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Versus

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ver‧sus/ˈvɜːsəs $ ˈvɜːr-/preposition1) written abbreviation v. (BrE) , vs. (AmE) used to show that two people or teams are competing against each other in a game or court casethe New York Knicks versus the LA Lakersthe Supreme Court decision in Roe vs. Wade2) used when comparing the advantages of two different things, ideas etc SYN againstThe finance minister must weigh up the benefits of a tax cut versus those of increased public spending.

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Minimal

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min‧i‧malAC /ˈmɪnml/ adjectivevery small in degree or amount, especially the smallest degree or amount possibleThe storm caused only minimal damageThe cost to taxpayers would be minimal.This is a practical course, with only a minimal amount of theory.— minimally adverbRates of truancy from school have only increased minimally.

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Variety

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va‧ri‧e‧tyS2 W1 /vəˈraɪəti/ noun (plural varieties)1) a variety of something a lot of things of the same type that are different from each other in some wayThe girls come from a variety of different backgrounds.GrammarIf you are using a variety of before a plural noun, it is better to use a plural verb, although a singular verb is sometimes usedA variety of techniques were used.2) [U] the differences within a group, set of actions etc that make it interestingI really like the variety the store has to offer.give/add/bring variety (to something)(=make something more interesting)Occasionally working from home adds variety to a job.3) [C] a type of thing, such as a plant or animal, that is different from others in the same groupvariety ofThe lake has more than 20 varieties of fish.4) [C usually singular] a particular type of person or thing – often used humorouslyof the ... varietyLon has no patience with anything of the child variety.5) variety is the spice of life used to say that doing a lot of different things, meeting different people etc is what makes life interestingCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa wide/great/large variety They hold debates on a wide variety of topics.a huge/enormous variety Fruit is eaten by a huge variety of animals and birds.an infinite/endless variety There is a seemingly infinite variety of beers to choose from.a rich variety A rich variety of plants grow here.a bewildering varietyan amazing variety

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Weigh

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weighS3 W3 /weɪ/ verb1) be a particular weight [linking verb] to have a particular weightThe young birds weigh only a few grams.Do you know how much it weighs?What (=how much) do you weigh?The box was full of books and weighed a ton (=was very heavy) .2) measure weight [T] to use a machine to discover how much something or someone weighsHe weighed some potatoes on the scales.weigh yourselfHave you weighed yourself lately?3) consider/compare also weigh up [T] to consider something carefully so that you can make a decision about itIt is my job to weigh the evidence.weigh something against somethingWe have to weigh the benefits of the scheme against the costs.4) influence [I always + adv/prep] (formal) to influence someone’s opinion and the decision that they makeweigh againstThis unfortunate experience will weigh heavily against further investment in the area.weigh in somebody's/something’s favourThese facts will weigh in your favour.weigh withHer evidence weighed strongly with the judge.5) weigh your words to think very carefully about what you say because you do not want to say the wrong thingHe was weighing his words carefully.6) weigh anchor to raise an ANCHOR and sail awayweigh somebody downphrasal verb1) if something weighs you down, it is heavy and difficult to carrybe weighed down with somethingSally was weighed down with shopping bags.2) if a problem weighs you down, it makes you feel worried and upsetbe weighed down by/with somethingHe felt weighed down by his responsibilities.a family weighed down with griefweigh inphrasal verb1) to have your weight measured before taking part in a competitionweigh in atHiggins weighed in at just over 100 kilos.→ WEIGH-IN2) (informal) to join in an argument or fightweigh in withThe chairman then weighed in with his views.weigh on somebody/somethingphrasal verbto make someone feel worried and upsetThe desire for peace will weigh heavily on the negotiators.I’m sure there’s something weighing on his mind.The burden of responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders.weigh something ↔ outphrasal verbto measure an amount of something by weighing itShe weighed out half a kilo of rice.weigh somebody/something ↔ upphrasal verb1) to consider something carefully so that you can make a decision about itWe’re still weighing up the pros and cons (=the advantages and disadvantages) of the two options.2) to watch someone and listen to them carefully so that you can form an opinion about what they are likeI could see that he was weighing me up.

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Density

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den‧si‧ty/ˈdensti/ noun [U]1) the degree to which an area is filled with people or thingsdensity ofthe size and density of settlementsareas of high population density2) (technical) the relationship between the MASS of something and its size

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Starch

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starch1/stɑːtʆ $ stɑːrtʆ/noun1) [C,U] a substance which provides your body with energy and is found in foods such as grain, rice, and potatoes, or a food that contains this substance SYN carbohydrateHe eats a lot of starch.Avoid fatty foods and starches.2) [U] a substance that is mixed with water and is used to make cloth stiff

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Chronic

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chron‧ic/ˈkrɒnɪk $ ˈkrɑː-/adjective1) a chronic disease or illness is one that continues for a long time and cannot be cured → acutechronic arthritischronic asthmachronic heart disease2) a chronic problem is one that continues for a long time and cannot easily be solvedchronic unemploymentThere is a chronic shortage of teachers.3) chronic alcoholic/gambler etc someone who has behaved in a particular way for a long time and cannot stopHe was a chronic alcoholic and unable to hold down a job.a chronic smoker4) (BrE) (informal) extremely badThe food was absolutely chronic!— chronically /-kli/ adverbpatients who are chronically illThe service is chronically underfunded.

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Trans-

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trans-/træns, trænz/ prefix1) on or to the far side of something SYN acrosstransatlantic flightsthe trans-Siberian railway2) between two things or groups SYN inter-trans-racial fostering3) shows a changeHe’s been transformed by the experience.

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Lean

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leanadjective1) thin in a healthy and attractive wayHe was lean, tall, and muscular.2) lean meat does not have much fat on it OPP fatty3) a lean organization, company etc uses only as much money and as many people as it needs, so that nothing is wasted4) a lean period is a very difficult time because there is not enough money, business etcHis wife was a source of constant support during the lean years.— leanness noun [U]

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Convenience

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con‧ve‧ni‧ence/kənˈviːniəns/ noun1) [U] the quality of being suitable or useful for a particular purpose, especially by making something easier or saving you timeReady meals sell well because of their convenience.the convenience of doing somethingMost of us like the convenience of using credit cards to buy things.for convenienceFor convenience, the German translation is printed below.2) [U] what is easiest and best for a particular personat somebody’s convenience (=at a time that is best and easiest for someone)These meals can be prepared in advance, and served at your convenience.for somebody’s convenienceFor your convenience, the bank is open until 7 p.m.Services should be run to suit the convenience of the customer, not the staff.3) [C] something that is useful because it saves you time or means that you have less work to doThe supermarket offers a bag-packing service, as a convenience to customers.a hotel with all the modern conveniences4) at your earliest convenience (formal) as soon as possible – used in lettersWe should be grateful if you would reply at your earliest convenience.5) [C usually plural] also public convenience (formal) a public toilet6) a marriage of convenience a marriage that has been agreed for a particular purpose, not because the two people love each otherIn the past most royal marriages were marriages of convenience, arranged for political reasons.

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Vend

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vend/vend/ verb [T] (law)

to sell something— vending noun [U]street vending

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Pantry

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pan‧try/ˈpæntri/ noun (plural pantries) [C]a very small room in a house where food is kept SYN larder

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Evident

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ev‧i‧dent

AC /ˈevdnt/ adjective

easy to see, notice, or understand SYN obvious clearevident thatIt was evident that she was unhappy.It soon became evident that she was seriously ill.It was clearly evident that the company was in financial difficulties.evident toIt was evident to me that he was not telling the truth.evident inThe growing popularity of the subject is evident in the numbers of students wanting to study it.Bob ate his lunch with evident enjoyment.→ SELF-EVIDENT

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Pace

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paceW3 /peɪs/ noun1) speed of events/changes [singular] the speed at which something happens or is donepace ofThe pace of change in our lives is becoming faster and faster.at a steady/slow etc pacePublic spending continues to rise at a steady pace.2) walk/run [singular] the speed at which someone walks, runs, or movespace ofYou need to step up the pace of your exercises.at a slow/leisurely/brisk etc paceLucy set off at a leisurely pace back to the hotel.He quickened his pace, longing to be home.Traffic slowed to a walking pace.3) step [C] a single step when you are running or walking, or the distance you move in one steppace backwards/towards/forwards etcHe took a pace towards the door.Rebecca walked a few paces behind her mum.4) keep pace (with something/somebody) to change or increase as fast as something else, or to move as fast as someone elseSalaries have not always kept pace with inflation.The supply of materials cannot keep pace with demand.Slow down! I can’t keep pace with you.5) go through your paces also show your paces to show how well you can do something6) put somebody/something through their paces to make a person, vehicle, animal etc show how well they can do somethingThe test driver puts all the cars through their paces.7) set the pacea) if a company sets the pace, it does something before its competitors or to a better standardset the pace inJapanese firms have been setting the pace in electronic engineering.b) also set a brisk/cracking etc pace (BrE) to go faster than the other competitors in a race, who then try to achieve the same speedThe Italians set the pace for the first eight laps.8) force the pace to make something happen or develop more quickly than it would do normallyforce the pace onmeasures designed to force the pace on alternative energy policies9) be able to stand the pace to be able to deal with situations where you are very busy and have to think and act very quicklyIf you can stand the pace, working in advertising pays well.COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + pacerapid/fast The rapid pace of change creates uncertainty.slow The pace of life in the countryside is slower.a steady pace The economy was growing at a slow but steady pace.at your own pace (=at the pace that suits you) This allows each child to learn at his or her own pace.at a snail’s pace (=very slowly) Reform is proceeding at a snail’s pace.a breakneck pace (=extremely fast) Singapore prospered and modernized at a breakneck pace.a hectic/frantic pace (=a very fast and hurried speed)verbsthe pace quickens/accelerates The pace of change is quickening.the pace slows/slackens After a surge in exports, the pace slackened considerably the following year.gather pace (=happen more quickly) Support for the campaign is gathering pace.keep up the pace (=continue to do something or happen as quickly as before)phrasesthe pace of change The pace of change accelerated dramatically in the early 1980s.the pace of life Here, the sun shines every day and the pace of life is slower.the pace of developmentthe pace of reformCOMMON ERRORSDo not say 'in your own pace' or 'on your own pace'. Say at your own pace.

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Chef

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chef/ʆef/ noun [C]a skilled cook, especially the main cook in a hotel or restauranta master chefa pastry chef

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Praise

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praise/preɪz/ verb [T]1) to say that you admire and approve of someone or something, especially publicly OPP criticizeJane was praised by her teacher.praise somebody/something for (doing) somethingThe Mayor praised the rescue teams for their courage.a highly praised novelpraise somebody/something to the skies(=praise someone or something very much)2) to give thanks to God and show your respect to Him, especially by singing in a church3) God/Heaven be praised also Praise the Lord used to say that you are pleased something has happened and thank God for itThesauruspraise to say that you admire and approve of someone or something, especially publicly The film was praised by the critics when it first came out. The report praises staff in both schools. congratulate to tell someone that you think it is good that they have achieved something I congratulated him on his success. The government should be congratulated for what they have achieved. compliment to say to someone that you like how they look, or you like something they have done She complimented me on my new hairstyle. He complimented my cooking. flatter to praise someone in order to please them or get something from them, even though you do not mean it He had persuaded her to buy it by flattering her and being charming. You’re just flattering me! rave about something also enthuse about something formal to talk about something you enjoy or admire in an excited way, and say that it is very good. Rave is rather informal, whereas enthuse is much more formal and is used mainly in written English Everyone is raving about the movie. She enthused about the joys of motherhood. applaud (formal) to publicly praise a decision, action, idea etc Business leaders applauded the decision. A spokeperson applauded the way the festival had been run. commend (formal) to praise someone or something, especially officially After the battle, Andrew Jackson commended him for ‘his courage and fidelity’. The officers should be commended for their prompt action. hail somebody/something as something (especially written) to describe someone or something in a way that shows you have a very good opinion of them, especially in newspapers, on television reports etc The book was hailed as a masterpiece. Journalists and music writers hailed the band as ‘the next big thing’. He is being hailed as the new James Dean.

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Peel

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peel/piːl/ verb1) [T] to remove the skin from fruit or vegetablesPeel and dice the potatoes.2) [I] if skin, paper, or paint peels, it comes off, usually in small piecespeel from/offThe paper was peeling from the wall.New skin grows, and the damaged skin peels off.3) [I] to lose an outer layer or surfaceThe walls were peeling from the damp.4) [T always + adv/prep] to remove the outer layer from somethingpeel something away/off/backPeel away the waxed paper from the bottom of the cake.→keep your eyes peeled at EYE1 (18)peel offphrasal verb1) peel something ↔ off to take your clothes offTom peeled off his wet T-shirt and shorts.2) peel off $20/£50 etc (informal) to take a piece of paper money from the top of a pile of paper moneyManville peeled off a 20, and pressed it into the man’s hand.3) to leave a moving group of vehicles, aircraft etc and go in a different directionTwo motorcycles peeled off from the line.

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Edge over

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Better than

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Fries

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fries/fraɪz/ noun [plural]long thin pieces of potato that have been cooked in hot oil SYN chips

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Concern

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con‧cern1S1 W1 /kənˈsɜːn $ -ɜːrn/noun1) worrya) [U] a feeling of worry about something importantThe recent rise in crime is a matter of considerable public concern.concern forour concern for human rightsconcern about/over/withthe rise of concern about the environmentthe growing concern over inflationconcern with worsening law and orderconcern thatincreased concern that the war could continue for a long timebe a cause for concern/cause concernThe activities of the far right have been a cause for concern for a while now. In her last days the poet expressed concern for her father.b) [C] something that worries youOne of the concerns that people have is the side effects of treatment.Education remains the electorate’s main concern.the concerns expressed by parents2) something important [C,U] something that is important to you or that involves youHis main concern is to be able to provide for his family.concern forThe consumer has become a major concern for this government.of concern to somebodytopics of concern to television viewers3) feeling for somebody [singular, U] a feeling of wanting someone to be happy and healthyHe was moved by her obvious concern.concern forparents’ loving concern for their children4) somebody’s concern if something is your concern, you are responsible for itThe money side of the business is your concern.5) not somebody’s concern/none of somebody’s concern if something is not your concern, you are not interested in it and you do not need to worry about it or become involved in itHis affairs were none of her concern.6) business [C] a business or companyThe restaurant is a family concern.We will continue to run the company as a going concern (=a business that is financially successful) .

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Opt

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opt/ɒpt $ ɑːpt/verb [I]1) to choose one thing or do one thing instead of anotheropt forWe finally opted for the wood finish.opt to do somethingMany young people are opting to go on to college.opt inphrasal verbto decide to join a group or systemopt in toEmployees have the choice to opt in to the scheme.opt outphrasal verb1) to avoid doing a dutyopt out ofYou can’t just opt out of all responsibility for the child!2) to decide not to be part of a group or systemopt out ofBritain wants to opt out of the new European regulations.3) if a school or hospital in Britain opts out, it decides to control the money that it is given by the government, instead of being controlled by local government

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Plain

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plain

S2 W3 /pleɪn/ adjective1) clear very clear, and easy to understand or recognize SYN obviousit is plain (that)It was plain that Giles was not going to agree.The advantages were plain to see.You have made your feelings plain enough.Let me make it plain (=state it clearly) . We do not want you here.make yourself plain(=make what you are saying clear)If you do that again you will be severely punished. Do I make myself plain?as plain as day/the nose on your face(=very clear)2) in plain English/language in clear and simple words, without using technical languageThe document, written in plain English, tells you about your new policy.3) simple without anything added or without decoration SYN simplea plain white blousea plain wooden tableplain yoghurta plain gold wedding ringYour essay should be written on plain paper (=paper with no lines on it) .4) honest showing clearly and honestly what is true or what you think about something SYN frank candidLet’s have some plain, truthful answers.I don’t know, and that’s the plain truth. The plain fact is people still buy books.5) emphasis [only before noun] (spoken) used to emphasize that a particular type of behaviour, attitude etc is involved, usually a bad oneHis motive was plain greed.When you told him his house was too cold that was just plain bad manners.6) not beautiful not beautiful or attractive – often used because you want to avoid saying this directlyMrs Cookson was a rather plain woman.plain Jane(=used to talk about a woman who is not beautiful)7) in plain clothes police officers in plain clothes are not wearing uniform → PLAIN-CLOTHES8) (just) plain Mr/Mrs etc (spoken) used to show that someone does not have or use a special titleI don’t call him Uncle – just plain Bill.9) be plain sailing to be very easy to do or achieveIf you can answer the first question, the rest of the test should be plain sailing.10) in plain sight (AmE) if something is in plain sight, it is easy to see or notice, especially when it should be hiddenDon’t leave your valuables in plain sight.— plainness noun [U]

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Quench

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quench/kwentʆ/ verb [T] (formal)1) quench your thirst to stop yourself feeling thirsty, by drinking somethingWe stopped at a small bar to quench our thirst.2) quench a fire/flames to stop a fire from burninga desperate bid to quench the raging flames

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Tempt

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tempt/tempt/ verb [T]1) to try to persuade someone to do something by making it seem attractivetempt somebody into doing somethingThe new program is designed to tempt young people into studying engineering.tempt somebody to do somethingIt would take a lot of money to tempt me to quit this job.2) to make someone want to have or do something, even though they know they really should notIf you leave valuables in your car it will tempt thieves.be tempted to do somethingI’m tempted to buy that dress.3) tempt fate also tempt providence (BrE)a) to do something that involves unnecessary risk and may cause serious problemsFire officials said developers are tempting fate by building deep into the scenic canyons.b) to say too confidently that something will have a good result, that there will be no problems etc, when it is likely there will be problems

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Fried

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fried/fraɪd/ adjective1) having been cooked in hot oilfried chicken2) (AmE) (informal) unable to think clearly, because you are tired, anxious etcMy brain is just totally fried.

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Adverse

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ad‧verse/ˈædvɜːs $ -ɜːrs/adjective1) not good or favourableThey fear it could have an adverse effect on global financial markets.Miller’s campaign has received a good deal of adverse publicity.2) adverse conditions conditions that make it difficult for something to happen or existThe expedition was abandoned because of adverse weather conditions.— adversely adverbdevelopments which had adversely affected their business

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Additive

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ad‧di‧tive/ˈædtɪv/ noun [C usually plural]a substance that is added to food to improve its taste, appearance etcpermitted food additivesOur products are free from artificial additives.

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Artificial

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ar‧ti‧fi‧cialS3 /ˌɑːtˈfɪʆl◂ $ ˌɑːr-/adjective [usually before noun]1) not real or not made of natural things but made to be like something that is real or natural SYN false OPP naturalartificial flowersartificial lightartificial fertilizers2) an artificial situation or quality exists because someone has made it exist, and not because it is really necessaryartificial distinctionsartificial barriers of gender and race3) artificial behaviour is not sincere – used to show disapproval OPP genuinean artificial smile— artificially adverbFood prices are being kept artificially low.— artificiality /ˌɑːtfɪʆiˈælti $ ˌɑːr-/noun [U]Thesaurusartificial not real or natural, but made to look or work like something real or natural artificial flowers He was given an artificial heart. synthetic made using chemical processes rather than by natural processes synthetic fabrics a synthetic version of the drug man-made made by people – used especially about geographical features and materials a man-made lake man-made fibres fake made to look or seem like something else, especially in order to deceive people a fake passport fake fur imitation made to look like something, but not real – used especially about guns, jewellery, and leather imitation firearms imitation pearls false artificial – used especially about teeth, EYELASH , and BEARD a set of false teeth simulated not real, but made to look, sound, or feel real, especially by means of special computers or machines a simulated space flight virtual made, done, seen etc on a computer, rather than in the real world a virtual tour of the garden

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Portion

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por‧tionAC /ˈpɔːʆn $ ˈpɔːr-/noun1) [C] a part of something larger, especially a part that is different from the other partsportion ofThe front portion of the rocket breaks off.The rent on his portion of the apartment was $500 a month.significant/substantial/major/good portionThe main character’s childhood takes up a good portion of the film.2) [C] an amount of food for one person, especially when served in a restaurant SYN serving helpingDo you have any children’s portions?portion ofa huge portion of roast beefHe served generous portions (=large portions) of soup from a black pot.3) [usually singular] a share of something, such as responsibility, blame, or a duty, that is divided between a small number of peopleportion ofThe other driver must bear a portion of the blame for the accident.

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Tissue

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tis‧sue/ˈtɪʆuː, -sjuː $ -ʆuː/noun1) [C] a piece of soft thin paper, used especially for blowing your nose ona box of tissues2) [U] also tissue paper light thin paper used for wrapping, packing etc3) [U] the material forming animal or plant cellslung/brain etc tissue4) a tissue of lies (BrE) a story or account that is completely untrue

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Contributor

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con‧trib‧u‧torAC /kənˈtrɪbjtə $ -ər/noun [C]1) someone who gives money, help, ideas etc to something that a lot of other people are also involved incampaign contributorscontributor toDr Win was a major contributor to the research.2) someone who writes a story, song, speech etc that forms part of a larger work such as a newspaper, book, broadcast, recording etccontributor toa regular contributor to ‘Time’ magazine3) (formal) someone or something that helps to cause something to happencontributor toCars are still one of the principal contributors to air pollution.

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Obesity

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o‧be‧si‧ty/əʊˈbiːsti $ oʊ-/noun [U]when someone is very fat in a way that is unhealthy

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Sedentary

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sed‧en‧ta‧ry/ˈsedntri $ -teri/adjective1) (formal) spending a lot of time sitting down, and not moving or exercising very muchsedentary life/job/lifestyle etchealth problems caused by our sedentary lifestyles2) (technical) a sedentary group of people tend always to live in the same placea sedentary people living north of the Danube

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Excess

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ex‧cess/ɪkˈses, ˈekses/ noun1) [singular, U] a larger amount of something than is allowed or neededAfter you apply the oil, wait 20 minutes before wiping off any excess.excess ofIt was an excess of enthusiasm that caused the problem.2) in excess of something more than a particular amountThe car reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.3) do something to excess to do something too much or too often, so that it may harm youDrinking is OK as long as you don’t do it to excess.4) excesses [plural] harmful actions that are socially or morally unacceptableexcesses ofThe government was unable to curb the excesses of the secret police.the worst excesses of journalism5) [U] behaviour which is not acceptable because it is too extremea long sermon against the dangers of excess

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Excess

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ex‧cess1/ɪkˈses, ˈekses/ noun1) [singular, U] a larger amount of something than is allowed or neededAfter you apply the oil, wait 20 minutes before wiping off any excess.excess ofIt was an excess of enthusiasm that caused the problem.2) in excess of something more than a particular amountThe car reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.3) do something to excess to do something too much or too often, so that it may harm youDrinking is OK as long as you don’t do it to excess.4) excesses [plural] harmful actions that are socially or morally unacceptableexcesses ofThe government was unable to curb the excesses of the secret police.the worst excesses of journalism5) [U] behaviour which is not acceptable because it is too extremea long sermon against the dangers of excess

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Accumulate

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ac‧cu‧mu‧lateAC /əˈkjuːmjleɪt/ verb1) [T] to gradually get more and more money, possessions, knowledge etc over a period of timeIt is unjust that a privileged few should continue to accumulate wealth.2) [I] to gradually increase in numbers or amount until there is a large quantity in one placeFat tends to accumulate around the hips and thighs.— accumulation /əˌkjuːmjˈleɪʆn/ noun [C,U]the accumulation of dataRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say build up rather than accumulate:These chemicals tend to build up in the soil.

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Complication

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com‧pli‧ca‧tion/ˌkɒmplˈkeɪʆn $ ˌkɑːm-/noun1) [C,U] a problem or situation that makes something more difficult to understand or deal withThe fact that the plane was late added a further complication to our journey.2) [C usually plural] (medical) a medical problem or illness that happens while someone is already ill and makes treatment more difficultPneumonia is one of the common complications faced by bed-ridden patients.

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Stroke

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strokeS3 /strəʊk $ stroʊk/noun [C]1) illness if someone has a stroke, an ARTERY(=tube carrying blood) in their brain suddenly bursts or becomes blocked, so that they may die or be unable to use some musclesShe died following a massive stroke.have/suffer a strokeI looked after my father after he had a stroke. a stroke patient2) swimming/rowinga) one of a set of movements in swimming or rowing in which you move your arms or the OAR forward and then backShe swam with strong steady strokes.b) a style of swimming or rowingthe breast stroke3) sport the action of hitting the ball in games such as tennis, GOLF, and CRICKETa backhand stroke4) pen/brusha) a single movement of a pen or brush when you are writing or paintingA few strokes of her pen brought out his features clearly.b) a line made by a pen or brushthe thick downward strokes of the characters5) at a/one stroke with a single sudden actionAt one stroke, the country lost two outstanding leaders.6) on the stroke of seven/nine etc at exactly seven o'clock etcShe arrived home on the stroke of midnight.The only goal of the match came on the stroke of half time.7) stroke of luck/fortune something lucky that happens to you unexpectedlyIn a stroke of luck, a suitable organ donor became available.8) stroke of genius/inspiration etc a very good idea about what to do to solve a problemIt was a stroke of genius to film the movie in Toronto.9) hit an action of hitting someone with something such as a whip or thin stickHe cried out at each stroke of the whip.10) a movement of your hand a gentle movement of your hand over somethingI gave her hair a gentle stroke.11) with/at a stroke of the pen if someone in authority does something with a stroke of the pen, they sign an official document to make a decision with important and serious resultsHe had the power to order troops home with a stroke of his pen.12) not do a stroke (of work) (BrE) (informal) to not do any work at all13) stroke of lightning a bright flash of lightning, especially one that hits something14) clock/bell a single sound made by a clock giving the hours, or by a bell, GONG etc15) put somebody off their stroke (BrE) (informal) to make someone stop giving all their attention to what they are doingSeeing Frank watching me put me off my stroke.16) in numbers (BrE) used when you are saying a number written with the mark (/) in it SYN slashThe serial number is seventeen stroke one(=17/1) .

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Considerable

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con‧sid‧er‧a‧bleS3 W1 AC/kənˈsɪdrəbl/ adjectivefairly large, especially large enough to have an effect or be important → inconsiderableconsiderable amount/number etc of somethingWe’ve saved a considerable amount of money. Michael has already spent considerable time in Barcelona.issues of considerable importanceThe series has aroused considerable interest.

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Bill

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bill1S1 W1 /bɪl/ noun [C]1) request for payment a written list showing how much you have to pay for services you have received, work that has been done etcbill forThe bill for the repairs came to $650.Have you paid the phone bill?2) restaurant (especially BrE) a list showing how much you have to pay for food you have eaten in a restaurant SYN checkCould we have the bill, please?3) law a written proposal for a new law, that is brought to a parliament so that it can be discussedapprove/pass/veto a billThe House of Representatives passed a new gun-control bill. The senator introduced a bill that would increase the minimum wage.4) money (AmE) a piece of paper money SYN note → coina five-dollar bill5) fit/fill the bill to be exactly what you needThis car fits the bill perfectly. It’s cheap and gets good mileage.6) concert/show etc a programme of entertainment at a theatre, concert, cinema etc, with details of who is performing, what is being shown etcTricia topped the bill (=was the most important performer) at the Children’s Variety Show.7) give somebody/something a clean bill of health to officially state that someone is in good health or that something is working correctlyMaddox was given a clean bill of health.8) bird a bird’s beak9) advertisement a printed notice advertising an event10) part of a hat (AmE) the front part that sticks out on a hat such as a BASEBALL CAP11) the (old) bill (BrE) (spoken) the policeCOLLOCATIONSverbspay a bill Most people pay their bills on time.settle a bill (=pay it) She went down to the lobby to settle the bill for their rooms.foot the bill/pick up the bill (=pay for something, especially when you do not want to) Taxpayers will probably have to foot the bill.run up a bill (=use a lot of something so that you have a big bill to pay) It’s easy to run up a big bill on your mobile phone.a bill comes to something (=is for that amount) The bill came to $60.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + billa big/huge bill Turn off the lights or we’ll get a huge electricity bill.an electricity/gas/phone etc billa hotel billa tax billan unpaid billan outstanding bill (=still unpaid)Thesaurusbill a piece of paper that tells you how much you must pay Many families are struggling to pay their bills. We got a huge phone bill. check (AmE) a bill that tells you how much you must pay in a restaurant Can I have the check, please? invoice a document that lists the goods that a company has sent, or the services they have provided, and tells you how much you must pay. It is often sent from one company to another company Payment is due ten days after receipt of the invoice. tab (informal) a bill that is added up at the end of a period of time, especially for food or drinks that you have had in a restaurant or hotel People staying in the hotel can order food or drinks to be put on their tab.

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Quite

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quiteS1 W1 /kwaɪt/ predeterminer,adverb1) (especially AmE) very, but not extremely → prettyThe food in the cafeteria is usually quite good.His hair is quite thin on top now.Amy’s at college, and she’s doing quite well.quite a somethingHe’s quite a good soccer player.GrammarPut quite before ‘a’ and an adjective and noun, not after ‘a’It took quite a long time (NOT a quite long time).2) (especially BrE) fairly, or to a small extent, but not very → prettyThe film was quite good, but the book was much better.I got a letter from Sylvia quite recently.quite like/enjoyI quite like Chinese food.3) quite a lot/bit/few a fairly large number or amountHe’s got quite a lot of friends.Quite a few towns are now banning cars from their shopping centres.4) [+ adj/adv] (BrE) completelyI’m sorry. That’s quite impossible.What she’s suggesting is quite ridiculous!I think you’ve had quite enough to drink already!That’s quite a different matter.5) not quite not completelyThey weren’t quite ready so we waited in the car.I’m not quite sure where she lives.Dinner’s almost ready, but not quite.6) not quite why/what/where etc not exactly why, what, where etcThe play wasn’t quite what we expected.7) quite a something/quite some something (BrE) used before a noun to emphasize that something is very good, large, interesting etcThat was quite a party you had.The engines make quite a noise.It’s quite some distance away.8) quite a/some time (especially BrE) a fairly long timeWe’ve been waiting for quite some time now.9) quite right (BrE) used to show that you agree strongly with someone‘I refuse to do any more work.’ ‘Quite right. They can’t expect you to work for nothing.’10) that’s quite all right (BrE) used to reply to someone that you are not angry about something they have done‘I’m sorry we’re so late.’ ‘That’s quite all right.’11) quite/quite so (BrE) (formal) used to show that you agree with what someone is saying SYN exactly‘They really should have thought of this before.’ ‘Yes, quite.’12) quite something (especially) (BrE) used to say that someone or something is very impressive It’s quite something to walk out on stage in front of 20,000 people.

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Affair

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af‧fairS2 W1 /əˈfeə $ əˈfer/noun [C]1) public/political activities affairs [plural]a) public or political events and activities Are you interested in world affairs?the Ministry of Foreign AffairsWomen had little role in public affairs.b) things connected with your personal life, your financial situation etcI am not prepared to discuss my financial affairs with the press.→state of affairs at STATE1 (8)2) eventa) an event or set of related events, especially one that is impressive or shockingthe Watergate affairThe whole affair was a disaster.b) used when describing an eventThe party was a very grand affair.3) relationship a secret sexual relationship between two people, when at least one of them is married to someone else SYN love affairaffair withHe had an affair with his boss that lasted six years.4) object (informal) (old-fashioned) used when describing an object, machine etcThe computer was one of those little portable affairs.5) be somebody’s affair if something is your affair, it only concerns you and you do not want anyone else to get involved in itWhat I do in my free time is my affair.COLLOCATIONSadjectivesworld/international affairs China is now a major player in world affairs.current affairs (=important events that are happening now) a 24-hour news and current affairs channelsomebody’s private affairs (=things that are personal and not for other people to know about) He never discussed his private affairs in public.somebody’s financial affairs They offer advice on managing your financial affairs.somebody’s business affairseconomic affairspolitical affairsmilitary affairsreligious affairsforeign/external affairs (=events in other countries)domestic/internal affairs also home affairs (BrE) (=events inside a country)public affairs (=events that affect the people of a country)phrasesaffairs of state (=the business of the government) The church played no role in the affairs of state.put your affairs in order (=organize them before you go somewhere or die)

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Besides

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be‧sides/bɪˈsaɪdz/ adverb,preposition (informal)1) (spoken) used when adding another reasonI need the money. And besides, when I agree to do something, I do it.RegisterIn written English, people do not usually use besides as a sentence adverb. They start a sentence with the more formal moreover instead:Moreover, smoking is linked with heart disease and strokes.2) in addition to someone or something else that you are mentioningThe area has stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, and much more besides.People choose jobs for other reasons besides money.Besides myself, the only English people there were Keith and Doreen.besides doing somethingBesides being heartbroken, she felt foolish.

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Adverse

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ad‧verse/ˈædvɜːs $ -ɜːrs/adjective1) not good or favourableThey fear it could have an adverse effect on global financial markets.Miller’s campaign has received a good deal of adverse publicity.2) adverse conditions conditions that make it difficult for something to happen or existThe expedition was abandoned because of adverse weather conditions.— adversely adverbdevelopments which had adversely affected their business

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Invention

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in‧ven‧tion/ɪnˈvenʆn/ noun1) [C] a useful machine, tool, instrument etc that has been inventedThe dishwasher is a wonderful invention.2) [U] the act of inventing somethingThe invention of the computer has revolutionized the business world.3) [C,U] a story, explanation etc that is not trueThey subsequently admitted that the story was pure invention.4) [U] the ability to think of new and clever ideasWith such powers of invention, he should get a job easily.

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Blessing

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bless‧ing/ˈblesɪŋ/ noun1) [C] something that you have or something that happens which is good because it improves your life, helps you in some way, or makes you happyThe dishwasher has been a real blessing!it is a blessing (that)It’s a blessing no one was badly hurt.2) [U] someone’s approval or encouragement for a plan, activity, idea etcwith somebody’s blessingThey were determined to marry, with or without their parents’ blessing.The Defense Department has given its blessing to the scheme.3) a mixed blessing a situation that has both good and bad partsHaving children so early in their marriage was a mixed blessing.4) a blessing in disguise something that seems to be bad or unlucky at first, but which you later realize is good or lucky5) count your blessings used to tell someone to remember how lucky they are, especially when they are complaining about something6) [C,U] protection and help from God, or words spoken to ask for thisThe priest gave the blessing.

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Cite

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citeAC /saɪt/ verb [T] (formal)1) to mention something as an example, especially one that supports, proves, or explains an idea or situationThe judge cited a 1956 Supreme Court ruling in her decision.cite something as somethingSeveral factors have been cited as the cause of the unrest.2) to give the exact words of something that has been written, especially in order to support an opinion or prove an idea SYN quoteThe passage cited above is from a Robert Frost poem.3) to order someone to appear before a court of law SYN summoncite somebody for somethingTwo managers had been cited for similar infractions.4) (BrE) to mention someone by name in a court caseSue was cited in the divorce proceedings.5) to mention someone because they deserve praisecite somebody (for something)Garcia was cited for her work with disabled children.

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Implication

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im‧pli‧ca‧tionS3 W2 AC/ˌɪmplˈkeɪʆn/ noun1) [C usually plural] a possible future effect or result of an action, event, decision etcimplication ofWhat are the implications of these proposals?This election has profound implications for the future of U.S. democracy.consider/discuss/examine the implicationsHis talk will examine the wider implications of the Internet revolution.practical/financial/political etc implications2) [U] a situation in which it is shown or suggested that someone or something is involved in a crime or a dishonest act → implicatethe implication of somebody (in something)the implication of the former Chief of Staff in a major scandal3) [C,U] a suggestion that is not made directly but that people are expected to understand or accept → implyThey are called ‘Supertrams’, the implication being that (=which is meant to suggest that) they are more advanced than earlier models.by implicationThe law bans organized protests and, by implication, any form of opposition.

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Recipe

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re‧ci‧peS3 /ˈrespi/ noun1) [C] a set of instructions for cooking a particular type of foodrecipe fora recipe for tomato soupa recipe book2) be a recipe for something to be likely to cause a particular result, often a bad oneShe said that five small boys on skis was a recipe for disaster, not a holiday.

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Glutton

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glut‧ton/ˈglʌtn/ noun [C]1) someone who eats too much2) a glutton for punishment someone who seems to enjoy working hard or doing something unpleasant— gluttonous adjective

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Helping

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A portion of food served to one person