UG ETV1 VOC - Word List - Full detail

(on) the verge of sth

Definition: to be very close to experiencing or achieving something
Notes: E.g. 'Her husband's violent and abusive behaviour drove her to the verge of despair.'
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Lexical: phrase

a bird's eye view

Definition: 1) a view from a high angle as if seen by a bird in flight, 2) an overall or cursory look at something
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Lexical: phrase

a change of heart

Definition: when you have a change of heart, you change your opinion or feelings about something
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Lexical: phrase

a dim view

Definition: having a negative, unfavourable, or disapproving view.
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Lexical: phrase

a far cry from

Definition: to be very different to
Notes: E.g. 'This flat is a far cry from the house they had before.'
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Lexical: phrase

a plethora of sth

Definition: overabundance, excess, surplus
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Lexical: phrase

a priori

Definition: relating to or denoting reasoning or knowledge which proceeds from theoretical deduction rather than from observation or experience
Notes: Can be used as an adverb.
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Lexical: adjective

aberration

Definition: a state or condition markedly different from the norm
Notes: E.g. 'An example of a mental aberration is schizophrenia.'
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Lexical: noun

abide by

Definition: to accept or act in accordance with (a rule, decision, or recommendation)
Notes: E.g. 'A police officer must abide by the law at all times.'
Synonym: to cling to
Antonym: infringe, contravene
Lexical: verb

abrasive

Definition: rude, unfriendly
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Lexical: adjective

abysmal

Definition: extremely bad
Notes:
Synonym: appalling, dreadful, awful, terrible, atrocious
Antonym:
Lexical: adjective

acumen

Definition: quickness, accuracy, and keenness of judgment or insight
Notes: E.g. 'A brilliant acumen in agricultural matters had made the old man a legend in the district.'
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Lexical: noun

adamant

Definition: 1) refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind, 2) not giving in or relenting
Notes: E.g. 'He is adamant that he is not going to resign.'
Synonym: unyielding, inflexible
Antonym:
Lexical: adjective

adhere to

Definition: to follow closely, observe, or represent
Notes: E.g. 'The account adhered firmly to fact.'
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Lexical: verb

administer

Definition: 1) to manage and be responsible for the running of (a business, organization, etc.), 2) to be responsible for the implementation or use of (law or resources), 3) to dispense or apply (a remedy or drug)
Notes:
Synonym: 1) to manage, to control, 3) to give
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Lexical: verb

adverse

Definition: preventing success or development
Notes:
Synonym: harmful, unfavourable
Antonym:
Lexical: adjective

adversity

Definition: a difficult or unpleasant situation
Notes: E.g. 'Because of the five-year drought, the farmer experienced a long period of adversity.'
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Lexical: noun

affluent

Definition: having an abundance of wealth, property or other material goods
Notes:
Synonym: prosperous, rich
Antonym: destitute, poor, unsuccessful
Lexical: adjective

aforementioned

Definition: denoting a thing or person previously mentioned
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Lexical: adjective

agile

Definition: 1) able to move quickly and easily, 2) able to think or understand quickly and easily
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Lexical: adjective