mistake, such as repeating something or pausing for too long, while speaking or playing a piece of music e.g., When the poet stumbled over a line in the middle of a poem, someone in the audience corrected him (*).
· Loophole = (noun) a small mistake in an agreement or law that gives someone the chance to avoid having to do something e.g., Tax loopholes.// e.g., The company employed lawyers to find loopholes in environmental protection laws (*).
· Tax bracket = (noun) a range of similar incomes used to calculate the rate of income tax that people must pay e.g., For investors who are in the 15% federal income tax bracket, the gains will be taxed at a maximum of 10%./// If you are in the highest tax bracket, you may want to set aside funds in a tax – free account (*).
· Agin (pronounced əˈɡɪn) = (Northern English) (preposition) Against e.g., The whole world seemed agin him (^^).
· Tout (pronounced taʊt) = (verb) to advertise, talk about, or praise something or someone repeatedly, especially as a way of encouraging people to like, accept, or buy something e.g., The minister has been touting these ideas for some time.// e.g., He is widely touted as the next leader of the party.// e.g., A local car dealership was touting its services on the radio./// (UK English) Repeatedly try to persuade people to buy goods or services e.g., There were hundreds of taxis at the airport, all touting for business (*) // The headquarters facility was touted as the best in the country./// (US English) (verb; no object) Offer racing tips for a share of any resulting winnings./// (UK English) (verb with object) Spy out the movements and condition of a racehorse in training in order to gain information to be used when betting.
· Act (law) = (noun) (law) A law or formal decision made by a parliament or other group of people who make the laws for their country e.g., An Act of Parliament.// e.g., The Betting and Gaming Act.// e.g., Almost three hundred suspects were detained in the UK last year under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.// e.g., The state legislature passed an act of banning the sale of automatic weapons (*).
· Steadfast = (adjective) Staying the same for a long time and not changing quickly or unexpectedly e.g., A steadfast ally.// e.g., Steadfast loyalty.// e.g., The group remained steadfast in its support for the new system, even when it was criticized in the newspapers (*) // e.g., ‘You've got to just hold steady and steadfast and unwavering in certain situations.’ // e.g., The steadfast and stubborn denial of guilt leads to the complete inability to recognize actual innocence.
· Ally (pronounced ˈæl.aɪ) (plural = allies) = (noun) A state formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose, typically by treaty e.g., Japan is, for all intents and purposes, our strongest ally in Asia at the moment./// (verb) Combine or unite a resource or commodity with another for mutual benefit e.g., He allied his racing experience with his father's business acumen./// (suffix) Forming adverbs from adjectives ending in -al (such as ‘radically’ from ‘radical’).
· Acumen (pronounced ˈæk.jə.mən) = (noun) The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain e.g., It is not so much his tactical acumen as his ability to inspire that distinguishes him as a coach.// e.g., ‘I believe he lacks in political savvy he makes up in business acumen.’// e.g., ‘I prefer policies that demonstrate common sense and financial acumen.’// She has considerable business/ financial acumen (^^^ for the last example).
· Savvy = (noun) shrewdness and practical knowledge, especially in politics or business e.g., Business/ political savvy.// e.g., She hasn't got much savvy (**) // e.g., The financiers lacked the necessary political savvy.// e.g., No one should underestimate Malone's drive or business savvy./// (verb) Know or understand e.g., John would savvy what to do.// (verb; no object) e.g., ‘I've been told, but I want to make sure. Savvy?’ // e.g., The country is ripped by people who savvy not its meaning./// (adjective) (informal) Shrewd and knowledgeable; having common sense and good judgment e.g., Critical to that strategy is our development as savvy consumers and smart investors.// (in combination) Well informed about or experienced in a particular domain e.g., ‘Most of us are pretty web-savvy!’ // e.g., These fashion-savvy consumers are not afraid of taking risks with little-known designers.
· Shrewd = (adjective) having or based on a clear understanding and good judgment of a situation, resulting in an advantage./// (+ to infinitive) e.g., He was shrewd enough not to take the job when there was the possibility of taking a better one a few months later.// e.g., He is a shrewd politician who wants to avoid offending the electorate unnecessarily (**) (^^^ for the last example)
· Tumult (pronounced ˈtjuːmʌlt) = (noun) A loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=915cD4ZgN-o and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln4TgRZwlRo // e.g., A tumult of shouting and screaming broke out.// e.g. Hundreds of other families were also separated in the tumult.//// (mass noun) A state of confusion or disorder e.g., The whole neighborhood was in a state of fear and tumult.// e.g., His personal tumult ended when he began writing songs.// e.g., The financial markets are in tumult (^^^ for the last example).
· Tumultuous (pronounced tjʊˈmʌltjʊəs) = (adjective) making an uproar or loud, confused noise. For a tumultuous crowd See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUYtsSM660U and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7fiAspduNg For a tumultuous tanker See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3J83WQWS24 // e.g. A tumultuous applause.// e.g., At the end the applause was tumultuous, sustained and deserved./// Excited, confused, or disorderly e.g., A tumultuous crowd.// e.g., A tumultuous personal life.
· Uproar = (noun) a loud and impassioned noise or disturbance e.g., The room was in an uproar.// (mass noun) e.g., The assembly dissolved in an uproar./// A public expression of protest or outrage e.g., Donald Trump caused an uproar in the press.// e.g., Accounts of this violence, made worse by exaggeration, created a national uproar.
· Deduce (vs) Deduct (vs) Subtract
· Deduce = (verb with object) Arrive at a fact or a conclusion by reasoning; draw as a logical conclusion e.g., Little can be safely deduced from these figures.// (with clause) e.g., They deduced that the fish died because of water pollution.// e.g., From this, it was deduced that Diophantus wrote around 250 AD and the dates we have given for him are based on this argument.
· Deduct = (verb) Subtract or take away an amount or part of a total. Synonym = subtract.// e.g., Tax has been deducted from the payments.// e.g., The landlord said he would deduct the amount from the housing deposit.
· Subtract (pronounced səbˈtrækt) = (verb) Take away a number or amount from another to calculate the difference. Synonym = deduct.// e.g., ‘Subtract 25 from 50.’ /// Take away something from something else so as to decrease the size, number, or amount e.g., Programs were added and subtracted as called for.// e.g., Men were subtracted or added to industry, agriculture, or the armed forces based on skills and experience.
· Deductible (not ‘detuctable’) = (adjective) able to be deducted, especially from taxable income or tax to be paid e.g., Childcare vouchers will be deductible expenses for employers.// e.g., ‘If you buy a house, keep track of deductible mortgage expenses and your mortgage interest.’/// (noun) (US English) The part of an insurance claim to be paid by the insured; an excess e.g., The CEO who asks for a special medical fund to finance the insurance deductibles in his or her health benefits package./// Tax-deductible = (adjective) able to be deducted from taxable income or the amount of tax to be paid e.g., The interest charge would be fully tax deductible.
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