Essential Vocabulary

Essential Vocabulary1.[C] an organization that has been established in order to provide money for aparticular group of people in need of help or for a particular type of study;[U] when an organization, state, etc. is established.fund/foundation/fundingThe company has agreed to fund my trip to Australia.the Environmental Research Foundationthe foundation of a new state2.forming the base, from which everything else originates; more important thananything else.fundamentalWe need to make fundamental changes to the way in which we treat our environment. It's one of the fundamental differences between men and women.fundamentally fundamentals3.very sudden or noticeable, or full of action and excitement.dramatica dramatic change/improvementWe watched scenes of the dramatic (= exciting) rescue on the news.drama dramatically4.[U] the state of things as they are, rather than as they are imagined to be;[C] a fact.realityThe reality of the situation is that unless we find some new funding soon, the youth centre will have to close.He escaped from reality by going to the cinema every afternoon.5.to finish something successfully or to achieve something.accomplishThe students accomplished the task in less than ten minutes.If you are fit, the climb can be accomplished in less than three hours. accomplishment accomplished6.to get something, especially by asking for it, buying it, working for it or producingit from something else.obtainto obtain permissionFirst editions of these books are now almost impossible to obtain.In the second experiment they obtained a very clear result.obtainable7.to obtain something that is useful, that gives you an advantage, or that is in someway positive, especially over a period of time;when you get something useful or positivegainThe Nationalist Party have gained a lot of support in the south of the country.What do you hope to gain from the course?The thieves gained entrance through an upstairs window that was left open.She's finally gained (in) confidence over the last couple of years.8.able to be obtained, used, or reached.availableIs this dress available in a larger size?There's no money available for an office party this year.Every available officer will be assigned to the investigation.Do you have any double rooms available this weekend?availability9.to give something, especially money, in order to provide or achieve somethingtogether with other people;to write articles for a newspaper, magazine or book.contributeCome to the meeting if you feel you have something to contribute.Her family has contributed £50, 000 to the fund.She contributes to several magazines.contributor contribution contributory10.to give or to be a good reason for.justifyAre you sure that these evidences are justified?Her actions were quite justifiable (= there was a good reason for them) in the circumstances.justifiable justifiably justificationEssential Vocabulary11.correct, exact and without any mistakes.accurateThe dates they have used are just not accurate.Her novel is an accurate reflection of life in post-war Spain.We hope to become more accurate in predicting earthquakes.accurately accuracy12.to say that something is true or is a fact, although you cannot prove it and otherpeople might not believe it.claimThe company claims (that) it is not responsible for the pollution in the river.He claims to have met the President, but I don't believe him.All parties have claimed success in yesterday's elections.An unknown terrorist group has claimed responsibility for this morning's bomb attack.13.to represent or describe someone or something in a painting, film, book or otherartistic work.portrayThe painting portrays a beautiful young woman in a blue dress.The writer portrays life in a small village at the turn of the century.14.to use something such as authority, power, influence, etc. in order to makesomething happen.exertIf you were to exert your influence they might change their decision.Some managers exert considerable pressure on their staff to work extra hours without being paid.(MAKE AN EFFORT) verbI was too tired to exert myself.exertion15.a single person or thing, especially when compared to the group or set to whichthey belong;existing and considered separately from the other things or people in a group;belonging or relating to, or suitable for, people or things that are different or particular in some way;a person who thinks or behaves in their own original wayindividualEvery individual has rights which must never be taken away.Each individual table is finished by hand.We deal with each case on an individual basis.Marion has a very individual writing style.The children will first sing individually and then together as a group.Individually individualize16.(crime)to do something illegal or something that is considered wrong;(promise)to promise or give your loyalty, time or money to a particular principle, person or plan of action;(send)to send someone officially to prison or hospitalcommitHe was sent to prison for a crime that he didn't commit.Fresh evidence has recently come to light which suggests that he didn't in fact commit the murder.The government must commit itself to improving health care.I think I can come but I won't commit myself till I know for sure.a committed Christian/teacherWe are committed to withdrawing our troops by the end of the year.Try the product out in your own home with absolutely no commitment to buy!He's been committed to prison.committed commitment17.a small group of people chosen to represent a larger organization and either makedecisions or gather information for itcommitteeShe sits on/is on the school's development committee.The local council have just set up a committee to study recycling.18.(argue) 坚决主张、劝说to formally request that especially a legal or officialdecision is changed;a request especially to a court of law to change a previous decision;(request)to make a serious or formal request, especially to the public, for money or help(attract)to interest or attract someonethe quality in someone or something that makes them attractive or interesting appealThe footballer appealed to the referee for a free kick.They're appealing to the High Court to reduce the sentence to a fine.The police are appealing to the public for any information about the missing girl. Church leaders have appealed to the government to halt the war.They're launching (= starting) an appeal to raise money for famine victims.It's a programme designed to appeal mainly to 16 to 25 year-olds.Her films have a wide appeal.appealing19.a general development or change in a situation or in the way that people arebehavinga new development in clothing, make-up, etctrendThere's been a downward/upward trend in sales in the last few years.He writes for some trendy magazine for the under-30s.This is where all the North London trendies go for a night out.trendy20.to improve the quality, amount or strength of somethingenhanceThese scandals will not enhance the organization's reputation/image.Music can be a mood enhancer.enhancement enhancerEssential Vocabulary21.to encourage the popularity, sale, development or existence of something promoteAdvertising companies are always having to think up new ways to promote products. The band are currently touring to promote their new album.promoter(推销员、出资人)22.activities to advertise somethingwhen something is encouraged to happen or developpromotionthe promotion of a healthy lifestyleHer promotion to Sales Manager took everyone by surprise.23.to speak, act or be present officially for another person or peopleto show or describe something or someone, to be a sign or symbol of something; representThey chose a famous barrister to represent them in court.He represents himself as an expert, but he knows nothing.To many people the Queen represents the former glory of Britain.representation representative24.to move someone or something from one place, vehicle, person or group toanother;to make something the legal property of another persontransferWe were transferred from one bus into another.Police are investigating how £20 million was illegally transferred from/out of the Trust's bank account.He threatened to give up football if his club didn't transfer him (= sell him to another team).She transferred the house to her daughter before she died.transference transferable25.not very willing to do something and therefore slow to do it.reluctantMany parents feel reluctant to talk openly with their children.She persuaded her reluctant husband to take a trip with her.She reluctantly agreed to step down as managing director.Her reluctance to talk to the press was quite understandable.26.to examine a crime, problem, statement, etc. carefully, especially to discover thetruthinvestigatePolice are investigating allegations of corruption involving senior executives.An investigation has been under way for several days into the disappearance of a thirteen-year-old boy.Children are encouraged to take an investigative approach to learning. investigation investigative investigator27.always behaving or happening in a similar, especially positive way;in agreement with other facts or with typical or previous behaviour, or having the same principles as something elseconsistentHer work is sometimes good, but the problem is she's not consistent.The President has consistently denied the rumours.We do not consider his behaviour to be consistent with the holding of a high-ranking job.consistently28.to give all of something, especially your time, effort or love, or yourself, tosomething you believe in or to a person;[passive] to use a space, area, time, etc. for a particular purposedevoteHe left government to devote more time to his family.She has devoted all her energies/life to the care of homeless people.At the age of 25, he decided to devote himself to God.devoted devotedly devotion29.(give oreders)to give orders, or state something exactly, with total authority;(order)an order which should be obeyed, often one which you give to yourself (speak)to speak something aloud for a person or machine to record the words said, so that they can be written down.dictateI wanted to take a year off, but my financial situation dictated that I got a job.The UN will dictate the terms of troop withdrawal from the region.The party's change of policy has been dictated by its need to win back the support of voters.She spent the morning dictating letters to her secretary.dictation30.central and importantpivotala pivotal figure/role/ideapivot:a fixed point supporting something which turns or balances;the central or most important person or thing in a situation.Essential Vocabulary31.(solve)to solve or end a problem or difficulty(decide)to make a decision formally or with determinationresolveThe couple resolved their differences and made an effort to get along.a successful resolution to the crisisShe resolved that she would never speak to him again.The company resolved to take no further action against the thieves.resolute resolutely resolution32.to treat a person or particular group of people differently, especially in a worseway from the way in which you treat other people, because of their skin colour, religion, sex, etc;to be able to see the difference between two things or peoplediscriminateShe felt she had been discriminated against because of her age.In order to increase the number of female representatives, the selection committee decided to discriminate in favour of women for three years.racial/sex discriminationdiscrimination discriminatory33.to show the meaning or truth of something more clearly, especially by givingexamples;to draw pictures for a book, magazine, etcillustrateThis latest conflict further illustrates the weakness of the UN.This delay is a perfect illustration of why we need a new computer system.Falling house prices are illustrative of the crisis facing the construction industry.a beautifully illustrated book/old manuscriptblack and white illustrationsillustration illustrator illustrativerge or of noticeable importanceconsiderableThe fire caused considerable damage to the church.He's considerably fatter than he was when I knew him.considerably35.extremely important or necessarycrucialHer work has been crucial to the project's success.It is crucial that the problem is tackled immediately.crucially36.to collect a large number of things over a long period of time;to graduallyincrease in number or amount.accumulateAs people accumulate more wealth, they tend to spend a greater proportion of their incomes.A thick layer of dust had accumulated in the room.Despite this accumulation of evidence, the Government persisted in doing nothing. accumulation37.to state or make known, especially publicly;to show that something is going tohappenannounceThe government has announced that public spending will be increased next year.The first few leaves announced the beginning of autumn.The President made an unexpected announcement this morning.a radio/TV announcerannouncement announcer38.to think that someone has committed a crime or done something wrong; to not trust;to doubt.suspectThree suspected terrorists have been arrested.Police have issued a photograph of the suspect.Her behaviour was very suspiciousHis strange behaviour aroused/raised his neighbours' suspicions.suspicions suspicious39.to not have or not have enough of something that is needed or wanted;the absenceof something or when there is not enough of it.lackHe just lacks a little confidence.We are lacking three members of staff due to illnessIf he fails it won't be for/through lack of effort (= he has certainly tried).He's totally lacking in charm.lacking40.to try to deal with something or someone;(in football or hockey) to try to take the ball from a player in the other team tackleThere are many ways of tackling this problem.He was tackled in the goalmouth.Essential Vocabulary41.to recognize someone or something and say or prove who or what they are identifyEven the smallest baby can identify its mother by her voice.The gunman in Wednesday's attack has been identified as Lee Giggs, an unemployed truck driver.Most of the bodies were badly burned, making identification almost impossible. Identifiable identification42.(own)to have or own something, or to have a particular quality(control) to take control over a person's mind, making that person behave in a very strange waypossessI don't possess a single DVD (= I don't have even one DVD).The possession of large amounts of money does not ensure happiness.a former overseas possessionWe've already bought the house but we won't take possession of it until May.He's a bit possessive about his CDs - I wouldn't dare ask to borrow them.Her boyfriend was getting too possessive so she finished with him.possessed possessive possessor43.(not pleased)saying that someone or something is bad or wrong(important)of the greatest importance to the way things might happen(giving opinions)giving opinions or judgements on books, plays, films, etc(serious)extremely serious or dangerouscriticalThe report is highly critical of safety standards at the factory.The President's support is critical (to this project).Both drivers are critical/in a critical condition (= so badly hurt that they might die) after the 120mph crash.They were both critically injured in the crash.critically criticize44.to make something more difficult to deal with, do or understandcomplicateIt will only complicate the situation if we invite his old girlfriend as well.The rescue operation has been complicated by bad weather.The breathing problem has now been complicated by a chest infection.Dave couldn't find his passport at the airport and then there were further complications when Fiona lost her baggage.If there are no complications, the doctor says that she'll be able to come home in two weeks.45.(quality)[C or U] the particular combination of qualities in a person or placethat makes them different from others(representation)a person represented in a film, play or story(person)a person, especially when you are describing a particular quality that they havecharacterOne of the joys of being a parent is watching the child's character develop.It's not in his character to be (= he is not usually) jealous.She had Mickey Mouse or some other cartoon/Disney character on her sweater. There were one or two strange-looking characters hanging around the bar. characteristic characteristically characterize46.able to do things effectively and skillfully, and to achieve resultscapableWe need to get an assistant who's capable and efficient.A force 10 wind is capable of blowing the roofs off houses.incapable capability capablly47.unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioningremarkableMeeting you here in Rome is a remarkable coincidence.The 20th century was remarkable for its inventions.It is a remarkably noisy and crowded city.remarkably48.to (cause to) start burning or explode; to cause a dangerous, excited or angrysituation to beginigniteThe fuel spontaneously ignites because of the high temperature and pressure.Switch/Turn the ignition on.The proposed restrictions have ignited a storm of protest.49.to make someone feel that they want to do something and can do it;to make someone have a particular strong feeling or reaction;to give someone an idea for a book, film, product, etc.inspireHis confident leadership inspired his followers.The piece of music is inspired by dolphin soundsThe design of the car has inspired many imitations.The golden autumn light provided the inspiration for the painting.He had an inspiration - why not apply for some government money?She has been an inspiration to us all.Inspiration inspirational inspired inspiring50.(cause sadness)to cause someone to feel unhappy and without hope for the future;(reduce) to reduce the value of something, especially money; to reduce the amount of activity in something, especially a business operation; to lower the level or amount of something(press down)to press down or lowerdepressIt depresses me to think that I'll probably still be doing exactly the same job in ten years' time.Alcohol is a depressant.These drugs have a depressant effect.She became deeply depressed when her husband died.The story was depressingly familiar.The rise in the value of the dollar has depressed the company's earnings/profits this year.High interest rates are continuing to depress the economy.depressant depressed depressing depressingly depressionEssential Vocabulary51.extremely angryfuriousI was late and he was furious with me.He's furious about/at the way he's been treated."Get out of here!" she shouted furiously (= in a very angry way).furiously furiousness52.very frightenedterrifiedThe idea of parachuting out of a plane terrifies me.I'm terrified of the dark.She's terrified (that) her mother might find out her secret.Terrify terrifying terrifyingly terror terrorist53.a feeling of extreme worry, sadness or pain;when you are suffering or are in great danger and therefore in urgent need of help;to make someone feel very upset or worried.distressShe claimed that the way she had been treated at work had caused her extreme emotional and psychological distress.a distress signalI hope I haven't distressed you with all these personal questions.She was deeply distressed by the news of his death.The government is taking steps to stimulate business development in (economically) distressed areas (= those in economic difficulty).It was deeply distressing for him to see his wife in such pain.Distressed distressing distressingly54.dishonestly using your position or power to your own advantage, especially formoney; morally badto make someone or something become dishonest or immoralcorruptBoth companies are under investigation for corrupt practices.The whole system was corrupt - every official she approached wanted money before helping her.The study claimed that violence on television corrupts the minds of children. Perhaps some systems of government are more corruptible than others.Political corruption is widespread throughout the country.corruptible corruption55.the moral or legal right or ability to control;a group of people with official responsibility for a particular area of activity;an expert on a subject.authorityThe United Nations has used/exerted/exercised its authority to restore peace in the area.We need to get the support of someone in authority (= an important or high-ranking person).I'll give my lawyers authority (= permission) to act on my behalf.He's got no authority over (= ability to control) his students.the health authorityShe's a world authority on 19th-century Irish history.56.unkind words or actions that make someone or something look stupid or worthlessto laugh at someone in an unkind wayridiculeShe was treated with scorn and ridicule by her colleagues when she applied for the job.He's become an object of ridicule (= a person that everyone thinks is stupid and criticizes or laughs at).Do I look ridiculous in this hat?It's ridiculous to expect a two-year-old to be able to read!ridiculous ridiculously57.ridiculous or unreasonable; foolish in an amusing way.absurdIt's an absurd situation - neither of them will talk to the other.Do I look absurd in this hat?He whole situation borders on the absurd.You're behaving absurdly.It was absurdly (= unreasonably) expensive.There are all sorts of absurdities (= things that are ridiculous) in the proposal. absurdly absurdity58.to entertain someone, especially by humorous speech or action or by makingsomeone laugh or smile, or to keep someone happy, especially for a short time amuseI bought a magazine to amuse myself while I was on the train.She was very amused by/at your comments.I looked on in amusement as they started to argue.I play the piano just for my own amusement (= to entertain myself not other people). an amusing story/person/situationamusement amusing amussingly59.not as severe or strong in punishment or judgment as would be expectedlenientThey believe that judges are too lenient with terrorist suspects.In view of the quantity of drugs involved, 16 years was the most lenient sentence (= punishment) the judge could impose.The defending lawyer asked for leniency on the grounds of her client's youth. leniently leniency60.to deal successfully with a difficult situationcopeIt must be difficult to cope with three small children and a job.The tyres on my car don't cope very well on wet roads.He had so much pressure on him in his job that eventually he just couldn't cope. cope with deal withEssential Vocabulary 61.。