Vocabulary: Batch 66

• the branch of technology concerned with generating, controlling, and detecting light (photons), especially for transmitting information; the optical equivalent of electronics

  Photonics is essential to fiber-optic communications.

• existing, used, or happening beneath the surface of water

  They went on an underwater tour of the coral reef.

• beneath the surface of water

  He can hold his breath underwater for over a minute.

• done openly and unashamedly, with no attempt at concealment, especially when the thing being done is bad

  That was a blatant lie and everyone knew it.

Adverb form of blatant (existing entry in jsonl). Almost always carries negative meaning.

• in a way that is completely obvious and shameless, especially when doing something bad

  He blatantly lied to the police about his whereabouts.

• a common weedy plant with bright yellow flowers that turn into a white puffball of seeds

  The lawn was covered in yellow dandelions.

1. (of a person) pleasant and friendly because of having similar interests or attitudes

   We spent the evening with a group of congenial friends.

2. (of a place or situation) agreeable; suited to one's tastes

   She found the small town a congenial place to write.

Danish loanword. Pronunciation is approximate; the original Danish has no exact English equivalent.

• a Danish concept of cozy contentment and well-being created through enjoying simple pleasures, especially with loved ones in warm, comfortable surroundings

  Lighting candles and curling up with a book on a winter evening is pure hygge.

"Wave" of emotion/crime/heat = a temporary surge or spread of something.

1. a moving ridge of water, especially on the surface of the sea

   The surfer paddled out to catch the next wave.

2. a gesture of the hand, especially in greeting or farewell

   She gave a friendly wave as she drove off.

3. a sudden occurrence or spread of a phenomenon

   A wave of nostalgia washed over him.

4. (physics) a disturbance that transfers energy through a medium or space

   Sound travels as a wave through the air.

1. to move one's hand to and fro as a greeting or signal

   He waved at her from across the street.

2. to move loosely to and fro, especially in the air

   Flags waved in the breeze.

Do not confuse with "waiver" (a formal document giving up a right), pronounced the same.

1. to hesitate or be undecided between choices

   She never wavered in her support for the project.

2. to move unsteadily, sway, or flicker

   His voice wavered with emotion as he spoke.

British spelling: calibre.

1. the level of quality or ability of someone or something

   We need to attract employees of the highest caliber.

2. the internal diameter of a gun barrel, or the diameter of a bullet

   He fired a .22 caliber rifle.

From the noun "caliber" (gun barrel diameter, hence by extension precision measurement). "Recalibrate expectations": common figurative use.

• to adjust an instrument to a known standard

  He calibrated the scale before weighing.

1. a list or plan showing the order in which people take their turn to perform a duty, work shifts, or play in a team

   The coach posted next week's roster on the locker room wall.

2. the complete list of members of an organization, especially a sports team

   The team added two new players to its roster this season.

1. to combine several things into a single, more effective or coherent whole

   They consolidated three offices into one new headquarters.

2. to make something physically stronger or more secure

   She used the first year to consolidate her position as team leader.

3. (finance) to combine several debts or loans into a single one

   He consolidated his credit card debts into one monthly payment.

• the action of combining several things into a single, more effective whole

  The merger led to a wave of consolidation in the industry.

1. a long, detailed story, especially one involving heroic events or many generations of a family

   The novel is a sweeping family saga set across three continents.

2. a long and complicated series of events, often with hardships

   After a six-month saga of repairs and disputes, the car was finally fixed.

3. a medieval Scandinavian story of historical or legendary heroes

   The Icelandic sagas describe Viking voyages and battles.

1. a stretch of land, especially with regard to its physical features

   The terrain became rocky as they climbed higher.

2. a particular area of knowledge or activity (figurative)

   Quantum physics is unfamiliar terrain for most readers.

• a household appliance for washing clothes and other fabrics, usually with a rotating drum

  Our washing machine broke down right before vacation.

1. to strike with great force, especially with a whip or whip-like object

   The rain lashed the windows all night.

2. to tie or fasten something tightly with a rope

   They lashed the boxes to the roof of the car.

3. ("lash out") to suddenly attack physically or verbally

   He lashed out at the reporter when asked about the scandal.

1. a sharp blow with a whip

   He was sentenced to twenty lashes.

2. an eyelash

   She has long, dark lashes.

1. a beating with a whip; the act of striking forcefully

   The crew received a verbal lashing from the captain.

2. (British informal, usually plural "lashings") large quantities of something, especially food or drink

   He poured lashings of cream on the dessert.

• relating to Canada or its people, culture, or languages

  He has a very polite Canadian accent.

• a person from Canada

  Most Canadians live within 100 miles of the US border.

• to lose or give up something as a penalty for wrongdoing or a broken agreement

  He forfeited his deposit by canceling at the last minute.

• something lost or surrendered as a penalty

  The fine was the forfeit for breaking the contract.

• the act of losing or giving up something as a penalty; the thing forfeited

  The crime carries a possible forfeiture of citizenship.

The 'b' is silent.

1. unable to feel sensation, especially because of cold, injury, or medication

   My fingers went numb in the freezing wind.

2. emotionally unable to feel or react, often because of shock or grief

   She was numb with grief after the accident.

• to deprive of sensation

  The dentist gave him an injection to numb the gum before drilling.

• deprived of feeling or responsiveness

  Her fingers were numbed by the cold.

A trademark of the National Association of Realtors (US). Strictly, it refers only to a member of that association, but casually used for any real estate agent in North America.

• a real estate agent, especially in the United States or Canada

  Our Realtor showed us three houses last weekend.

1. a long, vigorous campaign for or against something the person believes in strongly

   She has been on a crusade against single-use plastics.

2. (historical, often capitalized) any of the medieval Christian military expeditions to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims

   The First Crusade was launched in 1096.

• to lead or take part in a vigorous campaign for a cause

  He crusaded tirelessly for better working conditions.

1. a person who works energetically for a cause they believe in

   She is a tireless crusader for animal welfare.

2. (historical) a Christian soldier in the medieval Crusades

   The crusaders besieged Jerusalem for over a month.

1. a word, phrase, or sentence repeated frequently, often as a personal motto or guiding belief

   "Keep it simple" was his mantra.

2. (in Hinduism and Buddhism) a sacred word, syllable, or text repeated in meditation or prayer

   "Om" is the most well-known mantra in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

1. a place, person, or institution that strongly defends or upholds a particular principle, way of life, or activity

   The university is a bastion of free speech.

2. a projecting part of a fortification, allowing defenders to fire in several directions

   The castle's stone bastions still stand.

1. a small, regular increase in something, especially a number, amount, or rate

   Wages rose in small annual increments.

2. one of a series of step-by-step additions

   The volume increases in increments of 5.

Used in politics, policy, and management theory; often contrasted with "radical change".

• the policy or theory of making changes by small, gradual steps rather than by sweeping reforms

  His approach to climate policy is one of cautious incrementalism.

• occurring gradually in a series of small steps or additions

  The company made incremental improvements to the product each quarter.

1. a printed piece of paper or card that gives the holder a right to enter a place, travel, or take part in an event

   He bought two tickets to the concert.

2. an official notice given for a traffic or parking violation

   She got a ticket for speeding.

• to issue someone with an official notice for a traffic or parking violation

  He was ticketed for running a red light.

• the process or business of selling tickets, especially for events or transportation

  The company built an online ticketing platform for concerts.

1. large, impressive, or magnificent in size, appearance, or style

   They held the wedding in a grand ballroom.

2. (of a plan or scheme) ambitious and large in scope

   He had grand plans for the company's future.

3. highest in rank or importance (often in titles): the grand prize, the grand finale

   She won the grand prize in the contest.

• (informal) one thousand dollars (or pounds)

  The car cost me twenty grand.

• impressive beauty, size, or dignity

  The palace still has an air of grandeur.

• the person who currently holds an official position, especially a political one

  The incumbent faces a tough re-election campaign.

1. currently holding an office or position

   The incumbent president visited the disaster area.

2. (formal, with "on" or "upon") necessary or required as a duty

   It is incumbent on all citizens to vote.

• the period during which someone holds an official position

  During his incumbency, the mayor cut crime rates significantly.

• the combined effect of two or more things, people, or groups working together that is greater than the sum of their individual effects

  The merger created strong synergy between the two companies' marketing teams.

• relating to or exhibiting synergy

  The two drugs have a synergistic effect when taken together.

Common business jargon, sometimes mocked as corporate buzzword-speak.

• to work together to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of individual effects

  The two teams synergized well on the joint project.

From French. Used mainly to describe women.

1. (of a woman) small and slender in build

   She's petite, only about five feet tall.

2. (in clothing) sized to fit short, small-framed women

   This brand has a petite section for shorter shoppers.

1. to grab something quickly, often forcefully or rudely

   A thief snatched her purse and ran.

2. to take or obtain something with effort, especially in a difficult situation

   They snatched victory in the final seconds of the game.

• a short, often incomplete piece of something, especially of conversation or music

  I overheard a snatch of their conversation in the hallway.

• a simple fastening on a door, gate, or window, typically a bar that fits into a slot

  He lifted the latch and pushed the gate open.

1. to fasten with a latch

   Make sure to latch the gate behind you.

2. ("latch on" / "latch onto") to attach oneself firmly to something or someone; to take up an idea eagerly

   The baby latched on to her mother to feed.

1. a frothy white foam produced by mixing soap with water

   Work up a good lather before shaving.

2. a sweaty, agitated state, especially of a horse or person

   He was in a lather after running for the bus.

• to apply soap foam to something or to produce foam

  She lathered her hands thoroughly before rinsing.

From French (literally "touched"), originally used in fencing to acknowledge a hit.

• used to acknowledge that someone else has made a good or clever point in an argument or discussion

  "You're the one who's always late." "Touché."

From French. Often used in the term "idiot savant" / "autistic savant".

1. a learned or wise person, especially a distinguished scholar or expert

   He's considered a savant in the field of medieval history.

2. a person who shows extraordinary ability in one specific area (such as math, music, or memory), often alongside a developmental disability

   The film told the story of an autistic savant who could calculate dates instantly.

1. to move about or travel, especially without a clear purpose or destination; to wander

   Wild horses roam the plains freely.

2. (of a mobile phone) to use a network outside of the home network's area, often incurring extra charges

   My phone started roaming as soon as we crossed the border.

1. the act of wandering

   After hours of roaming, they finally found the trailhead.

2. (telecoms) the use of a mobile phone on a network other than the one you are registered with, typically when traveling

   Be careful: international roaming charges can add up quickly.

• to officially connect or join an organization with a larger one, often as a subordinate or branch

  The clinic is affiliated with a major teaching hospital.

Pronounced with /ət/ at the end as a noun, /eɪt/ as a verb.

• an organization, company, or person officially connected to or controlled by a larger one

  The TV station is an affiliate of the major network.

• officially connected to or in association with a larger organization

  He is an affiliated member of the research center.

• a formal connection or association with an organization, party, or group

  He listed his political affiliation as independent.

1. a shade or variety of a color, especially a pale one

   The sky had a pink tint at sunrise.

2. a slight coloring added to something, especially hair

   She added a blonde tint to her hair.

• to apply a small amount of color to something

  She had her glasses tinted to reduce glare.

1. a male given name of French origin, derived from Latin Claudius ("lame"); famous bearers include Claude Monet (painter) and Claude Debussy (composer)

   Claude is a common French first name but rarely used in English-speaking countries today.

2. an AI assistant made by Anthropic, a US company; competitor to ChatGPT and Gemini

   I asked Claude to help me write the report.

Often used reflexively: "to demean oneself" (= to lower one's own dignity).

• to cause someone to lose their dignity, respect, or self-respect; to humiliate

  She refused to demean herself by begging for the job.

• causing someone to lose dignity or self-respect; humiliating, degrading

  He found the task of cleaning the bathrooms demeaning.

The "loose woman" sense (dated, derogatory) exists but is offensive; not covered here.

1. a person with no home or job who travels from place to place, often on foot

   An old tramp slept under the bridge with all his belongings in a backpack.

2. a long walk, especially in the countryside

   We went for a tramp across the moors.

• to walk heavily or with steady, firm steps

  Hikers tramped through the muddy fields for hours.

Refers to Claude Monet (1840-1926), French Impressionist painter; founder of the movement.

• famous French Impressionist painter known for his garden scenes at Giverny, water lilies, and series paintings of haystacks and Rouen Cathedral

  Monet painted the same haystack over and over to capture changing light.

Refers to Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), French Impressionist painter known for cheerful, light-filled paintings of social scenes.

• famous French Impressionist painter known for his warm, sensuous portraits and scenes of Parisian leisure

  Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party" is one of the most beloved Impressionist paintings.

Refers to Paul Cézanne (1839-1906), French Post-Impressionist painter; bridge between Impressionism and Cubism.

• famous French Post-Impressionist painter known for still lifes, landscapes of Mont Sainte-Victoire, and revolutionary approach to form that influenced Cubism

  Cézanne said he wanted to "make of Impressionism something solid and durable, like the art of the museums."

Refers to Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), Dutch Post-Impressionist painter. Pronunciation varies widely: American /væn ˈɡoʊ/, British /væn ˈɡɒf/, Dutch /vɑn ˈɣɔx/.

• famous Dutch Post-Impressionist painter known for his expressive brushwork and vivid colors; works include "Starry Night," "Sunflowers," and many self-portraits. Mentally ill, sold only one painting in his lifetime, died by suicide

  Van Gogh painted "The Starry Night" while staying at an asylum in Saint-Rémy.

1. a person who works very hard and steadily, especially at unglamorous tasks

   She is the workhorse of the team, always taking on the boring assignments.

2. a piece of equipment or a vehicle that is reliable and used heavily over a long time

   This printer has been the office workhorse for over a decade.

1. a place where people go for vacations, relaxation, or recreation, often with hotels and other facilities

   They spent a week at a ski resort in Colorado.

2. ("last resort" / "first resort") an option used or considered when other options have failed (or first)

   We'll call the lawyer only as a last resort.

Followed by "to".

• to turn to or make use of something, especially something undesirable, when there is no other option

  He resorted to lying when he couldn't think of another excuse.

Compare with maternity (relating to motherhood). From Latin pater = father.

1. the state of being a father; fatherhood

   A DNA test confirmed his paternity of the child.

2. (figurative, formal) the origin or authorship of something

   The paternity of the manuscript has been debated for centuries.

• a period of absence from work granted to a father after or shortly before the birth of his child

  He took three months of paternity leave to care for his newborn.

= fatherly; on the father's side ('paternal grandmother'). Compare 'maternal'.

• relating to or characteristic of a father; on the father's side of a family

  She inherited the house from her paternal grandfather.

1. weak, thin, and easily damaged or broken

   The chair was so flimsy that it collapsed when he sat down.

2. (of an argument, excuse, or evidence) weak and unconvincing

   His alibi was flimsy at best.

• a topic being discussed or studied

  Climate change was the subject of the lecture.

• to make someone or something experience an unpleasant process

  The prisoners were subjected to harsh treatment.

Opposite of "objective".

1. based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions rather than verifiable facts

   Beauty is highly subjective; what one person finds attractive, another may not.

2. (grammar) relating to or denoting the subject of a sentence

   "I" and "she" are subjective pronouns; "me" and "her" are objective.

1. a quantity of paper, typically 500 sheets

   I bought a ream of printer paper for the office.

2. (usually plural "reams") a large quantity of something written or printed

   She produced reams of notes during the trial.

• not straight; tilted or twisted to one side

  Her hat was askew after the bike ride.

• in a tilted or crooked manner

  The picture hung askew on the wall.

Distinguish from pandemic (across countries/worldwide) and endemic (regularly found in an area).

1. a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time

   The country is battling a flu epidemic this winter.

2. (figurative) a rapid spread of any harmful phenomenon

   Public health experts call the rise of teenage vaping an epidemic.

• (of a disease) widespread in a community at a particular time

  Measles is epidemic in the region this year.

British spelling: oxidise.

1. to combine with oxygen, often producing rust, tarnish, or chemical change

   Iron oxidizes quickly in damp air, forming rust.

2. (chemistry) to lose electrons in a chemical reaction

   In the reaction, copper is oxidized while oxygen is reduced.

• the process or result of oxidizing; the chemical reaction of a substance with oxygen

  Oxidation of the metal turned the silver coin black.

• a compound of oxygen with another element or group

  Rust is a form of iron oxide.

1. of high quality; excellent

   They served a fine bottle of wine at dinner.

2. satisfactory; OK (often used dismissively)

   "How are you?" "I'm fine, thanks."

3. very thin or in small pieces

   Add a fine layer of sugar on top.

4. (of weather) bright and sunny

   It was a fine summer afternoon.

• a sum of money paid as a penalty for breaking a rule or law

  He got a $200 fine for speeding.

• to require someone to pay a fine

  The court fined the company $1 million for environmental violations.

Plural in form but used as both singular and plural depending on sense.

1. a method, way, or instrument used to achieve a result

   We had no means of contacting him while he was traveling.

2. money, income, or wealth available to a person

   She lives within her means and saves whatever she can.

3. (idiom) "by all means" = certainly, of course; "by no means" = not at all

   "May I borrow this?" "By all means."

1. a small, rounded hill or pile of earth, stones, or other material

   They buried the dog under a mound of fresh soil.

2. a large amount of something piled up

   He has a mound of paperwork on his desk.

• a hardy cereal grain with bristly ears, used for making bread, beer, and animal feed, and as a soup ingredient

  Pearl barley is often added to soups and stews to thicken them.

• a drink made by boiling barley grains in water, often flavored with lemon or orange; traditionally served as a soothing drink in Britain

  Wimbledon is famous for serving lemon barley water to its tennis players.

Despite the name, modern barley sugar is usually made without actual barley: just hard sugar candy with the traditional twisted shape.

• a clear, amber-colored hard candy traditionally made by boiling sugar with barley water, often shaped into twisted sticks

  She bought a stick of barley sugar from the old-fashioned sweet shop.

From Greek eikon (image) + graphia (writing/study). Used in art history, religious studies, and cultural analysis.

1. the visual images, symbols, or modes of representation associated with a person, subject, religion, or movement

   Christian iconography includes the cross, the dove, and the lamb.

2. the academic study of such images and their meanings

   She specializes in the iconography of Renaissance painting.

Historically used for nations seizing territory (e.g., Russia's annexation of Crimea, 2014).

• to add or attach something, especially a territory, to a larger or more important thing, often by force or formal agreement

  The country annexed the disputed border region in 1938.

British spelling of the noun: annexe.

1. a building or section added to a larger main building

   The library's annex houses the children's section.

2. an additional section attached to a document, such as an appendix

   See annex A for the full data table.

Opposite: disembark (to get off a ship/plane). "Embark on" + abstract noun is the figurative sense.

1. to board a ship, plane, or other vehicle, especially at the start of a journey

   Passengers embarked on the cruise ship in Miami.

2. ("embark on") to begin or start something new, especially a long or important undertaking

   She embarked on a new career as a writer.

Antonym: embark. Formal term used on ships, planes, and trains.

• to leave a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle

  Passengers will disembark at gate 17.

1. (informal, especially British) to think or believe something

   I reckon she'll be here by noon.

2. to calculate or count something

   Let me reckon the total cost of the trip.

3. ("reckon with") to take into consideration; deal with (a problem or force)

   He is a politician to be reckoned with.

Often in the phrase "day of reckoning" = the time when one must answer for one's actions.

1. a calculation or estimate, especially of accounts or distances

   By my reckoning, we should arrive in two hours.

2. the settling of accounts; a time when one's actions are judged and consequences must be faced

   After years of corruption, a reckoning was finally coming.

• a small hole in a door or wall through which you can secretly look without being seen, especially to check who is outside

  She peered through the peephole before opening the door.

Tech industry slang, from the phrase "eat your own dog food". Originated around the 1980s; common at Microsoft, Google, and other software companies.

• the practice of a company using its own products internally, especially software, before or alongside releasing them to customers; a way to test products from a real user's perspective

  Through dogfooding, the engineers discovered several bugs that customers would later complain about.

1. (American) a roof-like projection over the entrance of a building (especially a theater or hotel), often with the name or featured event displayed on it

   The actor's name shone in lights on the theater marquee.

2. (British) a large tent used for outdoor events such as parties, weddings, or exhibitions

   The reception will be held in a marquee on the lawn.

• leading, top-billed, or star-status (used before a noun)

  He is the marquee player on the team.

Often used with "the" article. Source of the term "Caucasian" historically applied (now considered outdated) to white people of European origin, based on a 19th-century racial theory.

• a mountainous region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, straddling Europe and Asia; includes the countries of Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and parts of southern Russia

  The Caucasus is one of the world's most ethnically and linguistically diverse regions.

Modern informal usage, common in social media, hip-hop, and podcast culture. Also written "shoutout" as one word.

• a public mention or expression of greeting, thanks, or recognition, often given to someone specific in front of a wider audience

  Big shout-out to my parents for always supporting me.

1. the tip or end of a finger

   She touched the keys lightly with her fingertips.

2. (idiom) "at one's fingertips" = readily available, easily accessible

   With the internet, all the information you need is at your fingertips.

Officially the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China since 1965. Historically an independent kingdom; spiritual home of Tibetan Buddhism led by the Dalai Lama.

• a high-altitude plateau region in Central Asia, north of the Himalayas, now under Chinese administration; capital Lhasa

  Tibet has an average elevation of over 4,500 meters above sea level.

• relating to Tibet, its people, language, or culture

  Tibetan Buddhism is a major branch of Mahayana Buddhism.

• a person from Tibet; the language spoken in Tibet

  She studied Tibetan in order to translate ancient Buddhist texts.

From French ruse = trick. More formal/literary than "trick" or "scam".

• a clever trick or deception intended to mislead someone for advantage

  He pretended to be a delivery driver as a ruse to gain entry to the building.

1. the act or offense of speaking irreverently about God or sacred religious things

   In some countries, blasphemy is still a criminal offense.

2. (figurative) any irreverent or disrespectful statement about something considered sacred or beyond criticism

   Suggesting the Beatles weren't the best band is blasphemy to some music fans.

• showing irreverence or disrespect toward God or sacred things

  Critics called the film blasphemous and demanded it be banned.

Verb form, less common in modern English than the noun "blasphemy". Religious or hyperbolic use.

• to speak irreverently about God or sacred things

  He was accused of blaspheming in his book.

1. happening or appearing in the near future; upcoming

   We discussed the forthcoming election.

2. willing to give information or to talk; open and communicative

   The witness was not very forthcoming about what he had seen.

3. (formal) ready and available when needed (often in the negative)

   No further details were forthcoming from the company.

Often followed by "in" + person: confide in someone.

• to tell someone about private or secret matters, trusting them not to repeat what is said

  She confided in her best friend about her financial troubles.

"Confidence trick"/"con" - a scam relying on gaining trust. "Self-confidence" - belief in one's own abilities.

• the feeling of trust in one's own abilities or in someone/something else

  She answered the question with confidence.

• feeling or showing certainty about something

  He felt confident about the exam.

"Confidential" is stronger/more legal than "private" or "secret". "Confidential informant": police source whose identity is protected.

• intended to be kept secret

  This information is strictly confidential.

Mainly American English. Old-fashioned in modern usage.

1. a woman's handbag or small purse

   She pulled a small mirror from her pocketbook.

2. a person's financial resources or budget

   Higher gas prices hit consumers' pocketbooks hard.

3. a small, often softcover book

   He brought a pocketbook of poetry to read on the train.

Politically loaded term in modern usage. Zionism is the movement for the re-establishment and protection of a Jewish nation in the territory of historic Israel.

• a person who supports Zionism, the political and religious movement that sought (and now defends) the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel

  Theodor Herzl, an Austrian journalist, is considered the founder of modern Zionism.

• relating to or supporting Zionism

  The Zionist movement gained momentum in the late 19th century.

• a person who publicly disagrees with and criticizes their government, often at great personal risk

  The dissident was imprisoned for speaking out against the regime.

• openly opposing the official policies of an authoritative body, especially a government

  The dissident author was banned from publishing.

Usually used with a negative connotation (causing trouble, conflict, etc.).

1. to cause something, especially trouble or violence, to begin to happen

   He was accused of instigating the riot.

2. to provoke someone to do something, often something harmful

   She accused him of instigating her son to disobey her.

• a person who brings about or initiates something

  He was the instigator of the plot.

• the action of instigating something, especially trouble or a formal process

  The lawsuit was filed at the instigation of the shareholders.

From Greek genesis (origin, source). Also the title of the first book of the Bible.

1. the origin, beginning, or formation of something

   The genesis of the company was a college dorm room project.

2. (capitalized: Genesis) the first book of the Old Testament, describing the creation of the world

   The story of Adam and Eve is told in Genesis.

Do not confuse with "pigeon" /ˈpɪdʒən/ (the bird): pronounced almost identically. A pidgin that becomes a full native language is then called a "creole".

• a simplified language that develops as a means of communication between people who do not share a common language, typically combining elements of two or more languages

  Tok Pisin, an English-based pidgin, is one of Papua New Guinea's official languages.

1. to keep several objects (balls, clubs, etc.) in continuous motion in the air by throwing and catching them quickly

   He learned to juggle five balls in college.

2. (figurative) to manage several activities, tasks, or responsibilities at the same time

   She juggles a full-time job, two kids, and night school.

• a person who juggles, especially as a form of entertainment

  The circus juggler kept five flaming torches in the air.

• a difficult task of balancing several activities at once

  Being a working mother is a constant juggling act.

Most often used in the fixed phrase "a double-edged sword" = something with both good and bad effects.

1. having two cutting edges

   The samurai held a double-edged blade.

2. (figurative) having both positive and negative aspects or consequences

   Fame is a double-edged sword: you gain influence but lose privacy.

From Greek agōnia (struggle). Stronger than "pain": implies extreme, often prolonged, suffering.

1. extreme physical or mental suffering

   He cried out in agony after twisting his ankle.

2. a state of intense difficulty or emotion (usually "in agony of")

   She waited in agony for the test results.

British spelling: agonise.

• to suffer mental anguish; struggle with a difficult decision

  She agonized over which job to take.

• expressing extreme suffering or anxiety

  He gave an agonized cry.

• causing great physical or mental suffering

  It was an agonizing decision to make.

1. fierce, violent, or cruel

   The dog was so savage that the owner had to keep it muzzled.

2. (informal) extremely harsh or critical

   The reviews of his book were savage.

1. to attack viciously, especially of an animal

   The child was savaged by a stray dog.

2. to criticize harshly

   The critics savaged the film as one of the worst of the year.

• the quality of being savage; extreme cruelty or violence

  Witnesses were shocked by the savagery of the attack.

1. the rise and fall of the voice in speaking; the pattern of pitch changes that conveys meaning beyond words

   Rising intonation at the end of a sentence often signals a question.

2. (music) the accuracy of pitch in playing or singing

   The violinist's intonation was perfect.

From Latin dativus, from dare (to give): the case of giving (indirect object). English has no dative form per se; we use "to/for + noun" instead.

• (grammar) relating to the grammatical case that marks the indirect object of a verb (the recipient or beneficiary)

  In German, the dative case is used for indirect objects, like "dem Mann" (to the man).

• (grammar) the dative case, or a word in that case

  In Latin, "to the king" is expressed by the dative "regi".

1. to hit hard, often violently or noisily

   He bashed the door open with his shoulder.

2. (informal) to harshly criticize

   Critics have been bashing the movie since its release.

Also famous in tech as Bash (Bourne Again Shell), the most common Unix/Linux command-line shell.

1. (informal) a large, lively party or celebration

   We're throwing a big bash for her 50th birthday.

2. a forceful hit or blow

   He gave the lid a bash with the hammer.

1. a dramatic improvement in a situation, especially of a struggling business

   Under the new CEO, the company achieved a remarkable turnaround.

2. the amount of time required to complete a task or process from start to finish

   What's the turnaround time for repairs?

3. a place where a vehicle can turn around, especially at the end of a road

   Use the turnaround at the end of the cul-de-sac.

4. a sudden change in opinion or policy

   His complete turnaround on the issue surprised everyone.

"Turn things around" / "turn it around" - reverse a failing situation into success.

• to reverse a negative situation and make it successful

  The new coach turned the team around.

In English, the genitive is mostly shown by 's (the boy's hat) or "of" (the leg of the table). Other languages (Latin, German, Russian) have explicit genitive case endings.

• (grammar) relating to the grammatical case that indicates possession or close association

  In Latin, "of the king" is expressed by the genitive form "regis".

• (grammar) the genitive case, or a word in that case

  "His" is the genitive of "he".

1. to trip or almost fall while walking or running

   She stumbled over a tree root in the dark.

2. to hesitate, pause, or make mistakes while speaking or performing

   He stumbled over the difficult words in his speech.

3. ("stumble upon / across") to discover something by chance

   I stumbled upon an old photo album in the attic.

Biblical origin (from Romans and 1 Corinthians).

• an obstacle or difficulty that prevents progress or success

  The high cost has been the main stumbling block in negotiations.

1. having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully

   She is a highly competent surgeon.

2. (of work or performance) adequate but not outstanding

   His translation was competent but lacked flair.

• the ability or skill to do something successfully or efficiently

  She demonstrated her competence by handling the crisis calmly.

Often used interchangeably with "competence", but "competency" more often refers to specific identifiable skills (e.g., "core competencies").

1. (uncountable) the same as competence

   The exam tests competency in basic math.

2. (countable) a specific skill or area of ability

   Leadership is one of the key competencies we look for in candidates.

1. to strike repeatedly with the fists; to beat

   The boxer pummeled his opponent against the ropes.

2. (figurative) to attack or defeat decisively

   The stock was pummeled after the disappointing earnings report.

Opposite of "reactive" (responding to events after they happen).

• acting in advance to handle an expected difficulty, rather than waiting until problems arise

  A proactive approach to maintenance can save you money in the long run.

• to write or draw carelessly or hurriedly

  He scribbled a note on the back of an envelope.

• a careless or hurried piece of writing or drawing

  Her notebook was full of scribbles and doodles.

Often used self-deprecatingly or dismissively (a poor or amateurish writer).

• a person who scribbles; (often disparaging) a writer, especially one regarded as untalented or hack

  He's just a scribbler for a small-town newspaper.

A homophone is about sound. A homophene is about visual speech or lip-reading: different sounds can look the same on the lips.

• a word that sounds the same as another word but has a different meaning and often different spelling (e.g., "two" / "too" / "to"; "there" / "their" / "they're")

  "Bear" and "bare" are homophones that often confuse English learners.

Rare technical word used in lip-reading and visual speech.

• a word or speech sound that looks the same as another when seen on the lips, even though it is pronounced differently

  Some consonants become homophenes when a listener relies only on lip-reading.

American pronunciation /ænt/ (sounds like "ant"). British and parts of New England: /ɑːnt/.

• the sister of one's father or mother, or the wife of one's uncle

  My aunt is coming to visit next weekend.

Affectionate diminutive. Also spelled "aunty". Used by children, or as a term of warmth toward an older female relative or family friend.

• (informal, affectionate) aunt

  Auntie Mary baked cookies for us.

• a person or thing that corresponds to or has the same function as another person or thing in a different place or organization

  The Secretary of State met with her French counterpart in Paris.

1. producing many works, results, offspring, etc.; highly productive

   Stephen King is a prolific author with over 60 novels published.

2. (of plants and animals) producing fruit, offspring, etc. abundantly

   Rabbits are notoriously prolific breeders.

Most often delivered at a funeral. From Greek eu (good) + logia (speech) = "speaking well".

• a speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly, especially one given as a tribute to a person who has recently died

  His brother delivered a moving eulogy at the funeral.

• to praise someone or something highly, especially a person who has died

  Friends and family gathered to eulogize the late senator.

1. a system of religious worship, especially with rituals directed toward a particular figure or object

   The temple was dedicated to an ancient cult of the sun god.

2. a relatively small group of people with extreme religious beliefs, often led by a charismatic and controlling leader, viewed with suspicion by mainstream society

   He left the cult after realizing how manipulative the leader was.

3. intense devotion to a particular person, idea, work of art, etc., especially by a small group of admirers

   The film has developed a cult following over the years.

• (of a film, book, band, etc.) admired with great devotion by a relatively small group

  "The Big Lebowski" is a cult classic.

Modern slang, originated in hip-hop and basketball culture in 1990s-2000s America. Adjective: "baller" or "ballin'" = excellent, impressive.

• (slang) a person who is very successful, wealthy, or stylish; originally a skilled basketball player

  Look at that car: he's a real baller.