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thinking in a quiet way, often with a serious expression on your face: start learning
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She became withdrawn and pensive, hardly speaking to anyone.
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You use ... when you want to describe something that is more important, serious, or significant than other things in a group or situation. start learning
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The major factor in the decision to stay or to leave was usually professional.
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If you say that something is ... you mean that it is very good. start learning
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Our house has got a splendid view across to the Cotswolds.
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If you describe a building or work of art as ..., you mean that it is beautiful, impressive, and extremely well made. start learning
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... a splendid Victorian mansion.
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Something that is ... has a mark, fault, or mistake in it. start learning
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These tests were so seriously flawed as to render the results meaningless.
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...... events or situations happen at the same time. start learning
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He will actually be serving three concurrent five-year sentences.
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If you describe something such as a loss as ......, you mean that it is extremely serious or worrying in its effects. start learning
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Mr Morris said the victims had suffered from a very grievous mistake
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A ... injury to your body is one that causes you great pain and suffering. start learning
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He survived in spite of suffering grievous injuries.
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... agreements, plans, or arrangements are not definite or certain, but have been made as a first step. start learning
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Political leaders have reached a tentative agreement.
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If someone is ..., they are cautious and not very confident because they are uncertain or afraid. start learning
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She did not return his tentative smile
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Someone who is ... is bad-tempered and unpleasant to people. start learning
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An amount or effect that is ... is so small that it is not worth considering or worrying about. start learning
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Senior managers are convinced that the strike will have a negligible impact.
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irritating, exasperating, or bitterly humiliating start learning
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If you describe a person or their behaviour as ..., you mean that they behave in a confused, disorganized way, making mistakes and usually not achieving anything. start learning
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(of a person) exact, accurate, and careful about details. start learning
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An ... piece of writing, for example a book or article, is complete and not shortened in any way. start learning
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A ... moment is one that makes you anxious or frightened because it seems that something bad is likely to happen. start learning
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An ... person is physically strong and healthy, rather than being weak or having a disability start learning
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used for emphasis, typically to express frustration, anger, or impatience. vulgar 🇬🇧 start learning
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"that ringtone drives me round the sodding bend every time I hear it"
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most important; primary or fundamental; something that's essential or basic, start learning
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Jealousy is a primal emotion.
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coming from or having to do with your emotions, not from thought: start learning
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My gut reaction is we’d better not get involved.
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... gossip or stories contain details about people's lives, especially details which are normally kept private. start learning
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adjective of a serious, thoughtful, and hard-working character start learning
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If you describe a person or their manner as ..., you mean that they appear to be friendly but in a way that you find unpleasant: start learning
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He was the very worst kind of slimy salesman.
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If you are ... to a disease or injury, you are very likely to be affected by it. start learning
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Walking with weights makes the shoulders very susceptible to injury.
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If you are ... to something or someone, you are very likely to be influenced by them. start learning
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James was extremely susceptible to flattery.
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A ... person is very easily influenced emotionally. start learning
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They persuade susceptible teenagers to part with their money.
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If you describe someone or something as ... you disapprove of them because they seem rather dishonest and unreliable. start learning
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... cash made in dodgy underworld deals.
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A ... person or a ... blow is violent and cruel. start learning
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The blow was so sudden and vicious that he dropped to his knees.
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A ... remark is cruel and intended to upset someone. start learning
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It is a deliberate, nasty and vicious attack on a young man's character
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... is used to describe people, things, or places that are not appreciated or praised, although you think they deserve to be. start learning
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They are among the unsung heroes of our time
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Someone who is ... is sad and quiet because they are disappointed or unhappy about something. start learning
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She was very glum and was obviously missing her children.
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Something that is ... is bad in a sad or depressing way. start learning
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My prospects of returning to a suitable job are dismal.
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Something that is ... is sad and depressing, especially in appearance. start learning
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... a dark dismal day with rain falling steadily.
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If you describe someone, usually a young woman, as... you mean they are quiet and rather shy, usually in a way that you like and find appealing, and behave very correctly. start learning
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She's very demure and sweet.
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If you say that someone or something was ..., you mean that they were able to know or predict what was going to happen in the future. start learning
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...'Bob Roberts', an eerily prescient comedy about a populist multimillionaire political candidate.
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... behaviour is stupid and does not show consideration for other people. start learning
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The government has behaved with crass insensitivity.
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If you describe someone as ..., you are critical of them because their behaviour is impolite and aggressive. start learning
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I was appalled by the loutish behaviour.
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Someone who is ... in a country or a town lives there. start learning
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He moved to Belgium to live with his son, who had been resident in Brussels since 1997.
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... is used to describe something which lasts only for a very short time. start learning
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The girls caught only a fleeting glimpse of the driver.
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start learning
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These batteries are meant to last for a year.
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If something is ..., it looks tidy, neat, and in good condition. start learning
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The house only needs an occasional coat of paint to keep it shipshape
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If you feel ..., you feel sleepy and cannot think clearly. start learning
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He felt pleasantly drowsy and had to fight off the urge to sleep.
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extremely confused or puzzled start learning
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In Miss Kate's eyes there was a troubled, baffled look
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... groups or events are less important or popular than other related groups or events. start learning
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The monarchists are a small fringe group who quarrel fiercely among themselves
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A ... person is attractively thin and graceful. start learning
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She was slender, with delicate wrists and ankles
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... clothes do not reveal your body and they give the impression that you are shy and behave correctly. start learning
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... a demure high-necked white blouse
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You can use... to describe a situation which exists but only to a very small degree. start learning
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He has won a vote of confidence but only by a slender majority
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Someone who is ... shows or says that they are sorry for something wrong they have done start learning
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If you describe something as ..., you are criticizing it for being disorganized or wasteful start learning
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You hear talk about American business being flabby.
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If you describe a person or thing as..., especially someone or something remarkable, you mean that they are well known because they are often talked about or a lot of stories are told about them start learning
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You cannot go home without visiting the fabled art collections of the Prado.
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The ... force or idea behind something that happens or is done is the main thing that has a strong effect on it and makes it happen or be done in a particular way. start learning
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Consumer spending was the driving force behind the economic growth in the summer.
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If you describe someone as ..., you disapprove of them because they are prepared to do almost anything in return for money, even things which are dishonest or immoral. start learning
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You use ... to describe things or actions which are small or unimportant, but are meant to show particular intentions or feelings which may not be sincere. start learning
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The announcement was widely seen as a token gesture
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Someone who is ... is tense, nervous, or annoyed about something and so is difficult to be with. start learning
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I tend to get very uptight during a match
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A ... person has a dark face. start learning
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He had a broad swarthy face
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A ... climate or environment is one that encourages the existence or development of particular people or things. start learning
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Even in summer this place did not look exactly hospitable.
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... people are very serious and sincere in what they say or do, because they think that their actions and beliefs are important. start learning
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... products, especially electronic products, are the most expensive of their kind start learning
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... high-end personal computers and computer workstations
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... events happen immediately after other events. start learning
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The ensuing argument had been bitter.
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A ... argument or person is full of bitterness and anger. start learning
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The deal ended after a series of rancorous disputes
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If the cost of something is ..., it is so high that many people cannot afford it. start learning
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The cost of private treatment can be prohibitive
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If something is ..., you can see it or recognize that it exists. start learning
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There has been no discernible overall trend since 1975.
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in a state of confusion or agitation start learning
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She was so flustered that she forgot her reply.
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If someone is ..., they are so upset and worried that they cannot think clearly. start learning
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His distraught parents were being comforted by relatives.
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If you describe someone's words or actions as ..., you mean that they are intended to harm people or their reputation, or cause them embarrassment and upset. start learning
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That might merely have been malicious gossip.
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Something that is ... is not active, growing, or being used at the present time but is capable of becoming active later on. start learning
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... when the long dormant volcano erupted 2. The United Nations is resuming a diplomatic effort that has lain dormant for almost two decades.
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You use ... to describe an atmosphere or climate that is very damp, and usually very hot. start learning
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The day is overcast and humid.
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Some people use ... to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are annoyed. 🇬🇧 informal adverb/adjective start learning
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This is such a flipping horrible picture.
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If you say that something is..., you mean that it cannot be achieved or is not available. start learning
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... an unattainable dream.
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If you say that someone is..., you mean that they have such a positive or hopeful view of a situation that they do not see what it is really like. start learning
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I'm not starry-eyed about Europe.
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... is used in advertising to suggest that something is being sold cheaply. start learning
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Cheap flights are available from budget travel agents from £240.
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... measures are intended to force people to do something that they do not want to do. start learning
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... increasingly coercive measures on the part of the state
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abounding in people, fish, insects, etc., dense or bustling start learning
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1. the streets of Cairo, a teeming city of 13 million people 2. They pushed their way through the teeming crowd.
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in a state of severe disrepair. (especially of a house or vehicle) start learning
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They entered the shop, which was a curious ramshackle building.
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A ... experience is good for you, even though it may seem difficult or unpleasant at first. start learning
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It was a salutary experience to be in the minority.
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If you are ... by something, you are shocked or disgusted because it is so bad or unpleasant. start learning
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She said that the Americans are appalled at the statements made at the conference.
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start learning
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Something that is ... is in great demand, usually because it is rare or of very good quality. start learning
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A gold medal is the most sought-after prize in world sport.
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If you describe a person, place, or thing as ..., you mean that you find them unpleasant or morally unacceptable. start learning
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Police officers meet more unsavory characters in a week than most of us do in a lifetime.
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If something such as an agreement or a sporting event is ..., it is cancelled. start learning
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The vacant W.B.C. junior-lightweight title has been called off.
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If you describe something as ..., you mean that it is unpleasant or of poor quality and you dislike it strongly. 🇬🇧 informal start learning
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I've been feeling grotty for the last few days.
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You use ... to describe opinions or ideas that are simple and not based on special knowledge. start learning
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The book is simple homespun philosophy.
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needing careful and tactful handling start learning
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involving snags or difficulties start learning
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Something that is ... is secret and not to be discussed with other people. start learning
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Apparently there's a very hush-hush project under way up north.
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Someone who is ... shows confidence in what they say and do because they are sure of their own abilities. start learning
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He's a self-assured, confident negotiator.
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If you describe a person's speech or something that they write as ..., you disapprove of the fact that they use too many words, especially words which are very long, formal, or literary. start learning
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The chapter is mostly wordy rhetoric.
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If you describe someone as..., you mean they work very hard. start learning
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She was an industrious and willing worker.
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Something that is ... is so bad or unpleasant that it shocks you. start learning
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The conditions in the prison were appalling.
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A ... place, situation, organization, or time has many problems or conflicts. start learning
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There is much we can do to help this troubled country.
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Someone or something that is ... is likely to persuade a person to believe or do a particular thing. start learning
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Something that is ... is very ordinary and not at all interesting or unusual. start learning
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... the mundane realities of life.
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If you say that something is ..., you mean there is no point in doing it, usually because it has no chance of succeeding. start learning
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... things are temporary and usually of poor quality, but they are used because there is nothing better available. start learning
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... a makeshift coffee table
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If you describe a person or a piece of writing as ..., you are critical of them because they use more words than are necessary, and so make you feel bored or annoyed. start learning
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Someone who is ... is not very strong or healthy. start learning
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She lay in bed looking particularly frail.
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... vehicles, furniture, or other objects look smooth, shiny, and expensive. start learning
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If you describe someone as ..., you mean that they look rich and stylish. start learning
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... hair or fur is smooth and shiny and looks healthy. start learning
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If something is ..., most people have enough money to buy it. start learning
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... the availability of affordable housing.
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A problem that is ... is so great that it cannot be dealt with successfully. start learning
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You use... when you want to describe something that is less important, serious, or significant than other things in a group or situation. start learning
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Western officials say the problem is minor, and should be quickly overcome.
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Someone or something that is... is pale in an unattractive or unnatural way. start learning
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You can describe something such as a performance or book as... if it is weak or not at all exciting. start learning
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... a pallid unsuccessful romance.
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If you describe someone as..., you mean that they are very reliable and respectable. start learning
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You want a partner who is solid and stable.
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If you are..., you are bored, impatient, or dissatisfied, and you want to do something else. start learning
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From the audience came increasing sounds of restlessness
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If you describe something as..., you mean that it is very harmful. start learning
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Parents are blaming not only peer pressure but also the pernicious influence of the internet.
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A... action is done secretly. start learning
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They had several surreptitious conversations.
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If you describe someone or their behaviour as......, you disapprove of them because they are doing something that they have no right or authority to do. start learning
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Something that is ... is very clever and involves new ideas, methods, or equipment. start learning
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... a truly ingenious invention
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breaking or falling apart into small fragments, especially as part of a process of deterioration. start learning
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"their crumbling ancestral home"
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(of something abstract) disintegrating gradually over a period of time. start learning
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Something that is ... is very impressive or beautiful. start learning
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He gave Alberg a dazzling smile.
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A ... light is very bright and makes you unable to see properly for a short time start learning
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He shielded his eyes against the dazzling declining sun.
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If you describe someone or something as ..., you mean that they are of a very high standard or quality. start learning
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The ... thing in a series of things is the last but one. start learning
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... on the penultimate day of the Asian Games
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If you describe someone or something as ..., you mean that they are rather naughty, but in a way that you find attractive or enjoyable. start learning
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She had a wicked sense of humour.
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A person who is ... shows anxious concern for someone or something. start learning
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He was so solicitous of his guests.
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A ... time, place, or relationship is one in which there is a lot of change, confusion, and disorder. start learning
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They had been together for five or six turbulent years of rows and reconciliations.
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seeming to surround the audience, player, etc. so that they feel completely involved in something: start learning
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The new game is more immersive
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If you describe someone or their behaviour as ..., you disapprove of them because you think that they are too confident and aggressive. start learning
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On stage she seems hard, brash and uncompromising
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used to refer to something that happened in the past and is finished start learning
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The old man talked about the departed triumphs of his youth.
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in a manner motivated by duty rather than desire or enthusiasm. start learning
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covered with a thin layer of gold or a substance that looks like gold: start learning
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The gilded dome of the cathedral rises above the city.
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having a pleasing or showy appearance that conceals something of little worth start learning
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If you are..., you are not concentrating on something because you are worried or are thinking about something else start learning
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She had seemed curiously distracted
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... is used to indicate that something such as pain or heat is very intense. start learning
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... the searing heat of the Saudi Arabian desert
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A... speech or piece of writing is very critical. start learning
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