Vocabulary: Batch 68

"Piggyback" as a verb in tech: to add a feature onto an existing system.

• on the back or shoulders of another person

  He carried his daughter piggyback through the museum.

1. to ride on the back or shoulders of another person

   The toddler loved being piggybacked.

2. to use something existing as a base or vehicle for something else

   The new feature piggybacks on the existing platform.

Originally military: dig tunnels under enemy fortifications to collapse them. Now mostly figurative.

• to gradually weaken

  His remarks undermined her confidence.

Strong word: much stronger than "dislike". Sounds like "loath" (adjective: reluctant), different word, voiced /ð/ vs voiceless /θ/.

• to hate intensely

  He loathes Mondays.

"Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas": Hunter S. Thompson's gonzo journalism classic.

• a feeling of intense dislike

  She looked at him with loathing.

• causing hatred or disgust

  He was a loathsome villain.

• the universe seen as a well-ordered whole

  He sat staring deep into the void, reminding himself of his place in the cosmos.

• relating to the universe or cosmos, especially as distinct from the earth

  Cosmic dust.

"You don't say!": sarcastic. "Say cheese!": photo prompt. "It goes without saying": obviously true.

• to speak or pronounce words

  What did you say?

• to be generally believed or reported to do something

  The new manager is said to be very strict.

• to use something too much or too often

  Don't overuse that muscle or you'll injure it.

• excessive use of something

  The overuse of antibiotics has led to resistance.

• a serious medical condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and painful

  He had to undergo emergency surgery for appendicitis.

• an excessively abundant supply of something

  There is a glut of cars on the market.

• to supply or fill something with an excessive amount

  Cheap imports have glutted the local market.

• to cut a pattern into a surface, typically using acid or a laser

  Microscopic circuits are etched onto silicon wafers.

In medicine, contrasted with "chronic": acute = severe and sudden onset; chronic = long-lasting. In math: "acute angle" = less than 90°.

1. (of a disease) of sudden onset and severe

   He has acute appendicitis.

2. having or showing a perceptive understanding

   She has an acute mind.

• (with reference to something unpleasant or unwelcome) intensely

  The whole situation was acutely embarrassing.

"Coping mechanism": psychological strategy for handling stress. "I can't cope": common emotional expression.

• to deal effectively with something difficult

  She copes well under pressure.

From Latin longaevitas (great age). Often used in professional contexts: "longevity in the role".

1. long life

   The diet is said to promote longevity.

2. long existence or service

   His longevity at the company is impressive.

• the adverse side effects or results of a situation

  The political fallout from the crisis.

"Squeeze in" = fit into a tight space or schedule. "Main squeeze" (slang) = primary romantic partner. "Put the squeeze on" = pressure financially.

• to press firmly together

  She squeezed the orange to extract juice.

• attempt to find (something)

  They came here to seek shelter.

• greatly desired by many people

  It is one of the most sought-after components in the supply chain.

Also pronounced /ˈvaɪə/.

• by way of; through; by means of

  Data is transmitted via microscopic conduits.

"Under the microscope" (figurative) = subjected to close scrutiny.

• an instrument used to view objects too small to be seen with the naked eye

  The biologist examined the cells under a microscope.

1. so small as to be visible only with a microscope

   The disease is caused by a microscopic parasite.

2. extremely small

   She examined the document in microscopic detail.

"Choke up" = become too emotional to speak. "Choke", sports: fail under pressure. "Choking hazard": warning label on small items.

• to be unable to breathe because the airway is blocked

  He choked on a piece of meat.

• emotionally overcome; full of feeling

  His voice was choked with grief.

Fashion: tight necklace, popular in the 1990s and again recently. Sports: a player who fails in clutch moments.

• a close-fitting necklace; (sports) a player who fails under pressure

  She wore a black velvet choker.

• a point of congestion or blockage

  HBM production has become a choke point for the AI industry.

"Police chokehold": controversial restraint method, banned in many jurisdictions. "Eric Garner case" (2014) made the term prominent in US news.

• a tight grip around the neck; a tight controlling grip

  The officer's chokehold was controversial.

"Off track" = wandering from plan. "On the right/wrong track" = headed in right/wrong direction. "Track record" = history of achievement.

• a path or course

  They followed the deer's tracks.

• to follow the movements of

  They tracked the storm with radar.

• progressing as planned or expected

  Big tech companies are on track to spend $650 billion.

Often written off-track.

• away from the intended course or subject

  The meeting went offtrack after ten minutes.

• a track or course used for races

  The horses lined up at the racetrack.

Two senses: literal (retrace path) and figurative (reverse position publicly). Politicians "backtrack" on promises.

• to retrace one's path; to reverse one's position

  The politician backtracked on his promise.

• to construct something by putting parts together

  They plan to build a new factory.

• the process of expanding or completing the construction of something

  The AI data center buildout requires enormous investment.

• a person or company that constructs buildings

  The builder finished the extension in six weeks.

• a structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or office

  The office building has twelve floors.

In politics, the "party whip" is a member who enforces party discipline.

• a long thin strip of leather or rope with a handle, used for hitting

  The rider cracked his whip.

1. to strike with a whip

   The horses were whipped to make them run faster.

2. to beat (cream or eggs) into a froth

   She whipped the cream until it formed stiff peaks.

3. to move or pull suddenly

   He whipped out his phone to take a picture.

• a neck injury caused by a sudden jerking movement of the head, typically from a car accident

  She suffered whiplash in the rear-end collision.

• an amount of something available for use

  The food supply was running low.

• an excessive amount of something

  There is an oversupply of memory chips in the market.

• an inadequate amount of something

  The undersupply of housing has driven up prices.

Usually plural and usually negative.

• an unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one

  The decision had far-reaching repercussions.

British spelling: kerb. American spelling: curb (both noun and verb).

1. the raised edge along a sidewalk or road

   He parked the car against the curb.

2. a check or restraint on something

   There are new curbs on government spending.

• to restrain, control, or limit something

  The new policy aims to curb air pollution.

1. a series of lessons or a program of study

   She enrolled in an English course.

2. a direction, route, or development over time

   The river changed course after the storm.

3. one part of a meal

   Dessert was the final course.

Idiom: 'play hardball' (to act aggressively and ruthlessly).

• uncompromising and ruthless methods or dealings

  The negotiators started playing hardball.

Common in journalism and law to avoid stating something as proven. "Allegedly" softens accusations: "He allegedly stole the money".

• to claim without proof

  She alleged that he had cheated her.

Always before the noun. Used in news to avoid libel: "the alleged thief" rather than "the thief".

• said to be true but not proven

  Police arrested the alleged robber.

From the same root as allege (added in batch 84). "Mere allegation": a charge without proof. "#MeToo" allegations transformed media and politics in 2017.

• a claim that someone has done wrong, without proof

  She denied the allegations of fraud.

• permission to go ahead with a project

  They are waiting for a green light to buy chips.

• to give permission to proceed

  The committee green-lighted the new project.

• an official appointed by a government to live in a foreign city and protect its citizens and interests there

  He was appointed British consul in Miami.

A country usually has one embassy (in the capital) and multiple consulates (in other major cities).

• the place or office in which a consul (representative of a foreign government) works

  Apply for a visa at the consulate.

Headed by an ambassador. Located in foreign capitals.

• the official residence or offices of an ambassador

  The protesters gathered outside the embassy.

Antonym: inward.

• of, on, or from the outside

  To all outward appearances, he was happy.

• in appearance to others

  Outwardly, she remained calm.

British prefers "outwards"; American prefers "outward" as both adverb and adjective.

• toward the outside

  The doors open outwards.

British spelling: demeanour.

• outward behavior or bearing

  His calm demeanor put everyone at ease.

British spelling; American: demeanor. Distinct from misdemeanour (minor offense).

• outward behavior or bearing

  He has a calm and friendly demeanour.

"Vet" is also informal for veteran (a military veteran).

• (informal) a veterinarian; a doctor for animals

  We took the dog to the vet.

• to make a careful and critical examination of (a person or thing)

  The candidate was thoroughly vetted before the interview.

American; British: "vet" or "veterinary surgeon".

• a person qualified to treat sick or injured animals

  The veterinarian recommended a special diet for the cat.

'Slam dunk' (basketball), 'slam the door', 'grand slam' (tennis/baseball/bridge), 'poetry slam'. Figuratively: to criticise harshly.

1. shut (a door, window, or lid) forcefully and loudly

   He slammed the door behind him.

2. criticise severely

   Critics slammed the new policy.

3. push or put somewhere with great force

   She slammed the phone down.

"Grand slam" (tennis/baseball/bridge), "poetry slam" - a competitive event or a sweep of all possible wins.

1. a forceful shutting of a door with a loud noise

   The door closed with a slam.

2. a competitive event, especially in poetry or sports ("grand slam", "poetry slam")

   She won her first grand slam title at age nineteen.

"Skid marks": tire tracks left by sudden braking. "Hit the skids" = begin to fail. Different from "slide" (more controlled).

• to slip sideways suddenly

  The car skidded on the ice.

Originally a specific street in Seattle for skid logs. Now generic: Skid Row neighborhood in LA is notorious. Also: hair metal band Skid Row.

• a poor rundown urban area

  He ended up on skid row.

• to dispute or bargain persistently, especially over the cost of something

  We haggled with the vendor over the price of the rug.

Often used with 'find' or 'figure out'.

• a method of overcoming or avoiding a problem or obstacle

  We need to find a way around this technical issue.

• having or showing no pity or compassion for others

  A ruthless dictator ruled the country for decades.

"Compact car": small economical car. "Compact disc" (CD): originally short for the smaller-than-vinyl audio format.

• closely and neatly packed together

  It's a compact little camera.

"Compress" as a noun (different stress, /ˈkɑːmpres/) is a soft pad, often moistened or medicated, held against part of the body.

• to press or squeeze into a smaller space; to shorten

  The software compresses large files for faster transfer.

• a pad of soft material, often moistened or medicated, pressed against a part of the body to relieve pain, reduce swelling, or stop bleeding

  She held a cold compress against the swelling on her ankle.

• the act of compressing or being compressed

  Data compression saves a lot of storage space.

Two S's (think: "Strawberry Shortcake", sweet, you want two!). Stress on second syllable: /dɪ-ZURT/. Famous mnemonic to distinguish from desert.

• a sweet course at the end of a meal

  They served chocolate cake for dessert.

One S, stress on first syllable: /DEZ-ərt/. Famous: Sahara, Gobi, Atacama deserts. "Desert island": uninhabited island. The verb "to desert" /dɪˈzɝːt/ has different stress ("deserted his post").

• a dry barren area

  They crossed the desert in three days.

From Latin vere dictum = truly said. Most commonly used in a legal context.

1. the formal decision of a jury or judge in a court of law (e.g., guilty, not guilty)

   The jury returned a verdict of not guilty after only two hours of deliberation.

2. any decision or judgment, especially after careful consideration

   What's your verdict on the new restaurant?

Antonym: unpleasant. Adverb: pleasantly. Don't confuse with "pleasing" (which actively gives pleasure).

• giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment

  It was a pleasant surprise.

• not enjoyable or comfortable

  We had an unpleasant surprise when we saw the bill.

Two senses: stir up (interest, suspicion) or sexually stimulate. Context usually makes meaning clear.

• to evoke or awaken a feeling

  His behavior aroused suspicion.

• the action or fact of arousing or being aroused; a state of heightened physiological activity or emotional responsiveness

  Emotional arousal can impair decision-making.

More formal than "extend". Related: prolonged (adjective), prolongation (noun).

• to extend the duration of

  The medicine can prolong life.

• the act of extending something in time

  The prolongation of the war caused immense suffering.

• continuing for a long time

  The patient suffered a prolonged illness.

"Bitter end" = end no matter how painful. "Bittersweet" = both happy and sad. UK "a bitter": a type of beer.

1. having a sharp unpleasant taste

   The coffee was bitter.

2. feeling resentment

   She was bitter about losing.

1. a sharp, unpleasant taste

   The bitterness of the coffee surprised her.

2. anger and resentment

   There was bitterness in his voice as he described the layoffs.

• to secure an advantage, rate, or agreement

  We managed to lock in a low interest rate.

• a situation in which a customer is dependent on a vendor for products and services and cannot move to another vendor without substantial costs

  Vendor lock-in is a common concern with cloud computing.

More formal than "argument" or "fight". "Lover's quarrel": a romantic couple's disagreement.

• an angry dispute

  They had a quarrel over money.

• given to or characterized by quarreling

  He's a quarrelsome neighbor.

In American English the noun is often stressed on the first syllable (AD-dress); the verb is always ad-DRESS.

1. the details of where someone lives or an organization is located

   Please write your home address here.

2. a formal speech delivered to an audience

   The president gave an address to the nation.

1. to deal with or attend to (a problem or issue)

   The new policy addresses safety concerns.

2. to speak formally to (a person or group)

   She addressed the crowd from the balcony.

3. to write the destination details on (mail)

   The envelope was addressed to me.

"Take the initiative" = act on your own without being asked. "On one's own initiative" = of one's own accord. Also: a new program (e.g., "company initiative").

1. the ability to act on one's own judgment

   She showed great initiative in solving the problem.

2. a new plan or process

   The government launched a green initiative.

Often followed by "of". Related to "aware" and "beware".

• feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems

  Be wary of strangers offering free help.

Contrast "internal" / "back-office". Compare "customer-facing", "user-facing".

• (of a role, system, or document) dealing or interacting directly with the general public

  She moved from engineering into a public-facing role.

• involve (someone) deeply in an argument, conflict, or difficult situation

  She became embroiled in a dispute between two women.

• involved deeply in an argument, conflict, or difficult situation

  He is embroiled in a lawsuit.

Germanic origin, related to 'foe'; a false friend of feudal (medieval fiefs), which is unrelated.

• a long and bitter quarrel between two people, families, or groups

  The two families have been locked in a feud for generations.

• to engage in a feud; to quarrel persistently

  The two newspaper publishers have feuded publicly for years.

From Medieval Latin feudum, 'a fief'; unrelated to feud (a bitter quarrel) despite the shared spelling.

1. relating to feudalism, the social and economic system of medieval Europe

   Medieval lords held vast feudal estates worked by peasants.

2. (figurative, derogatory) resembling feudalism in being hierarchical, exploitative, or outdated

   Critics described the company's culture as feudal and oppressive.

• the social, economic, and political system in medieval Europe (roughly 9th-15th centuries) based on land ownership and a hierarchy of obligations between lords and vassals, with peasants (serfs) tied to the land

  Feudalism gradually declined in Western Europe after the Black Death.

"Sibling rivalry" is a classic phrase.

• a person or thing competing with another for the same objective

  The two companies are bitter rivals.

• to be comparable to in quality

  His skill rivals that of any professional.

• competition for the same objective or for superiority

  There's a friendly rivalry between the two schools.

1. (of a loud sound) to be repeated several times as an echo

   His voice reverberated through the empty hall.

2. to have continuing serious effects

   The decision will reverberate for years.

1. the prolongation of a sound as a series of echoes

   The reverberation of the gunshot rolled across the valley.

2. a far-reaching consequence

   The scandal's reverberations were felt for years.

"Caution to the wind": abandon prudence. "Throw caution to the wind": common phrase about taking risks.

• care taken to avoid danger

  Proceed with caution.

"Cautionary tale": a story told as a warning. Aesop's fables are classic examples.

• serving as a warning

  His story is a cautionary tale.

Often "caution someone against (doing) something".

• to warn (someone) of possible danger or problems; to advise caution

  Doctors caution against taking too much of the drug.

"Impose on" + person = inconvenience them; "impose on" + thing = put as a burden.

1. to force (an unwelcome thing) on someone

   The judge imposed a heavy fine.

2. to take advantage of someone's kindness

   I don't want to impose, but could I stay the night?

• grand and impressive in appearance

  The cathedral is an imposing structure.

1. the action of forcing something unwelcome on someone

   The imposition of new tariffs angered trading partners.

2. an unreasonable demand or burden

   I hope it's not too much of an imposition to ask for a ride.

Stress shifts: noun OB-ject (a thing) vs verb ob-JECT (to disagree). Related: objection, objective.

1. a material thing that can be seen and touched

   There were several strange objects on the table.

2. a goal or purpose

   The object of the game is to score the most points.

• to say that one disagrees with or disapproves of something

  Several residents objected to the new parking rules.

• arousing distaste or opposition; unpleasant or offensive

  Objectionable behavior.

Famous in courtroom drama: "Objection, your honor!"

1. an expression or feeling of disapproval or opposition

   Are there any objections to the proposal?

2. (law) a formal protest by a lawyer during a trial against something the other side has said or done

   The defense raised an objection to the prosecutor's question.

Antonym: subjective. "Objective journalism": ideal of unbiased reporting. "Objective" as noun = goal.

• not influenced by personal feelings

  Try to be objective in your judgment.

• a thing aimed at

  Our objective is to win.

• to make available for use; supply

  The hotel provides breakfast at no extra cost.

Same meaning as "providing". Both introduce a condition.

• on the condition that

  You can borrow it, provided you return it tomorrow.

• a measure taken to protect against danger or prevent something undesirable

  The law includes safeguards against abuse.

• to protect from harm, loss, or damage

  Strict rules safeguard patient privacy.

"The nation" can mean the whole country or its people collectively.

• a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language and inhabiting a particular state or territory

  Leaders of every nation attended the summit.

Also a countable noun: a citizen of a particular country (e.g., "a foreign national").

• relating to or characteristic of a whole nation; shared across an entire country

  National security is a top priority.

• the legal status of belonging to a particular nation

  What is your nationality?

1. sudden and unexpected

   The meeting came to an abrupt end.

2. (of a person) brief to the point of rudeness

   He was rather abrupt with the staff.

1. suddenly and unexpectedly

   The music stopped abruptly.

2. in a brusque, curt manner

   He hung up abruptly.

"Yield" road sign (American) = give way. "Yield to temptation": succumb. In finance, the yield of a bond = its return rate.

1. to produce or provide

   The investment yielded a high return.

2. to give way to demands or pressure

   He refused to yield to their threats.

• the amount produced

  This year's wheat yield was disappointing.

"Behind bars" = in prison. "The bar" (with the) = the legal profession. "Bar exam" = the test to become a lawyer.

1. a long rigid piece of wood, metal, or similar material

   The prison windows had iron bars.

2. an establishment where alcoholic drinks are served

   We met at a bar downtown.

3. a counter where drinks or food are served

   He sat down at the bar and ordered a beer.

4. a small block of solid material

   He gave her a chocolate bar.

• to prevent or prohibit

  She was barred from entering the building.

Formal/British. "Bar none" = with no exceptions.

• except

  All bar one of the students passed.

Related: eruption. Used for volcanoes (literal) and crowds, applause, anger (figurative).

1. (of a volcano) to become active and expel material

   The volcano erupted suddenly.

2. to burst out suddenly

   The crowd erupted in cheers.

1. an instance of a volcano suddenly becoming active

   The eruption forced thousands to evacuate.

2. a sudden outburst

   An eruption of violence spread through the crowd.

• easy to perceive, understand, or interpret

  Clear instructions.

"Clarity" can describe writing, vision, sound, or thought. "Crystal clarity": exceptional clearness.

• the quality of being clear

  He explained the issue with great clarity.

• a bankers' establishment where cheques and bills from member banks are exchanged, so that only the balances need be paid in cash

  The transaction goes through a clearing house.

• (in the UK) a commercial bank that is a member of the bankers' clearing house

  A major clearing bank.

• the action or process of removing or getting rid of something or of clearing something for a purpose

  Slum clearance.

• a sale of goods at reduced prices to clear old stock

  I bought it at a clearance sale.

Abbreviation of Public Benefit Corporation. A for-profit company legally required to weigh public/social good alongside shareholder profit. Anthropic is a PBC.

• a public benefit corporation; a for-profit entity that has a positive impact on society written into its legal purpose

  Anthropic is structured as a PBC.

From Latin "albus" (white). Caused by genetic absence of melanin. Affects pigmentation of skin, hair, and eyes. Many species.

• a person or animal with no skin or hair pigment

  The albino tiger was rare.

From Latin alibi = elsewhere. Originally a legal term.

1. evidence or a claim that a person was elsewhere when an alleged crime took place, proving they could not have committed it

   She has a solid alibi: she was at a wedding 200 miles away that night.

2. (informal) any excuse offered to explain or avoid responsibility

   He always has an alibi for missing meetings.

Formal/literary. From Latin abominari = to deprecate as an ill omen.

• to feel intense dislike or hatred for; to loathe

  She abominates cruelty of any kind.

1. a thing that causes disgust, hatred, or moral revulsion

   Slavery is an abomination.

2. a feeling of intense loathing

   They held the practice in abomination.

1. to turn something upside down

   He upended the table in a fit of rage.

2. to disrupt or affect drastically

   The pandemic upended the global economy.

"Deputy sheriff": US police rank. "Deputy headteacher": second-in-command at school. UK "Member of Parliament"; France "deputy" = legislator.

• a person second in rank

  She is deputy director of the agency.

British: deputise. 'Deputize for someone' = act on their behalf.

• to appoint as a deputy, or to act as a deputy for someone

  She deputized for the manager while he was away.

• to appoint or instruct (someone) to perform a task for which one is responsible

  She was deputed to manage the project.

• a group of people appointed to undertake a mission or take part in a formal process on behalf of a larger group

  A deputation of teachers.

More formal than "don't like". "Strong dislike" - common collocation. YouTube has a famous "dislike" (thumbs-down) button, hidden in 2021.

• to feel a lack of liking for

  He dislikes mushrooms.

From Latin augere ("to increase"); same root as auction and author. More formal than "add to". Note the noun "augment" is stressed differently (/ˈɔːɡment/) but rare.

• to make something greater by adding to it

  He augments his income by tutoring on weekends.

As in "augmented reality" (AR), and "breast augmentation" in cosmetic surgery.

• the act of making something greater, or the amount by which it is increased

  The treaty allowed for a gradual augmentation of trade between the two nations.

Also a noun: a "steer" is a castrated male cow. "Steer clear of" = avoid.

1. to guide the direction of a vehicle

   He steered the boat through the rocks.

2. to guide someone in a direction

   She steered the conversation away from politics.

"Power steering": system that reduces the effort needed to turn the wheel.

• the system controlling the direction of a vehicle

  The car has responsive steering.

In American cars, on the left side; British, Japanese, Australian cars, on the right.

• the wheel a driver turns to steer a vehicle

  She gripped the steering wheel tightly.

Common for vehicles, robots, antennas, and catheters that can be guided in a chosen direction.

• able to be steered or guided in a particular direction

  The drone has a fully steerable camera mount.

1. a solid or hollow geometric figure with straight parallel sides and a circular cross-section, like a soup can or pipe

   The volume of a cylinder is π times the radius squared times the height.

2. a cylinder-shaped chamber in an engine where pistons move ("six-cylinder engine")

   The car has a powerful eight-cylinder engine.

3. a metal container for compressed gas (e.g., propane, oxygen)

   He carried an oxygen cylinder for his diving trip.

• shaped like a cylinder

  The container is cylindrical with a flat lid.

"Breakthrough role": performance that makes an actor famous. "Breakthrough infection": COVID era term for vaccinated people getting sick.

• a sudden important development

  Scientists made a major breakthrough in cancer research.

Adverb: "memorably". Note the spelling: -orable, not -orible.

• worth remembering or easily remembered, especially because of being remarkable or pleasing

  It was a memorable evening that none of us would forget.

"Spine" of a book = the bound edge with the title. "Send shivers down one's spine" = cause a frightening reaction.

• the backbone of a vertebrate

  He injured his spine in the fall.

• strength of character

  She showed real spine when facing the bullies.

• relating to the spine

  Spinal injuries.

• the cylindrical bundle of nerve fibers and associated tissue that is enclosed in the spine

  The spinal cord connects the brain to nerves.

• the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis, the spine

  An injury to the spinal column.

Figurative use is far more common than the literal "having no spine".

1. lacking courage or strength of character; weak

   He was too spineless to stand up to his boss.

2. (of an animal) having no backbone; (of a plant) having no spines or thorns

   Spineless invertebrates like jellyfish.

1. to catch in or as in a trap

   The bird was entrapped in the netting.

2. to trick (someone) into committing a crime in order to secure their prosecution

   He claimed the police had entrapped him.

A legal defense: entrapment by police can invalidate a conviction.

• (law) the action of tricking someone into committing a crime in order to secure their prosecution

  His lawyer argued the case was a clear example of entrapment.

Many meanings: the five senses, common sense, sense of humor, sense of direction, in some sense, makes sense.

1. a faculty by which the body perceives stimuli

   Dogs have a sharp sense of smell.

2. reasonable or practical thinking

   Use your common sense.

"Nonsense verse": playful poetry making no logical sense (e.g., Edward Lear, Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky"). "No-nonsense" = practical and businesslike.

• words or ideas that have no meaning

  Stop talking nonsense.

More casual than "concept" or "idea". "I have no notion" (slightly literary) = I have no idea. Notion is also a popular productivity app.

• a conception or belief about something

  She has the notion that everyone dislikes her.

• existing only in theory or as a suggestion or idea

  A notional budget.

"Vice president", "vice-admiral" etc. show the "vice-" prefix.

1. (countable/uncountable) immoral or wicked behavior

   Gambling is his greatest vice.

2. (countable) a metal tool with adjustable jaws for holding an object firmly while work is done on it

   He clamped the wood in a vice.

• a combining prefix meaning "deputy" or "acting in place of"

  She is the vice-chairman of the committee.

From Latin "the position being reversed".

• with the main items in the preceding statement the other way around

  Dogs chase cats and vice versa.

1. to make an official decision about who is right in a dispute, contest, or court case

   A panel of three judges will adjudicate the competition.

2. to settle a legal matter or dispute formally

   The court adjudicated the claim in her favor.

Common in legal/financial contexts: "an adjudicated claim".

• having been formally settled or decided by a court or official body

  The adjudicated dispute was finally resolved.

• the action of formally deciding a dispute or claim

  The case is still awaiting adjudication.

"Quite the X" (quite the house, quite the gentleman) = a notably impressive or remarkable X. Note the BrE/AmE split: in AmE "quite good" intensifies (= very good); in BrE it can downplay (= fairly good).

1. to the greatest extent; completely

   You're quite right.

2. to a certain or fairly significant extent; rather

   It's quite cold today.

"A little bird told me" = I heard from a secret source. "Kill two birds with one stone" = solve two problems at once. "The early bird catches the worm."

• a warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate with feathers, wings, and a beak

  A flock of birds flew overhead.

Synonym of "birdwatching"; preferred by serious hobbyists. A person who does it is a "birder".

• the hobby of observing wild birds in their natural environment

  She took up birding after retiring.

• a person who observes wild birds as a hobby

  Serious birders keep a life list of species they've spotted.

"Stir up" = provoke ("stir up trouble"). "Stir-fry": Chinese cooking technique. "Cause a stir" (noun) = create excitement or controversy.

1. to mix a liquid or substance by moving a spoon in it

   Stir the soup gently.

2. to cause a strong feeling in someone

   His speech stirred the crowd.

Same root as produce, production.

1. to make a copy of (a picture, sound, etc.)

   The book reproduces the original paintings in full color.

2. (of living organisms) to produce offspring

   Salmon return to their birthplace to reproduce.

1. (uncountable) the process of reproducing offspring

   Sexual reproduction requires two parents.

2. (countable) a copy of an artwork or document

   The poster is a reproduction of the original painting.

• relating to the production of offspring

  She works in reproductive health.