| ADJECTIVE SYNONYMS/OPPOSITES |
| SA01 |
=  |
prudent = cautious |
avoiding unnecessary risks |
A prudent builder should forecast how long the stuff is likely to last. |
| SA01 |
=  |
fearless = intrepid |
extremely brave and showing no fear |
Superheroes are intrepid in their struggle for truth and justice. |
| SA01 |
=  |
disastrous = calamitous |
causing great damage or suffering |
The building collapsed in the storm, with calamitous results. |
| SA01 |
=  |
changeable = unpredictable |
likely to change, often changing |
We have very changeable weather here, especially in the winter. |
| SA01 |
=  |
ordinary = mundane |
not interesting or exciting |
The film is about the mundane existence of factory workers. |
| SA01 |
=  |
merciful = lenient |
not strict in the way you punish sb |
Many people felt that the punishment was too lenient. |
| SA01 |
=  |
widespread = prevalent |
exists or happens over a large area |
Flu is most prevalent during the winter months. |
| SA01 |
=  |
irreversible = irrevocable |
that cannot be changed |
New technology has brought about irreversible changes in society. |
| SA01 |
=  |
endless = interminable |
continuing for a long time |
We watched an interminable documentary on rice production. |
| SA01 |
=  |
laborious = arduous |
needing a lot of time and effort |
Keeping the garden tidy all the time can be a laborious task. |
| SA02 |
| SA02 |
=  |
terrible = atrocious |
extremely bad |
They are compiling an atrocious record in recent cup competitions. |
| SA02 |
=  |
pleasant = congenial |
suitable or appropriate |
The town is a congenial place for raising children. |
| SA02 |
=  |
greedy = mercenary |
only interested in making money |
She had some mercenary scheme to marry a wealthy widower. |
| SA02 |
=  |
frightening = harrowing |
extremely worrying, upsetting |
They escaped after several harrowing encounters with the enemy. |
| SA02 |
=  |
insecure = precarious |
not safe, strong, or steady |
They looked rather comical as they crawled up precarious ladders. |
| SA02 |
=  |
crucial = pivotal |
extremely important or necessary |
The Court of Appeal has a pivotal role in the English legal system. |
| SA02 |
=  |
shrewd = astute |
showing sharp powers of judgement |
He made some astute observations about the film industry. |
| SA02 |
=  |
unfashionable = dowdy |
not attractive or fashionable |
I get so sick of women in dowdy old clothes and perpetual crepes. |
| SA02 |
=  |
eager = zealous |
extremely enthusiastic |
The detective was zealous in her pursuit of the kidnappers. |
| SA02 |
=  |
worried = apprehensive |
afraid that something bad may happen |
Nina was deeply apprehensive that something might go wrong. |
| SA03 |
| SA03 |
 |
candid |
truthful and straightforward, frank |
To be candid with you, I think you're making a dreadful mistake. |
| SA03 |
 |
courageous |
having or showing courage |
The courageous boy saved her baby sister from a house fire. |
| SA03 |
 |
shrewd |
clever at making judgements |
Malcolm's a shrewd businessman who's popular with his staff. |
| SA03 |
 |
fervent |
displaying a passionate intensity |
At that time, he was a fervent believer in the civil service system. |
| SA03 |
 |
perilous |
full of danger or risk |
How do you expect us to proceed on such a perilous expedition? |
| SA03 |
 |
boisterous |
noisy, energetic, and rough |
He had been boisterous and sharp, a humorous woman. |
| SA03 |
 |
affluent |
having plenty of money |
The Strand is one of London's busiest and most affluent streets. |
| SA03 |
 |
copious |
abundant in supply or quantity |
They sat in the front row and took copious notes during the lecture. |
| SA03 |
 |
destitute |
without money, food or possessions |
When her father died, her family was left completely destitute. |
| SA03 |
 |
immense |
extremely large, great in size or degree |
The city takes immense pride in its recent achievements. |
| SA04 |
| SA04 |
≠  |
crude ≠ sophisticated |
simple and not skilfully done or made |
They rigged up a simple and crude shelter for the children. |
| SA04 |
≠  |
profound ≠ superficial |
existing at or on the surface |
The 75-year-old clergyman escaped with superficial wounds. |
| SA04 |
≠  |
sensitive ≠ callous |
being hardened and thickened |
I was shocked at the callous disregard for human life. |
| SA04 |
≠  |
effortless ≠ grueling |
extremely tiring and demanding |
The cast took a break from their gruelling schedule. |
| SA04 |
≠  |
unlikely ≠ plausible |
likely to be true or successful |
Sometimes very contrasting hypotheses can seem equally plausible. |
| SA04 |
≠  |
incurious ≠ inquisitive |
not eager to know something |
Mark is remarkably incurious about the natural world. |
| SA04 |
≠  |
unenthusiastic ≠ zealous |
enthusiastic and eager |
The zealous missionaries were determined to convert the villagers. |
| SA04 |
≠  |
imperfect ≠ impeccable |
free from fault or blame, flawless |
He's German, but he speaks with an impeccable English accent. |
| SA04 |
≠  |
fortunate ≠ calamitous |
having good luck, lucky |
The youth was fortunate in having understanding parents. |
| SA05 |
| SA05 |
≠  |
lively ≠ dreary |
causing unhappiness or sad feelings |
He was living in a dreary flat in a run-down part of town. |
| SA05 |
≠  |
foolish ≠ sagacious |
wise or shrewd |
A sagacious businesswoman seldom fails in her business. |
| SA05 |
≠  |
abundant ≠ scarce |
more than enough |
Latin America has an abundant labour force and natural resources. |
| SA05 |
≠  |
poor ≠ opulent |
very comfortable and expensive |
Most of the cash went on supporting her opulent lifestyle. |
| SA05 |
≠  |
robust ≠ decrepit |
old and in bad condition or poor health |
The decrepit building was badly in need of repair. |
| SA05 |
≠  |
incapable ≠ resourceful |
able to meet situations |
His son is resourceful enough to mix well with all kinds of people. |
| SA05 |
≠  |
distant ≠ imminent |
likely to happen very soon |
The guard blew his whistle to warn of the train's imminent departure. |
| SA05 |
≠  |
dull ≠ luminous |
giving off light, bright or shining |
He wore a vest top and a pair of luminous shorts to the beach party. |
| SA05 |
≠  |
large ≠ diminutive |
very short or small |
We thought her diminutive figure could not suffer that work. |
| SA06 |
| SA06 |
 |
charitable |
kind in your attitude to other people |
They were less than charitable towards the referee. |
| SA06 |
 |
hesitant |
unsure, or slow in acting or speaking |
Paul was really hesitant about approaching the boss directly. |
| SA06 |
 |
diffuse |
spread out over a large area |
The problem is how to diffuse power without creating anarchy. |
| SA06 |
 |
intermittent |
not happening regularly or continuously |
After two days of intermittent fighting, they restored order. |
| SA06 |
 |
unintelligible |
impossible to understand |
Martin muttered something unintelligible and lapsed into silence. |
| SA06 |
 |
timid |
lacking in courage or self-confidence |
They've been rather timid in the changes they've made. |
| SA06 |
 |
concealed |
kept out of sight or hidden from view |
Drug use is often concealed even from close friends. |
| SA06 |
 |
insipid |
lacking flavour, weak or tasteless |
He said he was a good cook, but the food he cooked was insipid. |
| SA22 |
| SA22 |
=  |
friendly = outgoing |
friendly and socially confident |
Ken was always cheerful, outgoing and generous to everyone. |
| SA22 |
=  |
significant = meaningful |
important or noticeable |
The talks represented the first significant move towards peace. |
| SA22 |
=  |
reliable = trustworthy |
able to be trusted |
Simon's always been a trustworthy and faithful friend. |
| SA22 |
=  |
perfect = ideal |
perfect, or the best possible |
The shampoo is ideal for permed or highlighted hair. |
| SA22 |
=  |
famous = renowned |
famous for something |
Dorothy is renowned for her advocacy of human rights. |
| SA22 |
=  |
considerate = thoughtful |
showing consideration for others |
Thank you so much for my present. How thoughtful of you. |
| SA22 |
=  |
modern = contemporary |
existing or happening now |
The museum contains 10,000 contemporary and modern artworks. |
| SA22 |
=  |
clever = cunning |
clever, in the sense of trickery |
Don't be fooled by any of his cunning tricks. |
| SA22 |
=  |
jealous = envious |
feeling or showing envy |
David's new job sounds very interesting - I'm envious of him. |
| SA22 |
=  |
insufficient = inadequate |
not enough, or not great enough |
For the time being, there's insufficient evidence to arrest anyone. |
| SA23 |
| SA23 |
=  |
slim = slender |
thin especially in an attractive way |
Girls always eat like a bird to keep a slender figure. |
| SA23 |
=  |
poor = destitute |
extremely poor |
When he died, his wife and children were left destitute. |
| SA23 |
=  |
real = genuine |
true or authentic |
Those cowboy boots sure look like the genuine article. |
| SA23 |
=  |
traditional = conventional |
traditional and ordinary |
They offer several advantages over conventional approaches. |
| SA23 |
=  |
noisy = rowdy |
noisy and disorderly |
She has complained to the police about rowdy neighbours. |
| SA23 |
=  |
funny = hilarious |
witty clever and amusing |
I thought it was hilarious when I first heard about it. |
| SA23 |
=  |
obvious = evident |
easily seen or understood |
It was clearly evident from his tone of voice that he disapproved. |
| SA23 |
=  |
believable = credible |
able to be believed, convincing |
We've received credible information about the group's location. |
| SA23 |
=  |
widespread = extensive |
widely diffused or prevalent |
Another crop failure could result in widespread famine. |
| SA24 |
| SA24 |
≠  |
artificial ≠ natural |
not natural or real made, produced |
I usually use an artificial sweetener in my coffee instead of sugar. |
| SA24 |
≠  |
permanent ≠ temporary |
continuing for only a limited time |
The villagers were building temporary shelters. |
| SA24 |
≠  |
compulsory ≠ voluntary |
required by law or a rule; obligatory |
Medical inspection was made compulsory for all children. |
| SA24 |
≠  |
thin ≠ dense |
closely compacted in substance |
A big cloud of dense smoke stretched across the horizon. |
| SA24 |
≠  |
bright ≠ stupid |
intelligent and quick-witted |
I've got two bright students, but the rest are average. |
| SA24 |
≠  |
straight ≠ crooked |
not straight, symmetrical, or aligned |
We moved down the narrow, crooked streets of the old city. |
| SA24 |
≠  |
tender ≠ tough |
difficult to cut or eat |
They used to wrap tough meat in leaves from the papaya tree. |
| SA24 |
≠  |
respectable ≠ dishonourable |
considered to be socially acceptable |
George comes from an eminently respectable family. |
| SA24 |
≠  |
classical ≠ modern |
accepted and used for a long time |
Mia studied classical architecture and design in Amsterdam. |
| SA24 |
≠  |
banal ≠ original |
fresh and unusual; novel |
They believe that they are creating something wholly original. |
| SA25 |
| SA25 |
≠  |
extinct ≠ living |
no longer in existence |
These rocks contain the fossilised remains of extinct animals. |
| SA25 |
≠  |
picturesque ≠ unattractive |
very pretty or charming |
The view of the mountains was very picturesque. |
| SA25 |
≠  |
limited ≠ boundless |
having no limit |
The work demanded boundless energy and theatrical imagination. |
| SA25 |
≠  |
damp ≠ dry |
slightly wet, moist |
The corner of the room was damp where the roof had leaked. |
| SA25 |
≠  |
reasonable ≠ irrational |
fair, practical, and sensible |
I think your demand for higher wages is perfectly reasonable. |
| SA25 |
≠  |
clumsy ≠ graceful |
awkward in movement or manner |
Jack tried to dance, but he was too clumsy and awkward. |
| SA25 |
≠  |
proud ≠ humble |
not proud or arrogant, modest |
Despite all her achievements, she has remained humble. |
| SA25 |
≠  |
deliberate ≠ unintentional |
done consciously and intentionally |
Their actions were clearly the result of deliberate calculation. |
| SA25 |
≠  |
guilty ≠ innocent |
free from legal guilt or fault |
The court found her innocent, and she was released. |
| SA25 |
≠  |
intentional ≠ accidental |
happening or existing by chance |
Are you insured against accidental damage to your property? |
| SA26 |
| SA26 |
≠  |
willing ≠ reluctant |
unwilling and hesitant, disinclined |
James is reluctant to discuss the content of the play. |
| SA26 |
≠  |
common ≠ rare |
seldom occurring or found |
This species of plant is becoming increasingly rare. |
| SA26 |
≠  |
worthless ≠ priceless |
having a value beyond all price |
There were moments in the movie that were just priceless. |
| SA26 |
≠  |
deep ≠ shallow |
having little depth |
The river was shallow, so I was able to walk across it. |
| SA26 |
≠  |
ambiguous ≠ clear |
something that is unclear |
The document's ambiguous wording makes it very difficult to follow. |
| SA26 |
≠  |
lazy ≠ industrious |
diligent and hard-working |
Kevin used to be an industrious and willing worker. |
| SA26 |
≠  |
approximate ≠ exact |
almost correct or accurate |
The approximate date of his departure is next week. |
| SA26 |
≠  |
occupied ≠ empty |
being used by somebody |
Although it was off-season, the hotel was fully occupied. |
| SA26 |
≠  |
serious ≠ trivial |
of little value or importance |
We don't know why she gets so upset about something so trivial. |
| SA26 |
≠  |
pure ≠ contaminated |
poisonous or not pure |
A lot of our drinking water is now heavily contaminated. |
| VERB SYNONYMS/OPPOSITES |
| SA07 |
=  |
ease = alleviate |
make easier to endure, lessen |
You can't cure a common cold, but you can alleviate the symptoms. |
| SA07 |
=  |
necessitate = entail |
involve sth that cannot be avoided |
I didn't want to take on a job that would entail a lot of travelling. |
| SA07 |
=  |
hinder = hamper |
slow the movement, progress, or action |
Her career was hampered by injury, most noticeably a broken leg. |
| SA07 |
=  |
attempt = endeavour |
seriously or continually try to do sth |
In an endeavour to improve the service, they introduced free parking. |
| SA07 |
=  |
reveal = divulge |
make something secret known |
Michael refused to divulge the name of his informant. |
| SA07 |
=  |
indicate = denote |
represent or mean something |
A very high temperature often denotes a serious illness. |
| SA07 |
=  |
aggravate = exacerbate |
make more violent, bitter, or severe |
Her comments have exacerbated tensions in the negotiation process. |
| SA07 |
=  |
endanger = jeopardise |
risk harming or destroying sth or sb |
She would never do anything to endanger the lives of his children. |
| SA07 |
=  |
hide = harbour |
hide and protect someone |
Police believe someone must be harbouring the escaped prisoner. |
| SA07 |
=  |
excuse = condone |
accept behaviour that is wrong |
The college cannot condone any behaviour that involves illicit drugs. |
| SA08 |
| SA08 |
=  |
scatter = disperse |
distribute or spread over a wide area |
Police fired shots and used teargas to disperse the demonstrators. |
| SA08 |
=  |
pass = elapse |
if time elapses, it goes past |
More than eleven years have elapsed since the kidnapping. |
| SA08 |
=  |
improve = refine |
improve sth by making changes to it |
He would constantly refine his designs until they were almost perfect. |
| SA08 |
=  |
restrict = constrain |
limit somebody or something |
Many factors constrain agricultural development. |
| SA08 |
=  |
exceed = surpass |
do or be better than sb or sth |
The novel's success has surpassed everyone's expectations. |
| SA08 |
=  |
misappropriate = embezzle |
secretly take money that is in your care |
One former manager embezzled £9 million in company funds. |
| SA08 |
=  |
flourish = prosper |
be financially successful |
With the advent of the new chairman, the company began to prosper. |
| SA08 |
=  |
obtain = elicit |
obtain something, esp. information |
The purpose of the survey was to elicit information on eating habits. |
| SA08 |
=  |
consider = deem |
judge something in a particular way |
The story was deemed too controversial, and so they spiked it. |
| SA08 |
=  |
confuse = baffle |
totally bewilder or perplex |
Scientists are baffled as to why so many young people are affected. |
| SA09 |
| SA09 |
 |
covet |
want something very much |
Catholics are supposed to abstain from meat on Good Friday. |
| SA09 |
 |
abstain |
decide not to do or have something |
She had long coveted the chance to work with a famous musician. |
| SA09 |
 |
rebuke |
criticize sharply, reprimand |
Members of the jury were rebuked for speaking with the press. |
| SA09 |
 |
attain |
accomplish or achieve something |
There will be an objective for him to attain before he wins the game. |
| SA09 |
 |
bewilder |
confuse someone |
I am totally bewildered by the clues to this crossword puzzle. |
| SA09 |
 |
renounce |
give up or put aside voluntarily |
Mary decided to renounce the world and entered a convent. |
| SA09 |
 |
fathom |
discover the meaning of something |
I really couldn't fathom what Stephen was talking about. |
| SA09 |
 |
flourish |
be very successful, to do very well |
No new business can flourish in the present economic climate. |
| SA09 |
 |
infer |
form an opinion from evidence |
From the evidence, we can infer that the victim knew her killer. |
| SA09 |
 |
scrutinize |
examine or inspect thoroughly |
They carefully scrutinised the statement before publication. |
| SA10 |
| SA10 |
≠  |
advance ≠ retreat |
an act of moving back or withdrawing |
The army retreated to the sea after suffering heavy losses. |
| SA10 |
≠  |
improve ≠ deteriorate |
become progressively worse |
His health deteriorated rapidly, and he died shortly afterwards. |
| SA10 |
≠  |
extinguish ≠ ignite |
catch fire or cause to catch fire |
Something caused the fuel to ignite with devastating consequences. |
| SA10 |
≠  |
dissuade ≠ persuade |
persuade someone not to do something |
The police managed to dissuade her from jumping off the building. |
| SA10 |
≠  |
conquer ≠ succumb |
not be able to fight an attack |
The small town succumbed after only a short siege. |
| SA10 |
≠  |
accept ≠ reject |
refuse to admit, believe, or receive |
Her application for membership of the organisation was rejected. |
| SA10 |
≠  |
expand ≠ contract |
decrease in size, number, or range |
The economy has now contracted by 10.5% since last year. |
| SA10 |
≠  |
fabricate ≠ dismantle |
take a machine or structure to pieces |
They dismantled the machine and shipped it in pieces. |
| SA10 |
≠  |
persist ≠ falter |
continue to do something |
If symptoms persist for more than a few days, see a doctor. |
| SA11 |
| SA11 |
≠  |
establish ≠ abolish |
make something start to exist |
She found it difficult to establish a new routine after retirement. |
| SA11 |
≠  |
comply ≠ infringe |
break a rule, law, etc. |
A backup copy of a computer program does not infringe copyright. |
| SA11 |
≠  |
aggravate ≠ alleviate |
make a bad situation worse |
Cutting down the old forests may aggravate global warming. |
| SA11 |
≠  |
evade ≠ confront |
avoid or escape from sb or sth |
Tom is trying to evade all responsibility for his behaviour. |
| SA11 |
≠  |
boast ≠ belittle |
make sb or sth seem unimportant |
Don't belittle his guitar playing just because you're jealous. |
| SA11 |
≠  |
despise ≠ revere |
have great respect for sb or sth |
Most of us revere the Bible, but few of us read it frequently. |
| SA11 |
≠  |
clarify ≠ obscure |
make sth difficult to understand |
Managers deliberately obscured the real situation from investigators. |
| SA11 |
≠  |
soar ≠ plummet |
quickly increase to a high level |
Retail sales soared by 20% in the twelve months to December. |
| SA11 |
≠  |
converge ≠ diverge |
become the same or very similar |
The borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma all converge at this point. |
| SA11 |
≠  |
mourn ≠ rejoice |
feel or show great joy or delight |
When the war ended, people finally had cause to rejoice. |
| SA12 |
| SA12 |
 |
suppress |
end or stop something by force |
The regime conveniently used force to suppress a political uprising. |
| SA12 |
 |
withhold |
refuse to give someone something |
They can not withhold treatment as punishment for any reason. |
| SA12 |
 |
repel |
force away something unwanted |
Guerrilla fighters were soon able to repel the army's attack. |
| SA12 |
 |
submit |
yield to the power or authority |
She submitted herself to a search by the guards. |
| SA12 |
 |
embellish |
make beautiful with ornamentation |
They embellished the door of the old cinema with decorations. |
| SA12 |
 |
contaminate |
make impure or unsuitable |
The river was contaminated with waste from the factory. |
| SA12 |
 |
dawdle |
move or act too slowly |
The manager told the workers not to dawdle over their work. |
| SA12 |
 |
disparage |
regard as being of little worth |
Never disparage yourself or minimise your strength or power. |
| SA12 |
 |
gather |
bring together, collect |
These little animals gather nuts from the ground in the autumn. |
| SA27 |
| SA27 |
=  |
forecast = predict |
predict or estimate |
They forecast a drop in unemployment over the next two years. |
| SA27 |
=  |
understand = comprehend |
understand something completely |
The little girl read the story but did not comprehend its meaning. |
| SA27 |
=  |
evaluate = assess |
evaluate or estimate the nature, ability |
We are trying to assess how well the operating system works. |
| SA27 |
=  |
maintain = preserve |
keep in an existing state |
It was obvious that the house had been poorly maintained. |
| SA27 |
=  |
transform = convert |
change sth into a different form |
The programme to convert every gas burner in Britain took 20 years. |
| SA27 |
=  |
resist = withstand |
withstand the action or effect of |
We are determined to resist pressure to change the law. |
| SA27 |
=  |
grumble = grouse |
complain about sth in an annoyed way |
Iggy spent the whole day grumbling to us about his job. |
| SA27 |
=  |
agree = consent |
give permission for sth to happen |
When I told them what I intended, they readily consented. |
| SA27 |
=  |
restrict = confine |
limit something, reduce its size |
Recent laws have tended to restrict press freedom. |
| SA27 |
=  |
collect = gather |
bring things together |
A group of protesters gathered outside the firm's office. |
| SA28 |
| SA28 |
=  |
mend = repair |
repair something broken, torn, or worn |
When is the plumber coming to mend the burst pipe? |
| SA28 |
=  |
own = possess |
have as belonging to one |
Too many nations already possess chemical weapons. |
| SA28 |
=  |
stay = remain |
stay behind or in the same place |
The president will remain in office until the official handover in May. |
| SA28 |
=  |
suppose = assume |
take for granted or without proof |
We must assume her to be innocent until she is proved guilty. |
| SA28 |
=  |
influence = affect |
have an effect on, make a difference to |
Many external influences can affect your state of mind. |
| SA28 |
=  |
assist = facilitate |
help somebody or help with something |
The IT department will assist you with installation and setup. |
| SA28 |
=  |
launch = introduce |
be the start of something new |
The organisation has launched a campaign to raise £100,000. |
| SA28 |
=  |
obtain = acquire |
gain something by your own efforts |
The company has recently acquired new offices in Dublin. |
| SA29 |
| SA29 |
=  |
disclose = reveal |
make something known to somebody |
It is common practice not to reveal details of a patient's condition. |
| SA29 |
= |
derive from = come from |
come or develop from something |
Many English words derive from Latin and Greek words. |
| SA29 |
=  |
handle = deal with |
manage a situation or problem |
You need to be able to handle pressure in this job. |
| SA29 |
=  |
allow = permit |
officially allow sb to do sth |
She was permitted to continue with his work while in prison. |
| SA29 |
=  |
achieve = accomplish |
gain, to reach successfully |
We accomplished the journey in more than two hours. |
| SA29 |
=  |
confirm = verify |
check that something is true |
She looked up the word in a dictionary to verify its spelling. |
| SA29 |
=  |
forbid = ban |
refuse to allow something |
Their law doesn't actually forbid the use of machines. |
| SA30 |
| SA30 |
≠  |
tighten ≠ loosen |
make or become tight or tighter |
I've had to tighten my belt since I stopped working full-time. |
| SA30 |
≠  |
bend ≠ straighten |
force sth into an angle or a curve |
The branch bent but didn't break when the boy climbed along it. |
| SA30 |
≠  |
shrink ≠ expand |
make smaller in size or amount |
Don't wash that sweater in the machine - it'll shrink. |
| SA30 |
≠  |
lighten ≠ darken |
make or become dark or darker |
In a few minutes, the sky darkened, and heavy rain began to fall. |
| SA30 |
≠  |
progress ≠ regress |
go back to a worse condition |
When I left the country, my ability to speak the language regressed. |
| SA30 |
≠  |
collect ≠ scatter |
move far apart in different directions |
The sound of gunfire made the crowd scatter in all directions. |
| SA30 |
≠  |
sink ≠ float |
stay on the surface of a liquid |
He stopped rowing and let the boat float with the stream. |
| SA30 |
≠  |
melt ≠ freeze |
make or become liquefied by heat |
As the ice melted away, the river rose in dangerous floods. |
| SA30 |
≠  |
punish ≠ reward |
give sth to sb, recompense |
The club's directors rewarded him with a free season ticket. |
| SA30 |
≠  |
admit ≠ deny |
say that something is not true |
She denied that the article had been in any way prurient. |
| SA31 |
| SA31 |
≠  |
widen ≠ narrow |
make or become wider |
As it approaches the sea, the river begins to widen. |
| SA31 |
≠  |
depart ≠ return |
go away, leave |
My connecting plane didn't depart for another seven hours. |
| SA31 |
≠  |
gain ≠ lose |
obtain or win something |
They have gained sufficient experience to tackle this problem. |
| SA31 |
≠  |
defend ≠ attack |
protect sb/sth from attack |
We are determined to defend our motherland at all costs. |
| SA31 |
≠  |
attract ≠ repel |
cause a feeling of disgust |
Guerrilla fighters were soon able to repel the army's attack. |
| SA31 |
≠  |
permit ≠ prohibit |
officially refuse to allow something |
Some of these rules prohibit the misuse of inside information. |
| SA31 |
≠  |
starve ≠ feed |
die, or suffer, from hunger |
He would rather starve than work for somebody else. |
| SA31 |
≠  |
reduce ≠ increase |
make less, smaller, decrease |
Insulation may reduce the danger of pipes bursting in winter. |
| SA31 |
≠  |
notice ≠ ignore |
take no notice of sb/sth |
We could no longer ignore the fact that she was unhappy. |
| SA31 |
≠  |
comfort ≠ distress |
cause sb anxiety or pain |
It was clear that the letter had deeply distressed him. |
| SA32 |
| SA32 |
≠  |
strengthen ≠ weaken |
make or become stronger |
Regular exercise will help strengthen your muscles . |
| SA32 |
≠  |
survive ≠ perish |
continue to live or exist |
Remarkably, all of the passengers survived the crash. |
| SA32 |
≠  |
raise ≠ lower |
reduce the value or amount of |
A supermarket price war has led to lower profit margins. |
| SA32 |
≠  |
marry ≠ divorce |
the legal ending of a marriage |
My parents divorced when I was two, and I hardly knew my father. |
| SA32 |
≠  |
borrow ≠ lend |
give sth to sb for a short time |
I asked my brother if he'd lend me some money. |
| SA32 |
≠  |
join ≠ separate |
cause to move or be apart |
The two parts of the pipe have separated at the joint. |
| SA32 |
≠  |
smile ≠ frown |
look displeased |
Paul frowned at the noise coming from the girls' bedroom. |
| SA32 |
≠  |
simplify ≠ complicate |
make something more difficult |
I do not wish to complicate the task more than is necessary. |
| SA32 |
≠  |
build ≠ demolish |
lay waste to, ruin utterly |
They're going to demolish that old shopping centre next week. |
| SA32 |
≠  |
hire ≠ dismiss |
remove someone from their job |
After his appalling behaviour, we had no option but to dismiss him. |
| NOUN SYNONYMS/OPPOSITES |
| SA13 |
=  |
facilities = amenities |
sth that helps to provide comfort |
Some houses still lack basic amenities such as bathrooms. |
| SA13 |
=  |
obstacle = impediment |
anything that slows or blocks progress |
Lack of money was not the only impediment to higher education. |
| SA13 |
=  |
difference = divergence |
a difference in opinions, views |
The divergence of opinion has led to divisions among families. |
| SA13 |
=  |
misconception = fallacy |
a wrong idea or conception |
There are many fears and misconceptions about breast cancer. |
| SA13 |
=  |
memories = reminiscences |
sth that reminds you of sth similar |
The novel contains endless reminiscences of the author's youth. |
| SA13 |
=  |
observation = surveillance |
the careful watching of a place |
The police are keeping the suspects under constant surveillance. |
| SA13 |
=  |
sleeplessness = insomnia |
the condition of being unable to sleep |
Her insomnia continued for the duration of her depression. |
| SA13 |
=  |
peak = climax |
the most exciting part of something |
The affair was brought to a climax when the chairman resigned. |
| SA13 |
=  |
requirements = prerequisites |
something that is necessary |
Food and shelter are the minimum prerequisites of a decent life. |
| SA13 |
=  |
idea = notion |
an idea or opinion |
One common notion is that the elders ought to be respected. |
| SA14 |
| SA14 |
=  |
wealth = affluence |
the state of having a lot of money |
The postwar era was one of new affluence for the working class. |
| SA14 |
=  |
anticipation = expectancy |
a feeling of excitement about sth |
The animals grew restless as if in anticipation of an earthquake. |
| SA14 |
=  |
costs = expenditure |
the action of spending funds |
Policies of tax reduction must lead to reduced public expenditure. |
| SA14 |
=  |
punishment = retribution |
deserved and severe punishment |
Helen didn't want any further involvement as she feared retribution. |
| SA14 |
=  |
accusation = indictment |
a formal accusation of a serious crime |
An indictment formally charges a person with a crime. |
| SA14 |
=  |
trouble = tribulation |
a problem, or a difficulty |
His daughter's illness has been a source of great tribulation. |
| SA14 |
=  |
determination = resolution |
a firm decision to do or not to do sth |
Ann showed huge resolution in facing the robbers. |
| SA14 |
=  |
temperament = disposition |
a person's or animal's nature |
His impulsive temperament regularly got him into difficulties. |
| SA14 |
=  |
indignation = resentment |
a feeling of anger or unhappiness |
He expressed resentment at being interviewed by a social worker. |
| SA14 |
=  |
defect = shortcoming |
a fault or problem in sth or sb |
Ultimately, that defect prevents the heart from pumping well. |
| SA15 |
| SA15 |
 |
concept |
something conceived in the mind |
Teachers should have a clear concept of what a multiracial society is. |
| SA15 |
 |
endorsement |
a form of public support or approval |
The issue of full independence received overwhelming endorsement. |
| SA15 |
 |
affliction |
a cause of pain or harm |
He lost his sight and is now learning to live with the affliction. |
| SA15 |
 |
blunder |
a stupid or careless mistake |
Ann made a terrible blunder in introducing Sarah to her husband. |
| SA15 |
 |
enmity |
a feeling of hate |
There is a traditional enmity between these two groups. |
| SA15 |
 |
discrepancy |
an unexpected difference |
Several geological factors may explain this apparent discrepancy. |
| SA15 |
 |
infidelity |
marital disloyalty, adultery |
A common cause of divorce and heartbreak is infidelity. |
| SA15 |
 |
pledge |
a solemn promise or undertaking |
She made a solemn pledge to the Canadian people. |
| SA15 |
 |
bequest |
a disposition in a will |
They have received a generous bequest from a local businessman. |
| SA15 |
 |
fortitude |
courage in pain or adversity |
Carlos has endured disappointments with fortitude and patience. |
| SA16 |
| SA16 |
≠  |
expert ≠ novice |
sb new to and inexperienced in a job |
There are three classes: novice, amateur and professional. |
| SA16 |
≠  |
confinement ≠ liberty |
state of being shut up or imprisoned |
Prisoners are punished by being put in solitary confinement. |
| SA16 |
≠  |
stink ≠ scent |
a very unpleasant smell |
The air was heavy with the stink of damp and foulness. |
| SA16 |
≠  |
frenzy ≠ composure |
the state of feeling or seeming calm |
George has lost his composure under the pressure of the situation. |
| SA16 |
≠  |
ally ≠ antagonist |
a person who strongly opposes sb/sth |
He faced his antagonist in a series of debates. |
| SA16 |
≠  |
liking ≠ aversion |
a strong dislike or disinclination |
Some people have a natural and emotional aversion to insects. |
| SA16 |
≠  |
modesty ≠ bravado |
a swaggering show of defiance |
It was an act of bravado that made Mark ask his boss to resign. |
| SA16 |
≠  |
attendance ≠ truancy |
the state of being truant |
Schools really need to reduce levels of truancy. |
| SA16 |
≠  |
elevation ≠ demotion |
reduction in rank or status |
Lara learned of her demotion while on holidays in Portugal. |
| SA16 |
≠  |
excess ≠ dearth |
a scarcity or lack of something |
The dearth of jobs in the city forced many families to leave the area. |
| SA17 |
| SA17 |
≠  |
compliment ≠ slander |
a false spoken statement about sb |
He regarded her comment as a slander on his good reputation. |
| SA17 |
≠  |
energy ≠ fatigue |
the condition of being extremely tired |
Symptoms of anaemia include general fatigue and lassitude. |
| SA17 |
≠  |
tolerance ≠ bigotry |
extreme intolerance of any belief |
He tried to dissociate himself from the bigotry in his past. |
| SA17 |
≠  |
purity ≠ immorality |
behaviour that is morally wrong |
His immorality can be seen from the simple fact that he is a usurer. |
| SA17 |
≠  |
spectator ≠ participant |
a person who takes part in something |
All the participants in the cooking contest received a free cookbook. |
| SA17 |
≠  |
abstinence ≠ indulgence |
the state of being indulgent |
To me, chocolate connotes pleasure and indulgence. |
| SA17 |
≠  |
poverty ≠ affluence |
abundance of property |
The postwar era was one of new affluence for the working class. |
| SA17 |
≠  |
friendship ≠ hostility |
aggressive feelings or behaviour |
By mid-season, the hostility between the two was undisguised. |
| SA17 |
≠  |
torrent ≠ trickle |
(of a liquid) flow in a small stream |
There was a trickle of blood at the corner of her mouth. |
| SA17 |
≠  |
godsend ≠ setback |
a very helpful event or person |
The good weather has been a godsend for construction companies. |
| SA18 |
| SA18 |
 |
incompetence |
inability to do something successfully |
These figures are living proof of the government's incompetence. |
| SA18 |
 |
deterioration |
the act or process of becoming worse |
The stress led to a gradual deterioration in Adam's health. |
| SA18 |
 |
contentment |
a state of happiness and satisfaction |
The sight of them all gave her a feeling of warmth and contentment. |
| SA18 |
 |
unlikelihood |
the state of being unlikely |
The unlikelihood of winning the lottery discouraged many players. |
| SA18 |
 |
squalor |
very bad and dirty conditions |
We were shocked by the squalor of their surroundings. |
| SA18 |
 |
sanity |
soundness or health of mind |
He'd been behaving so strangely that they began to doubt his sanity. |
| SA18 |
 |
tarnish |
dullness of colour, loss of brightness |
There's no sign of tarnish on the frame. |
| SA18 |
 |
dusk |
the darker stage of twilight |
Tina works from dawn to dusk, and often well into the night. |
| SA18 |
 |
cowardice |
lack of bravery |
Any soldier displaying cowardice in the face of the enemy was shot. |
| SA18 |
 |
discouragement |
a feeling of being less confident |
A smile is nature's best antidote for discouragement. |
| SA33 |
| SA33 |
=  |
agreement = accord |
harmony of opinion, action, or character |
They reached an agreement about the plan. |
| SA33 |
=  |
joy = delight |
a high degree of pleasure |
To my great delight, they phoned and offered me the job. |
| SA33 |
=  |
meeting = assembly |
a group of persons gathered together |
The announcement was made during the morning assembly. |
| SA33 |
=  |
disposal = removal |
the act of getting rid of something |
The Commission has complete control over the disposal of the funds. |
| SA33 |
=  |
baby = infant |
a very young child |
The city's most shocking statistic is its high infant mortality rate. |
| SA33 |
=  |
branch = department |
a part of something larger |
There's a branch of the store in almost every high street in Britain. |
| SA33 |
=  |
daybreak = dawn |
the first light of day |
The newspaper deliverers have to get up before dawn every day. |
| SA33 |
=  |
demand = request |
something that somebody needs |
I think your demand for higher wages is perfectly reasonable. |
| SA33 |
=  |
sunset = dusk |
the time when day changes into night |
Helen works from dawn to dusk, and often well into the night. |
| SA33 |
=  |
shortage = scarcity |
a deficiency in quantity |
Schools nationwide are experiencing a shortage of teachers. |
| SA34 |
| SA34 |
=  |
intention = aim |
something that you want and plan to do |
Mary told Tom plainly that she had no intention of marrying him. |
| SA34 |
=  |
disaster = calamity |
a sudden or great misfortune |
The government has promised a full investigation into the disaster. |
| SA34 |
=  |
work = employment |
the state of having paid work |
This investment will certainly create employment in the area. |
| SA34 |
=  |
answer = response |
reply or reaction |
The response to our advertisement has been disappointing. |
| SA34 |
=  |
proof = evidence |
an outward sign, indication |
All the evidence appears to support this supposition. |
| SA34 |
=  |
instructions = directions |
recommended rules for guidance |
Read the manufacturer's instructions before using your new cooker. |
| SA34 |
=  |
misery = distress |
extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain |
Widows seem to experience more distress than do widowers. |
| SA34 |
=  |
schedule = agenda |
a list of planned things to be done |
The new bridge has been finished two years ahead of schedule. |
| SA34 |
=  |
closeness = proximity |
not far from another in space |
He had never had the emotional closeness that he needed. |
| SA35 |
| SA35 |
=  |
query = question |
a question, inquiry |
One of the students raised a query about the marking system. |
| SA35 |
=  |
argument = dispute |
an argument or disagreement |
David got into a dispute with George about the money. |
| SA35 |
=  |
responsibility = liability |
being the cause of something |
He has no legal liability for damage to customers' possessions. |
| SA35 |
=  |
result = consequence |
an effect of something |
Disease was an inevitable consequence of poor living conditions. |
| SA35 |
=  |
drop = decline |
a decrease in the quality, quantity |
There has been a decline in public services in recent years. |
| SA35 |
=  |
wedding = marriage |
a marriage ceremony |
Sports clothes are not appropriate for a formal wedding. |
| SA36 |
| SA36 |
≠  |
friend ≠ enemy |
someone who hates another |
Speak well of your friend, of your enemy, say nothing. |
| SA36 |
≠  |
success ≠ failure |
a lack of success in some effort |
You make the failure complete when you stop trying. |
| SA36 |
≠  |
strength ≠ weakness |
the quality of being strong |
John has the build and strength of a natural athlete. |
| SA36 |
≠  |
profit ≠ loss |
money which is gained in business |
Our top priorities must be profit and commercial growth. |
| SA36 |
≠  |
bravery ≠ cowardice |
fear or lack of courage |
The lieutenant had displayed cowardice in the face of the enemy. |
| SA36 |
≠  |
departure ≠ arrival |
the act of leaving a place |
We apologise for the late departure of this flight. |
| SA36 |
≠  |
privilege ≠ disadvantage |
something that causes difficulty |
Gina's inability to speak Italian puts her at a disadvantage. |
| SA36 |
≠  |
happiness ≠ sadness |
the state of being sad |
All that money brought nothing but sadness, misery and tragedy. |
| SA36 |
≠ |
production ≠ consumption |
the action of using up a resource |
The petrol consumption of the big car is very high. |
| SA37 |
| SA37 |
≠  |
danger ≠ safety |
being protected from danger or harm |
The bus driver is responsible for the passengers' safety. |
| SA37 |
≠  |
follower ≠ leader |
a person or thing that follows |
The party drew most of its followers from among young people. |
| SA37 |
≠  |
work ≠ leisure |
time when you can relax |
The money will enable us to upgrade the town's leisure facilities. |
| SA37 |
≠ |
spectator ≠ participant |
someone who watches an event |
Italy will face Spain in front of a crowd of 100,000 spectators. |
| SA37 |
≠  |
compliment ≠ insult |
a rude or offensive act or statement |
It was simply a happy coincidence that it sounded like an insult! |
| SA37 |
≠  |
beauty ≠ ugliness |
the quality or state of being ugly |
Why were these early drawings such examples of ugliness? |
| SA37 |
≠  |
fact ≠ fiction |
a thing that is invented and is not true |
The book is a work of fiction and not intended as a historical account. |
| SA37 |
≠  |
marriage ≠ divorce |
the legal ending of a marriage |
Mike told Ann that he was married but getting a divorce. |
| SA37 |
≠  |
amusement ≠ boredom |
the feeling of being amused |
They showed off their acrobatics to our great amusement. |
| SA37 |
≠  |
midnight ≠ noon |
twelve o'clock at midday |
They used to ski before noon, then take a long lunch. |
| SA38 |
| SA38 |
≠  |
reward ≠ punishment |
an act or a way of punishing somebody |
They seriously believe that capital punishment is a deterrent. |
| SA38 |
≠  |
victory ≠ defeat |
a triumph over an enemy |
They won a miraculous victory over a much stronger enemy. |
| SA38 |
≠ |
freedom ≠ slavery |
not being under control |
The new syllabus allows students greater freedom of choice. |
| SA38 |
≠  |
minority ≠ majority |
a small number, less than half |
It's only a tiny minority of people who are causing the problem. |
| SA38 |
≠  |
joy ≠ sorrow |
a feeling of great sadness or regret |
She told me with sorrow that her grandfather was very ill. |
| SA38 |
≠  |
traitor ≠ patriot |
a person who betrays his country |
Of millions of men and women, only a handful had turned traitor. |
| SA38 |
≠  |
misfortune ≠ luck |
bad luck, adverse fortune |
I had the misfortune to share a room with a man who snored loudly. |
| SA38 |
≠  |
reality ≠ fantasy |
something imagined |
There was no real barrier between reality and fantasy in his mind. |
| SA38 |
≠  |
absence ≠ presence |
the state of being away from a place |
We did not receive any news during Ann's long absence. |
| ADVERB SYNONYMS/OPPOSITES |
| SA19 |
=  |
nevertheless = however |
in spite of that, all the same |
David was very tired; nevertheless, he kept on working. |
| SA19 |
=  |
suddenly = abruptly |
suddenly and unexpectedly |
Her manner changed abruptly when she heard how much I wanted. |
| SA19 |
=  |
constantly = invariably |
on every occasion, always |
She was invariably willing to discuss the possibilities hypothetically. |
| SA19 |
=  |
lovingly = affectionately |
in a way that displays fondness |
Sandra squeezed his arm affectionately and said goodbye. |
| SA19 |
=  |
completely = utterly |
completely and without qualification |
I felt utterly daunted by the prospect of moving to another country. |
| SA19 |
=  |
furthermore = moreover |
in addition; more importantly |
He always arrives on time; furthermore, his work is always excellent. |
| SA19 |
=  |
unusually = remarkably |
in a way that is worthy of attention |
The town population has remained remarkably homogeneous. |
| SA19 |
=  |
clearly = legibly |
in a way that can be read easily |
All data must be recorded legibly in straight rows and columns. |
| SA19 |
=  |
blindly = mindlessly |
without thinking or questioning |
Don't just blindly accept what they tell you, Kirk. |
| SA19 |
=  |
somewhat = partially |
only in part, to a limited extent |
Our fears of conflict were partially vindicated by today's events. |
| SA20 |
| SA20 |
 |
desperately |
in a way that shows despair |
Doctors tried desperately to reduce the swelling in his brain. |
| SA20 |
 |
specifically |
in a way that is exact and clear |
Several people, specifically Greg, Bob and Sara, have agreed. |
| SA20 |
 |
altogether |
completely, totally |
The government has just ignored the problem altogether. |
| SA20 |
 |
carelessly |
in a casual or reckless way |
Carelessly spoken words can sometimes unsolder ties of friendship. |
| SA20 |
 |
zealously |
in a very enthusiastic and eager way |
They worked zealously to raise funds for the literacy project. |
| SA20 |
 |
amiably |
in a friendly and pleasant manner |
They talked amiably and easily about a range of topics. |
| SA20 |
 |
oddly |
in a strange or surprising way |
Oddly, Kate says she never considered her face attractive. |
| SA20 |
 |
seemingly |
outwardly or apparently |
The band has enjoyed a seemingly unstoppable rise in popularity. |
| SA20 |
 |
rapidly |
very quickly, at a great rate |
Living standards improved rapidly during the post-war boom. |
| SA20 |
 |
vastly |
to a very great extent, immensely |
The jury has heard two vastly different accounts of what happened. |
| SA21 |
| SA21 |
≠  |
beforehand ≠ afterwards |
before an action or event |
When you give a speech, it's natural to feel nervous beforehand. |
| SA21 |
≠  |
sincerely ≠ deceptively |
in a deceptive or deceiving manner |
The answer to this question is deceptively straightforward. |
| SA21 |
≠  |
cautiously ≠ recklessly |
without regard to the danger |
The bus swerved about recklessly in the bus lane. |
| SA21 |
≠  |
eagerly ≠ reluctantly |
in an unwilling and hesitant way |
They have reluctantly decided to close the factory. |
| SA21 |
≠  |
briskly ≠ sluggishly |
moving more slowly than usual |
The band played sluggishly, and everybody appeared bored. |
| SA21 |
≠  |
famously ≠ obscurely |
in a way that difficult to see |
They were making her feel obscurely worried. |
| SA21 |
≠  |
busily ≠ listlessly |
without energy or enthusiasm |
She forced herself to go out, walking slowly and listlessly. |
| SA21 |
≠  |
accidentally ≠ purposefully |
with a specific intent |
David strode purposefully towards the main entrance. |