General Vocabulary (Verbs, Adjectives & Adverbs)

major

(adj / n) UK /ˈmeɪdʒə(r)/ | US /ˈmeɪdʒɚ/

Meaning: large, important or serious in size or effect

Example: There is a major delay on the northern route.

Synonyms: significant, main, principal, chief

Collocations: major client/problem/renovation/airline; a major role; major in (v: study as main subject)

divide

(v) /dɪˈvaɪd/

Meaning: to separate into parts; to share between people

Example: The work is divided among three teams.

Synonyms: split, separate, distribute

Collocations: divide A into B; divide A between/among; divide by; division; subdivide

gratify

(v) UK /ˈɡrætɪfaɪ/ | US /ˈɡræt̬ɪfaɪ/

Meaning: to please or satisfy someone

Example: We were gratified by the positive customer response.

Synonyms: please, satisfy, delight

Collocations: be gratified to do / at / by; gratifying result/experience; gratification

extremely

(adv) /ɪkˈstriːmli/

Meaning: to a very high degree

Example: The new model is extremely popular among young drivers.

Synonyms: very, highly, exceedingly

Collocations: extremely important/useful/limited/grateful; extremely high quality

straightforward

(adj) UK /ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd/ | US /ˌstreɪtˈfɔːrwɚd/

Meaning: easy to understand or do; honest and direct

Example: The application process is straightforward.

Synonyms: simple, easy, uncomplicated

Collocations: a straightforward process/procedure/answer/task; straightforward instructions

closely

(adv) UK /ˈkləʊsli/ | US /ˈkloʊsli/

Meaning: carefully and with attention; near in space, time or relationship

Example: Please read the instructions closely.

Synonyms: carefully, attentively, nearly

Collocations: work closely with; closely related/monitored; follow closely; closely examine/resemble

adapt

(v) /əˈdæpt/

Meaning: to change in order to suit new conditions

Example: We must adapt to the changing market.

Synonyms: adjust, modify, accommodate

Collocations: adapt to sth; adapt A for B; adapt quickly; adaptable; adaptation; adapter

frustrate

(v) UK /frʌˈstreɪt/ | US /ˈfrʌstreɪt/

Meaning: to make someone feel annoyed because they cannot do something

Example: Long waiting times frustrate customers.

Synonyms: annoy, irritate, discourage

Collocations: be frustrated with/by/at; frustrating delay; frustration; feel frustrated

reasonable

(adj) /ˈriːznəbl/

Meaning: fair and sensible; not too expensive

Example: We offer high-quality services at reasonable prices.

Synonyms: fair, affordable, sensible, moderate

Collocations: reasonable price/rate/fee/request/offer; reasonably priced; within reason

accommodate

(v) UK /əˈkɒmədeɪt/ | US /əˈkɑːmədeɪt/

Meaning: to provide space for; to adapt to meet someone's needs

Example: The hall can accommodate up to 500 guests.

Synonyms: hold, house, adapt to, oblige

Collocations: accommodate guests/requests/needs/changes; accommodate up to; accommodation(s); accommodating

grab

(v (informal)) /ɡræb/

Meaning: to take quickly; to get something quickly (e.g. food)

Example: Let's grab lunch after the meeting.

Synonyms: seize, snatch, get

Collocations: grab a bite (to eat); grab a coffee/lunch; grab attention; grab a seat; up for grabs

considerable

(adj) /kənˈsɪdərəbl/

Meaning: large in amount or degree

Example: The project saved a considerable amount of money.

Synonyms: substantial, significant, sizable

Collocations: considerable amount/effort/time/progress/savings; considerably (+ comparative); consider

former

(adj / n) UK /ˈfɔːmə(r)/ | US /ˈfɔːrmɚ/

Meaning: earlier; previous; the first of two things mentioned

Example: The former CEO joined the board of directors.

Synonyms: previous, past, ex-, one-time

Collocations: former employee/president/manager; the former ... the latter; formerly

tough

(adj) /tʌf/

Meaning: difficult; strong or strict

Example: Competition in this market is tough.

Synonyms: difficult, challenging, hard

Collocations: tough competition/decision/situation/market/deadline; tough on sb; get tough

persuade

(v) UK /pəˈsweɪd/ | US /pɚˈsweɪd/

Meaning: to convince someone to do something

Example: She persuaded the board to approve the budget.

Synonyms: convince, induce, influence, win over

Collocations: persuade sb to do sth / that / of sth; persuasive argument/presentation; persuasion

effective

(adj) /ɪˈfektɪv/

Meaning: producing the desired result; in operation

Example: The new policy is effective immediately.

Synonyms: successful, productive, efficient

Collocations: effective immediately / as of / from + date; cost-effective; effective communication/strategy; effectively

annoy

(v) /əˈnɔɪ/

Meaning: to make someone slightly angry

Example: Constant delays annoy our customers.

Synonyms: irritate, bother, upset

Collocations: be annoyed with/at/by; annoying delays/noise; annoyance; get annoyed

similarity

(n) UK /ˌsɪməˈlærəti/ | US /ˌsɪməˈlerət̬i/

Meaning: the state of being alike

Example: There are many similarities between the two plans.

Synonyms: resemblance, likeness, closeness

Collocations: similarity between A and B; similarity to/with; striking/close similarity; similar

simplify

(v) /ˈsɪmplɪfaɪ/

Meaning: to make something easier or less complicated

Example: The new form will simplify the application process.

Synonyms: streamline, ease, clarify

Collocations: simplify a process/procedure/instruction; simplified version; simplification

rewrite

(v / n) /ˌriːˈraɪt/

Meaning: to write something again to improve it

Example: Please rewrite the report before Friday.

Synonyms: revise, redraft, edit

Collocations: rewrite a report/draft/policy/script; revise; proofread; rewritten