TOEFL® Vocabulary Flashcard

The term "bounce back" refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks. It is often used in the context of health, business, or personal challenges, indicating a swift return to a normal or even better state after experiencing some form of adversity. This expression emphasizes resilience and the capacity to regain one's position or condition swiftly and effectively.

• After a severe illness, she managed to bounce back stronger than ever.

• The company bounced back within months after the financial crisis.

• He is remarkably resilient and always bounces back quickly from setbacks.
  
  

The phrase "catch a cold" refers to the common experience of becoming ill with a cold virus. It is often used to describe the onset of symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and congestion. Catching a cold can happen anytime but is more common during colder seasons or when there are sudden changes in weather.

• I always catch a cold when the weather changes suddenly.

• She caught a cold and had to miss a few days of school.

• Make sure to dress warmly, or you might catch a cold. 

The word "chill" can be used in different contexts to express a feeling of coldness or a relaxed state. As a noun, it often refers to a slight coldness in the environment, such as a chill in the air. As a verb, it means to make something cold, typically food or drinks. When used as an adjective, it describes a person or atmosphere that is calm and relaxed.

• There's a chill in the air tonight.

• Could you chill the drinks before the guests arrive?

• He's pretty chill about his exams, doesn't seem worried at all. 

Coughing is a natural reflex that protects your lungs by clearing your airways of irritants such as smoke or mucus. It can be a spontaneous or a voluntary action. Persistent coughing can be a sign of a respiratory condition and might require medical attention.

• He started to cough during the lecture.

• Please cover your mouth when you cough.

• The smoke made me cough. 

Diarrhea refers to the condition of having loose or liquid bowel movements more frequently than usual, often accompanied by stomach pain and discomfort. It can be caused by a variety of factors including infections, dietary changes, or underlying health conditions. While usually not serious, persistent or severe diarrhea requires medical attention to prevent dehydration and address potential underlying causes.

• If you have diarrhea, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

• Traveler's diarrhea is a common issue for tourists visiting foreign countries.

• Diarrhea can be caused by contaminated food or water. 

Dizziness is a term used to describe a range of sensations, such as feeling faint, woozy, weak, or unsteady. It is not a disease but a symptom of various conditions. Dizziness can be caused by many factors, including inner ear disturbance, motion sickness, medication effects, or more serious medical conditions. It is important to understand the underlying cause of dizziness to treat it effectively.

• After standing up too quickly, she experienced a sudden bout of dizziness.

• Dizziness often accompanies nausea in cases of severe motion sickness.

• If you feel dizziness during a workout, it is advisable to stop and rest. 

Dizziness, or feeling dizzy, is a common sensation that most people experience at some point. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including inner ear disturbances, motion sickness, or rapid changes in blood pressure. When someone says they are feeling dizzy, it typically means they have a sensation of spinning or losing their balance, which can be disorienting and uncomfortable. It's important to address the underlying cause of dizziness, especially if it occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms.

• I felt dizzy after spinning around in circles.

• She gets dizzy when she stands up too quickly.

• The heights made him dizzy and he had to sit down. 

Drained is an adjective used to describe a state of extreme tiredness and exhaustion, often resulting from prolonged physical or mental activity. It conveys a sense of having no energy or strength left due to the intense demands placed on one's body or mind.

• After the marathon, I felt completely drained.

• She was drained from all the meetings she had throughout the day.

• The long drive drained him of all his energy. 

Drowsiness refers to feeling abnormally sleepy or tired during the day. It can be caused by a variety of factors including lack of sleep, medications, or medical conditions. It is important to identify the cause of drowsiness as it can affect one's ability to perform daily activities safely and effectively.

• Heavy drowsiness after lunch can affect productivity at work.

• The medication can cause drowsiness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking it.

• She felt a wave of drowsiness wash over her as she sat in the warm, quiet room. 

Drowsy is an adjective used to describe a state of being sleepy, often resulting from tiredness, medication, or a serene environment. It conveys a mild, often pleasant sense of sleepiness, unlike the more intense feeling of exhaustion. It's a common feeling experienced by many people, particularly in situations where they are inactive or after consuming certain medications that have sedation as a side effect.

• After taking the medication, she felt drowsy and decided to lie down.

• The warm, dimly lit room made him feel drowsy during the lecture.

• I often get drowsy after a big lunch, especially during workdays.

Fever is a common medical condition that is usually a sign of infection or illness. It is characterized by an elevated body temperature, often accompanied by shivering, sweating, and a feeling of warmth. Fevers can be mild or severe and are typically a natural response by the body to fight off pathogens.

• He has a high fever and needs to see a doctor.

• The fever broke in the middle of the night.

• She was shivering with fever. 

Flu, commonly known as influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads easily from person to person, primarily when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can sometimes lead to hospitalization or even death, especially in high-risk groups like the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions. Vaccination is considered the most effective way to prevent the flu and its complications.

• Every winter, many people catch the flu and have to stay home from work or school.

• It is recommended to get a flu shot every year to help prevent the illness.

• The flu can be especially dangerous for the elderly and young children. 

The phrase "go around" is versatile in English. It can refer to physically circumventing something, spreading or circulating, and sufficing for a group. It's used in various contexts, from everyday navigation issues, discussions about rumors and news, to allocation of resources. The phrase "go around" is often used in the context of diseases or information spreading within a community or group.

• The road was blocked, so we had to go around the long way.

• Rumors go around quickly in small towns.

• There is enough cake to go around, so everyone will get a piece.

• The flu seems to go around every winter.
  Once one person gets sick, it just goes around the whole office.

Headaches can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities. They can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, dehydration, medical conditions, or even changes in the weather. Understanding the type of headache and its cause is crucial for finding effective treatment.

• I've got a terrible headache; I think I need to rest for a while.

• She often gets a headache after staring at the computer screen for too long.

• Taking too much medication can sometimes lead to a rebound headache. 

The phrase "hit me out of nowhere" is used to describe something that occurs very suddenly and unexpectedly, often causing surprise or shock. It can refer to physical sensations, emotional experiences, or sudden insights or ideas. This expression is commonly used in conversational English to emphasize the unexpected nature of an event.

• The pain hit me out of nowhere, and I had to stop running.

• Her comment hit me out of nowhere; I wasn't expecting her to be so blunt.

• The idea to start my own business hit me out of nowhere. 

Hoarseness can be a temporary condition often caused by a strain on the vocal cords, such as shouting or prolonged speaking. It can also result from a cold, throat infection, or other health issues. In many cases, resting the voice and avoiding strain can help restore its normal tone.

• After yelling at the concert last night, my voice is really hoarse.

• He has been hoarse for a week because of his bad cough.

• The cold weather made her throat dry and her voice hoarse.

The word "pale" is commonly used to describe a lack of color intensity, often suggesting something is less vibrant or weaker in appearance. It can refer to physical appearance, such as skin color, or metaphorically to describe other attributes, such as a weak effort or a dull story. When used as a verb, "pale" means to lose color or intensity, often due to a lack of light or vitality.

• His face turned pale when he heard the news.

• The pale light of the moon cast shadows across the room.

• Compared to her vivid stories, his seemed quite pale. 

"Pass on" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of transferring something, whether it's information, knowledge, or physical items, to another person or group. It emphasizes the continuity and sharing of valuable or useful elements between people, contributing to a collective benefit or maintaining a tradition. It's often used in contexts where knowledge, skills, or important messages are involved.

• When you get a good piece of advice, pass it on to someone who can use it.

• He learned the technique from his mentor and passed it on to his apprentices.

• The tradition has been passed on through generations.
  
  

Phlegm is a viscous substance produced by the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It is not present in large amounts unless a person is ill with a respiratory infection such as a cold or bronchitis. Phlegm can vary in color from clear to yellow or green, indicating different types of infection or health conditions.

• He coughed up some phlegm this morning.

• The doctor advised her to drink more water to help clear the phlegm.

• Too much phlegm can cause a person to feel uncomfortable and have difficulty breathing. 

"Sleep it off" is a common phrase used to suggest that taking a rest or sleeping can help overcome discomfort or intoxication, especially from alcohol. It implies that sleep allows the body to recover and heal, alleviating symptoms without further intervention. This phrase is often used in casual conversation, particularly in contexts involving recovery from minor ailments or the effects of drinking.

• I had too much to drink at the party, so I'm going to sleep it off.

• She felt overwhelmed by the day's events and decided to sleep it off.

• If you're feeling sick from the medication, try to sleep it off. 

To sneeze is to clear the nose of bacteria and viruses, irritants, or foreign particles. When something irritates the nasal membranes, the brain triggers a sneeze to expel that substance from the nose, helping to protect the respiratory system. A sneeze can propel particles at a high speed, which is why it's important to cover your mouth and nose to prevent spreading germs.

• When I have a cold, I often sneeze a lot.

• Please cover your mouth when you sneeze.

• A sudden sneeze interrupted the silence in the library. 

"Under the weather" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe feeling ill or sick. It is often used to convey a mild illness, such as a cold or a slight fever, rather than a serious condition. The origin of the phrase is somewhat unclear, but it is widely used in everyday English to express physical unwellness without going into specific details about the illness.

• I'm feeling a bit under the weather today; I think I might skip the meeting.

• She's been under the weather since last night, so she's resting at home.

• If you're feeling under the weather, it's best to take it easy and drink plenty of fluids.