Unit 5

Word

Definition

Example

addicted to

unable to stop doing or using something you enjoy very much.

George goes running every day – he's addicted to exercise!

advise against

to recommend not doing something.

Our PE teacher advises against exercising right after a big meal.

allergic to

having a bad physical reaction to something, like food or pollen.

I'm allergic to strawberries, so when I eat them, my face goes red and spotty.

approve of

to think that something is good or right.

Do you approve of people who never do any exercise and eat fast food every day?

based on

using something as an idea or starting point.

Mum's plan for healthy meals is based on the idea that fruit and vegetables are good for you.

cure for

something that makes a sick person healthy again.

Do you think scientists will find a cure for all diseases one day?

date back to

to have started or existed since a certain time in the past.

Grandma says her recipe for apple pie dates back to the 19th century!

get rid of

to remove or throw away something you don't want.

What can I do to get rid of a headache without taking any pills?

accident

something bad that happens by chance and causes injury or damage.

She broke her leg in a car accident.

anxious

worried or nervous about something that may happen.

He felt anxious before his job interview.

automatic

working by itself without needing a person to control it.

My new car has an automatic gearbox.

basic

simple and necessary; the most important part.

You need some basic tools to fix the chair.

believe

to think that something is true or real.

Do you believe in life on other planets?

cheer

(v) to shout to show happiness or support; (n) a loud shout of encouragement.

A loud cheer came from the crowd.

comfort

a pleasant feeling of being relaxed and safe.

The soft chair gave me great comfort after a long day.

current

(adj) happening now; (n) the movement of water or air.

The current situation is difficult for everyone.

day

a period of 24 hours, or the time when it is light outside.

I usually go jogging early in the day.

easy

not difficult to do or understand.

This exercise is easy to do if you follow the instructions.

fast

moving or happening quickly.

He's a fast runner and always wins races.

frequent

(v) to visit a place often; (adj) happening many times or often.

She makes frequent visits to her grandparents.

good

(adj) of high quality; (n) something positive or helpful.

This restaurant serves really good food.

gradual

happening slowly over time.

There has been a gradual increase in prices this year.

happy

feeling good or pleased.

I'm happy to hear that you passed your exam.

hope

(v) to want something to happen; (n) a feeling that something good will happen.

I hope we can meet again soon.

ordinary

normal or not special.

He's just an ordinary guy who works hard.

regular

happening again and again at the same time or place.

She's a regular customer at the local bakery.

relate

to connect or understand how things are similar.

I can relate to your situation because I've been there before.

remark

(v) to say something; (n) a comment or short statement.

His remark made everyone laugh.

short

not long in length, distance, or time.

It's only a short walk to the beach from here.

surprise

(v) to make someone feel amazed or shocked; (n) an unexpected event.

The party completely surprised her.

tradition

a custom or belief passed down through generations.

It's a family tradition to have dinner together on Sundays.

true

real or correct; not false.

It's true that exercise helps reduce stress.

allergy

a medical condition where your body reacts badly to something.

Some of my classmates have an allergy to nuts.

bruise

(v) to cause a purple mark on the skin; (n) a dark mark from being hit.

How did you get that bruise on your leg?

burn

(v) to damage skin or material with heat; (n) an injury caused by fire or heat.

Be careful you don't burn your hand on the oven!

cold

a common illness with sneezing, a runny nose, and coughing.

Mum says I should stay in bed and drink lots if I've got a cold.

cramp

a sudden pain caused by tight muscles.

It can be dangerous if you get cramp while you're swimming.

cut

(v) to break the skin with something sharp; (n) a small injury where skin is broken.

Ollie cut his finger while he was chopping the onions.

fever

a high body temperature caused by illness.

I feel hot, then cold, then hot again – I think I've got a fever.

flu

a common illness with fever, cough, and body pain.

Callum was in bed for 10 days when he had the flu.

temperature

a measure of how hot or cold something is; often used for body heat.

Your temperature ought to be about 37° C, not 39° C!

sore throat

pain or discomfort in the throat.

It can be difficult to talk properly when your throat is sore.

sprain

(v) to hurt a joint by twisting it; (n) an injury to a joint.

Katia can't walk because she sprained her ankle playing tennis yesterday.

virus

a tiny organism that causes disease.

Four of my classmates are off school today and they're all suffering from the same virus.