INTERMEDIATE WORDS
A AARDVARK 'ardvark ABACUS 'abəkəs
n. A burrowing mammal of South Africa Origin: Dutch Sentence: The aardvark uses his long snout to eat Ants. n. frame with balls sliding on wires or in grooves, used for calculating Origin: Greek abax abakos, ‘slab, drawing board’ Sentence: The Chinese shopkeeper still uses his abacus to count
ABASE ə'bās
v. to degrade; humiliate; debase Origin: Latin bassus, ‘short of stature’ Sentence: When you use indecent language it’s really yourself whom you abase.
ABATEMENT
n. reduction; decrease Origin: French abatre, ‘to beat down’ Sentence: After the abatement of the heavy rains we were able to play outside..
a'bātmənt
ABBEY 'abi
n. building(s) occupied by monks or nuns under an abbot or abbess Origin: Latin abbatia, related to ‘abbot’ Sentence: There are about eighteen monks living in that abbey.
ABBREVIATION əbrēvi'āshən
n. shortened or contracted form of a word Origin: Latin abbreviare, ‘to shorten’, from brevis, ‘short’ Sentence: E-mail is an abbreviation for the term ‘electronic-mail’.
ABHOR əb'hor
v. to regard with disgust and hatred Origin: Latin horrere, ‘to shudder’ Sentence: We abhor all crime and wrongdoing.
ABIDANCE ə'bīdəns
n. tolerance; endurance Origin: Old English abidan, ‘to wait; bide’ Sentence: She has very little abidance for impolite people.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS ABORTION ə'borshən
n. miscarriage of birth; expulsion of foetus from the womb Origin: Latin abortus, ‘disappeared, miscarried’ Sentence: A major problem in pregnancy might lead to an abortion.
ABRASION ə'brāžən
n. scraping off; wearing away (of skin, rock, etc) Origin: Latin radere, ‘to scrape’ Sentence: When she fell she received an abrasion to her knee.
ABSCESS:
n. a swollen area accumulating pus caused by inflammation. Origin: Latin abscessus, ‘ a going away ‘ (hence the elimination of bad matter through pus) Sentence: A gum infection caused him a rather painful abscess.
'abses / 'absis
ABSOLUTION absə'looshən
ACCESS 'akses
n. formal setting-free from guilt etc; declaration of pardon or forgiveness Origin: Latin absolutio (absolvere, ‘to absolve, pardon’) Sentence: He was innocent and expected an absolution by the court. n., v. admittance; gain admittance to (mainly in computing) Origin: Latin accessus, ‘an approach’ Sentence: We were able to gain access to the building through a broken window.
ACCOMMODATION əkomə'dāshən
n. lodgings; adjustment to a purpose Origin: Latin accommodare, ‘to make fit’ Sentence: Comfortable accommodation was provided for our Spelling Bee champion.
ACCOMPANIST
n. person who provides a musical accompaniment or supporting part Origin: French accompagner, related to ‘company’ Sentence: Her solo had an accompanist at the piano.
ə'kûmpənist
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS ACCOMPLICE: ə'kûmplis / ə'komplis
n. partner or helper especially in crime or wrongdoing Origin: Latin complex complicis, ‘closely connected’ Sentence: Both the criminal and his accomplice were arrested for their wrongdoing.
ACHING 'ākiŋ
v. feeling pain; causing pain Origin: Old English acan, ‘to ache’ Sentence: My head was aching so badly that I had to lie down.
ACKNOWLEDGE ək'nolij
v. to recognize; accept; express appreciation Origin: Medieval English Sentence: Do you now acknowledge that you were wrong?
ACQUAINTANCE
n. slight knowledge of a person or thing; person one knows slightly Origin: Latin accongnitare, ‘to come to know’ Sentence: He’s not a friend, but an acquaintance of ours.
ə'kwāntəns
ACQUISITION akwi'zishən
n. something which has come into one’s possession Origin: Latin acquirere, ‘to get’ Sentence: The collector’s latest acquisition is an antique typewriter.
ACQUITTAL ə'kwit(ə)l
n. the process of freeing or being freed from a charge Origin: Latin acquitare, ‘to pay a debt’ Sentence: The acquittal of the prisoner came after only a short trial.
ACREAGE 'āk(ə)rij
n. a number of acres; an extent of land Origin: Old English aecer Sentence: The acreage is not much but it is all level land.
ADHESIVE əd'hēsiv / əd'hēziv
ADJACENT ə'jāsənt
n., adj. sticky substances; enabling surfaces to stick; sticky Origin: French adhesif Sentence: Liquid glue is the best adhesive to hold these sheets together. adj. lying near, next to, adjoining Origin: Latin, adjacere, ‘to lie next to’ Sentence: Someone called from the adjacent house, so we went across to help.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
ADJOURN ə'jern
ADJUSTABLE ə'jûstəbl
ADMISSIBLE əd'misibl
ADOLESCENT adə'lesənt
v. (meeting, discussion, etc) to break off or transfer to another place Origin: French jorn, ‘day’ (a + jorn) Sentence: The chairman decided to adjourn the meeting until the following week. adj. capable of being made suitable, or of fitting a new condition Origin: Latin juxta, ‘near’ Sentence: These seat belts are adjustable to the passengers’ heights adj. that can be allowed or considered, or admitted Origin: Latin admittere, ‘to let into, admit)’ Sentence: Oversleeping is not an admissible excuse for lateness. n., adj. person or period between childhood and adulthood Origin: Latin adolescere, ‘to grow up’ Sentence: A teenager is an adolescent.
AERATE 'e:rāt
v. to put air or gas into; allow air to act upon Origin: Latin aer, ‘air’ Sentence: Carbon dioxide is used to aerate some drinks, making them fizzy.
AFFORESTATION afori'stāshən
n. planting with trees to convert into forest Origin: Latin afforestare Sentence: We have started a programme of afforestation to restore our woodlands.
AGGRESSION ə'greshən
n. an unprovoked attack; forcefulness Origin: Latin aggressio, ‘attack’ Sentence: Aggression is a common cause of fights and wars.
AGGRIEVED ə'grēvd
adj., v. having a grievance or cause for complaint Origin: French agrever, ‘to make heavier’ Sentence: The aggrieved person took his complaint to court.
AGREEABLE ə'grēəbl
adj. pleasing; willing to agree; comfortable Origin: French agreer, ‘to agree’ Sentence: She was agreeable to the plan, so we proceeded.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS AISLE 'īl
n. passageway in the middle of a church, theatre etc Origin: Latin ala, ‘wing’ Sentence: The couple led the procession down the aisle of the church.
ALBUMEN
n. egg white, substance between skin and germ of many seeds Origin: Latin albumen, from albus, ‘white’ Sentence: We eat both the yolk and the albumen of eggs.
'albūmin
ALBUMIN 'albūmin
n. a type of protein found in egg white, etc Origin: Latin albimine Sentence: Egg, milk and other substances contain the protein, albumin.
ALCOHOLISM 'alkəholizm
n. addiction to alcohol Origin: Arabic al-kuhl, ‘the khol’ (‘alcohol’) Sentence: Manyvisitors to the bar suffer from alcoholism
ALKALI
n. chemical substance that forms a salt when combined with acid Origin: Arabic al-kali, ‘calcined ashes’ Sentence: Caustic soda (like that in Jamaica’s mud lakes) is an alkali.
'alkəlī
ALLEGE ə'lej
v. to declare or state without (or before) proof Origin: French esligier, ‘to clear at law’ Sentence: The owners allege that there was robbery, but there is no proof of it.
ALLEGORY
n. a kind of story, poem, painting etc in which the message is presented symbolically Origin: Greek allos + -agoria, ‘other speaking’ Sentence: The novel Animal Farm, in which the animals represent people, is an allegory.
'alig(ə)ri
ALMANAC 'awlmənak / 'olmənak
n. annual calendar with astronomical data, etc Origin: Greek almenikhiaka Sentence: Some farmers use the almanac as a guide for planting crops.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS ALUMINIUM alū'miniəm AMATEUR 'amətůr / 'amətə
AMICABLE 'amikəbl
ANACONDA anə'kondə
n. light silvery metal produced mainly from bauxite Origin: Latin alumen aluminis Sentence: Pots, pans, aeroplanes are some of the objects made with aluminium. n. person engaged in a pursuit as a pastime rather than a profession; something for or done by amateurs Origin: Latin amator, ‘lover’ Sentence: She is an amateur but plans to begin professional swimming soon. adj. showing or done in a friendly spirit Origin: Latin amicus, ‘friend’ Sentence: Discussions were heated, but we finally reached an amicable agreement. n. large South American snake that crushes its prey to death Origin: Sinhalese henakandaya, ‘whip snake’ Sentence: The anaconda lives mainly in water or trees.
ANAEMIA or ANEMIA ə'nēmiə
n. deficiency in the blood usually of red cells; unhealthy condition resulting from this Origin: Greek anaimia , ‘without blood’ Sentence: The patient ate lots of green vegetables to help cure his anaemia.
ANCILLARY
adj., n. giving support to a main service or body; worker who gives such support Origin: Latin ancilla, ‘maidservant’ Sentence: The canteen provides ancillary services to the school.
an'siləri
ANECDOTE 'anikdōt
ANONYMOUS a'noniməs
n. short interesting or amusing story Origin: Greek anekdota, ‘things unpublished’ Sentence: The speaker gave an anecdote to illustrate her point. adj. Undeclared authorship; unknown name Origin: Greek Sentence: The writer of the article remains anonymous
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS APPENDICITIS əpendi'sītis
n. inflammation of the appendix Origin: Latin appendix, ‘an appendage’ Sentence: The boy with appendicitis had surgery immediately.
APPRECIATION
n. gratitude or thanks; an estimation, judgement or review of a book etc Origin: Latin appretiare, ‘to value, appraise’ Sentence: The graduation class expressed appreciation to the school and all the teachers.
əprēshi'āshən / əprēsi'āshən
APPROACHABLE ə'prōchəbl
AQUATIC ə'kwatik / ə'kwotik AQUEDUCT 'akwidûkt
ARCHIVES 'arkīvz
adj. friendly; easy to talk to; able to be approached Origin: Latin appropiare, ‘to draw near’ Sentence: Our principal is a pleasant, approachable person. adj., n. living in or near water, (sport) played in or on water Origin: Latin aqua, ‘water’ Sentence: All fish are aquatic animals. n. channel or canal built like a bridge to convey water Origin: Latin aqua, ‘water’ + ducere, ‘to lead’ Sentence: An aqueduct had to be built to convey water to the farmlands. n., v. collection of public documents and records; places where they are kept; to store in archive Origin: Greek arkheia, ‘public records’ Sentence: All the older records have now been transferred to the archives.
ASSESSES ə'sesiz
v. estimates; fixes the amount (of a tax or fine) Origin: Latin assidere, ‘to sit by’ Sentence: After the valuator assesses the damage, we will claim money for repairs.
ASSURE ə'shůr
v. to make sure; convince; guarantee; insure Origin: Latin securus, ‘safe, secure’ Sentence: I assure you that I am telling the truth.
AUTOPSY
n. examination of dead body usually by cutting it open to discover cause of death Origin: Greek autoptes, ‘eye-witness’ Sentence: It is clear from the autopsy that death was caused by drowning.
'awtopsi / aw'topsi
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
AVARICE 'av(ə)ris
n extreme greed for money Origin: Latin avarus, ‘greedy’ Sentence: Sometimes her avarice makes her an unpleasant person.
B BACILLUS bə'siləs
n. rod-shaped bacterium especially one causing disease Origin: Latin baculus, ‘stick’ (bacillus, ‘little stick’) Sentence: The doctor explained the effect that a bacillus could have on a sensitive body organ.
BALUSTRADE balə'strād
n. railing supported by pillars Origin: French balustre Sentence: He watched the performance while leaning on the balustrade of the balcony.
BAMBOOZLE bam'boozl
v. (colloquial) to cheat into doing something; mystify Origin: Medieval English Sentence: That trickster tried to bamboozle unsuspecting visitors.
BANDEAU 'bandō
n. narrow headband Origin: French bandel, ‘a little band’ Sentence: She is wearing a colourful bandeau on her head.
BARRAGE
n., v. rapid succession of questions or criticisms; artificial barrier Origin: French barrer, ‘to block’ Sentence: A barrage of questions forced the speaker to shorten his speech.
'bara:ž
BASSINET or BASSINETTE basi'net
n. a baby bed or carriage that looks like a basket Origin: French diminutive of basin, ‘basin’ Sentence: The baby slept soundly in her bassinet despite the activities around.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS BATIK 'batik / bə'tēk
n. method of dying textile by applying wax; cloth made by batik Origin: Javanese batik, ‘painted’ Sentence: Batik is an intricate method of dying fabric.
BAZAAR bə'zar
n. shop or market selling variety of goods Origin: Persian bazar, ‘market’ Sentence: Many persons bought items at the bazaar.
BEANIES 'bēniz
n. small close-fitting hats worn on the back of the head Origin: US Sentence: Some of the college students wore beanies that looked like skull caps.
BEATITUDE bi'atitūd
n. blessedness; (plural) the declaration of blessedness Origin: Latin beatus, ‘blessed’ Sentence: The beatitude “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” is found in the gospel.
BEAUTEOUS 'būtiəs BEDABBLE bi'dabl BEIGE 'bāj / 'bāž
adj. uncommon word for ‘beautiful’ Origin: French beau, ‘handsome, beautiful’ Sentence: How beauteous are your parks! v. to stain or splash with dirty liquid, blood, etc Origin: Dutch Sentence: Don’t bedabble the wall with that muck. adj., n. of very light brown; light brown colour Origin: French Sentence: She carried a small beige handbag to match her shoes.
BELCHER 'belchə
n. spotted handkerchief worn around the neck Origin: Named after Jim Belcher Sentence: Hardly anyone wears a belcher these days.
BELLOWS 'belōz
n. a device with an air bag which, when squeezed, emits a stream of air on to fire; into piped organs, etc Origin: Old English belg or baelig, ‘bag’ Sentence: Piped organs are operated by bellows which blow air into the pipes.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS BENEDICTION beni'dikshən
n. prayer for blessing esp. at end of a religious service Origin: Latin benedictio, ‘bless’ Sentence: The congregation stood as the pastor gave the benediction.
BENEFICIAL beni'fishəl
adj. useful; having benefits; advantageous Origin: Latin beneficialis, ‘generous’ Sentence: The new health centre is beneficial to all persons in the community
BENEVOLENT bi'nevələnt
adj. friendly and helpful; charitable Origin: French bene volens ‘well wishing’ Sentence: Victims of the disaster got help from many benevolent organizations
BENZENE
n.
'benzēn
BENZINE
aromatic liquid hydrocarbon obtained from coal and petroleum Origin: Chemical compound (benzoic acid) + ene Sentence: Benzene is used in the manufacture of plastics, and as fuel in some engines.
n. mixture of paraffins distilled from petroleum and used as solvent Origin: Chemical compound (benzoic acid) + ine Sentence: Benzine is found in dry cleaning agents
'benzēn . BEQUEATH bi'kwēθ
v. to pass on by a will; to hand down Origin: Old English becwethan, ‘speak or say’ Sentence: The old man decided to bequeath all his possessions to his only child.
BEREAVED bi'rēvd
adj. deprived of relation or friend esp. by death Origin: Old English bereafian. ‘to rob, plunder’ Sentence: What can we do for the bereaved family in their grief?
BERSERK bə'serk / bə'zerk BIBLIOGRAPHY bibli'ogrəfi
adj. n. Wild; frenzied; in a violent rage Origin: Iceland Sentence: Thunder and fire-crackers can make dogs go berserk n. list of books consulted Origin: Greek biblion, ‘book’ Sentence: A bibliography is usually written at the end of the research paper.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS BICENTENARY bīsen'tēnəri bīsen'tenəri bīsen'tinəri
n., adj. two hundredth anniversary of an event Origin: Latin Sentence: The company which was formed two hundred years ago now celebrates its bicentenary.
BICENTENNIAL
adj., n. occurring every two hundred years or lasting 200 years; bicentenary Origin: Latin Sentence: The bicentennial celebrations extended far and wide.
bīsen'teniəl
BICEPS 'bīseps
BILIOUS 'biliəs
BINOCULARS bi'nokūləz
BIODEGRADABLE bīədi’grādəbl bīōdi’grādəbl BLASPHEME blas'fēm
BLITHE 'blīθ
n. muscle with two heads, especially the muscle that bends the elbow Origin: Latin bi (‘two’) + caput, (‘head’) Sentence: Damage to his biceps caused pain in the arm. adj. affected by disorder of the bile; bad tempered Origin: Latin biliosus, ‘full of bile’ Sentence: His sickness was caused by a bilious condition. n. twin glasses for viewing distant objects Origin: Latin bini, ‘two by two’ + oculus, ‘eye’ Sentence: Using her binoculars she observed the performance at a distance. adj. substance readily decomposed by bacteria Origin: Medieval English Sentence: Substances like plastic that are not biodegradable can be harmful to the soil. v. to use religious names irreverently; show disrespect for God. Origin: Greek blapsis (‘evil’) + pheme (‘speech’) Sentence: Ungodly persons may blaspheme in their conversations. adj. cheerful; happy; carefree or casual Origin: Old English blithe Sentence: The birds seemed merry and blithe as they flew from branch to branch.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS BOULEVARD 'booləvard
n. broad street in a city or town esp. if lined with trees Origin: German Bollwerk, bulwark Sentence: As we drove along the boulevard we admired the trees lining it.
BOUQUET bu'kā / bō'kā
n. bunch of flowers arranged in an artistic way Origin: French diminutive of bois, ‘a wood or forest’. Sentence: She presented the speaker with a bouquet after his presentation.
BOUTIQUE boo'tēk
n. small shop esp. one selling fashionable clothes etc Origin: French Sentence: For the wedding, she chose a dress from a boutique in town.
BRAGGART 'bragart/ 'bragət
n. one who boasts a lot Origin: French bragard, ‘vain’ or ‘bragging’. Sentence: How I wish that braggart would allow someone else to commend him!
BRAILLE
n. system of printing for the blind consisting of dots to be read by touch Origin: Named after Louis Braille, its inventor Sentence: My blind daughter is receiving instructions in Braille.
'brāl
BRASSIERE 'brase:r / 'braze:r
n. woman’s garment which supports the breasts Origin: French brassiere, literally ‘child’s vest’ Sentence: The brassiere she bought her daughter does not fit well.
BREATHALYZER or BREATHALYSER 'breθəlīzə
n. trade mark - device used to test the amount of alcohol on one’s breath Origin: Old English Sentence: Drivers suspected of being intoxicated may be required to d a test using a Breathalyzer.
BREWERY 'brůri
n. a factory where beer is made (brewed) Origin: Old English breowan Sentence: This is the brewery that brews our best beer.
BROCCOLI 'brokəli
n. type of vegetable in cabbage family Origin: Italian broccolo, ‘little shoot’ Sentence: We ate broccoli and fish for dinner.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS BROCHURE 'brōshə / bro'shůr
n. booklet or pamphlet esp. with descriptive information Origin: French brocher, ‘stitch’ Sentence: There was sufficient information in the brochure, about the items I needed.
BRONCHITIS broŋ'kītis
n. inflammation in the bronchial tubes Origin: Greek brogkhos, ‘windpipe’ Sentence: The pain in my chest may be due to bronchitis.
BROOCH 'brōch
n. ornamental pin Origin: French broche Sentence: She wore a silver brooch on her new dress.
BUFFET
n. meal for eaters serving themselves; side board or cupboard Origin: French ‘stool’ Sentence: There was a wide choice of dishes at the buffet.
'bufā
BUMPTIOUS 'bûm(p)shəs
adj. offensively conceited or self important Origin: Scandinavian Sentence: It was not easy to ignore his bumptious behaviour.
BUOYANT 'boyənt
adj. cheerful or optimistic; able to keep afloat Origin: Spanish boyante, ‘floating’ Sentence: Her buoyant spirit kept her going.
BUREAU 'bůrō
n. desk with drawers; office or department for specific business Origin: French bureau, ‘desk’ Sentence: You can request a list of the rules from a bureau of standards.
C CACHE 'kash
n. hidden treasure, ammunition, etc; hiding place for treasure, etc Origin: French cacher, ‘to hide’ Sentence: The explorers unexpectedly found a cache of jewels hidden in the cave.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
CADENCE 'kādəns
n. the rising and falling of one’s voice in speaking; rhythm or beat Origin: Italian cadenza, ‘fall’ Sentence: A speaker’s cadence helps listeners to understand his or her meaning.
CADRE
n.
'kadri / 'ka:drə 'ka:də CALANDO kə'landō
Basic unit of servicemen; inner group of activists Origin: Latin Sentence: A cadre of guards have been dispatched for duty
adj., adv. (music) gradually becoming softer and slower Origin: Italian calando, ‘slackening’ Sentence: The music changed noticeably from allegro to a calando toward the end.
CAFFEINE 'kafēn
n. drug found in coffee, tea and some other substances Origin: French cafeine, from café, ‘coffee’ Sentence: The caffeine in coffee and other drinks is a kind of stimulant.
CAFTAN or KAFTAN 'kaftan / kaf'ta:n
n. type of long loose-fitting robe; long loose dress Origin: Turkish kaftan Sentence: Caftan (kaftan) is worn by many men in the Middle East.
CAMISOLE 'kamisōl
n. woman’s undergarment – like a vest Origin: Spanish camisola Sentence: Most women today do not bother to wear a camisole.
CAMPHOR
n. a strong-smelling white substance used mainly as liniment or inhalant Origin: Sanskrit karpuram Sentence: There was a strong smell of camphor in the sick bay.
'kamfə
CARAMBOLA karəm'bōlə
n. golden juicy five-winged tropical fruit; the tree bearing this fruit Origin: Portuguese (probably from Indian) ‘carambola’ Sentence: Carambola is a juicy refreshing fruit.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS CARBOHYDRATE karbə'hīdrāt
n. group of organic compounds including sugar and starch & providing the body with energy Origin: From its combination of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen. Chemical compound Sentence: Carbohydrate is one of the food groups that our body needs.
CARNIVORE 'karnivōr
n. flesh eating animal; flesh eating plant Origin: Latin caro, ‘flesh’ + vorare, ‘to consume’ Sentence: The cat is a carnivore but the cow is a herbivore.
CARRIOLE or CARIOLE 'kariōl
n. small open (horse-drawn) carriage for one; covered cart Origin: Italian carriuola, ‘little car’ Sentence: A cariole is hardly used for transportation these days.
CARTOGRAPHY kar'togrəfi
n. the science or practice of map-drawing Origin: French carte, ‘map, card’ Sentence: He likes geography and hopes to specialize in cartography.
CASSEROLE 'kasərōl
CASSIA 'kasiə
n., v. covered dish for cooking food in the oven; food cooked in that dish; to cook in such a dish Origin: Greek kuathion, ‘little cup’ Sentence: Cooking in a casserole is easy but a bit slow. n. a tree from which senna is extracted; the bark of this tree used as spice Origin: Greek kasia Sentence: Cassia is a useful tropical tree.
CATAPULT 'katəpûlt
n., v. Y-shaped stick with elastic used as sling shot; a special weapon or machine that hurls or launches things that way; to send or be sent by catapult Origin: Greek katapeltes, ‘hurl down’ Sentence: The little boy made his own catapult from a stick and a rubber band.
CATARACT
n. large waterfall; condition causing blurring of the eye Origin: Greek katarrhaktes, ‘down-rushing’ Sentence: At this point the river became an astounding cataract down the cliff.
'katərakt
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
CAUCUS 'kawkəs
n. meeting of group especially in a political party to make decisions Origin: US probably from caucauasu, ‘adviser’ Sentence: That matter will be decided in the next party caucus.
CAULDRON or CALDRON 'kawldrən / 'koldrən
n. large open metal pot for boiling liquid or mixture over open fire Origin: Latin caldarium, ‘hot bath’ Sentence: All the ingredients were poured into a cauldron of water for boiling.
CAULIFLOWER 'koliflöwə
n. type of garden vegetable related to cabbage Origin: Italian caoli fiori, ‘cabbage flower’ Sentence: Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable.
CAULK OR CALK 'kawk
v., n. to seal; make watertight; something that prevents water from flowing out Origin: Latin calcare, ‘to tread or trample’ Sentence: A plug can be used to caulk this hole.
CELLOPHANE 'seləfān
n. thin transparent material used for wrapping goods Origin: French Sentence: Vegetables are sometimes wrapped in cellophane for display in the supermarket.
CENSUS
n. the official count of a country’s population, or of any other similar group of persons or things Origin: Latin censere, ‘to assess’ Sentence: A census is taken to list all persons eligible to vote.
'sensəs
CENTIPEDE 'sentipēd
CHARACTERISTIC karəktə'ristik
n. small wormlike creature with many segments and legs Origin: Latin centipeda from centum (‘hundred’) + pes pedis (‘foot’) Sentence: A centipede may have 15 to 190 pairs of legs. n., adj. special quality or feature; typical Origin: Greek kharakter, ‘stamp, impress’ Sentence: A useful characteristic of the team is its ability to play in pouring rain.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS CHLORINE 'klōrēn
CHORD 'kord
CHORES 'chōrz
CHRONICLE 'kronikl
n. a poisonous greenish-yellow chemical often used for purifying water, as disinfectant and bleach Origin: Greek khloros, ‘green’ Sentence: Chlorine is one of the chemicals used to purify water. n. group of musical notes sounded together; straight line joining two points on a curve Origin: Abbreviated from accord, ‘harmony’; Latin chorda ‘string’ Sentence: The pianist struck a chord as a signal to the choir. n. jobs to be done usually at home; routine tasks; tedious (disliked) work Origin: US, related to char (‘household work’) Sentence: Children usually have chores to do on weekends. n., v. record of events in the order of occurrence; narrative or account; to record such events Origin: Greek khronika, ‘annals’ Sentence: This history book gives a reliable chronicle of the events of 1865
CIVILITY si'viliti
n. politeness; courtesy Origin: Latin civilis, ‘civil’ (civis, ‘citizen’) Sentence: The debating team behaved with civility to their opponents.
CLASTIC
adj. composed of broken pieces of older rocks; breaking into fragments Origin: Greek klastos, ‘broken into pieces’ Sentence: This area is built mainly of clastic rocks.
'klastik CLAUDICATION klawdi'kāshən
n. cramping pain especially in the leg; limping Origin: Latin claudus, ‘lame’ Sentence: She’s not lame but experiences claudication at times.
COALITION
n. temporary alliance of two or more groups; union; fusion Origin: Latin co (‘together’) + alescere (‘to grow’) Sentence: The three political parties formed a coalition to manage the country.
kōə'lishən
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS COARSEN 'kōrsən
v. make or become coarse (rough, crude etc) Origin: Middle English Sentence: That chemical might coarsen instead of soften your skin.
COCKEREL 'kok(ə)rəl
n. young cock (male fowl) Origin: French coq Sentence: Observe that cockerel strut about the yard with the hens following him.
COINCIDENCE kō'insidəns
n. occurring together or being similar just by chance Origin: Middle English Sentence: What a coincidence that we’re both on the same flight and seated next to each other!
COIR 'koyə
n. fibre from the outer husk of the coconut Origin: Malayalam (an Indian language) kayar, ‘cord’ Sentence: Coir is sometimes used for making ropes, mats, and for compost.
COLANDER or CULLENDER 'kûləndə
n. bowl shaped pan with hole to strain off liquid Origin: Medieval English Sentence: I pour the boiled spaghetti into a colander to let it drain.
COLOSSUS
n. Likened to a huge statue in size and importance Origin: Greek Sentence: Usain Bolt has become a colossus figure in sports
kə'losəs COMBUSTIBLE kəm'bûstibl
COMMITTEE kə'miti / komi'tē
adj., n. capable of or used for burning; excitable; a combustible substance Origin: Latin combustus, ‘burnt up’ Sentence: We made a fire from wood, cardboard, and other combustible material. n. group of people selected by a larger body to do a special job Origin: Latin Word commit (‘put together, entrust’) + ee Sentence: We appointed a committee to investigate the matter and report to the club.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS CONSCIENCE 'konshəns
CONSUMPTION kən'sûm(p)shən
n. an inner sense that knows difference between right and wrong Origin: Latin conscire, ‘to know’ Sentence: I will do it if my conscience tells me it’s right. n. the act of consuming; amount consumed; the purchase and use of goods; disease of the tissues Origin: Latin: consumere ‘to take up completely’ Sentence: Eating of fried foods increases our consumption of oil.
CORPORAL 'korp(ə)rəl
n. army or police officer of rank next below sergeant Origin: Italian caporale Sentence: She was promoted to the rank of corporal in the army.
COUNCILLOR or COUNCILOR 'kowns(ə)lə
n. member of a council Origin: Latin concilium, ‘assembly’ Sentence: A member of the parish council is a councillor.
COUNSELLOR or COUNSELOR 'kowns(ə)lə
n. an adviser; one who counsels Origin: Latin consilium, ‘advice, consultation’ Sentence: Our school’s guidance counsellor gives good advice.
COUNTERFEIT adj., n., v. not genuine; an imitation; to imitate; to forge 'kowntəfit / 'kowntəfēt Origin: French countrefait, ‘copied’ Sentence: It is illegal to circulate counterfeit money. COURAGEOUS kə'rājəs
adj. brave; fearless; having great courage Origin: Latin cor, ‘heart’ Sentence: The courageous fireman rescued the child from the blazing building.
COURTEOUS 'kertyəs
adj. polite; having good manners; kind; considerate Origin: French corteis, ‘with courtly manners’ Sentence: He is usually courteous - not impolite like the others.
CREVICE 'krevis
n. narrow crack or opening Origin: French crever, ‘to burst’ Sentence: We could feel the cold wind coming through a crevice in the window.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
CRITICISM 'kritisizm
CROTON 'krōt(ə)n
n. finding fault; making judgment about an item or person Origin: Latin criticus, ‘judge, decide’ Sentence: I accept your criticism and am trying to do better. n. kind of shrub with ornamental leaves; a special shrub with capsule-like fruit Origin: Greek kroton, ‘tick, castor oil plant’ Sentence: Croton is a popular plant for making hedges.
CRUCIFIXION kroosi'fikshən
n. put to death by being nailed to a cross Origin: Latin cruci fixus ‘fixed to a cross’ Sentence: On Good Friday, Christians remember the Crucifixion of Christ.
CYLINDRICAL
adj. shaped like a cylinder (long solid or hollow container with rounded sides) Origin: Greek kulindros, ‘roll’ Sentence: Domestic cooking gas is sold mostly in a cylindrical container.
si'lindrik(ə)l
D DAFFODILS 'dafədilz
n. type of plant with trumpet-shaped flowers Origin: Latin asphodelus, Sentence: The girls enjoy gathering daffodils during spring.
DAHLIA
n. type of flowering garden plant with large bright flowers Origin: Named after Swedish botanist Anders Dahl Sentence: A dahlia is growing right at the edge of my garden.
'dāliə
DAMSEL 'damz(ə)l
n. young unmarried woman Origin: French damoisele, ‘lady’ Sentence: She’s a beautiful and clever damsel
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS DANDRUFF 'dandrûf
DEBATABLE DEBATEABLE di'bātəbl
n. scales that form on the scalp and fall off Origin: Uncertain Sentence: You may get rid of the dandruff if you wash and brush your hair properly. adj. questionable; doubtful; uncertain Origin: French debatre, ‘to discuss, argue’ Sentence: The thought that boys are smarter than girls is debatable.
DEBILITATE di'bilitāt
v. to enfeeble; weaken Origin: Latin debilis, ‘weak’ Sentence: The changes in the constitution will only serve to debilitate it.
DEBRIS 'debrē / 'dābrē
n. rubbish; scattered fragments Origin: French debrisier, ‘to break into pieces’ Sentence: There was a lot of debris left after the earthquake.
DEBTOR 'detə
n. person owing money or other debt Origin: Latin debere, ‘to owe’ Sentence: The debtor had difficulty finding the money to pay his bills
DECANTER di'kantə
n. glass container for decanting (pouring off) wine, etc Origin: Latin Sentence: Our host poured the wine from a decanter.
DECEASED di'sēst
n., v. dead person; died Origin: Latin decedere, ‘to depart’ Sentence: The body of the deceased was removed for burial.
DECEIT di'sēt
n. lying; deception; dishonest trick Origin: French deceivre, ‘to deceive’ Sentence: You cannot be trusted if you practise deceit.
DECELERATE
v. to make slower (decelerated motion); cause to move more slowly Origin: Latin Sentence: A wise motorist knows when to decelerate and when to accelerate.
dē'selərāt
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS DECOMPOSED dēkəm'pōzd
adj., v. decayed; broken down; disintegrated Origin: French decomposer Sentence: The decomposed bodies found in the woods were buried in a hurry.
DECORATIVELY 'dek(ə)rətivli
adv. attractively; pleasingly (in relation to appearance) Origin: Latin decorare, ‘to beautify’ Sentence: Fruits were decoratively displayed in baskets lined with greenery.
DEFECATE or DEFAECATE 'defikāt / 'dēfikāt
v. to empty the bowels Origin: Latin defaecare, ‘to cleanse from dregs’ Sentence: Children learn early to use the toilet when they want to defecate.
DEFIANCE
n. a challenge or opposition to authority; open disobedience; bold resistance Origin: Latin desfier, ‘to defy’ Sentence: They blocked the entrance in defiance of the police.
di'fīəns
DEFORMATION dēfor'māshən
DEFRAUD di'frawd
n. disfigurement; change in shape; perverted form of a word Origin: Latin deformare, ‘to deform’ Sentence: Persistent poor posture has caused a slight deformation in her shape. v. cheat; swindle Origin: Latin defruadare Sentence: The trickster tried to defraud the company.
DEGENERATE adj., v., n. having lost the qualities that are normal and desirable or proper to its kind; fallen from former di'jen(ə)rət / di'jenərāt excellence; person in this state Origin: Latin degenerare, ‘to depart from its kind, to decline’ Sentence: He’s trying hard to redeem his degenerate brother whose life is being wrecked. DELINQUENT di'liŋkwənt
adj., n. failing in one’s duty; person guilty of a minor crime, misdeed, omission, etc Origin: Latin delinquens, ‘offending’ Sentence: Delinquent parents often raise delinquent children.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS DEMOCRACY di'mokrəsi
DENOMINATOR di'nominātə
n. government by the people or their elected representatives Origin: Greek demokratia, ‘rule of the people’ Sentence: Citizens are proud to be part of this democracy. n. the devisor of a fraction (number below the line in a vulgar fraction) Origin: Latin denominator Sentence: The denominator in a vulgar fraction is usually larger than the numerator.
DENTURES 'denchəz
n. removable artificial teeth; set of false teeth Origin: French dent ‘tooth’ Sentence: My dentist is fitting me with new dentures.
DEPOT 'depō
n. bus or railway station; storehouse especially for military supplies Origin: French depot, ‘related to deposit’ Sentence: Many buses are parked at the depot.
DERMATOLOGIST dermə'toləjist
n. specialist in study and treatment of skin diseases Origin: Greek derma, ‘skin’ Sentence: I need to ask the dermatologist to examine the rashes on my arm.
DIFFERENTIATE
v. To constitute the distinction between Origin: Latin Sentence: One can differentiate subspecies of flies by the markings on their wings
difə'renshiāt DILEMMA di'lemə / dī'lemə
DISADVANTAGED disəd'va:ntijd
n. situation in which a choice has to be made between two equally undesirable options; indecision Origin: Greek di (‘twice’) + lemma, ‘assumption’ Sentence: He is in a dilemma as to whether he should sell the car or the house in order to pay the debt. adj. deprived; lacking normal social and economic benefits Origin: Medieval English Sentence: The needs of disadvantaged children cry out for attention.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS DISCORDANT di'skordənt
adj. not in harmony; disagreeing; clashing Origin: French descorder, ‘to disagree’ Sentence: There was not even one discordant note in the entire musical performance.
DIVERGENT
adj. spread out from central point; tending to reach a variety of possible solutions Origin: Latin di, (‘apart’) + vergere, (‘turn’); (‘diverge’) Sentence: No conclusion was reached, as the speakers expressed divergent views.
dī'verjənt / di'verjənt
DOCUMENTARY dokū'ment(ə)ri
DOMESTICATE də'mestikət / də'mestikāt
DOMICILIARY domi'siliəri
DORMITORY 'dormit(ə)ri
adj., n. providing record or report; film or radio presentation of facts Origin: Latin documentum, ‘a lesson’ (docere, ‘to teach’) Sentence: There is documentary proof that the money was spent on the project. adj. v. to naturalize (plant, animal); make fond of; tame Origin: Latin domus, ‘home’ Sentence: He plans to domesticate a number of wild birds and keep them in a garden. adj. of a dwelling place (especially in relation to the visit of doctor, etc. to a person’s house) Origin: From Latin domus, ‘home’ Sentence: Doctor’s pay domiciliary visits to homes for the aged and some orphanages. n. sleeping room with several beds esp. for school Origin: Latin dormitorium (dormio, ‘sleep’) Sentence: At boarding school the children sleep in a dormitory.
DOUBTLESSLY 'döwtlisli
adv. certainly; without doubt Origin: Middle English Sentence: The land title shows that he is doubtlessly the owner of the property.
DOWDY
adj. plainly or unattractively dressed; dull; unfashionable Origin: Middle English dowd, ‘a slut’ Sentence: She’s always attractively dressed, never dowdy.
'döwdi
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS DRAUGHT 'dra:ft
DRUDGE 'drûj
DUNGAREES dûngə'rēz
DUTIABLE 'dūtiəbl
DYEING 'dīiŋ
DYNAMITE 'dīnəmīt
n. current of air in a room; quantity of liquid swallowed in one go; disc used in a game of draughts Origin: Old English draht, Sentence: I felt a sudden draught as I sat by the window. n., v. labourer who does dull hard work; to do tedious manual work Origin: Middle English Sentence: At work he’s a drudge but he is always respectable. n. trousers or overalls made from coarse cotton cloth Origin: Hindi dungri, a coarse calico fabric Sentence: Dungarees are heavy-duty working clothes. adj. liable to customs or other duties Origin: French duete, ‘due’ Sentence: At the airport the visitor declared all his dutiable items. v. putting colour into or changing the colour of Origin: Old English deag, ‘a dye’ Sentence: We are dyeing the curtains a different colour. n., v. powerful explosive; to explode with dynamite Origin: Greek dynamis, ‘power’ Sentence: Dynamite was used to blow up the rocks
E ECCLESIASTICAL i,klēzi'astikəl
Adj. Relating to the church or clergy Origin: Greek Sentence: All the ecclesiastical readings were done by the pastor
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS ECSTASY 'ekstəsi
ECUMENICAL ēkū'menikəl / ekū'menikəl
EERIE 'e:ri
EFFEMINATE i'feminət / i'femināt
n. very strong feeling of joy and happiness Origin: Greek ekstasis, ‘standing outside oneself, a trance’ Sentence: The young child was in ecstasy at the prospect of meeting Santa Claus. adj. of or representing the whole Christian church; seeking or promoting worldwide Christian unity Origin: Greek oikoumenikos, ‘related to the world’ Sentence: All the churches have gathered for an ecumenical service at the National Stadium. adj. strange; weird; frightening Origin: Northern English and Scots eri Sentence: The creaking floor gives me an eerie feeling. adj. v. (a man) feminine in appearance or manner. Become womanish Origin: Latin effeminatus, ‘having become a woman’ Sentence: He used to be a bit effeminate, but is quite masculine now.
EFFICIENCY i'fishənsi
n. high capability; great competence; being effective Origin: Latin efficere, ‘to accomplish’ Sentence: She is admired for her efficiency as a teacher.
EFFIGY 'efiji
n. a sculpture or model of a person Origin: Latin effigere, ‘to shape or fashion’ Sentence: The demonstrators are carrying a huge effigy of their leader.
ELASTICITY n. flexibility; ability to spring back into shape ēla'stisiti / ela'stisiti / ila'stisiti Origin: Greek elastikos Sentence: The elasticity of the fabric makes the tights fit well. ELECTIONEERING ilekshə'ne:riŋ
n., v. the work of persuading people to vote for a political party, office or person; campaigning Origin: Latin electus, ‘picked’ Sentence: There was a lengthy period of electioneering before Election Day.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS ELIGIBLE 'elijibl
adj. fit or having a right; entitled; suitable Origin: Latin eligere, ‘to select’ Sentence: All persons of at least eighteen years are eligible to vote in the General Elections.
EMBRACEABLE
adj. (from embrace) likely or able to be embraced or hugged or included Origin: French embracer, ‘a pair of arms’ Sentence: She is fat but still embraceable.
em'brāsəbl / im'brāsəbl EMBROIDERY em'broyd(ə)ri im'broyd(ə)ri EMBRYONIC embri'onik
n. art or practice of sewing designs on cloth; articles decorated with this Origin: Middle English embrouderie, ‘needlework on cloth’ Sentence: Embroidery is done by hand or by sewing machine. adj. in an undeveloped or early stage of growth Origin: Greek embruon, ‘foetus’ Sentence: The plan is still at the embryonic stage but it will be developed.
EMOLUMENT e'molūmənt / i'molūmənt
n. salary or fee for employment Origin: Latin emolumentum, ‘benefit’ Sentence: He works too hard for such a small weakly emolument.
EMPHASES
n. plural of emphasis (stress or importance placed on a word or thing) Origin: Greek emphainein, ‘to exhibit’ Sentence: A word such as ‘embryonic’ is pronounced with two emphases.
'emfəsēz
EMUS 'ēmūz ENAMELLING or ENAMELING i'naməliŋ
n. plural of emu - a kind of large Australian bird Origin: Portuguese ema, ‘ostrich’ Sentence: Emus are almost as large as ostriches. v., n. applying a covering of enamel (a smooth hard coating); such covering Origin: French enamelar Sentence: Enamelling will help to preserve this old aluminium plate.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS ENCORE 'oŋkōr
ENCROACH en'krōch / in'krōch
n., v. call by audience for additional performance; the item that answers the call; to call for repeat performance Origin: French, encore, ‘still again’ Sentence: A loud encore from the audience brought the performers back on stage. v. to intrude on someone’s property; to go beyond limits Origin: French encrochier, ‘to seize’ Sentence: A fence ensures that each neighbour does not encroach on the property of the other.
ESCAPEE eskā'pē / i'skāpē
n. person who has escaped (got away) Origin: French escaper, ‘to free oneself’ Sentence: The escapee was caught and returned to prison.
ESSAYIST 'esāist
n. writer of essays (compositions) Origin: Latin exigere, ‘to weigh’ Sentence: He is a story-writer but she is an essayist.
EVENNESS 'ēv(ə)nnis
n. smoothness; being level; being uniform or equal Origin: Old English efen, ‘equal’ Sentence: The evenness of that hedge makes it look almost unreal.
EXCURSION ek'skershən / ik'skershən
n. journey usually by a group for pleasure Origin: excurrere, ‘to run out’ Sentence: We are going on an excursion to Castleton Gardens.
EXHIBITOR
n. person who provides item or items for an exhibition (display) Origin: Latin exhibere, ‘to hold out’ Sentence: Our Company is an exhibitor at the medical conference.
eg'zibitə / ig'zibitə
EXOTIC eg'zotik / ig'zotik
adj. attractively strange or rare; from a foreign place, not native Origin: Greek exoterikos (exo-, ‘outside’) Sentence: To us the ackee is an ordinary dish, but to visitors it is exotic.
EXPEDITIOUSLY
adv. In a speedy manner
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
ekspi'dishəsli
Origin: Latin Sentence: There is now a need to move expeditiously and to reach consensus with all stakeholders
EXPOSITION ekspə'zishən
n. large public exhibition; explanation; commentary Origin: Latin exponere, ‘to display’ Sentence: Many persons in business went to see the exposition on manufacture.
EXTERMINATE ek'stermināt / ik'stermināt
v. to destroy utterly (especially living things) Origin: Latin exterminare, ‘to drive away’ Sentence: Baits and traps are used to exterminate rats from the community.
F FAECES or FECES 'fēsēz
n. waste matter discharged from the bowels Origin: Latin faeces (plural of faex, ‘sediment, dregs’) Sentence: The discharge of faeces is a normal bodily function..
FAMILIARITY fəmili'ariti
n. close acquaintance with person or subject Origin: Latin familiaris, ‘domestic’ (familia, ‘family’) Sentence: His familiarity with the area makes his research relatively easy.
FANDANGLE fan'daŋgl
n. nonsense; tomfoolery; fantastic ornament Origin: Uncertain Sentence: No one was impressed with all that fandangle.
FASCINATE 'fasināt
v. to capture the interest of; attract Origin: Latin fascinare, ‘to bewitch’ Sentence: The tricks of the clown always fascinate young children.
FAUCET 'fawsit
n. tap or valve to regulate flow of water or other liquid Origin: French fausset, ‘vent-peg’ Sentence: Turn the faucet on and fill the bath with water.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS FAUNA 'fawnə
n. animal life of a region or period Origin: Latin Fauna, ‘rural goddess of living creatures’ Sentence: We are studying the flora and fauna of this valley.
FEIGN 'fān
v. pretend; imitate; invent Origin: Latin fingere, ‘to mould, invent, contrive’ Sentence: He tried to feign madness hoping to avoid punishment for the crime.
FEMININITY femi'niniti
n. matters relating to a woman Origin: Latin femina, ‘woman’, feminine, ‘little woman’ Sentence: The women argued that femininity was an important topic to discuss.
FEROCIOUS fə'rōshəs
FERRET 'ferit
adj. fierce; savagely cruel Origin: Latin ferox, ‘wild’ Sentence: The intruder was attacked by two ferocious dogs. n., v. small animal used in chasing rabbits or rats; to hunt or search Origin: Latin fur, ‘thief’ Sentence: The ferret chased the rat and caught it.
FIASCO fi'askō
n. ridiculous failure; humiliating outcome Origin: Italian fiasco, ‘flask’ Sentence: The plans he boasted about turned out to be a fiasco.
FIBREGLASS or FIBERGLASS 'fībəgla:s
n. plastic reinforced by glass fibres Origin: Latin fibra, ‘thread, fibre’ Sentence: The windows were made from fiberglass.
FIBROID
n. benign tumour growing in the womb; of fibrous tissue Origin: Latin fibra, ‘fibre’ Sentence: Since the fibroid is shrinking, she will not have to do surgery.
'fībroyd
FIGURINE 'figərēn / 'figūrēn
n. small statue; statuette Origin: Italian figurina, ‘small figure’ Sentence: On his desk is a figurine of his pet dog.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
FILLET 'filit
n.v. boneless piece of meat or fish; to remove bones from meat or fish Origin: Latin filum, ‘thread’ Sentence: The fillet was nicely cooked.
FLAMBOYANT flam'boyənt
adj. showy; gorgeous; bright and striking Origin: French flamboyant, ‘blazing’ Sentence: Carnival kings and queens wear the most flamboyant costumes.
FLANNELETTE flanə'let
n. cotton cloth like flannel (imitation of flannel) Origin: Uncertain. Probably Medieval English Sentence: She used flannelette to make sheets for the baby’s crib
FLIPPANT 'flipənt
adj. not serious; silly; frivolous Origin: Uncertain Sentence: The reasons she gave were flippant and not taken seriously.
FLIRTATIOUS fler'tāshēs
adj. teasing; trying to attract without serious intention Origin: Unknown Sentence: The young man misunderstood her flirtatious behaviour.
FLOUNCE 'flöwns
n., v. deep frill on a dress or skirt; to move in a way expressing impatience Origin: French froncir, ‘to wrinkle’; second meaning uncertain Sentence: The dressmaker added a flounce to the hem of the dress.
FOETUS or FETUS 'fētəs
n. unborn mammal Origin: Latin fetus, ‘offering’ Sentence: An ultrasound showed that the foetus was healthy.
FOMENT fə'ment / fō'ment
v. to instigate or stir up Origin: Latin fomentare, ‘to heat up’ Sentence: The presence of the intruder will foment trouble among the young people.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS FORGERY 'forj(ə)ri
FRACAS 'fraka: FRAGMENTARY 'fragment(ə)ri
FREIGHTER 'frātə
n. act of making an imitation, especially if illegal; a forged document Origin: Middle English Sentence: He was charged with forgery of a signature of one of the bank’s clients. n. Noisy disturbance or quarrel; a fight or brawl Origin: Italian Sentence: The opposing players were involved in a fracas adj. disconnected; incomplete; broken into pieces Origin: Latin frangere, ‘to break’ Sentence: We received only fragmentary news as the satellite signal was weak. n. ship or aircraft for carrying cargo; person concerned with loading cargo Origin: Dutch vrecht Sentence: The freighter arrived fully loaded.
FULMINATE 'fulmināt / 'fûlmināt
v. to denounce, condemn; flash like lighting Origin: Latin fulminare, ‘to hurl lightning’ Sentence: The congregation listened as the preacher continued to fulminate the deadly sins.
FUMIGATE 'fūmigāt
v. to kill germs by smoke or fumes; disinfect Origin: Latin fumigare, ‘to produce smoke or steam’ Sentence: They were advised to fumigate the rooms before occupying them.
FUNGI
n. plural of fungus (type of organism without leaves, roots, chlorophyll) Origin: Latin fungus, ‘mushroom’ Sentence: Moulds, mushrooms and toadstools are all fungi.
'fûnji / 'fûŋgi / 'fûnjī / 'fûŋgī
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
G GADGET 'gajit
n. small mechanical device or appliance or tool Origin: Uncertain Sentence: The new weed cutter is a very useful gadget.
GAIETY or GAYETY 'gāəti
n. merrymaking; festivity; colourful appearance Origin: French gaiete Sentence: The Independence celebrations bring on a season of gaiety.
GALVANISM 'galvənizm
n. electricity produced by chemical action Origin: Named after Luigi Galvani Sentence: Galvanism is electricity produced by chemical means as in a cell or battery.
GAUDINESS
n. appearing to over-dress, or to be too extravagant in dress Origin: Latin gaudere, ‘showy’ Sentence: Some laughed at her gaudiness, but others admired her dress.
'gawdinis
GAZEBO gə'zēbō
n. summer house that offers a pleasant view Origin: Coined from gaze Sentence: A gazebo is the ideal place to spend a warm afternoon.
GAZELLE gə'zel
n. a small antelope found in Asia and Africa Origin: Arabic ghazal, ‘wild goat’ Sentence: The gazelle is a slender, graceful animal
GELDING 'geldiŋ
n. animal (especially horse) that has been castrated Origin: Norse geldr, ‘barren’ Sentence: Only one gelding ran in the feature race of the day.
GENERIC
adj. general; not specific or special; shared by a whole group Origin: French generique Sentence: Generic drugs are usually less expensive than those with added ingredients.
ji'nerik
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS GENII 'jēniī
GERANIUM ji'rāniəm
n. plural of genie (a spirit in a fairy tale); and genius (a powerful spirit or influence) Origin: Latin genius, ‘attendant spirit’ Sentence: Elves and genii are characters in fairy tales. n. type of flowering plant - usually pink or purplish flowers Origin: Greek geranion Sentence: The geranium has covered the entire flower bed.
GERBERA 'jerb(ə)rə / 'gerb(ə)rə
n. type of small flowering plant Origin: Named after German naturalist, T Gerber Sentence: The gerbera thrives in our climate, and blooms brightly coloured flowers.
GHETTO 'getō
n. slum area in city; a segregated group or area Origin: Italian, probably getto named after a place Sentence: Life in the ghetto is not prosperous but it has produced some great artists and performers.
GIBE or JIBE 'jīb GINGHAM 'giŋəm
GLACIAL 'glāshəl / 'glāsiəl
GLAMORIZE or GLAMORISE or GLAMOURIZE or GLAMOURISE 'glamərīz
v., n. to jeer or mock; a jeer or instance of gibing Origin: French giber, ‘to handle roughly’ Sentence: People like to gibe others who look or are dressed differently. n. a type of striped or checked cotton cloth Origin: Malay ginggang, ‘striped’ Sentence: Gingham is a popular cloth for making uniforms. adj. like, relating to or caused by ice (a glacier); cold Origin: Latin glacialis, ‘icy’ Sentence: Though not made of ice, the carving does have a glacial appearance. v. to make (person or thing) seem glamorous, attractive Origin: An 18th century variation of grammar Scottish Sentence: She used to dress modestly until her fashionable sister decided to glamorise her.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS GLOSSARY 'glos(ə)ri
GLUTTONOUS 'glût(ə)nəs
n. brief dictionary or list of terms and their meanings in a particular book Origin: Latin glossarium (glossa, ‘explanatory word’) Sentence: The glossary at the back of the book explained all the unusual terms. adj. greedy (like a glutton, eating too much) Origin: Latin gluttus, ‘greedy’ Sentence: The gluttonous people got sick from overeating.
GLYCERINE or GLYCERIN 'glis(ə)rēn / 'glis(ə)rin
n. a kind of alcohol used in making soaps and many other items Origin: Greek glukeros, ‘sweet’ Sentence: Glycerine is used in the making of various household products.
GNASHED 'nasht
v. ground - past tense of gnash, ‘to grind’ (one’s teeth) Origin:Medieval English Sentence: The coach gnashed his teeth in anger at the team’s silly mistakes.
GOITRE or GOITER 'goytə
n. a swelling at the neck from an enlarged gland Origin: Latin guttur, ‘throat’ Sentence: The patient had an operation for her goitre.
GOOSEBERRY 'goosb(ə)ri / 'guzb(ə)ri
n. yellowish-green berry; shrub producing this berry Origin: Uncertain. Probably Old English Sentence: Gooseberry is a delicious, juicy fruit.
GORGEOUS 'gorjəs
GRAFFITI gra'fēti GRANDEUR 'grand-yə
adj. extremely beautiful, elegant, attractive Origin: French gorgias, ‘fine, elegant’ Sentence: It was a gorgeous room decorated with flowers and artwork. n. (plural of graffito) words or drawings scratched or painted on walls in public places Origin: Italian graffio, ‘ a scratch’ Sentence: The graffiti make those walls ugly. n. great beauty or power Origin: French grand, ‘great’ Sentence: The grandeur of those waterfalls is breathtaking.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
GRIEVOUS 'grēvəs
adj. very severe or painful; causing or showing grief Origin: Latin gravis, ‘heavy’ Sentence: A hurricane can cause grievous damage to a country.
GROGGILY 'grogili
adv. acting or behaving with a feeling of dizziness Origin: Named after a British soldier Sentence: The drunken people walked groggily to their homes.
GRUDGINGLY 'grûjiŋli
adv. unwillingly; resentfully; hesitantly Origin: French grouchier, ‘to grumble’ Sentence: I paid the money grudgingly because I thought the price was too high.
GUARANTEED garən'tēd
GYPSUM 'jipsəm
v., adj certified (given a warranty); sure, certain Origin: French guarantie Sentence: This clock is guaranteed to give three years of trouble-free service. n. soft mineral used to make plaster of Paris Origin: Greek gupsos, ‘chalk’ Sentence: Gypsum is mined in parts of Jamaica.
H HANDKERCHIEF 'haŋkəchif HANDSOMELY 'hansəmli
HAPHAZARD hap'hazəd
n. a square of cloth for wiping nose and face Origin Medieval English Sentence: I blow my nose into my handkerchief. adv. charmingly or beautifully; generously Origin: Middle English handsom, ‘easily handled, suitable’ Sentence: The bridegroom was handsomely dressed for his wedding. adj., adv. in a disorderly manner; at random Origin: Middle English Sentence: Her attendance at school was haphazard until she became better organized.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS HARASSMENT 'harəsmənt / hə'rasmənt
HARMONIOUS har'mōniəs
n. pestering; continually annoying Origin: French harer, ‘to set a dog on, harass’ Sentence: Your harassment will not make me change my mind. adj. pleasant-sounding; tuneful; pleasing combination Origin: Latin harmonia, ‘joining, concord’ Sentence: All the voices in a choir unite to sing a harmonious tune.
HASSOCK 'hasək
n. cushion for kneeling on in church; clump of grass Origin: Old English hassuc, ‘matted grass’ Sentence: The couple knelt on a hassock at the altar.
HATCHERY
n. place where eggs are hatched under artificial conditions Origin: Middle English hacche, ‘to hatch’ Sentence: Thousands of chickens are hatched in a hatchery then sold to farmers.
'hachəri
HAUGHTY 'hawti
adj. very proud; arrogant; behaving as if superior Origin: Latin altus, ‘high’ Sentence: He’s so haughty that nobody bothers to talk to him.
HAVERSACK 'havəsak
n. bag carried on the back or over the shoulder Origin: German haber (‘oats’) + sack (‘bag’) Sentence: A haversack is the best kind of bag for a hitchhiker.
HAWTHORN 'hawθorn
n. a kind of thorny shrub with red berries Origin: Old English haga, (‘hedge’) + thorn Sentence: A hawthorn bush may have pink or white blossoms.
HEDGEHOG 'hej(h)og
n. small prickly-backed animal with a pig-like snout Origin: Middle English hedge (from its home) + hog (from its snout) Sentence: A hedgehog rolls itself into a tight ball for protection.
HEIGHTENING 'hīt(ə)niŋ
v. building up; increasing Origin: Old English hehthu, ‘height’ Sentence: He is heightening his knowledge by reading more books.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
HEROIN 'herōin
n. a drug used to relieve pain, and as a narcotic Origin: German trademark probably from hero referring to supposed effect on user’s self-esteem Sentence: The prescription was a drug containing heroin.
HEROINE
n. female hero (champion; outstanding person; main character in story) Origin: Latin heros, ‘hero’ Sentence: The woman who rescued the children from the fire is our latest heroine.
'herōin
HICCUPY or HICCOUGHY 'hikûpi
adj. having feeling of a hiccup (sudden jerk of throat) Origin: French hocquet, ‘an abrupt interruption’ Sentence: Fizzy drinks usually make me quite hiccupy.
HIDEOUS 'hidiəs
adj. frightful; extremely ugly; revolting; terrifying Origin: French hide, ‘fear’ Sentence: I can’t bear to look at that hideous costume.
HOOLIGAN 'hooligən
HORRIFYING 'horifīiŋ
n. young ruffian (especially member of gang) Origin: Named after an Irish surname, Houlihan Sentence: The hooligan pushed everybody roughly, forcing himself into the bus. adj. horrendous; shocking Origin: Latin horror (‘horror’) + facere (‘to make’) Sentence: The escape of the guard dogs was a horrifying experience for people nearby.
HORTICULTURE 'hortikûlchə
n. gardening; cultivation of fruits, flowers, vegetables Origin: Latin hortus, ‘garden’ Sentence: That plot of fertile land is ideal for horticulture.
HYACINTH
n. a kind of flowering shrub with sweet smelling blooms Origin: Greek Hyakinthos, a youth in Greek myth, killed by Apollo and from whose blood a blue flower sprang Sentence: The hyacinth blooms flowers in clusters of blue, pink or white.
'hīəsinθ
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS HYALOID
adj.
'hīəloyd HYDRA
Glassy, clear and transparent Origin: Greek Sentence: The hyaloid membrane is found in the eye n. creature related to a jellyfish, with tentacles; water snake; monster in Greek mythology Origin: Greek hudra, ‘water snake’ Sentence: The Greeks thought that the hydra had many heads.
'hīdrə
HYENA or HYAENA hī'ēnə
n. a wild animal somewhat resembling a dog Origin: Greek, huaina, feminine of hus, ‘pig’ Sentence: When the spotted hyena barks, it sounds a bit like someone laughing.
HYPERTENSION hīpə'tenshən
n. abnormally high blood pressure Origin: Lat Sentence: She is taking regular medication for her hypertension.
HYPNOSIS
n. a kind of sleep in which one recalls things from one’s past Origin: Greek hupnos, ‘sleep’ Sentence: Under hypnosis he recalled childhood events that he had forgotten.
hip'nōsis
HYPNOTIZE or HYPNOTISE 'hipnətīz HYSSOP 'hisəp
v. put in a trance; put under a spell Origin: Greek hupnos, ‘sleep’ Sentence: Eventually she allowed the psychologist to hypnotize her. n.
Type of plant used for purification Origin: Greek Sente nce: Hyssop is used in some Jewish religious ceremonies
I IDEOLOGY īdi'oləji / idi'oləji
n. political or social ideas or theory Origin: Greek idea, ‘form or kind’ Sentence: The communist ideology was recently rejected in some countries.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS IDIOM 'idiəm
n. expression or language peculiar to a people; dialect Origin: Greek idioma, ‘private property’ Sentence: This phrase is not grammatical but is an idiom we use.
IKEBANA iki'ba:nə
n. Japanese art of flower arrangement Origin: Japanese ikebana, ‘living flowers’ Sentence: Ikebana was on display at the recent Flower Show
ILLEGIBLE i'lejibl
ILLEGITIMATE ili'jitimət / ili'jitimāt
ILLICIT i'lisit
ILLUSION i'loožən / i'lūžən
adj. not easily read; not legible Origin: Latin Sentence: He types most of his letters as his writing is so illegible. adj., v. born to parents not married to each other; unlawful; to declare unlawful Origin: Latin Sentence: Her parents are unmarried so she is an illegitimate child. adj. unlawful; forbidden; illegal Origin: Latin Sentence: The illicit sale of drugs landed them in prison. n. false impression or belief; state of being deceived Origin: Latin illusio, ‘mockery’ Sentence: She was under the illusion that he was an honest person until she found out otherwise.
ILLUSTRIOUS i'lûstriəs
adj. distinguished; famous; renowned Origin: Latin illustris, ‘bright, lustrous’ Sentence: They travelled long distance to see and hear the illustrious performer.
IMMATERIAL imə'te:riəl
adj. not important; not formed of matter Origin: Latin immaterialis Sentence: Long flowery speeches are immaterial to a country’s development.
IMMEMORIAL imi'moriəl
adj. ancient; beyond memory or record Origin: Latin immemorialis Sentence: To greet someone by shaking hands has been in practice from time immemorial.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS IMMENSELY i'mensli
IMMERSION i'mershən
adv. very much (to an immense extent) Origin: Latin immensus, ‘immeasurable’ Sentence: She enjoyed herself immensely at the party. n. being dipped in water e.g. baptism Origin: Latin Latin immergere, ‘to dip in, immerse’ Sentence: In some churches baptism involves total body immersion in water.
IMMINENT 'iminənt
adj. about to happen; impending Origin: Latin imminere, ‘to project, overhang’ Sentence: Take your umbrella; rain is imminent.
IMPASSABLE im'pa:səbl
adj. not able to be travelled on, through, over Origin: Middle English Sentence: Landslides have blocked the road making it impassable.
IMPECCABLE im'pekəbl
adj. faultless; exemplary Origin: Latin impeccabilis, (peccare, ‘to sin’) Sentence: His impeccable behaviour makes him a role model for his peers.
IMPENETRABLE im'penitrəbl
adj. not able to enter or to understand; not penetrable Origin: Latin impenetrabilis (‘im’ + ‘penetrable’) Sentence: The hunters turned back, unable to cut through the impenetrable forest.
IMPERCEPTIBLE impə'septibl
adj. very slight; hard to grasp Origin: Latin Sentence: The sound was imperceptible; we could hardly hear it.
IMPETUOUS im'petūəs
adj. acting hastily, with sudden energy; violent Origin: Latin impetuosus, Sentence: When it comes to shopping at the mall, she tends to be more impetuous than cautious.
IMPLEMENT
n., v. tool, instrument, utensil; to put decision, plan etc. into effect Origin: Latin implementa, ‘implement’; implere, ‘to employ’ Sentence: The hoe is an implement for digging.
'implimənt / 'impliment
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
INAUGURAL i'nawgūrəl
adj. relating to the first, beginning, introduction Origin: Latin inaugurare, ‘to inaugurate’ Sentence: The inaugural speech of the new president was well received.
INAUSPICIOUS inaw'spishəs
adj. ill-omened; unlucky; unfavourable Origin: Latin Sentence: The time is inauspicious for a wedding as the parties are mourning the loss of a parent.
INCANDESCENT inkan'desənt
adj. glowing ‘white’ light; shining brightly Origin: Latin candeo, ‘be white’ Sentence: Incandescent bulbs provide good light for reading.
INCARCERATED in'karsərātid
INCESSANT in'sesənt
INCISION in'sižən
v. imprisoned Origin: Latin incarcerare, ‘put in prison’ Sentence: Having been found guilty he was incarcerated. adj. continual; not ceasing Origin: Latin in (‘not’) + cessare (‘to cease’) Sentence: Although they were tired they did not waiver in their incessant study. n. cutting into a thing (eg by a surgeon); a cut or notch Origin: French incision or Latin incisio Sentence: The surgeon made a small incision to remove the cyst.
INCLEMENT in'klemənt
adj. severe cold or stormy (weather) Origin: Latin inclemens Sentence: Fishermen at sea are advised to hurry home because of the inclement weather condition.
INCOGNITO inkog'nētō / in'kognitō
adv. with one’s name or identity kept secret Origin: Latin incognitos, ‘unknown’ Sentence: A famous person may travel incognito to avoid special attention..
INCOMPARABLE in'komp(ə)rəbl
adj. unequalled; supreme; not to be compared Origin: Latin Sentence: He was honoured for his incomparable service to the community.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS INCOMPATIBLE inkəm'patibl
adj. opposed in character; discordant Origin: Latin Sentence: The parties were incompatible and could not work together.
INCONGRUOUS in'koŋgruəs
adj. out of place; not appropriate; absurd Origin: Latin Sentence: His vulgar actions were incongruous with the sacredness of the occasion.
INCORRIGIBLE
adj. (person) incurably bad; not readily improved; having a habit that cannot be corrected Origin: Latin Sentence: I have given up trying to reform that incorrigible liar.
in'korijibl
INCREMENT 'iŋkrimənt
n. increase or added amount Origin: Latin incrementum, ‘growth’ Sentence: Government employees receive an annual increment to their salaries.
INCUR in'ker
v. to bring upon oneself; become liable for Origin: Latin incurrere, Sentence: If he does not give up that failing business he will incur a big debt.
INDEBTED in'detid
adj. owing money or gratitude; having an obligation Origin: French endetter, ‘to involve in debt’ Sentence: I am indebted to you for rescuing me.
INDEFATIGABLE indi'fatigəbl
adj. tireless; steady; constant (of person); unflagging Origin: Latin indefatigabilis Sentence: We are indebted to you for your indefatigable efforts through thick and thin.
INDEFENSIBLE indi'fensibl
adj. cannot be justified or defended Origin: Latin Sentence: The attack on those innocent citizens was indefensible.
INDENTURE in'denchə
n., v. sealed contract especially for work; to bind a person by such contract Origin: Anglo-French endenture Sentence: The terms of the indenture were read to the employee.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS INDICES 'indisēz
INDICTMENT in'dītmənt
n. another plural for index (mathematical sense – number, symbol, sign) Origin: Latin index, ‘forefinger, informer, sign’ Sentence: Examination results are not the only indices of success. n. formal accusation of a crime; condemnation Origin: Latin indicere, ‘to announce’ Sentence: The indictment came as a shock to the suspect and those who knew her.
INDIGESTIBLE indi'jestibl / indī'jestibl
adj. difficult or impossible to digest (absorb, assimilate) Origin: Latin Sentence: Indigestible food may cause abdominal discomfort
INDISCREET indi'skrēt
adj. careless; not tactful; undiplomatic Origin: Latin Sentence: His indiscreet remarks made him unpopular with some listeners.
INDISCRIMINATE indi'skriminət
adj. done or acting at random; making no distinction Origin: Latin Sentence: The soldiers were scolded for their indiscriminate shooting.
INDISPENSABLE or INDISPENSIBLE indi'spensəbl
adj. absolutely necessary; essential Origin: Lat Prefix in (‘not’) + word dispensable (‘unnecessary’) Sentence: Brakes are indispensable to a motorcar.
INERTIA i'nershə
INEXHAUSTIBLE inig'zawstibl
INFERENCE 'inf(ə)rəns
n. lack of energy; tendency to remain unchanged Origin: Latin iners, ‘unskilled or idle’ Sentence: This country must rise from its inertia and begin to really produce. adj. endless; that cannot be used up; tireless Origin: Latin Sentence: Children seem to have an inexhaustible source of energy. n. conclusion drawn; observation or deduction Origin: Latin inferred, ‘to bring in’ Sentence: What inference can you draw from his constant visit to that spot?
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS INNUMERABLE i'nūm(ə)rəbl
adj. too many to be counted; uncountable Origin: Latin in (‘not’) + numerabilis (‘able to be counted’) Sentence: The grains of sand on the shore are innumerable.
INSATIABLE in'sāshəbl
adj. extremely greedy; unable to be satisfied Origin: Latin insatiabilis, Sentence: Her addiction caused an insatiable appetite for alcohol.
INSTANTANEOUS instən'tāniəs
adj. occurring or done instantly (at once, very quickly) Origin: Latin instantaneus Sentence: As we ran into the shed there came an instantaneous flash of lighting.
INSTINCTIVELY
adv. prompted by instinct or intuition; through instinct; automatically Origin: Latin instinctus, ‘roused, instinct’ Sentence: A dog instinctively barks at an approaching stranger.
in'stiŋ(k)tivli
INTERCEPT intə'sept
INTERDISCIPLINARY intə'disiplin(ə)ri
INTERROGATE in'terəgāt
INTRINSIC in'trinsik
v. to seize, catch or stop from going; check or stop an activity Origin: Latin interceptus, ‘seized between places’ Sentence: The guard was on the watch to intercept his leaving. adj. involving two or more areas of study Origin: Latin Prefix inter, (‘together’) + word disciplinary Sentence: Here is an interdisciplinary course involving three branches of study. v. to question a person closely and thoroughly Origin: Latin interrogatus, ‘asked at intervals’ Sentence: The police are about to interrogate the man suspected of committing the offence. adj. essential; inherent; inborn; fundamental Origin: Latin intrinsecus, ‘inwardly’ Sentence: The pin has little intrinsic worth but great sentimental value.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS IRRELIGIOUS iri'lijəs
adj. hostile or indifferent to religion Origin Latin Sentence: The church does not support irreligious practices like human sacrifices
IRRIGATE 'irigāt
v. to water land by means of channels etc Origin: Latin irrigatus, ‘watered’ Sentence: Farmers irrigate the dry lands for the crops to flourish.
ISTHMUS 'isθməs / 'istməs / 'isməs
n. a narrow piece of land connecting two larger pieces Origin: Greek isthmos Sentence: Panama is an isthmus, connecting Central and South America.
ITINERARY ī'tinərəri / i'tinərəri
n. planned route for a journey or trip; record of travel Origin: Latin itinerarium Sentence: My itinerary to Europe includes a stop in London.
J JACINTH 'jasinθ / 'jāsinθ
n. a precious stone also called hyacinth Origin: Latin hyacinthus, ‘hyacinth’ Sentence: The jacinth is a reddish stone used as a gem.
JACUZZI
n. large bath with underwater jets that massage the body Origin: Named after US inventor C. Jacuzzi Sentence: I prefer a quick shower but Mom likes to relax in the Jacuzzi.
jə'koozi
JADED 'jādid
adj. weary; exhausted; very tired and worn out Origin: Uncertain Sentence: After a rough day at work, the staff went home feeling jaded.
JEJUNE
adj. Intellectually unsatisfying; shallow; uninteresting Origin: Latin Sentence: These writings are jejune and uninspiring
ji'joon
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS JOCULAR 'jokūlə
adj. merry; fond of joking Origin: Latin joculus, ‘a little joke’ Sentence: He is a jocular person, who keeps the party merry.
JOSTLED 'josld
n. pushed and shoved Origin: Middle English jostle (similar to joust ‘to fight etc’) Sentence: The ruffian jostled his way to the front of the crowded bus.
JUNCTURE 'jûŋ(k)chə
n. critical moment or point in time; joining of things Origin: Latin junctura, ‘connection’ Sentence: At this juncture in our school life, we need to become serious about studying.
JURORS
n. members of a jury (body of people judging a case in court); people judging an event Origin: French jurare, ‘to swear’ Sentence: A jury consists of jurors who swear to make honest judgement of the case.
'jůrəz
K KAYAK 'kīak
n. skin-covered Eskimo canoe Origin: Eskimo Sentence: When the ice melted the Eskimo sailed off in his kayak.
KENNELLED 'kenəld
v. put into or kept in a kennel (house for dog) Origin: Latin canis, ‘dog’ Sentence: The dogs are kennelled whenever we expect visitors.
KILN 'kiln
n. furnace or oven for baking, drying pottery etc Origin: Latin culina, ‘kitchen’ Sentence: The potter has just put the clay pots in the kiln for baking.
KIOSK
n. a kind of open booth for selling food, newspapers etc, or for housing public telephone Origin: Turkish kiushk, ‘pavillion’ Sentence: At the fair there was a kiosk with the most delicious ice cream.
'kēosk
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
KIWIS 'kēwēz / 'kēwiz
KNICKERS 'nikəz
n. plural of kiwi (a kind of New Zealand bird; a fruit named after that bird) Origin: Maori Sentence: Kiwis have hair-like feathers and a long bill, but they cannot fly. n. woman’s undergarment made a bit like shorts Origin: From word knickerbockers Sentence: Knickers were worn by women and girls long ago, but not nowadays.
L LABORATORY lə'borət(ə)ri / 'lab(ə)rət(ə)ri
n. place for scientific research or manufacture Origin: Latin laboratorium (laborare, ‘to work’) Sentence: Today we should know the result of the test in the laboratory.
LARCENY 'lars(ə)ni
n. theft of personal property Origin: French larcin Sentence: The punishment for larceny is imprisonment or a fine.
LAVATORY 'lavət(ə)ri / lə'vāt(ə)ri
n. toilet; room containing toilet(s) Origin: Latin lavare, ‘to wash’ Sentence: This school has a lavatory for girls and one for boys.
LEATHERETTE leθə'ret
n. imitation leather Origin: Old English lether, ‘leather’ Sentence: The settee is covered with brown leatherette.
LENTIL
n. type of small seeds used as food; legumes producing the seeds Origin: Latin lenticula, ‘little lentil’ Sentence: Most vegetarians eat a lot of lentil.
'lentəl LICENCE or LICENSE 'līsəns
n.v. official permission to own or do something; permit Origin: Latin licere, ‘to be lawful’ Sentence: I have a licence to drive a car.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS LIMOUSINE limə'zēn LIQUESCENT li'kwesənt
n. large luxurious motor car Origin: French Sentence: The bride rode in a white limousine. adj. Becoming or apt to become liquid Origin: Latin Sentence: Keep it frozen as it is as liquescent as water
LIQUOR 'likə
n. alcoholic drink (usually distilled) Origin: Latin liquor Sentence: People buy and drink liquor at the bar.
LOGICIAN lə'jishən
n. one skilled in the science of reasoning Origin: Greek logike (tekhne), ‘art’ of reason Sentence: Mr Harley, the logician, can teach you how to reason.
LONGITUDE 'lonjitūd / 'loŋgitūd
n. angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian Origin: Latin longitudo ‘length’ (longus, ‘long’) Sentence: Lines of longitude mark distances on the world map.
LOUVRE or LOUVER 'luvə
n. set of slats in door or window to admit air and light but throw off rain Origin: French lovier, ‘skylight’ Sentence: We can adjust the louvre to get more air into the room.
LURCH 'lerch
n., v. sudden unsteady movement; stagger; to move suddenly unsteadily Origin: ME lee-lurch, ‘drifting to leeward’ Sentence: He made a lurch then grabbed the rail and steadied himself.
M MACAW mə'kaw
n. long-tailed brightly coloured parrot Origin: Portuguese macao Sentence: The macaw is one of the largest members of the parrot family.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
MACHETE mə'cheti / mə'sheti MAGENTA mə'jentə
MAGPIE 'magpī
MALADMINISTER maləd'ministə
MALICIOUS mə'lishəs
n. gardening and chopping tool resembling a large knife Origin: Spanish macho, ‘hammer’ Sentence: We use a machete to chop wood. n. bright mauvish-crimson colouring; a dye of this colour Origin: Named after Italian town, Magenta Sentence: The colours of the school flag are green, yellow, and magenta. n. long-tailed crow; other similar black and white birds; a person who collects small objects Origin: Uncertain Sentence: The black and white magpie likes to collect shine objects. v. to manage badly or improperly Origin: Medieval English Sentence: When managers maladminister affairs, the company fails. adj. spiteful; evil or wicked; revengeful Origin: Latin malus, ‘bad’ Sentence: Even kind people can be malicious sometimes.
MALIGNANCY mə'lignənsi
n. harmfulness; destructiveness Origin: Latin malus, ‘bad’ Sentence: The is no evidence of malignancy in the scar so it will soon heal
MAMMALIAN
adj. adjective from mammal (‘animal which gives suck to its young) Origin: Latin mammalis, ‘of the breast’ Sentence: Human beings belong to the mammalian family.
ma'māliən
MANGE 'mānj
adj. a skin disease of animals; shabby Origin: French mangeue, ‘itch’ Sentence: Mange causes a dog to lose hair and to itch all over.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS MANICURIST 'manikyurist
MARIHUANA or MARIJUANA mari'hwa:nə / maryu'a:nə MARRIAGEABLE 'marijəbl
MASCULINITY maskū'liniti
MASSACRING 'masəkəriŋ
n. person who does professional treatment of the hands and fingernails Origin: Latin manus, ‘hand’ + cura, ‘care’ Sentence: The manicurist has polished my fingernails beautifully. n. dried bush of the hemp used as a drug; cannabis; Origin: Latin American Spanish Sentence: Marijuana is said to be one of the oldest known drugs. adj. fit for marriage (e.g. at the right age) Origin: French marriage / marry + age Sentence: All their children are now adults; independent and marriageable. n. manliness; maleness Origin: Latin masculinus Sentence: He thought that refusing to cry would show his masculinity. v., n. slaughtering (especially persons) Origin: French macacre, ‘slaughterhouse’ Sentence: The soldiers were massacring their enemy mercilessly.
MAYONNAISE māə'nāz
n. a type of thick creamy sauce Origin: French Sentence: They like both ketchup and mayonnaise on their French fries.
MEMENTO
n. an object kept as reminder or souvenir of a person or event Origin: Latin meminisse, ‘to remember’ Sentence: This smooth white stone is a memento of our wonderful week on the beach.
mi'mentō
MIGRAINE 'mīgrān / 'mēgrān
n. a special kind of throbbing headache usually on one side of the head Origin: Greek hemikrania, ‘half skull’ Sentence: A migraine is one of the worst types of headache that you can experience.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS MILLENNIUM or MILLENIUM mi'leniəm
n. a period of 1000 years; a particular period of Christ’s rule, of future happiness Origin: Latin mille (‘thousand’) + annus (‘year’) Sentence: January 1, 2001 marked the beginning of a new millennium.
MIRRORING 'mirəriŋ
v. reflecting; showing in a mirror Origin: French mirer, ‘to look at’ Sentence: Newspapers claim that they are only mirroring the views of the people.
MISTLETOE
n. a kind of evergreen parasite that bears white berries in winter Origin: Old English misteltan Sentence: The mistletoe is a popular plant at Christmas time.
'misltō
MOISTURISER or MOISTURISER 'moyschərīzə
n. something that makes another thing moist (less dry) Origin: Latin mucidus, ‘musty’ Sentence: She uses a moisturizer cream to soften her dry hands.
MONOLOGUE or MONOLOG 'monəlog
n. long speech by one actor; scene in which an actor speaks alone; a play for one actor Origin:Greek Sentence: The opening scene of the play was a monologue by the main character.
MORTGAGE 'morgij
n., v. borrowing of money with land or house as security; the loan itself; the transaction itself Origin: French mort (‘dead’) + gage (‘pledge’) Sentence: We didn’t have enough money, so we took out a mortgage on the house.
MORTUARY 'mortūəri / 'morchuəri
n. place for storing dead bodies; morgue Origin: Latin mortuus, ‘dead’ Sentence: Bodies are kept in a mortuary until they are to be buried.
MOUSTACHE or MUSTACHE mə'sta:sh
n. hair grown above one’s upper lip Origin: Greek mustax, ‘upper lip’ Sentence: His moustache joins with his beard to give him a very bushy face.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS MURMURING 'merməriŋ
n., adj., v. making soft, low rumbling sound; grumbling or complaining Origin: Latin murmurare, ‘to rumble’ Sentence: The murmuring of the students at the back reminded us that it was lunch time.
MYSTERIOUSLY mi'ste:riəsli
adv. happening in a strange way – beyond explanation Origin: Greek musterion, ‘secret rites (ceremonies)’ Sentence: Santa Claus mysteriously walks in through locked doors!
MYTHICAL
adj. not real, based on myth (untrue tale); exist only in a myth Origin: Greek muthos, ‘fable, word’ Sentence: Stories about elephants having long memories are mythical (as elephants really don’t).
'miθik(ə)l
N NAÏVE nī'ēv / na:'ēv
adj. innocent; simple; believing; gullible Origin: Latin nativus, ‘native’ Sentence: The naïve child didn’t understand the real meaning of the tricksters.
NASEBERRY 'nāzb(ə)ri
n. a fruit also called sapodilla Origin: Spanish and Portuguese nespera, ‘medlar’ Sentence: Naseberry is a very sweet and juicy fruit.
NAUSEA 'nawziə / 'nawsiə
n. a feeling that one is about to vomit; disgust Origin: Greek nausia, ‘seasickness’ Sentence: Travelling on winding roads gives me a feeling of dizziness and sometimes nausea.
NAUSEOUS 'nawziəs / 'nawsiəs
adj. affected with nausea (feeling like vomiting); causing nausea; disgusting Origin: Greek nausia, ‘seasickness’ Sentence: Travelling on winding roads makes me dizzy and nauseous.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS NECROMANCY 'nekrəmansi / 'nekrōmansi
NEFARIOUS ni'fe:riəs NEGLIGIBLE 'neglijibl
NEMESIS 'nemisis
NEONATAL 'nēənātəl / 'nēōnātəl
NEURALGIA nůr'raljə
NEUROLOGY nůr'roləji
NEUROTIC nůr'rotik
n. prediction of the future by supposed communication with the dead Origin: Greek necros (‘corpse’) + mantis (‘prophet’) Sentence: Children are afraid of that man who is said to practise necromancy. adj. Wicked; sinful; evil; iniquitous Origin: Latin Sentence: The pirates of the Caribbean were quite nefarious adj. very slight; insignificant; unimportant Origin: Latin negligere, ‘to disregard’ Sentence: That mistake is so negligible; you won’t lose any marks for it. n. person or thing which brings retribution (punishment) to another; one’s fate, retribution Origin: Latin nemein, ‘to give what is due’ Sentence: That policeman who always catches me speeding must be my nemesis. adj. relating to newly born children Origin: Latin neonatus, ‘neonate, newborn’ (natus, ‘born’) Sentence: A nurse is advising the mother on neonatal care for the newborn child. n. intense pain along the course of a nerve especially in the head or face Origin: Greek neuron, ‘nerve’ Sentence: His headache was diagnosed as neuralgia. n. scientific study of the nerve system Origin: Greek neuron, ‘nerve’ Sentence: These doctors are specialists in neurology. adj. mentally unbalanced; disturbed or maladjusted Origin: Greek neuron, ‘nerve’ Sentence: Her behaviour appeared neurotic, so she was taken to a doctor.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS NEWT 'nūt
NIACIN 'nīəsin
NICHE nich / nēsh
NICOTINE 'nikətēn
NIGGARDLY 'nigədli
NIMBUS 'nimbəs
NOCTURNAL nok'ternəl
NOMINEE nomi'nē
n. small lizard-like animal that lives partly on land, partly in water Origin: Middle English an + ewt (hence a newt) Sentence: A newt lives on land for part of the year and in water during the breeding season. n. a type of vitamin B found in foods like milk and eggs Origin: chemical compound Sentence: Niacin is an important chemical in our bodies. n. shallow recess in a wall; suitable or special place, job, market etc Origin: Latin nidus, ‘nest’ Sentence: There is a niche in the wall where the sculpture will be placed. n. poisonous narcotic contained in tobacco Origin: Named after J Nicot who introduced tobacco into France Sentence: Nicotine is a poisonous substance inhaled by smokers of cigarettes and cigars. adj., adv. stingy; meagre; in a stingy manner Origin: Middle English, nigon Sentence: She’s so niggardly she who won’t even buy herself a proper meal. n. a kind of rain cloud; a halo Origin: Latin nimbus, ‘cloud, radiance’ Sentence: That layer of nimbus clouds will bring us rain this afternoon. adj. active mostly at night; happening at or relating to night Origin: Latin nocturnes, ‘of the night’ Sentence: Animals that prowl mostly at night are considered to be nocturnal. n. a person who has been nominated for an office or an award Origin: Latin nominatus, ‘named’ Sentence: Jason is a nominee for the art scholarship and I hope he gets it.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS NONCHALANT 'nonshələnt
adj. calm and casual; unconcerned Origin: French non (‘not’) + chaloir (‘to matter’) Sentence: Your nonchalant attitude gives the impression that you do not care.
NONDESCRIPT
adj., n. very ordinary; without remarkable features; a person or thing like this Origin: Latin Prefix non (‘not’) + descript (‘described’) Sentence: This art is so nondescript it will attract little interest.
'nondiskript
NONETHELESS 'nûnθəles
adv. nevertheless; however Origin: Middle English Sentence: I did not get a new dress; nonetheless I’ll be at that party.
NOSTALGIA no'stalj(i)ə
n. yearning for the past; homesickness Origin: Greek nostos, ‘return home’ Sentence: Adults speak with such nostalgia for what they call ‘the good old days’!
NOVELETTE novə'let
n. a short novel; a short piece of piano music Origin: French Sentence: This novel is so short that I think it’s really just a novelette.
NOVELLAS nə'veləz / nō'veləz
n. short novels; novelettes Origin: Italian Sentence: I have read many novels but hardly any novellas.
NOXIOUS 'nokshəs
NUCLEI 'nūkliī
adj. harmful to plants, animals etc; unwholesome; poisonous Origin: Latin noxa, ‘harm’ Sentence: The river is unsafe because of noxious chemicals seeping into it from the factory. n. plural of nucleus (central part of a larger object, system, organization) Origin: Latin nucleus, ‘kernel’ (nux, ‘nut’) Sentences: The nuclei of all these organizations are the secretarial pools.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS NULLIFIED 'nûlifīd
v. cancelled; abolished Origin: Latin nullus, ‘none’ Sentence: The increased cost of lunch has nullified the increase I got in pocket money.
NUNNERY 'nûn(ə)ri
n. a convent; home for nuns Origin: Latin nonna, female of nonnus, ‘monk’ Sentence: All the nuns in this area live in the nunnery on the church premises.
NYMPHS
n. mythological spirits regarded as young women and associated with nature Origin: Greek nymphe, ‘nymph or bride’ Sentence: The nymphs of the ancient Greeks inhabited mountains, streams and other places.
'nimfs
O OBEISANCE ə'bāsəns / ō'bāsəns
n. Bow; curtsey; respectful gesture; homage; submission Origin: French Sentence: Christians pay obeisance to Jesus Christ
OBESITY ə'bēsiti / ō'bēsiti
n. excessive fatness; extreme overweight Origin: Latin obesus Sentence: Eating moderately helps to prevent obesity.
OBITUARY
n. notice of death; account of the life of a deceased person Origin: Latin obitus, ‘death’ Sentence: .An obituary in the newspaper informed friends of his death.
ə'bichuəri / ō'bichuəri
OBLIQUE ə'blēk
OBOE 'ōbō
adj., n. slanting; indirect; an oblique line etc Origin: Latin obliquus, Sentence: You need to construct an oblique line to divide that angle. n. musical instrument – wood wind Origin: French haut bois, ‘high wood’ (because of the nasal tone) Sentence: He plays the oboe in our band.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
OBSCENE əb'sēn
adj. indecent; highly offensive Origin: Latin obscenus, ‘indecent abominable’ Sentence: They objected to the obscene language of the intruder.
OBSESSED əb'sest
v. preoccupied; haunted or possessed by an idea etc Origin: Latin obsessus, ‘beseiged, possessed’ Sentence: He is obsessed with the idea of being a leader.
OBSOLETE 'obsəlēt
adj. no longer in use or practice; out of date Origin: Latin obsoletus, ‘worn out’ Sentence: Most prehistoric tools are now obsolete.
OBSTETRICS əb'stetriks
OBSTINATELY 'obstnətli
n. branch of medicine dealing with pregnancy and childbirth Origin: Latin obstetrix, ‘midwife’ Sentence: Pregnant women are treated by doctors and nurses trained in obstetrics. adj. stubbornly; firmly; persistently Origin: Latin obstinare, ‘to persist’ Sentence: He obstinately refused to give the information.
OCTOPUSES 'oktəpəsiz
n. soft sea animals with eight arms Origin: Greek okto (eight) + pous podos ‘foot’ Sentence: In the fisherman’s net were two octopuses.
OCULIST 'okūlist
n. eye doctor; specialist in eye treatment Origin: Latin oculus, ‘eye’ Sentence: The oculist examined and treated my eyes.
OESOPHAGUS or ESOPHAGUS i'sofəgəs
n. passage from mouth to stomach; gullet Origin: Greek oisophagos Sentence: I can hardly swallow as my oesophagus is infected.
OFFICIOUS ə'fishəs
adj. domineering; giving unwanted help or orders Origin: Latin officiousus; ‘obliging, dutiful’ Sentence: His officious manner makes him unpopular in the office.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS OGRE 'ōgə
n. mythical man-eating giant; terrifying person Origin: Uncertain French Sentence: In a particular children’s story, the ogre was captured and locked away.
OLEANDER ōli'andə
n. type of flowering poisonous shrub Origin: Latin Sentence: The oleander blooms clusters of white, pink or red flowers.
OMBUDSMAN 'ombudzmən
n. official appointed to investigate people’s complaint about public authorities Origin: Swedish ombudsman, ‘legal representative’ Sentence: The ombudsman impartially investigates citizen’s complaints.
OMELETTE or OMELET 'omlit
n. dish of beaten eggs fried with or without a filling Origin: French omelette Sentence: For breakfast we had a cheese omelette.
OMINOUSLY 'ominəsli
adv. threatening of evil happening; with fearful signs Origin: Latin ominosus Sentence: As the hurricane drew near, the rain clouds hung ominously.
OMNIVOROUS om'niv(ə)rəs
adj. feeding on both plant and animal material Origin: Latin omni, (‘all’) + vorare, (to eat greedily’) Sentence: Most human beings are omnivorous.
ONCOLOGY oŋ'koləji
n. the study and treatment of tumours Origin: Greek onkos, ‘mass’ Sentence: The young doctor is specializing in oncology.
ONYX
n. type of precious stone with alternating bands of colours Origin: Greek onux Sentence: Onyx is an absolutely beautiful gemstone.
'oniks / 'ōniks
OPAQUE o/ō'pāk
adj. not transparent; not translucent; no light passing through Origin: Latin opacus, ‘shaded, dark’ Sentence: Glass windows can be painted to be made opaque.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
OPHTHALMOLOGIST ofθal'moləjist
n. doctor who studies and treats the eye Origin: Greek ophthalmos, ‘eye’ Sentence: An ophthalmologist visits the clinic to examine patients eyes..
OPOSSUM
n. tree-living mammal which carries its young in a pouch Origin: Virginian Indian opassum Sentence: An opossum can hang upside down by its tail.
ə'posəm
ORATOR 'orətə
n. eloquent (skilful) public speaker Origin: Latin oratio, ‘discourse, prayer, oration’ Sentence: The audience listened with rapt attention as the orator spoke.
OSCILLATE
v. to swing to and fro, side to side; waver between opinions Origin: Latin oscillare, ‘to swing’ Sentence: As the fans oscillate we feel much cooler.
'osilāt OSMOSIS oz'mōsis
n. process by which something is acquired by absorption Origin: Greek osmos, ‘push’ Sentence: Plants feed from the soil through a process of osmosis.
OUTRAGEOUS öwt'rājəs
adj. shocking; offensive; extravagant Origin: Latin outrer, ‘to exceed’ Sentence: We must condemn such outrageous behaviour.
OVERTLY
adv. (doing something or acting) openly; visibly; blatantly Origin: French ouvert, ‘open’ Sentence: Overtly he was an inspector but secretly he was a spy.
ō'vertli / 'ōvətli
OVERWHELMED ōvə'welmd
v. made powerless; overpowered Origin: Middle English Sentence: The visitor was overwhelmed with the beauty of the country.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS OVINE 'ōvīn
adj. of or like sheep Origin: Latin ovis, ‘sheep’ Sentence: Cattle belong to the bovine family and sheep to the ovine family.
OXBOW 'oksbō
n. U-shaped (lake); U-shaped collar; loop in river Origin: Medieval English Sentence: An oxbow lake is formed from a loop in a river.
OYSTER
n. hard shelled sea creature sometimes producing a pearl Origin: Greek ostreon, Sentence: The fisherman was lucky to find an oyster with a pearl inside.
'oystə
P PAEDIATRICS or PEDIATRICS pēdi'atriks
PALATIAL pə'lāshəl
PALINDROMES 'palindrōms
PALPITATION palpi'tāshən
n. branch of medicine dealing with children and their diseases Origin: Greek ‘healer’ Sentence: This doctor is specializing in paediatrics as she likes to work with children. adj. grand; magnificent; luxurious; like a palace Origin: Latin Sentence: The wedding reception was held in an elegant, absolutely palatial room. n. words or phrases that read the same backwards and forwards Origin: Greek palindromos, ‘running back again’ Sentence: Words such as ‘LEVEL’, ‘DAD’, ‘MADAM’, are palindromes. n. throbbing, trembling; increase rate of heart-beat Origin: Latin palpitare, ‘to throb’ Sentence: The palpitation in my heart may be due to recent overexertion.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS PALTRY 'pawltri
adj. insignificant; worthless; meagre; trivial Origin: German dialect paltrig, ‘ragged’ Sentence: I’d rather give you the car than sell it for such a paltry sum of money.
PANCREAS 'paŋkriəs
n. gland near the stomach, that helps with digestion Origin: Greek pagkreas Sentence: A person’s pancreas is located behind the stomach.
PANDEMONIUM pandi'mōniəm
n. uproar; utter confusion; chaos Origin: Latin Sentence: As soon as the teacher left, pandemonium broke out in the class.
PAPRIKA 'paprika / pə'prēkə
n. a powdered hot spice made from hot pepper Origin: Hungarian related to papar, ‘pepper’ Sentence: Many cooks use paprika to make their dishes spicy.
PAPYRUS
n. green grassy-looking bush; writing paper made from this bush Origin: Greek papuros Sentence: Papyrus grows in Jamaica mainly beside rivers and is used to make mats.
pə'pīrəs
PARALYSIS pə'ralisis
n. immobility (inability to move about); powerlessness Origin: Greek paralusis, ‘disabling’ Sentence: A major accident can sometimes harm a person’s limbs, causing paralysis.
PARENTHESES
n. a pair of brackets enclosing a comment; the comments enclosed this way Origin: Greek parentithenai, ‘to put in beside’ Sentence: The reporter uses a pair of parentheses to enclose his personal comments.
pə'renθisēz
PAROCHIAL pə'rōkiəl
adj. referring or relating to a parish; narrow or limited Origin: Latin parochialis (also linked with parish) Sentence: In the parochial elections, parishioners elect leaders for their parish only.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS PARQUET 'parkā / 'parki
n., v. flooring of wooden blocks in a pattern; a special kind of room; to do a parquet floor Origin: French parquet, ‘small enclosure, floor’ Sentence: The bedrooms are carpeted, but the floor in the parlour is parquet.
PARROTED 'parətid
v. repeated without thinking; mimicked Origin: French paroquet Sentence: The baby parroted everything he heard the adults say.
PARSLEY 'parsli
n. type of herb used for seasoning and garnish Origin: Greek petroselinon Sentence: Many people like the flavour of parsley cooked with fish.
PATRIARCH 'pātriark
n. male head of a family, of a tribe, religious group etc Origin: Greek pater (‘father’) + arches (‘ruler’) Sentence: Dad is the patriarch of our little family..
PAUPER 'pawpə
n. poverty-stricken person; someone living on charity Origin: Latin pauper, ‘poor’ Sentence: The passers-by gave money to the pauper who sat on the side-walk begging.
PEACEABLE 'pēsəbl
adj. peace loving or unwarlike; peaceful; friendly; gentle Origin: Latin pax, ‘peace’ Sentence: Being a peaceable person, he tries his best to prevent fights.
PENICILLIN
n. any of several antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections Origin: Latin penicillum, ‘paintbrush’ Sentence: The doctor prescribed penicillin to clear up the infection.
peni'silin
PENITENTIARY peni'tensh(ə)ri
PENSIVELY 'pensivli
n., adj. a reformatory prison; related to penance or reform Origin: Latin paenitens, ‘penitent’ Sentence: The court sent the prisoner to the penitentiary for six months. adv. in deep thought; thoughtfully Origin: French penser, ‘to think’ Sentence: She sat alone by the window looking pensively down the road.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS PERCOLATOR 'perkəlātə
PERJURY 'perj(ə)ri
PETITE pə'tēt
n. machine for percolating (brewing by a filtering process) coffee etc Origin: Latin percolatus, ‘strained through’ Sentence: I drink instant coffee but I prefer the ground kind, brewed in a percolator. n. the act of telling a lie while under oath to tell the truth Origin: Latin perjurium, ‘a false oath’ Sentence: It is against the law to commit perjury in court. adj. small and dainty (usually describing a woman) Origin: French petit, ‘small, little’ Sentence: A size five dress would be for a petite person.
PHEASANT 'fezənt
n. type of long-tailed bird popularly hunted Origin: Medieval English Sentence: The pheasant is a medium to large sized bird belonging to several continents.
PHENOMENON fi'nominən
n. strange occurrence; remarkable person or thing Origin: Greek phainomenon, ‘thing appearing’ Sentence: To be able to attend university at age ten, would be a phenomenon.
PHOBIA 'fōbiə
n. abnormal, persistent fear of something Origin: Greek phobos, ‘fear’ Sentence: Many people have a phobia of lizards although they know that they’re harmless.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS fōtō'sinθisis
n. process by which green plants make carbohydrate Origin: Greek Sentence: Sunlight provides the energy needed by plants during photosynthesis.
PIAZZA pi'atsə
n. covered walkway; public square or market Origin: Greek plateia, ‘broad (way)’ Sentence: People sat at little tables out on the piazza and sipped cool drinks.
PICTURESQUE pikchə'resk
adj. pretty; scenic; beautiful; charming Origin: Italian pittore ‘painter’ Sentence: From the hill top we had a picturesque view of the plains.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
PIETY 'pīəti
PITEOUS 'pitiəs
adj. being pious (devout; very religious; dutiful; hypocritically virtuous) Origin: Latin pietas, ‘dutifulness’ Sentence: Their behaviour in and out of church is an example of piety. adj. deserving or causing pity (compassion); distressing; pitiable; pitiful Origin: Latin pietas, ‘duty, piety’ Sentence: The beggars of our country live in piteous conditions.
PLAID 'plad / 'plād
n. cloth with chequered pattern Origin: Gaelic plaide, ‘blanket’ Sentence: Her skirt was made of a brightly coloured plaid, but her blouse was plain.
PLATEAU
n. extensive level ground at the top of a hill; period of stable prices or wages after an increase Origin: French platel, ‘small flat surface’ Sentence: The climbers were pleased to get to a plateau large enough to pitch their tents.
'platō / plə'tō
PLATYPUS 'platipəs
n. Australian egg-laying amphibious mammal Origin: Greek Sentence: The platypus has webbed feet and a broad flat tail
PNEUMONIA nū'mōniə
n. illness caused by inflammation of the lung Origin: Greek pneumon, ‘lung’ Sentence: A person with pneumonia is seriously ill.
POINCIANA
n type of tropical tree with bright showy red or orange coloured flowers Origin: Modern Latin Sentence: The Poinciana (or Flamboyant) has wide spreading branches with brilliant flowers.
poynsi'a:nə
POINSETTIA poyn'setiə
n. a type of tropical plant with flower-like groups of bright colourful leaves Origin: Modern Latin Sentence: Bright red poinsettias brighten our gardens and hedges at Christmas time.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS POLYESTER poli'estə
n. fabric (used to make clothing) made from a kind of resin; the kind of resin used Origin: Named after its chemical composition Sentence: Clothes made of polyester do not crush easily.
PORPOISE 'porpoys / 'porpəs
n. small whale with a blunt rounded snout Origin: Latin porcus, ‘pig’ + piscis, ‘fish’ Sentence: A porpoise looks like a dolphin but is usually smaller.
PRECIPICE 'presipis
n. steep, vertical or overhanging cliff Origin: Latin precipitium, ‘falling headlong’ Sentence: To avoid falling over a precipice, one should stand away from the edge.
PREYING
v. hunting, seeking out as prey; troubling; exerting a harmful influence Origin: Latin praeda, ‘booty, winnings’ Sentence: A good fence will keep mongooses from preying on the chickens.
'prāiŋ
PROMISSORY 'promis(ə)ri
adj. conveying, expressing a promise Origin: Latin promissorius Sentence: He gave me a promissory note to repay the money borrowed.
PROMPTNESS 'promtnis
n. readiness; quickness; punctuality Origin: Latin promptus, ‘produced’ Sentence: The team responds with promptness to the instructions of the coach.
PROXY
n. official authorization given to a person to act for another; the person or paper giving this authority Origin: Latin procuratia, ‘procurement, obtaining’ Sentence: I have to vote by proxy as I will be away on Election Day.
'proksi
PSYCHOLOGY sī'koləji
n. scientific study of the human mind, behaviour, attitudes etc Origin: Latin Sentence: Teachers study educational psychology which helps them to understand students.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS PTOMAINE 'tōmān
PYTHON 'pīθən
n. a type of poisonous substance produced usually in decaying foods Origin: Greek ptoma, ‘corpse’ Sentence: A person may get ptomaine poisoning from eating unsafe food. n. a type of large tropical snake Origin: Greek Puthon, a huge monster killed by the Greek god, Apollo Sentence: A python is not poisonous but kills its prey by squeezing it.
Q QUADRILLE kwə'dril
n. type of square dance; music for this dance Origin: Spanish cuadra, ‘square’; cuadrilla, ‘troop, company’ Sentence: Quadrille is an old, graceful dance.
QUALM 'kwa:m / 'kwawm
n. uneasy doubt; misgiving; scruple Origin: Uncertain Probably Old English Sentence: He’s so unprincipled; he has no qualm about lying.
QUANDARY 'kwond(ə)ri
n. perplexing situation; dilemma; state of indecision Origin: Uncertain Sentence: Having lost the files we are now in a quandary as to what should be done.
QUASH 'kwosh
v. to reject as not sound or valid; suppress; crush Origin: Latin cassare, ‘to annul’ Sentence: It’s best to quash that rumour so that it doesn’t spread further.
QUEASY 'kwēzi QUEUEING or QUEUING 'kūiŋ
adj. uneasy; easily upset (of digestion); over-scrupulous (of conscience) Origin: Uncertain. Probably Middle English Sentence: Her scheming gives me a queasy feeling v. forming a line; standing in line Origin: Latin cauda, ‘tail’ Sentence: The children are queuing up to get their lunch.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS QUIBBLING 'kwibliŋ
v. making trivial objections; arguing over trifles Origin: Uncertain Sentence: Let’s not waste time quibbling on this.
QUICHE 'kēsh
n. type of tart with filling of beaten eggs etc Origin: French quiche Sentence: This ackee quiche is delicious.
QUINCENTENARY kwinsen'ten(ə)ri kwinsen'tēn(ə)ri kwin'sentinəri
n. five hundredth anniversary Origin: Latin quinque, ‘five’ Sentence: Next year the church will celebrate its quincentenary.
QUINTUPLETS 'kwintūplits / kwin'tūplits
n. five children or animals at one birth Origin: Latin quintus, ‘fifth’ Sentence: The quintuplets were two boys and three girls.
QUIRKS 'kwerks
n. strange or odd features or happenings Origin: Uncertain Sentence: Those are not major flaws, just quirks in his character.
QUORUM 'kworəm
n. minimum number of members to be present for a valid meeting Origin: Latin quorum, ‘of whom’ Sentence: When there was a quorum the meeting was called to order.
QUOTIENT
n.
'kwōshənt
a result obtained by dividing one quantity by another. Origin: Latin quotiens, ‘how many times’ Sentence: If we divide 15 by 3 the quotient will be 5.
R RABBIS 'rabīz
n. plural of rabbi Jewish teacher or scholar; chief religious minister of a synagogue Origin: Hebrew rabbi, ‘my master’ Sentence: The rabbis conduct worship in the Jewish synagogue.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
RADII 'rādiī
n. plural of radius (a straight line from the centre to the edge of a circle) Origin: Latin radius, ‘ray, rod’ Sentence: Measure and compare the radii of those circles.
RAGAMUFFIN 'ragəmûfin
n. child in ragged dirty clothes Origin: Medieval English Sentence: The ragamuffin is begging to be cleaned and cared for.
RAILLERY
n. Good natured teasing or ridicule Origin: Old French Sentence: The student resigned from the fraternity because he was too sensitive to the constant raillery
'rāləri RAMSHACKLE 'ramshakl
RASPBERRY or RAZZBERRY 'ra:zb(ə)ri RATCHET 'rachit RAUCOUS 'rawkəs
RECEIVERSHIP ri'sēvəship
adj. (house, vehicle, etc) tumbledown; rickety Origin: Obsolete word ransackled, ‘ransacked’ Sentence: The travellers spent the night in an abandoned ramshackle house by a river. n. juicy small red or black fruit; bramble bearing this Origin: Middle English Sentence: The raspberry has thorns but produces tasty berries. n., v. set of teeth on a wheel etc for motion in one direction; to provide, make a ratchet Origin: French rochet, ‘a blunt head’ Sentence: These can openers turn on a ratchet. adj. harsh sounding; loud and hoarse Origin: Latin raucus, ‘hoarse’ Sentence: The angry man’s raucous voice made others angry. n. status of a business in the control of a receiver (appointed temporary manager) Origin: Latin recipere, ‘to receive’ Sentence: The bankrupt property is gone into receivership.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS REDUNDANCY ri'dûndənsi
n. state of being superfluous; no longer needed Origin: Latin redundare, ‘to overflow’ Sentence: Reduced orders caused several staff members to be in a position of redundancy.
REFERENDUM
n. process of referring a political question to the electorate; a vote taken this way Origin: Latin referre, ‘to carry back, refer’ Sentence: A referendum was held on the question of a West Indian Federation.
refə'rendəm
REGURGITATE
v. to bring up (eg swallowed food) again; repeat exactly something said Origin: Latin regurgigatus, ‘gushed back’ Sentence: Some animals regurgitate digested food to feed their young.
ri'gerjitāt
REIMBURSE
v. to repay money spent; pay money to compensate (expenses, losses etc) Origin: Latin imbursare, ‘to put into a purse (bursa, ‘purse’)’ Sentence: He will reimburse the money I spent on his behalf.
rēim'bers
REMINISCENT remi'nisənt REMORSELESSLY ri'morslisli
ROGUISH 'rōgish ROUGHAGE 'rûfij
adj.
Similar or tending to remind one of or to suggest Origin: Latin Sentence: This painting is reminiscent of Kapo’s style
adv. without guilt or regret; without pity; relentlessly Origin: Latin Iremorsus, ‘vexed’ Sentence: They have remorselessly ejected the poor tenants. adj. playfully mischievous; like a rogue (unprincipled, tricky person) Origin: Uncertain Sentence: That roguish grin is hiding something. n. fibrous material in food that helps digestion; coarse cattle food Origin: Medieval English Sentence: Doctors advise people to eat roughage to help constipation
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS RUBELLA ru'belə
n. infectious disease with red rash otherwise called German measles Origin: Latin rubellus ‘reddish’ (rebeus, ‘red’) Sentence: People can be vaccinated against rubella.
RUGGEDNESS 'rûgidnis
n. roughness; unevenness; lacking refinement Origin: Middle English Sentence: Vehicles with four-wheel drive are designed for ruggedness.
RUPEES
n. plural of rupee; chief monetary unit of India and Pakistan Origin: Sanskrit rupya, ‘wrought silver’ Sentence: In India and Pakistan you will spend rupees.
roo'pēz
RUSSET 'rûsit
adj., n. reddish-brown; a reddish-brown colour; type of apple Origin: Latin russus, red Sentence: She wore a russet coloured hat to match her brown shoes.
S SAPPHIRE 'safīə
SCULPTORS 'skûlptəz SCULPTURES skûlpchəz
n., adj. type of precious stone with bright blue colour; having the colour of sapphire Origin: Greek sapppheiros Sentence: She has a ring with ruby and another with sapphire. n. artists who makes sculptures Origin: French sculpere, ‘to carve’ Sentence: There are two official sculptures of Bob Marley done by different sculptors. n., v. plural of sculpture (a carving); carves Origin: French sculpere, ‘to carve’ Sentence: The sculptor has carved several sculptures in wood and is doing one in clay.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS SEBACEOUS si'bāshəs
adj. Fatty; related to fat, tallow or oily matter Origin: Latin Sentence: The sebaceous glands secrete oil for skin lubrication
SEISMIC 'sīzmik
adj. of or relating to an earthquake Origin: Greek seismos, ‘earthquake’ Sentence: There are instruments for measuring the seismic waves generated by an earthquake.
SEIZURE
n. the act of seizing; a capture; sudden attack of an illness Origin: Latin sacire, ‘to appropriate, seize’ Sentence: They paid promptly in order to prevent seizure of their furniture.
'sēžə
SETTEE se'tē
n. sofa; indoor comfortable chair for seating two or more persons Origin: Uncertain Sentence: Two guests sat on the settee in the sitting room and had drinks with us.
SKIING 'skēiŋ
v., n. sporting or travelling on skis Origin: Old Norse skith, ‘piece of split wood; snowshoe’ Sentence: Some skiers are skiing on snow while others are doing water skiing.
SLUICE
n., v. a channel or drain for water; to drain water through that channel Origin: Related to Latin excludere, ‘to exclude’ Sentence: A sluice was dug to help drain the swampy land.
'sloos
SOMBRE or SOMBER 'sombə
adj. dark, gloomy; very solemn or sober; dismal Origin: French sombre, ‘shade’ Sentence: Sombre clouds are usually a warning that it will rain.
SOPHISTICATED sə'fistikātid
adj. cultured and refined; highly developed and complex Origin: Latin sophisticatus, ‘tampered with’ Sentence: In manner and dress this child is rather sophisticated for his age and status.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS SOPRANOS sə'pra:nōz
n. plural of soprano (the highest singing voice; the singer with that voice; instrument with highest pitch in its family) Origin: Italian sopra, ‘above’ Sentence: All the sopranos in the choir were women and young children.
SOUVENIRS soovə'ne:rz
n. objects kept as a reminder; mementos Origin: French souvenir, ‘remember’ Sentence: Tourists usually take home souvenirs to remind them of their visit to a place.
SOVEREIGN 'sovrin SQUALOR 'skwolə
STEREOTYPE steriə'tīp / steriō'tīp ste:riə'tīp / ste:riō'tīp STETHOSCOPE 'steθəskōp
STEVEDORES 'stēvədorz
SUBTLE 'sûtl
n., adj. supreme ruler (like a monarch); an old British coin; supreme; excellent; royal Origin: Latin super (‘above’) + reign (‘rule’) Sentence: Queen Elizabeth is sovereign in England. n. state of being very dirty, squalid, filthy Origin: Latin squalere, ‘to be stiff with dirt’ Sentence: It took a massive clean up team to clear the squalor around that dump. n., v. fixed pattern; to fix in one form or style Origin: Greek stereos, ‘solid’ + type Sentence: She does not fit the stereotype of a teacher as she likes to experiment. n. instrument used (usually by doctors and nurses) to listen for sounds in the human body. Origin: Greek stethos, ‘chest’+ skopeein, ‘to view’ Sentence: The doctor used her stethoscope to listen to my heart.
n. persons employed in loading and unloading ships Origin: Spanish estibador, ‘a packer, ship loader’ Sentence: All the stevedores are now busy loading cargo on to the ship. adj. delicate; slight; unnoticeable; not obvious Origin: Latin subtilis, ‘finely woven’ Sentence: My food must have the strong taste of seasoning, but she prefers a subtle flavour.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS SUCCUMBED sə'kûmd
SUEDE 'swād
SUMPTUOUS 'sûm(p)tūəs
v. gave in (to pressure, temptation etc); fell victim (to a disease etc) Origin: Latin succumbere, ‘to lie below’ Sentence: She succumbed to temptation and ate the chocolate against her better judgement. n. velvety leather; woven cloth resembling suede Origin: French (gants de) Suede, ‘(gloves of ) Sweden Sentence: Suede shoes and handbags are dressier than those of ordinary leather. adj. extravagant or lavish; rich, luxurious; expensive Origin: Latin sumptuosus Sentence: His guests were treated to a sumptuous meal at the most splendid restaurant.
SUSHI 'sooshi / 'sushi
n. type of Japanese dish which often includes raw fish Origin: Japanese word meaning ‘it is sour’ Sentence: Some people have vegetables instead of raw fish in their sushi.
SWATCHES 'swochiz
n. samples of fabric, carpet, etc; collections of samples Origin: Uncertain Sentence: Choose from these swatches, the fabric you want to do your drapes.
SYCAMORE 'sikəmōr
n. a type of large maple tree; the wood of that tree Origin: Greek sukomoros Sentence: The sycamore tree has dark green leaves.
SYMBOLISM 'simbəlizm
n. use of symbols to represent ideas, emotions, etc Origin: Greek sumbolon, ‘mark, token’ Sentence: Sometimes in a novel, the writer uses symbolism to convey a person’s thoughts or feelings.
SYMMETRY
n. exact similarity between two parts of a thing; a pleasing balance Origin: Greek syn, ‘together’ + metron, ‘measure’ Sentence: I admire the symmetry of that shape.
'simitri
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS SYMPHONY or SYMPHONIE 'simfəni
n. an elaborate musical composition for a large group of instruments Origin: Greek syn, ‘together’ + phone, ‘sound’ Sentence: The orchestra played a symphony by Beethoven, which the audience thoroughly enjoyed.
SYNAGOGUE or SYNAGOG 'sinəgog
n. Jewish place of worship; the assembly itself Origin: Greek sunagoge, ‘assembly, meeting’ Sentence: Every Saturday the Jews meet for worship in the synagogue.
SYNCHRONISED or SYNCHRONIZED 'siŋkrənīzd SYNONYMS 'sinənimz
SYNTHETIC sin'θetik
SYRINGE si'rinj
v., adj. caused to occur at the same time; co-ordinated Origin: Greek syn, ‘together’ + chronos, ‘time’ Sentence: We synchronized our watches to ensure that they were all showing the same time. n. words with same or nearly the same meaning Origin: Greek syn, ‘together’ + onyma, ‘name’ Sentence: The words ‘happy’ and ‘glad’ are synonyms. adj. artificial; man-made; made up chemically instead of being natural; unnatural Origin: Greek syn, ‘together’ + thetikos, ‘placed’ Sentence: Shoes made from synthetic material are often not as soft as those made from natural leather. n., v. medical instrument for injecting and drawing off liquids; to use a syringe Origin: Greek syrinx, ‘tube’ Sentence: The doctor sprayed a liquid from a syringe into the patient’s ear.
T TABLOID 'tabloyd TABOOED tə'bood
n. small-sized (as opposed to broadsheet) newspaper Origin: Middle English Sentence: The ‘Star’ newspaper is a daily tabloid. v., adj. excluded or prohibited by society Origin: Tongan tabu Sentence: In some societies indecent language is tabooed.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS TAFFETA 'tafitə
n. type of silk or silk-like fabric Origin: Persian tafta, ‘twisted’ Sentence: The bridesmaids’ dresses were made from pink taffeta.
TANNERY 'tan(ə)ri
n. place where leather is cured Origin: Latin tannum, ‘oak bark’ Sentence: A tannery converts animal hide (skin) into leather.
TAPESTRY 'tapistri
n. thick woven coloured fabric Origin: French tapisserie, ‘carpet’ Sentence: The drapes were made from rich tapestry
TAPIR 'tāpe:r / 'tāpə
n. type of hoofed mammal resembling a pig Origin: Brazilian tapira Sentence: The tapir looks like a pig but is related to the rhinoceros and horse.
TATTOOIST
n. a person who marks people’s skins with indelible designs Origin: Tahitian tatau Sentence: The tattoo on your arm was carved by an expert tattooist.
ta'tooist
TAUPE 'tōp
adj. n. greyish brown colour Origin: French taupe, ‘mole’ Sentence: Taupe was the colour he chose for the suit.
TAUTOLOGY taw'toləji
n. repetition esp. addition of unnecessary words Origin: Greek tauto, ‘the same’ Sentence: The speech was loaded with tautology.
TEDIUM 'tēdiəm
n. feeling of weariness; boredom Origin: Latin taedium, (taedere ‘to make weary’) Sentence: We played games to relieve the tedium of the journey.
TELECOMMUNICATION
n. communication over a distance by telephone, telegraph, cable etc Origin: Greek tele ‘far off’ + communication Sentence: Through telecommunication people in one country can see, hear and speak to others in another country.
telikəmūni'kāshən
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS TEMPERAMENT 'temp(ə)rəmənt
TEMPESTUOUS tem'pestūəs
n. person’s distinct nature or character Origin: Latin temperamentum, ‘a mixing’ Sentence: She tends to have a nervous temperament. adj. stormy; violent; passionate Origin: Latin tempestas, ‘season, storm’ Sentence: The boats were nearly overturned when caught in the tempestuous seas.
TETHERED 'teθəd
v. tied with a rope to restrict movement Origin: Norse tjothe Sentence: The donkey was tethered to the post to prevent it wandering about.
THORAX 'θorraks
n. chest; the body between neck and abdomen Origin: Greek thorax, ‘breastplate’ Sentence: The heart is situated in the thorax.
THREADBARE 'θredbe:r
THROTTLE 'θrotl
adj. well-worn (cloth – fibres torn away); feeble or weary Origin: Medieval English Sentence: His clothes are threadbare but spotlessly clean. n., v. valve in an engine controlling flow of steam etc; to squeeze and choke Origin: Middle English, possibly from word throat (throat + le) Sentence: The throttle is blocked, preventing the fuel from going through.
THYROID 'θīroyd
n. large gland in the neck, regulating growth Origin: Greek thureos, ‘oblong shield’ Sentence: The thyroid gland regulates a person’s growth and development.
TINCTURE
n. a slight flavour or trace; tinge (of a colour); to colour or flavour slightly Origin: Latin tinctura, ‘dyeing’ Sentence: Just a tincture of green paint would brighten this room.
'tiŋ(k)chə
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS TITULAR 'titūlə
adj. of or relating to title; existing in title only Origin: French tituliare Sentence: He is the titular heir to the property which he occupies.
TOUPEE or TOUPET 'toopā
n. small wig to cover a bald spot Origin: French toupet, ‘tuft of hair’ Sentence: He wears a toupee covering his bald crown.
TOXICITY tok'sisiti
n. pertaining to amount of poison in a substance Origin: Greek toxikon, ‘poison (for arrows)’ Sentence: The toxicity of that water makes it dangerous for drinking.
TRANSCENDS
v. surpasses human reasoning; overcomes or surmounts Origin: Latin transcendere, ‘to climb’ Sentence: Your kindness transcends all expectation.
tran'sendz / tra:n'sendz TRAVELOGUE or TRAVELOG 'travəlog TRIPARTITE trī'partīt
n. film, article, illustrated lecture about travel Origin Sentence: The travelogue is full of information about people and places. adj. relating to something shared by three parties Origin: Latin tripartitus, ‘in three parts’ Sentence: A tripartite agreement was made by the three countries.
TRUANCY 'trooənsi
n. absence from school or work, through idleness Origin: Welsh truan, ‘a wretch, truant’ Sentence: Truancy has made you miss several school lessons.
TUBERCULOSIS
n. a disease caused by the tubercle bacillus bacteria and affecting especially the lungs Origin: Latin tuberculum, ‘small swelling’ Sentence: While he suffered from tuberculosis he coughed a lot.
tūberkū'lōsis
TULLE 'tool / 'tūl
n. soft fine silk or net for veils and dresses etc Origin: Named after Tulle, a town in France Sentence: The bride’s veil was made from white tulle.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS TURBULENT 'terbūlənt
TURMERIC 'termərik
adj. disturbed; restless; in commotion Origin: Latin turbulenta, ‘crowd’ Sentence: The weatherman forecasted that there would be turbulent weather. n. yellow root (rhizome) of plant used as spice; curry etc made from this rhizome Origin: Latin terra merita, ‘meritorious earth’ Sentence: Turmeric makes good curried chicken.
TUTELAGE 'tūtilij
n. education; guardianship; tuition Origin: Latin tutela, ‘keeping’ Sentence: He benefited to a great extent from tutelage by his older brother.
TYPIFY
v. to represent as a type or symbol; embody the characteristic of Origin: Greek tupos, ‘type’ Sentence: These samples typify the kinds of soil in this region.
'tipifī
TYPOGRAPHY tī'pogrəfi
n. the art of printing; style and appearance of printed matter Origin: French typographie (type + graphy) Sentence: Professional printers are skilled in typography.
U ULTERIOR ûl'te:riə
adj. (usually motives) hidden, kept in the background Origin: Latin ulterior, ‘further, more distant’ Sentence: I think her ulterior motive for coming is that she wants to borrow some money.
UNABRIDGED ûnə'brijd
adj. (book, story, etc) complete, not shortened Origin: O Fr Sentence: I prefer the unabridged version of the book to the shortened form.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS UNCOUTH ûn'kooθ
UNDULATION ûndū'lāshən
UNKEMPT ûn'kem(p)t
UPHEAVAL ûp'hēvəl
adj. uncultured; rough; crude Origin: Old English uncuth, ‘unknown’ Sentence: He apologized for his uncouth behaviour and promised to be more refined. n. a wavy movement or pattern; gentle rise and fall Origin: Latin unda, ‘a wave’ Sentence: The undulation of the road caused the ride to be somewhat bumpy. adj. (hair, features etc) uncombed; untidy Origin: Prefix un, ‘not’ + Middle English kempt, Sentence: She needed a comb as the wind had left her hair looking rather unkempt. n. violent or sudden change or disruption; great movement in the earth’s crust Origin: ME Sentence: The divorce caused great upheaval in the family.
URBANELY er'bānli
adv. elegantly; sophisticatedly; with refinement Origin: Latin urbanus, ‘of the town’ Sentence: He was urbanely dressed and had perfect manners.
URETER ū'rētə / 'uritə
n. duct by which urine passes from kidney to bladder Origin: Greek ourein, ‘to urinate’ Sentence: The ureter carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
URETHRA ū'rēθrə
n. duct by which urine is discharged from the bladder Origin: Greek ourein, ‘to urinate’ Sentence: The urethra carries the urine from the bladder to the external organ.
UROLOGIST ū'roləjist
n. specialist in treating problems in the urinary system Origin: Greek, ouron, ‘urine’ Sentence: Her doctor sent her to a urologist, as she seemed to have a urinary problem.
URTICARIA erti'ke:riə
n. a skin rash caused by an allergy; nettle-rash Origin: Latin urtica, ‘nettle’ Sentence: The doctor diagnosed the rash as an urticaria and gave the appropriate treatment
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS USHERETTES ûshə'rets
n. female ushers in a theatre, cinema, etc Origin: Latin ostiarius, ‘usher’ (ostium, ‘door’) Sentence: The usherettes were kept busy escorting people to their seats.
USURER
n. person who practises usury (lending money at interest) Origin: Latin usus, ‘use’ Sentence: The usurer charged such high interest that few people could afford to borrow from him.
'ūz(ə)rə
USURPED ū'zerpt / ū'serpt
v. seized (a throne or power); encroached (on property etc) Origin: Latin usurpare, ‘to seize for use’ Sentence: The lords usurped the throne and forced the king to step down.
V VACILLATE 'vasilāt
VACUUM 'vakūəm
v. to change opinions or decisions frequently; to waver Origin: Latin vacillatus, ‘swayed’ Sentence: If you vacillate so much you will never make a choice. n., v. a completely empty space; to use a vacuum cleaner Origin: Latin vacuus, ‘empty’ Sentence: The pump sucked out the air from in the jar creating a vacuum inside.
VALEDICTORIAN validik'tōriən
n. person who gives a valedictory (farewell speech) Origin: Latin vale, ‘farewell’ + dicere, ‘to say’ Sentence: The graduating class is about to choose its valedictorian.
VANGUARD
n. person or group that leads the way; foremost part of an army etc Origin: French avant-garde, ‘advance guard’ Sentence: Today the computer technologists are in the vanguard of society.
'vangard
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS VEHICULAR vi'hikūlə
adj. concerning vehicles (means of conveying things or people) Origin: Latin vehere, ‘to carry’ Sentence: The road was crowded with vehicular traffic.
VELLUM 'veləm
n. fine quality writing paper (originally from calf skin) Origin: French velin, related to veal (calf’s flesh) Sentence: All her letters are written on delicate, scented vellum.
VELUM 'vēləm
n. membrane covering; flap Origin: Latin, velum, ‘sail, covering’ Sentence: The thin membrane covering a young mushroom is called a velum or veil.
VELVETEEN velvi'tēn
n. cotton fabric that imitates velvet Origin: Latin villus, ‘shaggy hair’ Sentence: If velvet is expensive, then velveteen will do.
VENDETTA ven'detə
n. prolonged animosity, enmity, strife; revenge Origin: Latin vindicare, ‘to avenge, punish’ Sentence: The vendetta between the two communities has ceased and they are now trying to be friends.
VENEER vi'ne:r
VENTRILOQUY ven'triləkwi
VERBATIM ver'bātim
n., v. thin covering of fine wood; deceptive outward appearance; to apply a veneer Origin: French fournir, ‘to furnish’ (then forneer) Sentence: The furniture looks like mahogany but is really a veneer of mahogany over coarse pine. n. skill of speaking words so that they seem to come from elsewhere; ventriloquism Origin: Latin ventriloquus, ‘ventriloquist’ (venter (‘belly’) + loqui (‘speak’) Sentence: In his act of ventriloquy, the ventriloquist spoke without moving his lips. adv., adj. in exactly the same words; word-for-word Origin: Latin verbum, ‘word’ Sentence: The words of the witness were recorded verbatim so we can check back on exactly what he said.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS VERBIAGE 'verbiij
VERNACULAR və'nakūlə
VEXATIOUS vek'sāshəs
VICARAGE 'vik(ə)rij
n. useless words; too many unnecessary words Origin: French verbier, ‘to chatter’ Sentence: Please discard the verbiage and get to the point. n., adj. language or dialect of a particular country; related to one’s native language Origin: Latin vernaculus, ‘domestic, native’ (literally ‘belonging to a household slave) Sentence: We Jamaicans like to speak in the vernacular when we are with our friends. adj. annoying; troublesome; distressing Origin: Latin vexare, ‘to shake, disturb, annoy’ Sentence: After many vexatious delays, the entertainment began two hours late. n. residence of a vicar (parish priest, clergyman, bishop’s deputy) Origin: Latin vicarius, ‘substitute’ (residence of bishop’s deputy) Sentence: The priest is at home in the vicarage.
VICARIOUS vi'ke:riəs / vī'ke:riəs
adj. indirect, second-hand (experience, authority, etc) Origin: Latin vicarious, ‘substitute’ Sentence: I can’t go to the party but I will get vicarious pleasure from your going.
VICIOUS 'vishəs
adj. cruel; dangerous; bad-tempered; spiteful; violent Origin: Latin vitium, ‘vice’ Sentence: A large vicious looking black dog met us at the gate, daring us to enter.
VINEGARY 'vinig(ə)ri
VINYL 'vīnil
n. like vinegar (a sour liquid from fermented fruit; sour behaviour) Origin: French vyn egre, ‘sour wine’ Sentence: This wine has a vinegary taste that I don’t like. n. a type of plastic used instead of leather, wood, etc Origin: Latin vinum, ‘wine’ Sentence: Seat covers that look like leather are sometimes really made of vinyl.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS VISCERAL 'vis(ə)rəl
adj.
Related to internal organs or to inward feelings Origin: Latin Sentence: Her reaction was visceral; she knew something was wrong
VOLUMINOUS və'lūminəs
adj. large in volume; bulky; loose and ample Origin: Latin volumen, ‘roll’ Sentence: Christmas time brings out shoppers with voluminous parcels and bags.
VORACIOUS və'rāshəs
adj. greedy; ravenous; very eager Origin: Latin vorare, ‘to devour’ Sentence: Some animals have voracious appetites and should be fed well.
VOYAGERS 'voyijəz
n. persons who go on a long journey Origin: Latin viaticum (via, ‘a way’) Sentence: the voyagers have just set off on their journey around the earth.
W WAIF 'wāf
n. orphaned, abandoned or homeless child; patheticlooking person Origin: Related to Old Norse veif, ‘a flapping thing’ Sentence: Someone ought to adopt this pitiful waif and take care of him.
WAIVER 'wāvə
n. an act or a document giving up a right to collect etc Origin: French weyver, ‘to abandon, allow to become a waif’ Sentence: Government gave a waiver on tax due from some companies.
WAVER 'wāvə
v. to falter; be undecided; flicker Origin: Old Norse vafra ‘to flicker’ Sentence: While you waver about learning to drive, the instructor is teaching others.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS WEALS 'wēlz
n. long raised marks on the skin caused by a whip, slash, etc Origin: Old English walu, ‘ridge’ Sentence: Flogging with a whip might leave weals on a person’s skin.
WEEVIL 'wēvl
n. a type of beetle; insect that damages stored grain Origin: Middle English wifel Sentence: If there is one weevil in the peas, there will soon be many.
WHEEDLE 'wēdl
v. coax by flattery; persuade by tempting Origin: Uncertain Sentence: He tried to wheedle us into going but we resisted the temptation.
WHIMSICAL 'wimzik(ə)l
WRITHED 'rīθd
adj. odd, with strange ideas; casual; capricious Origin: Uncertain Sentence: The whimsical visitor surprised us with his strange ideas and casual attitude. v. twisted or rolled about; suffered severe discomfort Origin: Old English related to wreath (a circular garland) Sentence: The patient writhed in pain until the doctor came to help.
X XENOPHOBIA zenə'fōbiə
n. deep dislike or fear of foreigners or strangers Origin: Greek. Prefix xeno ‘foreigner, other’ + phobia ‘fear, dislike of’ Sentence: People with xenophobia are unlikely to be good tourists.
XERODERMA zerō'dermə / ze:rō'dermə
n. disease showing dryness of skin Origin: Greek.Prefix xero, (‘dry’) + derma (‘skin’) Sentence: The doctor diagnosed her skin condition to be xeroderma, and prescribed treatment.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS
Y YEOMAN 'yōmən
n. man owning and cultivating a small estate Origin: Middle English yoman, yeman Sentence: He prefers to be a yeoman, to taking a job working for other people.
YODELLING
v. singing with changes in melody characteristic of Swiss mountain-dwellers Origin: German jodeln, ‘yodel’ Sentence: Yodelling is a strange kind of singing for which one has to develop a taste.
'yōd(ə)liŋ
YUAN ū'a:n
n. unit of currency in China Origin: Chinese, meaning ‘round thing’ Sentence: In China the chief monetary unit is the yuan.
YUCCA 'yûkə
n. a family of tropical plants with sword-like leaves Origin: Carib yucca, ‘cassava’ Sentence: Various species of yucca may be seen growing in many parts of Jamaica.
Z ZEALOTRY 'zelətri
n. fanaticism or single-mindedness in the support of a cause (political etc) Origin: Greek zelotes (zelos ‘zeal, enthusiasm’) Sentence: Her zealotry has blinded her to all views and needs outside the party.
ZEPHYR 'zefə
n. a mild gentle breeze; things of fine quality Origin: Greek Zephuros, ‘god of west wind’ Sentence: In the gentle evening a cool zephyr lulled us to sleep.
ZOOLOGIST zoo'oləjist / zō'oləjist
n. scientist engaged in the study of animals Origin: Greek Sentence: She is employed to the science department as a zoologist.
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INTERMEDIATE WORDS ZOOPHYTE 'zōəfīt
ZYGOTE 'zīgōt
n. any of a number of invertebrate animals that resemble plants Origin: Greek Prefix zoo (‘living being’) + suffix phyte (‘growth, plant’) Sentence: Corals and sponges are members of the zoophyte family. n. a cell formed from the union of two gametes Origin: Greek zugotos, ‘yoked’ Sentence: A zygote is formed when a female gamete is fertilized.
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