Topic vocabulary |
| accident (n) |
something that happens without being planned |
I didn't do it on purpose - it was an accident! |
| assume (v) |
to believe that something is true, even though
you cannot be certain |
I assume everyone here has an e-mail
address. |
| cause (v) |
to make something happen, usually something
bad |
Bad weather continues to cause problems for
travellers. |
| cause (n) |
an event, thing, or person that makes
something happen |
We had to write an essay on the causes of
the First World War. |
| claim (v) |
to say that something is true, even though
there is no definite proof |
He claims he is innocent. |
|
| complain (v) |
to say that you are not happy about something |
She complained that it was too hot. |
| convince (v) |
to make someone believe that something
is true; to persuade someone to do something |
He failed to convince the judge that he was
innocent. |
| criticise (v) |
to say what you think is wrong or bad about
something or someone |
Why are you always criticising me? |
| deny (v) |
to say that something is not true |
He still denies stealing the money. |
| discussion (n) |
a conversation about something important |
We need to have a discussion about your
schoolwork. |
|
| doubt (v) |
to think that something is probably not true,
probably does not exist, or probably will
not happen |
‘Do you think they'll win?’ 'I doubt it.' |
| doubt (n) |
a feeling of not being certain about something |
There’s no doubt about it - we’re in trouble. |
| encourage (v) |
to give someone confidence or hope |
Mum always encouraged us when we took
part in competitions. |
| get rid of (v phr) |
to throw away, give away, or sell something
that you no longer want or need |
We’re moving, so we have to get rid of a lot
of our furniture. |
| gossip (v) |
to talk about other people or about things that
are not important |
You shouldn't gossip about people. |
|
| gossip (n) |
talk or a conversation about things that are
not important or about people's private lives |
Here's an interesting piece of gossip for you! |
| ideal (adj) |
perfect |
Upgrading your computer seems the ideal
solution. |
| insult (v) |
to say or do something that is offensive |
You'll insult the cook if you don't at least
taste the meal. |
| insult (n) |
an offensive remark |
I’ve never heard such a dreadful insult. |
| investigate (v) |
to try to find out all the facts about something
in order to learn the truth about it |
We sent a reporter to investigate the rumour. |
|
| negative (adj) |
harmful or bad |
Does TV have a negative effect on children? |
| positive (adj) |
a positive experience, situation, result, etc
is a good one |
School was a totally positive experience for me. |
| praise (v) |
to express strong approval or admiration for
someone or something |
If you never praise your kids, how can they
know when they're doing something right? |
| praise (n) |
an expression of strong approval or admiration |
I never got much praise as a child. |
| pretend (v) |
to behave in a particular way because you
want someone to believe that something is
true when it is not |
She closed her eyes and pretended to be
asleep. |
|
| purpose (n) |
an aim or use |
The purpose of this dictionary is to help
students of English. |
| refuse (v) |
to say that you will not do or accept something,
or will not let someone do something |
I asked him to apologise, but he refused. |
| result (v) |
to cause or produce something |
The fight resulted in three people being hurt. |
| result (n) |
something that is caused directly by
something else |
He said the argument was the result of a
misunderstanding. |
| rumour (n) |
something that people are saying that may
or may not be true |
A student had been spreading rumours about
the teachers. |
|
| sensible (adj) |
reasonable and practical |
This seems to be a sensible way of dealing
with the problem. |
| serious (adj) |
bad or dangerous enough to make you
worried |
It's not a serious problem. |
| spare (adj) |
kept in addition to other similar things, so
that you can use it if you need it |
Bring a towel and some spare clothes. |
| theory (n) |
an idea that you believe is true, although
you have no proof |
I have my own theory about why he left. |
| thought (n) |
a word, idea, or image that comes into your
mind |
I’ve just had an interesting thought. |
| warn (v) |
to tell someone about a possible problem
or danger, so that they can avoid it or deal
with it |
Police are warning everyone in the area to
take extra care when going out alone. |
