Unit 4

Palabra

Definición

Ejemplo

make clear

To explain or clarify something in a way that is easy to understand

I will not tolerate this behaviour any longer. Do I make myself clear?

determine

To decide or establish something with certainty

Determining market segmentation is essential

notion

An idea, belief, or concept

He has all kinds of strange notions

divergence

A difference or deviation from a common or expected path

The divergence between the incomes of the rich and the poor countries seems to be increasing

debunk

To expose or prove a belief or theory to be false or exaggerated

His claims were later debunked by fellow academics

innate

Inborn or inherent; existing naturally

Bill's most impressive quality was his innate goodness

inevitable

Certain to happen or occur; unavoidable

A further escalation of the crisis now seems inevitable

underestimate

To underestimate is to undervalue or underestimate the importance, size, or difficulty of something

Never underestimate a man's strength when a family member's life is in danger

reverse

To go or move backward; to change to the opposite or contrary direction

I failed my first driving test on the reversing manoeuvre

smash glass ceiling

To break through a barrier or limitation, especially in regards to gender or other inequalities

Various reasons are given for the apparent glass ceiling women hit in many professions

shackle

To restrain or restrict someone or something

The country is shackled by its own debts

unfettered

Not restricted or limited; free from constraints or obstacles

Poets are unfettered by the normal rules of sentence structure

outdated

No longer in fashion, use, or relevant to the present time

In the attic she found a lot of outdated furniture

confusion

A state of uncertainty or disorder; lack of clarity or understanding

The identical twins threw everyone into confusion

finding

A discovery or conclusion reached after investigation or research

According to the report's findings, year-on-year new car prices have fallen by 1.3 per cent

mainstream

The dominant or prevailing trend, idea, or culture

Hipsters reject mainstream culture

hence

For this reason or therefore; as a result or consequence

Enforcing competition law could help boost productivity, hence job creation

reinforce

To strengthen or make something stronger

All too often work cultures reinforce negative attitudes

so-called

Used to indicate that a term or label is commonly used but may not be accurate or universally accepted

Even prizes judged by so-called experts were clearly random

consequently

As a result or effect of something

Flexible workers are in great demand, and consequently earn high salaries

masculine

Relating to qualities traditionally associated with men or boys

A bullfighter is perhaps the world's most masculine profession

feminine

Relating to qualities traditionally associated with women or girls

I love feminine clothing like skirts and dresses

bias

Prejudice or inclination towards or against someone or something, often unfair or unfounded

Ideally we'd choose judges who are without political bias

impact

The effect or influence of one thing on another; a significant or powerful effect

Ann made a significant impact on the project

daunting

Intimidating or discouraging due to the perceived difficulty or scale of a task

Few things are more daunting than having to speak in front of a large crowd

trial

A formal examination of evidence before a judge or jury in order to determine guilt or innocence

At the end of the trial, he was sent to prison

move on

To progress or advance to a new stage or situation

He decided to move on despite all problems

sink in

To be understood or absorbed mentally; to comprehend or register

The city sank in a huge tsunami about 2,000 years ago

over the heads

Beyond the understanding or comprehension of someone

The problem was over the heads of the pupils

keep up with

To stay informed or up-to-date with someone or something; to maintain pace or level with

Dave couldn't keep up with the class