StanLey's English Notes

1.strike (v)

to hit or physically attack someone or something

A car struck the man trying to cross a major highway.

2.ultimatum (adj)

a demand that a person or group do something to avoid something unpleasant:

The workers got an ultimatum – go back to work or face dismissal.

3.snoop (v)

to look around a place secretly in order to discover things about it or the people connected with itr

You have no business snooping around my office.

4.fraud (n)

the crime of obtaining money or property by deceiving people

Convicted of tax fraud, he was sentenced to two years in prison.

5.endorse (v)

to make a public statement of your approval or support for something or someone

We’re not endorsing tax increases.

6.amusing (adj)

interesting

One amusing story after another kept the audience laughing

7.inferior (adj)

worse than average, or not as good as others of the same type:

She felt inferior to her older sister.

8.evaluate (v)

to judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something:

Doctors evaluate the patient’s condition.

9.stroke (v)

to move your hand or an object gently over something, usually repeatedly

Asked another question, she stroked her chin and shut her eyes before answering.

10.dazzle (v)

If you are dazzled by someone or something, you think they are extremely good and exciting

I was dazzled by his charm and good looks.

11.gurgle (v)

to make a happy sound with the back of the throat, or (of water, especially small streams) to flow quickly while making a low, pleasant sound

The baby lay gurgling in her cot.

12.exclaim (v)

to say or shout something suddenly because of surprise, fear, pleasure, etc

She exclaimed in delight upon hearing the news.

13.restrain (v)

to control the actions or behaviour of someone by force, especially in order to stop them from doing something, or to limit the growth or force of something

When he started fighting, it took four police officers to restrain him.

14.exuberant (adj)

(especially of people and their behaviour) very energetic

Young and exuberant, he symbolises Italy's new vitality.

15.germ (n)

a very small organism that causes disease

Wash your hands so you don't get germs on the food.

16.antique (n)

something made in an earlier period and collected and valued because it is beautiful, rare, old or of high quality

You can't give away Granny's old bookcase - it's a valuable antique.

18.stick (n)

a thin piece of wood

The old man was carrying a load of sticks.

19.hum (n)

to make a continuous low sound

The computers were humming in the background.

20.dainty (adj)

small, delicate and often moving in a careful way

We were given tea, and some dainty little cakes.

21.wail (v)

to make a long, high cry, usually because of pain or sadness

The women gathered around the coffin and began to wail, as was the custom in the region.

22.mercy (n)

kindness and forgiveness shown towards someone you have authority over

She appealed to the judge to have mercy on her husband

23.rotten (adj)

decayed

The room smelled of rotten vegetables.

24.morsel (n)

a very small piece of food

The prisoners ate every last morsel.

25.quiver (v)

to shake slightly, often because of strong emotion

Lennie's bottom lip quivered and tears started in his eyes.