Unit 2B

Word

Definition

Example

accommodate

to give what is needed

Physical spaces should accommodate the modern needs of work.

occur

happen; take place

Earthquakes don't occur frequently.

definitely

without any doubt

Have you definitely decided to go to Costa Rica?

chime

to make a clear ringing sound

In the square the church bells chimed.

howl

if a dog, wolf, or other animal howls, it makes a long loud sound

Little brother started to cry, and soon he was howling.

jaw

to talk for a long time

He was jawing away to his girlfriend for hours on the phone.

whirl

to move or make something move quickly round and round

They prepared themselves to whirl upside down, again and again.

worm

to succeed in moving along in a difficult or crowded situation, by moving your body slowly and carefully

She wormed herself under the fence.

insular

interested only in your own country or group and not willing to accept different or foreign ideas or people

We cannot formally separate the effects of density and other features of insular populations.

rough

having an uneven or irregular surface; not smooth or level

A cat's tongue feels very rough when it licks your hand.

approximate

not exact

Can you give us an approximate idea of the cost?

hurt

to cause emotional pain to someone

She criticized my writing quite severely and that hurt.

refuge

shelter or protection from someone or something

During the frequent air-raids, people took refuge in their cellars.

white lie

an unimportant lie (especially one told to be tactful or polite)

Have you ever told your best friend a white lie?

catch an eye

to attract one's interest, especially due to being visually appealing or attractive

An article caught my eye

down to earth

sensible and practical

My mum is very practical and down to earth

follow instructions to the letter

you do exactly what you have been told to do, giving great attention to every detail

I followed the instructions to the letter and it still went wrong.

nickname

a funny name your friends or family give you

My nickname at school was 'Spike'

pounce

to jump or move quickly in order to catch or take hold of something

The cat sat in the tree ready to pounce on the ducks below.

resurrect

to bring back something into use or existence that had disappeared or ended

She has been busily trying to resurrect her Hollywood career.

vibrant

full of activity or energy in a way that is exciting and attractive

Buenos Aires is a vibrant city – it's full of life and energy.