Vocabulary: Batch 60

Almost always used in the phrase "in retrospect".

• a survey or review of a past course of events or period of time

  In retrospect, I should have taken the job.

1. looking back on or dealing with past events or situations

   The magazine ran a retrospective article on the 1980s.

2. (of a law or change) taking effect from a date in the past

   The tax change has retrospective effect from January.

• an exhibition or compilation showing the development of an artist's work over a period of time

  The museum is hosting a retrospective of Picasso's early years.

From Swahili. Originally meant any journey, but became associated with wildlife trips in East Africa.

• an expedition to observe or hunt wild animals, especially in eastern Africa

  They went on a photo safari in Kenya.

• a large enclosed area where visitors can drive through to see wild animals in conditions resembling their natural habitat

  The kids loved seeing the lions at the safari park.

• (medicine) the death of most or all of the cells in an organ or tissue due to disease, injury, or failure of blood supply

  The doctor found signs of necrosis in the wound.

In finance, a roadshow is when a company tours to pitch to potential investors before an IPO.

• a touring show or event, often promotional

  The company is taking its product on a roadshow across Europe.

1. an event or situation in which many people are killed in a violent manner

   The battle turned into a bloodbath.

2. (figurative) a severe defeat or downturn, especially in finance

   Tech stocks suffered a bloodbath today.

• having or relating to an extreme or irrational fear

  She has a phobic reaction to spiders.

Combining form. Examples: claustrophobic, xenophobic, homophobic.

• a combining suffix meaning "having or causing fear or hatred of" the preceding element

  He is claustrophobic and avoids elevators.

• an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something

  She has a phobia of snakes.

Combining form. Examples: claustrophobia (closed spaces), arachnophobia (spiders), xenophobia (foreigners).

• a combining suffix meaning "fear of" the preceding element

  Arachnophobia is one of the most common phobias.

British spelling; American: furor /ˈfjʊrɔːr/. From Italian, originally meaning "fury".

• an outbreak of public anger or excitement

  His remarks caused a furore on social media.

American spelling of furore.

• American spelling of furore

  His remarks caused a furor on social media.

1. to make something more attractive by adding extra details

   The dress was embellished with sequins.

2. to add details that are not strictly true to a story

   He tends to embellish his stories about his travels.

• a decorative detail or feature added to something to make it more attractive

  The cake was decorated with various embellishments.

A core principle of the European Union.

• the principle that decisions should be taken at the lowest possible level of authority

  The EU is governed by the principle of subsidiarity.

• a company controlled by a holding or parent company

  The bank operates several international subsidiaries.

• less important than but related to or part of something else

  The discussion focused on the main issue, with subsidiary topics addressed later.

From Latin luna ("moon") - based on the old belief that lunacy was caused by the moon's phases. Considered insensitive in clinical contexts today.

• (informal) a mentally ill person; a person who behaves in an extremely foolish or dangerous way

  He drove like a lunatic.

Historical/dated; modern term: "psychiatric hospital".

• (historical) a hospital for the care of the mentally ill

  In the 19th century, many patients were committed to lunatic asylums.

• an extreme or fanatical minority of a political or other group

  The candidate appealed to the lunatic fringe of his party.

• great foolishness; insanity

  It would be sheer lunacy to invest all our savings in one stock.

Highly prized in Asian (especially Chinese) cuisine. The inner shell is iridescent and used in jewelry.

• an edible marine mollusk with an ear-shaped shell lined with mother-of-pearl

  Fresh abalone is a delicacy in Hong Kong.

• not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily

  He was reticent about his plans for the future.

• the quality of not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily

  His reticence about his past made others curious.

• in or for the intervening period; provisional

  He was appointed as interim CEO.

Common phrase: "in the interim" = in the meantime.

• the intervening time

  In the interim, please direct all questions to my assistant.

"Rush hour" = peak commuting time.

1. to move with urgent haste

   She rushed to the airport.

2. to force someone to act quickly

   Don't rush me; I need time to decide.

1. (countable) a sudden quick movement towards something

   There was a rush for the exit.

2. (countable) a sudden strong feeling

   She got a rush from skydiving.

American term; British: "pavement".

• a paved walkway alongside a road, for pedestrians

  He stepped off the sidewalk to let her pass.

Root of foxy.

• a small wild mammal of the dog family with a pointed face and bushy tail

  A fox darted across the road at dusk.

Informal in the attractive sense, especially in American English.

1. (informal) sexually attractive

   She looked foxy in that dress.

2. cunning or sly, like a fox

   He's a foxy negotiator.

Root of citation.

1. to quote a passage, book, or author as evidence for an argument

   She cited several studies to support her claim.

2. to mention as an example or supporting reference

   He cited traffic as the reason for his lateness.

1. a quotation from or reference to a book, paper, or author, especially in a scholarly work

   The paper includes hundreds of citations.

2. (American) an official summons to appear in court for a minor offense, often a traffic violation

   The officer gave him a citation for speeding.

3. a formal mention of an honor, especially a military one

   He received a citation for bravery.

1. to order someone to be present

   The judge summoned the witness.

2. to call upon (a quality) for use

   She summoned the courage to speak.

Plural: summonses. Distinct from the verb "to summon".

1. an order to appear before a judge or magistrate, or the writ containing it

   He received a summons to appear in court.

2. an authoritative call to attend in a specified place for a specified purpose

   She heeded the summons from her superior.

Past tense: upheld.

1. to confirm or support (a decision or principle) when it has been called into question

   The Supreme Court upheld the lower court's ruling.

2. to maintain (a custom or law)

   It is our duty to uphold the constitution.

• a person who supports or maintains a principle or institution

  She is a staunch upholder of free speech.

"Inaugural address" = the speech a new US president gives at their swearing-in.

• marking the beginning of an organization, building, or activity

  The president gave his inaugural address on the Capitol steps.

1. to formally admit someone to office

   The president was inaugurated in January.

2. to mark the beginning of something or open it officially

   They inaugurated the new airport with a ceremony.

• the formal admission of someone into office, or the beginning of a public institution or activity

  Thousands attended the president's inauguration.

From Latin forensis ("of the forum") - because of public court debates. Popularized by TV crime shows.

1. relating to the use of science or technology in investigating crime

   Forensic analysis identified the suspect.

2. of or relating to courts of law

   He gave a forensic examination of the witness's testimony.

• scientific methods and techniques used in investigating crime

  The forensics team combed the scene for evidence.

Acronym: "Not In My Back Yard". Coined in the 1980s for residents who oppose nearby development.

• a person who objects to building projects (such as new housing or infrastructure) in their local area

  The proposal was blocked by local nimbys.

Past tense: wedded or wed. Formal/literary; the everyday term is "marry". Common in newspaper headlines for brevity.

• to get married to (someone)

  They wed in a small ceremony.

"Mono-" = one, "duo-" = two, "oligo-" = few. Compare: monopoly, duopoly, oligopoly.

• a market situation in which two firms dominate or share control

  The smartphone market is essentially a duopoly between Apple and Samsung.

• a person's nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior

  He has a calm temperament.

Also used of machines that work unpredictably.

1. (of a person) liable to unreasonable changes of mood

   She's too temperamental to work with.

2. (of a machine) unpredictable in behavior

   This old printer is temperamental.

• with respect to one's temperament; by nature

  He is temperamentally suited to crisis management.

From Greek onkos ("mass, tumor"). An oncologist treats cancer.

• the branch of medicine dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer

  She specializes in pediatric oncology.

• a doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer

  Her oncologist recommended a new course of treatment.

Homophone of "grizzly" (a type of bear). Confusingly similar to "gruesome".

• causing horror or revulsion

  The detective described the grisly details of the murder.

• a release from legal punishment, especially by a governor or president

  The president granted him a full pardon.

"I beg your pardon" / "Pardon me" = polite ways to say "excuse me" or to ask for a repeat.

• to forgive or excuse someone for a wrongdoing

  He was pardoned for the crime.

• able to be forgiven or excused

  His mistake was a pardonable one.

1. an individual animal, plant, or thing used as an example of a species or larger group

   This is a fine specimen of an ancient oak.

2. a sample of blood, urine, etc., taken for medical testing

   The lab tested the urine specimen.

American term; British equivalent: "nappy".

• (American) a piece of absorbent material wrapped around a baby's bottom to absorb waste

  She changed the baby's diaper.

• to waste something, especially money or time, in a foolish manner

  He squandered his inheritance on bad investments.

Coined by Robert A. Heinlein in his 1961 novel "Stranger in a Strange Land". Popular in tech/programming culture.

• (informal) to understand something intuitively or by empathy

  It took me a while to grok object-oriented programming.

From Greek orthos ("correct") + doxa ("opinion"). Capitalized in "Orthodox Church".

1. following accepted or traditional beliefs, especially in religion

   He holds orthodox views on theology.

2. conforming to what is generally accepted or expected

   This is not an orthodox approach to the problem.

1. (uncountable) the quality of conforming to accepted beliefs

   He questioned the orthodoxy of his upbringing.

2. (countable) a generally accepted theory or doctrine

   The economic orthodoxy of the time favored free markets.

• different from what is usual or generally accepted

  She has an unorthodox teaching style.

Typically longer and more substantive than a leaflet; often political or instructional.

• a small booklet or leaflet containing information or arguments about a single subject

  They handed out pamphlets explaining the new health policy.

• a writer of pamphlets, especially political ones

  Thomas Paine was a famous American pamphleteer.

• (of a person or body part) lithe; supple; able to move easily

  She kept herself limber with daily yoga.

"Limber up" = warm up before exercise.

• to make oneself supple, especially in preparation for exercise

  The dancers limbered up backstage.

Informal/affectionate. "Granny Smith" = a tart green apple variety.

• (informal) a grandmother

  She visits her granny every weekend.

Originally military slang for an unexploded bomb.

• a thing that fails to work properly or is otherwise unsatisfactory

  The fireworks were duds - none of them exploded.

• not functioning properly; useless

  He paid with a dud check.

From French. The Vatican City is an enclave within Italy. Distinct from "exclave".

• a portion of territory surrounded by a larger territory whose inhabitants are culturally or politically distinct

  The city has several Chinese enclaves.

• to put something upside down or in the opposite position, order, or arrangement

  Invert the cup over the cloth to dry.

• opposite in effect, sequence, or character

  There is an inverse relationship between supply and demand.

• the opposite of something

  Hate is the inverse of love.

• the action of turning something inside out or upside down, or reversing its order

  The poem uses inversion of normal word order for effect.

• to gather or collect (something), especially information or approval

  The film garnered critical acclaim.

Common collocations: "avid reader", "avid fan", "avid collector".

• having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something

  He's an avid reader of historical novels.

American culture tends to celebrate the underdog ("root for the underdog").

• a person or team that is not expected to win a competition

  Everyone loves to cheer for the underdog.

Antonym: selfish.

• concerned more with the needs of others than with one's own

  Her selfless dedication to her patients was admirable.

From Arabic via Turkish. Common in romantic contexts.

• destiny; fate

  They met by chance and felt it must be kismet.

Antonym: upturn.

• a decline in economic, business, or other activity

  The country faces a major economic downturn.

• changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties or affections

  Public opinion is fickle.

Homophone of "hoard". Originally referred to nomadic warrior bands like the Mongol Horde.

• a large group of people, often considered to be unpleasant

  Hordes of tourists filled the small village.

1. a system of rapid handwriting using abbreviations and symbols

   Secretaries used to learn shorthand to take dictation.

2. (figurative) a shorter or simpler way of expressing or referring to something

   "The cloud" is shorthand for remote computing services.

• a person who types and takes dictation in shorthand

  She worked as a shorthand typist.

From the literal practice of picking nits (lice eggs) out of hair.

• to find fault in a petty manner

  Stop nitpicking and just enjoy the movie.

• the action of finding fault in a petty way

  His constant nitpicking made the meeting drag on.

• excessively concerned with minor details; petty

  His feedback is too nit-picky to be useful.

• able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities

  He's a versatile actor who can play any role.

• the ability to adapt to many different functions or activities

  The tool's versatility makes it useful in many trades.

• a list of selected candidates from which a final choice is made

  She made the shortlist for the job.

• to place someone or something on a shortlist

  Three architects were shortlisted for the project.

In computing, "volatile memory" = memory that loses its contents when power is off (e.g., RAM).

1. liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse

   The stock market has been volatile this week.

2. (chemistry) easily evaporated at normal temperatures

   Volatile organic compounds can be harmful.

• liability to change rapidly and unpredictably

  The market showed unusual volatility this week.

Sometimes used negatively as "sanctimonious".

1. devoutly religious

   She was a pious woman who attended church daily.

2. making a show of being religious or virtuous

   He delivered a pious lecture on honesty.

• the quality of being devoutly religious

  She was known for her piety and charitable work.

Root of untenable.

• able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection

  His position on the issue is no longer tenable.

• (of a position or argument) not able to be maintained or defended

  His position became untenable after the scandal.

From Greek demos ("people"). Compare: democracy, demographic.

• denoting or relating to the kind of language used by ordinary people; popular or colloquial

  He wrote in a demotic style, accessible to all readers.

Antonym: promote.

• to lower someone in rank or position, often as a punishment

  He was demoted from manager to assistant.

• a lowering in rank or position

  He was upset about his demotion to assistant manager.

From French, allegedly from sabot ("wooden shoe") - workers throwing shoes into machinery.

1. to deliberately damage or destroy something to prevent its successful operation

   The factory was sabotaged during the war.

2. to undermine or obstruct someone's plans

   She felt her colleagues were sabotaging her career.

• the deliberate destruction or obstruction of something

  The fire was suspected to be sabotage.

From French - same root as "sabotage". WWII French Resistance had famous saboteurs.

• a person who deliberately damages property or operations

  The saboteur was caught planting explosives.

• a substance added to something in small quantities, typically to improve or preserve it

  This food contains no artificial additives.

"Additive manufacturing" = 3D printing.

• characterized by addition

  The errors are additive over time.

From Sanskrit, originally meaning a spiritual teacher in Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism.

1. a Hindu or Sikh religious teacher or spiritual guide

   He sought out a guru in the Himalayas.

2. an influential teacher or expert in a particular field

   She's a marketing guru.

Common in tech contexts.

• a method or plan for overcoming a problem, especially when the cause cannot be directly addressed

  There's a workaround for the bug while we wait for an official fix.

Informal. From Spanish/Portuguese "sabe" (to know). Used heavily in modern business jargon.

• shrewdness and practical knowledge, especially in business or politics

  She has real political savvy.

• shrewd and knowledgeable

  He's a savvy investor.

Often used of things multiplying rapidly: weeds, fake accounts, conspiracy theories.

• to increase rapidly in number; to multiply

  Fake news has proliferated on social media.

• rapid increase in the number or amount of something

  Nuclear proliferation remains a major security concern.

• a spout at the end of a pipe, hose, or tube used to control a stream of fluid

  She adjusted the nozzle on the garden hose.

1. a cloth covering hung over a bed, throne, or other object as decoration or shelter

   The bed had a velvet canopy.

2. the uppermost branches of trees in a forest, forming a more or less continuous layer

   Light barely reached the forest floor through the dense canopy.

• covered with or as if with a canopy

  a canopied four-poster bed; a canopied forest path

Often slightly negative: "slick salesman" implies smooth but possibly insincere.

1. done or operating in an impressively smooth, efficient way

   That was a slick presentation.

2. smooth and glossy; slippery

   The roads were slick with rain.

• a film or patch of a substance, especially oil, floating on water

  The oil slick spread across the bay.

• a raincoat made of smooth material; a person who is smooth and persuasive but untrustworthy

  A city slicker.

Distinct from "abstinent" (which can be temporary or partial). Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy.

• abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, typically for religious reasons

  He took a vow to remain celibate.

• a person who abstains from marriage and sexual relations

  He lived as a celibate.

Catholic priests take vows of celibacy. "Voluntary celibacy". Modern online: "incel" = involuntarily celibate (controversial subculture).

• the state of not being married or not having sex

  Priests take a vow of celibacy.

From French tampon ("plug"). Modern tampons were popularized in the 1930s.

• a plug of absorbent material inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood

  She kept tampons in her purse.

Tax-relevant term. Often taxed differently from earned income.

• income from investments, interest, or rents rather than from wages or work

  His unearned income comes mostly from dividends.

"Hi-fi" = "high-fidelity" sound reproduction.

1. faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty

   His fidelity to his wife was never in doubt.

2. the degree of exactness with which something is copied or reproduced

   The recording captures the music with great fidelity.

Common phrase: "in close proximity to".

• nearness in space, time, or relationship

  The apartment's proximity to the subway was a major selling point.

Mainly used in computing ("colocate servers") and business ("colocate teams").

• to place together or be situated in the same place

  The startups colocate in a shared office space.

• (of regulations or requirements) strict, precise, and exacting

  The factory follows stringent safety standards.

• strictness or exactness, especially in regard to rules or standards

  The stringency of the regulations.

"Have a mandate" = have public support to act (especially of elected politicians).

1. an official order or commission to do something

   The agency has a mandate to enforce environmental laws.

2. the authority to carry out a policy, given by the electorate to a party

   The president claimed a mandate from the voters.

• to require something to be done; to make mandatory

  The law mandates seatbelt use.

• required by law or rules; compulsory

  Attendance is mandatory.

Common informal contraction of "prenuptial agreement".

• (informal) a prenuptial agreement

  The couple signed a prenup before getting married.

• made or occurring before marriage

  A prenuptial agreement specifies how assets will be divided in case of divorce.

In American politics, "the Iowa caucuses" begin the presidential primary season.

• a meeting of supporters or members of a political party to select candidates or decide on policy

  The Republican caucus met to choose a leader.

• (typically of an action) wicked or criminal

  The villain hatched a nefarious plot.

Often confused with "home" ("home in on" vs "hone in on" - the latter is technically incorrect but increasingly accepted).

1. to sharpen with a whetstone

   He honed the blade until it gleamed.

2. to refine or improve over time

   She honed her skills as a public speaker.

From Latin Mars, the Roman god of war. "Martial law" = direct military rule. "Martial arts" = combat sports like karate, judo.

• relating to fighting or war

  The city was placed under martial law.

1. having a sharply strong taste or smell

   The kitchen was filled with the pungent smell of garlic.

2. (of remarks) sharply expressive

   Her pungent wit won her many fans.

Most common in the phrase "make inroads".

• progress or success in achieving something, especially against opposition

  The startup is making inroads into the market dominated by Big Tech.

• to block or become blocked

  Leaves clogged the drain.

Traditional Dutch wooden clogs are called "klompen".

1. a blockage

   There's a clog in the kitchen sink.

2. a shoe with a thick wooden sole

   She wore wooden clogs in the garden.

In US copyright, works enter the public domain 70 years after the author's death.

• the state of belonging or being available to the public as a whole; not subject to copyright

  Shakespeare's plays are in the public domain.

Distinct from "moral" (a lesson or ethical principle).

• the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group

  Employee morale was low after the layoffs.

A common workplace/team-management term. Examples: bonuses, parties, public recognition.

• something that improves the confidence or enthusiasm of a person or group

  The team's win was a much-needed morale booster.

American spelling; British: demoralise. Literally, to damage morale.

• to make someone lose confidence, hope, or enthusiasm

  Repeated failures demoralized the team.

• improving confidence, enthusiasm, or team spirit

  The manager gave a morale-boosting speech before the deadline.

British spelling of demoralize.

• British spelling of demoralize

  Repeated failures demoralised the team.

From Greek miso- ("hatred") + gyne ("woman"). Related: misandrist (hatred of men), misanthropist (hatred of humanity).

• a person who dislikes, despises, or is prejudiced against women

  His comments revealed him to be a misogynist.

• showing dislike of or prejudice against women

  He was criticized for his misogynistic remarks.

• dislike of, contempt for, or prejudice against women

  The book examines misogyny in the workplace.

Capitalized "Advent" = the 4-week Christian period before Christmas. "Advent calendar" = a holiday tradition.

• the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event

  The advent of the internet changed how we communicate.

Often used disapprovingly: "the audacity to ___". Adjective: audacious.

1. the willingness to take bold risks

   It took audacity to start a business at his age.

2. rude or disrespectful behavior; impudence

   He had the audacity to ask for a raise after being late all month.

1. showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks

   She made an audacious attempt to break the world record.

2. showing impudence or audacity

   His audacious behavior shocked everyone.

• decayed organic material used as a fertilizer for growing plants

  She spread compost over the garden beds.

• to make (vegetable matter) into compost

  They compost their kitchen scraps.

Distinct from "biodegradable" (which is a broader term, not requiring composting conditions).

• able to be decomposed and used as compost

  These bags are made of compostable materials.

From French. The "-t" is silent. Distinct from knitting (which uses two needles).

• to create fabric or items by interlocking loops of yarn using a single hooked needle

  She crocheted a blanket for the baby.

• the craft of crocheting

  She learned crochet from her grandmother.

1. (uncountable) a carbohydrate found in foods like potatoes, rice, and bread

   He's avoiding starches on his diet.

2. (uncountable) a substance used to stiffen fabric, especially in collars and shirts

   She added starch to the laundry.

• containing a lot of starch, especially of food

  Potatoes and rice are starchy foods.

• to change direction suddenly, especially to avoid hitting something

  He swerved to avoid a deer in the road.