Vocabulary: Batch 69

Opposite ideas: distrust and mistrust both mean lack of trust (mistrust is milder, often a vague feeling).

• to believe that someone is reliable, honest, or good

  I trust her completely.

1. firm belief in the reliability or honesty of someone or something

   It took years to build trust between them.

2. a legal arrangement in which one party holds property for another

   The money is held in trust for the children.

• able to be relied on as honest or truthful

  He is a trustworthy and dependable colleague.

• not able to be relied on as honest or reliable

  The witness seemed shifty and untrustworthy.

Stress on the final syllable, unlike most trust- words.

1. a person who holds and manages property or money for others

   The estate is managed by three trustees.

2. a person given control or powers of administration of property in trust

   The trustees of the estate met monthly.

3. a member of the board of an organization

   She was appointed as a museum trustee.

Milder and vaguer than "distrust" - often just an uneasy feeling rather than active suspicion.

• a feeling that someone or something cannot be relied upon; suspicion

  There was a deep mistrust between the two nations.

• to have no trust or confidence in

  She mistrusted his motives.

"All along" = the entire time. "Along the way": during a process. "Come along" = accompany. "Get along" = have a good relationship.

• moving in a constant direction on a line or path

  They walked along the river.

Homophone with "law" in some dialects. Compounds: folklore, gaming lore (the backstory of a video game world).

• a body of traditional knowledge, especially of an unwritten or anecdotal kind

  He knows all the lore about the local area.

Taylor Swift's 2020 album is titled "folklore".

• the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through the generations

  The book is a collection of Irish folklore.

From Old French patron (model); a doublet of 'patron'. 'Pattern recognition' is a key idea in AI and psychology.

1. a regular, repeated arrangement of lines, shapes, or colors

   The wallpaper has a floral pattern.

2. a regular or recurring way in which something happens

   Detectives noticed a pattern in the burglaries.

3. a model, template, or set of instructions to make something

   She used a paper pattern to cut the dress.

Usually 'pattern something on/after' a model.

• to give a regular form to, or model on an example

  The constitution was patterned on the American one.

A very common (some say overused) filler in English discussion. Literally it can also just mean 'in the evening'.

• ultimately; when everything has been considered

  At the end of the day, what matters is that everyone is safe.

From Latin dis- (apart) + tendere (to stretch), related to tension and extend. Often medical, of the abdomen.

• to swell or cause to swell from internal pressure

  His stomach was distended from malnutrition.

• swollen, especially from internal pressure

  The starving child had a distended belly.

Also spelled distention.

• the state of being distended; swelling

  The patient complained of abdominal distension.

From Latin fiscus (treasury). "Fiscal" relates to government taxation/spending; "monetary" relates to currency/central banking.

• relating to government revenue, especially taxes

  The government's fiscal policy is controversial.

Abbreviated FY. US federal fiscal year runs October 1 to September 30. Companies often use their own fiscal calendars distinct from the calendar year.

• a year as reckoned for taxes and accounts

  Sales grew in fiscal year 2024.

Coined around 2012 to describe a US budget standoff that would have triggered automatic tax hikes and spending cuts.

• a sudden severe deterioration in government finances

  The country narrowly avoided a fiscal cliff.

From Latin testis (witness): same root as "testimony", "testament". Etymologically also related to "testicle" (an ancient practice involved swearing oaths while holding one's testicles).

• to give evidence as a witness in court

  She testified at the trial.

"Old Testament" and "New Testament": the two parts of the Christian Bible.

• a formal statement, especially one given in court

  Her testimony was crucial to the case.

In marketing, "customer testimonials" are common: endorsements used to sell products.

• a formal statement of recommendation or praise

  The website features customer testimonials.

• a person who behaves illegally or dishonestly

  The law should punish wrongdoers.

• illegal or dishonest behavior

  The audit found no evidence of wrongdoing.

In programming, "to invoke a function" = to call it.

1. to cite or appeal to (a law, principle, etc.) as supporting one's argument

   He invoked his constitutional right to remain silent.

2. to call on a deity or spirit for help

   The priest invoked the gods to bless the harvest.

1. an act of citing or appealing to something as justification

   His invocation of executive privilege blocked the request.

2. a prayer or formal request for help, especially at the start of a ceremony

   The ceremony opened with an invocation by a local priest.

1. to become aware of something through the senses, especially sight

   I perceived a slight movement in the bushes.

2. to understand or interpret in a particular way

   He perceived her silence as agreement.

Antonym: imperceptible. "Barely perceptible": just barely noticeable.

• able to be seen or noticed

  There was a perceptible difference in temperature.

"Perception is reality": popular business/political adage.

• the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something

  His perception of the situation was accurate.

Often used to compliment someone's insight.

• having quick understanding or insight

  That's a perceptive observation.

• relating to perception

  Optical illusions exploit perceptual quirks.

The 'c' is silent: pronounced 'in-DITE'. In the US a grand jury issues an indictment for serious (felony) crimes.

• formally accuse of or charge with a serious crime

  His former manager was indicted for fraud.

Note "c" silent. Grand jury issues indictments in US federal cases. Also figurative: "an indictment of" = damning evidence against.

• a formal charge or accusation

  The grand jury returned an indictment.

Don't confuse with "persecute" (to oppress). Different roots.

• to bring legal proceedings against (a person) in a criminal court

  The state prosecuted him for fraud.

1. (uncountable) the legal proceedings against a defendant

   Both sides presented their cases in the prosecution.

2. ("the prosecution") the prosecuting party in a criminal case

   The prosecution called its first witness.

In the US: district attorney (DA). In the UK: Crown Prosecutor.

• a lawyer who conducts the case against a defendant

  The prosecutor presented strong evidence.

Verb stress on second syllable; noun on first. "Convicted of" + crime: common legal phrasing.

• to find guilty of a criminal offense

  He was convicted of fraud.

"Escaped convict": common in news. "Convict" was historically how Britain referred to those sent to Australian penal colonies.

• a person serving a prison sentence

  He was an escaped convict.

Two distinct senses: legal (criminal conviction) and personal (strong belief). "A man of strong convictions".

1. a formal declaration of guilt

   This was his second conviction.

2. a firmly held belief

   She spoke with conviction.

"Cater to" can also mean to indulge a desire or audience (sometimes negative).

1. to provide food and drink, typically at social events

   They cater weddings and corporate events.

2. to provide what is needed or wanted for (a particular audience)

   The magazine caters to young professionals.

• a person whose job is to provide food and drink at events

  The caterer arrived early to set up.

• the business of providing food and drink at events

  She runs a small catering company.

Informal throughout. The 'excellent' sense is more recent slang; the drug sense is the oldest common one.

1. drugs, especially marijuana or an illegal narcotic

   The police found dope hidden in the trunk.

2. (informal) information or facts about something, as in 'the dope on'

   What's the dope on the new manager?

3. (informal) a stupid person

   You forgot the tickets, you dope!

• (slang) excellent; very good

  That new track is absolutely dope.

• to give drugs to, especially to affect performance

  The racehorse had been doped before the event.

• accept or admit the existence or truth of; recognize the fact or importance or quality of

  He acknowledged his mistake.

• acceptance of the truth or existence of something; recognition of the importance or quality of something

  An acknowledgment of guilt.

Both literal (inflate a balloon or tire) and figurative (inflate prices, inflate an ego).

• fill (a balloon, tire, or other expandable object) with air or gas so that it becomes distended; increase (something) by a large or excessive amount

  He inflated the balloon.

• the action of inflating something or the condition of being inflated; a general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money

  The inflation of a balloon. High inflation rates.

• of, characterized by, or tending to cause economic inflation

  Inflationary pressures.

Antonym: inflate. Often figurative: "deflated by criticism". Famous: "Deflategate": NFL ball-deflation scandal (2015).

• to let air out of; to discourage

  His ego was deflated.

Economic term. Opposite of inflationary. Deflation can signal economic trouble (Japan's "lost decade").

• causing or relating to a fall in prices

  The country faced deflationary pressures.

• to expand the level of output of (an economy) by government stimulus, using either fiscal or monetary policy

  The government acted to reflate the economy.

• the action or process of deflating or being deflated; reduction of the general level of prices in an economy

  Deflation of the balloon.

Distinct from "denote" (literal meaning). "Connote" = implications, associations. "Cottage" denotes a small house but connotes coziness.

• to suggest in addition to the literal meaning

  "Childish" connotes immaturity.

• an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning

  The word 'discipline' has unhappy connotations of punishment.

Multiple senses: boring, not sharp, not bright. "Dull pain": persistent ache. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

• not interesting; not bright

  It was a dull, gray day.

• to make or become less sharp, intense, or bright

  Time dulled the pain.

• the quality of being dull: boring, blunt, or not bright

  The dullness of the meeting made her sleepy.

From Latin com- (together) + frons/frontis (forehead, face): literally to bring face to face.

1. to face up to and deal with a problem or difficult situation

   It's time to confront your fears.

2. to challenge or accuse someone face to face

   She confronted him about the missing money.

3. (passive: "be confronted with / by") to come unavoidably face to face with something

   On entering, we were confronted with a scene of total chaos.

• a hostile or argumentative meeting or situation between opposing parties

  He tries to avoid confrontation whenever possible.

• tending to cause or seek confrontation; aggressive in manner

  His confrontational style upset many colleagues.

The idiom "divide and conquer" (Latin divide et impera) means to gain or keep power by turning rivals against one another.

• to separate or be separated into parts

  Consumer magazines can be divided into a number of different categories.

• a wide divergence between two groups, typically producing tension or hostility

  The North-South divide.

Multiple senses: math operation, sports league section, military unit, company subdivision. "Long division": math technique.

• the act of dividing; a section or unit

  The team is in the second division.

• causing disagreement or hostility

  The policy became politically divisive.

• capable of being divided

  24 is divisible by 4.

• a sum of money paid regularly by a company to its shareholders out of its profits

  An annual dividend.

From Latin arcanus (secret). Often describes knowledge accessible to only a select few. Unrelated to 'arc' (a curve): a false friend.

• mysterious or secret; known or understood by few people

  He has an arcane knowledge of medieval legal procedures.

1. wide from side to side

   The hotel faces a broad avenue.

2. general and not limited to details

   The report gives a broad overview of the market.

Old-fashioned and usually offensive when used to mean a woman.

• a woman, in old-fashioned slang

  The word broad sounds dated and rude today.

Common phrase: "Travel broadens the mind". The "-en" suffix forms verbs from adjectives (lighten, darken, sharpen).

1. to make or become broader

   The river broadens as it nears the sea.

2. to widen in range or scope

   Travel broadens your perspective.

• in general; in most respects

  Broadly speaking, the plan worked.

Intransitive: something rises by itself. Past tense is rose; past participle is risen.

1. to move upward or become higher

   Prices tend to rise before the holiday.

2. to get up from lying, sitting, or sleep

   She rises early every morning.

Transitive: someone raises something, so it always takes an object. Contrast rise (intransitive, no object): 'the sun rises' vs 'raise your hand'; 'prices rise' vs 'the store raises prices'. Past tense is raised (regular), unlike rose/risen.

1. to lift or move something higher

   Please raise your hand if you have a question.

2. to increase an amount or level

   The company raised salaries this year.

3. to care for a child, animal, or plant as it grows

   They raised three children in Taipei.

"Early riser" / "late riser" describes someone's morning habits.

1. a person who gets out of bed at a specified time (e.g., early riser, late riser)

   She's an early riser, usually up by 5 AM.

2. the vertical part of a step or stair (between two treads)

   The stairs have wooden treads and white painted risers.

3. a small raised platform

   The presenter stood on a riser at the front of the room.

"Pursue a degree" / "pursue a career" / "pursue happiness": common collocations. Famous: US Declaration of Independence's "pursuit of Happiness".

1. to follow in order to catch

   The police pursued the suspect.

2. to engage in (an activity)

   She decided to pursue a career in medicine.

• a person who pursues, chases, or follows someone

  The pursuers lost the fugitive in the crowd.

"In pursuit of" + goal. "Pursuit of happiness": phrase from US Declaration of Independence (1776).

• the action of pursuing

  The pursuit of knowledge is a worthy goal.

From Latin provocare 'to call forth': pro- (forth) + vocare (to call), a cousin of voice, vocal, and evoke.

1. to deliberately make someone angry or upset

   Don't provoke him: he has a temper.

2. to cause a particular reaction or response

   The new policy provoked widespread protests.

In law: "provocation" can sometimes reduce criminal liability (a sudden loss of control after extreme provocation).

• the action of provoking; something that causes anger

  He attacked without provocation.

Two distinct senses: intellectually challenging vs. sexually suggestive.

1. deliberately causing controversy or annoyance

   He made provocative comments about religion.

2. intended to arouse sexual interest

   She wore a provocative dress.

• not caused by any provocation; happening without being attacked or challenged first

  It was a completely unprovoked attack.

"Assert oneself" = stand up for one's rights. Related: assertion (the act).

• to state firmly

  She asserted her innocence.

1. a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief

   He made bold assertions without any evidence.

2. the action of stating something firmly or exercising a right

   the assertion of one's legal rights

"Assertiveness training": therapeutic approach for shy or non-confrontational people. Distinct from "aggressive" (which crosses into hostility).

• confidently expressing one's opinions and needs

  She is more assertive in meetings now.

"Reassert authority", "reassert dominance": common political/business phrases. Implies recovering ground previously challenged.

• to assert again

  She reasserted her position as leader.

A "non-aggression pact" (or treaty) is a formal agreement between states not to attack each other; the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (1939) between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union is the classic example (see pact). In psychology, aggression can also describe forceful, self-assertive energy, not only hostility.

1. hostile or violent behavior or attitudes toward another

   The invasion was an unprovoked act of aggression.

2. forceful, assertive energy or drive

   She played with real aggression in the second half.

"Aggressive" can be negative (hostile) or neutral/positive (assertive in business: "aggressive marketing," "aggressive pricing"). "Passive-aggressive" is the indirect expression of hostility. Compare assertive, which stops short of hostility.

1. ready or likely to attack or confront; hostile

   He has an aggressive personality.

2. pursued with force and determination

   The company adopted an aggressive expansion strategy.

• a person or country that attacks first or starts a conflict

  The treaty named the invading state as the aggressor.

• in an aggressive manner; forcefully

  They marketed the new phone aggressively.

• a formal agreement between two or more parties

  The two nations signed a non-aggression pact.

Common idioms: "below par" or "under par" = below the usual standard (also "feeling below par" = a bit unwell); "up to par" = good enough; "par for the course" = typical, to be expected, often of something negative. In finance, "par value" is the face value of a stock or bond.

1. an equal level or standard, especially in "on a par with"

   Their new phone is on a par with the market leader.

2. the number of strokes a skilled golfer should need for a hole or course

   She finished the round two strokes under par.

Originally golf - below par was good, but in everyday usage "subpar" means "below average" (negative).

• below an average level

  The food at the restaurant was subpar.

Canada has the world's longest coastline. The "coastline paradox": the measured length of a coastline depends on the scale of measurement (a famous fractal-like observation).

• the outline of a coast

  They sailed along the rugged coastline.

Note: pronounced as two syllables (RUG-id), unlike the past tense of most verbs.

1. (of land) having a broken, rocky, uneven surface

   They hiked through rugged terrain.

2. (of a man) having attractive strong features

   He had a rugged, weather-beaten face.

3. strongly built and durable

   This laptop has a rugged case.

Formal; in everyday speech, "place" or "locate" is more common.

• to place in a particular position or context

  The hotel is situated near the beach.

1. located in a particular place

   The town is beautifully situated on the coast.

2. in a particular financial or social position

   They are comfortably situated.

1. a set of circumstances at a particular time

   We need to assess the situation carefully.

2. a location or position

   The house has a wonderful situation overlooking the bay.

Common collocation: "situational awareness."

• relating to or determined by the circumstances of a situation

  His confidence was situational: strong at home, shaky abroad.

From Latin "florere" (to bloom), a cousin of "flower" and "flora"; unrelated to "flour." Both senses trace to the image of blossoming.

1. to grow or develop in a healthy, vigorous way

   Her business has flourished since she moved online.

2. to wave something in the air to attract attention

   He flourished the letter triumphantly.

1. a bold, sweeping gesture or movement

   She signed her name with a flourish.

2. an elaborate decorative addition

   The chef added a final flourish of parsley to the dish.

"World Heritage Site": UNESCO designation for sites of cultural or natural importance. Examples: Great Wall of China, Grand Canyon, Galápagos Islands.

1. valued things such as traditions and buildings passed down

   She is proud of her Italian heritage.

2. something acquired by birth or from one's natural situation; a birthright

   He grew up believing that freedom was his heritage.

"Familiarity breeds contempt": proverb. "Beneath contempt" = unworthy even of being disdained.

• the feeling that someone is worthless

  She looked at him with contempt.

• showing contempt; scornful

  He gave a contemptuous laugh.

Can be civil (refusing to comply with a court order) or criminal (disrespect in court). Famous cases: Susan McDougal, refusing to answer Whitewater questions, served 18 months.

• the offense of being disobedient to a court

  She was jailed for contempt of court.

• deserving contempt; despicable

  His behavior was contemptible.

Stronger than "bad": implies moral disgust. "Despicable Me": animated movie franchise (2010-).

• deserving hatred and contempt

  The attack was a despicable act.

"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned": famous (often misattributed) line by William Congreve.

• the feeling or belief that someone or something is worthless or contemptible

  She regarded his offer with scorn.

• to dismiss or reject as worthy of contempt

  He scorned the idea of asking for help.

• feeling or expressing contempt

  She gave him a scornful look.

• brightness that lets you see

  The room gets a lot of morning light.

• a lamp or other source of brightness

  Turn off the kitchen light.

• not heavy, dark, or serious

  Bring a light jacket.

• to make something start burning or shining

  She lit a candle.

Usually means soft light from candles, often with a warm or romantic atmosphere.

• soft light produced by one or more candles

  They ate dinner by candlelight.

Two parallel verbs from "light": "light" (weight) and "light" (illumination). "Lighten up" (informal) = relax, be less serious.

1. to make or become lighter in weight

   They lightened the boat by throwing cargo overboard.

2. to make or become brighter

   The room lightened as dawn broke.

• to take small bites out of

  The mouse nibbled the cheese.

1. an act of nibbling

   She took a nibble of the cookie.

2. a small snack

   They put out some nibbles before dinner.

"Human resources" (HR) = employment department. "Natural resources" = environmental wealth. "Resourceful": able to solve problems creatively.

• a supply of something that can be used

  Water is a precious resource.

• good at finding practical ways to solve problems

  A resourceful assistant found a cheaper venue.

• create or design (something that has not existed before); be the originator of

  He invented an improved form of the steam engine.

• change (something) so much that it appears to be entirely new

  He brought the brand back and reinvented it.

• having or showing creativity and original ideas

  She found an inventive solution to the problem.

Famous: Edison (light bulb), Tesla (AC current), Bell (telephone). Distinct from "discoverer": invention = creation; discovery = finding existing things.

• a person who creates a new device or process

  He's the inventor of the modern computer.

"Necessity is the mother of invention": Plato's saying. Major inventions: printing press (Gutenberg), telephone (Bell), light bulb (Edison/Swan), internet.

• the action of inventing something new

  The telephone was a revolutionary invention.

Means clever/inventive. Do NOT confuse with 'ingenuous' (= naive/frank).

• cleverly inventive or resourceful

  She came up with an ingenious solution to the problem.

This is the noun of 'ingenious', despite its spelling resembling 'ingenuous'.

• the quality of being cleverly inventive; skill at solving problems

  The shelter was built with remarkable ingenuity.

Pronounced /lɪv/ as a verb.

1. to be alive

   Many turtles live for decades.

2. to have your home in a place

   She lives near the station.

Pronounced /laɪv/ when it means happening now or not recorded.

1. happening or broadcast as it occurs

   The band played live on television.

2. alive, especially for animals or plants

   The recipe calls for live clams.

• lasting only a short time

  A short-lived romance.

• live longer than (another person)

  She outlived her husband by many years.

"Lively debate": common collocation. Antonym: dull. Note: pronunciation is /laɪv-/ like "live" (as in "alive"), not "live" /lɪv/.

• full of life and energy

  It was a lively party.

1. a very thin, light, crisp, sweet cookie or cracker

   She served vanilla wafers with the ice cream.

2. a very thin slice of a semiconductor, such as a silicon crystal, used as a base for integrated circuits

   The chips are manufactured on a silicon wafer.

Two senses: transport (formal) and communicate (information). "Convey my regards": formal politeness.

1. to transport or carry

   The pipeline conveys water to the city.

2. to communicate (a message, feeling, etc.)

   She tried to convey her gratitude.

Common at airports (baggage), factories (assembly lines), grocery stores (checkout). "Conveyor belt sushi": sushi served from a rotating conveyor.

• a continuous moving belt used to transport objects

  The luggage moved along the conveyor belt.

• to beat or sound with a strong, regular rhythm; pulsate steadily

  The war drums throbbed.

• a strong, regular beat or sound; a steady pulsation

  The throb of the engine.

• beating with a strong, regular rhythm; causing a steady pulsating pain

  He had a throbbing headache.

From Latin intrudere (to thrust in). Common polite formula: "I don't mean to intrude, but..."

• to enter without invitation or welcome

  I hope I'm not intruding on your lunch.

• a person who enters a place without permission

  An intruder was caught in the back garden.

• the action of intruding

  He was furious about this intrusion into his private life.

"Intrusive thoughts", psychology term: unwanted mental images. "Intrusive ads": heavy-handed advertising. Antonym: unobtrusive.

• causing disruption by being unwelcome

  He asked some intrusive questions.

• a control that regulates engine power

  He opened the throttle and the boat sped up.

• to restrict speed or flow; to choke someone

  The app throttles downloads after midnight.

Often preceded by visual disturbances called "aura".

• a recurrent throbbing headache that typically affects one side of the head

  She suffers from migraines.

Past tense: thrived (modern) or throve (older).

• to grow or develop well; to prosper

  The plants thrived in the warm climate.

• prosperous and growing; flourishing

  The town has a thriving local economy.

From Latin inficere (to dye, taint). In computing, "infect" describes viruses spreading between machines.

1. to affect with a disease-causing organism

   The wound became infected.

2. to spread a feeling or attitude to others

   Her enthusiasm infected the whole team.

• contaminated with disease-causing organisms

  The infected files were deleted.

• the process of being affected by a disease; a disease caused by germs

  Antibiotics treat bacterial infections.

Often distinguished from "contagious": technically, contagious diseases spread by direct contact, while infectious includes any spread (air, water, vectors). In common use the words overlap.

1. (of a disease) capable of being transmitted to others

   Measles is highly infectious.

2. likely to spread or influence others in a positive way

   His laugh is infectious.

More technical/medical than "infectious". Often used in epidemiology and microbiology.

• capable of causing infection

  The infective dose is very low.

• to clean a surface or object with a chemical agent that destroys harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms

  Hospital staff disinfect surgical tools between procedures.

• a chemical substance used to kill germs on surfaces or objects

  Spray disinfectant on the countertops after handling raw chicken.

Formal for 'spend' (money, time, energy).

• to spend or use up (money, time, or energy)

  They expended huge resources on the project.

More formal than "spending". Common: "government expenditure", "capital expenditure" (CapEx in business).

• the action of spending money

  The company reduced its expenditure on advertising.

• able to be sacrificed or used up; not worth keeping

  The soldiers were treated as expendable.

From medieval jousting tournaments. "March Madness" is a famous American basketball tournament.

• a competition involving a series of matches between players or teams

  He won the chess tournament.

• bring (something) to an end; arrive at a judgment or opinion by reasoning

  They conclude their study with these words.

• not leading to a firm conclusion; not ending doubt or dispute

  The medical evidence is inconclusive.

• serving to prove a case; decisive or convincing

  The fingerprints were conclusive evidence.

• in a decisive way that has the effect of proving a case

  The study conclusively proved the link.

"In conclusion" - common essay/speech transition phrase. "Jump to conclusions" = judge before having enough facts.

1. a judgment or decision reached by reasoning

   We came to the conclusion that the plan wouldn't work.

2. the end or close of an event or process

   The trial reached its conclusion after three weeks.

"Strap on" / "strapped": many compounds. "Strapped for cash" (informal) = short of money.

• a strip of leather or other material used for fastening

  The watch has a leather strap.

• to fasten or secure with a strap

  He strapped the boxes onto the roof.

• made without shoulder straps

  She wore a strapless dress.

• having many narrow straps

  Those strappy sandals look uncomfortable.

"Strip" can mean undress, remove paint, or remove power/rank ("strip of authority"). "Strip mining": environmentally destructive surface mining.

1. to remove all coverings or clothes

   He stripped to the waist.

2. to remove a layer or covering

   Strip the old paint off the wall.

"The Strip": Las Vegas Boulevard, lined with casinos. "Comic strip": sequential cartoon panels. "Strip mall": row of shops sharing a parking lot.

• a long narrow piece of material

  He tore the paper into strips.

• a nightclub where performers take off clothes on stage

  The old theater was turned into a strip club.

"Strip club": venue. "Paint stripper", different sense: chemical for removing paint. "The Stripper": famous 1962 song by David Rose.

• a person who performs striptease

  He hired a stripper for the bachelor party.

"On alert": ready for action. "Red alert" / "orange alert": graduated warning levels. "Amber alert": US child abduction alert.

• quick to notice and react

  Stay alert during the meeting.

• a warning of danger

  They issued a flood alert.

• the quality of being alert

  Lack of sleep can affect your mental alertness.

Also called "leader" in British newspapers. Expresses the newspaper's opinion, not necessarily individual journalists'.

• a newspaper article giving the editor's opinion

  The paper's editorial supported the new policy.

• relating to the editing or editor of a publication

  She joined the editorial team last year.

Distinct from "economical": "economic" relates to the economy; "economical" means thrifty.

• relating to the economy

  They discussed economic policy.

Common: "economical with the truth", being deceptive while technically not lying.

• giving good value in relation to the resources used

  It's an economical car.

From Greek oikonomia (household management). "Economy class": cheapest flight tier. "Economy of scale": cost advantage from larger production.

• the wealth and resources of a country

  The country's economy is growing.

• an expert in economics

  Many economists predict a recession.

• the branch of knowledge concerned with the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth

  He is studying economics at the university.

1. of great weight; difficult to lift or carry

   The suitcase was too heavy to carry upstairs.

2. (of food) rich and difficult to digest

   I had a very heavy lunch, so I'm not hungry for dinner.

3. large in amount, degree, or intensity

   Heavy rain flooded the streets overnight.

"Grain of salt": small amount; "take with a grain of salt" = be skeptical. "Grain of truth" = small but real element. "Against the grain": contrary to expectation.

1. a small hard seed of food crops

   Rice is a kind of grain.

2. a small hard particle

   A grain of sand was in his shoe.

Homophone of "sale". "Set sail" = begin a journey by boat.

• a piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat

  They hoisted the main sail.

1. to travel in a boat with sails or any other vessel

   They sailed across the Atlantic.

2. to move smoothly and effortlessly

   She sailed through her exams.

North American.

• a boat propelled partly or entirely by sails

  A small sailboat.

British.

• a boat propelled partly or entirely by sails

  We rented a sailing boat.

Different pronunciation than "wound" /waʊnd/ (past of "wind"). "Lick one's wounds" = recover. "Open wound": both literal and figurative.

• an injury to the body

  The wound healed slowly.

• to inflict an injury on (someone)

  The sergeant was seriously wounded.

• to collect money for a particular purpose, especially for a charity

  They are fundraising for the new community center.

Common types: silent auction, gala dinner, walkathon, GoFundMe (online).

• an event organized to raise money for a cause

  The school held a fundraiser for new equipment.

Also written "fundraising" (one word). Major activity for nonprofits and political campaigns.

• the act of raising money for a cause

  She works in fund-raising for the charity.

• a reversal or check in progress

  The project suffered a major setback when funding fell through.

Often shortened to "rehab" (informal noun). Related noun: rehabilitation.

1. to restore (someone) to health or normal life through therapy and training

   The clinic helps rehabilitate stroke patients.

2. to restore the reputation of (a person formerly disgraced)

   His memory was rehabilitated decades after his death.

Short for rehabilitation.

• a course of treatment for drug or alcohol dependence, typically at a residential facility

  He checked himself into rehab.

• the action of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy

  He is undergoing rehabilitation for his knee injury.

• a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction

  I have doubts about his ability.

• to feel uncertain about something

  She doubted his story.

"B" silent. "I'm doubtful that...": common construction. Slightly weaker than "unlikely".

• unlikely; feeling doubt

  It's doubtful that he'll come.

Almost always before a noun ("undoubted talent", "undoubted skill"). "Undoubtedly" (adverb) is more common in everyday use.

• not questioned or doubted

  She has undoubted talent.

• without doubt; certainly

  She is undoubtedly the best candidate.

• to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person's mind

  A good teacher instills confidence in their students.

British spelling; American: instill.

• to gradually but firmly establish (an idea or attitude)

  Her parents instilled in her a love of music.

• lay hold of (something) with one's hands; reach for and hold

  He leaned forward to take her hand.

"What's your take on this?" = your opinion/interpretation. "A hot take" = a deliberately provocative opinion. In film, "take two" = the second recording of a scene.

1. a particular interpretation, opinion, or way of approaching something

   I'd love to hear your take on the new policy.

2. a single continuous recording of a scene in filmmaking

   The director was happy with the first take.

• to walk onto the stage; to become the center of attention

  The crowd cheered as the band took the stage.

Also used as a casual goodbye ('Take it easy!' = see you later / take care).

1. to relax; to avoid stress or overexertion

   The doctor told him to take it easy after the surgery.

2. to calm down; to not overreact

   Take it easy, it's not that big a deal.

• to hit or beat someone repeatedly

  They drubbed their opponents in the finals.

• a beating or a severe defeat

  The team suffered a terrible drubbing.

"Punch above one's weight" = perform beyond expectations. "Punch-drunk" = dazed (boxing origin). "Sucker punch": unexpected hit.

• to hit with the fist

  He punched the wall in anger.

• a forceful blow with the fist

  He took a punch to the jaw.

American term. UK: "punchbag". Also figurative: "don't make me your punching bag" = don't take out frustration on me.

• a heavy bag used for boxing practice

  He hit the punching bag at the gym.

British term. American: "punching bag".

• (British) a punching bag

  He bought a punchbag for the garage.

• try hard to do or achieve something

  He is endeavoring to help the Third World.

• an attempt to achieve a goal

  It was a brave endeavor.

British spelling; American: endeavor. More formal than "try". HMS Endeavour was Captain James Cook's ship.

• to try hard to achieve something

  She endeavoured to finish on time.

• an attempt to achieve a goal

  It was a brave endeavour.

"Lay" (place) vs "lie" (recline): common confusion. "Lay" is also the past tense of "lie"! Past of "lay" is "laid". "Lay an egg": fail badly.

• to put something down carefully

  She laid the book on the table.

• to explain or describe something clearly

  The CEO laid out his plans for the company's future.

• to discharge a worker temporarily or permanently because of a shortage of work

  The factory laid off a hundred workers.

• very large

  The company filed for a jumbo $29 billion US listing.

• the time taken by a planet to make one revolution around the sun

  She is twenty years old.

• lasting for a number of years

  They engaged in a yearslong legal battle.

Synonyms: annual (more formal). Distinct from "annually" (adverb): "yearly" can be both adjective and adverb. Antonym: monthly, daily.

• happening once a year or every year

  They have a yearly family reunion.

Common collocations: "media frenzy", "shopping frenzy", "feeding frenzy".

• a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior

  The fans were in a frenzy when the band took the stage.

• wildly excited, hurried, or uncontrolled

  The final minutes saw frenzied trading.

• to increase the strength of (a fire) by blowing on it, or to make a feeling or belief stronger

  The war is fanning inflation fears.

1. a person with a strong interest in or admiration for a particular sport, celebrity, activity, or thing

   She's a huge fan of classic rock.

2. a device, often with rotating blades, used to create a current of air for cooling

   He switched on the ceiling fan to cool the room.

Past tense: deterred (double r). Related: deterrent (noun/adjective), deterrence.

• to discourage from doing something by instilling doubt or fear

  The high cost did not deter her.

Often political/military: nuclear deterrence, criminal deterrence.

• the prevention of action through fear of consequences

  The policy relies on deterrence rather than rehabilitation.

• persevering with something despite setbacks

  He was undeterred by these spectacular failures.

"Job placement": finding employment for someone. "Product placement": paid appearance of brands in films/TV. "Placement test": exam to determine appropriate level.

• the action of placing or positioning something

  The placement of the furniture is important.

From "slug" (a slow-moving slimy creature).

1. slow-moving; lacking energy or alertness

   I felt sluggish after the heavy lunch.

2. (of economic or commercial activity) slow, inactive

   Sales have been sluggish this quarter.

• a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action

  We wanted to marry but circumstances didn't permit.

• (of evidence or a legal case) pointing indirectly toward someone's guilt but not conclusively proving it

  Circumstantial evidence.

Common in business: "recoup investment".

• to regain (something lost or expended)

  It will take years to recoup our investment.

"Risk" is also a popular board game about world conquest. "Risk-averse" / "risk-tolerant": personality types in finance/investment.

• a possibility of loss or harm

  There is a serious risk of infection.

• involving the possibility of danger

  It was a risky decision.

Major field in finance, insurance, and project management.

• the practice of identifying and reducing risks

  She works in risk management at a bank.

Sometimes positive (entrepreneurship), sometimes negative (gambling). Adolescents are known for heightened risk-taking.

• the act of doing something that involves danger

  Entrepreneurship rewards risk-taking.

• exposed to harm or danger

  Millions of jobs are at risk due to automation.

"Derive from": usually used. Etymologically related to "river" (Latin rivus, stream).

• to obtain (something) from a specified source

  The word derives from Latin.

Related: derive, derivative. "Etymology" overlaps with "derivation" but focuses on word histories.

• the obtaining of something from a source; the origin of a word

  The derivation of "sandwich" is from the Earl of Sandwich.

Often pejorative as adjective: "derivative work" = unoriginal, copying others. In finance: financial instruments whose value derives from another asset (futures, options).

• something derived from another source

  Heroin is a derivative of morphine.

Often confused with "elicit" (a verb meaning to draw out). Sounds similar but completely different meanings.

• forbidden by law, rules, or custom

  They were arrested for selling illicit drugs.

• in a way that is forbidden by law, rules, or custom

  The funds were illicitly transferred to an offshore account.