Birds of prey swoop on prey. "In one fell swoop" = all at once (from Shakespeare's Macbeth).
to move rapidly downward through the air
The eagle swooped on the rabbit.
a large perching bird with mostly glossy black plumage, a heavy bill, and a raucous voice
A crow cawed in a nearby tree.
'Crow about' is the standard collocation, often disapproving.
to boast loudly and triumphantly about something
He couldn't stop crowing about his win.
(of a rooster) to make its loud shrill cry
The rooster crowed at dawn.
Almost always used in the plural, even for one continuous edge. 'Eavesdrop' (to secretly listen) comes from standing under someone's eaves to overhear them.
the edges of a roof that overhang the walls of a building
Swallows nested under the eaves.
Related: scavenger. "Scavenger hunt" = a game where players search for specific items on a list.
to search for and collect (anything usable) from discarded waste
The dog scavenged in the trash for food.
an animal or person that searches for and collects discarded items
Vultures are scavengers that feed on carrion.
Short for 'miles per hour'. Usually read aloud as the full phrase or spelled out letter by letter, not as one word.
miles per hour, a unit of speed
Ostriches can run faster than 40 mph.
In journalism: "scoop" = exclusive story before competitors. "Pooper scooper": tool for picking up dog poop. "Ice cream scoop": utensil.
a tool resembling a spoon, used for picking up loose material
She used a scoop to serve the ice cream.
(journalism) a piece of news published or broadcast before its rivals
It was a major scoop for the newspaper.
to lift or move with a sweeping, curved motion
He scooped the sand into a bucket.
to win something, especially unexpectedly or emphatically
The film scooped four awards at the ceremony.
Marsupial pouches: for carrying young. "Tobacco pouch", "diplomatic pouch". Modern: "pouch food", squeeze packets popular for babies and outdoor activities.
a small flexible bag
She carried her makeup in a pouch.
a statement of money owed for goods or services
He paid the restaurant bill.
a bird's beak
The heron speared the fish with its long, sharp bill.
a draft of a proposed law presented for debate in a legislature
The bill passed the Senate by a narrow margin.
(US) a piece of paper currency
He handed her a twenty-dollar bill.
to charge someone for goods or services
We will bill you for the repair.
Iconic in American Southern culture ("sitting on the porch with sweet tea"). "Porch swing": traditional outdoor seat. "Porch pirate": modern term for someone who steals delivered packages.
a covered shelter at the entrance to a house
They sat on the porch in the evening.
"Wade in" = enter forcefully into a discussion. "Wade through" = work through laboriously. Famous Wade: Roe v. Wade (1973 US abortion case).
to walk through water
They waded across the shallow stream.
Onomatopoeic. Owls hoot. Cars honk (US) or hoot (UK). "Don't give a hoot" = don't care at all. "What a hoot!" = how funny.
to make a sound like an owl
An owl hooted in the distance.
Types: balloon whisk, flat whisk, French whisk. "Whisk" (verb), also to remove quickly: "she was whisked away in a limo".
a kitchen utensil for beating eggs or cream
He used a whisk to beat the eggs.
to take someone or something somewhere quickly
She was whisked away in a limo.
Followed by a bare infinitive or 'to' + infinitive, both correct in American English: 'help me carry' or 'help me to carry'.
to make it easier for someone to do something, by assisting or supporting them
How can I help you today?
assistance or support given to someone
Thanks for your help with the move.
an exclamation used to call for assistance in an emergency
Help! I'm locked out!
"Ration book": wartime allocation document. "K-rations": military food packs. "Rationing": period of restricted supply.
a fixed amount allowed during shortage
Bread was rationed during the war.
to limit the amount available
They had to ration their water.
"Shake hands", "shake one's head", "shake it off" (Taylor Swift). "Shake up": reorganize disruptively.
to move quickly up and down or side to side
She shook the bottle.
a thick milky drink
He ordered a chocolate shake.
shaking or trembling; not safe or reliable
A shaky start. The evidence is shaky.
a radical reorganization
A shakedown of the management structure.
The fuller, more formal form of shake's beverage sense; 'shake' is more common in casual spoken orders ('a chocolate shake').
a thick cold drink made of milk blended with ice cream and flavoring
She ordered a strawberry milkshake.
From carbonate (verb): to dissolve carbon dioxide into a liquid, producing bubbles. Carbonated drinks include soda, sparkling water, beer, and champagne.
containing dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which forms bubbles
She prefers carbonated water to still water.
Traditionally wooden, used for aging or storing wine, whisky, or beer. 'Cask ale' (British pub term) is unfiltered and naturally carbonated inside the cask itself, unlike keg beer.
1a large barrel-shaped container used for storing or aging liquids
The whisky had been aging in an oak cask for twelve years.
Usually metal, pressurized with added CO2. 'Keg party' (US) = a party centered around a keg of beer.
2a small metal barrel, especially one used to store and serve beer
They tapped a fresh keg for the party.
US pint = 16 fl oz; UK pint = 20 fl oz. "Go for a pint" (UK) = have a beer. Same letters as "mint" but different vowel: common ESL pitfall.
a unit of liquid measure
He ordered a pint of beer.
The small intestine handles digestion; the large intestine (colon) absorbs water. Often used in the plural.
the long tubular organ in the body where most digestion happens; the bowels
The food passes from the stomach into the small intestine.
relating to the intestine
He suffered from an intestinal infection.
The formal medical term for this procedure is phlebotomy.
to take a sample of blood from a person, typically for testing
The nurse drew blood for the lab tests.
(figurative) to hurt or provoke a strong reaction in someone
His sharp comment drew blood in the meeting.
"Clench one's fists" / "clench one's teeth/jaw": common stress reactions. Also: "clench" = nervously hold tight.
to close or hold tightly
He clenched his fists in anger.
"Asphalt shingles": most common US roofing material. UK beach: "shingle beach" = pebble beach (different sense). "Hang out one's shingle" = start a business.
a small rectangular tile used on roofs
The wind damaged several shingles.
Broader than the larynx (voice box) alone - includes the throat, mouth, and nasal cavity, all of which shape the final sound of speech.
the passage from the vocal cords to the lips and nostrils through which speech sounds are shaped
The shape of the vocal tract changes constantly as we speak.
Contains two bones, the radius and ulna, which allow the twisting motion of the wrist.
the part of the arm between the wrist and the elbow
He rolled up his sleeves to show off his forearms.
"Breathe from your diaphragm" - common advice for singers and public speakers, for deeper, more controlled breaths.
the dome-shaped muscle below the lungs that contracts to draw air into the body
Singers are taught to breathe using the diaphragm, not the chest.
An unrelated sense sharing only the name and the general idea of a flexible dividing membrane.
a dome-shaped contraceptive device inserted to cover the cervix
She was fitted for a diaphragm by her doctor.
Named after Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods - fitting, since irises come in many colors. Also a genus of flowering plants (unrelated sense, not covered here).
the colored, ring-shaped part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil
Her iris was a striking shade of green.
The light-sensing layer at the back of the eye, containing the rods and cones. "Retina display" (Apple's marketing term) borrows the name for screens sharp enough that individual pixels aren't distinguishable.
the layer of light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eyeball
A detached retina requires prompt surgery to prevent vision loss.
South Asian yogurt-based drink. Sweet, often mango-flavored versions are most common outside South Asia, but savory salted versions are traditional too.
a South Asian drink made from blended yogurt, often with fruit, sugar, or spices
We cooled off with mango lassis after the spicy meal.
From Hindi/Urdu "chai," ultimately from Chinese "cha." Since "chai" already means tea, the common Western phrase "chai tea" is technically redundant ("tea tea"). Usually short for masala chai.
spiced tea, typically brewed with milk, sugar, and spices such as cardamom and ginger
He ordered a cup of chai from the street vendor.
Korean loanword (소주). Traditionally distilled from rice, though most mass-market brands now use other starches like sweet potato or tapioca. Distilled, unlike the brewed Japanese sake.
a clear Korean distilled spirit, typically lower in alcohol than vodka or whiskey
They toasted with shots of soju at the barbecue restaurant.
From French; the "t" is silent. Distinct from the verb "buffet" (to strike) which is pronounced /ˈbʌfɪt/.
a meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes set out on a table
The hotel offers a breakfast buffet every morning.
Different pronunciation from the noun. Often used in the passive.
to strike repeatedly, especially with the wind or waves
The small boat was buffeted by the storm.
Antonym: wholesale. "Retail therapy" (informal) = shopping for emotional comfort.
the sale of goods to the public in relatively small quantities for personal use
She works in retail.
relating to the sale of goods to consumers
The retail price is much higher than the wholesale price.
the activity of selling goods to the public
He has a long career in retailing.
a person or business that sells goods to the public
The retailer offered a discount for early holiday shopping.
(US, informal) more formal/technical term: turn signal (UK: indicator).
1(US, informal) a flashing light on a vehicle that signals a turn or lane change
Use your blinker before you change lanes.
Chiefly British (US: "blinders"). Figurative use ("wearing blinkers") describes a narrow, restricted outlook.
2a pair of leather flaps attached to a horse's bridle to block its side vision
The racehorse wore blinkers to keep it focused straight ahead.
(figurative) a narrow outlook that prevents someone from seeing the full picture
He needs to take off his blinkers and consider other options.
the part of the human leg between the hip and the knee
He pulled a muscle in his thigh.
"Drop one's jaw" = look astonished. "Jaw-dropping": amazing. "Jaws": 1975 Spielberg shark film. "Lockjaw": old name for tetanus.
either of two bones of the mouth
He clenched his jaw in anger.
amazing, astonishing, or shocking
Jaw-dropping scenery.
Popular subject of cosmetic trends (jawline exercises, filler injections) for a more defined look.
the outline or shape of the lower jaw, especially as a facial feature
He had a strong, chiseled jawline.
Connects bone to bone at a joint. Not to be confused with tendon, which connects muscle to bone.
a short band of tough fibrous tissue connecting two bones at a joint
She tore a ligament in her knee during the match.
Both are connective tissues found around joints, but they play different structural roles.
firm flexible tissue found in joints, ears, and noses
The injury damaged cartilage in his knee.
Both are connective tissues found around joints, but they play different structural roles.
Plural: vertebrae /ˈvɝːtəbreɪ/ or /-briː/. Humans have 33 vertebrae.
each of the small bones that form the backbone (spine)
She fractured a vertebra in the fall.
Opposite: invertebrate (animal without backbone, like insects, worms, jellyfish).
an animal with a backbone or spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish
Vertebrates make up only about 3% of all animal species.
having a backbone or spinal column
Vertebrate animals share certain anatomical features.
Antonym: vertebrate (an animal with a backbone). Invertebrates include insects, mollusks, spiders, worms, jellyfish, etc. - about 97% of all animal species.
an animal lacking a backbone, such as an insect, worm, or mollusk
Most of the world's animals are invertebrates.
Anatomical name: vertebral column or spine. "Internet backbone": the main high-capacity network routes.
the spine; the series of vertebrae
He broke his backbone in the accident.
the chief support of a system; strength of character
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy.
'Bone up on' = study hard. 'Bone-dry' = completely dry. 'Make no bones about' = be frank about.
any of the hard pieces that make up the skeleton of a person or animal
The dog buried a bone in the garden.
to remove the bones from meat or fish
Ask the butcher to bone the chicken.
having prominent bones; very thin
She had long, bony fingers.
full of small bones, especially in fish
The fish was too bony to enjoy.
the action of providing or supplying something for use
New contracts for the provision of services were signed.
(countable) a condition or requirement in a legal document
The contract includes a provision for early termination.
to supply with food, drink, or equipment, especially for a journey
The ship was provisioned for a long voyage.
From "provision" (an arrangement made in advance). Implies temporary status until finalized.
arranged or accepted for the present time, with the possibility of change later; temporary
The team has reached a provisional agreement on the contract terms.
"Stool" in medical usage = feces. "Fall between two stools" = fail because of indecision between two options.
a seat without a back or arms
He sat on a stool at the bar.
(medical) a piece of feces
The doctor requested a stool sample.
Also called an "ottoman" when upholstered. Used to elevate the feet for comfort or to reach things.
a low stool on which to rest one's feet
He put his feet up on the footstool.
Also written as two words: loan word. Different from a calque, which translates the parts literally.
a word adopted from another language with little or no translation
"Karaoke" is a Japanese loanword in English.
A treaty is more formal and legally binding than a pact, typically requiring ratification by governments.
a formal written agreement between two or more states or sovereign powers
The Treaty of Versailles ended the First World War.
Related: treason (the crime), treacherous (the adjective). Famous traitors: Benedict Arnold (American Revolution), Guy Fawkes (Gunpowder Plot).
a person who betrays a country, cause, or trust
He was branded a traitor by his former allies.
High treason is the most serious form in some legal systems. The related adjective is treasonous.
the crime of betraying one's country or government, especially by helping an enemy
The officer was accused of treason after passing secrets to a foreign power.
involving or amounting to treason
The king's court treated the letter as treasonous.
Synonym of "treasonous". "Treasonable offense": common legal collocation. Slightly more formal.
constituting or involving treason
They were charged with treasonable activities.
to formally accuse a public official of misconduct
Lawmakers voted to impeach the governor.
the process of formally accusing an official
The impeachment inquiry lasted months.
Distinct from "shame" (an internal feeling); disgrace is more about public reputation.
loss of reputation due to dishonorable conduct
He brought disgrace on his family.
to bring shame on
He disgraced himself by his behavior.
Common phrase in news: "the disgraced former CEO".
having lost respect and standing
The disgraced politician resigned.
shockingly unacceptable
His behavior was absolutely disgraceful.
Common in military, photography, and radio/signal contexts, where an obstruction is said to "break" the line of sight.
an unobstructed straight path along which an observer can see a target
Trees blocked the sniper's line of sight to the building.
Separable: 'beat him up'. 'Beat yourself up' = blame yourself harshly.
to hit someone repeatedly and hurt them badly
He was beaten up outside the bar.
Hyphenated before a noun. A near-synonym is British 'clapped-out'.
old, worn out, and in bad condition
She drives a beat-up old pickup truck.
Linking verb: followed by an adjective or 'to' + infinitive, not a direct object.
to give the impression of being or doing something
She seems tired today.
used to soften a statement, making it less direct
I can't seem to find my keys.
Implies appearance vs reality. "Seeming friendship": appearance of friendship without substance.
appearing to be
His seeming kindness hid a darker purpose.
"Seemingly endless": common collocation. Often used to soften a claim: "seemingly random" rather than asserting it IS random.
as it appears
He seemed seemingly unaware of the problem.
a long, narrow board used for riding waves while standing or lying down
He waxed his surfboard before paddling out.
From Norwegian. "Ski resort", "ski lift", "ski jacket", "ski mask" (which has become associated with crime). Olympic sport since 1924 (winter).
1a long narrow piece of material attached to a boot for traveling on snow
He fastened his skis and pushed off.
to travel on snow using skis
They went skiing in the Alps.
2a snow-covered slope for skiing
They spent the day on the ski slope.
3a small jet-propelled vehicle that skims across the surface of water and typically is ridden like a motorcycle
They rented a jet ski.
"Scuba" is an acronym for "self-contained underwater breathing apparatus".
the sport or activity of swimming underwater using a scuba set to breathe
They went scuba diving to explore the sunken shipwreck.
Both let a person view underwater life, but snorkeling is a simple surface activity with a tube and mask, while scuba diving uses a tank of compressed air to let a diver stay fully submerged for extended periods.
Originally a German loanword (Schnorchel) for a submarine air tube.
a tube that allows a swimmer to breathe while floating face-down at the surface
He fitted the snorkel to his mask before entering the water.
to swim at the surface using a snorkel and mask to view underwater life
We snorkeled over the coral reef.
the activity of swimming at the surface with a snorkel and mask
Snorkeling is a popular activity on the island.
Both let a person view underwater life, but snorkeling is a simple surface activity with a tube and mask, while scuba diving uses a tank of compressed air to let a diver stay fully submerged for extended periods.
the pedal that a driver presses to slow or stop a vehicle
She slammed on the brake pedal to avoid the deer.
the pedal that makes a vehicle go faster
Ease off the gas pedal before the curve.
the pedal or control that increases engine speed
She pressed the accelerator too hard.
Also called "wing mirror" (British English) or "door mirror".
a mirror mounted on the outside of a vehicle to help the driver see traffic to the side and rear
He checked his side mirror before changing lanes.
Part of a helmet, cap, or protective headgear that shields the eyes from light, wind, or impact.
a part of a helmet or cap that projects forward to shield the eyes
He flipped up his motorcycle helmet's visor.
Also refers to the fold-down flap inside a car windshield used to block sunlight.
a hinged flap above a car's windshield that can be folded down to block glare from the sun
She flipped down the sun visor to check her makeup in the mirror.
British spelling: "spare tyre", which is also British slang for excess fat around the waist.
an extra tire carried in a vehicle to replace one that goes flat
He changed the flat and put on the spare tire.
British English: "number plate".
a metal or plastic plate attached to a vehicle bearing an official registration number
Police recorded the license plate of the fleeing car.
"Like a deer in headlights": frozen with shock. Modern: LED headlights, automatic high beams.
a powerful light at the front of a vehicle
He turned on the headlights.
a covering for the head
She pulled her hood up against the rain.
In US, also the metal panel covering a car engine (UK: bonnet). "Hood": slang for neighborhood (shortened from "neighborhood", esp. urban/inner-city). "Robin Hood": legendary figure.
1(US) the hinged metal cover over a car's engine (UK: bonnet)
He popped the hood to check the oil.
Originated as workwear for cold warehouses (1930s, Champion). Became symbolic of urban youth fashion from the 1990s; sometimes politically charged after the Trayvon Martin case.
2a sweatshirt with a hood
He pulled on a black hoodie.
British English: "rear light".
a red light at the back of a vehicle that illuminates when the headlights are on or the brakes are applied
One of his taillights was burned out.
Distinguished from true seals by visible external ear flaps and the ability to walk on all four flippers on land.
a large marine mammal related to seals, with external ear flaps and the ability to walk on its flippers
Sea lions barked and basked on the rocky pier.
Bluefin tuna can sell for record prices in Japan ($3.1 million for one fish at the Tokyo fish market in 2019). Overfishing is a major sustainability concern.
a large saltwater fish, often eaten as food
She made a tuna sandwich for lunch.
Plural is usually walruses, though walrus can also be used as a plural in animal-count contexts.
a large Arctic marine mammal with long tusks, whiskers, and flippers
A walrus hauled itself onto the ice beside the research boat.
Unlike land tortoises, sea turtles have flipper-like limbs and cannot retract their heads into their shells.
a large marine reptile with a flattened shell and flipper-like limbs, adapted for life in the ocean
Green sea turtles nest on this beach every summer.
Has a venomous barbed tail; the animal that killed Steve Irwin (2006).
a flat, broad sea fish with a long poisonous tail spine
A stingray glided across the sandy seabed.
a medical instrument used to listen to sounds inside the body, especially the heart and lungs
The doctor placed the stethoscope on his chest.
From Greek thermos ("hot") + metron ("measure"). Mercury thermometers are being phased out due to mercury toxicity.
an instrument for measuring temperature
The thermometer read 98.6°F.
Sound waves above the range of human hearing. Common medical use: prenatal ultrasound to view a fetus.
sound waves with a frequency too high for humans to hear
Bats use ultrasound to navigate in the dark.
a medical scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of internal body structures
The doctor scheduled an ultrasound to check the baby's growth.
"A stitch in time saves nine" = fixing a small problem early prevents a bigger one later.
a single loop of thread made by a needle through fabric or skin
The doctor put six stitches in his cut.
a sudden sharp pain in the side, especially while running
I had to stop running because I got a stitch.
to make or repair something with stitches
She stitched the torn pocket back together.
a row of stitches; the act or style of making stitches
The leather jacket had decorative red stitching down the seams.
British informal. "To stitch someone up" = to frame them or trick them into trouble.
(British informal) a situation in which someone is falsely accused or unfairly blamed; a frame-up
He claims his conviction was a complete stitch-up.
a tube with a needle or nozzle used to inject or draw liquid
The nurse filled the syringe with vaccine.
to breathe air, smoke, or gas into the lungs
Inhale slowly through your nose.
a small device for breathing medicine into the lungs
She keeps an inhaler in her backpack.
the act of breathing something into the lungs
Smoke inhalation can be dangerous.
to breathe air out of the lungs
Exhale gently after each stretch.
A trademark (now genericized) for an adhesive bandage. British: 'plaster'.
a small adhesive bandage for covering minor wounds
She put a Band-Aid on the paper cut.
(often lowercase 'band-aid') a temporary or superficial solution
The extra funding is just a band-aid for a much deeper problem.
a small instrument like a pair of pincers for plucking out hairs and picking up small objects
A pair of tweezers.
"Brownie points" = credit for a good deed, especially to gain favor. Also the name for a junior Girl Scout ("Brownies").
a small, rich, dense square of baked chocolate cake
She baked a batch of fudgy brownies.
American pronunciation varies: two syllables or three syllables are both heard.
a sweet brown substance made by heating sugar
The dessert was covered with caramel sauce.
Originally made from the root of the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis); modern versions use gelatin. Common at campfires (toasted on sticks).
a soft, spongy white sweet made of sugar, gelatin, and other ingredients, often eaten roasted
They roasted marshmallows over the campfire.
Idioms: "have something up one's sleeve" = have a secret plan; "wear one's heart on one's sleeve" = show emotions openly; "roll up one's sleeves" = prepare for hard work.
the part of a garment that covers the arm
He rolled up his sleeves to start working.
a cardboard or rubber band placed around a hot beverage cup to insulate the hand
She slid a cardboard sleeve onto her coffee cup before picking it up.
In British slang, "a stirrer" can also mean someone who deliberately causes trouble or conflict.
a small stick or spoon used to mix a drink
She used a plastic stirrer to mix the sugar into her coffee.
a small single-serving paper or plastic packet containing sugar, typically provided at cafes and restaurants
He tore open a sugar packet and stirred it into his coffee.
"Drink straw": tube for drinking. Many places have banned plastic straws for environmental reasons. "Drawing straws": random selection method.
dried stalks of cereal plants
The barn was filled with straw.
a thin tube for drinking
She sipped her drink through a straw.
From the proverb "the last straw breaks the camel's back": small final addition that triggers a major reaction.
the final problem that makes a situation unbearable
His rudeness was the last straw.
"Serving tray", "baking tray", "ice cube tray". In email/computing: "inbox tray". "Tray table": fold-down table on airplane seats.
a flat shallow container with raised edges, used for carrying things
The waiter carried a tray of drinks.
Symbol of wisdom (Athena's bird). "Night owl": late-night person. Hedwig (Harry Potter) is a snowy owl. Can rotate head ~270 degrees.
a nocturnal bird of prey with large eyes
An owl hooted in the night.
Pink color comes from carotenoids in their diet (shrimp, algae). Often stand on one leg. Lawn flamingos: kitsch suburban yard decoration.
a tall pink wading bird
A flock of flamingos waded in the lake.
Famous for their ability to mimic human speech. "Polly want a cracker?" is the cliched parrot phrase.
a tropical bird with bright feathers and a curved bill, often able to mimic sounds
The pet store had several talking parrots.
Often disapproving: implies repeating without understanding.
to repeat (someone's words) mechanically without understanding
Don't just parrot what your teacher says: think for yourself.
Named for the humming sound made by its rapid wingbeats (up to 80 times per second). The only bird that can fly backward.
a very small, brightly colored bird known for hovering in place and rapid wing movement
A hummingbird hovered by the red flowers.
astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one's breath away
The view from the mountaintop was breathtaking.
beautiful; very attractive
Gorgeous colors.
"Your Majesty" / "His/Her Majesty" = the formal address for a king or queen.
impressive stateliness or dignity
They watched the mountain in all its majesty.
royal sovereignty (used as a title)
His Majesty will speak this evening.
having or showing impressive beauty or dignity
The majestic peaks of the Alps.
Adverb: spectacularly.
beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way
The view from the summit was spectacular.
strikingly impressive in scale or degree
The team had a spectacular comeback.
in a dramatic or impressive way
The plan failed spectacularly.
not exciting or impressive; ordinary
The team had an unspectacular start to the season.
Plural "spectacles" (or "specs") = a pair of glasses (mostly British, somewhat formal/old-fashioned).
a visually striking or impressive event or scene
The fireworks were quite a spectacle.
("make a spectacle of oneself") to behave in an embarrassing or attention-getting way in public
He made a spectacle of himself at the party after drinking too much.
(plural, British) a pair of glasses worn to correct vision
She perched her spectacles on the end of her nose.
Informally used as an intensifier of amazement, similar to "incredible": "That concert was unreal!"
not real; existing only in the imagination; also (informal) so impressive as to seem hard to believe
The view from the summit was unreal.
Surreal describes something dreamlike or bizarre in a way that defies normal logic, while unreal (in its informal sense) is a looser intensifier for anything astonishing, good or bad.
From 'surrealism'. = bizarre, dreamlike, unreal.
strange and dreamlike; bizarre and unreal
The whole evening had a surreal quality.
A 20th-century art and literary movement exploring dreams and the unconscious (Dali, Magritte, Breton).
a movement in art and literature seeking to express the unconscious mind, often with bizarre, dreamlike imagery
Dali was a leading figure of surrealism.
an artist or writer who practices surrealism
The gallery hung several works by surrealists.
Surreal describes something dreamlike or bizarre in a way that defies normal logic, while unreal (in its informal sense) is a looser intensifier for anything astonishing, good or bad.
Many idioms: "the end of the road", "end in tears", "to no end", "at the end of the day".
a final part of something
They reached the end of the trail.
a goal or intended result
The end justifies the means.
to come or bring to a final point
The meeting ended at noon.
having or seeming to have no end or limit
Endless arguments.
the final part of something, especially a story or film
The movie had a surprising ending.
covered with or consisting of sand
They walked along the sandy beach.
(of hair) light yellowish-brown in color
He had sandy hair and freckles.
Greek 'pan' (all) + 'horama' (view).
an unbroken view of a wide area; a complete survey of a subject
From the summit, a vast panorama opened up before us.
showing or covering a wide view
The room has panoramic views of the bay.
a small soluble case containing a dose of medicine
Take one capsule twice daily.
In space: "space capsule" = the small detachable section of a spacecraft (Apollo, Soyuz, Crew Dragon). "Time capsule" = a sealed container of objects to be opened in the future.
a small case or container
They launched a space capsule.
a small compact particle of a substance
Instant coffee comes in granules.