Inside Out

Text and email language – Glossary

abbreviation noun [count] generation noun [count]
short form of a word or phrase a group of people in society who are born and live
MIA is an abbreviation for ‘Missing in Action’. around the same time
People retiring today are wealthier than the previous
appropriate adjective generation.
suitable or right for a particular situation or
purpose informal adjective
This isn’t the appropriate time to discuss the used about language or behaviour that is suitable for
problem. using with friends but not in formal situations

character noun [count] invent verb

a person in a book, play, film etc to design or create something such as a machine or
The film’s central character is played by George process that did not exist before
Clooney. Alfred Nobel invented dynamite.

common adjective out loud phrase

happening frequently, or existing in large amounts in a way that other people can hear
or numbers Each child reads out loud.
The most common criticism was that he was
always late. save verb
to avoid using something such as money, time, or
communicate verb energy, or to use less of it
to express thoughts, feelings, or information to Travelling by plane is more expensive, but it saves
another person or animal, for example by speaking time.
or writing
They communicate with each other via email. speech noun [count]
a part of a play when a particular character speaks for
complain verb a long time
to say that you are not satisfied with something the king’s dying speech
‘It’s far too hot,’ she complained.
standard adjective
create verb generally accepted as correct
to make something new or original that did not the teaching of Standard English
exist before
How do I create a new file? study noun [count]
a research project that examines a problem or a
disappear verb particular subject
to no longer happen or exist The study showed a link between radiation leaks and
The symptoms should disappear within a few days. cancer.

divide verb summarise verb

to separate people or things into smaller groups or to provide a short account of the most important facts
parts or features of something
Divide the class into three groups. After summarising the main arguments, she asked us
to vote.
drop verb
to not include something text verb
He asked us to drop the word ‘liar’ from our to send a written message to someone using a mobile
headline. phone
Gemma didn’t call or text me all day.
effect noun [count/uncount]
a change that is produced in one person or thing by work noun [count/uncount]
another something produced by a writer, painter, musician, or
Any change in lifestyle will have an effect on your other artist
health. This is a minor but moving work of literature.

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Copyright © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2008. Definitions from the Macmillan English Dictionary 2 Edition © 2007 and the
Macmillan Essential Dictionary © 2003, A&C Black Publishers Ltd www.macmillandictionaries.com