Unit 2A

Word

Definition

Example

dish out

to give or say things to people without thinking about them carefully

He's very keen to dish out criticism.

invention

something that has never been made before, or the process of creating something that has never been made before

The world changed rapidly after the invention of the phone.

in return

in exchange

Some tenants get rent reductions in return for help managing the building.

splendid

excellent, or beautiful and impressive

You look splendid in that outfit.

stunt

an exciting action that is dangerous or appears to be dangerous, often done to entertain people

He performed an acrobatic stunt

intimately

in a very detailed way

He knew the area intimately.

obviously

in a way that is easy to understand or see

Obviously the school cannot function without teachers.

valuable

(of information or advice) very helpful or important

He gave me some valuable advice

nibble

to eat something by taking a lot of small bites

A mouse has nibbled through the computer cables.

connoisseur

someone who has a lot of experience of something and knows a lot about it

The mushrooms had the chewy, savory flavor preferred by connoisseurs.

subtle

(especially of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyse or describe

His language expresses rich and subtle meanings

concoct

To devise, using skill and intelligence; contrive

Leave it to the Brits to concoct one of history's most memorable April Fools' Day pranks

miracle

something very lucky or very good that happens which you did not expect to happen or did not think was possible

It's a miracle cure for people like me.

hazardous

involving risk or danger

I can still recall some hazardous adventures my parents never knew about

huge

very large

A huge number of tourists visit Venice every year.

idyllic

extremely pleasant, beautiful, or peaceful

They seem idyllically happy in their new house.

scarce

if something is scarce, there is not very much of it available

As raw materials became scarce, synthetics were developed

adulthood

the state or condition of being fully grown or mature

It is usually harder to learn a second language in adulthood

friendship

a relationship in which two people are friends

Our long friendship began at school.

relationship

the attitude that two people or groups show towards each other

I had a close relationship with my father.

partnership

the state of being a partner or partners

Findlay entered into partnership with Smith to form the firm in 1952

membership

the state of belonging to an organization

How much do you pay a year for your golf club membership?

curiosity

a strong desire to know or learn something

Children show curiosity about everything

generosity

the trait of being willing to give your money or time

Giving the homeless man $5 was a real act of generosity

possibility

the chance that something might happen or be true

Another possibility is that we'll go to Mexico instead.

awareness

having knowledge of

Environmental awareness has increased lately

happiness

the feeling of being happy

Friendship is a place to share happiness.

sadness

the feeling of being unhappy, especially because something bad has happened

Joan's childhood was filled with pain and sadness.

boredom

the state of feeling bored

I'll die of boredom if I live that long

wisdom

the ability to make good decisions based on knowledge and experience

A mentor is there to offer advice and pass on some of their own hard-earned wisdom.

celebration

an occasion or party when you celebrate something

Christmas celebrations went good.

frustration

the feeling that accompanies an experience of being thwarted in attaining your goals

I can't stand the frustration of not being able to help

temptation

the act of influencing by exciting hope or desire

I couldn't resist the temptation to eat the chocolate cake

achievement

something that you succeed in doing by your own efforts

Designing the first laptop computer was one of his greatest achievements

amazement

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

To my amazement, I won the contest!

disappointment

sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfilment of one's hopes or expectations

He could see the disappointment in her eyes.

excitement

the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up

I felt such excitement when they told me you were coming

improvement

the act of improving something, or the state of being improved

Have you noticed any improvements with the new system?

hatred

the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action

He looked at me with hatred in his eyes

belief

the feeling of being certain that something exists or is true

Let's not talk about religious beliefs.