Excavators(n.)
1. a large machine for digging holes in the ground
2. someone who digs in the ground in order to find things from the past
Subsequent(a.)
happening or coming after something else
In subsequent interviews, Steele has contradicted his original story.
*subsequent to: Reed was disqualified subsequent to failing a drugs test.
Conduct(v.)
1. [TRANSITIVE] [OFTEN PASSIVE] to do something in an organized way
The rental agreement doesn’t allow you to conduct business from your home.
Gonzalez has conducted an impressive electoral campaign.
The interview was conducted by telephone.
2. [TRANSITIVE] FORMAL to take someone somewhere
3. [TRANSITIVE] PHYSICS if something conducts heat or electricity, heat or electricity can move through it
4. [INTRANSITIVE/TRANSITIVE] to stand in front of an orchestra or group of singers and direct the way they play or sing
Unbridgeable(a.)
used for describing problems or differences between people that are so great that they will never be solved or agreed on
The gulf between the warring parties was unbridgeable.
Chasm(n.)
1. a very big difference that separates one person or group from another
chasm between: a widening chasm between town and country
2. a very deep crack in rock or ice
Irreconcilable(a.)
irreconcilable opinions, aims, or disagreements are so opposed to each other that it is impossible to reach an agreement
They decided to divorce due to irreconcilable differences.
Synthesis(n.)
1. [COUNTABLE] a combination of different ideas or styles that forms a new idea or style
*synthesis of: Their art was a synthesis of Celtic and Mediterranean traditions.
2. [COUNTABLE/UNCOUNTABLE] SCIENCE the natural or artificial production of a substance by a chemical or biological reaction
protein synthesis
2. [COUNTABLE] the production of sounds using a piece of equipment called a synthesizer
speech synthesis
Alien (n.)
1. someone who is not a citizen of the country they are living in
illegal aliens
2. a person or creature from a planet other than Earth
Implicit(a.)
1. not stated directly, but expressed in the way that someone behaves, or understood from what they are saying
His suggestions may be seen as an implicit criticism of government policy.
*implicit in: This assumption is often implicit in the way a person addresses a woman.
2. without any doubts or questions
an implicit belief in the goodness of people
implicit faith/obedience
2. forming a necessary part of something
*implicit in: the dangers implicit in this kind of work
Implicit in the notion of a game is the idea of taking a risk.
Harmonious(a.)
1. friendly and peaceful
a harmonious environment/relationship/society
2. harmonious colors or parts combine well with each other
The different parts of the picture form a harmonious whole.
a harmonious arrangement of colors
3. harmonious music consists of notes that combine in a pleasant way
Prominent(a.)
1. important and well known
The order was given by a prominent member of the government.
She is likely to play a prominent part in the presidential campaign.
*prominent in: Vincente’s family was prominent in the wine trade.
2. easy to see or notice
The rugged red ridges are a prominent feature of the landscape.
Place these items in a prominent position in your window display.
2. sticking out
prominent cheekbones
Upholder(v.)
1. if a court of law upholds something such as a claim, it says that it is correct
The Home Secretary’s decision was upheld by the House of Lords.
2. FORMAL to show that you support something such as an idea by what you say or do
They were fighting to uphold the rights of small nations.
Arbitrary(a.)
not based on any particular plan, or not done for any particular reason
an arbitrary decision
The selection of the 100 participants was completely arbitrary.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of arbitrary
a. used about actions that are considered to be unfair
This is a country where arbitrary arrests are commonplace.
Tendency(n.)
1. a strong chance that something will happen in a particular way
*a tendency (for someone/something) to do something: There’s a tendency for a new manager to make changes.
*have a tendency to do something: You have a tendency to avoid arguments.
a. an aspect of your character that you show by behaving in a particular way
*have artistic/criminal/suicidal tendencies
2. an attitude, habit, or situation that is starting to develop in a particular way
an increasing/growing tendency
*a tendency (for someone/something) to do something: The tendency is for students to research on the Internet.
*a tendency toward something: We continue to see a tendency toward globalization of brands.
Sublime(a.)
1. MAINLY LITERARY extremely good or beautiful
Sublime music filled the air.
2. [ONLY BEFORE NOUN] FORMAL used for describing a feeling or quality that is extreme
His face assumed an expression of sublime conceit.
Virtue (n.)
1. [COUNTABLE] a good quality or habit that a person has, especially a moral one such as honesty or loyalty
Patience is not one of my virtues.
teaching children the virtues of discipline and self-control
a. [COUNTABLE] a quality that is useful in a particular activity
Obedience is an important military virtue.
b. [UNCOUNTABLE] FORMAL a way of behaving in which you do what is morally right and avoid things that are morally wrong
2. [COUNTABLE] an advantage or a good feature that something has that makes it better than something else
*virtue of: One virtue of the plan is that it is cheaper to implement.
*preach/proclaim/extol the virtues of (=tell people about how good something is): She goes on lecture tours to preach the virtues of free-market capitalism.
3. [UNCOUNTABLE] OLD-FASHIONED a woman’s virginity
Consequence(n.)
a result or effect of something
She said exactly what she felt, without fear of the consequences.
*consequence of: The consequence of such policies will inevitably be higher taxes.
*serious/disastrous/dire consequences: Climate change could have disastrous consequences for farmers.
*economic/social/health consequences: Consider the long-term health consequences carefully before deciding.
Mortal(a.)
1. human and not able to live for ever
His heart attack made him realize that he is mortal.
2. serious enough to cause death
a mortal wound/blow/injury
a. likely to end with someone’s death
mortal combat/struggle
3. used for emphasizing that a particular feeling is extremely strong
He lived in mortal fear that they would find out about his past.
Migration(n.)
1. the process by which people or animals migrate to another place or country
2. COMPUTING the process of starting to use a different computer system, or of making someone do this
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American Literature (2)
