People and Society Vocabulary

A comprehensive vocabulary list based on the People and Society lecture notes, covering physical appearance, personality traits, social relationships, and family roles.

Appearance

The way that someone or something looks.

Take after someone

To resemble or look quite like someone else, typically a family member.

Average build

Having a physical frame that is neither very thin nor very large.

Slim / Skinny

Terms used to describe a person who is thin; slim usually implies an attractive thinness, while skinny can be more extreme.

Curly / Wavy / Straight hair

Different textures of hair ranging from tight coils to gentle curves or no curve at all.

Highlights

Sections of hair that have been colored a lighter shade than the rest.

Freckles / Spots / Wrinkles

Different features of the skin: small brown marks, blemishes or acne, and lines caused by aging.

Generous

Showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.

Easy-going

Having a relaxed, tolerant, and unhurried attitude or manner.

Down-to-earth

Being practical, reasonable, and realistic.

Moody

Given to unpredictable changes of mind or feeling; often sullen or depressed.

Quick-tempered

Easily made angry or prone to sudden outbursts of temper.

Envious

Feeling or showing a desire to have what someone else possesses.

Circle of friends

A group of people who are close friends and interact regularly.

Have something in common

To share similar interests, beliefs, or characteristics with another person.

Opposites attract

The theory or observation that people who are very different from each other are often drawn together.

Acquaintances

People one knows slightly but who are not close friends.

Peers

People of the same age, status, or ability as another person.

Keep in touch

To maintain communication with someone over time.

Avoid arguments

To try to prevent disagreements or verbal fights from happening.

Make up

To make peace or reconcile with someone after a quarrel or disagreement.

Pick on someone

To repeatedly treat someone unfairly, criticize, or tease them.

Breadwinner

The person who earns the money that a family needs to live on.

Maintain the family

To provide the necessary financial and material support to sustain a household.

Housewife

A woman whose main occupation is managing her home and taking care of children.