Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

accomplish verb [T ]
to finish something successfully or to achieve something
The students accomplished the task in less than ten minutes.
She accomplished such a lot during her visit.
I feel as if I've accomplished nothing since I left my job.
account (to sb) for sth phrasal verb
to explain the reason for something or the cause of something
Can you account for your absence last Friday?
She was unable to account for over $5 000 (= she could not explain where the money was).
He has to account to his manager for (= tell his manager about and explain) all his movements.

afford verb GIVE

2. [T] FORMAL to allow someone to have something pleasant or necessary
The hut afforded little protection from the elements.
[+ two objects] Her seat afforded her an uninterrupted view of the stage.

affront noun [C ]
a remark or action intended to insult or offend someone
He regarded the comments as an affront to his dignity.

affront verb [T usually passive ] FORMAL

to insult or offend someone
I was most affronted by his comments.
an affronted look/glance

aid verb [T ]
1.

to help
Huge projects designed to aid poorer countries can sometimes do more harm than good.
His excuse for drinking brandy is that it's said to aid digestion.
2. aid and abet sb LEGAL OR HUMOROUS
to help someone to do something illegal or wrong
Three tax inspectors were accused of aiding and abetting the men charged with fraud.

alarming adjective
causing worry or fear
alarming news
There has been an alarming rise in the rate of inflation.

alter verb CHANGE

1.

[I or T] to change something, usually slightly, or to cause the characteristics of something to

change
We've had to alter some of our plans.
Although long-distance phone calls are going up, the charge for local calls will not alter.
Giving up our car has radically altered our lifestyle.
2. [T] to change the size of clothes so that they fit better
I took the coat back to the shop to have it altered.

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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

arrangement noun PLAN

1.

[C usually plural] a plan for how something will happen

They'd made all the arrangements for the party.
[+ to infinitive] Arrangements were made to move the prisoners to another jail.
What are your current child-care arrangements?
2. [C or U] an agreement between two people or groups about how something happens or will
happen
[+ that] We had an arrangement that he would clean the house and I would cook.
I'm sure we can come to an arrangement (= reach an agreement).
You can only withdraw money from this account by (prior) arrangement (= after making plans to
do so) with the bank.

avenue noun [C ] POSSIBILITY

3. a method or way of doing something; a possibility
We should explore/pursue every avenue in the search for an answer to this problem.
Only two avenues are open to us - either we accept his offer or we give up the fight completely.

balloon verb [I ]
1. to get bigger and rounder
I ballooned when I became pregnant with my second baby.
2. to quickly increase in size, weight or importance
The rumours soon ballooned into a full-grown scandal.
beef sth up phrasal verb [M ]
to make something stronger or more important
We need to find some new players to beef up the team.
The company has plans to beef up its production.
Your report on the new car park is fine, but why don't you beef it up a bit with some figures?

body noun GROUP OF PEOPLE

7.

[C + singular or plural verb] a group of people who have joined together for a particular reason
a governing body
an advisory body
The RSPCA is a respected body working for animal welfare.
There is a large body of people who are unaware of their basic rights.
8. in a body FORMAL
If people do something in a body, they do it together as a group, in an official way
The cleaning staff went in a body to the manager to complain.

bring sth about phrasal verb [M ]

to cause something to happen
He brought about his company's collapse by his reckless spending.

bypass verb [T ]
1. to avoid something by going around it
We were in a hurry so we decided to bypass Canterbury because we knew there'd be a lot of
traffic.
2. to ignore a rule or official authority
They bypassed the committee and went straight to senior management.

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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

conform verb [I ]
to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour which are expected by a group or society
At our school, you were required to conform, and there was no place for originality.

contest verb [T ] ARGUE

1. If you contest a formal statement, a claim, a judge's decision, or a legal case, you say formally that
it is wrong or unfair and try to have it changed
We will certainly contest any claims made against the safety of our products.

convince verb [T ]
to persuade someone or make them certain
He managed to convince the jury of his innocence.
[+ (that)] It's useless trying to convince her (that) she doesn't need to lose any weight.
[+ to infinitive] I hope this will convince you to change your mind.

convincing adjective
1. able to make you believe that something is true or right
a convincing argument/explanation
convincing evidence
I didn't find the ending of the film very convincing.
2. a convincing win/victory
a win or victory in which the person or team that wins is much better than the person or team
they are competing against
They won a convincing victory.

correlate verb [T]

Stress levels and heart disease are strongly correlated (= connected).

correspond verb [I ] MATCH

1.

to match or be similar or equal

The money I've saved corresponds roughly to the amount I need for my course.
The American FBI corresponds to the British MI5.
His story of what happened that night didn't correspond with the witness's version.

corresponding adjective
similar, or resulting from something else
Company losses were 50 per cent worse than in the corresponding period last year.
As the course becomes more difficult, there's usually a corresponding drop in attendance.

counter verb [I or T ]
to react to something with an opposing opinion or action; to defend yourself against something
The Prime Minister countered the opposition's claims about health service cuts by saying that the
government had increased spending in this area.
When criticisms were made of the school's performance, the parents' group countered with details
of its examination results.
Extra police have been moved into the area to counter the risk of violence.

counterproductive adjective
having an effect which is opposite to the one that is intended or wanted

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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

Improved safety measures in cars can be counterproductive as they encourage people to drive
faster.

course noun DEVELOPMENT

3.

[S] the often gradual development of something, or the way something happens, or a way of
doing something
Did the scandal have any effect on the course of the election?
During the/In the course of (= During) the interview it became clear that he was not suitable
for the job.
What would be an appropriate course (of action) in such a situation?
If our rivals are spending more on advertising, we'll have to follow the same course.
The defendants are also accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
4. in the course of time UK
after a period of time
I expect they plan to have children in the course of time.
5. in/with the course of time
gradually
With the course of time, I've learned to live with my disability.

curb verb [T ]
to control or limit something that is not wanted
The Government should act to curb tax evasion.

deem verb [T not continuous ] FORMAL

to consider or judge something in a particular way
[+ object + noun or adjective] The area has now been deemed safe.
[+ noun or adjective] We will provide help whenever you deem it appropriate.
[+ object + to infinitive] Anyone not paying the registration fee by 31 March will be deemed to
have withdrawn from the scheme.

demographics plural noun

the quantity and characteristics of the people who live in a particular area, especially in relation to
their age, how much money they have and what they spend it on
The demographics of the country have changed dramatically in recent years.
No one has exact demographics on (= information about the quantity and characteristics of the
people who live in) the area.

depict verb [T ]
to represent or show something in a picture or story
Her paintings depict the lives of ordinary people in the last century.
In the book, he depicts his father as a tyrant.
[+ -ing verb] People were shocked by the advertisement which depicted a woman beating her
husband.

derive verb
derive sth from sth
to get something from something else
The institute derives all its money from foreign investments.
She derives great pleasure/satisfaction from playing the violin.

differ verb [I ]

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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

1.

to be not like something or someone else, either physically or in another way

The twins look alike, but they differ in temperament.
His views differ considerably from those of his parents.
The findings of the various studies differ significantly/markedly/radically .
The incidence of the illness differs greatly between men and women.
2. FORMAL to disagree
Economists differ on the cause of inflation.
I beg to differ with you on that point.

disorder noun ILLNESS

2. [C or U] an illness of the mind or body
a blood disorder
The family have a history of mental disorder.

diverse adjective
varied or different
Students from countries as diverse as Colombia and Lithuania use Cambridge textbooks.
New York is a very culturally/ethnically diverse city.

eager adjective
wanting very much to do or have something, especially something interesting or enjoyable
the children's eager faces
[+ to infinitive] She sounded very eager to meet you.
They crowded round the spokesperson, eager for any news.

embodiment noun
the embodiment of sth
someone or something that represents a quality or an idea exactly
He was the embodiment of the English gentleman.
She was portrayed in the papers as the embodiment of evil.

embody verb [T ] FORMAL

1. to represent a quality or an idea exactly
She embodied good sportsmanship on the playing field.
2. to include as part of something
Kennett embodied in one man an unusual range of science, music and religion.

employ verb USE

2. [T] FORMAL to use something
Sophisticated statistical analysis was employed to obtain these results.

employ verb SPEND TIME

3. be employed in doing sth FORMAL
to spend time doing something
He was busily employed in lacing up his shoes.

encourage verb [T ]
1.

to make someone more likely to do something, or to make something more likely to happen
[T + to infinitive] We were encouraged to learn foreign languages at school.

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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

2.

The council is encouraging the development of the property for both employment and recreation.
to talk or behave in a way that gives someone confidence to do something
They've always encouraged me in everything I've wanted to do.

energize , UK USUALLY energise verb [T ]

to make someone feel energetic or eager
I felt very energized after my holiday.

entice verb [T ]
to persuade someone to do something by offering them something pleasant
The adverts entice the customer into buying things they don't really want.
People are being enticed away from the profession by higher salaries elsewhere.
[+ to infinitive] A smell of coffee in the doorway enticed people to enter the shop.

exhibit verb [I or T ]
to show something publicly
He frequently exhibits at the art gallery.
In the summer the academy will exhibit several prints which are rarely seen.
He exhibited great self-control considering her rudeness.

experimentation noun [U ]
the process of trying methods, activities, etc. to discover what effect they have
Children need the opportunity for experimentation.
Extensive experimentation is needed before new drugs can be sold.
Experimentation with illegal drugs is dangerous.
fall apart phrasal verb STOP WORKING
2. If an organization, system or agreement falls apart, it fails or stops working effectively
The deal fell apart because of a lack of financing.
Their marriage fell apart when she found out about her husband's affair.

foothold noun [C ] STRONG POSITION

2. a strong first position from which further progress can be made
We are still trying to get/gain a foothold in the Japanese market.

fore noun
to the fore
to public attention or into a noticeable position
Various ecological issues have come to the fore since the discovery of the hole in the Earth's
ozone layer.
The prime minister has deliberately brought to the fore those ministers with a more caring
image.

fortify verb [T ]
to strengthen something, especially in order to protect it
a fortified town
They hurriedly fortified the village with barricades of carts.
The argument had fortified her resolve to prove she was right.
He fortified himself with a drink and a sandwich before driving on.
a fruit drink fortified with vitamin C (= with vitamin C added)

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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

fulfil (-ll-) , US USUALLY fulfill verb [T ] MAKE HAPPEN

1. to do something that is expected, hoped for or promised or to cause it to happen
A school fails if it does not fulfil the needs/requirements of its pupils.
At the age of 45, she finally fulfilled her ambition to run a marathon.
Zoos fulfil an important function in the protection of rare species.
He has failed to fulfil his duties as a father.
We're looking for a very specific sort of person and this woman seems to fulfil all of our criteria.
So did the course fulfil all your expectations?
We're suing our suppliers for failing to fulfil their contract.

fulfilling adjective
making you feel happy and satisfied
Nursing is hard work, but it can be very fulfilling.

grim adjective (grimmer, grimmest) WITHOUT HOPE

1.

worrying, without hope

The future looks grim.

humanity noun PEOPLE

1. [U] people in general
The massacre was a crime against humanity.

incite verb [T ]
to encourage someone to do or feel something unpleasant or violent
She incited racial hatred by distributing anti-Semitic leaflets.
[+ to infinitive] She was expelled for inciting her classmates to rebel against their teachers.
They denied inciting the crowd to violence.

influx noun [U ]
the arrival of a large number of people or things at the same time
Turkey is expecting an influx of several thousand refugees over the next few days.

initiate verb [T ] START

1. SLIGHTLY FORMAL to cause something to begin
Who initiated the violence?

initiate verb [T ] TEACH

2. to teach someone about an area of knowledge, or to allow someone into a group by a special
ceremony
At the age of eleven, Harry was initiated into the art of golf by his father.
Each culture had a special ritual to initiate boys into manhood.

inroads plural noun

make inroads
to start to have a direct and noticeable effect (on something)
The government is definitely making inroads into the problem of unemployment.

landmass noun [C ] SPECIALIZED

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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

a large area of land that is in one piece and not broken up by seas

linear adjective CONNECTION

3. FORMAL involving a series of events or thoughts in which one follows another one directly
These mental exercises are designed to break linear thinking habits and encourage the creativity
that is needed for innovation.
4. FORMAL describes a relationship between two things that is direct or clear
Is there a linear relationship between salaries and productivity?

manner noun WAY

1.

[S] the way in which something is done

She stared at me in an accusing manner.
He was elected in the normal manner.
It was the manner of her death that stuck in the public's mind.
2. in the manner of sth
in the style of something
Her latest film is a suspense thriller very much in the manner of Hitchcock.

meltdown noun NUCLEAR

1. [C or U] an extremely dangerous situation in a nuclear power station in which the nuclear fuel
becomes very hot and melts through its container and escapes into the environment

merit noun [C or U ]
1. FORMAL the quality of being good and deserving praise
an entertaining film with little artistic merit
Her ideas have merit.
Brierley's book has the merit of being both informative and readable.
2. the merits of sth
the advantages something has compared to something else
We discussed the merits of herbal tea.
3. on your (own) merits
according to the qualities you have or have shown, without considering any other information or
comparing you to someone else
The committee say they will consider/judge each applicant on his or her own merits.

notably adverb
1.

especially or most importantly

They have begun attracting investors, most notably big Japanese financial houses.
2. to an important degree, or in a way which can or should be noticed
The newspapers are notably biased.

noteworthy adjective SLIGHTLY

FORMAL

deserving attention because important or interesting

a noteworthy example/event
It is noteworthy that one-third of students do not pay any tuition fees.
King Darius I is noteworthy for his administrative reforms, military conquests, and religious
toleration.

nourish verb [T ]
1. to provide people or living things with food in order to make them grow and keep them healthy

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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

Children need plenty of good fresh food to nourish them.
She looks happy and well nourished.
This cream is supposed to help nourish your skin.
2. FORMAL If you nourish a feeling, belief or plan, you think about it a lot and encourage it
Lisa has long nourished the hope of becoming a famous writer.

nourishing adjective
A nourishing drink or food makes you healthy and strong
Sweets aren't very nourishing.

nourishment noun [U ]
food that someone needs to make them grow and keep them healthy
Young babies obtain all the nourishment they need from their mother's milk.

outweigh verb [T ]
to be greater or more important than something else
The benefits of this treatment far outweigh any risks.

palatable adjective TASTE

1. FORMAL describes food or drink that has a pleasant taste
a very palatable wine
The meal was barely palatable.

palate noun
1. [C] the top part of the inside of your mouth
2. [C usually singular] a person's ability to taste and judge good food and wine
a discriminating palate
pertain to sth phrasal verb FORMAL
to be connected with a particular subject, event or situation
We are only interested in the parts of the proposals that pertain to local issues.

plausible adjective
1. seeming likely to be true, or able to be believed
a plausible explanation/excuse
2. DISAPPROVING describes someone who appears to be honest and telling the truth, even if they are
not
a plausible salesman

pose verb CAUSE

1.

[T] to cause something, especially a problem or difficulty

Nuclear weapons pose a threat to everyone.
The mountain terrain poses particular problems for civil engineers.

precedent noun
1.

[C] an action, situation or decision which has already happened and which can be used as a
reason why a similar action or decision should be performed or taken
There are several precedents for promoting people who don't have formal qualifications.
Some politicians fear that agreeing to the concession would set a dangerous precedent.

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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

2.

[U] the way that something has been done in the past which therefore shows that it is the correct
way
Would it be breaking with precedent for the bride to make a speech?
3. [C] LEGAL a decision about a particular law case which makes it likely that other similar cases will
be decided in the same way
The judgment on pension rights has established/set a precedent.

precursor noun [C ] SLIGHTLY

FORMAL

something which happened or existed before another thing, especially if it either developed into it or
had an influence on it
Sulphur dioxide is the main precursor of acid rain.
Biological research has often been a precursor to medical breakthroughs.

preventive adjective [before noun ] (ALSO preventative)

intended to stop something before it happens
In the past 10 years, preventive measures have radically reduced levels of tooth decay in
children.
preventative medicine

promote verb ENCOURAGE

1.

[T] to encourage the popularity, sale, development or existence of something

Advertising companies are always having to think up new ways to promote products.
The Institute is intended to promote an understanding of the politics and culture of the Arab world.
Greenpeace works to promote awareness of the dangers that threaten our planet today.
It has long been known that regular exercise promotes all-round good health.

proximity noun [U ] FORMAL

the state of being near in space or time
The best thing about the location of the house is its proximity to the town centre.
put sth in/put sth into sth phrasal verb [M ]
to spend a lot of time or effort doing something
You've obviously put a lot of work in on your garden.
If I put in some extra hours (= spend some extra hours working) today, I can have some time off
tomorrow.
We've put a lot of time and effort into making the house look nice.

ramification noun [C usually plural ]

the possible results of an action
Have you considered all the ramifications of your suggestion?

regardless adverb
despite; not being affected by something
The plan for a new office tower went ahead regardless of local opposition.
She knew it was dangerous to visit him except at night, but she set out regardless (of the risk).
This job is open to all, regardless of previous experience.

reliant adjective
He's completely reliant on his wheelchair to get about.

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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

remote adjective DISTANT

1.

far away in distance, time or relation

remote galaxies
It happened in the remote past, so no one worries about it any more.
They take little interest in a conflict far from their homes and remote from their everyday
problems.
2. describes an area, house or village that is a long way from any towns or cities
a remote mountain village

result noun BECAUSE OF

1.

[C or S] something that happens or exists because of something else

The road has been widened, but the result is just more traffic.
His broken leg is the direct result of his own carelessness.
I tried to repaint the kitchen walls with disastrous results.
To ensure good/the best results, use Italian tomatoes and fresh basil.
2. as a result of sth
because of something
Profits have declined as a result of the recent drop in sales.
3. [C usually plural] a good or pleasing effect
We've spent a lot of money on advertising and we're beginning to see the results.
She's an excellent coach who knows how to get results.

rewarding adjective
giving a reward, especially by making you feel satisfied that you have done something important or
useful, or done something well
Is it a rewarding job?
Textbook writing can be an intellectually and financially rewarding activity.

satisfaction noun
1.

[C or U] a pleasant feeling which you get when you receive something you wanted, or when you
have done something you wanted to do
She looked at the finished painting with satisfaction.
She derived/obtained great satisfaction from/out of helping other people.
For me, job satisfaction is more important than the money.
She had the satisfaction of knowing that she'd done everything she could.
2. [U] FORMAL when your complaint or problem is dealt with in a way you consider acceptable
You've sold me a faulty product and I demand satisfaction (= you must return my money or give
me a new product).
3. [U] fulfilment (= achievement) of a need or wish
the satisfaction of one's sexual desires
4. to sb's satisfaction
a. in a way that a particular person can believe or accept
The boy explained to the satisfaction of the court why he had lied.
b. in a way that a particular person feels pleased or satisfied with
He won't get paid until he completes the job to my satisfaction.

shift verb MOVE OR CHANGE

1.

[I or T] to (cause something or someone to) move or change from one position or direction to
another, especially slightly
She shifted (her weight) uneasily from one foot to the other.
The wind is expected to shift (to the east) tomorrow.

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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

2.

Media attention has shifted recently onto environmental issues.

[T] MAINLY US to move the gears of a vehicle into different positions in order to make it go faster
or slower
In cars that are automatics, you don't have to bother with shifting gears.

shrink verb (shrank, shrunk) BECOME SMALLER

1.

[I or T] to become smaller, or to make something smaller

Your sweater will shrink if you wash it at too high a temperature.
The company's profits have shrunk from 5.5 million to 1.25 million.
The productivity improvements have shrunk our costs by 25%.

sizeable , sizable adjective

large
a sizeable amount/area/house

stimulating adjective
1. If something is stimulating, it encourages new ideas
a stimulating discussion
Universities have been asked to make their courses more attractive and stimulating.
2. describes someone who makes you feel enthusiastic and full of ideas
a really stimulating teacher
3. If an activity is stimulating, it causes your body to be active
Aerobics is one of the most stimulating forms of exercise.

stupendous adjective
very surprising, usually in a pleasing way, especially by being large in amount or size
He ran up stupendous debts through his extravagant lifestyle.
Stupendous news! We've won 500 000!

throughout preposition , adverb

in every part, or during the whole period of time
People throughout the country are out of work.
He yawned throughout the performance.
The school has been repainted throughout.

trait noun [C ]
a particular characteristic that can produce a particular type of behaviour
His sense of humour is one of his better traits.
Arrogance is a very unattractive personality/character trait.

tune noun UNDERSTANDING

4. be in/out of tune with sb/sth
If you are in tune with people or ideas, you understand or agree with them, and if you are out of
tune with them, you do not
Much of his success comes from being in tune with what his customers want.
Her theories were out of tune with the scientific thinking of the time.

unpalatable adjective FORMAL

1. describes a fact or idea that is unpleasant or shocking and therefore difficult to accept

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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 3rd Edition

the unpalatable truth/facts about the war
2. describes food that is unpleasant to taste or eat

unprecedented adjective
never having happened or existed in the past
This century has witnessed environmental destruction on an unprecedented scale.

uphold verb [T ] (upheld, upheld)

to defend or keep a principle or law, or to state that a decision which has already been made,
especially a legal one, is correct
As a police officer you are expected to uphold the law whether you agree with it or not.
Judge Davis upheld the county court's decision.

viability noun [U ]
1. ability to work as intended or to succeed
Rising costs are threatening the viability of many businesses.
2. SPECIALIZED ability to continue to exist or develop as a living being
As the world population of Hawaiian geese has shrunk to very small numbers, the bird's continuing
viability is in doubt.

viable adjective
1.

able to work as intended or able to succeed

In order to make the company viable, it will unfortunately be necessary to reduce staffing levels.
I am afraid your plan is not commercially/economically/financially/politically viable.
2. SPECIALIZED able to continue to exist as or develop into a living being
There is a continuing debate about the age at which a human fetus can be considered viable.

vicinity noun [S ]
the immediately surrounding area
There are several hotels in the immediate vicinity of the station.

witness verb [T ] HAPPEN

3. FORMAL When a place or period witnesses a particular event, the event happens in that place or
during that period
This university has witnessed quite a few changes over the years.
The past few years have witnessed momentous changes throughout Eastern Europe.

witness verb [T ] SHOW

4. to show or give proof of something
This year's charity ball was the most successful one ever, as witnessed by the number of tickets
sold.
The programme aroused strong feelings - witness the number of letters received.

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