Can you define this word? /adop-tive/ [ah0.d.aa1.p.t.ih0.v]
adoptive star_border
/adop-tive/ [ah0.d.aa1.p.t.ih0.v]
Definition: (Of a child or parent) in that relationship by adoption:
Example sentences:
- As a teenager, he had been contacted by his brother's adoptive parents and had been able to forge a new relationship with him.
Can you define this word? /al-beit/ [ao0.l.b.iy1.ih0.t]
albeit star_border
/al-beit/ [ao0.l.b.iy1.ih0.t]
Definition: Although; in spite of the facts
Example sentences:
- He was making progress, albeit rather slowly. Albeit difficult at times, speaking another language is rewarding.
Can you define this word? /avert/ [ah0.v.er1.t]
avert star_border
/avert/ [ah0.v.er1.t]
Definition: turn away or aside
Example sentences:
- Don’t you sense the way people avert their gazes while you long for them to meet your eyes?
- There's nothing new about companies averting responsibility for their workforce by shifting formal employment to subcontractors or calling workers independent contractors.
Can you define this word? /be-stow/ [b.ih0.s.t.ow1]
bestow star_border
/be-stow/ [b.ih0.s.t.ow1]
Definition: to give as a gift or to give time or effort to something
Example sentences:
- The office was bestowed on him by the chief of state. In 1903 it was decided to bestow degrees on women, and in 1904 to establish women's scholarships.
Can you define this word? /cir-cum-vent/ [s.er2.k.ah0.m.v.eh1.n.t]
circumvent star_border
/cir-cum-vent/ [s.er2.k.ah0.m.v.eh1.n.t]
Definition: Find a way around (an obstacle):
Example sentences:
- Clever strategists that we were, we decided to circumvent this problem or objection by presenting a symposium rather than submitting independent papers.
Can you define this word? /col-lo-qui-al/ [k.ah0.l.ow1.k.w.iy0.ah0.l]
colloquial star_border
/col-lo-qui-al/ [k.ah0.l.ow1.k.w.iy0.ah0.l]
Definition: (Of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary
Example sentences:
- colloquial and everyday language.
Can you define this word? /con-ceal/ [k.ah0.n.s.iy1.l]
conceal star_border
/con-ceal/ [k.ah0.n.s.iy1.l]
Definition: prevent from being seen or discovered
Example sentences:
- Over the past few years, He have been creating fake companies to conceal the fraudulent checks.
Can you define this word? /con-tentious/ [k.ah0.n.t.eh1.n.sh.ah0.s]
contentious star_border
/con-tentious/ [k.ah0.n.t.eh1.n.sh.ah0.s]
Definition: Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial:
Example sentences:
- The most contentious issue is likely to be a provision encouraging commissioners to facilitate voluntary co-operation by witness to be heard in private.
Can you define this word? /con-trivance/ [k.ah0.n.t.r.ay1.v.ah0.n.s]
contrivance star_border
/con-trivance/ [k.ah0.n.t.r.ay1.v.ah0.n.s]
A contrivance can also mean a gadget or device that can be used for some particular purpose. An example sentence would be
- This modern contrivance [=devices] can cook food faster.
The word sometimes also implies a falseness or obviousness. In this case, a contrivance is an unfair or dishonest scheme or trick to gain an advantage for yourself.
Can you define this word? /con-trive/ [k.ah0.n.t.r.ay1.v]
contrive star_border
/con-trive/ [k.ah0.n.t.r.ay1.v]
When you contrive, you make a plan or a plot. Even though contrive often has a false or cunning feel to it, it is not always a bad thing. Mental effort is always required though, as contrive is often used in connection with inventing schemes and plans to make something happen.
Example sentences:
- The prisoners contrived a way to escape.
- Native Americans contrived [=designed] weapons out of stone, wood, and bone.
Can you define this word? /co-pi-ous/ [k.ow1.p.iy0.ah0.s]
copious star_border
/co-pi-ous/ [k.ow1.p.iy0.ah0.s]
Copious is a word to describe a large amount of something.
copious amounts of something = large/vast/immense/enormous amounts of something
Example sentences:
- The storm produced a copious amount of rain.
- I have a copious amount of work I have to do before I can leave the office.
- She sat in the front row and took copious notes during the lecture.
- Los Angeles has a copious amount of automobiles.
Can you define this word? /coun-ter-act/ [k.aw1.n.t.er0.ae2.k.t]
counteract star_border
/coun-ter-act/ [k.aw1.n.t.er0.ae2.k.t]
Definition: Act against (something) in order to reduce its force or neutralize it
Example sentences:
- Unequally spaced white stripes painted across the road leading up to an off-ramp have been used to create an illusion that counteracts motion adaptation and reduces driving speed.
Can you define this word? /dead-lock/ [d.eh1.d.l.aa2.k]
deadlock star_border
/dead-lock/ [d.eh1.d.l.aa2.k]
Use the noun deadlock to describe a standstill when two people or sides, cannot move beyond a disagreement. One example would be in a business arrangement. If you cannot get past a deadlock disagreement, you likely won’t be able to do business with the other party.
The phrase "reached a deadlock", "end in deadlock", and "break the deadlock" are often used. Here are example sentences:
Example sentences:
- Negotiations ended in deadlock.
- They called for a compromise on all sides to break the deadlock in the world trade talks.
- Peace talks between the two sides ended in deadlock last month.
- The talks have reached a complete deadlock.
- The strike appeared to have reached a deadlock.
Can you define this word? /elude/ [ih0.l.uw1.d]
elude star_border
/elude/ [ih0.l.uw1.d]
Definition: escape, either physically or mentally
Example sentences:
- In March, when we are antsy for all things spring yet blooms elude us, we can enjoy dried flowers from natural food and ethnic markets.
- The criminal has eluded the police for months.
Can you define this word? /en-gross/ [ih0.n.g.r.ow1.s]
engross star_border
/en-gross/ [ih0.n.g.r.ow1.s]
Definition: devote (oneself) fully to; consume all of one's attention or time
Example sentences:
- The teacher's lecture engrossed the entire class.
- The hotel lobby was empty when we arrived and the sole receptionist was engrossed in her cellphone.
Can you define this word? /en-trenched/ [eh0.n.t.r.eh1.n.ch.t]
entrenched star_border
/en-trenched/ [eh0.n.t.r.eh1.n.ch.t]
Definition: (Of an attitude, habit, or belief) firmly established and difficult or unlikely to change; ingrained:
Example sentences:
- In 1995, Lai founded Apple Daily, taking on Hong Kong's entrenched newspapers in a fierce price war.
Can you define this word? /ex-pel/ [ih0.k.s.p.eh1.l]
expel star_border
/ex-pel/ [ih0.k.s.p.eh1.l]
Definition: Force out or eject (something), especially from the body
Example sentences:
- You know how wretched it is to eat something you shouldn't have and spend the next day and a half miserably expelling it from your body
Can you define this word? /for-feit/ [f.ao1.r.f.ih0.t]
forfeit star_border
/for-feit/ [f.ao1.r.f.ih0.t]
Definition: Lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing
Example sentences:
- Those unable to meet their taxes were liable to forfeit their property
Can you define this word? /hap-haz-ard-ly/ [hh.ae1.f.ah0.z.er0.d.l.iy0]
haphazardly star_border
/hap-haz-ard-ly/ [hh.ae1.f.ah0.z.er0.d.l.iy0]
Definition: In a manner lacking any obvious principle of organization
Example sentences:
- His attire will be haphazardly thrown together, but he'll still look good.
Can you define this word? /hav-oc/ [hh.ae1.v.ah0.k]
havoc star_border
/hav-oc/ [hh.ae1.v.ah0.k]
Definition: Widespread destruction:
Example sentences:
- A tornado is a funnel-shaped cloud that descends on land, creating havoc and destruction in its wake.
Can you define this word? /hey-day/ [hh.ey1.d.ey2]
heyday star_border
/hey-day/ [hh.ey1.d.ey2]
Definition: a high point of success or abundance
Example sentences:
- You have to go back 10 years, to the heyday of Radio 1, to find a station with a bigger audience.
Can you define this word? /ide-ol-o-gy/ [ay2.d.iy0.aa1.l.ah0.jh.iy0]
ideology star_border
/ide-ol-o-gy/ [ay2.d.iy0.aa1.l.ah0.jh.iy0]
Definition: The ideas and manner of thinking characteristic of a group, social class, or individual
Example sentences:
- But these social ideologies were united in their underlying belief that economic progress was the way to go.
Can you define this word? /inan-i-mate/ [ih2.n.ae1.n.ah0.m.ah0.t]
inanimate star_border
/inan-i-mate/ [ih2.n.ae1.n.ah0.m.ah0.t]
Definition: Showing no sign of life; lifeless
Example sentences:
- In both photographs the inanimate face is shown in three-quarter profile facing right against a blank background.
Can you define this word? /in-nu-mer-able/ [ih2.n.uw1.m.er0.ah0.b.ah0.l]
innumerable star_border
/in-nu-mer-able/ [ih2.n.uw1.m.er0.ah0.b.ah0.l]
Definition: Too many to be counted (often used hyperbolically)
Example sentences:
- I sat surrounded by flowers and portraits and innumerable tributes to him.
Can you define this word? /in-or-di-nate/ [ih2.n.ao1.r.d.ah0.n.ih0.t]
inordinate star_border
/in-or-di-nate/ [ih2.n.ao1.r.d.ah0.n.ih0.t]
Definition: beyond normal limits
Example sentences:
- The average adult human brain only weighs about three pounds, but it consumes an inordinate amount of glucose, oxygen, and blood flow.
Can you define this word? /in-ter-sperse/ [ih2.n.t.er0.s.p.er1.s]
intersperse star_border
/in-ter-sperse/ [ih2.n.t.er0.s.p.er1.s]
Definition: Diversify (a thing or things) with other things at intervals:
Example sentences:
- Now, during the US war on Iraq, news from the frontlines is seamlessly interspersed with news from the stock markets.
Can you define this word? /in-tox-i-cat-ing/ [ih2.n.t.aa1.k.s.ih0.k.ey2.t.ih0.ng]
intoxicating star_border
/in-tox-i-cat-ing/ [ih2.n.t.aa1.k.s.ih0.k.ey2.t.ih0.ng]
Definition: Exhilarating or exciting;(Of alcoholic drink or a drug) liable to cause intoxication.
Example sentences:
- Refrain from intoxicating drink and drugs which lead to carelessness.
Can you define this word? /lim-ber/ [l.ih1.m.b.er0]
limber star_border
/lim-ber/ [l.ih1.m.b.er0]
Definition: to be stretched; easily shaped
Example sentences:
- The dancers are attractive, agile, limber and fully equipped for contemporary ballet’s technical demands.
Can you define this word? /lurk/ [l.er1.k]
lurk star_border
/lurk/ [l.er1.k]
Definition: Be or remain hidden so as to wait in ambush for someone or something
Example sentences:
- A grove of crotons became a magical jungle where snakes and other exotic creatures lurked, waiting to pounce.
Can you define this word? /ma-noeu-vre/ [no ipa available]
manoeuvre star_border
/ma-noeu-vre/ [no ipa available]
Definition: A movement or series of moves requiring skill and care;A carefully planned or cunning scheme or action
Example sentences:
- Snowboarders performed daring manoeuvres on precipitous slopes. It would seem a shame to turn down such a cunning manoeuvre without a compelling need.
Can you define this word? /mar-gin-al-ize/ [m.aa1.r.jh.ah0.n.ah0.l.ay2.z]
marginalize star_border
/mar-gin-al-ize/ [m.aa1.r.jh.ah0.n.ah0.l.ay2.z]
Definition: Treat (a person, group, or concept) as insignificant or peripheral
Example sentences:
- (as adjective marginalized) The term ethnic minority is often used to refer to marginalized cultural groups.
Can you define this word? /mi-nus-cule/ [m.ih1.n.ah0.s.k.y.uw2.l]
minuscule star_border
/mi-nus-cule/ [m.ih1.n.ah0.s.k.y.uw2.l]
Definition: very small; of little consequence
Example sentences:
- The sale of the building had a minuscule effect on the profits of the corporation.
- To determine a planet’s mass, astronomers typically measure the minuscule movement of the star caused by the gravitational tug of an orbiting planet.
Can you define this word? /nom-i-nal/ [n.aa1.m.ah0.n.ah0.l]
nominal star_border
/nom-i-nal/ [n.aa1.m.ah0.n.ah0.l]
Definition: very small; in form, but not in substance
Example sentences:
- Electric vehicle drivers will be able to charge their cars without cost for a two-year trial period; then there will be a nominal fee.
- One rule of thumb—that nominal growth in gross domestic product is a decent guide to the 10-year bond yield—has broken down.
Can you define this word? /nu-ance/ [n.uw1.aa0.n.s]
nuance star_border
/nu-ance/ [n.uw1.aa0.n.s]
Definition: A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound:
Example sentences:
- It's not a point of view I've ever heard before, and I may not entirely have got the subtler nuances of it.
Can you define this word? /ob-struct/ [ah0.b.s.t.r.ah1.k.t]
obstruct star_border
/ob-struct/ [ah0.b.s.t.r.ah1.k.t]
Definition: Prevent or hinder (movement or someone or something in motion)
Example sentences:
- If protest demonstrations and rallies can be confined to select areas and organised peacefully without obstructing the free movement of others, nobody can complain.
Can you define this word? /pre-con-cep-tion/ [p.r.iy0.k.ah0.n.s.eh1.p.sh.ah0.n]
preconception star_border
/pre-con-cep-tion/ [p.r.iy0.k.ah0.n.s.eh1.p.sh.ah0.n]
Definition: an opinion formed beforehand without adequate evidence
Example sentences:
- Our professor encouraged us to dream big about what our life could be like, and not be "boxed in" by ideologies or preconceptions about others.
- It was a lesson in the ugliness of preconceptions, the peril of jumping to conclusions.
Can you define this word? /prej-u-dice/ [p.r.eh1.jh.ah0.d.ih0.s]
prejudice star_border
/prej-u-dice/ [p.r.eh1.jh.ah0.d.ih0.s]
Definition: Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience
Example sentences:
- Preconceived notions are prejudices about what is supposed to happen during the ritual, or the way in which the ritual must be done.
Can you define this word? /pro-fuse/ [p.r.ah0.f.y.uw1.s]
profuse star_border
/pro-fuse/ [p.r.ah0.f.y.uw1.s]
Definition: produced or growing in extreme abundance
Example sentences:
- While people can certainly be allergic to eating fish, viewing their aquatic beauty should not cause profuse sneezing.
- The esteemed university was issuing profuse apologies this week after hundreds of early applicants were mistakenly informed that they had been accepted.
Can you define this word? /pro-pa-gan-da/ [p.r.aa2.p.ah0.g.ae1.n.d.ah0]
propaganda star_border
/pro-pa-gan-da/ [p.r.aa2.p.ah0.g.ae1.n.d.ah0]
Definition: Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view:
Example sentences:
- Most blogs are a form of personal propaganda, stating views in an authoritative tone.
Can you define this word? /ra-di-ant/ [r.ey1.d.iy2.ah0.n.t]
radiant star_border
/ra-di-ant/ [r.ey1.d.iy2.ah0.n.t]
Definition: Sending out light; shining or glowing brightly:
Example sentences:
- The bright light was radiant with the morning rays of red, orange, pink, and gold, reflecting brilliantly on the glasslike water.
Can you define this word? /ra-di-ate/ [r.ey1.d.iy0.ey2.t]
radiate star_border
/ra-di-ate/ [r.ey1.d.iy0.ey2.t]
Definition: Emit (energy, especially light or heat) in the form of rays or waves
Example sentences:
- If a particle moves faster than the speed of light, it must create a shockwave, and radiate energy.
Can you define this word? /re-as-sure/ [r.iy2.ah0.sh.uh1.r]
reassure star_border
/re-as-sure/ [r.iy2.ah0.sh.uh1.r]
Definition: Say or do something to remove the doubts and fears of (someone)
Example sentences:
- Her smile reassures David the outfit he chose was a wise decision.
Can you define this word? /rec-i-p-ro-cal/ [r.ih0.s.ih1.p.r.ah0.k.ah0.l]
reciprocal star_border
/rec-i-p-ro-cal/ [r.ih0.s.ih1.p.r.ah0.k.ah0.l]
Definition: in return: in exchange or in reciprocation;
Example sentences:
- The energy of attraction between opposite charges is reciprocally related to the distance between the charges.
Can you define this word? /re-sent-ment/ [r.ih0.z.eh1.n.t.m.ah0.n.t]
resentment star_border
/re-sent-ment/ [r.ih0.z.eh1.n.t.m.ah0.n.t]
Definition: Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly
Example sentences:
- There is much poverty and anguish in the world, and it breeds resentment and envy.
Can you define this word? /rig-or-ous/ [r.ih1.g.er0.ah0.s]
rigorous star_border
/rig-or-ous/ [r.ih1.g.er0.ah0.s]
Definition: Extremely thorough and careful
Example sentences:
- Her approach to film is not unlike that of photography: careful composition, rigorous planning of the frame, scrupulous attention to visual detail and regular use of a stationary camera.
Can you define this word? /rudi-men-ta-ry/ [r.uw2.d.ah0.m.eh1.n.t.er0.iy0]
rudimentary star_border
/rudi-men-ta-ry/ [r.uw2.d.ah0.m.eh1.n.t.er0.iy0]
Definition: Involving or limited to basic principles;Relating to an immature, undeveloped, or basic form
Example sentences:
- A large proportion are children who have barely obtained rudimentary education and live in shacks without basic amenities. The first digit, or dew claw, is rudimentary but clawed and does not contact the ground.
Can you define this word? /sar-cas-tic/ [s.aa0.r.k.ae1.s.t.ih0.k]
sarcastic star_border
/sar-cas-tic/ [s.aa0.r.k.ae1.s.t.ih0.k]
Definition: Marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt:
Example sentences:
- How are you supposed to follow the story when you're constantly making sarcastic comments about the hammy acting.
Can you define this word? /satire/ [s.ae1.t.ay2.er0]
satire star_border
/satire/ [s.ae1.t.ay2.er0]
Definition: The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues; A play, novel, film, or other work that uses satire
Example sentences:
- Through humour, satire, and a range of experiments with language, the collection offers an oblique commentary on Caribbean society. The film is an incisive satire on religion and British society, with the Church of England hierarchy particularly coming in for a skewering.
Can you define this word? /skew/ [s.k.y.uw1]
skew star_border
/skew/ [s.k.y.uw1]
Definition: Suddenly change direction or position;Make biased or distorted in a way that is regarded as inaccurate, unfair, or misleading:
Example sentences:
- No-one is suggesting that all science funded by company money is skewed or biased or lacking independence.
Can you define this word? /stereo-type/ [s.t.eh1.r.iy0.ow0.t.ay2.p]
stereotype star_border
/stereo-type/ [s.t.eh1.r.iy0.ow0.t.ay2.p]
Definition: widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing
Example sentences:
- A person in this stage also participates in transforming racial and cultural stereotypes, biases, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. People just do not understand the issues, or have stereotyped views of how a lesbian or gay man behaves and use it as a basis to criticise their lifestyle.
Can you define this word? /stunt/ [s.t.ah1.n.t]
stunt star_border
/stunt/ [s.t.ah1.n.t]
Definition: Prevent from growing or developing properly:
Example sentences:
- Affected children usually have stunted physical growth, as well as irreparably retarded mental development.
Can you define this word? /suc-cumb/ [s.ah0.k.ah1.m]
succumb star_border
/suc-cumb/ [s.ah0.k.ah1.m]
Definition: Fail to resist pressure, temptation, or some other negative force:
Example sentences:
- Young people who feel good about themselves are less likely to succumb to negative pressure.
Can you define this word? /un-earth-ly/ [ah0.n.er1.th.l.iy0]
unearthly star_border
/un-earth-ly/ [ah0.n.er1.th.l.iy0]
Definition: Unnatural or mysterious, especially in a disturbing way:
Example sentences:
- There was something strange in that moment when she looked at him, something unearthly and mysterious.
Can you define this word? /vig-or-ous/ [v.ih1.g.er0.ah0.s]
vigorous star_border
/vig-or-ous/ [v.ih1.g.er0.ah0.s]
Definition: Strong, healthy, and full of energy:
Example sentences:
- The hunger I felt was the kind you could only get after using up large amounts of energy on vigorous physical activity.
- Her vigorous defense of the case impressed everyone.
Can you define this word? /wreak/ [r.iy1.k]
wreak star_border
/wreak/ [r.iy1.k]
Definition: Cause (a large amount of damage or harm):
Example sentences:
- The Category 5 storm wreaked havoc, doing more than $20 billion in damage and making it by far the costliest hurricane ever in United States history.
Can you define this word? /zenith/ [z.iy1.n.ih0.th]
zenith star_border
/zenith/ [z.iy1.n.ih0.th]
Definition: the highest point; the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
Example sentences:
- She leveraged her newfound power, bringing the country to the zenith of its post-World World II influence in Europe.
- I have a personal affection for Lincoln’s second inaugural address, and I believe it should be elevated to the zenith of presidential speeches.
Words Mastered
adoptive
Definition:
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albeit
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avert
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bestow
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circumvent
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colloquial
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conceal
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contentious
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contrivance
Definition:
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contrive
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copious
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counteract
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deadlock
Definition:
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elude
Definition:
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engross
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entrenched
Definition:
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expel
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forfeit
Definition:
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haphazardly
Definition:
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havoc
Definition:
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heyday
Definition:
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ideology
Definition:
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inanimate
Definition:
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innumerable
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inordinate
Definition:
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intersperse
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intoxicating
Definition:
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limber
Definition:
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lurk
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manoeuvre
Definition:
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marginalize
Definition:
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minuscule
Definition:
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nominal
Definition:
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nuance
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obstruct
Definition:
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preconception
Definition:
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prejudice
Definition:
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profuse
Definition:
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propaganda
Definition:
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radiant
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radiate
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reassure
Definition:
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reciprocal
Definition:
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resentment
Definition:
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rigorous
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rudimentary
Definition:
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sarcastic
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satire
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skew
Definition:
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stereotype
Definition:
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stunt
Definition:
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succumb
Definition:
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unearthly
Definition:
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vigorous
Definition:
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wreak
Definition:
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zenith
Definition:
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