Unit 1 Vocabulary Study Notes: Scaling the Heights
Core Expressions and Word Focus
1.1 scale the heights (expr)
/skeɪl ðə haɪts/Definition: Be very successful.
Example: The athlete scaled the heights when he won gold in all his races.
1.2 achievement (n)
/əˈʧiːvmənt/Definition: Something somebody succeeds in doing.
Example: Getting into university was a great achievement.
Related Forms: achieve (v)
1.3 overcome (v)
/əʊvəˈkʌm/Definition: Manage to deal with a problem or a feeling.
Example: He overcame his fear of flying and went by plane to London.
1.4 obstacle (n) /ˈɒbstəkl/
Definition: Something in your way.
Example: Her main obstacle when she moved to Munich was not knowing any German.
1.5 bivouac (v) /ˈbɪvuæk/
Definition: Camp in a temporary shelter which is like a small tent.
Example: When the storm began, we bivouacked in the cave entrance.
1.6 bare-bones (expr) /beə bəʊnz/
Definition: Having only the simplest and most important parts.
Example: He lived on a bare-bones budget while he was a student.
1.7 tandem (adj) /ˈtændəm/
Definition: Built for two people.
Example: Two people can ride this tandem vehicle.
1.8 staggering (adj) /ˈstægərɪŋ/
Definition: Unbelievable; amazing.
Example: The banker earns a staggering two million dollars per year.
1.9 top-notch (adj) /tɒp nɒʧ/
Definition: Excellent; of the highest quality.
Example: Major football teams rely on top-notch sponsors to finance them.
1.10 acclaim (n) /əˈkleɪm/
Definition: Public praise.
Example: The film received worldwide acclaim and won many awards.
Related Forms: acclaim (v)
Reading: Ambition, Achievement, and Overcoming Obstacles
1.11 secure a deal (expr) /sɪˈkjʊə ə dɪəl/
Definition: Arrange an agreement.
Example: The businessman secured a deal with an advertising agency.
1.12 exclusive (adj) /ɪksˈkluːsɪv/
Definition: Not shared.
Example: This exclusive arrangement means that only your company name will be on the team’s shirts.
Related Forms: exclusivity (n)
1.13 expedition (n) /ekspəˈdɪʃn/
Definition: A journey to explore a place.
Example: The expedition to the North Pole was a dangerous journey.
Related Forms: expeditionary (adj)
1.14 inspire (v) /ɪnˈspaɪə/
Definition: Make somebody want to do something.
Example: Watching the Olympics inspired Martin to become an athlete.
Related Forms: inspiration (n), inspirational (adj)
1.15 pursue one’s dreams (expr) /pəˈsjuː wʌnz driːmz/
Definition: Follow one’s ambitions.
Example: Bob is pursuing his dreams to become an actor by going to drama school.
1.16 runner-up (n) /ˈrʌnə ʌp/
Definition: Somebody who finishes second in a race or competition.
Example: The runner-up was disappointed not to win.
1.17 ultimate (adj) /ˈʌltɪmət/
Definition: Most extreme.
Example: Climbing Mount Everest is the ultimate challenge for a mountaineer.
Related Forms: ultimately (adv)
1.18 descent (n) /dɪˈsent/
Definition: Action of going down.
Example: The descent from the summit to the foot of the mountain took three hours.
Related Forms: descend (v)
Opposite: ascent
1.19 remarkable (adj) /rɪˈmɑːkəbl/
Definition: Impressive.
Example: The remarkable performance by the team got them into the final.
Related Forms: remark (v)
1.20 corporate sponsor (n) /ˈkɔːprət ˈspɒnsə/
Definition: A business that pays for a show, sports event, etc. in exchange for the right to advertise at that event.
Example: The corporate sponsor for the team is Telecom.
1.21 essentials (pl n) /ɪˈsenʃlz/
Definition: Necessary things.
Example: Two essentials for a good report are clarity and organisation.
Related Forms: essential (adj)
1.22 vision (n) /ˈvɪʒn/
Definition: An idea of what somebody thinks something should be like.
Example: The architect's vision was to create an energy-saving building.
Related Forms: visionary (n, adj)
1.23 quest (n) /kwest/
Definition: Search.
Example: The explorers went on a quest for the mythical city of El Dorado.
1.24 summit (n) /ˈsʌmɪt/
Definition: Highest point of a mountain.
Example: They climbed up to the summit of the mountain.
1.25 launch (v) /lɔːnʧ/
Definition: Throw into the air.
Example: The boy ran fast to launch his kite into the air.
Related Forms: launch (n)
1.26 highlight (n) /ˈhaɪlaɪt/
Definition: Best moment.
Example: The highlight of the year was our school trip to the Natural History Museum.
Related Forms: highlight (v)
1.27 gender (n) /ˈʤendə/
Definition: Being male or female.
Example: She faced gender prejudice in the male-dominated board room.
1.28 barrier (n) /ˈbærɪə/
Definition: Something that prevents you from doing something.
Example: The language barrier between Carlos and Sandra led to many misunderstandings.
1.29 go on (to do) (phr v) /gəʊ ɒn/
Definition: Continue or move to the next thing.
Example: After finishing school, she went on to study at university.
1.30 crush (v) /krʌʃ/
Definition: Beat completely.
Example: PAOK crushed Olympiakos 5–0.
Related Forms: crushing (adj)
1.31 snatch (v) /snæʧ/
Definition: Grab.
Example: Greece snatched the victory when they scored a goal in extra time.
1.32 pocket (v) /ˈpɒkɪt/
Definition: Take possession of.
Example: He won the final of the darts competition and pocketed a thousand pounds.
Related Forms: pocket (n)
1.33 home turf (n) /həʊm tɜːf/
Definition: The place somebody comes from or lives in.
Example: Panathinaikos won on their home turf at OAKA, but they must play CSKA in Moscow next week.
1.34 ground-breaking (adj) /graʊnd ˈbreɪkɪŋ/
Definition: Important and new.
Example: The ground-breaking research could mean a cure for cancer.
1.35 industrial (adj) /ɪnˈdʌstrɪəl/
Definition: Related to factories.
Example: The factory is in an industrial area near the port.
Related Forms: industry (n), industrialist (n)
1.36 instant (adj) /ˈɪnstənt/
Definition: Immediate.
Example: David Bowie’s new song was an instant hit, reaching the top ten overnight.
Related Forms: instantly (adv)
1.37 mind-blowing (adj) /ˈmaɪnd-bləʊwɪŋ/
Definition: Very impressive.
Example: His mind-blowing 100-metre sprint was a new world record.
1.38 stunt (n) /stʌnt/
Definition: A dangerous action done to entertain people.
Example: He did a stunt where he jumped over ten cars on a motorbike.
1.39 leap (v) /liːp/
Definition: Jump.
Example: She ran and leapt over the wall.
Related Forms: leap (n)
1.40 beam (n) /biːm/
Definition: A long piece of wood or metal used in building.
Example: There are large beams across the ceiling that hold up the roof.
1.41 suspend (v) /sʌsˈpend/
Definition: Hang.
Example: The light is suspended in the centre of the room by a wire.
Related Forms: suspension (n)
1.42 patroller (n) /pəˈtrəʊlə/
Definition: A guard; a police officer.
Example: The night patroller stopped a man who looked drunk.
Related Forms: patrol (v, n)
1.43 fearlessness (n) /ˈfɪələsnəs/
Definition: Lack of fear.
Example: She showed total fearlessness when she calmly landed the damaged plane.
1.44 enable (v) /ɪnˈeɪbl/
Definition: Make it possible for somebody to do something.
Example: Good marks enabled him to get into university.
1.45 hail (v) /heɪl/
Definition: Acknowledge, claim to be.
Example: Bolt is hailed as the fastest man on Earth, having won many gold medals.
1.46 execute (v) /ˈeksɪˌkjuːt/
Definition: Perform.
Example: The tennis player executed the service perfectly.
Related Forms: execution (n)
1.47 tumble (v) /ˈtʌmbl/
Definition: Fall with a rolling movement.
Example: Doug fell over and tumbled down the grassy hill.
Related Forms: tumble (n)
1.48 vertical (adj) /ˈvɜːtɪkl/
Definition: Straight up.
Example: They looked up the vertical cliff and wondered how to climb it.
Related Forms: vertical (n), vertically (adv)
1.49 face (n) /feɪs/
Definition: A side of a mountain.
Example: The rocky face of the mountain was difficult to climb.
1.50 gaping (adj) /ˈgeɪpɪŋ/
Definition: Big and wide.
Example: There was a gaping hole in the road where the workman had dug it up.
Related Forms: gape (v)
1.51 crevasse (n) /krɪˈvæs/
Definition: A deep crack in ice, especially in glaciers.
Example: The man broke his leg when he fell into a crevasse in the glacier.
1.52 spontaneous (adj) /spɒnˈteɪnɪəs/
Definition: Not planned; decided at that moment.
Example: Many of the comedian’s jokes were spontaneous in reaction to the audience.
Related Forms: spontaneity (n)
1.53 upbringing (n) /ˈʌpbrɪŋɪŋ/
Definition: The way your parents look after you and teach you to behave when you are growing up.
Example: His upbringing in the UK and Dubai made him open to other cultures.
Related Forms: bring up (phr v)
Vocabulary: Social Evolution, Personality Traits, and Behavior
1.54 discriminate (v) /dɪsˈkrɪmɪneɪt/
Definition: Treat a person or group differently from another in an unfair way.
Example: Racial discrimination is a terrible thing.
Related Forms: discrimination (n)
1.55 distinguish (v) /dɪsˈtɪŋgwɪʃ/
Definition: Notice or understand the difference between two things; make one person or thing seem different from another.
Example: What distinguishes me from my twin is that I am taller.
Related Forms: distinction (n)
1.56 baby boomer (n) /ˈbeɪbi ˈbuːmə/
Definition: Somebody born during a period when more babies are born than usual.
Example: The baby boomers of the 1960s were a lucky generation.
Related Forms: baby boom (n)
1.57 bring about (phr v) /brɪŋ əˈbaʊt/
Definition: Make something happen.
Example: What brought about the change in his attitude?
Synonym: cause
1.58 evolution (n) /ˌevəˈluːʃn/
Definition: Gradual development.
Example: The evolution of the computer has been rapid.
Related Forms: evolve (v), evolutionary (adj)
1.59 revolution (n) /rəvəˈluːʃən/
Definition: A complete change in ways of doing things.
Example: The technological revolution has completely changed the world of communications.
Related Forms: revolutionise (v), revolutionary (adj)
1.60 entrepreneur (n) /ɒntrəprəˈnɜː/
Definition: Somebody who starts a business.
Example: The entrepreneur started a successful online store.
1.61 founder (n) /ˈfaʊndə/
Definition: Somebody who establishes a business, organisation, school, etc.
Example: Steve Jobs was one of the founders of Apple.
Related Forms: found (v)
1.62 realise one’s ambitions (expr) /ˈriːəlaɪz wʌnz æmˈbɪʃənz/
Definition: Succeed in doing what you want to do.
Example: She realised her ambitions when she became a doctor.
1.63 accrue (v) /əˈkruː/
Definition: Increase over a period of time.
Example: The Hollywood star accrued a fortune over the years.
1.64 industrious (adj) /ɪnˈdʌstrɪəs/
Definition: Hard-working.
Example: The industrious employee produced three reports in one week.
1.65 accomplish (v) /əˈkʌmplɪʃ/
Definition: Succeed in doing something.
Example: He accomplished his career goals by the age of fifty.
Related Forms: accomplishment (n)
1.66 insist (v) /ɪnˈsɪst/
Definition: Say firmly.
Example: She insisted on turning off the TV even though I wanted to watch the film.
Related Forms: insistence (n), insistent (adj)
1.67 persist (v) /pəˈsɪst/
Definition: Continue doing something even though it is difficult.
Example: He persisted in arriving late for work so he was asked to leave.
Related Forms: persistence (n), persistent (adj)
1.68 resolve (v) /rɪˈzɒlv/
Definition: Solve or end a problem or difficulty.
Example: They resolved their differences and now get on marvellously.
Related Forms: resolution (n)
1.69 troubleshooter (n) /ˈtrʌblʃuːtə/
Definition: Somebody who is employed to come into an organisation to deal with a problem.
Example: They want to employ a troubleshooter to make the company more efficient.
Related Forms: troubleshooting (n), troubleshoot (v)
1.70 admit defeat (expr) /ədˈmɪt dɪˈfiːt/
Definition: Accept that you have failed and give up.
Example: The athlete had to admit defeat when he finished fourth.
1.71 bold (adj) /bəʊld/
Definition: Not afraid.
Example: The bold student made a speech at the demonstration.
Related Forms: boldness (n)
1.72 gutsy (adj) /ˈgʌtsi/
Definition: Brave and determined.
Example: The gutsy boy did a stunt on his skateboard.
Related Forms: guts (pl n)
1.73 mediocre (adj) /miːdiˈəʊkə/
Definition: Not very good.
Example: The mediocre film received neither good nor bad reviews.
Related Forms: mediocrity (n)
1.74 honourable (adj) /ˈɒnərəbl/
Definition: Honest and fair; deserving praise and respect.
Example: If you lose, it would be honourable to congratulate the winner.
Related Forms: honour (v, n)
1.75 noble (adj) /ˈnəʊbl/
Definition: Moral in an honest, brave and unselfish way.
Example: It was noble of him to forgive his enemies.
Related Forms: nobility (n)
1.76 vain (adj) /veɪn/
Definition: Too proud of oneself.
Example: Rob is so vain that he is always telling us how clever he is.
Related Forms: vanity (n)
1.77 virtuous (adj) /ˈvɜːʧʊəs/
Definition: Good and honest.
Example: The virtuous woman never cheated or told a lie.
Related Forms: virtue (n)
1.78 merciless (adj) /ˈmɜːsɪləs/
Definition: Having or showing no mercy.
Example: The merciless school bully took everyone’s lunch money.
Related Forms: mercy (n)
1.79 pitiless (adj) /ˈpɪtɪləs/
Definition: Cruel and having no pity.
Example: His pitiless cruelty made her cry.
Related Forms: pity (v, n)
1.80 ruthless (adj) /ruːθləs/
Definition: Without pity, feeling or guilt.
Example: The ruthless businessman sacked ten employees to save money.
Related Forms: ruthlessness (n)
1.81 selfless (adj) /ˈsɜːlfləs/
Definition: Caring about other people more than about yourself.
Example: It takes a selfless person to volunteer to help sick children.
Related Forms: self (n), selflessness (n)
Opposite: selfish
1.82 crafty (adj) /krɑːfti/
Definition: Clever and dishonest.
Example: That crafty man cheated me out of twenty pounds.
Related Forms: craftiness (n)
1.83 cunning (adj) /ˈkʌnɪŋ/
Definition: Clever at planning to get what you want, especially by tricking other people.
Example: It was cunning of you to get me to do your homework.
Related Forms: cunning (n)
1.84 sly (adj) /slaɪ/
Definition: Deceiving people in a clever way to get what you want.
Example: Don’t trust her; she’s very sly.
1.85 touchy (adj) /ˈtʌʧi/
Definition: Too sensitive; easily upset.
Example: Katy is very touchy, so she’ll get cross if you ask her age.
Related Forms: touch (v)
1.86 sentimental (adj) /sentɪˈmentl/
Definition: Easily affected by emotions such as love in a way that seems silly to others.
Example: Being sentimental, she cries whenever she sees a romantic film.
Related Forms: sentiment (n)
1.87 upbeat (adj) /ˈʌpˌbiːt/
Definition: Hopeful and happy.
Example: The dance music created an upbeat mood at the party.
1.88 fair (adj) /feə/
Definition: Right and just; not taking sides.
Example: To be fair, you deserved to get punished because you cheated.
Related Forms: fairness (n)
Opposite: unfair
1.89 impartial (adj) /ɪmˈpɑːʃl/
Definition: Not taking sides.
Example: The football commentator wasn’t impartial and clearly supported Panionios.
Related Forms: impartiality (n)
Opposite: partial
1.90 objective (adj) /əbˈʤektɪv/
Definition: Based on facts; not influenced by personal feelings.
Example: It is hard to be objective when judging your own family.
Related Forms: objectivity (n)
Opposite: subjective
1.91 timid (adj) /ˈtɪmɪd/
Definition: Shy and afraid.
Example: The timid child was too shy to say hello.
Related Forms: timidity (n)
1.92 cautious (adj) /kɔːʃəs/
Definition: Avoiding risk.
Example: He was very cautious as he drove slowly along the icy road.
Related Forms: caution (n)
1.93 impetuous (adj) /ɪmˈpeʧʊəs/
Definition: Acting suddenly and without thinking.
Example: The impetuous player kicked the ball without aiming and missed the goal.
1.94 rash (adj) /ræʃ/
Definition: Careless or unwise; not thinking what the result of one's actions may be.
Example: It was rash to swim where you know there are sharks.
Related Forms: rashness (n)
1.95 reckless (adj) /ˈrekləs/
Definition: Doing something dangerous and not worrying about the risks and the possible results.
Example: The reckless driver caused a serious accident.
Related Forms: recklessness (n)
1.96 candid (adj) /ˈkændɪd/
Definition: Open, honest.
Example: His candid manner made everyone trust him.
Related Forms: candour (n)
1.97 headstrong (adj) /ˈhedstrɒŋ/
Definition: Determined to do what you want without listening to others.
Example: She is a headstrong child who rarely listens to good advice.
1.98 obstinate (adj) /ˈɒbstɪnət/
Definition: Determined to act in a particular way despite what anyone else says.
Example: I can’t understand your obstinate refusal to go to university.
Related Forms: obstinacy (n)
1.99 stubborn (adj) /ˈstʌbən/
Definition: Determined not to change your opinion, ideas, plans, etc.
Example: Jack is far too stubborn to change his mind.
Related Forms: stubbornness (n)
1.100 adaptable (adj) /əˈdæptəbl/
Definition: Able to change in order to be successful in new situations.
Example: She’ll settle down quickly in her new home as she’s adaptable.
Related Forms: adapt (v), adaptation (n)
1.101 considerate (adj) /kənˈsɪdərət/
Definition: Kind; thinking of others.
Example: It was very considerate of you to help me move house.
Related Forms: consider (v), consideration (n)
1.102 modest (adj) /ˈmɒdɪst/
Definition: Not talking too much about yourself or being too proud of yourself.
Example: The actor was being modest when he said he didn’t deserve so much praise.
Related Forms: modesty (n)
Opposite: immodest
1.103 triumphant (adj) /traɪˈʌmfənt/
Definition: Successful.
Example: He felt triumphant when he won the gold medal.
Related Forms: triumph (n)
1.104 apprehensive (adj) /æprɪˈhensɪv/
Definition: Worried or nervous about the future.
Example: He felt apprehensive about spending a lot of money on a car.
Related Forms: apprehension (n)
1.105 conceited (adj) /kɒnˈsiːtɪd/
Definition: Too proud of oneself.
Example: You are conceited if you think you are the only person who matters.
Related Forms: conceit (n)
1.106 ignorant (adj) /ˈɪgnərənt/
Definition: Not knowing things that you should know.
Example: Only an ignorant person wouldn’t know where the Parthenon is.
Related Forms: ignorance (n)
1.107 inflexible (adj) /ɪnˈfleksɪbl/
Definition: Unwilling to change.
Example: The manager is inflexible in his opinion of candidates without university degrees; he refuses to employ them.
Related Forms: inflexibility (n)
Opposite: flexible
Idiomatic Expressions and Phrasal Verbs
1.108 blow sb away (phr v) /bləʊ ˈsʌmbədi əˈweɪ/
Definition: Impress somebody.
Example: The amazing painting blew me away.
1.109 break through (phr v) /breɪk θruː/
Definition: Manage to get past something that is in your way.
Example: The demonstrators broke through the police barriers.
Related Forms: breakthrough (n)
1.110 come up against (phr v) /kʌm ʌp əˈgenst/
Definition: Face a problem.
Example: The builders came up against a problem when they found water underground.
1.111 pull sth off (phr v) /pʊl ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɒf/
Definition: Succeed in doing something.
Example: We didn’t think we would get to the summit, but we pulled it off!
1.112 fall through (phr v) /fɔːl θruː/
Definition: Not happen.
Example: The plans for the trip fell through because nobody could come.
1.113 get ahead (phr v) /get əˈhed/
Definition: Make progress.
Example: He got ahead in his career and became department manager.
1.114 hang on (phr v) /hæŋ ɒn/
Definition: Wait.
Example: Don't leave. Hang on a minute and I'll come with you.
1.115 knuckle down (phr v) /ˈnʌkl daʊn/
Definition: Start working or studying hard.
Example: We have to knuckle down and study for our exams.
1.116 go for it (expr) /gəʊ fɔː ɪt/
Definition: Decide to do something.
Example: If you want to be in the team, just go for it and sign up.
1.117 have (got) a lot of one’s plate (expr) /hæv (gɒt) ə lɒt ɒn wʌnz pleɪt/
Definition: Have a lot to do.
Example: I can’t come out this weekend as I’ve got a lot on my plate.
1.118 work around the clock (expr) /wɜːk əˈraʊnd ðə klɒk/
Definition: Work day and night.
Example: They had to work around the clock to prepare the car for the race.
1.119 by a mile (expr) /baɪ ə maɪl/
Definition: By far.
Example: That was the funniest film I’ve ever seen by a mile.
1.120 be under fire (expr) /bi ˈʌndə faɪə/
Definition: Facing criticism.
Example: The coach was under fire for the sixth defeat of the season.
1.121 go without a hitch (expr) /gəʊ wɪðˈaʊt ə hɪʧ/
Definition: Happen without any problems.
Example: There was no violence between fans and the game went without a hitch.
1.122 get there (expr) /get ðeə/
Definition: Succeed; arrive.
Example: He got there in the end, passing his driving test on the third attempt.
1.123 persevere (v) /pɜːsɪˈvɪə/
Definition: Keep trying.
Example: You should persevere and finish the course you are on even if you find it hard.
Related Forms: perseverance (n)
1.124 do the trick (expr) /dʊ ðə trɪk/
Definition: Solve a problem; provide what is needed.
Example: Changing the battery did the trick and now this gadget works again.
1.125 go all out (expr) /gəʊ ɔːl aʊt/
Definition: Try one’s hardest.
Example: The team went all out and won the league cup.
1.126 do one's best (expr) /duː wʌnz best/
Definition: Try as hard as you can.
Example: We did our best in the exams and hopefully we have all passed.
1.127 get the green light (expr) /get ðə griːn laɪt/
Definition: Be told you are allowed to do something.
Example: When you get the green light from the boss, you can apply for a rise.
1.128 go places (expr) /ɡəʊ ˈpleɪsɪz/
Definition: Likely to become famous or successful.
Example: That young actor is going places and will be famous one day.
1.129 wise up (phr v) /waɪz ʌp/
Definition: Realise the truth about a situation.
Example: You should wise up and see that he is cheating you.
1.130 a no-brainer (n) /nəʊ ˈbreɪnə/
Definition: Something very easy to do or understand.
Example: The first question on the test was so easy, it was a no-brainer.
1.131 dumb down (phr v) /dʌm daʊn/
Definition: Make something easier to understand.
Example: Let me dumb down these instructions for the average consumer.
1.132 streetwise (adj) /ˈstriːtwaɪz/
Definition: Able to deal with life and dangers in big cities.
Example: Streetwise kids manage to avoid getting into danger in the street.
1.133 box clever (expr) /bɒks ˈklevə/
Definition: Behave in a careful and cunning way to get what you want.
Example: He had to box clever when the police questioned him otherwise they would have found out the truth.
1.134 bright spark (expr) /braɪt spɑːk/
Definition: Somebody who says or does something that they think is clever but is stupid.
Example: Who’s the bright spark who didn’t lock the door before leaving the building?
Grammar, Listening, Speaking, and Writing Reference
1.135 dominance (n) /ˈdɒmɪnəns/
Definition: Being more important or powerful than somebody/something else.
Example: What is the reason for the dominance of Germany in Europe?
Related Forms: dominant (adj)
1.136 worthy cause (n) /ˈwɜːði kɔːz/
Definition: An organisation or aim that deserves support.
Example: The children’s hospital is a worthy cause that many people donate to.
1.137 preoccupied (adj) /prɪˈɒkjʊpaɪd/
Definition: Thinking about something else.
Example: He looked preoccupied, so I asked what the matter was.
Related Forms: preoccupy (v), preoccupation (n)
1.138 disturb (v) /dɪˈstɜːb/
Definition: Interrupt; bother.
Example: Please don’t disturb me while I’m talking on Skype.
Related Forms: disturbance (n)
1.139 property (n) /ˈprɒpəti/
Definition: A quality or power that something has.
Example: One of the most important properties of copper is that it is a good conductor of electricity and heat.
1.140 obedience (n) /əˈbiːdiəns/
Definition: Doing what you are told.
Example: Obedience training for dogs is essential so they listen to your instructions.
Related Forms: obey (v), obedient (adj)
Opposite: disobedience
1.141 breed (v) /briːd/
Definition: Keep animals in order for them to produce babies with particular qualities.
Example: These horses have been bred to race.
Related Forms: breed (n)
1.142 jaw (n) /dʒɔː/
Definition: The bones of the face that contain the teeth.
Example: A crocodile has very powerful jaws.
1.143 be up to scratch (expr) /biː ʌp tʊ skræʧ/
Definition: Be satisfactory.
Example: Your work is not up to scratch so please try harder.
1.144 appealing (adj) /ˈəpiːlɪŋ/
Definition: Attractive.
Example: We chose a restaurant where the dishes sounded appealing.
Related Forms: appeal (v, n)
1.145 cheer sb on (phr v) /ʧɪə ˈsʌmbədi ɒn/
Definition: Encourage somebody with shouts.
Example: The crowd cheered the player on as he approached the goal.
1.146 depict (v) /dɪˈpɪkt/
Definition: Describe somebody/something.
Example: The writer depicts life in an English village 100 years ago.
Related Forms: depiction (n)
1.147 aspect (n) /ˈæspekt/
Definition: The way in which a person, place or situation can be considered.
Example: Let’s consider the problem from a different aspect.
1.148 come over (phr v) /kʌm ˈəʊvə/
Definition: Make a particular impression.
Example: She’s a quiet person and comes over as shy.
Synonym: come across
1.149 entail (v) /ɪnˈteɪl/
Definition: Involve.
Example: My job entails a lot of travel.
1.150 clerical staff (n) /ˈklerɪkəl stɑːf/
Definition: Office employees.
Example: The clerical staff were provided with new computers.
1.151 correspondence (n) /kɒrɪˈspɒndəns/
Definition: Letters.
Example: I receive little correspondence by post as most of my friends use email.
Related Forms: correspond (v)
1.152 trait (n) /treɪt/
Definition: A quality, good or bad, in somebody’s character.
Example: His best personality trait is his kindness.
1.153 courteous (adj) /ˈkɜːtɪəs/
Definition: Polite.
Example: The courteous waiter greeted us politely.
Related Forms: courtesy (n)
Opposite: discourteous
1.154 under-privileged (adj) /ˈʌndə-ˈprɪvɪlɪʤd/
Definition: With fewer advantages than others.
Example: Under-privileged children often lack opportunities to study.
1.155 tremendous (adj) /trɪˈmendəs/
Definition: Great.
Example: This new financial support is tremendous news for the company.
1.156 asset (n) /ˈæset/
Definition: Somebody/something that is useful because they help you succeed.
Example: The financial expert was an asset to the company as she saved it from closing down.
1.157 without reservation (expr) /wɪðˈaʊt rezəˈveɪʃn/
Definition: With no doubt.
Example: The manager happily recommended Francis’ promotion without reservation.
1.158 appoint (v) /əˈpɔɪnt/
Definition: Employ.
Example: The boss appointed a new assistant when Mrs Jones retired.
1.159 personable (adj) /ˈpɜːsənəbl/
Definition: Attractive because you have a pleasant appearance and personality.
Example: Everyone liked the personable young head teacher.
1.160 attribute (n) /ˈætrɪbjuːt/
Definition: Quality; feature.
Example: Good interpersonal skills are important attributes of a film director.
Related Forms: attribute (v)
1.161 accomplished (adj) /əˈkʌmplɪʃt/
Definition: Very good at something; skilful.
Example: Margaret is an accomplished pianist.
Related Forms: accomplish (v), accomplishment (n)
1.162 flair (n) /fleə/
Definition: Talent; a natural ability to do something well.
Example: He has a flair for languages and can speak French, Italian and Spanish.
Structural Categorization and Word Synthesis
On the Road to Success Category Terms:
acclaim
ground-breaking
hail
inspire
overcome
quest
Sport Category Terms:
corporate sponsor
crush
home turf
runner-up
snatch
Phrasal Verbs Summary:
blow sb away
break through
bring about
cheer sb on
come over
come up against
dumb down
fall through
get ahead
hang on
knuckle down
pull off
wise up
Common Adjective Endings Classification:
-ive: apprehensive, exclusive, objective
-y: crafty, gutsy, touchy
-less: merciless, pitiless, reckless, ruthless, selfless
-able: adaptable, honourable, personable, remarkable
-al: impartial, industrial, vertical
-ous: cautious, courteous, impetuous, industrious, spontaneous, tremendous, virtuous
Extreme Skydiving Lexicon (Video 1)
1.163 terminal velocity (n) /ˈtɜːmɪnəl vəˈlɒsɪti/
Definition: Fastest speed.
Example: We measured the speed of the falling object when it reached terminal velocity.
1.164 falcon (n) /fɔːlkən/
Definition: A small hunting bird.
Example: The falcon dived down from the sky and caught a mouse.
1.165 shuttlecock (n) /ˈʃʌtlˌkɒk/
Definition: A small object you hit in the game of badminton.
Example: The badminton player hit the shuttlecock with his racket.
1.166 bird of prey (n) /bɜːd ɒv preɪ/
Definition: A bird that hunts animals.
Example: Eagles are birds of prey that eat animals like rabbits.
1.167 parachute (n) /ˈpærəʃuːt/
Definition: A large piece of cloth which allows you to float to the ground from a plane.
Example: The skydiver’s parachute opened and he dropped slowly to the ground.
Related Forms: parachute (v), parachutist (n)
1.168 challenger (n) /ˈʧælɪnʤə/
Definition: Somebody who competes for another person’s title.
Example: The challengers for the cup are Liverpool against the cup holder Manchester United.
Related Forms: challenge (v, n)
1.169 exceed (v) /ɪksˈiːd/
Definition: Go beyond.
Example: He exceeded the speed limit and had to pay a fine.
Related Forms: excess (n)
1.170 harness (n) /ˈhɑːnɪs/
Definition: Straps that fasten equipment to your body.
Example: The instructor fastened the harness and checked that the parachute was correctly worn.
Related Forms: harness (v)
1.171 inflate (v) /ɪnˈfleɪt/
Definition: Fill something with air so it becomes bigger.
Example: The mechanic inflated the tyres on my car as they were a bit flat.
Related Forms: inflation (n), inflatable (adj)
1.172 lure (v) /ljʊə/
Definition: Attract.
Example: I put a piece of cheese on the trap to lure the mouse.
1.173 resistance (n) /rɪˈzɪstəns/
Definition: Force that stops something from moving or makes it move more slowly.
Example: The air resistance on the skydiver prevented her from falling faster.
Related Forms: resist (v)
1.174 acceleration (n) /ækseləˈreɪʃn/
Definition: Increase in speed.
Example: The acceleration when the plane took off was impressive.
Related Forms: accelerate (v)
1.175 approach (n) /əˈprəʊʧ/
Definition: The way you deal with something.
Example: Her approach with naughty children in the classroom is to find them something interesting to do.
Related Forms: approach (v)
1.176 wobble (v) /ˈwɒbl/
Definition: Move from side to side because you are not steady.
Example: The gymnast lost points when she wobbled on the bar.
Related Forms: wobble (n)