Reading...
Play button
Play button
Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
486 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
|
earmark
|
v. ~ sb/sth (for sth/sb) assign or set aside sb/sth (to or for a special purpose)
|
|
|
earn
|
v. get (money) by working
|
|
|
earthly
|
adj. of this world; not spiritual
|
|
|
earthy
|
adj. of or like earth or soil
|
|
|
ebb
|
v. ~ (of the tide) go out; recede ;
|
|
|
ebullient
|
adj. full of energy and excitement; exuberant ;
|
|
|
eccentric
|
adj. unusual; peculiar; not conventional or normal
|
|
|
eccentricity
|
n. quality of being eccentric; strangeness of behaviour, etc
|
|
|
ecclesiastic
|
n. clergyman
|
|
|
eclectic
|
adj. (of people, beliefs, etc) not restricted to one source of ideas, etc, but choosing from or using a wide range
|
|
|
eclipse
|
n. blocking of the light of the sun or of the moon (when the earth's shadow falls on it)
|
|
|
ecliptic
|
(Astronomy) a the great circle on the celestial sphere representing the apparent annual path of the sun relative to the stars.
|
|
|
economy
|
n. avoidance of waste (of money, strength, time, resources, etc)
|
|
|
ecosystem
|
n. ecological unit consisting of a group of plants and living creatures interacting with each other and with their surroundings
|
|
|
ecstasy
|
n. great joy or happiness
|
|
|
eddy
|
n. circular or spiral movement of water, air, fog, dust, etc
|
|
|
edict
|
n. order or proclamation issued by an authority
|
|
|
edifice
|
n. large or imposing building
|
|
|
edify
|
v. (fml or joc ) improve the mind or character of (sb)
|
|
|
eerie
|
adj. causing a feeling of mystery and fear
|
|
|
efface
|
v. rub or wipe (sth) out; cause to fade
|
|
|
effective
|
adj. having an effect; producing the intended result
|
|
|
effectual
|
adj. (not used of people) producing the intended result
|
|
|
effectuate
|
to cause to happen; effect; accomplish
|
|
|
effeminate
|
adj. (of a man or his behaviour) like a woman; unmanly
|
|
|
effervescence
|
(n.) liveliness; spirit; enthusiasm; bubbliness
|
|
|
effete
|
adj. weak, having lost power
|
|
|
efficacy
|
n. state or quality of being efficacious
|
|
|
effigy
|
n. carved figure or model representing a person or animal
|
|
|
effluvium
|
noxious smell
|
|
|
effrontery
|
n. boldness or rudeness without shame; impertinence
|
|
|
effulgent
|
radiant splendor:BRILLIANCE
|
|
|
effusion
|
n. pouring out, esp of liquid
|
|
|
effusive
|
adj. showing (too much) feeling; too emotional
|
|
|
ego
|
n. individual's perception or experience of himself, esp in relation to other people or to the outside world; part of the mind that can think, feel and act
|
|
|
egoism
|
n. state of mind in which one is always thinking about oneself and what is best for oneself
|
|
|
egotism
|
n. practice of talking too often or too much about oneself; selfishness ;
|
|
|
egotistical
|
[ egotist: ] a conceited boastful person
|
|
|
egregious
|
adj. (usu of sb/sth bad ) exceptional; outstanding
|
|
|
egress
|
n. (right of) going out
|
|
|
ejaculation
|
n. sudden discharge or ejection of fluid, esp semen, from the body
|
|
|
elaborate
|
adj. very detailed and complicated; carefully prepared and finished
|
|
|
elaboration
|
addition of details; intricacy
|
|
|
elastic
|
adj. returning to its normal or previous size or shape after being pulled or pressed
|
|
|
elated
|
adj. ~ in high spirits; very happy or proud
|
|
|
elegy
|
n. poem or song expressing sorrow, esp for the dead; lament ;
|
|
|
elevation
|
n. elevating or being elevated
|
|
|
elicit
|
v. ~ sth (fml ) draw (facts, a response, etc) from sb, sometimes with difficulty
|
|
|
elixir
|
n. imaginary substance with which medieval scientists hoped to change metals into gold or make people live for ever
|
|
|
ellipsis
|
n. (grammar) (instance of) leaving out a word or words from (the grammatical structure of) a sentence when the meaning can be understood without it/them
|
|
|
elliptical
|
adj. containing ellipsis
|
|
|
elope
|
v. ~ run away with a lover, esp to get married
|
|
|
eloquence
|
n. expressive language, esp to impress or persuade an audience
|
|
|
elucidate
|
v. make (sth) clear; explain
|
|
|
elusive
|
adj. tending to escape or disappear; difficult to capture
|
|
|
elysian
|
adj. the Elysian fields
|
|
|
Elysium
|
n. (in Greek myths) home of the blessed after death
|
|
|
emaciated
|
adj. made thin and weak
|
|
|
emanate
|
v. ~ from sth/sb come or flow from sth/sb
|
|
|
emancipate
|
v. ~ sb set sb free, esp from political, legal or social restrictions
|
|
|
emasculate
|
v. remove the sexual organs of (a male animal); castrate ;
|
|
|
embargo
|
n. (on sth) official order that forbids sth, esp trade, the movement of ships, etc
|
|
|
embark
|
v. ~ (cause sb/sth to) go or be taken on board a ship or an aircraft
|
|
|
embed
|
to enclose closely in or as if in a matrix
|
|
|
embellish
|
v. ~ sth make sth beautiful by adding ornaments, etc
|
|
|
embezzlement
|
n. embezzling
|
|
|
embitter
|
v. fill with bitter feelings
|
|
|
emblazon
|
v. decorate with heraldic or other devices
|
|
|
embody
|
v. ~ sth (in sth) (fml ) express or give visible form to (ideas, feelings, etc)
|
|
|
emboss
|
raise in a relief
|
|
|
embrace
|
close encircling with the arms and pressure to the bosom especially as a sign of affection:HUG
|
|
|
embroider
|
v. ~ A ~ B (with A) decorate (cloth) with needlework
|
|
|
embroil
|
throw into confusion; involve in strife; entangle
|
|
|
embryonic
|
adj. in an early stage of development
|
|
|
emend
|
v. remove errors from
|
|
|
emendation
|
n. action of emending
|
|
|
emetic
|
n, adj causing vomiting
|
|
|
eminent
|
adj. famous and distinguished
|
|
|
emissary
|
n. person sent to deliver a message or to conduct negotiations
|
|
|
emollient
|
n, adj that soothes and softens the skin
|
|
|
emolument
|
n. (fml or rhet ) profit made from being employed; fee or salary
|
|
|
empathy
|
n. ability to imagine and share another person's feelings, experience, etc
|
|
|
empirical
|
adj. based on observation or experiment, not on theory
|
|
|
emulate
|
v. ~ sb (fml ) try to do as well as or better than sb
|
|
|
enact
|
v. perform (a part, play, etc) on, or as if on, the stage of a theatre
|
|
|
enamored
|
(adj.) filled with love and desire
|
|
|
encipher
|
convert ordinary language into code
|
|
|
encircle
|
v. form a circle round; surround
|
|
|
enclave
|
n. small territory of one state surrounded by that of another
|
|
|
encomiastic
|
[ encomiast: ] en"comi'astic, en"comi'astical adjective
|
|
|
encomium
|
n. (fml ) very high praise in speech or writing
|
|
|
encompass
|
v. include or comprise sth
|
|
|
encroachment
|
n. ~ (fml ) action of encroaching
|
|
|
encumber
|
to impede or hamper the function or activity of:HINDER
|
|
|
endear
|
v. ~ sb/oneself to sb make sb/oneself loved or liked by sb
|
|
|
endearment
|
n. word or expression of affection
|
|
|
endemic
|
n, adj that is regularly found in a particular country or area, or among a particular group of people
|
|
|
endorse
|
v. write one's name on the back of
|
|
|
endue
|
v. ~ sb with sth provide or supply sb with a good quality, ability etc
|
|
|
enduring
|
adj. continuing in existence; lasting
|
|
|
energize
|
invigorate; make forceful and active
|
|
|
enervate
|
v. cause to lose strength or energy
|
|
|
enfranchise
|
v. give (sb) political rights, esp the right to vote at parliamentary elections
|
|
|
engage
|
v. ~ sb (fml ) arrange to employ sb; hire sb
|
|
|
engaged
|
adj. busy; occupied
|
|
|
engaging
|
adj. likely to attract or occupy the attention; charming
|
|
|
engender
|
v. be the cause of (a situation or condition)
|
|
|
engross
|
v. occupy all the time or attention of (sb)
|
|
|
engulf
|
v. (of the sea, flames, etc) surround (sth) or cause (sth) to disappear; envelop
|
|
|
enhance
|
v. increase make (sb/sth) look better
|
|
|
enigma
|
n. question, person, thing, circumstance, etc that is difficult to understand; mystery
|
|
|
enigmatic
|
adj. difficult to understand; mysterious
|
|
|
enjoin
|
v. ~ sth (fml or law ) impose (an action or prohibition) on sb; order
|
|
|
enlist
|
v. ~ (in/for sth); ~ (sb) (as sth) enter or cause (sb) to enter the armed forces
|
|
|
enliven
|
v. make more lively or cheerful
|
|
|
enmity
|
n. condition or feeling of being an enemy; hostility
|
|
|
ennui
|
n. weariness of mind caused by lack of anything interesting or exciting to do; feeling of boredom
|
|
|
enormity
|
n. great wickedness
|
|
|
enrapture
|
v. fill (sb) with great delight or joy
|
|
|
ensconce
|
v. ~ oneself/sb in sth establish or settle oneself in a safe, secret, comfortable, etc place
|
|
|
ensue
|
v. ~ happen afterwards or as a result; follow
|
|
|
entail
|
v. make necessary; involve
|
|
|
enterprise
|
n. project or undertaking, esp one that is difficult or needs courage
|
|
|
enterprising
|
adj. having or showing enterprise(2)
|
|
|
enthrall
|
capture; make slave
|
|
|
entice
|
v. ~ sb (from sth); ~ sb (into sth/doing sth) try to tempt or persuade sb, usu by offering sth pleasant or a reward
|
|
|
entity
|
n. thing with distinct and real existence
|
|
|
entomology
|
n. scientific study of insects
|
|
|
entourage
|
n. all those who accompany and attend an important person
|
|
|
entrance
|
n. ~ opening, gate, door, passage, etc by which one enters sth
|
|
|
entreat
|
v. ~ sb (fml ) ask sb (for sth) earnestly and feelingly; beg
|
|
|
entree
|
n. ~ (into sth) right or privilege of admission or entry
|
|
|
entrepreneur
|
n. person who starts or organizes a commercial enterprise, esp one involving financial risk
|
|
|
enumerate
|
v. name one by one; count
|
|
|
enunciate
|
v. say or pronounce clearly
|
|
|
environ
|
enclose; surround
|
|
|
eon
|
n. an indefinitely long period of time
|
|
|
epaulet
|
an ornamental cloth pad worn on the shoulder
|
|
|
ephemeral
|
adj. living, lasting, etc for a very short time
|
|
|
epic
|
n. long poem about the deeds of one or more great heroes, or a nation's past history
|
|
|
epicure
|
n. person who takes a special interest in and gets great pleasure from food and drink
|
|
|
epicurean
|
n, adj fond of pleasure and luxury
|
|
|
epigram
|
n. short poem or saying expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way
|
|
|
epilogue
|
n. part or section added at the end of a book, play, film, programme, etc, as a comment on the main action
|
|
|
episodic
|
adj. occurring irregularly; sporadic
|
|
|
epistemologist
|
[ epistemology: ] e"piste'mologist nou
|
|
|
epitaph
|
n. words written or said about a dead person, esp words inscribed on a tombstone
|
|
|
epithet
|
n. adjective or descriptive phrase that refers to the character or most important quality of sb/sth eg Alfred the Great, Attila the Hun ,
|
|
|
epitome
|
n. thing that shows on a small scale all the characteristics of sth much larger
|
|
|
epoch
|
n. period of time in history, life, the history of the earth, etc, esp one marked by notable events or characteristics
|
|
|
equable
|
adj. free from extremes of heat or cold; moderate
|
|
|
equanimity
|
n. calmness of mind or temper
|
|
|
equestrian
|
adj. of horse-riding
|
|
|
equilibrium
|
n. state of being balanced
|
|
|
equine
|
adj. of or like a horse or horses
|
|
|
equinox
|
n. either of the two times in the year (around
|
|
|
equipoise
|
n. balanced state, esp of the mind; equilibrium ;
|
|
|
equitable
|
adj. fair and just; reasonable
|
|
|
equity
|
n. fairness; right judgement
|
|
|
equivocal
|
adj. having a double or doubtful meaning; ambiguous
|
|
|
equivocate
|
v. speak in an ambiguous way to hide the truth or mislead people
|
|
|
erode
|
v. destroy or wear (sth) away gradually
|
|
|
erotic
|
adj. of or arousing sexual desire
|
|
|
errant
|
adj. doing wrong; misbehaving
|
|
|
erratic
|
adj. irregular or uneven in movement, quality or behaviour; unreliable
|
|
|
erroneous
|
adj. incorrect; mistaken
|
|
|
erudite
|
adj. having or showing great learning; scholarly
|
|
|
escapade
|
n. daring, mischievous or adventurous act; prank
|
|
|
eschew
|
v. keep away from (sth); abstain from; avoid
|
|
|
esoteric
|
adj. likely to be understood by only those with a special knowledge or interest; mysterious; obscure
|
|
|
espionage
|
n. practice of spying or using spies to obtain secret information
|
|
|
espouse
|
v. give one's support to (a cause, theory, etc)
|
|
|
esteem
|
v. (not used in the continuous tenses ) have a high opinion of (sb/sth); respect greatly
|
|
|
estimable
|
adj. worthy of great respect
|
|
|
estranged
|
[ estrange: ] [usually passive; often foll by from] to separate and live apart from (one's spouse)
|
|
|
ethereal
|
adj. of unearthly delicacy and lightness; seeming too spiritual or fairy-like for this world
|
|
|
ethnic
|
adj. of a national, racial or tribal group that has a common cultural tradition
|
|
|
ethnology
|
n. science of the different human races, their characteristics, relations to one another, etc
|
|
|
ethos
|
n. characteristic spirit, moral values, ideas or beliefs of a group, community or culture
|
|
|
etymology
|
n. study of the origin and history of words and their meanings
|
|
|
eugenic
|
pertaining to the improvement of race
|
|
|
eulogistic
|
adj. full of high praise
|
|
|
eulogy
|
n. (speech or piece of writing containing) high praise of a person or thing
|
|
|
euphemism
|
n. use of pleasant, mild or indirect words or phrases in place of more accurate or direct ones
|
|
|
euphony
|
n. pleasantness of sound, esp in words
|
|
|
euphoria
|
n. intense feeling of happiness and pleasant excitement
|
|
|
euthanasia
|
n. gentle and painless death for a person suffering from a painful incurable disease, extreme old age, etc
|
|
|
evanescent
|
adj. quickly fading; soon disappearing from memory
|
|
|
evasive
|
adj. having the aim or intention of avoiding capture, of not giving a direct answer, etc
|
|
|
evenhanded
|
without partiality
|
|
|
eventual
|
adj. happening at last as a result; ultimate
|
|
|
evince
|
v. show clearly that one has (a feeling, quality, etc); exhibit
|
|
|
evocative
|
adj. ~ that evokes or is able to evoke memories, feelings, etc (of sth)
|
|
|
evoke
|
v. bring to mind (a feeling, memory, etc); summon up
|
|
|
ewe
|
n. female sheep
|
|
|
exacerbate
|
v. make (pain, disease, a situation) worse; aggravate
|
|
|
exact
|
adj. correct in every detail; precise
|
|
|
exacting
|
adj. making great demands; requiring great effort
|
|
|
exalt
|
v. make (sb) higher in rank or greater in power
|
|
|
exasperate
|
v. irritate or annoy greatly
|
|
|
except
|
prep ~ ~ (that...) not including (sb/sth); but not
|
|
|
exceptionable
|
adj. that sb can object to
|
|
|
excerpt
|
n. ~ passage, extract, from a book, film, piece of music, etc
|
|
|
exchequer
|
n. the Exchequer government department in charge of public money
|
|
|
excise
|
n. government tax on certain goods manufactured, sold or used within a country
|
|
|
exclaim
|
v. cry out suddenly and loudly from pain, anger, surprise, etc
|
|
|
excoriate
|
to censure scathingly
|
|
|
exculpate
|
v. ~ sb (fml ) free sb from blame; say that sb is not guilty
|
|
|
execrable
|
adj. verybad; terrible
|
|
|
execrate
|
to declare to be evil or detestable:DENOUNCE
|
|
|
execute
|
v. carry out, perform (what one is asked or told to do)
|
|
|
executioner
|
n. public official who carries out a death sentence
|
|
|
executive
|
adj. concerned with the management and carrying out of plans, decisions, etc
|
|
|
executor
|
n. person who is appointed by the maker of a will to carry out the terms of the will
|
|
|
exegesis
|
n. (fml ) explanation and interpretation of a written work, esp the Bible ,
|
|
|
exemplary
|
adj. serving as an example; suitable for imitation
|
|
|
exemplify
|
v. be a typical example of (sth)
|
|
|
exempt
|
adj. ~ free from an obligation, duty or payment; not liable
|
|
|
exertion
|
n. action of applying influence, etc
|
|
|
exhale
|
v. breathe (sth) out
|
|
|
exhilarating
|
adj. very exciting; causing happiness
|
|
|
exhort
|
v. ~ sb (fml ) advise sb strongly or earnestly; urge sb
|
|
|
exhume
|
v. take from the ground (for examination)
|
|
|
exigency
|
n. (condition of) urgent need or demand; emergency
|
|
|
exiguous
|
adj. very small (in amount); scanty
|
|
|
existential
|
adj. of or relating to (esp human) existence
|
|
|
exodus
|
n. ~ (to...) (fml or joc ) departure of many people at one time
|
|
|
exonerate
|
to relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hardship
|
|
|
exorbitant
|
adj. (of a price, charge, etc) much too high or great; unreasonable
|
|
|
exorcise
|
drive out evil spirits
|
|
|
exotic
|
adj. introduced from another country; not native
|
|
|
expansive
|
adj. able or tending to expand
|
|
|
expatiate
|
v. ~ on/upon sth write or speak at great length or in detail about a subject
|
|
|
expatriate
|
n. person living outside his own country
|
|
|
expedient
|
adj. useful, helpful or advisable for a particular purpose, though not necessarily fair or moral
|
|
|
expedite
|
v. help the progress of (work, business, etc); hasten or speed up
|
|
|
expeditious
|
adj. done with speed and efficiency
|
|
|
expenditure
|
n. action of spending or using
|
|
|
expertise
|
n. expert knowledge or skill, esp in a particular field
|
|
|
expiate
|
v. accept punishment for (wrong one has done) and do something to show one is sorry; make up for
|
|
|
expletive
|
n. violent (often meaningless) exclamation said in anger, pain, etc; swear-word
|
|
|
explicate
|
v. explain and analyse (esp an idea, a statement or a work of literature) in detail
|
|
|
explicit
|
adj. (of a statement, etc) clearly and fully expressed
|
|
|
exploit
|
n. brave or adventurous deed or action
|
|
|
expository
|
serving to expound or set fourth
|
|
|
expostulation
|
n. protest; reasoned persuasion, etc
|
|
|
exposure
|
n. action of exposing or state of being exposed
|
|
|
expound
|
v. ~ sth (fml ) explain or make sth clear by giving details
|
|
|
expropriate
|
v. ~ sth (from sb) take away (property, etc) for public use without payment to the owner
|
|
|
expunge
|
v. ~ sth (fml ) remove or wipe out (words, names, etc) from a list, book, etc
|
|
|
expurgate
|
v. remove improper or objectionable parts from (a book, etc)
|
|
|
exquisite
|
adj. extremely beautiful or delicate; finely or skilfully made or done
|
|
|
extant
|
adj. still in existence
|
|
|
extemporaneous
|
adj. spoken or done without preparation; extempore ;
|
|
|
extenuate
|
v. make (wrongdoing) less serious (by providing an excuse)
|
|
|
extirpate
|
v. remove or destroy (sth) completely
|
|
|
extol
|
v. ~sb (as sth) (fml ) praise (sb/sth) highly
|
|
|
extort
|
v. ~ sth obtain sth by violence, threats, etc
|
|
|
extradition
|
surrender of prisoner by one state to another
|
|
|
extraneous
|
adj. ~ not belonging to or directly connected with the subject or matter being dealt with
|
|
|
extrapolation
|
n. ~ (fml )
|
|
|
extricate
|
v. ~ sb/sth (fml ) set sb/sth free; release sb/sth ;
|
|
|
extrinsic
|
adj. ~ (fml ) (of qualities, values, etc) not belonging to or part of the real nature of a person or thing; coming from outside
|
|
|
extrovert
|
n. person more interested in what is happening around him than in his own thoughts and emotions
|
|
|
extrude
|
v. ~ sth (fml ) force or squeeze out sth under pressure
|
|
|
exuberance
|
n. state or quality of being exuberant
|
|
|
exuberant
|
adj. overflowing with happiness and excitement; very lively and cheerful
|
|
|
exude
|
v. ~ (sth) (from/through sth) (of drops of liquid, etc) come or pass out slowly; ooze out
|
|
|
exult
|
v. ~ (at/in sth) get great pleasure from sth; rejoice greatly
|
|
|
fabricate
|
v. invent
|
|
|
facade
|
n. front (of a building)
|
|
|
facet
|
n. any of the many sides of a cut stone or jewel
|
|
|
facetious
|
adj. intended to be amusing, often inappropriately
|
|
|
facile
|
adj. easily obtained or achieved (and so not highly valued)
|
|
|
facilitate
|
v. (of an object, a process, etc but not of a person) make (sth) easy or less difficult
|
|
|
facsimile
|
n. exact copy or reproduction of writing, printing, a picture, etc
|
|
|
faction
|
n. small united group within a larger one, esp in politics
|
|
|
factious
|
adj. of or causedby faction
|
|
|
factitious
|
adj. deliberately created or developed; unnatural; artificial
|
|
|
factotum
|
n. person employed to do all kinds of work
|
|
|
faculty
|
n. any of the powers of the body or mind
|
|
|
fake
|
n. object (eg a work of art) that seems genuine but is not
|
|
|
fallacious
|
adj. misleading; based on error
|
|
|
fallible
|
adj. liable to make mistakes
|
|
|
fallow
|
adj. ploughed but left unplanted to restore its fertility
|
|
|
falsify
|
make false by mutilation or addition; as of a message or story
|
|
|
falter
|
v. move, walk or act hesitantly, usu because of weakness, fear or indecision
|
|
|
fanaticism
|
n. great or obsessive enthusiasm
|
|
|
fancied
|
imaginary; unreal
|
|
|
fancier
|
n. person with a special interest in and love for sth
|
|
|
fanciful
|
adj. using the imagination rather than reason
|
|
|
fancy
|
n. power of the mind to imagine
|
|
|
fanfare
|
n. short ceremonial piece of music, usu played on trumpets
|
|
|
fantastic
|
adj. wild and strange
|
|
|
farce
|
n. funny play for the theatre based on unlikely situations and events
|
|
|
far-fetched
|
adj. (of a comparison) strained; unnatural
|
|
|
fashion
|
n. manner or way of doing sth
|
|
|
fastidious
|
adj. selecting carefully; choosing only what is good ;
|
|
|
fatalism
|
n. belief that events are decided by fate(1); acceptance of all that happens as inevitable ;
|
|
|
fathom
|
n. measure of the depth of water , 61.8
|
|
|
fathomless
|
adj. too deep to measure
|
|
|
fatuous
|
adj. stupid and silly; foolish
|
|
|
fauna
|
n. all the animals of an area or a period of time
|
|
|
favoritism
|
[ favouritism: ] the practice of giving special treatment to a person or group
|
|
|
fawning
|
[ fawn: ] a young deer of either sex aged under one year
|
|
|
faze
|
v. fluster (sb)
|
|
|
feasible
|
adj. that can be done; practicable; possible
|
|
|
feature
|
n. one of the named parts of the face (eg nose, mouth, eyes) which together form its appearance
|
|
|
febrile
|
adj. caused by a fever
|
|
|
feckless
|
adj. inefficient; irresponsible ;
|
|
|
fecundity
|
n.
|
|
|
feebleminded
|
|
|
|
feign
|
v. pretend
|
|
|
feint
|
n. pretended attack to distract an opponent's attention from the main attack
|
|
|
felicitous
|
adj. (esp of words) well-chosen; apt
|
|
|
felicity
|
n. great happiness
|
|
|
feline
|
adj. n animal of the cat family
|
|
|
fell
|
pt of fall1
|
|
|
felon
|
n. person guilty of felony
|
|
|
feral
|
adj. (of animals) wild or savage, esp after escaping from captivity or from life as a pet
|
|
|
ferment
|
v. change chemically through the action of organic substances (esp yeast)
|
|
|
fermentation
|
n. fermenting
|
|
|
ferocious
|
adj. fierce, violent or savage
|
|
|
ferret
|
n. small animal of the weasel family, kept for driving rabbits from their burrows, killing rats, etc
|
|
|
fertile
|
adj. able to produce much; rich in nutrients
|
|
|
fervent
|
adj. showing warmth and sincerity of feeling; enthusiastic; passionate
|
|
|
fervid
|
adj. = fervent
|
|
|
fervor
|
intensity of feeling or expression
|
|
|
fester
|
v. become infected and filled with pus
|
|
|
festive
|
adj. of or suitable for a feast or festival; joyous
|
|
|
fete
|
n. outdoor entertainment or sale, usu to raise money for a special purpose
|
|
|
fetid
|
adj. smelling foul or unpleasant; stinking
|
|
|
fetish
|
n. object that is worshipped, esp because a spirit is believed to live in it
|
|
|
fetter
|
n. chain put round the feet of a person or animal to limit movement
|
|
|
feud
|
n. long and bitter quarrel between two people, families or groups
|
|
|
fiasco
|
n. complete and ridiculous failure
|
|
|
fiat
|
n. formal authorization, order or decree
|
|
|
fickle
|
adj. often changing; not constant
|
|
|
fictitious
|
adj. imagined or invented; not real
|
|
|
fidelity
|
n. ~ loyalty; faithfulness
|
|
|
fiend
|
n. evil spirit; devil
|
|
|
figment
|
n. thing that is not real but only imagined
|
|
|
figurative
|
adj. (of words) used in an imaginative or a metaphorical way rather than literally
|
|
|
figure
|
n. written symbol for a number, esp 0 to 9 09
|
|
|
figurine
|
n. small ornamental statue, esp of a person
|
|
|
filch
|
v. steal (esp sth of small value)
|
|
|
filial
|
adj. of or expected from a son or daughter
|
|
|
filibuster
|
n. person who tries to delay or prevent the making of decisions in (esp parliamentary) meetings by making long speeches
|
|
|
filigree
|
n. fine ornamental work using gold, silver or copper wire
|
|
|
filing
|
[ card: ] an index in which each item is separately listed on systematically arranged cards
|
|
|
filth
|
n. disgusting dirt
|
|
|
finale
|
n. last part of a piece of music or a drama, etc
|
|
|
finery
|
n. gay and elegant clothes or decoration
|
|
|
finesse
|
n. skill in dealing with people or situations cleverly or tactfully
|
|
|
finicky
|
adj. too fussy about food, clothes, etc
|
|
|
finish
|
v. come or bring (sth) to an end
|
|
|
finished
|
adj. ~ (infml ) in a state of having completed sth or no longer dealing with sb/sth
|
|
|
finite
|
adj. having bounds; limited; not infinite
|
|
|
firebrand
|
n. piece of burning wood
|
|
|
fissure
|
n. long deep crack in rock or in the earth
|
|
|
fit
|
adj. ~ for sb/sth; ~ to do sth suitable or suited for sb/sth; well adapted for sb/sth; good enough for sb/sth
|
|
|
fitful
|
adj. occurring in short periods, not regularly and steadily
|
|
|
flaccid
|
adj. soft and weak; loose and limp; not firm ;
|
|
|
flag
|
n. piece of cloth with a particular design, that can be attached by one edge to a rope, pole, etc and used as a symbol of a country, party, etc or as a signal
|
|
|
flagrant
|
adj. particularly bad, shocking and obvious
|
|
|
flail
|
n. tool consisting of a stick swinging from a long handle, used esp formerly to separate grain from chaff ,
|
|
|
flair
|
n. ~ for sth natural ability to do sth well
|
|
|
flamboyant
|
adj. showy, very confident and extravagant
|
|
|
flashy
|
adj. attractive but usu not in good taste; showy
|
|
|
flaunt
|
v. show (sth considered valuable) in order to gain the admiration of other people
|
|
|
flay
|
v. remove the skin from (a dead animal)
|
|
|
fleck
|
n. ~ very small patch or spot of a colour
|
|
|
fledgling
|
inexperienced
|
|
|
fleece
|
n. woolly hair of a sheep or similar animal
|
|
|
fleet
|
n. group of warships, submarines, etc under one commander
|
|
|
flick
|
n. quick light blow, eg with a whip or the tip of a finger
|
|
|
flicker
|
v. (of a light or flame) burn or shine unsteadily
|
|
|
flighty
|
adj. (esp of a woman or her behaviour) changeable and unreliable; not serious
|
|
|
flinch
|
v. move or draw back suddenly, from shock, fear or pain
|
|
|
flip
|
v. toss (sth) with a sharp movement of the thumb and forefinger so that it turns over in the air
|
|
|
flippancy
|
n. being flippant
|
|
|
flippant
|
adj. not showing sufficient respect or seriousness
|
|
|
flirt
|
v. ~ behave (towards sb) in a romantic or suggestive way but without serious intentions
|
|
|
flit
|
v. fly or move lightly and quickly from one place to another
|
|
|
floe
|
n. sheet of floating ice, usu on the sea
|
|
|
flora
|
n. all the plants of a particular area or period of time
|
|
|
florescence
|
the process, state, or period of flowering
|
|
|
florid
|
adj. elaborate and ornate; excessively decorated or colourful
|
|
|
flotsam
|
n. parts of a wrecked ship or its cargo found floating in the sea
|
|
|
flounder
|
v. move or struggle helplessly or clumsily; move with difficulty, as through mud or deep snow
|
|
|
flourish
|
v. be successful, very active, or widespread; prosper
|
|
|
flout
|
v. disobey openly and scornfully
|
|
|
flowery
|
adj. covered with or having a lot of flowers
|
|
|
fluctuate
|
v. ~ (of a price, number, rate, etc) rise and fall; change irregularly
|
|
|
fluctuation
|
n. ~ (of/in sth)
|
|
|
fluency
|
n. quality or condition of being fluent
|
|
|
fluke
|
n. (infml ) thing that is accidentally successful; lucky stroke in a game
|
|
|
flush
|
n. flow of blood to the face that causes a red colouring; blush
|
|
|
fluster
|
v. make nervous and confused
|
|
|
fluted
|
(esp. of the shaft of a column) having flutes
|
|
|
flutter
|
v. (of the wings of birds, butterflies, etc) move lightly and quickly
|
|
|
flux
|
n. continuous change or succession of changes; unsettled state
|
|
|
fodder
|
n. dried food, hay, etc forhorses and farm animals ,
|
|
|
foible
|
n. small, usu harmless, peculiarity or weakness in a person's character
|
|
|
foil
|
n. metal rolled or hammered into a very thin flexible sheet
|
|
|
foist
|
v. foist sth on sb force sb into accepting sth not wanted
|
|
|
foliage
|
n. leaves of a tree or plant; leaves with their stems and branches
|
|
|
foment
|
v. arouse or increase
|
|
|
foolhardy
|
adj. foolishly bold or rash; reckless
|
|
|
foppish
|
adj. of or like a fop
|
|
|
foray
|
n. sudden attack, esp to obtain sth; raid
|
|
|
forbearance
|
n. patient self-control; tolerance
|
|
|
ford
|
n. shallow place in a river where one can walk or drive across
|
|
|
forebears
|
n. person from whom one is descended;ancestor
|
|
|
foreboding
|
n. ~ strong feeling that danger or trouble is coming
|
|
|
forensic
|
adj. of, related to or used in law
|
|
|
forerunner
|
n. person or thing that prepares the way for the coming of sb or sth else more important; sign of what is to follow
|
|
|
foreshadow
|
v. be a sign or warning of
|
|
|
foresight
|
n. ability to see what one's future needs are likely to be; careful planning
|
|
|
forestall
|
v. act before so as to prevent him from doing sth
|
|
|
forfeit
|
v. lose or give up (sth) as a consequence of or punishment for having done sth wrong, or in order to achieve sth
|
|
|
forge
|
n. workshop with a fire and an anvil where metals are heated and shaped, esp one used by a smith for making horseshoes
|
|
|
forgo
|
v. give up or do without (esp sth pleasant)
|
|
|
forlorn
|
adj. lonely and unhappy; uncared for
|
|
|
formality
|
n. careful observance of rules, conventions, etc of language or behaviour
|
|
|
formidable
|
adj. causing fear or great anxiety; frightening; awesome
|
|
|
forsake
|
v. (fml ) give (sth) up; renounce
|
|
|
forswear
|
v. (promise to) give up (sth); renounce
|
|
|
forte
|
n. thing that sb does particularly well; strong point
|
|
|
forthcoming
|
adj. about to happen or appear in the near future
|
|
|
forthright
|
adj. clear and honest in manner and speech; straightforward
|
|
|
fortitude
|
n. courage, endurance and self-control in facing pain, danger or difficulty
|
|
|
fortuitous
|
adj. happening by chance or coincidence
|
|
|
forum
|
n. place where important public issues can be discussed
|
|
|
forward
|
adj. directed or moving towards the front
|
|
|
foster
|
v. help the growth or development of (sth); encourage or promote
|
|
|
foul
|
adj. having a bad smell or taste; dirty and disgusting
|
|
|
founder
|
n. person who founds or establishes sth
|
|
|
fracas
|
n. (usu sing)noisy quarrel, fight, or disturbanc
|
|
|
fractious
|
adj. irritable; bad-tempered
|
|
|
frail
|
adj. physically weak or delicate
|
|
|
frailty
|
n. physical weakness
|
|
|
franchise
|
n. right to vote at public elections
|
|
|
frantic
|
adj. in an extreme state of emotion, esp fear or anxiety
|
|
|
fraudulent
|
adj. deceitful or dishonest
|
|
|
fraught
|
adj. ~ with sth filled with sth; charged with sth
|
|
|
fray
|
n. the fray fight, contest or argument; lively or challenging action
|
|
|
freebooter
|
buccaneer
|
|
|
frenetic
|
adj. very excited; frenzied; frantic
|
|
|
frenzied
|
adj. wildly excited or agitated; frantic
|
|
|
fresco
|
n. picture painted in water-colour on a wall or ceiling before the plaster is dry
|
|
|
fret
|
v. ~ (about/at/over sth) (cause sb to) become unhappy, bad-tempered, or anxious about sth; worry
|
|
|
friction
|
n. rubbing of one surface or thing against another
|
|
|
frieze
|
n. band of sculpture or decoration round the top of a wall or building
|
|
|
frigid
|
adj. very cold
|
|
|
fringe
|
n. (US bang) front hair cut so that it hangs over the forehead
|
|
|
frisk
|
v. pass one's hands over (sb) in a search for hidden weapons, drugs, etc
|
|
|
fritter
|
v. fritter sth away (on sth) waste (esp one's time or money) foolishly (on small useless things)
|
|
|
frivolous
|
adj. not sensible or serious; foolish and light-hearted
|
|
|
frock
|
n. dress worn by women or girls
|
|
|
frolic
|
v. ~ (about) play about in a lively happy way
|
|
|
frolicsome
|
adj. merry; playful
|
|
|
frond
|
n. leaf-like part of a fern or palm
|
|
|
fructify
|
v. (fml ) (cause sth to) bear fruit or be fruitful
|
|
|
frugality
|
thrift
|
|
|
fruitful
|
adj. having many good results; productive or profitable; successful
|
|
|
fruition
|
n. fulfilment of hopes, plans, etc; getting what one wants or has worked for
|
|
|
frustrate
|
v. prevent (sb) from doing or achieving sth
|
|
|
fuddle
|
v. confuse (sb/sth), esp with alcoholic drink
|
|
|
fugitive
|
n. ~ person who is running away or escaping
|
|
|
fulcrum
|
n. point on which a lever is supported
|
|
|
fulminate
|
v. ~ protest strongly and loudly
|
|
|
fulsome
|
adj. excessive and insincere
|
|
|
fumble
|
v. touch or handle awkwardly or nervously
|
|
|
functional
|
adj. of or having a functionor functions
|
|
|
functionary
|
n. person with official duties
|
|
|
fundamental
|
adj. of or forming the basis or foundation of sth; essential
|
|
|
funereal
|
adj. suitable for a funeral; gloomy; dismal
|
|
|
furor
|
A general commotion; public disorder or uproar.
|
|
|
furrow
|
n. long narrow trench cut in the earth, esp by a plough
|
|
|
furtive
|
adj. done secretly and quietly so as not to be noticed
|
|
|
fusillade
|
n. continuous or simultaneous shooting of guns
|
|
|
fusion
|
n. the blending or uniting of different things into one, by melting, etc
|
|
|
fuss
|
n. (esp unnecessary) nervous excitement or activity
|
|
|
fussy
|
adj. (usu derog ) nervously active or excited about small things
|
|
|
futile
|
adj. producing no result; useless; pointless
|
