Comprehensive NMT English Preparation: Word Formation, Phrasal Verbs, Idioms, and Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice flashcards focusing on word formation affixes, contextual synonym distinctions, idioms, phrasal verbs, and collocations covered in the NMT English preparation lecture.

Prefix il-

A negative prefix typically attached to root words beginning with the consonant 'l' (e.g., logical to illogical, legible to illegible).

Prefix ir-

A negative prefix attached to words beginning with the consonant 'r' (e.g., responsible to irresponsible, replaceable to irreplaceable).

Prefix im-

A negative prefix typically placed before adjectives that begin with the consonant 'p' (e.g., polite to impolite, personal to impersonal).

Prefix in-

A negative prefix most often attached before the letter combination 'ac' (accurate to inaccurate, active to inactive) or the letter 'c' (coherent to incoherent, capable to incapable), with exceptions like informal and inarticulate.

Prefix un- (with verbs)

A prefix used with verbs that typically denotes reversing an action or doing the opposite, rather than merely indicating a negative state (e.g., do to undo, chain to unchain).

Prefix dis-

A negative prefix used with verbs, adjectives, and nouns to form opposites or negations (e.g., dissatisfy, disability, disadvantageous, dispassionate).

Stare

To look at someone or something fixedly and intently, often expressing astonishment, wonder, or deep interest.

Glance

To take a brief, hurried look or peek with one eye quickly.

Peep

To look quickly and secretly through a small opening or from a concealed place.

Select

To carefully choose the best option from a large group, representing a formal register of choosing.

Pick out

To choose carefully from a selection; an informal or conversational synonym for choose or select.

Elect

To select someone for a position or public office through a formal voting process.

Offer

To present something tangible or real that one currently possesses and makes available (e.g., money, help, services).

Suggest

To propose an idea, plan, solution, or topic for discussion regarding how an action should be executed.

Horrible

An adjective describing something terrifying that evokes not only fear or dread, but also strong disgust, revulsion, or hatred.

Intelligent

Possessing a high level of intellect, learning capacity, and erudition.

Smart

Clever, witty, and resourceful; can sometimes be used ironically to imply being overly cunning or tricky.

Greenwashing

Misleading or deceptive practices and public initiatives designed to present an environmentally responsible public image.

Concrete jungle

A metaphor used to describe an intensely built-up city dominated by modern high-rise concrete structures and little green space.

Urban sprawl

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural or suburban lands.

Staycation

A vacation or holiday spent at home or in one's local area instead of traveling elsewhere.

Call it a day

To stop working on something or conclude an activity for the remainder of the day.

When pigs fly

An idiomatic expression describing an event that is impossible or will never happen.

Bite the bullet

To force oneself to confront and endure an unpleasant, inevitable, or difficult situation.

Burn the midnight oil

To study or work diligently late into the night.

Cost an arm and a leg

To be exceptionally expensive or costly.

Let the cat out of the bag

To accidentally or prematurely disclose a secret or reveal confidential information.

Throw in the towel

To surrender, admit defeat, or stop trying.

A fish out of water

A person who feels awkward, uncomfortable, or out of place in unfamiliar surroundings.

The last straw

The final minor irritation or problem that makes an ongoing difficult situation completely intolerable.

Put all your eggs in one basket

To risk everything by committing all resources or reliance to a single plan or course of action.

Beat around the bush

To avoid addressing the main topic directly by speaking in an evasive or roundabout way.

Caught between a rock and a hard place

Trapped in a dilemma where one must choose between two equally unpleasant or difficult alternatives.

On cloud nine

Extremely joyous, delighted, or blissful.

Bite off more than you can chew

To commit to or undertake a task that is too large or demanding to successfully handle.

The ball is in your court

A situation where it is entirely up to you to take the next step or make the next decision.

Break down

To stop functioning or mechanically fail (e.g., a car or machinery).

Bring about

To cause something to happen or lead to significant change.

Call off

To cancel an event, meeting, or planned activity.

Carry out

To execute, conduct, or complete an order, plan, or scientific experiment.

Come across

To find or meet someone or something entirely by chance.

Come up with

To think of, devise, or propose a new idea, suggestion, or plan.

Cut down (on)

To reduce the amount or consumption of something (such as sugar or expenses).

Do away with

To abolish, eliminate, or get rid of a practice, rule, or regulation.

Fall through

To fail to occur or collapse before completion (used of plans, negotiations, or deals).

Get away with

To escape punishment, blame, or adverse consequences for an improper deed.

Look up to

To hold someone in high esteem, admire them, or regard them as a role model.

Make up for

To compensate for a shortfall, mistake, or absence.

Put off

To postpone or delay an engagement or meeting until a later time.

Put up with

To tolerate, endure, or accept an unpleasant person or situation without complaint.

Run out of

To completely deplete the available supply of an essential item or resource.

Take after

To resemble an older family member in physical appearance, traits, or character.

Turn down

To refuse or reject an offer, application, or invitation.

Give someone the cold shoulder

To deliberately ignore, snub, or treat someone in an unfriendly manner.

Have the upper hand

To possess a distinct advantage, control, or superiority over someone or something.

Keep someone on their toes

To ensure that someone remains alert, prepared, and ready to respond quickly.

Make headway on

To make notable progress or advance forward in a project or task.

Take someone for granted

To fail to appreciate someone's worth, assuming they will always be available without gratitude.

Take the high road

To choose the most noble, dignified, and ethical course of action in a conflict or challenging scenario.