Vocabulary: Batch 82

1. having a frizzy, fluffy, or frayed texture or appearance

   A fuzzy picture.

2. (figurative) difficult to perceive clearly or understand precisely

   His memory of that night is a bit fuzzy.

In American football, "fumble" specifically means losing the ball.

1. to use the hands clumsily while doing or handling something

   He fumbled with the keys at the front door.

2. (sports) to fail to catch or hold the ball

   The receiver fumbled the pass.

Many senses: picture frame, glasses frame, body frame, film frame. "Frame of mind": mental state. "Time frame": period.

• a rigid structure surrounding something

  The picture has a wooden frame.

"Framed": falsely accused ("I was framed!"). "Reframe": change perspective on something.

1. to formulate or surround with a frame

   He framed the photo.

2. to incriminate by giving false evidence

   He claimed he was framed for the murder.

Therapy/psychology jargon: "cognitive reframing". Also marketing/political: "reframe the narrative". Literal: replace a picture frame.

• to express or consider an idea differently

  Let me reframe the question.

Plural: "fellas" (informal), used for a group of men or friends of any gender in casual American speech ("Hey fellas!").

• a man or boy (informal)

  He's a nice fella.

From French. "Ensemble cast" = a movie/show with a balanced group of main actors rather than one star.

1. a group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together

   The jazz ensemble performed at the festival.

2. a set of clothes worn together as a coordinated outfit

   She wore a stylish ensemble to the party.

1. the outer limit or boundary of an area or object

   The town sits on the edge of the desert.

2. a slight advantage over others

   Her experience gives her an edge over the other candidates.

1. to move slowly and carefully in a particular direction

   She edged closer to the door.

2. to beat (someone) by a small margin

   He edged out his rival to win the gold medal.

1. nervous, tense, or irritable

   Everyone felt edgy before the announcement.

2. bold, unconventional, or slightly shocking

   The brand wants an edgy new design.

"Desperate Housewives": popular 2000s TV show. "Desperate times call for desperate measures": proverb.

• feeling or showing a hopeless sense that a situation is impossible to deal with

  She was desperate for help.

• a state of despair, often leading to rash or extreme action

  In desperation, she called everyone she knew for help.

From Latin "desperare" (to lose hope). Stronger than "discouragement" or "sadness". "Slough of despond": Pilgrim's Progress reference.

• the complete loss of hope

  She fell into despair after losing her job.

• to lose all hope

  Don't despair; things will get better.

"Security deposit": refundable rent payment. "Direct deposit": automatic paycheck deposit. Geology: "oil deposit", natural reservoir.

• a sum placed in a bank; a partial payment

  He paid a deposit on the apartment.

• to put money in a bank; to put down

  She deposited the check at the ATM.

• to deceive someone, especially in order to get money or some other benefit from them

  He conned his elderly neighbor out of her life savings.

Short for "confidence trick" or "convention" depending on sense.

1. a trick or deception, especially one designed to defraud

   The offer turned out to be a con.

2. an argument or reason against something (used in "pros and cons")

   Let's list the pros and cons before deciding.

3. (informal) a convicted criminal; a prisoner

   He was an ex-con who had served ten years for fraud.

Not in Merriam-Webster with its own recording, so no audio_mw here. Synonym: con artist.

• a person who tricks others, especially to get their money

  The con man convinced her to wire him thousands of dollars.

Multiple institutional senses: a group appointed to investigate (the 9/11 Commission), a fee paid to an agent, a military officer's rank.

1. a group of people officially appointed to investigate or regulate something

   The commission was asked to investigate the disaster.

2. a fee, typically a percentage, paid to an agent for a commercial transaction

   He earns 15% commission on every sale.

• to order or authorize the production of something, such as art or equipment

  The portrait was commissioned by the queen.

• a person appointed to a role on or by a commission

  A police commissioner.

Opposite of "commission" (to put into service). Often used for ships, power plants, military equipment.

• to take a piece of equipment, ship, weapon, or facility out of active service, typically permanently

  The aging nuclear power plant was decommissioned last year.

Often used for territory, rights, or control.

• to formally give up control or territory

  The treaty forced the country to cede the island.

• to go or move back or further away from a previous position

  The flood waters began to recede.

Irregular: caught/caught. 'Catch on' = become popular, or understand.

1. to intercept and hold a moving object

   She caught the ball with one hand.

2. to capture after a chase

   The police finally caught the thief.

3. to be in time for (a bus, train, etc.)

   I need to catch the 8 o'clock train.

1. an act of catching; an amount caught

   It was a spectacular one-handed catch.

2. a hidden difficulty or drawback

   The deal sounds great - what's the catch?

Phrasal verb. "Catch up with" someone = reach the same point. "Catch up on" something = do something you missed. Also used socially: "Let's catch up" = let's talk and share news.

1. to reach the same level or position as someone ahead of you

   She ran faster to catch up with the group.

2. to do something that you did not have time to do earlier

   I need to catch up on my reading.

3. to talk with someone you have not seen for a while

   We should grab coffee and catch up.

• (of a tune or phrase) instantly appealing and easy to remember

  The ad has a catchy jingle.

"Secret ballot": voting without others seeing your choice (a hallmark of democratic elections). "Mail-in ballot": major topic in recent US elections.

• a process of voting, in writing and typically in secret

  They cast their ballots.

1. to take part in commercial trading of a particular commodity

   Directors were prohibited from dealing in the company's shares.

2. to distribute (cards) to players in a card game

   It's your turn to deal.

1. an agreement entered into by two or more parties for their mutual benefit, especially in a business or political context

   The UK struck a deal with France.

2. a large amount or extent, as in 'a great deal'

   It cost her a great deal of money.

Three main contexts: legitimate business (car dealer, art dealer), card games (casino dealer), drug trade (drug dealer).

1. a person or business that buys and sells goods

   The car dealer offered a discount on the new model.

2. the person who distributes cards to players in a card game

   The dealer shuffled and dealt each player five cards.

3. (informal) a person who sells illegal drugs

   Police arrested a drug dealer on the corner.

• clearly apparent to the eye or mind; obvious

  His frustration was manifest in his tone of voice.

"Manifest destiny": 19th-century American belief in destined westward expansion. Modern: "manifest" something (self-help) = bring it into reality through intention.

• to display or show clearly

  The disease manifests itself as a rash.

Common in shipping and aviation: "cargo manifest", "flight manifest" (passenger list).

• a list of passengers or cargo for a ship, plane, or other vehicle

  The customs officer checked the ship's manifest.

• an event that clearly shows something

  The strike is a manifestation of growing anger.

Famous: "The Communist Manifesto" (Marx and Engels, 1848). Political parties publish manifestos before elections.

• a public declaration of policy and aims

  The party published its election manifesto.

Capitalized "Diaspora" historically refers specifically to Jews living outside Israel. From Greek diaspeirein (to scatter).

1. people who have settled far from their ancestral homeland, or the scattering of a people away from it

   The festival celebrated films from across the Caribbean diaspora.

2. (historical, often capitalized) the Jews living outside Israel, or their settling outside ancient Palestine

   Jewish communities of the Diaspora preserved their traditions across many lands.

Homophone with "queue". "Cue ball": white ball in pool/billiards. "On cue": at the right moment. "Take a cue from": follow someone's lead. "Cue stick" is a fuller, more explicit informal name for the same billiards stick.

1. a signal for action

   He waited for his cue to enter.

2. a long stick used in billiards

   He picked up his cue and lined up the shot.

• to give a signal to (someone) to begin an action

  The director cued the actor to enter.

Not in Merriam-Webster with its own recording, so no audio_mw here.

• the white ball a player strikes with the cue in billiards and pool

  He scratched by knocking the cue ball into a pocket.

1. a line or ridge made by folding a pliable material

   He pressed a sharp crease into his trousers.

2. a marked area in front of a goal in some sports, such as hockey or lacrosse

   The goalie stayed inside the crease.

• to make a crease or wrinkle in

  Don't crease the pages of that book.

Originally a covered pit used as an animal trap.

• a hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty

  The author lists the pitfalls of starting a business.

More common in modern American English. Style guides often distinguish "among" (more than two) from "between" (two): though "between" is acceptable for more than two when there's a clear pairwise relationship.

• surrounded by; in the company of

  She felt at home among friends.

More common in British English; slightly old-fashioned. Same meaning as "among": no real difference.

• surrounded by; in the company of

  Amongst all the books, he found the rare first edition.

Formal. Often: "heed a warning" / "heed advice". Antonym: ignore. The related adjective "heedless" (below) is actually more common than "heed" itself.

• to pay attention to (advice or warning)

  Heed my words.

From archaic "heed" (pay attention). Mostly formal/literary. "Heedless of warnings": typical construction.

• showing no awareness of the consequences

  He drove on, heedless of the danger.

"Fall in love" - common phrase. Tennis: "love" = zero points (from French "l'oeuf", egg-shaped zero).

• an intense feeling of deep affection

  Their love grew stronger over the years.

• to feel deep affection for

  He loves his family deeply.

In English, "lover" often implies a sexual relationship; in French, "amant" similarly. "Music lover", "book lover": passionate enthusiast (non-romantic).

1. a person having a romantic or sexual relationship

   They were secret lovers.

2. a person who loves a particular thing

   She's a real animal lover.

• not loved by anyone

  The orphan felt unloved and alone.

• feeling or showing love or great care

  She gave the child a loving hug.

M-W lists this only as a curated stem of "loving," with no separate recording, so no audio_mw is set here.

• in a loving or caring way

  He lovingly restored his grandfather's old watch.

Generally must be 100+ years old to be a true "antique" (vs. "vintage" = 20-100 years). "Antique Roadshow": popular TV show.

• a collectible object of high value due to its age

  She collects antiques.

"Antiqued" finishes are made deliberately to look old (distressing wood, tarnishing metal).

• made or finished to look antique

  They bought antiqued furniture.

"Classical Antiquity": period of Greek and Roman civilization (~8th c. BC to 5th c. AD).

• the ancient past, especially before the Middle Ages

  The vase dates from antiquity.

• old-fashioned or outdated

  This antiquated central heating system.

Past tense: put (same). Hundreds of phrasal verbs: put off, put up with, put down, put on, put away, put through.

1. to move something into a particular place or position

   She put the book on the table.

2. to express something in a particular way

   To put it bluntly, you're wrong.

• unpleasant, in an unappealing or discouraging way

  His manner is rather off-putting.

Reuses the baseball noun "putout"'s M-W recording: identical pronunciation, no separate file for this phrasal verb.

1. to extinguish (a fire, cigarette, etc.)

   Firefighters put out the blaze within an hour.

2. to produce or publish

   The band put out a new album last month.

Not in Merriam-Webster with its own recording, so no audio_mw here.

1. to postpone to a later time

   They put off the meeting until next week.

2. to disconcert or repel

   His rudeness put me off.

From Latin 'stratum' = layer. Used in geology and sociology.

• to arrange or form into layers or distinct social classes

  Wealth increasingly stratifies the city's neighborhoods.

• arranged in layers or distinct ranks

  The cliff face showed beautifully stratified rock.

• the arrangement of something into layers or social ranks

  Sociologists study patterns of social stratification.

• no longer current or useful; outmoded

  The software runs on outdated technology.

Different word from the unrelated "tacky" meaning sticky (a wet homograph). This sense is about taste/style, not texture.

1. marked by cheap showiness; gaudy

   The wedding decor was gorgeous, but the party favors were a bit tacky.

2. lacking good taste, refinement, or manners

   Talking about your salary at dinner is tacky.

Past tense: fell; past participle: fallen. Tons of phrasal verbs: fall apart, fall behind, fall for, fall through.

1. to move downward, typically rapidly and without control

   Leaves fall from the trees in autumn.

2. to decrease in number, amount, or value

   Prices have fallen sharply.

American for "autumn".

1. (countable) an act of falling

   She had a bad fall on the ice.

2. (uncountable, American) the season between summer and winter; autumn

   The leaves change color in the fall.

Not in Merriam-Webster with its own recording, so no audio_mw here.

1. to become a victim of; to be deceived or tricked by

   I can't believe I fell for that scam.

2. to fall in love with

   He fell for her the moment they met.

1. an item, detail, or particular fact or idea

   You have a point there.

2. the tapered, sharp end of something

   The point of the pencil broke.

3. a purpose or reason

   What's the point of arguing about it?

4. a particular moment, stage, or degree in a process

   At this point, I don't think there's much we can do.

• to direct a finger or object toward something to indicate it

  She pointed at the map to show him the way.

"Over" here is a predicate adjective (comes after a linking verb: be/get/feel over), not the more common preposition/adverb sense ("over the bridge", "come over"). "I'm over him" = no longer emotionally attached; distinct from the more neutral "the relationship is over" = it has ended.

1. at an end; finished

   The meeting is finally over.

2. (informal) no longer emotionally attached to or affected by someone or something

   I'm pretty much over him at this point.

In law: "with intent to kill", specifies the mental state of an offender. Distinguishes murder from manslaughter.

• a person's plan or purpose

  It is unclear what his intent was.

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions": proverb meaning good intent doesn't excuse bad results.

• a thing intended; a purpose

  He had no intention of leaving.

Antonym: accidental, unintentional. "Intentional living": modern self-help concept.

• done on purpose

  The damage was intentional.

• a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups

  The rise of right-wing populism.

From Latin populus (people). Modern famous: Hugo Chávez, Donald Trump, Marine Le Pen, though "populist" applies across the political spectrum.

• a politician appealing to ordinary people

  He's a left-wing populist.

"Populist rhetoric", "populist movement" - common collocations.

• relating to or characteristic of populism

  The party adopted populist policies.

Almost always negative, unlike the milder "smell". "Reek of" also extends figuratively: "His story reeks of deceit."

1. to give off a strong, unpleasant smell

   The locker room reeked of sweat.

2. (figurative) to give a strong impression of something bad

   The deal reeked of corruption.

• a strong, unpleasant smell

  There was a reek of garlic in the kitchen.

• to secure a boat in place with cables, lines, or anchors

  They moored the yacht at the marina overnight.

"Moorings" (plural) often refers collectively to the lines, chains, and anchors holding a boat in place.

• a place, or the lines/anchors, by which a boat is secured

  The boat swung gently at its mooring.

Linguistics term. Covers rhythm, stress, and intonation - how a sentence is pitched and paced, not just what words it contains.

1. the rhythmic and intonational patterns of spoken language

   A flat prosody made him sound bored, even when he wasn't.

2. the study of versification, especially the patterns of meter in poetry

   The course covered the prosody of Shakespeare's sonnets.

• relating to prosody; concerning rhythm, stress, or intonation

  Prosodic cues help listeners tell a question from a statement.

1. (uncountable) the solid surface of the earth

   He fell to the ground after slipping on the ice.

2. (uncountable) soil or earth

   Plant the seeds in moist ground.

3. (countable, usually plural "grounds") an area of land used for a particular purpose

   The school grounds include a soccer field and tennis courts.

4. (countable, usually plural "grounds") a reason or basis for an action or belief

   He was fired on grounds of misconduct.

1. to prevent (an aircraft, pilot) from flying

   All flights were grounded due to the volcanic ash.

2. (of parents) to punish a child by forbidding them to leave the house for a period

   My parents grounded me for two weeks after I came home late.

3. to base something firmly on a particular foundation (often passive: "be grounded in")

   Her theories are grounded in extensive research.

• a basic rule that controls how something is done

  Let's set some ground rules before the debate.

• water stored underground in soil or rock

  The town relies on groundwater for drinking water.

• basic preparation that makes later work possible

  The first meeting laid the groundwork for a deal.

Literally the first digging at a construction site; figuratively = innovative, pioneering.

• introducing new methods or ideas; pioneering

  Her groundbreaking research changed the field.

• a person or thing that pioneers something new

  The startup was a groundbreaker in mobile payments.

• a buildup of opinion or feeling in a large section of the population

  A groundswell of opposition.

• (with reference to a ship) touching or fast on the bottom

  The ship ran aground.

"Skinny dip" = swim naked. "Dip out" (slang) = leave. "Buy the dip": investing strategy.

• to put briefly into a liquid

  He dipped the bread in olive oil.

1. a sauce or mixture for dipping food into

   We served the chips with a spicy dip.

2. a brief decrease or downward dip in level or value

   The stocks took a sudden dip.

"Chain of command", "chain of events", "chain reaction", "fast-food chain" - all extend the literal linked-metal image to a series or group.

1. a series of connected metal links used for support, restraint, or towing

   The dog strained against its chain.

2. a group of stores, restaurants, or hotels under one ownership or brand

   It's part of a national coffee chain.

3. a series of connected or related things or events

   A chain of events led to the accident.

• to fasten or restrain with a chain

  He chained his bike to the fence.

Past tense: bought. "Buy time" = delay an event. "Buy in (to)" = accept or believe.

1. to obtain in exchange for payment

   She bought a new car last week.

2. (informal) to accept or believe something

   I don't buy his excuse.

• a thing one has bought or is being bought, especially considered in terms of value

  The used car was a great buy.

• the buying back of goods by the original seller

  A share buy-back.

"Port": also fortified wine from Portugal. Computing: "USB port". Naval: "port" = left side of ship (vs starboard).

1. a town with a harbor for ships

   The ship docked at the port.

2. (sailing) the left side of a ship or aircraft when facing forward, opposite starboard

   The lighthouse appeared off the port side.

"Pledge of Allegiance": American patriotic oath. "Pledge drive": fundraising for public broadcasting (PBS/NPR).

• a solemn promise

  He made a pledge to donate.

• to formally commit oneself to a course of action

  She pledged $100 to the charity.

"Brain drain" = loss of talent to other places. "Down the drain" = wasted. "Drain the swamp": political phrase popularized by Trump.

1. to remove liquid from

   He drained the bathtub.

2. to exhaust (someone) physically or emotionally

   That argument drained all her energy.

• a pipe or channel for carrying off water

  The drain was clogged.

• the process or system of removing water or liquid

  Poor drainage caused the field to flood.

Informal, often implies the outfit is unusual or noticeable. "What a get-up!": usually a slight critique.

• a costume or outfit

  What a strange get-up he's wearing.

"Walk around" is not a separate dictionary phrase; it's just "walk" + the preposition "around", meaning to walk with no fixed destination, often to explore or pass time.

• to move on foot at a normal pace

  We walked around the old town for an hour before dinner.

• an act of walking, especially for exercise or pleasure

  Let's go for a walk around the park.

1. to have on one's body as clothing, decoration, or protection

   He was wearing a suit.

2. to damage or erode gradually through friction or use

   The steps had worn smooth over the centuries.

'Wear and tear' = the ordinary damage from continued use.

1. clothing of a particular kind

   The store specializes in children's wear.

2. damage or deterioration from continuous use

   These tires show signs of wear.

Irregular past participle of wear (wear/wore/worn).

1. damaged and shabby as a result of much use

   His clothes were old and worn.

2. looking very tired or exhausted

   She had a worn, weary expression.

Not in Merriam-Webster with its own recording, so no audio_mw here.

• to weary and overcome (someone) by persistent resistance or pressure

  Her constant questions finally wore him down.

Also: "commute a sentence", reduce a prison sentence (legal). "Long commute": common modern complaint.

• to travel regularly between work and home

  She commutes from New Jersey to Manhattan.

"Commuter train", "commuter rail" - common transit terms.

• a person who travels regularly between work and home

  The commuter train was packed during rush hour.

British term; American: "suburbs" or "bedroom community". The London commuter belt extends ~50 miles into surrounding counties.

• the area surrounding a city from which people commute to work

  They live in London's commuter belt.

From Latin communicare (to share). Same root as "common", "community".

• to share or exchange information

  They communicate mainly by email.

"Communications" (plural) = the systems and infrastructure for transmitting information (mass media, telecom).

• the imparting or exchanging of information

  Good communication is key to a successful team.

• willing or able to share information

  He is not very communicative this morning.

• a representation, usually on a flat surface, of an area of land or space

  She checked the map to find the fastest route.

• to make a map of an area

  Early explorers mapped the coastline.

Not in Merriam-Webster with its own recording, so no audio_mw here.

• to plan the details of something, such as a program or one's future

  They mapped out a five-year plan for the company.

1. to feel a strong desire for something, especially food, drink, or sensation

   I'm craving chocolate right now.

2. (of a person) to long for something deeply, especially emotionally

   Children crave attention from their parents.

• a powerful desire for something, especially food

  She had a craving for chocolate late at night.

1. to cover something by winding or folding material around it

   She wrapped the present in blue paper.

2. to finish filming, recording, or an event

   We wrapped the shoot by 6pm.

Also common as a food term: a thin flatbread (tortilla, etc.) rolled around a filling.

1. material used for wrapping something

   Plastic wrap keeps the bread fresh.

2. a thin flat piece of bread rolled around a filling

   I ordered a chicken wrap for lunch.

Reuses the noun "wrap-up"'s own M-W recording: the phrase and the hyphenated noun are exact homophones.

1. to bring something to a conclusion; to finish

   Let's wrap up the meeting so people can go home.

2. to summarize

   To wrap up: sales are up, costs are down.

1. a summarizing report

   Here's a quick wrap-up of today's news.

2. a concluding part; a finale

   The wrap-up of the conference is at 4pm.

Irregular: bite/bit/bitten.

• to use the teeth to cut into or through something

  He bit off a piece of cheese.

'A bite to eat' (informal) = a small meal or snack. Standard collocation for the mouthful sense: "take a bite (of)".

1. an act of biting, or the wound it leaves

   She had a mosquito bite on her arm.

2. the amount of food taken in at one bite; a mouthful

   He took a big bite of the sandwich.

3. (informal) a small meal or quick snack

   Let's grab a bite before the movie.

• to drink something by taking small quantities into the mouth

  She sipped her tea slowly.

Standard collocation: "take a sip (of)" = to drink a small amount.

• a small mouthful of liquid

  He took a sip of his coffee.

"Would rather" + bare infinitive = expressing preference. "Rather than" introduces a contrast.

1. to a certain or significant degree

   The room was rather small.

2. used to indicate preference

   I would rather stay home.

Not in Merriam-Webster with its own recording, so no audio_mw here. Also functions as a preposition ("rather than being pleased, she was angry") meaning "instead of".

1. and not; used to contrast two choices, actions, or qualities

   Why do one thing rather than another?

2. instead of doing/being (something)

   Rather than continue the argument, he walked away.

• to think carefully about something before making a decision

  Please consider all the options before you decide.

1. careful thought before making a decision

   The proposal needs further consideration.

2. kind attention to other people's feelings or needs

   Please show some consideration for your neighbors.

3. a fact that must be thought about

   Cost is an important consideration.

Common in formal writing as a more elevated alternative to "a lot of" or "much".

• notably large in size, amount, or extent

  They spent a considerable amount of money.

Common patterns: considerate of someone, considerate toward someone, and 'It was considerate of you to...'. Antonym: inconsiderate. Do not confuse it with considerable, meaning large.

• careful not to inconvenience, upset, or harm other people

  It was considerate of Maya to warn the neighbors before the noisy repairs began.

M-W lists this only as a curated stem of "considerable," with no separate recording, so no audio_mw is set here ("-ably" changes the final syllable from the adjective's "-able").

• to a notably large degree; a lot

  Prices have risen considerably since last year.

• a displayed sheet or placard giving news or information

  He read the notice on the board.

• to become aware of

  I noticed that the door was open.

Note: keeps the "e" of "notice" before "-able" (similar to "manageable"). This avoids changing the soft "c" pronunciation.

• easily seen or noticed

  There was a noticeable change in her behavior.

M-W lists this only as a curated stem of "noticeable," with no separate recording, so no audio_mw is set here (reusing the adjective's file would be misleading since "-ably" changes the final syllable).

• in a way that is easily seen or noticed

  Traffic noticeably increased after the new mall opened.

Linguistic term. "Strong tea" and "powerful car": "strong" and "powerful" collocate differently. Native speakers learn collocations naturally; L2 learners struggle with them.

• to occur together often as a fixed expression

  The verb "make" collocates with "decision".

• the habitual juxtaposition of a particular word with another word or words

  "Make a decision" is a common English collocation.

Noun stress on first syllable; verb on second. "Sign on the dotted line": common phrase for signing a contract.

• a legally binding written or spoken agreement

  They signed a five-year contract.

1. to make or become smaller

   Metal contracts when cooled.

2. to catch (a disease)

   He contracted malaria abroad.

In grammar: contractions like "don't" (do not), "isn't" (is not). In childbirth: "contractions" indicate labor.

1. the process of becoming smaller

   Muscle contraction produces movement.

2. a shortened form of a word or words

   "Can't" is a contraction of "cannot".

"General contractor" oversees construction. "Independent contractor": self-employed worker (vs. employee, major modern labor distinction).

• a person who undertakes a contract, especially for construction

  The contractor built the new wing.

• agreed in a contract

  They have contractual obligations.

To hire another firm to do part of a job you've been contracted for.

• to give part of a contracted job to another company or person

  They subcontracted the plumbing to a local firm.

• a company or person hired to do part of another's contract

  The roof was installed by a subcontractor.

1. (especially of an animal) unable to walk normally because of an injured leg or foot

   The horse went lame after the race.

2. unconvincing and feeble

   A lame excuse.

3. (informal) uncool; disappointing or unimpressive

   This party is so lame, let's go home.

Major topic in agriculture. Famous: Nile irrigation in ancient Egypt; California's water systems for the Central Valley.

• to supply water to (land or crops)

  They irrigate the fields with river water.

• the supply of water to land or crops to help growth

  The valley depends on irrigation for its crops.

"Drag queen" - performer in flamboyant feminine dress. "Drag race" - short straight-line race. "Drag and drop" - UI interaction.

• to pull with effort

  They dragged the boat ashore.

• something boring (informal); air resistance

  What a drag!

Usually used of an unpleasant, tiring, or unproductive situation.

• to continue for longer than expected or desired

  The negotiations dragged on for another six months.

Informal/slang; specifically about cigarettes. Not in Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary as a defined sense - no audio_mw. Compare the dictionary-standard puff (on a cigarette, pipe, etc.).

• to inhale smoke from a cigarette

  He took a long drag before answering.

Noun /breθ/ vs. verb "breathe" /briːð/: different vowels and th-sounds. Common ESL pitfall. "Take a deep breath". "Out of breath". "Draw a breath" is a more literary equivalent of "take a breath".

• air taken in or out of the lungs

  Take a deep breath.

Voiced "th" /ð/: different from noun "breath" /θ/. "Breathe in", "breathe out". "Breathing": the action.

• to take air in and out of the lungs

  Breathe slowly and relax.

From Greek meteoron ("thing in the air") + logia ("study"). Shares root with meteor but the modern meanings are distinct.

• the science dealing with the atmosphere and weather forecasting

  She studied meteorology in college.

• relating to meteorology or the weather

  The meteorological office issued a storm warning.

"Private eye" - informal for private investigator. "Keep something private" - common collocation.

• belonging to or for the use of a particular person; not public

  This is a private matter.

US pronunciation: /ˈpraɪ-/. UK: also /ˈprɪ-/. "Privacy policy": required on websites. "Invasion of privacy": common phrase. Common collocations: "violate someone's privacy", "invade someone's privacy" (more natural than "infringe someone's privacy" - infringe pairs with rights/copyright/patent, not privacy directly). Increasingly fraught in digital age.

• the state of being free from public observation

  The tabloid was accused of invading her privacy.

Originally a mark stamped on gold/silver objects at Goldsmiths' Hall in London to certify purity.

1. a distinctive feature or characteristic

   Attention to detail is the hallmark of his work.

2. an official mark stamped on items of precious metal certifying their quality

   The silver bears a London hallmark from 1820.

• a brief period of very cold weather

  An unexpected cold snap froze the pipes overnight.

Compare cold snap: "cold wave" emphasizes the rapid, large temperature drop and often the weather system driving it; "cold snap" emphasizes the brief duration. Not themed "weather" since this same form also covers an unrelated hair-perm sense.

1. an unusually large and rapid drop in temperature over a short period, often affecting a wide region

   Forecasters warned of a cold wave moving down from the Arctic.

2. a permanent hairwave set using chemicals rather than heat

   She got a cold wave at the salon.

Synonym: flammable. Also figurative: "a combustible mix of personalities" = volatile group.

• able to catch fire and burn easily

  Gasoline is highly combustible.

"Internal combustion engine" (ICE): car engine type being phased out for electric. "Spontaneous combustion": rare phenomenon, more myth than fact in people.

• the process of burning

  Combustion releases energy as heat.

The past tense and past participle are also burst.

1. to break open suddenly because of pressure

   The pipe burst during the freeze.

2. to move or start suddenly

   The children burst into the room.

• a short sudden period of activity, sound, or feeling

  A burst of laughter came from the kitchen.

More formal than "population"; often used to mean the ordinary people, as distinct from rulers or elites.

• the common people of a region or country; the general public

  The new tax angered a large part of the populace.

1. to live in a particular area; to form the population of a place

   Polar bears populate the Arctic regions.

2. to cause people to live in a particular place

   The government tried to populate the remote islands by offering land grants.

3. (computing) to fill (a data structure, form, or database) with data

   The script populates the spreadsheet with values from the API.

• all the inhabitants of a particular place

  The city's population has doubled in twenty years.

Two homonyms: /tɪr/ (eye water) and /ter/ (to rip). "Tear" is one of the most confusing English homographs. "Crocodile tears" = false grief.

• a drop of salty liquid from the eye

  A tear ran down her cheek.

"Tear apart" = rip apart or criticize harshly. "Tear up": destroy by tearing, or start crying.

• to pull apart by force

  He tore the letter in half.

• crying or inclined to cry

  A tearful farewell.

Past participle of tear (rip). "Torn between two choices" = unable to decide.

• ripped or pulled apart; also, unable to decide between two options

  She felt torn between her career and her family.

1. a serious disagreement, fight, or clash

   The conflict between the two teams lasted for years.

2. a situation in which two things cannot both be true or possible

   There is a conflict between your schedule and mine.

Noun stress is CON-flict; verb stress is con-FLICT.

• to be different in a way that causes a problem

  The witness statements conflict with each other.

Distinct from the verb's past-tense "conflicted" (same spelling): this adjective sense describes an internal emotional state, not an external disagreement.

• experiencing or marked by ambivalence, especially of emotions; torn between competing feelings

  She felt conflicted about accepting the job offer.

"Motor": typically electric. "Engine": typically combustion. Often interchangeable in casual speech. "Motorcycle", "motorway" (UK = highway).

• a machine that converts energy into motion

  The electric motor whirred quietly.

British.

• a dual-carriageway road designed for fast traffic

  The M1 motorway.

1. the rhythmic rise and fall of a voice in speech, or the general rhythm of a piece of writing

   He spoke with a slow, measured cadence.

2. (music) a chord progression that brings a phrase or section to a close

   The piece ends with a perfect cadence in C major.

"Generate income", "generate interest", "generate electricity" - common collocations.

1. to produce or bring into existence

   The factory generates a lot of noise.

2. to produce (electricity or power)

   The dam generates enough electricity for the whole city.

Common generational labels: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, Gen Alpha. "Lost generation" : those who came of age during WWI. "Generation Z" : born ~1997-2012.

• all people of approximately the same age

  His parents are of an older generation.

Term popularized in the 1960s during cultural shifts. Modern: "OK boomer" : Gen Z phrase dismissing older perspectives.

• a difference of attitudes between different generations

  There's a real generation gap in the office.

"Generational wealth" = wealth passed down through families.

• relating to a particular generation or to generations

  There's a generational divide on this issue.

1. able to produce or create something; productive

   Sunshine and water are the generative forces behind plant growth.

2. (in AI / linguistics) producing new content or output based on learned patterns

   Generative AI tools can create text, images, and music from a short prompt.

Originally a tactical unit in the Roman army.

1. a group of people with a shared characteristic, especially studied together

   This is the largest cohort of graduates we've ever had.

2. (usually disapproving) a companion or supporter

   He and his cohorts were arrested.

"Filthy rich" = extremely wealthy. "Filthy weather" = very bad weather.

1. disgustingly dirty

   The kitchen was filthy after the party.

2. morally offensive; obscene

   He shouted filthy insults at the crowd.

1. disgusting dirt

   The streets were covered in filth.

2. obscene or offensive material, especially in print or speech

   The book is just filth.

• a plant disease or something that damages a place or life

  Potato blight destroyed the crop.

• to spoil, damage, or ruin something

  The scandal blighted his career.

Homophones: "write", "rite", "wright". Tons of idioms: "right away", "right on", "right of way".

1. morally good, justified, or acceptable

   It was the right thing to do.

2. true or correct as a fact

   You are right about that.

3. on or toward the side opposite the left

   Take the next right turn.

• a moral or legal entitlement

  You have the right to remain silent.

Distinct from the similar idiom "by rights" (with reason or justice; properly), though the two are often used interchangeably.

• according to what is legally or morally correct

  By right, this land belongs to the local tribe.

"Infringe on rights" / "infringe a copyright" / "infringe a patent": common legal collocations. Related: infringement.

• to actively break the terms of a law or agreement

  They were sued for infringing the patent.

"Copyright infringement", "patent infringement": common legal phrases. Soccer/football: "infringement" = rule violation.

• a violation of a law or right

  They sued for copyright infringement.

1. to declare public approval or support for something

   The senator endorsed the new candidate.

2. to recommend a product publicly, often for payment, as in advertising

   The basketball star endorses several sportswear brands.

3. to sign your name on the back of a check to receive its value

   You need to endorse the check before depositing it.

1. an act of publicly supporting a person, product, or service

   The newspaper's endorsement helped her win the election.

2. a famous person's recommendation of a product, usually for money

   The shoe company paid him millions for his endorsement.

Opposite: windward. On boats, often pronounced /ˈluːɚd/ by sailors.

• toward the direction the wind is blowing, away from the wind

  They sailed leeward with the wind at their backs.