Alloy of copper (~88%) and tin. "Bronze Age": historical period when bronze was the dominant metal. Olympics: bronze medal for third place.
a hard alloy of copper and tin
The statue is made of bronze.
Chemical symbol Cu (from Latin cuprum). Used in electrical wiring (excellent conductor). "Copper" (British informal) = police officer ("copper" shortened to "cop").
a reddish-brown metal used in wires and pipes
The pot is made of copper.
Common types: phone booth (largely obsolete), voting booth, photo booth, restaurant booth (semi-enclosed seating).
a small partly enclosed compartment
They sat in a booth at the back of the diner.
"Booster shot": additional dose of a vaccine (commonly discussed during COVID-19). "Booster seat": for children too big for car seats but too small for adult belts.
to help or encourage to increase or improve
The good reviews boosted sales.
a source of help or encouragement
The award gave him a boost.
a thing that boosts or helps something to increase, improve, or become more successful
A morale booster.
From Latin bonus (good). "Year-end bonus": performance reward common in finance/tech.
a payment in addition to a usual one
She received a Christmas bonus.
"Bolt from the blue": completely unexpected event. "Bolt of lightning" / "thunderbolt". Famous: Usain Bolt, Jamaican sprinter, world record holder.
a metal pin used to fasten things
She tightened the bolt with a wrench.
a flash of lightning
A bolt of lightning hit the tree.
"Bolt down food" = eat very quickly. "Bolt the door" = secure it.
to run away suddenly
The horse bolted at the loud noise.
Past tense: blurred (double r). "Blur": famous 1990s British rock band. "Blur the lines": make distinctions less clear.
to make or become less distinct
Tears blurred her vision.
something that cannot be seen clearly
The whole evening was a blur.
Past tense: bid (auction) or bade (greeting). In card games (bridge, poker): "bid" = state how many tricks you'll win. "Bid farewell" = say goodbye.
to offer (a price) at an auction or for a contract
She bid $500 for the painting.
an offer to buy or do something
His bid was rejected.
the offering of particular prices for something, especially at an auction; the making of a command or request
Fierce bidding at the auction.
Past tense: outbid (same form).
to make a higher bid than someone else, especially at an auction
They were outbid on the house by a foreign buyer.
"Implicit bias": unconscious prejudice. "Confirmation bias": tendency to favor information confirming what one believes. Major topics in modern psychology/sociology.
prejudice in favor of or against
There's a bias against younger candidates.
In ML/AI: "biased models", algorithms that reflect societal prejudices in training data.
unfairly prejudiced
The article seemed biased.
to unfairly influence someone's opinion or judgment
The leading question was designed to bias the respondent.
Three-syllable pronunciation for adjective use ("beloved book"); two-syllable /bɪˈlʌvd/ for past-participle use. Famous: Toni Morrison's novel "Beloved" (1987).
dearly loved
She gave her beloved dog a treat.
Past tense: spelled (American) or spelt (British). Both correct. "Spelling bee": competition (especially in US).
to write or name the letters that form a word
How do you spell your name?
"Under a spell" = enchanted. "Dry spell" = period without something. "Cold spell" / "hot spell": weather term.
a form of words supposed to have magical power
The witch cast a spell.
a short period of time
They had a brief spell of bad weather.
"Spelling bee": competition. English famously irregular: "ghoti" could spell "fish" (gh from "laugh", o from "women", ti from "nation").
the writing of words with their correct letters
Her spelling has improved.
From French. "Banality of evil": Hannah Arendt's term about how ordinary people commit atrocities.
so lacking in originality as to be boring
The dialogue was banal.
the quality of being banal; lack of originality
The banality of the plot disappointed critics.
Historical: "barren woman", unable to have children (now considered offensive/outdated). Modern preferred terms: infertile, childless by choice.
(of land) too poor to produce vegetation
The fields are barren and dry.
"The Star-Spangled Banner": US national anthem (about the flag). "Banner year": outstanding year. In digital: "banner ad", rectangular online advertisement.
a long strip of cloth with a slogan or design
They hung a welcome banner.
Past tense: banned (double n). "Banned books": list of titles censored in certain places; topic of "Banned Books Week" (US).
to officially forbid
The country banned the import of weapons.
an official prohibition
There's a ban on smoking in restaurants.
American term. British: "back garden". "NIMBY" = Not In My Backyard: opposing development near one's own home. "Backyard" can also mean one's local area.
a yard behind a house
The kids played in the backyard.
American term; British equivalent: solicitor or barrister. "Attorney General": top legal officer (US, UK, etc.). "Power of attorney": legal authority to act for someone.
(American) a lawyer
She hired an attorney to handle the case.
"Attend to" = take care of, deal with. "Attend school" = be a student there.
to be present at
She attends every meeting.
"In attendance" = present. "Attendance is mandatory": common school/work phrase.
the act of being present
Attendance was low this week.
Less common than "attendee" (the person attending), which is more standard.
a person who attends something
The regular attenders include several professors.
a person who attends a conference or other gathering
Seminar attendees.
not noticed or dealt with; not supervised or looked after
Never leave luggage unattended.
Common compounds: parking attendant, museum attendant, gas station attendant.
a person employed to assist or serve others
The attendant showed them to their seats.
Gender-neutral modern term replacing "stewardess" / "steward" (now considered dated).
a person employed to look after passengers on an aircraft
The flight attendant served drinks.
Stronger than "surprise". "To say I'm astonished is an understatement": common emphatic phrase.
to surprise or impress greatly
Her talent astonished everyone.
greatly surprised or impressed
She was astonished by the news.
extremely surprising or impressive
That's an astonishing achievement.
great surprise
She looked at him in astonishment.
"Assess damage" / "assess risk" / "assess performance": common collocations.
to evaluate or estimate
They need to assess the damage.
"Needs assessment", "risk assessment", "impact assessment": common formal evaluations. In US schools: "standardized assessments" (testing).
the action of evaluating something
The doctor made an assessment of her condition.
a person who evaluates the quality of a person or thing
A tax assessor.
"Sanctions" (plural) often refers to economic penalties between countries. Same word can mean approval OR penalty: context-dependent.
a penalty for disobeying a law
The UN imposed sanctions on the country.
official approval
The project has government sanction.
"Aggravated assault": more serious form. "Sexual assault": important modern legal/social category. "Assault rifle": military-style semi-automatic firearm.
a physical attack
He was charged with assault.
to make a physical attack on
He was arrested for assaulting a police officer.
Original meaning: donkey ("make an ass of oneself"). Modern American slang: buttocks. British equivalent for buttocks: "arse". "Smart-ass" / "badass": common American compounds.
a donkey
The cart was pulled by an ass.
(American, vulgar) the buttocks
He kicked her in the ass.
Stronger and more negative than "proud" or "confident". Related noun: arrogance.
having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
He's too arrogant to listen to advice.
the quality of having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
His arrogance alienated his colleagues.
"Gothic architecture", "modern architecture" - common collocations. In computing: "software architecture", "computer architecture".
the art and practice of designing buildings
She studied architecture at university.
Famous: Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Zaha Hadid. "Architect" used metaphorically: "the architect of the deal".
a person who designs buildings
She wants to be an architect.
Two senses: appropriate ("apt comment") and likely ("apt to forget"). Don't confuse with abbreviation "apt" (apartment).
appropriate or suitable
That's an apt description.
having a tendency to do something
He's apt to lose his temper.
From Latin in- (not) + tactus (touched). Often used after disaster: "the building remained intact".
not damaged or impaired
The artifact was found intact.
Also "standard of living". Measured by income, life expectancy, education, etc. "Quality of life" is a related but broader concept including non-material aspects.
the level of comfort and material well-being
Living standards have risen significantly.
From Greek nostos (return home) + algos (pain). Originally a medical diagnosis for homesickness, now a positive cultural concept.
a sentimental longing for the past
The song filled her with nostalgia.
feeling or evoking nostalgia
She felt nostalgic about her childhood.
"Political asylum": protection given to political refugees. Historical: "insane asylum" / "lunatic asylum" (now offensive, "psychiatric hospital" preferred).
protection granted by a country to refugees
They sought asylum in France.
From Portuguese marmelada (originally from quince). "Orange marmalade": beloved British breakfast spread (Paddington Bear's favorite).
a preserve made from citrus fruit, especially oranges
She spread marmalade on her toast.
Homophone with "altar" (church table) but different meaning. "Alter ego": a person's secondary identity.
to change
You can't alter the past.
"Alterations" (plural): tailoring service to adjust clothing fit.
a change
The dress needs minor alterations.
Adjective: /ˈɔːltərnət/. Verb: /ˈɔːltərneɪt/. Different pronunciations.
every other
We meet on alternate Tuesdays.
"Alternative medicine": non-mainstream treatments (acupuncture, homeopathy). "Alternative facts": controversial 2017 phrase by Kellyanne Conway.
one of two or more available choices
There is no alternative.
Usually "fond of". "Farewell, with fondest regards": formal letter closing. "Fond memories": happy reminiscences.
having an affection or liking for
She is very fond of her grandchildren.
a liking or affection for someone or something
He has a fondness for old movies.
"Scientific method", "method acting" - common collocations. "Method to the madness" - common idiom.
a particular procedure for accomplishing something
They used a new teaching method.
Compliment for orderly approach. Sometimes used in detective fiction to describe systematic criminals ("methodical killer").
done according to a systematic order
She is methodical in her work.
Invented by Alfred Nobel (1867): the Nobel Prizes were funded by his fortune from explosives. "Dynamite" (slang) = excellent ("that show was dynamite").
a powerful explosive
They used dynamite to blast the rock.
Slightly dated/informal. The official term is "combat diver" or "navy diver". Originated in WWII.
a diver equipped with a wetsuit and flippers for military work
Navy frogmen searched the harbor.
"The Mob" (capitalized) often refers to the American Mafia. "Mob mentality": psychology term for group behavior overriding individual judgment. "Flash mob": coordinated public gathering.
a large disorderly crowd
An angry mob gathered outside.
Famous mobsters: Al Capone, John Gotti, Bugsy Siegel. "Mobster movies", major genre: The Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino.
a member of an organized criminal group
The film is about a New York mobster.
From Italian contrabbando (against the proclamation/ban). Modern famous contraband: drugs, weapons, exotic animals.
goods that have been imported or exported illegally
The smugglers' boat was full of contraband.
Counterpart of godfather/godmother (the sponsoring adult). Tradition strongest in Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant families.
a male child for whom one acts as godparent
He bought a gift for his godson's birthday.
a female child for whom one acts as godparent
Her goddaughter is now sixteen.
From French fête (party). Often spelled "fête" with accent. "School fete" / "village fete": common British community events with games and stalls.
a celebration or festival, often outdoors
They held a summer fete in the village.
Famous: Lancelot (Arthurian knight). "Lance corporal": military rank. Lance Armstrong: cyclist (later stripped of Tour de France titles for doping).
a long weapon with a wooden shaft and pointed steel head
The knight raised his lance.
In medicine: to open with a sharp instrument (lancing a boil, abscess).
to prick or cut open with a sharp instrument
The doctor lanced the abscess.
"Bank" here is unrelated to the financial bank: same word but separate evolution from Germanic root meaning "shelf" or "slope".
the land alongside a river
They had a picnic on the river bank.
Often used in modern phrasing: "alongside her" = in addition to her. Also literal: "the ship docked alongside the pier".
close beside; next to
He works alongside his brother.
Common alloys: steel (iron + carbon), brass (copper + zinc), bronze (copper + tin), stainless steel (iron + chromium).
a metal made by combining two or more metallic elements
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
From Arabic al-kuhl, originally referring to powdered antimony used as eyeliner.
(uncountable) a colorless volatile flammable liquid that is the intoxicating ingredient in drinks
He doesn't drink alcohol.
(chemistry, countable) any of a class of organic compounds with an -OH group
Methanol and ethanol are both alcohols.
"Alcoholics Anonymous" (AA): famous 12-step recovery program founded 1935. Modern terminology shifting toward "person with alcohol use disorder" rather than "alcoholic".
containing or relating to alcohol
They serve alcoholic beverages.
a person addicted to alcohol
He's a recovering alcoholic.
Modern clinical term: 'alcohol use disorder'.
addiction to alcohol; the condition of being dependent on alcohol
He finally sought treatment for his alcoholism.
Stronger than "like" or "love". Often used emphatically: "I adore this song!"
to love and respect deeply
She adores her grandchildren.
Frequently used for babies, puppies, kittens. "Adorbs": modern informal abbreviation.
inspiring great affection; charming
What an adorable puppy!
deep love and respect
The fans gazed at their idol with adoration.
From French "de luxe" (of luxury). Marketing term used to mark premium versions. "Deluxe edition": fancier version of a book, album, or video game.
of a superior kind; luxurious
They stayed in a deluxe suite.
Notoriously easy-to-misspell word. Memory aid: two C's, two M's. "Reasonable accommodation": legal term for adjustments for disabilities/religious needs.
to provide lodging or space for
The hotel can accommodate 200 guests.
British: "accommodation" usually = lodging. American: also "accommodations" (plural). "Reasonable accommodations": modifications for people with disabilities.
a place to stay; an adjustment to suit different conditions
They booked accommodation for the trip.
"Accessibility": major modern design principle (web accessibility for disabled users, building accessibility for wheelchairs). "ADA-accessible" (US): Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
able to be reached or used
The building is wheelchair accessible.
the quality of being able to be reached or used by everyone, including people with disabilities
The company improved the accessibility of its website.
Noun: /əˈbjuːs/. Verb: /əˈbjuːz/. Many compounds: child abuse, drug abuse, abuse of power, animal abuse. All very serious topics.
the improper use of something
He was charged with abuse of power.
cruel treatment of a person or animal
She is a survivor of childhood abuse.
to treat cruelly or use improperly
He abused his position of authority.
engaging in or characterized by abuse
He grew up in an abusive household.
engaging in or characterized by habitual violence and cruelty
She left her abusive husband.
using harsh and insulting language
The crowd became abusive toward the referee.
More polite than "cheap" (which can imply low quality). "Affordable" is similar: emphasizes accessibility rather than absolute cost.
not costing much
This is an inexpensive option.
"Hostile witness": one who is uncooperative in court. "Jehovah's Witnesses": Christian denomination known for door-to-door evangelism.
a person who sees an event happen
There were several witnesses to the crime.
to see something happen
She witnessed the accident.
Past tense: withdrew. Past participle: withdrawn. Multiple senses: money (from bank), troops (from country), comments (retract), socially (become reclusive).
to remove or take away
She withdrew $200 from the ATM.
to leave a place or activity
He withdrew from the competition.
Financial (ATM withdrawal), military (troop withdrawal), medical (drug withdrawal symptoms), and social (emotional withdrawal).
the act of withdrawing; the process of ceasing to take an addictive drug
Symptoms of withdrawal can be severe.
"On welfare" (American): receiving government financial assistance. "Welfare state": government system providing social safety nets (especially Nordic countries).
the health and well-being of a person or group
They are concerned about the children's welfare.
"Voluntary muscles": those under conscious control (vs. involuntary like heart). "Voluntary work": unpaid labor for a cause.
done of one's own free will
Participation is voluntary.
"Peace Corps volunteer": famous US volunteer program (since 1961). "Volunteer firefighter": unpaid emergency responder common in rural areas.
a person who freely offers to do something
They need volunteers for the event.
'Involuntary muscles' (heart, gut) act without conscious control. Antonym of voluntary.
done without conscious control or intention; not done willingly
A shiver is an involuntary response to cold.
to offer to do something without being paid or forced
She volunteered to help clean up after the event.
of one's own free will, without being forced
He voluntarily resigned from the board.
without conscious control or intention; unwillingly
She involuntarily flinched when the door slammed.
"Lethal injection": method of capital punishment in some US states. "Lethal weapon": popular 1980s/90s action-film franchise (Mel Gibson).
sufficient to cause death
He received a lethal dose of poison.
From Latin fatum (fate). "Fatal Attraction": famous 1987 film. "Fatal flaw": character defect that causes downfall.
causing death
He suffered a fatal heart attack.
Common in some philosophical and religious traditions (e.g., Stoicism, Calvinism). Distinct from determinism (which is more scientific).
the belief that all events are predetermined
His fatalism prevented him from trying to change anything.
believing that events are predetermined
He has a fatalistic view of life.
More specific than "death": implies an accident or specific cause. Common in news ("three fatalities reported").
an occurrence of death by accident
There were no fatalities in the crash.
"Fatally wounded", "fatally flawed" - common collocations.
in a way that causes death or ruin
He was fatally wounded in the accident.
Often used disparagingly about spending time passively ("vegetate in front of the TV").
to live an inactive or unstimulating life
He just vegetates on the couch all weekend.
Used both literally (covered with plants) and figuratively ("persistent vegetative state", medical/legal term).
covered with vegetation
They walked through the heavily vegetated trail.
plants considered collectively, especially in a particular area
The vegetation here is lush and tropical.
"Persistent vegetative state" (PVS): medical condition of unresponsiveness while still alive; major bioethics topic.
relating to plant growth; (medical) showing minimal awareness
The patient is in a vegetative state.
Term coined 1944 by Donald Watson (UK). Distinct from vegetarian: vegans avoid all animal products (dairy, eggs, honey), not just meat. Veganuary: modern campaign for vegan January.
a person who eats no animal products
She has been a vegan for ten years.
Related: urgent, urgency. "Urge" is stronger than "suggest" or "recommend": implies pressing.
to try earnestly to persuade
They urged her to reconsider.
a strong desire or impulse
She had an urge to laugh.
requiring immediate action or attention
This is an urgent matter.
the quality of being urgent; pressing importance
She spoke with a sense of urgency.
"Twig": also (British informal) verb meaning to understand suddenly ("I twigged what was happening").
a small thin branch
He gathered twigs for the fire.
"Tribe" sometimes seen as colonial/outdated when referring to non-Western peoples ("Indigenous peoples" or specific names preferred). Reclaimed/used positively by many modern subcultures.
a social group connected by social, religious, or blood ties
The native tribes of the Amazon.
"Tribal" used metaphorically: "tribal politics", partisan group loyalty. "Tribal tattoo": popular tattoo style with stylized geometric patterns.
relating to a tribe
They observe tribal customs.
Plural: tribesmen. Female: tribeswoman.
a man belonging to a tribe, especially a traditional one
The tribesmen welcomed the travelers into the village.
From Latin tremendus (to be trembled at): originally meant terrifying. Now overwhelmingly positive.
very great in amount or extent
They made a tremendous effort.
British: "transport". American: usually "transportation". Both noun forms valid in both regions but the regional preference exists.
a means or system of carrying people or goods
Public transport in this city is excellent.
to carry from one place to another
Trucks transport the goods.
"Department of Transportation" (DOT): major US federal agency. "Mass transportation": buses, subways, trains for many passengers.
(American) the means of carrying people or goods
She uses public transportation to get to work.
"Greek tragedy": Sophocles, Euripides. Shakespeare's tragedies: Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Othello, Romeo and Juliet.
an event causing great suffering
The accident was a terrible tragedy.
a serious drama with an unhappy ending
"Hamlet" is a tragedy.
"Tragic hero": protagonist with a fatal flaw who suffers a downfall.
causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow
It was a tragic accident.
in a way that causes or is marked by great sadness
She died tragically young.
All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. Tortoises live on land; turtles can be aquatic. Aesop's "The Tortoise and the Hare": classic fable about slow but steady winning.
a slow-moving reptile with a heavy shell, living on land
The tortoise can live over 100 years.
"Tolerate" implies putting up with something one dislikes, without necessarily approving.
to allow the existence of (something one dislikes) without interference
She won't tolerate rudeness.
"Religious tolerance", "zero tolerance" - common phrases. Medical: drug/alcohol tolerance.
the ability or willingness to accept differing views or behaviors
The school promotes tolerance and diversity.
"Lactose tolerant/intolerant": biological. "Religious tolerance": political/social. Two distinct domains for the same word.
willing to accept different opinions or behaviors
She is tolerant of others' views.
British. American equivalent: schedule. "Train timetable", "class timetable": common school uses.
a list of times at which things will happen
Check the bus timetable.
"Theme song": recurring tune (TV show, movie). "Theme park": Disneyland, Universal Studios. "Theme" in writing: central idea.
the central topic of a discussion or work
Love is a common theme in poetry.
having or relating to subjects or a particular subject
The exhibition is organized in thematic sections.
"The War on Terror": US policy framework after 9/11. "Reign of Terror": period of French Revolution.
extreme fear
She was paralyzed with terror.
British spelling: terrorise.
to create and maintain a state of extreme fear in
The gang terrorized the neighborhood.
"State terrorism": when governments practice terrorism. "Domestic terrorism": within one's own country (e.g., Oklahoma City bombing).
the use of violence for political aims
They are fighting terrorism.
"One person's terrorist is another's freedom fighter": controversial saying about the political nature of the term.
a person who uses violent acts to achieve political aims
The suspected terrorist was arrested.
"Tense situation" / "tense relationship". In grammar: "tense" = a verb form indicating time (past, present, future).
showing or feeling nervous strain
He felt tense before the interview.
Multiple senses: emotional (tense relationships), physical (rope tension), political (regional tension).
the state of being stretched tight; mental or emotional strain
There was tension in the room.
"High technology" (high-tech). "Technology sector" - major stock market category.
the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes
Modern technology has transformed communication.
"Technological singularity": hypothetical point when AI surpasses human intelligence.
relating to or using technology
There have been huge technological advances.
"Technical difficulties" - common broadcasting phrase. "Technical foul" - basketball penalty.
relating to the mechanical or industrial arts and applied sciences
The manual is full of technical jargon.
Often shortened to "tech". Common: lab technician, computer technician, medical technician, sound technician.
a person employed to look after technical equipment
She works as a lab technician.
"Surround sound" - audio technology term.
be all around (someone or something) on all sides
Mountains surround the valley.
Always plural. Implies the immediate environment of a person, not a wider habitat.
the things around a person or place
She likes to be in beautiful surroundings.
Two types of plastic surgery: reconstructive (medical, after injury) and cosmetic (aesthetic). Famous: Beverly Hills plastic surgeons.
a doctor specializing in plastic surgery
He's a renowned plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.
From sub- (under) + marine (sea). Modern "submarine" also: a sandwich (also called "sub", "hoagie", or "grinder"). "Yellow Submarine": Beatles song/film.
a vessel capable of operating underwater
The submarine surfaced near the coast.
Many meanings. Medical: "stroke" (cerebrovascular accident) is a leading cause of death/disability. "Stroke of luck": unexpected good fortune. "Stroke of midnight": exactly midnight.
a sudden disabling attack caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain
He suffered a massive stroke.
a movement or motion
She has a beautiful tennis stroke.
to move one's hand gently over something
He stroked the cat.
"The struggle is real": popular modern expression for everyday hardships.
to make forceful efforts to free oneself or to overcome
She struggled to lift the heavy box.
a hard fight or contest
It was a long struggle for civil rights.
Past tense: strove (or strived). Past participle: striven (or strived). More formal than "try". Often "strive for" + goal.
to make great efforts to achieve
They strive for perfection.
"Stars and Stripes": American flag. "Stripe": major modern payments company. "Pinstripe": thin stripes on fabric (suits, baseball uniforms).
a long narrow band of a different color
The flag has red and white stripes.
Do not confuse striped with stripped, the past form of strip.
marked with stripes
She wore a striped sweater.
Also: "striped" /straɪpt/. "Stripy" more common in UK. "Stripy tights", "stripy sweater".
having stripes
He wore a stripy shirt.
"Splendid" sounds slightly old-fashioned in American English, more current in British. "Splendid isolation": historical term for British 19th-century foreign policy.
magnificent; very impressive
They had a splendid time at the party.
British spelling; American: splendor. Adjective: splendid.
magnificent and impressive beauty
They marveled at the splendour of the palace.
American spelling; British: splendour.
magnificent and impressive beauty
They marveled at the splendor of the palace.
"Spare time": free time. "Spare tire": extra tire (also informal slang for belly fat). "Spare change": coins one doesn't need.
additional to what is required for ordinary use
Do you have a spare pen?
to give (something) to someone in addition to what one needs
Can you spare a few minutes?
Distinct from "shovel": spades have flat blades for digging straight down; shovels have curved blades for scooping. "Call a spade a spade": speak frankly. "Spades": one of the four playing-card suits.
a tool with a sharp-edged flat blade and a handle, used for digging
He used a spade to dig the garden.
"Carbon monoxide" (CO): odorless deadly gas. "Carbon monoxide detectors" save many lives. From "mono-" (one) + "oxide".
an oxide containing one atom of oxygen per molecule
Carbon monoxide is poisonous.
"Travesty of justice": common collocation for grossly unfair legal outcomes.
a false or distorted representation
The trial was a travesty of justice.
World's tallest skyscrapers: Burj Khalifa (Dubai, 828m), Merdeka 118 (Kuala Lumpur), Shanghai Tower. First skyscraper: Home Insurance Building (Chicago, 1885).
a very tall building
New York is famous for its skyscrapers.
"Sketch comedy": short comic scenes (SNL = Saturday Night Live). "Sketch" can also describe outline ("sketch out a plan").
a rough drawing
She made a quick sketch of the scene.
"Sketch out a plan" - outline roughly.
to make a rough drawing of
She sketched the mountain in her notebook.
Homophone with "sight" and "cite". In tech: "website" = a collection of web pages. "Site" (verb) = locate ("the building is sited near the river").
a place where something is located
They visited the construction site.
to locate or position (something) in a particular place
The factory is sited near the river.
"Sincerely yours" / "yours sincerely": common formal letter closing. "Sincere apology": heartfelt, not perfunctory.
free from pretense or deceit
She offered a sincere apology.
the quality of being free from pretense or deceit
He spoke with obvious sincerity.
"Digital signature": cryptographic verification. "Signature dish": chef's specialty. "Signature move": wrestler's iconic technique.
a person's name written distinctively
Please add your signature to the document.
"Throw shade" (modern slang): to subtly insult. "Shades" (plural, informal) = sunglasses. "Lampshade": covering on a lamp.
comparative darkness caused by shelter from sunlight
They sat in the shade of a tree.
a slight variation in color
She painted the wall a darker shade.
"Shady" (informal) = suspicious, dishonest. "That guy is shady": common American slang.
protected from sunlight
They found a shady spot for the picnic.
(informal) of doubtful honesty
He has a shady past.
"Sever ties": cut off a relationship. "Sever" is etymologically distinct from "severe" despite similar spelling.
to divide by cutting
The accident severed his arm.
"Severance pay": money given to dismissed employees. "Severance": popular Apple TV+ series (2022).
the action of ending a connection
He received a generous severance package.
Different from "sever" (= cut off) despite the spelling. "Severe weather warning": common meteorological alert.
very great in intensity
He suffered severe injuries.
the quality of being severe; intensity
The severity of the storm surprised everyone.
"For instance" = for example. In programming: "instance" = a specific occurrence of a class (object-oriented programming).
an example or single occurrence
There were several instances of cheating.
Famous spelling: almost no English word has two consecutive consonants (rhy-thm) without vowels. "Rhythm method": natural family planning. "Rhythm and blues" (R&B): music genre.
a regular repeated pattern of sound or movement
She danced to the rhythm of the music.
Also "rhythmical" (slightly less common). "Rhythmic breathing": common in yoga, meditation, childbirth.
having a regular pattern of beats
The drumming was deeply rhythmic.
Olympic sport: performers use ribbons, balls, hoops, clubs, ropes. Women-only at Olympics. Dominated by Eastern European athletes.
a sport combining ballet, gymnastics, and apparatus handling
She trained in rhythmic gymnastics from age six.
"Nursery rhymes": traditional children's poems/songs (Mary Had a Little Lamb, etc.). "Rhyme scheme": pattern of rhymes in a poem (e.g., ABAB).
a word that has the same final sound as another
"Cat" and "hat" are rhymes.
(of words) to have or end with the same sound
"Moon" and "spoon" rhyme.
"Revenge is a dish best served cold": proverb. "Revenge of the Nerds" / "Revenge of the Sith": common movie titles.
the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury suffered at their hands
He vowed revenge against his enemies.
Common: "reunite with family" after long absence. Music: "reunite" used for bands getting back together after a break ("the band reunited for a tour").
to bring (people) together again
The family was reunited after years apart.
"Family reunion", "high school reunion", "class reunion": common social events.
an instance of two or more people coming together again
They held a class reunion.
Famous: German reunification (1990, after the fall of the Berlin Wall). Korean reunification: ongoing political question.
the action of being reunited or reuniting
German reunification took place in 1990.
"Retire to bed" (formal) = go to bed. In sports: "retire a jersey number", never use it again, in honor of a great player.
to stop working at the end of one's career
He plans to retire at 65.
having stopped working
My parents are retired.
"Retirement age": varies by country (65 typical). "Retirement community": housing for older adults.
the action or fact of leaving one's job and ceasing to work
She's saving for retirement.
From Latin transire (to pass through). "Transient population": temporary residents (homeless people, seasonal workers, tourists).
lasting only a short time
Fame is often transient.
the state or fact of lasting only for a short time
The transience of life.