Unit 1

Word

Definition

Example

foolproof

designed to be so simple and reliable that it's nearly impossible to make a mistake or fail

This app is foolproof. Absolutely anyone can use it

geek

a person who is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about a particular subject, often related to technology or niche interests

I call myself a geek because I love technology and science-fiction

good-natured rivalry

friendly competition or contest between individuals or groups, characterized by a positive and amicable attitude

Our offices have a good-natured rivalry to get the better sales figures

gut feeling

an instinctive or intuitive sense about something, without relying on logical reasoning

I have a gut feeling that this is going to go wrong

job-seeker

someone actively looking for employment or a job opportunity

Job-seekers have to work hard at applying to lots of places

light-hearted response

a cheerful and not-too-serious reply, often meant to add a touch of humor to a conversation

I was relieved at his light-hearted response. I was worried he'd be angry

the point of

the main purpose or idea behind something being discussed or done

The point of the matter is that we need to change. That's the main thing

work-life balance

the equilibrium between time spent on work-related activities and personal life or leisure activities

Do you have a good work-life balance?

absent-minded

tending to forget or be unaware of things due to preoccupation or lack of attention

She's so absent-minded – she's always forgetting things

bad-tempered

having a frequently irritable or easily angered disposition

Don't be so bad-tempered. You can't always win things

big-headed

arrogant or overly self-centered, thinking highly of oneself

She always tells me how clever she is. That's so big-headed

easy-going

having a relaxed and flexible attitude, often willing to adapt and accommodate

My husband is really easy-going and calm

good-tempered

having a generally pleasant and patient demeanor

My mum is very good-tempered and kind

laid-back

relaxed and unconcerned, not easily stressed or hurried

I'm really laid-back – nothing bothers me usually

narrow-minded

having a limited perspective or being unwilling to consider different ideas or viewpoints

The people who live here are judgemental and narrow-minded

open-minded

willing to consider new ideas, viewpoints, or experiences with a receptive attitude

Psychotherapists need to be open-minded

self-centred

focused primarily on one's own needs, desires, and interests

I worry that I'm too self-centred. I'm trying to be more aware of people's needs

strong-willed

determined and resolute, not easily swayed by others

My three year old is very strong-willed. She doesn't want to go to bed on time

tight-fisted

being unwilling to spend money or be generous, often to an excessive degree

Don't try to borrow money from them. They're very tight-fisted

two-faced

displaying different attitudes or intentions in different situations, often insincere

You're so two-faced ! You tell me one thing and tell my friends something else

well-balanced

having a harmonious distribution or integration of various aspects, leading to stability

I think I'm quite well-balanced. I don't get stressed easily

well-behaved

acting in a manner that is socially acceptable and respectful of rules and norms

They're very well-behaved children. I'm proud of them