Personally Speaking

Do You Mind?
page blast (v) /blɑːst/
1.1 gelada (n) /gəlˈɑdɑ/ 5 destroy sth by using explosives ● The
explosion had blasted a hole in the side of the
a rare species of monkey native to Ethiopia
building. ➣ blast (n)
● Unlike other monkeys, geladas spend most
of their time eating grass in the meadows of rod (n) /rɒd/
Ethiopia. a long thin straight pole ● Ted lost his balance
and fell off the ladder when he was putting up
bare (v) /beə(r)/
the new curtains on the rod.
uncover sth so that it is visible ● The burglar
took to his heels when the large family dog compact (v) /kəmˈpækt/
bared its teeth and growled at him. compress the parts of sth closely together into
➣ bareness (n), bare (adj), barely (adv) a more solid state or into a smaller space
● After the household waste is collected, it is

Reading pages 6-7

compacted into large blocks to take up less
space. ➣ compact (n), compact (adj)

interaction (n) /ˌɪntərˈækʃn/ ignite (v) /ɪɡˈnaɪt/

the act of communicating with or reacting cause sth to start burning ● The heat of the
to others ● Teachers are under pressure to sun through broken glass can be enough to
create positive interactions between local ignite dry grass and cause a wildfire.
children and immigrant students. ➣ interact ➣ ignition (n)
(v), interactive (adj), interactively (adv) subsequent (adj) /ˈsʌbsɪkwənt/
individual (n) /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl/ coming after sth else ● The cause of the
a particular person who behaves in a unique accident was unknown until the subsequent
way ● Our genetic code is what makes us enquiry was conducted. ➣ subsequently (adv)
all individuals so no two people are quite the propel (v) /prəˈpel/
same. ➣ individuality (n), individually (adv) push sth/sb forward usually causing rapid
unbeknown (to sb) (adv) /ˌʌnbɪˈnəʊn tuː movement ● The strong current propelled
ˈsʌmbədi/ the raft towards the rocks. ➣ propeller (n),
without sb knowing ● Unbeknown to us, the propellant (n), propulsion (n)
boss had heard our entire conversation. exit (v) /ˈeksɪt/
sustain (v) /səˈsteɪn/ leave; go out ● James exited the room without
experience or suffer sth unpleasant ● Lance saying goodbye. ➣ exit (n)
sustained a severe leg injury when he fell off skull (n) /skʌl/
his bike. ➣ sustainability (n), sustainable (adj) the bone that gives structure to the head and
protects the brain ● Wearing a motorcycle
neuroscience (n) /ˈnjʊərəʊsaɪəns/
the science of studying the brain and helmet reduces the risk of injury to the skull in
nervous system ● As research methods in the event of an accident.
neuroscience develop, there is more evidence against all odds (expr)
to explain how people experience different /əˈɡenst ɔːl ɒdz/
emotions. ➣ neuroscientist (n) despite seeming impossible ● Against all odds,
the climbing team made it to the top of K2.
miraculous (adj) /mɪˈrækjələs/ extraordinary
and unexpected ● The patient made a miraculous initially (adv) /ɪˈnɪʃəli/
recovery and was back to at first ● Paul’s parents were initially surprised
work long before anyone expected. ➣ miracle at his decision to leave home, but they soon
(n), miraculously (adv) came round to the idea. ➣ initial (n), initial
foreman (n) /ˈfɔːmən/ (adj)
a worker who is responsible for leading semicomatose (adj)
a group of other workers, especially in /ˈsemi ˈkəʊmətəʊs/
construction or factory work ● The factory almost unconscious ● Gwen was still
foreman told the workers to take a break while semicomatose when we saw her after her
the machines were being serviced. operation, so she didn’t seem to realise where
dynamite (n) /ˈdaɪnəmaɪt/ she was.
a highly explosive substance ● Several sticks
of dynamite were used to blow up the old
block of flats. ➣ dynamite (v)
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 physically (adv) /ˈfɪzɪkli/ inhibit (v) /ɪnˈhɪbɪt/
involving the body rather than the mind restrict sb’s actions by causing them to feel
● Robin still found cycling physically shy or embarrassed ● Students felt that their
challenging months after breaking his ankle. new teacher inhibited them from learning with
➣ physical (adj) her strict manner. ➣ inhibition (n)
mentally (adv) /ˈmentəli/ self-awareness (n) /self əˈweənəs/
involving the mind rather than the body a sense of understanding your own behaviour
● Solving crosswords and other puzzles can and who you are ● Watching how you behave
be mentally stimulating. ➣ mentality (n), on video can lead to a greater sense of self-
mental (adj) awareness. ➣ self-aware (adj)
inappropriate (adj) /ˌɪnəˈprəʊpriət/ solid (adj) /ˈsɒlɪd/
not suitable ● I hadn’t realised it would be a certain ● Though Ken was the prime suspect
formal dinner, so my jeans and T-shirt were in the murder investigation, the police had no
quite inappropriate for the occasion. solid proof to arrest him. ➣ solidify (v), solidly
➣ inappropriateness (n), inappropriately (adv) (adv)
acquaintance (n) /əˈkweɪntəns/ trauma (n) /ˈtrɔːmə/
sb you know but are not close friends with the effect of a serious shock or injury,
● Laura has a large number of acquaintances especially on the brain ● Alex needed the
on social media sites, most of whom she has help of a psychologist to help him through the
never met personally. ➣ acquaint (v) trauma of his parents’ divorce. ➣ traumatise
hold down (phr v) /həʊld daʊn/ (v), traumatic (adj), traumatically (adv)
manage to keep a job ● John had difficulty introductory (adj) /ˌɪntrəˈdʌktəri/
in holding down two jobs at once as he was intended to introduce you to a subject or
utterly exhausted. activity ● The college offers a range of short
epileptic (adj) /ˌepɪˈleptɪk/ introductory courses for foreign students.
➣ introduce (v), introduction (n)
related to epilepsy, an illness affecting the
brain ● Tom became epileptic as a result of a sought-out (adj) /sɔːt aʊt/
head injury. ➣ epilepsy (n) desired; wanted ● The most sought-out
seizure (n) /ˈsiːʒə(r)/ paintings fetched a good price at the auction.
➣ seek (v), seeker (n)
an attack of an illness that strikes suddenly
● Aunt Hilda was admitted to hospital after her ground-breaking (adj) /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/
heart seizure. ➣ seize (v) making a new and important discovery
● Before the ground-breaking discovery of
post-traumatic (adj) /ˌpəʊst.trɔːˌmæt.ɪk/
antibiotics, people used to die from infections
as a result of a serious shock or injury,
especially to the brain ● Naser suffered from that are now curable. ➣ groundbreaker (n)
✎ Also: groundbreaking
post-traumatic stress after his town was
bombed. temperament (n) /ˈtemprəmənt/
your manner of behaving or reacting towards
disinhibition (n) /ˌdɪsɪnhɪˈbɪʃn/
others ● Lucy’s calm temperament makes her
the state of having no feeling of
embarrassment or shyness to restrict an ideal school counsellor. ➣ temperamental
behaviour ● Certain drugs, which have (adj), temperamentally (adv)
caused people to experience sudden social track (v) /træk/
disinhibition and lead to self-destructive follow the progress of sth/sb ● Our tutor
behaviour, are banned in Australia. gives us monthly tests to track our academic
➣ disinhibit (v) progress. ➣ tracker (n)
✎ Opp: inhibition
well-being (n) /wel ˈbiːɪŋ/
frontal lobe (n) /ˈfrʌnˌtəl ləʊb/ the state of good physical and psychological
one of the two parts of the brain which control health ● Having enough sleep is as important
behaviour, personality, etc. ● In the past, as diet and exercise for your overall well-
mental illness was treated by removing all being.
or part of the frontal lobes. ➣ lobotomy (n),
infancy (n) /ˈɪnfənsi/
lobotomise (v) the stage of life from birth to early childhood
cognitive (adj) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ ● Children’s psychological development
related to the processes of thinking and depends greatly on the stimulus they receive
understanding ● It’s amazing how children’s during their infancy. ➣ infant (n), infantile (adj)
cognitive development varies according to their
upbringing.

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invaluable (adj) /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ empathetic (adj) /ˌemˌpəˈθetˌɪk/
very useful ● The internet has become such showing understanding for sb’s feelings
an invaluable source of information that we ● Good teachers have to be both patient and
now feel quite deprived if we cannot get online. empathetic towards their students’ needs.
➣ value (v), value (n) ➣ empathise (v), empathy (n), empathetically
(adv)

Mind and Body determinant (n) /dɪˈtɜːmɪnənt/

a deciding factor ● Qualifications may not be
Nouns Adjectives the sole determinant in securing a job, but they
adolescence adolescent can give you an advantage over other
contagion epileptic candidates. ➣ determine (v), determined (adj),
frontal lobe innate determining (adj)
gesture post-traumatic
infancy semicomatose adolescent (n) /ˌædəˈlesnt/
neuroscience physically a teenager; sb going through the stage of
posture mentally life between childhood and adulthood ● Ms
seizure cognitive Jones refused to take her class on a three-
skull day excursion as she did not wish to be held
trauma responsible for a group of adolescents.
➣ adolescence (n), adolescent (adj)
well-being
adolescence (n) /ˌædəˈlesns/
the stage of life between childhood and
adulthood ● Teenagers go through major
intricate (adj) /ˈɪntrɪkət/ physical and emotional changes during
finely-detailed and complex ● The neutral adolescence. ➣ adolescent (n), adolescent
shade of the curtains went well with the (adj)
intricate floral pattern of the carpet.
➣ intricacy (n), intricately (adv) peer (n) /pɪə(r)/
sb of the same age or in the same social
mosaic (n) /məʊˈzeɪɪk/ position as another ● Sophie gets along well
a pattern or image made with many small parts with most of her peers in her class at college.
put together ● The path leading to the mansion
was a mosaic of broken tiles and pebbles. flourish (v) /ˈflʌrɪʃ/
➣ mosaic (adj) develop and do well ● Andrew's
self-confidence began to flourish when his
keenly (adv) /ˈkiːnli/ parents sent him to music school.
enthusiastically; deeply ● Visitors to the zoo ✎ Syn: thrive
keenly observed the young panda’s behaviour.
➣ keenness (v), keen (adj) limitations (n) /ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃnz/
sth that limits sb/sth from achieving more or
devoted (adj) /dɪˈvəʊtɪd/ being better ● It isn’t a bad camera, but it has
completely loyal and loving ● Barbara is its limitations in close-up photography.
utterly devoted to her grandchildren and ➣ limit (v), limit (n), limited (adj)
adores spending time with them. ➣ devote (v),
devotion (n), devotee (n), devotedly (adv) infer (v) /ɪnˈfɜː(r)/
make an educated guess or develop an
optimal (adj) /ˈɒptɪməl/ opinion about sth based on the information
to the maximum or best possible extent ● The given ● From the author’s overall tone, we
car reaches its optimal fuel efficiency at an can infer that she must have had a difficult
average speed of around 50 miles per hour. childhood. ➣ inference (n)
➣ optimum (adj)
fascination (n) /ˌfæsɪˈneɪʃn/
attribute (n) /ˈætrɪbjuːt/ a strong interest in sth ● Thelma’s fascination
a quality or characteristic ● Modesty is one of with archaeology led her to write a book on
Malcolm’s greatest attributes as he’s rather Minoan art. ➣ fascinate (v), fascinated (adj),
quiet about his own successes. ➣ attribute (v), fascinating (adj)
attributable (adj)
baffle (v) /ˈbæfl/
ethically (adv) /ˈeθɪkli/ confuse ● Grace’s decision to resign from
in a morally acceptable way ● In some her comfortable job completely baffled her
cultures, it is considered ethically correct to eat colleagues. ➣ baffling (adj)
certain insects. ➣ ethic (n), ethical (adj)

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 troubled (adj) /ˈtrʌbld/ at a loss (expr) /æt ə lɒs/
worried ● I knew all was not well when I saw not knowing what to say ● Roxanne was at a
Tom’s troubled expression. ➣ trouble (v), loss to explain why her husband had left her.
trouble (n), troublesome (adj)
aberrant (adj) /æˈberənt/
authority (n) /ɔːˈθɒrəti/ antisocial ● Mike was expelled from school as
the power to make decisions and tell others a result of his repeated aberrant behaviour in
how to behave ● My neighbours appear class. ➣ aberration (n)
to have no authority over their kids, who
abnormal (adj) /æbˈnɔːml/
are unacceptably noisy. ➣ authorise (v), not normal; unnatural ● Having lost an
authoritative (adj), authoritative (adv) abnormal amount of weight during her illness,
eliminate (v) /ɪˈlɪmɪneɪt/ Ellen is on a special diet to regain her strength.
rule out; remove ● John is likely to win ➣ abnormality (n), abnormally (adv)
the singing contest as the judges have
misanthrope (n) /ˈmɪsənθrəʊp/
eliminated most of the other contestants. sb who does not like other people and avoids
➣ elimination (n)
human company ● Although Sue enjoys
encompass (v) /ɪnˈkʌmpəs/ spending time alone with her books, it doesn’t
include ● Make sure your essay encompasses mean that she’s a complete misanthrope; she
all the relevant points. actually has a wide circle of friends.
➣ misanthropy (n), misanthropic (adj)
multitude (n) /ˈmʌltɪtjuːd/
large number of people or things together adamant (adj) /ˈædəmənt/
● There are a multitude of expressions to having a fixed opinion about sth ● The
describe different types of human behaviour. parliamentary spokesperson was adamant that
➣ multitudinous (adj) the tax increases were justified and no amount
of public protest would change the decision.
interrelated (adj) /ˌɪntərɪˈleɪtɪd/
➣ adamantly (adv)
connected together; bearing a relation to each
other ● Our states of physical and emotional cynical (adj) /ˈsɪnɪkl/
health are closely interrelated. ➣ interrelate not believing that sth is done for good or
(v), interrelationship (n) unselfish reasons; negatively thinking ● Stop
being so cynical! You have just as much

Vocabulary pages 8-9-10

chance of getting the job as anyone else.
➣ cynic (n), cynicism (n), cynically (adv)

misspent (adj) /ˌmɪsˈspent/ inflexible (adj) /ɪnˈfleksəbl/

used in a careless or wasteful way ● Despite not willing to change your mind; difficult to
her misspent teenage years when she hardly change or bend ● Colin’s inflexible attitude
studied at all, Elaine passed her university towards his teenage daughter made her want
degree with flying colours. ➣ misspend (v) to leave home. ➣ inflexibility (n),
inflexibly (adv)
pleasurable (adj) /ˈpleʒərəbl/
enjoyable ● My holiday at the spa was a most obstinate (adj) /ˈɒbstɪnət/
pleasurable experience which left me feeling stubborn; sticking to your opinion ● Jane is
refreshed and relaxed. ➣ please (v), pleasure so obstinate that she refuses to follow her
(n), pleasurably (adv) parents’ advice. ➣ obstinacy (n),
obstinately (adv)
dysfunctional (adj) /dɪsˈfʌŋkʃənl/
not functioning normally ● Dysfunctional elated (adj) /iˈleɪtɪd/
relationships between couples are generally joyful and very excited ● We were elated at the
due to incompatible interests and desires. referee’s decision to award our team a penalty.
➣ dysfunction (n) ➣ elation (n)

neglect (n) /nɪˈɡlekt/ jubilant (adj) /ˈdʒuːbɪlənt/

lack of care or attention ● In the UK, parents very happy because of a successful result
who leave underage children alone at home ● The jubilant fans cheered loudly after the
can be imprisoned for child neglect. ➣ neglect final whistle. ➣ jubilation (n), jubilantly (adv)
(v), neglected (adj) overjoyed (adj) /ˌəʊvəˈdʒɔɪd/
maladjusted (adj) /ˌmæləˈdʒʌstɪd/ extremely pleased ● Irene’s grandmother was
with emotional problems that prevent sb overjoyed to see her when she returned from
behaving in a socially acceptable way ● Those Canada.
who bully others often tend to be maladjusted meticulous (adj) /məˈtɪkjələs/
as a result of their upbringing. with great attention to detail; thorough ● Lynne
➣ maladjustment (n) keeps a meticulous record of the company
accounts. ➣ meticulously (adv)

4
apathetic (adj) /ˌæpəˈθetɪk/ eloquent (adj) /ˈeləkwənt/
lacking interest or unwilling to take action ● If able to express opinions well in a clear and
voters hadn’t been so apathetic, there would confident way, especially in public ● The most
have been a better turnout for the election. eloquent speaker was chosen to represent
➣ apathy (n), apathetically (adv) the team in the debate. ➣ eloquence (n),
eloquently (adv)
dispassionate (adj) /dɪsˈpæʃənəti/
clear-thinking because of lack of emotional principled (adj) /ˈprɪnsəpld/
involvement ● To a dispassionate observer, having strong moral beliefs ● Beth has a
United clearly did not deserve to win, though principled approach towards helping students
the fans would never admit it. who cannot afford to pay fees. ➣ principle (n)
➣ dispassionately (adv) ✎ Opp: unprincipled

uneasy (adj) /ʌnˈiːzi/ scrupulous (adj) /ˈskruːpjələs/

worried or unconfident ● They had an uneasy honest; giving careful attention to detail
feeling that they were being followed. ● The detectives made a scrupulous search
➣ uneasiness (n), uneasily (adv) of the crime scene. ➣ scruple (v), scruple (n),
scrupulously (adv)
withdrawn (adj) /wɪðˈdrɔːn/
✎ Opp: unscrupulous
quiet and introverted; not outgoing ● Mabel
had become even more shy and withdrawn as upright (adj) /ˈʌpraɪt/
she found it hard to fit in at her new school. behaving honestly and ethically ● I couldn’t
➣ withdraw (v) believe such an apparently upright citizen
could have committed murder. ➣ upright (n),
compulsive (adj) /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/
upright (adv)
unable to stop doing sth ● Nobody takes Bill
seriously since he’s known to be a compulsive distrustful (adj) /dɪsˈtrʌstfl/
liar. ➣ compulsion (n), compulsively (adv) not trusting sb/sth easily ● Granddad is
extremely distrustful of all politicians.
neurotic (adj) /njʊəˈrɒtɪk/
➣ distrust (v), distrust (n)
behaving nervously or unreasonably
● Mr Templar became neurotic about arouse (v) /əˈraʊz/
home security after the burglary and had excite or awaken particular feelings in sb
cameras fitted in every room. ➣ neurosis (n), ● The referendum aroused a great deal of
neurotically (adv) disagreement even between friends.
➣ arousal (n), arousing (adj)
obsessive (adj) /əbˈsesɪv/
focussed on one person or thing to an assert (v) /əˈsɜːt/
abnormal extent ● Greg has become so state confidently ● After his arrest, the prisoner
obsessive about his new project that he never asserted his right to call a lawyer. ➣ assertion
has time for his friends or family. ➣ obsess (v), (n), assertive (adj), assertively (adv)
obsession (n), obsessively (adv) grudge (n) /ɡrʌdʒ/
obnoxious (adj) /əbˈnɒkʃəs/ a bad feeling or strong dislike for sb because
horrible; offensive ● What an obnoxious of sth they did in the past ● You beat me fair
manner he has! It’s small wonder he has no and square in the tennis match, so I bear no
friends. ➣ obnoxiously (adv) grudge against you. ➣ grudge (v), grudging
(adj), grudgingly (adv)
amiable (adj) /ˈeɪmiəbl/
likeable; good-natured ● Ian took his clients breed (v) /briːd/
out to dinner to create a more amiable cause sth to happen ● Tina’s promotion bred a
atmosphere for discussion. ➣ amiability (n), feeling of resentment amongst her colleagues,
amiably (adv) who had also applied for the position. ➣ breed
(n)
impassive (adj) /ɪmˈpæsɪv/
showing no sign of emotion ● From her conduct yourself (v) /kənˈdʌkt jɔːˈself/ behave
impassive expression, you can never tell what in a certain way ● The sales assistant
our teacher is thinking. ➣ impassively (adv) conducted herself in a highly unprofessional
manner when she lost her temper with the
poised (adj) /pɔɪzd/
customer. ➣ conduct (n)
with a calm and confident manner; not moving
but ready to do so ● The cat stood poised for exert (v) /ɪɡˈzɜːt/
action as she waited for the bird to land on the use effort, such as strength or influence to
lawn. ➣ poise (v), poise (n) achieve a result ● Parents often exert too
much pressure on their children to achieve
serene (adj) /səˈriːn/
success from an early age. ➣ exertion (n)
peaceful and not worried ● The serene
smile on Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa has become
legendary. ➣ serenity (n), serenely (adv)

5
 swallow (sth) (v) /ˈswɒləʊ ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ compatible (adj) /kəmˈpætəbl/
hold (sth) back; not reveal or express sth able to get on well together through having
● Linda tried to swallow her emotions as she similar or matching characteristics or interests
broke the bad news to her friend. and needs ● Our musical tastes are not
➣ swallow (n) compatible as I really can’t stand jazz.
➣ compatibility (n), compatibly (adv)
vent (v) /vent/
✎ Opp: incompatible
express strongly ● Alex hit the ball hard into
the net to vent his frustration at losing the inseparable (adj) /ɪnˈseprəbl/
match. ➣ vent (n) that can’t be separated; having a very friendly
familiarity (n) /fəˌmɪliˈærəti/ close relationship ● Nancy and Robert have
the feeling of closeness through knowing sth/ been absolutely inseparable from the year
sb well ● He felt a sense of familiarity as he they met. ➣ inseparably (adv)
approached his birthplace for the first time in philosophical (adj) /ˌfɪləˈsɒfɪkl/
20 years. ➣ familiarise (v), familiar (adj) accepting a negative situation with a calm,
contempt (n) /kənˈtempt/ understanding reaction ● Mum was quite
the feeling of looking down on or showing philosophical about losing her job as she
disrespect for sb/sth you believe to be inferior said she might now consider starting her own
● The islanders viewed the boatloads of business. ➣ philosophy (n), philosopher (n),
immigrants with contempt and suspicion at philosophically (adv)
first. ➣ contemptible (adj), contemptuous (adj), platonic (adj) /pləˈtɒnɪk/
contemptibly (adv), contemptuously (adv) having a friendly, but not sexual relationship
appallingly (adv) /əˈpɔːlɪŋli/ ● Steve’s insists that his friendship with Margo
in a shocking way ● The court case was is purely platonic and they aren’t romantically
appallingly handled; the verdict was so unfair! involved.
➣ appal (v), appalled (adj), appalling (adj) condition (v) /kənˈdɪʃn/
peer pressure (n) /pɪə(r) ˈpreʃə(r)/ train a person or animal to behave in a
the pressure from people your own age or particular way or accept sth ● Army recruits
social status to do the same as they do so as are conditioned to follow orders from their
to be accepted ● Tracy dresses exactly as she superiors. ➣ conditioning (n), conditioned (adj)
pleases and refuses to give in to peer pressure unconditional (adj) /ˌʌnkənˈdɪʃənl/
to wear certain brands of clothing. unlimited; without expecting sth in return
● Fiona is a true friend who is always
gullible (adj) /ˈɡʌləbl/
easy to deceive; liable to believe what other prepared to offer unconditional help whenever
say without question ● How could you be so necessary. ➣ unconditionally (adv)
gullible as to buy that old heap of a car?
➣ gullibility (n)

vulnerable (adj) /ˈvʌlnərəbl/

Positive adjectives
easy to hurt or damage emotionally or amiable outright
physically ● Adolescents are particularly companionable overjoyed
vulnerable to criticism from their peers. compatible philosophical
➣ vulnerability (n) devoted platonic
dispassionate pleasurable
distant (adj) /ˈdɪstənt/
related by family, but not closely ● I have a elated poised
distant cousin – possibly a granddaughter of eloquent principled
my grandma’s cousin – living somewhere in empathetic reciprocal
this area, but we’ve never managed to meet ground-breaking scrupulous
yet. ➣ distance (v), distance (n), inseparable serene
distantly (adv) intricate solid
invaluable sought-out
reciprocal (adj) /rɪˈsɪprəkl/ jubilant tender
that is done or given by both people involved; meticulous unconditional
mutual ● The ceasefire took place under miraculous upright
a reciprocal agreement. ➣ reciprocate (v), non-confrontational withdrawn
reciprocally (adv) optimal
companionable (adj) /kəmˈpæniənəbl/
friendly and good to be in the company of
● My uncle is a companionable character, who
is always the life and soul of the party.
➣ companion (n), company (n),
companionship (n)
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come between (phr v) /kʌm bɪˈtwiːn/ wind (sb) up (phr v) /waɪnd ˈsʌmbədi ʌp/
cause to separate; harm a relationship annoy sb; say sth that is not true to annoy sb
● They’ve been utterly devoted to each other ● Don’t take George seriously; he’s just
for years and nothing can come between winding you up. ➣ wind-up (n), wound-up (adj)
them.
stress (sb) out (phr v) /stres ˈsʌmbədi aʊt/
drift apart (phr v) /drɪft əˈpɑːt/ cause sb to feel very anxious ● The pressure
gradually become less friendly with sb ● We of studying for exams was stressing him out
were best friends at school, but we drifted completely. ➣ stressed-out (adj)
apart over the years when we went off to study
put sb down (phr v) /pʊt ˈsʌmbədi daʊn/ make
at different universities. ➣ drift (n), drifter (n)
sb feel inferior or stupid ● Not having strong
fit in (phr v) /fɪt/ enough policies of their own, the
feel accepted and have a sense of belonging electoral candidates resorted to putting each
in a group, team, etc. ● Language and cultural other down in the debate. ➣ put-down (n)
barriers made it hard for Omar to fit in with slap (n) /slæp/
Greek society. a hit with an open hand ● Fred gave his friend
go back (phr v) /ɡəʊ bæk/ a friendly slap on the back. ➣ slap (v)
know each other from a time in the past a slap in the face (expr) /slæp ɪn ðə feɪs/
● Angela and I go back 15 years; we used to an insulting or disappointing action or event
work together. ● It was a real slap in the face for Rita when
lead (sb) on (phr v) /liːd ˈsʌmbədi ɒn/ she got turned down for promotion after all her
make sb believe an untrue situation hard work.
● The caller had no intention of buying my ego (n) /ˈiːɡəʊ/
bike; he was just leading me on to gain the sense of self worth ● Getting elected as
personal information about where I live. class president was a boost for Diana’s ego
settle down (phr v) /ˈsetl daʊn/ since she was actually quite shy. ➣ egotist (n),
stop moving around and start living in one egoism (n), egotistic (adj)
place to develop a steady lifestyle ● After at arm’s length (expr) /ət ɑːmz leŋθ/
years of working on cargo ships, Paul found at a safe distance ● Tracy keeps her
it difficult to settle down and live in a city neighbours at arm’s length as she prefer to
apartment. ➣ settler (n), settled (adj) keep her personal business private.
stick up for (phr v) /stɪk ʌp fə(r)/
have a chip on your shoulder (expr) /həv ə ʧɪp
support sb/sth ● Liz always sticks up for her
ɒn jɔː(r) ˈʃəʊldə(r)/
little brother if he gets into trouble in the school feel easily offended about sth because of a
playground. past experience ● As Morag is from Inverness,
work up (phr v) /wɜːk ʌp/ she has a chip on her shoulder about being
cause a feeling or idea to develop ● Vince held called English.
an exhibition of his artwork to work up some confide in (phr v) /kənˈfaɪd ɪn/
interest from potential customers. trust sb with your private thoughts or problems
do sb’s head in (expr) /duː ˈsʌmbədiz hed ɪn/ ● Do you confide your secrets to a friend or
annoy or confuse sb intensely ● Please turn family member? ➣ confidence (n), confidential
off that music! It’s doing my head in and I can’t (adj), confidentially (adv)
concentrate.
get sth off your chest (expr) /ɡet ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɒf
urge (v) /ɜːdʒ/ jɔː(r) tʃest/
encourage or strongly advise sb to do sth reveal what is worrying you; talk openly about
● Jeff wanted to study art, but his parents a problem ● What’s up with you? I’m all ears if
were urging him to leave school and get a job it would help to get it off your chest.
to earn a living. ➣ urge (n), urging (n), urgent
keep a cool head (expr) /kiːp ə kuːl hed/ remain
(adj)
calm ● Don’t worry so much about your
egg (sb) on (phr v) /eɡ ˈsʌmbədi ɒn/ encourage interview; just keep a cool head and do your
or provoke sb to do sth ● As the boys egged best.
each other on to dive off the high behind sb’s back (expr) /bɪˈhaɪnd
rocks into the sea, two of them ended up in
ˈsʌmbədiz bæk/
hospital. without sb knowing or against their wishes
tease (v) /tiːz/ ● Carol fell out with her colleague when she
make fun of sb in a friendly way as a joke, found out he’d been talking about her behind
or to embarrass them ● Patrick got used to her back.
being teased about his red hair and freckled
complexion as a child. ➣ tease (n), teaser (n)

7
 bite your tongue (expr) /baɪt jɔː(r) tʌŋ/ be on the same wavelength (expr) /bi ɒn ðə
hold yourself back from saying sth that might seɪm ˈweɪvleŋθ/
upset sb ● I knew my teacher had made a have similar ideas; share the same opinion ●
mistake, but I didn’t know whether to tell her or We’re on the same wavelength when it comes
just bite my tongue. to animal welfare as neither of us can stand
seeing animals suffer.
put your foot in it (expr) /pʊt jɔː(r) fʊt ɪn
ɪt/ against your will (expr) /əˈɡenst jɔː(r) wɪl/
say sth inappropriate in a certain situation that although you don’t want to do so ● Stuart had
upsets sb ● It was supposed to be a surprise to leave the country against his will when his
party. You’ve really put your foot in it now! visitor’s permit expired.
give sb the elbow (expr) /ɡɪv ˈsʌmbədi ðə in a rut (expr) /ɪn ə rʌt/
ˈelbəʊ/ in a routine (often boring) situation that is hard
reject sb; tell sb to leave because they are no to change ● I wish I could find a more exciting
longer needed or wanted ● Harry gave his so- job instead of being stuck in a rut as a bank
called friend the elbow when he realised he’d clerk.
been using him to advance his own career.
on cloud nine (expr) /ɒn klaʊd naɪn/
extremely happy ● Tracy was on cloud nine
Body-related expressions when she heard the unexpected good news.
a slap in the face give sb the elbow at ease (expr) /ət iːz/
at arm’s length have a chip on your confident and relaxed ● She is much too shy
at heart shoulder to feel at ease in the company of strangers.
behind sb’s back keep a cool head on edge (expr) /ɒn edʒ/
bite your tongue put your foot in it nervous; easily upset ● Most parents tend to
do sb’s head in rear its (ugly) head be a bit on edge when they are unsure of their
get sth off your chest teenage children’s whereabouts.
out of character (expr) /aʊt əv ˈkærəktə(r)/
a pain in the neck (expr) /ə peɪn ɪn ðə nek/ in a way that is different from sb’s usual
an annoyance ● My little sister is always trying personality ● How strange that Mandy lost her
to listen in on my phone calls; she can be a temper last night – it was so out of character!
real pain in the neck at times.
associate (v) /əˈsəʊʃieɪt/
be in tune with (expr) /bi ɪn tjuː wɪθ/ mentally link sth/sb with (sth/sb else); have
have the same ideas as sb; accord with sb’s a connection with ● Ian always associates
way of thinking ● Jack isn’t quite in tune with Cornwall with his childhood memories of
the rest of the staff as he’s a bit of a loner and summer. ➣ association (n), associate (n),
prefers to do his own thing. associated (adj)
be beside yourself (expr) /bi bɪˈsaɪd attribute (v) /əˈtrɪbjuːt/
jɔːˈself/ say that sb/sth is the cause of sth ● Sam
be overcome by an emotion ● Dad was beside attributed his success in business to a lot of
himself with happiness when I told him I’d got hard work and a little luck. ➣ attribute (n),
my scholarship. attributable (adj)
be on good terms (expr) /bi ɒn ɡʊd tɜːmz/ clan (n) /klæn/
have a friendly relationship ● Jerry is an a large extended family group with a common
amicable student who is on good terms with surname ● My Scottish ancestors were
most of his teachers. members of the Gordon clan. ➣
be in sb’s bad books (expr) /bi ɪn mob (n) /mɒb/
ˈsʌmbədiz bæd bʊks/ a large crowd of people who may behave
be out of favour with sb because of having violently ● An angry mob protested outside the
done sth to displease them ● Nick had another town hall. ➣ mob (v)
argument with the boss, so he’s in her bad
books again. clique (n) /kliːk/
a small close-knit group which excludes others
at heart (expr) /ət hɑːt/ ● I’m afraid the school students’ committee
essentially, sometimes underneath an outward has become a bit of a clique who are doing
appearance ● Debbie can sound abrupt over whatever they feel like whilst ignoring their
the phone despite being a warm and friendly classmates’ views.➣ cliquey (adj)
person at heart.

8
self-content (n) /self ˈkɒntent/ intruder (n) /ɪnˈtruːdə(r)
the sense of being happy with the way you sb who enters a place illegally or when they
are ● Despite having lived in a city most of her are not wanted ● With three fierce guard dogs
life, Karen had a feeling of self-content settling in pursuit, the intruders climbed swiftly back
down in her small country house. over the wall. ➣ intrude (v), intrusion (n),
➣ self-content (adj) intrusive (adj), intrusively (adv)
self-satisfaction (n) /selfˌ sætɪsˈfækʃn/ novice (n) /ˈnɒvɪs/
the sense of being pleased or satisfied with sb who is new to doing sth and has little
sth you have done ● Having received so much experience ● Lia is a complete novice at
praise for her project, Kate felt a sense of self- playing the violin; she sounds terrible!
satisfaction. ➣ self-satisfied (adj)
self-esteem (n) /self ɪˈstiːm/
the sense of feeling valued or important Phrasal
● Constant criticism from teachers and parents verbs
back sb up engage in sth settle down
can lower a child’s self-esteem. come fit in stick up for
self-sufficiency (n) /self səˈfɪʃnsi/ between go back stress (sb)
the state of having enough resources without confide in hold down out
needing anything from others ● Moving to crack sb up lead (sb) on wind (sb) up
another country requires a great deal of drift apart look sb up work up
self-sufficiency as it could be difficult to build egg (sb) on put sb down
support networks. ➣ self-sufficient (adj)
back sb up (phr v) /bæk ˈsʌmbədi ʌp/
say that what sb says is true ● Your alibi
sounds unlikely. Is there any witness who can
Grammar pages 11-12-13
back you up? ➣ back-up (n) gathering (n) /ˈɡæðərɪŋ/
look sb up (phr v) /lʊk ˈsʌmbədi ʌp/ a meeting of people ● Greek name days are
contact or visit sb when you are in their area always a great excuse for a family gathering.
● Next time you’re in London, look me up and ➣ gather (v), gatherer (n)
we can get together. annoyance (n) /əˈnɔɪəns/
crack sb up (phr v) /kræk ˈsʌmbədi ʌp/ sth that is annoying; the feeling of being
say sth that amuses sb very much ● Billy’s live annoyed ● Olga could not hide her annoyance
performance was so funny it cracked us all up. at the interruption. ➣ annoy (v), annoying
We couldn’t stop laughing! (adj), annoyingly (adv)

outburst (n) /ˈaʊtbɜːst/

an unexpected expression of strong emotion Feelings
● The centre forward was sent off due to his
outburst of violence during the match. annoyance self-content
contempt self-esteem
prone (to) (adj) /prəʊn (tə)/ disinhibition self-satisfaction
likely to do sth or suffer sth ● Our old teacher distress self-sufficiency
was prone to falling asleep in the middle of a fascination sorrow
exam. self-awareness
bitterly (adv) /ˈbɪtəli/
in an extremely bad way; acutely ● I was
bitterly disappointed at his dreadful attitude.
➣ bitterness (n), bitter (adj) Relationships & Groups
acquaintance misanthrope
steer clear of sb/sth (expr) /stɪə(r) klɪə(r)
clan mob
əvˈsʌmbədi/ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
stay out of the way of sb/sth that might be cliqu outsider
problematic ● You’d better steer clear of gathering peer
Tommy; he’s in a foul mood today. intruder

outsider (n) /ˌaʊtˈsaɪdə(r)/

sb who is not an accepted member of a
community group ● Although Penny spends
a month on the island every year, she is Listening page 14
still regarded as an outsider as she is not a
leave sb cold (expr) /liːv ˈsʌmbədi kəʊld/ fail to
permanent resident. ➣ outside (adj), outside
arouse any interest or excitement for sb ●
(adv) The idea of a night at the opera leaves
Daniel cold.

9
 overwhelm (v) /ˌəʊvəˈwelm/
have an overpowering effect on ● Sarah was Speaking page 15
overwhelmed by the beauty of the island.
innate (adj) /ɪˈneɪt/
➣ overwhelming (adj), overwhelmingly (adv)
that you were born with ● Do you believe that
mistaken (adj) /mɪˈsteɪkən/ musical talent is innate or is it learned?
incorrect in a belief; based on an incorrect belief ➣ innately (adv)
or assumption ● I was under the mistaken
impression that he came from a poor family.
➣ mistake (v), mistake (n), mistakenly (adv) Writing pages 16-17
extrovert (n) /ˈekstrəvɜːt/ discursive (adj) /dɪsˈkɜːsɪv/
an outgoing confident person ● Although Gary used to describe writing or spoken discussion
appears so confident when performing in the involving different opinions on sth ● We were
band, he’s not such an extrovert and is rather asked to write a discursive essay on the pros
shy offstage. ➣ extroverted (adj) and cons of technological advances.
introvert (n) /ˈɪntrəvɜːt/ susceptible (adj) /səˈseptəbl/
a quiet person who doesn’t make friends likely to be affected by sth/sb or suffer from sth
easily ● Nigel prefers to express his thoughts ● As a teenager, Mike was highly susceptible
in writing as he’s too much of an introvert to to criticism from his peers and took it all very
speak up in public. ➣ introverted (adj) personally. ➣ susceptibility (n)
contagion (n) /kənˈteɪdʒən/ beneficially (adv) /ˌbenɪˈfɪʃəli/
the quick spread of sth, such as disease in a way that is helpful or useful ● I’m sure a
or a negative idea ● The sudden influx of few days’ break will affect you beneficially and
immigrants has led to the contagion of racism you’ll come back to work feeling refreshed.
throughout Europe. ➣ contagious (adj), ➣ benefit (v), benefit (n), beneficial (adj)
contagiously (adv)
adversely (adv) /ˈædvɜːsli/
convergence (n) /kənˈvɜːdʒəns/ in a way that has an opposite or undesired
the action of two or more things meeting and effect ● The recession has adversely affected
joining together, then becoming similar ● The our plans to develop our business and we’ve
new Acropolis Museum is a prime example lost most of our customers lately. ➣ adversity
of the convergence of ancient and modern (n), adverse (adj)
architecture. ➣ converge (v), convergent (adj)
undue (adj) /ˌʌnˈdjuː/
trait (n) /treɪt/ unnecessary or more than acceptable
a characteristic ● Unfortunately, Simon had ● Working from home put undue stress on
always been a fraud and honesty was not a Annie’s family relationships.
trait of his character. ✎ Opp: due
conform (v) /kənˈfɔːm/ excessive (adj) /ɪkˈsesɪv/
behave according to the accepted rules of a much more than necessary ● Working in front
society; be in agreement with or follow the of a computer for an excessive period of time
same pattern as sth/sb ● Neil moved out of the can lead to eye strain and backache.
university hall of residence in first year as he ➣ exceed (v), excess (n), excessively (adv)
couldn’t conform with the idea of communal
living. ➣ conformity (n) engage in sth (phr v) /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ ɪn ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
participate in sth ● Some children may engage in
bullying at school as a result of problems within
Behaviour their family environment. ➣ engagement (n),
Verbs Nouns engaged (adj), engaging (adj), engagingly (adv)
assert ego ridicule (v) /ˈrɪdɪkjuːl/
associate extrovert make fun of ● Hamish’s peers ridiculed him
baffle familiarity because of his Scottish accent when he
breed humanity moved to York. ➣ ridicule (n), ridiculous (adj),
captivate interaction ridiculously (adv)
conform introvert
grudge neglect draw the line (expr) /drɔː ðə laɪn/
infer outburst set a limit; be unwilling to do sth ● Kate’s
overwhelm peer pressure parents are generally very tolerant, but they
repulse temperament draw the line at letting her stay out all night
ridicule trait unless they are sure of her whereabouts.
tease
urge

10
core (adj) /kɔː(r)/
central and basic ● All staff are expected Other useful expressions
to support the core values of the company:
integrity and quality service. ➣ core (n) against all odds be in sb’s bad books
against your will be in tune with
let yourself in for sth (expr) /let jɔːˈself ɪn at a loss be on good terms
fə(r)ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ at ease be on the same
get involved in sth that may be a difficult in a rut wavelength
experience ● Before you sign the contract with on cloud nine steer clear of sb/sth
the company, make sure you know what you’re on edge draw the line
letting yourself in for. out of character let yourself in for sth
distress (n) /dɪˈstres/ be beside yourself stand your ground
anxiety or suffering ● Mark is always willing
to help a friend in distress. ➣ distress (v),
distressed (adj), distressing (adj)
non-confrontational (adj)
/ˈnɒnˌkɒnfrʌnˈteɪʃənl/ Video 1: From the
in a way that avoids causing an argument
● At times, even the most understanding
parents find it hard to bite their tongues and Same Family page 18
remain calm and non-confrontational with their gesture (n) /ˈdʒestʃə(r)/
teenage children. a non-verbal movement to show a certain
boundary (n) /ˈbaʊndri/ feeling or meaning ● When travelling abroad,
a point that marks the limit of sth ● Teachers it’s wise to avoid making certain gestures
have to set boundaries for student behaviour in case they’re considered rude in another
within the classroom environment. culture. ➣ gesture (v)
rear its (ugly) head (expr) /rɪə(r) ɪts ˈʌɡli hed/ captivate (v) /ˈkæptɪveɪt/
appear or occur ● When the possibility of attract and hold sb’s close attention ● The
losing his job reared its ugly head, George audience were captivated by his stunning
thought of becoming self-employed. performance. ➣ captive (n), captivating (adj)
stand your ground (expr) /stænd jɔː(r) repel (v) /rɪˈpel/
ɡraʊnd/ cause sth/sb to move away or avoid you
refuse to back down or give up; stick to your ● The combined Athenian and Platean forces
opinion ● Julie stood her ground and refused repelled the Persian invaders at the Battle
to work any unpaid overtime. of Marathon. ➣ repellent (n), repulsive (adj),
✎ Also: hold your ground repulsively (adv)
outright (adj) /ˈaʊtraɪt/
absolute ● Her new book was an outright
Negative adjectives success and has been nominated for several
aberrant maladjusted awards. ➣ outright (adv)
abnormal misspent
tender (adj) /ˈtendə(r)/
apathetic mistaken gentle and caring ● The tender words in his
compulsive neurotic letter moved me to tears. ➣ tenderness (n),
cynical obnoxious tenderly (adv)
distrustful obsessive
dysfunctional obstinate redefine (v) /ˌriːdɪˈfaɪn/
excessive troubled give sth a new meaning; move the limits of sth
gullible undue ● Technology has redefined the art of written
impassive uneasy communication. ➣ redefinition (n)
inappropriate vulnerable complex (adj) /ˈkɒmpleks/
inflexible not simple ● It’s amazing to think that ancient
Greeks had the knowledge to devise complex
mathematical formulae. ➣ complexity (n)
grasp (n) /æktˈɪvəti/
ability to reach or achieve ● Having eaten
all the leaves that were within its grasp, the
panda lay down for a snooze. ➣ grasp (v)

11
 sorrow (n) /ˈsɒrəʊ/ humanity (n) /hjuːˈmænəti/
a strong feeling of sadness ● A look of sorrow the quality of showing kindness and
swept across his face when he heard the bad compassion towards others; the state of being
news. ➣ sorrowful (adj), sorrowfully (adv) human ● If the new supervisor hopes to win
the respect of the staff, she’d better loosen up
glimpse (v) /ɡlɪmps/
briefly notice sth/sb ● We just glimpsed the and start showing some humanity.
➣ humanitarian (adj), humanitarianism (n)
tail of lizard before it disappeared into the
undergrowth. resemblance (n) /rɪˈzembləns/
repulse (v) /rɪˈpʌls/ the fact of having a similar appearance to sth
stop sb/sth coming close to you; reject sb’s ● The sequel bears no resemblance to his
help or attention ● Any attempt the keeper original novel in the series. ➣ resemble (v)
made to get close to the lion was repulsed with
an angry roar. ➣ repulsive (adj), repulsively Verbs of movement
(adv)
bare propel
posture (n) /ˈpɒstʃə(r)/ blast swallow
the manner you position your body when you compact track
stand or sit ● Wearing uncomfortable shoes exert grasp
will do nothing for your posture and may cause exit repel
severe back problems.

12