GLOSSARY

abandon /@"b{nd@n/(v): leave permanently acknowledgement (n): a note confirming receipt of something acutely (adv): very strongly adoption /@"dQpSn/ (n): the decision to start using a name, an idea or a plan The adoption of new technology helped them to perform better. allegation (n): a claim that somebody has done something wrong, usually false amalgamation /@%m{lg@"meISn/(n): the process of mixing/combining things amazement (n): extreme surprise Maya stared in amazement when I told her that she had won the scholarship. ambience /"{mbI@ns/(n): character and atmosphere of a place amiable (adj): friendly and likeable Our driver was an amiable young man. apologise (v): to say that you are sorry for doing something wrong or for causing a problem The airport authorities apologised for the late departure of the flight. apprehensively (adv): in a state of worry or fright that something unpleasant may happen bag (v): to score a goal or point especially in sports (here) to win bare (adj): naked, uncovered Bare feet make no sound in the soft sand. baton (n): a short thick stick used as a weapon by a policeman bivouac /"bIvu{k/(v): to take shelter temporarily The climbers bivouaced half way up the mountains. blandly (adv): with little excitement or interest blench (v): to react to something in a way that shows you are frightened blunder (v): to make a stupid or careless mistake The police had blundered in their handling of the murder case. bouquet /bU"keI/(n): an arrangement of flowers, especially one that you gift to someone bulbous headed (adj): with round or bulged head burrow /"bVr@U/(v): hide into something The little girl burrowed her head in her mothers lap when the stranger said Hi to her. buzz (v): to make a continuous low sound Bees buzzed lazily among the flowers. by Jove (phr): used for emphasis or to indicate surprise

clad (v): dressed The dancer was clad in blue velvet. click (v): to make or cause something to make a short sharp sound (here) Ravi clicked his fingers to get the attention of the man. cocktail (n): an alcoholic drink made from a mixture of different drinks confinement (n): a state of being forced to stay in a space Most of our freedom fighters had to spend many years in prison or close confinement. conforming (adj):agreeing conscience /"kQnS@ns/(n): the part of your mind that tells you whether your actions are right or wrong consciousness /"kQnS@sn@s/(n): the condition of being able to understand what is happening around you contemplate (v): to think about seriously Are you contemplating a change of job? contemporary /k@n"temp@r@ri/(adj): (here) belonging to or occurring in the present time Although the painting is hundreds of years old, it still has a contemporary feel to it. conviction (n): the feeling of being sure about something and having no doubt corridor (n): long narrow passage from which doors open into rooms and compartments cosy (adj): warm, comfortable and safe counterpane (n): covering for a bed, a bed spread criterion /kraI"tI@ri@n/ (n): pl. criteria, a standard by which you judge, decide about or deal with something dagger (n): a short pointed knife used as a weapon damp (adj): slightly wet The grass on the ground is seen damp in the morning dazzle (v): to become temporarily blind Ravi was dazzled by the strong sunlight for a while. deduction (n): the process of making judgement about something based on the information that you have ENGLISH X 108

GLOSSARY
defy /dI"faI/ (v): to refuse to obey, or to act or be against, a person, decision, law, situation, etc.

A few workers have defied the decision of the majority by joining duty. den (n): (here) the post behind which the catcher stands and the hiders have to touch when the catcher leaves the post in search of hiders desert (v): to abandon something The crow deserted its nest and flew away. desolate (adj): very lonely and unhappy desperately (adv): in a hopeless manner The cat fought against the dog desperately. determination (n): the quality of being firm of purpose Sherin was admired for her determination to learn as many languages as possible. dexterity (n): the ability to do something skilfully diabolic (adj): morally bad and evil; like a devil dignity (n): calm, serious and controlled behaviour that makes people respect you He is a man of dignity and calm determination. diminish (v): to become or to make something weaker or lesser The worlds resources are rapidly diminishing. discriminate (v): to show a difference between people or things The computer programme was unable to discriminate between letters and numbers. disgrace(n): the loss of a persons respect and approval because of bad behaviour or action The French team returned home from the World Cup in disgrace. diverse /daI"v3:s/(adj): very different from each other Diverse dance forms made the fest spectacular. dizzy (adj): feeling as if everything is spinning around you and that you are not able to balance yourself dogged (adj): not readily giving up Her dogged determination to succeed made her the topper in the entrance examination. drastic (adj): severe; having a strong effect drudgery /drVdZ@ri/ (n): hard, boring work Susan always complains about domestic drudgery. eaves /i:vz/(n): the lower edges of a roof that stick out beyond the walls

Birds had nested under the eaves. elation (n): high spirits or joy elude /I"lu:d/(v): to escape from The burglars managed to elude the policemen who were chasing them. embarrassed (adj): ashamed, nervous or uncomfortable in a social situation Some people are too embarrassed to consult doctors on their health problems. engrave (v): to cut words or pictures on metal, wood, glass etc. The winners name is engraved on the trophy. enhance (v): to increase or further improve the good quality, value or status of something/ somebody Reading enhances the language proficiency of the learner. enthral /InTrO:l/(v): to make someone so interested that they listen to or watch something very carefully The audience was enthralled for two hours by the dazzling performance of the actor. erroneous (adj): not correct exception /Ik"sepSn/ (n): a person or thing that is not included in a general stream Most of the buildings in the town are modern, but the church is an exception. executioner (n): an official who carries out a sentence of death exercise (v): to use your power, rights or personal qualities in order to achieve something exile /"eksaIl/ (n): a person who is forced to leave away from his/ her own country Nazar returned after thirty years of exile. facet /"f{sIt/(n): a particular aspect of a thing fallacy (n): false ideas that many people believe is true It is a fallacy to say that the camera never lies. familiarity (n): the state of being well known from long or close association I miss the familiarity of home in the new apartment. fangs /f{Ns/(n): long sharp teeth of an animal such as a snake or a wild dog fantasy (n): an imaginary situation Vineeth lives in a world of fantasy. fare (n): a range of food

ferrule /feru:l/(n): a piece of metal or rubber that covers the end of a stick to protect it flea (n): a small insect without wings that feeds on the blood of animals and humans ENGLISH X 109

GLOSSARY
fling (v): to throw something with force especially when you are angry folk (n): people in general frantic (adj): state of fear and anxiety The parents were frantic when their child did not reach home in time. fray /freI/(n): (here) the game The little boy, seeing the children play, also wanted to take part in the fray. garage /"g{rA:Z/(n): a building where a car is kept, often forming part of a house genial /"dZi:ni@l/(adj): friendly and cheerful Ramu is a genial person. glum (adj): gloomy Dont look so glum. Everything will be all right. good-riddance (n) a rude way of saying you are glad someone has left gouge /gaUdZ/(v): to make a hole or cut out something with a sharp object in a rough or violent way The lions claws had gouged the horses side. grave (adj): (of people) serious in manner hammock /"h{m@k/(n): a thing to sleep on made of a long piece of cloth or net that is hung between two trees hang-out (n): a place one frequently visits The caf is a favourite hang-out of writers. hearth /hA:T/(n): the area of the floor around a fire place in a house hideout (n): a secret place for hiding hilarity (n): loud laughter, great amusement The announcement was greeted with much hilarity and mirth. hoarse /hO:s/(adj): rough and harsh hombre /"Qmbre/(n): an informal term for a youth or man; similar to the usage a nice guy horrendously /h@"rend@sli/(adv): in an extremely bad manner The conditions in the refugee camp were horrendously bad.

huaraches /w{"rA:tSs/(n): a type of sandal (open shoe) made of many narrow strips of leather woven together huddle (v): to lie or sit with your arms and legs close to your body because you feel cold or frightened People were huddled together around the fire. humiliation (n): to make sombody feel ashamed or stupid The writer suffered the humiliation of being criticised in public. hunt (n): an act of chasing and killing wild animals for sport or food ignominy /"Ign@mIni/(n): public embarrassment; shame The new political party formed under the leadership of the film star experienced the ignominy of total defeat in the last election. impulse (n): a sudden strong desire to do something incantation /%Ink{n"teISn/(n): special words that are spoken or sung to have a magical effect incredulous /In"kredjUl@s/(adj): unable or unwilling to believe something He raised his eyebrows and gave me an incredulous look. inference (n): something that you can find out indirectly from what you already know insignificant (adj): not important Vinay is arguing about such an insignificant amount of money. intently (adv): carefully attending to something I noticed her gazing intently at one of the photographs. intone (v): to say in a low voice The priest intoned the final prayer and left the altar. jubilation /%dZu:bI"leISn/(n): great happiness because of success There was jubilation in the crowd as the winning goal was scored. jolt (v): move suddenly and roughly kimono /kI"m@Un@U/(n): a long loose piece of clothing with very wide sleeves, traditionally worn by the Japanese on formal occasions knight-errant in armour (n): a brave man who

saves someone from a dangerous situation knuckle /"nVkl=/(n): the joints in the fingers, especially those connecting the fingers to the rest of the hand languor /"l{Ng@/(n): lack of energy or alertness; dullness loaf (v): to waste time in a lazy way ENGLISH X 110

GLOSSARY

lugubrious /lu:"gu:bri@s/(adj): sad and serious There was a lugubrious expression on the face of the little girl when her mother left the place. luminous (adj): something that shines or gives out light lurid (adj): shocking, sensational, horrifying or terrible machete /m@"Seti/(n): a large knife with a broad heavy blade, used as a weapon or a tool magnify (v): to make something look bigger than it is The dry summer has magnified the problem of water shortage. maniacal (adj): wild or violent When the show began there was a maniacal rush to grab a seat in the front row. mastiff (n): a large strong dog with short hair often used to guard buildings melancholy (n): a deep feeling of sadness As the film ended a mood of melancholy descended on us. metaphor (n): a word or phrase representing an object, idea etc. used in an imaginative way to describe something/ somebody else in order to show that the two things have the same qualities which makes the description more powerful e.g. He has a heart of stone. mettle (adj): courage and determination to do something even when it is very difficult mill(v): to move about while waiting for someone People were milling about at the bus station as no bus had arrived for a long time.

miniature (n): a very small copy or model of something mournfully (adv): in a very sad manner The dog looked mournfully after its owner. mumble (v): to say something softly and not clearly enough to hear Stop mumbling and speak out, the teacher ordered. mute (adj): not speaking, refusing to speak (here) it means to silence, subdue the poets self The police glared at the thief in mute anger. mutter (v): to grumble or complain about something Industrialists continued to mutter against the strict rules of taxation. nimble (adj): able to move quickly and neatly; agile obstinate (adj): refusing to change your opinions, way of behaving etc. when other people try to persuade you to. obtrusive (adj): noticeable in an unpleasant way paraffin (n): a type of oil obtained from petroleum and used as a fuel for heating and lighting paralyse /"p{r@laIz/(v): to prevent something from functioning normally The airport has been paralysed by the strike. parasol /"p{r@sQl/(n): a type of light umbrella that women in the past carried to protect themselves from the sun parish (n): the area/region under a priest or church pathology /p@"TQl@dZi/(n): the scientifc study of diseases patrol (n): the act of going around a place to check that all is secure and orderly Security guards carry out regular patrols in the company premises. pay in kind (idiom): pay in the form of goods or services, not money peer (v): to look very carefully at something The mother peered closely at the photograph. perceive (v): to understand or think of something in a particular way perjure /"p3:dZ@/(v): to tell an untruth wilfully perjurer (n): a liar persist (v): to continue to do something despite difficulties or opposition.

plaza (n): a public square or market place, especially in towns in Spanish speaking countries portrait (n): painting, drawing or photograph of a person showing especially the face or head and shoulders pod (n): a long thin case filled with seeds that develops from the flowers of some plants, especially peas and beans pranks (n): playful or mischievous tricks proclaim/pr@U"kleIm/(v): to announce something publicly or officially The President proclaimed a state of emergency. protagonist /pr@"t{g@nIst/ (n): the leading character in a drama, film or novel ENGLISH X 111

GLOSSARY

prove his mettle (phrase): show that you can do something well inspite of difficulties Spain proved their mettle in the FIFA World Cup 2010. provoking (v): to say or do something that will annoy somebody so that they react angrily The boys cries for ice cream provoked his father. pry (v): to try to find out information about other peoples private lives in a way that is annoying or rude Im sick of you prying into my personal life! pursuer (n): a person who is chasing somebody or something The thief made a sudden right turn off the road in order to escape his pursuers. rationalist (n): a person who tries to find a logical reason rather than a belief to explain why something happens rear (n): the back part of an object, vehicle or building The engine of the autorickshaw is in the rear. recount (v): to tell something you have experienced The writer recounted the details of his childhood days in his book. reed (n): a type of tall plant like grass that grows in wet places refrain(n): a part of a song or poem that is repeated resume (v): to begin or continue after an interruption.

reticent /"retIs@nt/(adj): unwilling to talk about what you feel or what you know Priya is very reticent about her personal life. retreat (v): to move back and away from someone or something The flood waters slowly retreated. riot /"raI@t/(n): wild or violent disturbance by a crowd of people rove /r@Uv/(v): to travel from one place to another (here) it means the eyes flitting continuously from one part of something to another Alis eyes roved over the map to spot the country. roving (adj): moving from one place to another and not staying anywhere permanently saunter /"sO:nt@/(v): to walk in a leisurely manner He sauntered down the road with his hands in his pockets. scramble (v): to move or climb quickly but with difficulty She scrambled up the steep hillside and over the rocks. screech (v): to make a loud unpleasant sound scuff (v): to make a mark on the smooth surface of an object by rubbing it roughly I scuffed my name on the heel of my shoe with a stone. scowl (v): to look at somebody in an angry or annoyed way seam (n): a line where two pieces of cloth, leather etc. have been stitched together senor (n): a form of polite address for a man in a Spanish speaking area shackles /"S{kl=z/ (n): something that restraints or prevents you India freed itself from the shackles of British colonialism in 1947. sheath (n): a cover that fits closely over a knife or sword shipping office (n): the office of a shipping agent shove (n): a strong push You have to give the door a shove or it wont close. shriek (v): to shout

shrug (v): to raise your shoulders and then lower them in order to express a lack of knowledge or interest He shrugged his shoulders as if to say that there was nothing he could do about it. shudder (v): to shake because you are frightened shuttle /"SVl/ (v): to travel between two places A small train shuttles constantly between the concourse and the runway. singe /sIndZ/ (v): to burn the surface of an object slightly, usually by mistake; to be burnt in this way He singed his hair as he tried to light his cigarette. skin (v): to peel the skin off slight (adj): small and thin in size, or insignificant The man takes offence at the slightest criticism. smart (v): to feel a sharp stinging pain. smear (v): to spread something snub (v): to insult with sharp words soak (v): to become wet with some liquid You will be soaked if you go out in the rain. ENGLISH X 112

GLOSSARY

sombrero /sQm"bre@r@U/(n): a Mexican hat for men that is tall with a wide round brim turned up at the edges spaniel /"sp{nj@l/(n): a dog with long soft ears that hang down spellbound (adj): with your attention completely held as if by a spell A gifted musician can hold the audience spellbound. spirit away (v): to take something/someone away secretly The superstar was spirited away immediately after the function as his fans rushed towards him. squash (v): to crush something Squash the plastic bottles flat after use. squeamish /"skwi:mIS/(adj): easily shocked or upset by unpleasant sights Horror movies are not for those who are squeamish. streak (v): to move very fast A car streaked down the road. stubborn (adj): unreasonably obstinate.

stumble (v): to hit your foot against something In a hurry she stumbled and spilled the milk. summons (n): an order to appear in court The police have been unable to serve a summons on him. swarm (n): a large group of insects,especially bees, moving together in the same direction syllable (n): any of the units into which a word is divided, containing a vowel sound and usually one or more consonants sync sound : (here) it means synchronising sound; a sound which is in agreement with the scene tactics (n): skilful devices teem with (v): be full of The beach was teeming with foreign tourists. terrier (n): a small active type of dog testimonial (n): informal written statement describing someones characters and abilities thimble /"TImbl=/(n): a metal or plastic cap with a closed end worn to protect the finger while cutting vegetables or sewing throttle (v): to choke or strangle; to prevent utterance troop (v): to walk, usually with one person behind the other The little boys trooped after the teacher. trot (v): to run fairly slowly, taking short steps The girls trotted along happily down the lane. tug (v): to pull with one or more short quick pulls She tugged at his sleeve to get his attention. undergrowth (n): bushes, small trees and other plants growing around and under bigger trees underprivileged /%Vnd@"prIvIlIdZd/(adj): not enjoying the same rights or standards of living as the majority of the population Children from an underprivileged background need extra care and support. underrate (v): to not recognise how good, important etc. somebody/something really is unfold (v): to open or reveal unison /"ju:nIs@n/(n): do or say something together at the same time The musical performance was a flop as the singers failed to sing in unison. venture (n): a new activity/ business that involves

taking risks Now it is not the time to venture on such an ambitious project. vermilion /v@"mIli@n/(n): a brilliant red pigment (used to adorn the forehead) wail (v): to cry in pain or grief whack /w{k/(v): to strike or beat forcefully with a sharp blow whimper(v): to make a series of small weak crying noises When the father prevented the boy from buying ice cream he began to whimper. wholesome (adj): (here) heavy and deep wink (v): to close one eye very briefly withstand (v): to resist wizard (n): a man with magical powers zone (n): an area that is distinguished by certain features Here, silent zone means an unexplored area