Unit 2

Word

Definition

Example

adversity

Difficulties, hardships, or challenges that one encounters in life

He showed courage in the face of adversity

fragrance

A pleasant or sweet smell, often associated with perfumes, flowers, or other aromatic substances

A new fragrance has been launched by Bellisima company

curveball

An unexpected or surprising event or situation that is difficult to anticipate or handle

Every so often life will throw you a curveball

fine-tune

To make small adjustments or refinements in order to improve or optimize something

With free language courses they help students fine-tune their language and communication skills

endure

To bear, tolerate, or withstand something difficult or unpleasant over a period of time

For two months the team endured a very demanding schedule

in spite

Despite or regardless of something; used to indicate persistence or defiance in the face of obstacles

In spite of his injury, Ricardo will play in Saturday's match

overwhelming

Very intense or overpowering; having a strong impact or influence

An overwhelming majority of students said they don't sleep enough

precede

To come before something else in time, order, or importance

Nouns are often preceded by adjectives

conviction

Strong belief or opinion; a firmly held conviction or principle

Applicants are checked for criminal convictions

go upstream

To go against the current or prevailing direction; to resist or challenge the norm

Rowing upstream was hard going

unstoppable

Impossible to stop or prevent; continuing with great force or determination

The band has enjoyed a seemingly unstoppable rise in popularity

snuff out

To extinguish or put out, often referring to flames, lights, or the end of something

They snuffed out the candles before going to bed

imprison

To confine or lock up someone in a prison or confined space

Several suffragettes had been imprisoned for attacking policeman

punctuate

To interrupt or emphasize something by inserting or including periodic elements or marks

Last summer was warm, punctuated by rare raining periods

oppressive

Overwhelmingly harsh, burdensome, or dictatorial; causing discomfort or suppression

I can't fulfil my work with such a oppressive workload. It's impossible!

churn over

To repeatedly think about or consider something, often with uncertainty or indecisiveness

The customer reported this important problem, and is threatening to churn over this

harsh

Rough, severe, or unpleasant; lacking gentleness or kindness

But of course as further studies are conducted we will understand more about life in harsh ocean conditions

scamper

To run or move quickly and playfully with short, light steps

The children scampered off into the garden

skulk

To move stealthily or with a secretive or guilty intent; to lurk or hide

I thought I saw someone skulking in the bushes - maybe we should call the police

scramble

To move or climb quickly and hurriedly, often in a disorderly or chaotic manner

She scrambled up the steep hillside and over the rocks

stride

To walk with long, decisive steps; to move forward confidently and purposefully

Your stride indicates a recent release of tension

stroll

To walk in a relaxed or leisurely manner, often without a specific destination or purpose

I was strolling along by the river at lunchtime

struggle

To make forceful efforts or fight against something challenging or difficult

All countries should unite in the struggle against terrorism

strut

A long thin piece of metal or wood used to support a part of a building, the wing of an aircraftetc

Some very early aircraft used struts made from bamboo

swagger

To walk or behave in a very confident, self-assured, and often arrogant manner

Manliness is not all swagger and swearing

reliant

Dependent or relying on something or someone for support, assistance, or fulfillment

We've become completely reliant on our car since we moved out of the city

avoidance

Act of keeping away from or evading something, usually to prevent confrontation or unpleasantness

Harold's avoidance of me made me uneasy

repellent

A substance or device used to keep away insects, animals, or pests; also refers to something that repulses or disgusts

Don't forget to take an insect repellent

stagger

To walk unsteadily or with a wobbling motion, often due to dizziness, weakness, or intoxication

After he was attacked, he managed to stagger to the phone and call for help