Describing Places & Things

muddy

Definition:
Covered with or full of mud (wet soft earth).

Context gap:
After the rain, the path was so m_________ that we had to take our shoes off.

Common collocations:
• muddy path / muddy boots — грязная тропа / грязные ботинки

Other contexts:
• The children came home with muddy hands.

Translation:
muddy — грязный (от земли, грязи)

filthy

Definition:
Extremely dirty, in an unpleasant way.

Context gap:
The hostel kitchen was absolutely f_________, so we ate out every night.

Common collocations:
• absolutely filthy — омерзительно грязный

Other contexts:
• Wash your filthy hands before dinner.

Translation:
filthy — очень грязный, омерзительный

stunning

Definition:
Extremely beautiful or impressive.

Context gap:
From the top of the hill, we had a s_________ view of the whole valley.

Common collocations:
• stunning view — потрясающий вид
• stunning scenery — потрясающие пейзажи
• look stunning — выглядеть потрясающе

Other contexts:
• She looked stunning in her red dress.

Translation:
stunning — потрясающий, великолепный

efficient

Definition:
Working well and quickly, without wasting time, money or energy.

Context gap:
Public transport in Amsterdam is cheap and very e_________.

Common collocations:
• efficient system — эффективная система
• energy-efficient — энергоэффективный

Other contexts:
• She is an efficient manager who always meets deadlines.

Translation:
efficient — эффективный, продуктивный

unbearably hot

Definition:
So hot that you can hardly stand it.

Context gap:
In July the city becomes u______ h___, and nobody wants to go outside.

Other contexts:
• The tiny room was unbearably hot without air conditioning.

Translation:
unbearably hot — невыносимо жаркий

overlooked

Definition:
Not noticed or not given enough attention.

Context gap:
Small towns are often o_________ by tourists who rush straight to the capital.

Common collocations:
• easily overlooked — легко упустить из виду
• often overlooked — часто остаётся без внимания

Other contexts:
• An important detail was overlooked in the report.

Translation:
overlooked — незамеченный, недооценённый

overwhelming

Definition:
So strong or intense that it is difficult to deal with (can be positive or negative).

Context gap:
The choice of restaurants was so o_________ that we just ordered pizza.

Common collocations:
• an overwhelming majority — подавляющее большинство
• overwhelming support — огромная поддержка

Other contexts:
• I felt an overwhelming sense of relief after the exam.

Translation:
overwhelming — ошеломляющий, непосильный

isolated

Definition:
Far away from other people, places or things; alone.

Context gap:
She felt i_________ after moving to a village where she knew nobody.

Common collocations:
• feel isolated — чувствовать себя изолированным
• an isolated village — отдалённая деревня

Other contexts:
• The house stands in an isolated area.

Translation:
isolated — изолированный, уединённый

deserted

Definition:
Empty, with no people in it.

Context gap:
At 6 a.m. the beach was completely d_________.

Common collocations:
• completely deserted — совершенно безлюдный
• a deserted street — пустынная улица

Other contexts:
• The town centre is deserted at night.

Translation:
deserted — безлюдный, пустынный

bite-sized

Definition:
Small and easy to eat in one bite; short and easy to take in (about information).

Context gap:
I prefer b_________ videos because I can watch them during a coffee break.

Common collocations:
• bite-sized chunks / pieces — небольшие порции
• bite-sized content — короткий, легко усваиваемый контент

Other contexts:
• The teacher explained the rules in bite-sized chunks.

Translation:
bite-sized — небольшой, «на один укус»; в коротком, лёгком для усвоения формате

in the middle of nowhere

Definition:
In a very remote place, far from towns and people.

Context gap:
Their cottage is i_ m_____ o_ n_____, so you need a car to get anywhere.

Other contexts:
• Our car broke down in the middle of nowhere.

Translation:
in the middle of nowhere — в глуши, у чёрта на куличках

intimate atmosphere

Definition:
A warm, cosy and private feeling, usually in a small place.

Context gap:

The little jazz club has a really i_____ a_____ with candles and live music.

Common collocations:
• create an intimate atmosphere — создать камерную атмосферу

Other contexts:
• Small theatres have a more intimate atmosphere than big halls.

Translation:
intimate atmosphere — камерная, уютная атмосфе