Society & People 👥

Whereas

My brother is tall, __________ I am quite short

Some people enjoy hot weather, _________ other prefer the cold

She prefers to work independently, ___________ he thrives in a team enviroment

Synonyms: While, in contrast, on the other hand

Formality: Formal 🔵

Lavatory

Excuse me, where is the nearest ___________?

The airplane’s ___________ was out of order

Public __________ (-ies) can sometimes be difficult to find

Synonyms: Toilet, restroom, washroom

Formality: Formal 🔵

Clump

There was a ________ of trees at the edge of the fiel

She found a ________ of hair in the drain

A _______ of people gathered around the street performer

Synonyms: Cluster, bunch, group; mass, lump, wad

Formality: Neutral ⚪

Meantime

The report will be ready next week; in the ____________, we need to gather more data

He’ll be back soon; in the _____________, try to keep busy

I’ll prepare dinner; you can set the table in the _____________

Formality: Neutral ⚪

Brain drain

Many developing countries suffer from a significant _______ _______

The goverment is trying to reverse the _______ _______ by offering incentives

A strong economy can help prevent _______ _______

Definition: The emigration of highly trained and intelligent people from a particular country

Formality: Neutral ⚪

Former

He is the ________ president of the club

In ________ times, horses were the main mode of transport

The ________ owner of the house left a lot of old furniture

Synonyms: Previous, ex-, erstwhile

Formality: Neutral ⚪

Shipped off

After causing trouble, he was ________ to military school.

* The goods were ________ to their destination overseas.

* My parents threatened to ________ me to my grandparents' farm for the summer.

* Synonyms: Sent away, dispatched, exiled (figurative)

* Definition: (Informal) To send someone or something away, often to a distant place and sometimes against their will or for a long period.

* Formality: 🔴 Informal

Swarm

A ________ of bees settled on the branch.

* Tourists began to ________ the historical site.

* The city streets were a ________ of people during the festival.

* Synonyms: Cluster, multitude, throng

* Definition: (Noun) A large number of insects or other animals, especially when in motion; a large number of people or things. (Verb) To move in a large group.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Exert

You need to ________ more effort if you want to succeed.

* The government aims to ________ its influence on regional affairs.

* Don't ________ yourself too much after the surgery.

* Synonyms: Apply, wield, utilize

* Definition: To apply or bring to bear (a force, influence, or quality); to make a physical or mental effort.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Foster

We aim to ________ a sense of community among residents.

* The organization provides care for children in ________ homes.

* Her parents always tried to ________ her love of reading.

* Synonyms: Encourage, promote, nurture

* Definition: To encourage or promote the development of (something good); (of a parent) to bring up (a child that is not one's own by birth).

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Endorsement

The celebrity's ________ significantly boosted sales of the product.

* She received an official ________ from the political party.

* His academic achievements earned him the strong ________ of his professors.

* Synonyms: Support, approval, recommendation

* Definition: The act of giving one's public approval or support to someone or something.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Tabloid

He was frequently featured in the sensationalist ________ newspapers.

* The story was typical ________ fodder, focusing on celebrity gossip.

* Many readers enjoy the lighter news found in ________ publications.

* Synonyms: Yellow press, scandal sheet, popular newspaper

* Definition: A newspaper having a condensed format and featuring often sensational news.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral (referring to format), 🔴 Informal (referring to content)

Pep rally

The school held a ________ to boost team spirit before the big game.

* The coach led a energetic ________ for the entire student body.

* Everyone dressed in school colors for the ________.

* Synonyms: Spirit rally, motivational event, cheer rally

* Definition: A gathering, typically in a school or college, to create enthusiasm for a sports team or for a particular cause.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Faulty

The machine stopped working due to a ________ part.

* The accident was caused by a ________ wiring system.

* His reasoning on the matter seemed fundamentally ________.

* Synonyms: Defective, flawed, imperfect

* Definition: Not working or made correctly; imperfect.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Outweigh

The benefits of the new policy clearly ________ the drawbacks.

* His experience might ________ his lack of formal qualifications.

* The risks involved do not ________ the potential rewards.

* Synonyms: Surpass, exceed, override

* Definition: To be more important or significant than.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Scathing

The critic wrote a ________ review of the new play.

* He delivered a ________ attack on the government's policies.

* Her remarks were so ________ they left him speechless.

* Synonyms: Devastating, severe, biting

* Definition: Witheringly scornful; severely critical.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Eavesdropping

She was caught ________ on her neighbors' conversation.

* ________ is a breach of privacy.

* He accidentally overheard the secret while ________.

* Synonyms: Listening in, spying, secretly listening

* Definition: Secretly listen to a conversation.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Throngs

________ of people gathered in the square for the concert.

* The protestors moved in ________ toward the parliament building.

* We pushed our way through the ________ of shoppers.

* Synonyms: Crowds, multitudes, hordes

* Definition: (Noun, plural) Large, densely packed crowds of people or animals. (Verb) To flock in large numbers.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Butt out

This is none of your business, so just ________!

* I wish he would just ________ of my personal life.

* Tell him to ________ and let us handle this.

* Synonyms: Mind your own business, stay out, abstain

* Definition: (Slang) To stop interfering in something.

* Formality: 🔴 Informal

Perk up

The dog's ears began to ________ at the sound of the doorbell.

* She started to ________ once she had some coffee.

* Good news can always help to ________ someone's spirits.

* Synonyms: Brighten, cheer up, revive

* Definition: To become more cheerful, lively, or energetic.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Zoning

The city council is discussing new ________ regulations for the downtown area.

* This neighborhood is designated for residential ________ only.

* ________ laws determine how land can be used.

* Synonyms: Land use planning, area designation, regulation

* Definition: The process of dividing land in a city or town into zones with different regulations for what can be built and how land can be used.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Blood drive

The local community center is hosting a ________ next Saturday.

* We encouraged all eligible students to participate in the school's annual ________.

* Donating at a ________ can save lives.

* Synonyms: Blood donation event, blood collection, donor session

* Definition: An organized event at which people donate blood.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Swing at

The batter took a mighty ________ the ball and missed.

* Don't ________ someone in anger.

* He decided to ________ the problem from a different angle.

* Synonyms: Hit, strike, attempt

* Definition: To make a striking motion towards something or someone, often with an arm or a bat. (Figurative: to make an attempt at something).

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Ploy

It was a clever ________ to distract the security guards.

* His tears were just a ________ to gain sympathy.

* The company's sudden discount was a marketing ________.

* Synonyms: Tactic, maneuver, stratagem

* Definition: A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Rogue

A ________ elephant caused widespread damage in the village.

* He was a ________ agent, operating outside official channels.

* The company had to deal with a ________ employee who was leaking information.

* Synonyms: Maverick, renegade, defiant (adjective)

* Definition: (Noun) A dishonest or unprincipled man; a large wild animal, especially an elephant, that lives apart from the herd and is savage and destructive. (Adjective) Departing from the normal, typical, or desirable; behaving in an aberrant or unpredictable way.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Spook

The sudden noise made the horse ________ and bolt.

* Don't try to ________ me with scary stories.

* She felt a strange ________ and shivered.

* Synonyms: Frighten, scare, apparition (noun)

* Definition: (Verb) To frighten or unnerve (someone); (Noun) A ghost or phantom; (Slang) a spy.

* Formality: 🔴 Informal

Lame

The dog had a ________ leg after the accident.

* That's a really ________ excuse for being late.

* The party was a bit ________ until more people arrived.

* Synonyms: Crippled, weak, unconvincing (informal)

* Definition: (Of a person or animal) unable to walk normally because of an injury or disability to the leg or foot; (Informal) uninspiring or unconvincing.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral (for physical), 🔴 Informal (for unconvincing/boring)

Unleash

The speaker's words seemed to ________ a wave of anger in the crowd.

* They decided to ________ their full potential in the competition.

* The storm ________ its fury on the coastal towns.

* Synonyms: Release, set free

* Definition: To release from a leash or restraint; to release or let loose a strong force or emotion.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Instigate

He was accused of trying to ________ a rebellion.

* The company decided to ________ new safety procedures.

* Don't ________ arguments between your friends.

* Synonyms: Initiate, provoke, incite

* Definition: To bring about or initiate (an action or event); to incite someone to do something, especially something bad.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Payback

He got his ________ by beating his rival in the final game.

* The company expects quick ________ on their investment.

* This is going to be painful ________ for all the trouble you caused.

* Synonyms: Retribution, revenge, return (on investment)

* Definition: (Informal) A sum of money paid back; an act of revenge or retaliation.

* Formality: 🔴 Informal

Counter macking

He tried to flirt with her, but she started ________ with his friend.

* They were competing for attention, constantly ________ each other.

* She's good at ________ when someone tries to hit on her friend.

* Synonyms: Retaliatory flirting, reciprocal charming, one-upping (in flirtation)

* Definition: (Slang) To flirt back or engage in flirtatious behavior with someone who is flirting with another person, or to flirt with someone in a way that suggests a competitive response to another's flirting. Often implies trying to "steal" someone else's romantic interest or respond to their advances.

* Formality: 🔴 Informal

Tarnish

The silver spoon began to ________ over time.

* The scandal threatened to ________ his reputation.

* Don't let one mistake ________ your entire career.

* Synonyms: Discolor, stain, damage (reputation)

* Definition: (Verb) To lose or cause to lose luster, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture; to lose or cause to lose respect or credibility. (Noun) A film of dull grey or black that forms on the surface of some metals.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Gloat

Don't ________ about your victory; be humble.

* He couldn't resist ________ over his opponent's defeat.

* The team tried not to ________ when they won the championship.

* Synonyms: Brag, crow, revel (in success)

* Definition: To contemplate or dwell on one's own success or another's misfortune with smug or malicious pleasure.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Gag

The horrible smell made him ________.

* He couldn't speak because his mouth was covered by a ________.

* The censorship laws put a ________ on free speech.

* Synonyms: Vomit (verb), muzzle (noun), suppress (verb)

* Definition: (Verb) To choke or retch; to prevent (someone) from speaking or expressing their opinion. (Noun) A piece of cloth put in or over a person's mouth to prevent them from speaking.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Amish

The ________ community is known for its simple lifestyle.

* We saw an ________ buggy traveling along the road.

* Many ________ people shun modern technology.

* Synonyms: Plain people, Mennonite (related group), Anabaptist (religious branch)

* Definition: A member of a strict religious group, mainly in North America, who live in a traditional way and reject many modern conveniences.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Pariah

After the scandal, he became a social ________.

* The entire community treated him like a ________.

* She felt like a ________ after her controversial remarks.

* Synonyms: Outcast, untouchable, outsider

* Definition: An outcast; a person who is rejected or avoided by others.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Hick

He used to call me a ________ because I grew up in the countryside.

* The comedian made jokes about stereotypical ________ behavior.

* Don't be such a ________ and try something new.

* Synonyms: Bumpkin, yokel, country bumpkin

* Definition: (Derogatory) A person from the countryside, regarded as uncultured or unsophisticated.

* Formality: 🔴 Informal

Hierarchy

The company has a strict management ________.

* There's a clear social ________ within that organization.

* Understanding the reporting ________ is important in any large institution.

* Synonyms: Ranking, pecking order, chain of command

* Definition: A system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Adamant

Examples:

* She was ________ that she would not change her mind.

* He remained ________ in his refusal to compromise.

* Despite all arguments, the child was ________ about wanting ice cream.

* Synonyms: Resolute, firm, unwavering

* Definition: Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Accolade

Examples:

* She received many ________ for her groundbreaking research.

* Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a great ________.

* The film earned widespread ________ from critics.

* Synonyms: Honor, award, tribute

* Definition: An award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit.

* Formality: 🔵 Formal

Amends

Examples:

* He tried to make ________ for his past mistakes.

* She offered to make ________ for the damage she caused.

* They sought to make ________ with their estranged family members.

* Synonyms: Reparation, compensation, reconciliation

* Definition: Compensation for a loss or injury; recompense. (Always used with "make amends").

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Assailant

Examples:

* The victim was unable to identify her ________.

* The police are still searching for the unknown ________.

* The boxer easily defeated his ________.

* Synonyms: Attacker, aggressor, mugger

* Definition: A person who physically attacks another.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Brass

Examples:

* The musician played a beautiful melody on his ________ instrument.

* She had the ________ to tell him exactly what she thought.

* The military's top ________ made the final decision.

* Synonyms: Impudence (informal), high-ranking officials (figurative), metal alloy (material)

* Definition: (Informal) Impudence; audacious boldness; high-ranking officers or officials. (Also, a yellow alloy of copper and zinc).

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral (for metal), 🔴 Informal (for impudence/officials)

Cadre

Examples:

* The party trained a ________ of young leaders.

* A small ________ of experts was assembled for the project.

* The military established a professional ________ of officers.

* Synonyms: Core group, nucleus, contingent

* Definition: A small group of people specially trained for a particular purpose or profession.

* Formality: 🔵 Formal

Casket

Examples:

* The deceased was laid to rest in a polished wooden ________.

* The pallbearers carried the ________ to the gravesite.

* The antique jewelry was stored in a velvet-lined ________.

* Synonyms: Coffin, box (for jewels)

* Definition: A coffin; a small, ornamental box or chest for holding jewels or other valuables.

* Formality: 🔵 Formal (for coffin), ⚪ Neutral (for small box)

Chaperone

Examples:

* The teacher acted as a ________ for the school trip.

* Parents were asked to ________ the dance party.

* She found it annoying to always need a ________ when she went out.

* Synonyms: Escort, guardian, supervise (verb)

* Definition: (Noun) A person who accompanies and supervises young women or girls at social occasions. (Verb) To accompany and supervise.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral (often in context of events/youth)

Foreman

Examples:

* The construction ________ supervised the workers on site.

* He reported directly to the factory ________.

* The jury's ________ read out the verdict.

* Synonyms: Supervisor, team leader, superintendent (jury)

* Definition: A person, especially a man, who has charge of a particular department or group of workers; the member of a jury who acts as its spokesperson.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Heresy

Examples:

* In ancient times, scientific theories were sometimes condemned as ________.

* His suggestion was considered outright ________ by the traditionalists.

* She was accused of ________ for challenging the established doctrine.

* Synonyms: Blasphemy, dissent, heterodoxy

* Definition: Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious (especially Christian) doctrine; (figurative) opinion profoundly at odds with what is generally accepted.

* Formality: 🔵 Formal

Ingratiate

Examples:

* He tried to ________ himself with the boss by constantly complimenting him.

* She attempted to ________ herself with her new colleagues.

* Don't try to ________; just be yourself.

* Synonyms: Curry favor, flatter, appease, charm

* Definition: To bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them.

* Formality: 🔵 Formal (often with a negative connotation)

Liaison

Examples:

* She served as a ________ between the two departments.

* We need a direct ________ with the local authorities.

* He was criticized for his inappropriate ________ with a subordinate.

* Synonyms: Link, connection, go-between, secret affair (negative)

* Definition: Communication or cooperation that facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations; a person who acts as an intermediary; (dated) a secret sexual relationship.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Maiden

Examples:

* She made her ________ voyage across the Atlantic.

* The knight rescued the fair ________ from the dragon.

* This is the speaker's ________ address to the parliament.

* Synonyms: First (voyage/speech), unmarried woman (archaic/literary)

* Definition: (Noun, archaic/literary) An unmarried girl or young woman; (Adjective) (of a voyage, flight, or speech) first.

* Formality: 🔵 Formal / Archaic

Mankind

Examples:

* The discovery was a great step forward for ________.

* Environmental protection is a challenge facing all of ________.

* Throughout history, ________ has strived for knowledge.

* Synonyms: Humanity, humankind, people, human race

* Definition: Human beings collectively; the human race.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Mason

Examples:

* The stone ________ carefully cut and shaped each block.

* He joined the local lodge of the Free ________s.

* A skilled ________ was needed to repair the old brick wall.

* Synonyms: Stoneworker, bricklayer, Freemason (organization member)

* Definition: (Noun) A person skilled in building with stone; a Freemason.

* Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Meathead

Examples:

* (Slang, derogatory) He's a real ________, always flexing his muscles and not much else.

* Don't be such a ________! Think before you act.

* The coach called the player a ________ for his stupid mistake.

* Synonyms: Idiot, simpleton, dimwit, brute (slang, derogatory)

* Definition: (Slang, derogatory) A stupid or unintelligent person, especially a muscular man.

* Formality: 🔴 Informal / Derogatory

Miscreant

Examples:

* The police quickly apprehended the young ________s who caused the trouble.

* The story revolved around a charming but ultimately villainous ________.

* He warned the children to stay away from such ________s.

* Synonyms: Villain, culprit, rogue, rascal (literary)

* Definition: A person who behaves badly or in a way that breaks the law.

* Formality: 🔵 Formal / Literary

Obituary

1. Examples:

• His family published a touching ________ in the local newspaper.

• The newspaper included a detailed ________ for the beloved community leader.

• She kept a collection of important people's ________ies.

  2. Synonyms: Death notice, eulogy (written)

  3. Definition: A notice of a death, especially in a newspaper, typically including a brief biography of the deceased person.

  4. Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Phony

1. Examples:

   • His apology sounded completely ________ and insincere.

   • She saw through his ________ smile immediately.

   • Don't be a ________; just be yourself.

2. Synonyms: Fake, counterfeit, bogus, insincere, hypocrite (noun)

3. Definition: (Adjective) Not genuine; fraudulent; (Noun) A fraudulent or pretentious person or thing.

4. Formality: 🔴 Informal

Playboy

1. Examples:

   • He was known as a wealthy ________ who spent his days at parties.

   • The tabloids often reported on the latest antics of the billionaire ________.

   • (Informal) He's living the life of a typical ________.

2. Synonyms: Womanizer, hedonist, rake (dated)

3. Definition: (Informal, sometimes derogatory) A wealthy man who spends his time enjoying himself, especially one who frequents nightclubs and other social venues and whose lifestyle is considered frivolous.

4. Formality: 🔴 Informal

Powermonger

1. Examples:

   • The dictator was a ruthless ________, crushing all opposition.

   • He accused his rival of being a selfish ________.

   • The political party was dominated by a few key ________s.

2. Synonyms: Autocrat, despot, tyrant, control freak (informal)

3. Definition: A person who seeks power and control over others, often in an unscrupulous or obsessive way.

4. Formality: ⚪ Neutral (often used with a negative connotation)

Pygmy

1. Examples:

   • The researchers studied various ________ tribes in the Congo basin.

   • (Figurative) Compared to the giants of industry, our company is a ________.

   • They discovered a new species of ________ deer.

2. Synonyms: Dwarf (offensive for humans), miniature (animal), small, insignificant (figurative)

3. Definition: (Noun) A member of certain peoples of very short stature in Equatorial Africa and parts of Southeast Asia; (Adjective) (Of an animal or plant) unusually small. (Figurative) insignificant.

4. Formality: ⚪ Neutral (anthropological/biological), ⚪ Neutral/Figurative (for smallness)

Renowned

1. Examples:

   • She is a ________ expert in ancient history.

   • The city is ________ for its beautiful architecture.

   • He became ________ for his humanitarian work.

2. Synonyms: Famous, celebrated, acclaimed, distinguished

3. Definition: Known or talked about by many people; famous.

4. Formality: 🔵 Formal

Rendezvous

1. Examples:

   • They arranged a secret ________ at the café.

   • The space shuttle had a successful ________ with the space station.

   • (Verb) They decided to ________ at the museum at 2 PM.

2. Synonyms: Meeting, appointment, tryst (secret), meet (verb)

3. Definition: (Noun) A meeting at an agreed time and place, typically between two people; a place appointed for a meeting; (Verb) To meet at an agreed time and place.

4. Formality: ⚪ Neutral

Sage

1. Examples:

   • The wise old ________ offered profound advice.

   • He was considered a ________ leader, respected by all.

   • (Herb) She added fresh ________ to the roast chicken.

2. Synonyms: Wise person, guru (noun), wise, judicious (adjective), herb

3. Definition: (Noun) A profoundly wise person; (Adjective) Having, showing, or indicating profound wisdom. (Also, an aromatic herb.)

4. Formality: 🔵 Formal (for person/wisdom), ⚪ Neutral (for herb)