Renforcement - Glossary

231 Vocabulary - Renforcement - 1st Semester terms

A glossary of all the terms of vocabulary seen in class

Abet
verb
encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular to commit a crime.
Example: He was not guilty of murder but was guilty of aiding and abetting others. Mark was charged with abetting the murder.
fr: encourager, soutenir, inciter à, aider
Accomodation
noun
a room, group of rooms, or building in which someone may live or stay. a convenient arrangement; a settlement or compromise.
Example: What's the accommodation like at the resort?
fr: hébergement, logement
Accuracy
noun
the quality or state of being correct or precise. the degree to which the result of a measurement, calculation, or specification conforms to the correct value or a standard.
Example: No one doubted the accuracy of the argument.
fr: exactitude, justesse, précision
Accurately
adverb
in a way that is correct in all details; exactly / with precision
Example: We are simply unable to predict long-term trends accurately. Dexter accurately judged the distance between the two buildings.
fr: précisément, exactement,
Acquiescence
noun
the reluctant acceptance of something without protest. agreement, consent
Example: Larry gave a nod, signalling his acquiescence.
fr: assentiment, consentement, acquiescement, validation
Aid
verb
help or support (someone or something) in the achievement of something.
Example: It's important to aid friends when they are in need.
fr: porter assistance, aider, secourir
Aim
verb
point or direct (a weapon or camera) at a target.
Example: aim the camcorder at some suitable object. choose a target (point with a weapon or try to hit)
fr: braquer, pointer, viser
Altar
noun
the table in a Christian church at which the bread and wine are consecrated in communion services. a table or flat-topped block used as the focus for a religious ritual, especially for making sacrifices or offerings to a deity.
Example: The altar was covered with a sumptuous red velvet cloth.
fr: autel
Amount to
verb + preposition
come to be (the total) when added together.
Example: The bill might amount to more than you can afford.
fr: s'élever à , faire un total de (...)
Appealing
adjective
attractive or interesting. showing or expressing a desire for help or sympathy.
Example: Justin did not find home improvement projects appealing; he was more interested in computer. Dean had nice hair and an appealing smile.
fr: attrayant, attirant, séduisant, intéressant
Apportion
verb
assign, divide up and share out.
Example: It is down to the court to apportion responsibility for the factory worker's death.
fr: répartir, partager, attribuer, désigner
Arisen
verb
(of a problem, opportunity, or situation) emerge; become apparent. get or stand up.
Example: We do not anticipate that any problems will arise
fr: se produire, survenir, surgir, émerger, faire suite à
Ashore
adverb
to or on the shore or land from the direction of the sea. on land as opposed to at sea.
Example: We decided to put ashore when we saw the storm coming.
fr: vers la rive, vers le rivage, descendre/débarquer à terre
Assess
verb
evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of. calculate or estimate the price or value of.
Example: The consultant assessed the situation.
fr: évaluer, estimer
Asset
noun
possession, finance (stock), advantage; a useful or valuable thing or person ; an item of property owned by a person or company, regarded as having value and available to meet debts, commitments, or legacies.
Example: He has invested his money in a variety of assets.
fr: patrimoine, actif, capital, atout
Asylum
noun
the protection granted by a state to someone who has left their home country as a political refugee. shelter or protection from danger. an institution for the care of people who are mentally ill.
Example: he'd been committed to an asylum. she applied for asylum and was granted refugee status. we provide asylum for those too ill to care for themselves.
fr: asile, refuge, sanctuaire, hôpital psychiatrique
Attainment
noun
the action or fact of achieving a goal towards which one has worked. a thing achieved, especially a skill or educational achievement.
Example: The report compares the career attainments of men and women in similar positions.
fr: atteinte, accomplissement
Average
noun
a number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data, in particular the mode, median, or (most commonly) the mean, which is calculated by dividing the sum of the values in the set by their number.
Example: My average score was 2 under par.
fr: moyenne
Awareness
noun
knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. concern about and well-informed interest in a particular situation or development.
Example: Her awareness of accounting rules made her a great accountant. We need to raise public awareness of the issue. A growing environmental awareness.
fr: conscience, savoir
Axe
verb
end, cancel, or dismiss suddenly and ruthlessly.
Example: The company is axing 125 jobs.
fr: réduire de manière drastique
Backlash
noun
a strong negative reaction by a large number of people, especially to a social or political development.
Example: There was a public backlash against racism. There was a huge backlash from parents when the school showed an inappropriate film to the students.
fr: réaction violente, contrecoup, retour de bâton, conséquence
Backyard
noun
the area close to where one lives, or the territory close to a particular country, regarded with proprietorial concern.
Example: They sit in the backyard and read all summer.
fr: arrière-cour
Balance
noun
put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall. offset or compare the value of (one thing) with another.
Example: Alcohol affects a person's balance.
fr: équilibre, objectivité
Bandwidth
noun
a range of frequencies within a given band, in particular that used for transmitting a signal ; the transmission capacity of a computer network or other telecommunication system ; the energy or mental capacity required to deal with a situation.
Example: Posting separately wastes bandwidth and disk space ; He lives alone, and says he doesn't have the bandwidth to handle a steady relationship.
fr: bande passante, débit
Barely
adverb
only just; almost not. in a simple and sparse way.
Example: There is barely enough food for everyone at the party.
fr: à peine, tout juste,
Benefit
noun
an advantage or profit gained from something. a payment made by the state or an insurance scheme to someone entitled to receive it.
Example: "part-time jobs supplemented by means-tested benefits"
fr: bénéfice , avantage
Bleak
adjective
(of a building or room) charmless and inhospitable; dreary. (of the weather) cold and miserable.
Example: "a bleak midwinter's day"
fr: stark, empty, joyless
Blight
noun
plant disease, urban decay, cause of ruin, scourge
Example: The potatoes have blight this year. Urban blight is forcing people out to the suburbs. His expensive tastes were the blight of their marriage.
fr: rouille, cloque, dégradation, fléau
Blow open
verb
To suddenly and decisively take control of a competition. A noun or pronoun can be used between "blow" and "open."
Example: Blow the pinwheel and watch it spin. The winter wind blows from the west.
fr: souffler, s'envoler, être balayé, exploser, emporter
Border
noun
a line separating two countries, administrative divisions, or other areas.
Example: The border between the two countries was marked by a fence.
fr: frontière
Bounce off
verb
To test (ideas) on someone.
Example: I have a plan to bounce off you. Let me bounce an idea off you. To move away with a bouncing movement. She bounced off out of the room.
fr: rebondir, sauter, ricocher
Brand
adjective
an identifying mark burned on livestock or (in former times) criminals or slaves with a branding iron. a type of product manufactured by a particular company under a particular name.
Example: The farmer branded the cow with a hot iron. What brand of shoes do you buy?
fr: marque
Briton
noun
British person
Example: Boudicca was a Briton queen who led a revolt against the Romans.
fr: Britannique, Anglais
Bunk off
verb
skip school, play truant from school, when you should be there; to leave school or work early synonym skive, play truant.
Example: I bunked off school with my mates to go to the mall.
fr: sécher les cours, faire l'école buissonnière
Buttress
verb
provide (a building or structure) with buttresses. increase the strength of or justification for; reinforce. reinforce, support
Example: The structures are buttresses that hold up the building; they're not just decorative. Richard quoted a number of experts to buttress his argument.
fr: soutenir, étayer
Canvas
noun
fabric for painting
Example: The art students were supplied with several blank canvasses each.
fr: toile
Careen
verb
move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way. turn (a ship) on its side for cleaning, caulking, or repair.
Example: An electric golf cart careened around the corner. The speeding car careened into a wall. You have to careen forward into this project.
fr: foncer, se précipiter
Casualties
noun
person wounded in war or killed. a person killed or injured in a war or accident. a person or thing badly affected by an event or situation. the department of a hospital providing immediate treatment for emergency cases.
Example: The battlefield was strewn with casualties, many of whom were calling out for help. Mrs. Gray's first husband was a casualty of the war.
fr: blessé, victime, mort
Catch up with
verb
reach the same standard, go as fast as, join
Example: You go on ahead; I'll catch up with you as soon as I've finished my work here.
fr: rattraper
CCTV
acronym (noun)
initialism, closed-circuit television, a system that sends television signals to a number of screens
Example: The robbery was captured on the bank's CCTV.
fr: vidéo surveillance
Census
noun or verb
an official count or survey, especially of a population. conduct a census/ population count. conduct a census.
Example: In the UK, there's been a census every ten years since 1841. The government will census the general population next year.
fr: recensement, recenser
Chuck
verb
throw (something) carelessly or casually. give up (a job or activity).
Example: She wanted to chuck her job.
fr: balancer, jeter, abandonner
Claim
verb
assertion, demand for payment, demand, state or assert that something is the case, typically without providing evidence or proof, formally request or demand; say that one owns or has earned (something).
Example: Their claim was that they had been cheated. The driver filed an insurance claim.
fr: affirmation, déclaration, demande
Colloquial
adjective
(of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.
Example: The professor instructed us not to use colloquial language in our essays.
fr: familier, argot, populaire
Commission
noun
an instruction, command, or role given to a person or group. a group of people entrusted by a government or other official body with authority to do something. commitee, earnings, active use, service
Example: one of his first commissions was to redesign the Great Exhibition building, a commission was appointed to investigate the allegations. The commission will vote on the matter. Most people in sales make a base salary plus commission. The king commissioned an opera to be written for the royal wedding.
fr: commande, comité
Complicit
adjective
involved with others in an activity that is unlawful or morally wrong.
Example: The careers of those complicit in the cover-up were blighted. If you do not challenge your colleagues' bullying of the new employee, you are complicit.
fr: complice
Component
noun
a part or element of a larger whole, especially a part of a machine or vehicle.
Example: They had difficulty getting all the components of the motor.
fr: composant, élément
Consistent
adjective
acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate. unchanging in nature, standard, or effect over time. (of an argument or set of ideas) not containing any logical contradictions.
Example: Her testimony and the statement she originally made to police are not consistent.
fr: en raccord avec, cohérent, concordant
Consortium
noun
A consortium is an agreement between several people, associations or companies with a view to cooperation for the execution of one or more operations.
Example: There is a multi-power consortium to stop this war.
fr: accord, groupe d'acteurs (qui agissent)
Constrain
verb
compel or force (someone) to follow a particular course of action. severely restrict the scope, extent, or activity of. bring about (something) by compulsion.
Example: Children are constrained to work in the way the book dictates ; Agricultural development is considerably constrained by climate ; Calypso in her caves constrained his stay
fr: contraindre
Contribute
verb
Example: Log on to the charity's website if you want to contribute.
fr: contribuer , participer
Cotton on to
verb
realise, to begin to understand a situation or fact, to begin to understand a situation or fact
Example: She finally cottoned on to the fact that they were teasing her.
fr: piger
Craving
noun
a powerful desire for something.
Example: A craving for chocolate.
fr: envie irrésistible, folle envie
Creep up/down
verb
to crawl with the body near to or touching the ground. to move slowly, quietly, or cautiously. to act in a servile way; fawn; cringe.
Example: Lola screamed when she felt the spider creeping along her arm. Ivy has crept up the walls, almost covering the windows. The day crept by, and finally it was time to go home.
fr: grimper (lentement) / ramper, se faufiler, se glisser, avancer sans bruit
Criticism
noun
denunciation, objection, the expression of disapproval of someone or something on the basis of perceived faults or mistakes, the analysis and judgement of the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work.
Example: He received a lot of criticism, alternative methods of criticism supported by well-developed literary theories, The governor received a lot of criticism for her effort to raise taxes.
fr: critique
Crosshairs
noun
a pair of fine wires crossing at right angles at the focus of an optical instrument or gunsight, for use in positioning, aiming, or measuring.
Example: I raised the rifle and got the deer in the cross hairs. She had a rabbit in her crosshairs.
fr: mire
Crowd
noun
big group of people, a large number of people gathered together in a disorganized or unruly way.
Example: A huge crowd gathered in the street outside. The circus act never failed to attract crowds of curious people.
fr: foule, un public
Debt
noun
a sum of money that is owed or due. the state of owing money.
Example: Debt can cause a lot of stress if you have difficulty paying it back.
fr: dette
Debunk
verb
expose the falseness or hollowness of (an idea or belief). reduce the inflated reputation of (someone).
Example: The newspaper debunked the mayor's lies. Scientists have debunked the myth that pulling out a grey hair causes more to grow back in its place. The new theory was debunked at the conference. She debunks all the usual rubbish about acting, comedy takes delight in debunking heroes.
fr: révéler, dévoiler, discréditer, ridiculiser
Deportation
noun
the action of forcing someone to leave a country, especially someone who has no legal right to be there or who has broken the law.
Example: If you overstay your tourist visa, you risk deportation.
fr: expulsion
Desecrate
verb
treat (a sacred place or thing) with violent disrespect.
Example: Vandals desecrated the altar during the night.
fr: profaner qqch
Despotic
adjective
of or typical of a despot; tyrannical.
Example: Staline had a despotic political regime.
fr: despotique, tyrannique, dictatorial
Device
noun
a thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment. a piece of portable electronic equipment that can connect to the internet, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer. a plan, method, or trick with a particular aim.
Example: A measuring device ; a service that attempts to make all of your files available on all your devices whenever you want them ; writing a letter to a newspaper is a traditional device for signalling dissent
fr: appareil, système, dispositif
Discourage
verb
cause (someone) to lose confidence or enthusiasm. prevent or try to prevent (something) by showing disapproval or creating difficulties. persuade (someone) against an action.
Example: Simon was concerned about Maria driving home after drinking a bottle of wine and did his best to discourage her.
fr: dissuader qqun de faire qqch
Dog-tired
adjective
extremely tired; worn out. exhausted
Example: I worked 12 hours today and I'm dog tired.
fr: épuisé, éreinté, crevé, claqué, lessivé, vanné, mort de fatigue
Downturn
noun
a decline in economic, business, or other activity.
Example: "a downturn in the housing market"
fr: baisse
Draft
noun
a preliminary version of a piece of writing. a plan, sketch, or rough drawing. a written order to pay a specified sum. provisional written version/ sketch
Example: He was on his third draft of the speech, but still wanted to make some changes. Some painters sketch many drafts before they start the final painting.
fr: ébauche, brouillon, premier jet, esquisse
Drown
verb
die through submersion in and inhalation of water. deliberately kill (a person or animal) by drowning. submerge or flood (an area).
Example: a motorist drowned when her car plunged off the edge of a quay /he immediately drowned four of the dogs / when the ice melted the valleys were drowned. The swimmer got into difficulties and drowned before anyone could help him. The serial killer drowned his victims.
fr: se noyer, noyer
due to do (something)
adjective + preposition
if someone is due to do something, they are expected to do it or going to do it.
Example: The minister is due to meet with his French counterpart this afternoon to discuss the current economic crisis.
fr: devoir faire (quelque chose) censé faire [qch], supposé faire [qch]
Dump
noun
a site for depositing rubbish. an unpleasant or dreary place.
Example: Jason's house is a dump; I don't know how he can live there! Wendy took some garden rubbish to the dump.
fr: dépotoir, trou à rats, déchetterie
Eavesdrop
verb
secretly listen to a conversation.
Example: I didn't intend to eavesdrop but they were talking just outside my door.
fr: écouter aux portes, espionner
Embed
verb
fix (an object) firmly and deeply in a surrounding mass. attach (a journalist) to a military unit during a conflict. implant (an idea or feeling) so that it becomes ingrained within a particular context. design and build (a microprocessor) as an integral part of a system or device.
Example: The bricklayer placed the brick on the mortar and embedded it. / The gardener dug a hole and embedded the plant in it. When the wall was built, the builder had embedded a decorative stone into it, just above the window. / he had an operation to remove a nail embedded in his chest, to embed the controller, he has to get creative.
fr: incruster, enfoncer, implanter, encastrer, sceller
Embrace
verb
hold (someone) closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection. accept (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically.
Example: Carl's loving embrace reassured his wife.
fr: étreinte, accolade
Enabler
noun
who facilitates, a person or thing that makes something possible ; a person who encourages or enables negative or self-destructive behaviour in another.
Example: The best teachers are enablers: they help students reach their full potentials.
fr: facilitateur, complice involontaire, acolyte
Encroachment
noun
intrusion on a person's territory, rights, etc. a gradual advance beyond usual or acceptable limits.
Example: The regime's encroachment on civil rights worries observers.
fr: intrusion, empiétement, envahissement
Endanger
verb
put (someone or something) at risk or in danger.
Example: Many butterfly species are endangered by loss of habitat. No parent would wilfully endanger the life of a child.
fr: menacer d'extinction, mettre en danger, mettre en péril
Enhance
verb
intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of.
Example: He enhanced his prospects of finding a job by getting a college degree.
fr: améliorer
Enrichment
noun
the action of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something. the process of making someone wealthy or wealthier.
Example: The after-school reading club provides enrichment of the regular curriculum.
fr: enrichissement
Exceed
verb
be greater in number or size than (a quantity, number, or other measurable thing). go beyond what is allowed or stipulated by (a set limit). be better than; surpass.
Example: The cost of the work exceeded £50,000.
fr: dépasser
Farther
comparative adjective
at, to, or by a great distance (used to indicate the extent to which one thing is distant from another). over a large expanse of space or time.
Example: The house was farther than I expected.
fr: plus loin que ...
fee
noun
a payment made to a professional person or to a professional or public body in exchange for advice or services.
Example: "they were faced with legal fees of £3000"
fr: redevance
Flesh out
verb
to provide more information about (something) : to make (something) more complete by adding details.
Example: This report isn't convincing enough; can't you flesh it out with something from the internet? You need to flesh out your plan with more details. She fleshes out the characters in her novels very well.
fr: enrichir, étoffer, s'épaissir
Forestall
verb
act in advance of (someone) in order to prevent them from doing something, thwart, act before, obstruct (an anticipated event or action) by taking advance action.
Example: They will present their resignations to forestall a vote of no confidence ; He would have spoken but David forestalled him
fr: prévenir, déjouer, désamorcer, devancer, anticiper
Forthcoming
adjective
about to happen or appear. ready or made available when wanted or needed.
Example: "financial support was not forthcoming" Kyle went to buy some supplies for the forthcoming events.
fr: prochain, à venir, qui va sortir / ou communicatif
Frame
noun
a rigid structure that surrounds something such as a picture, door, or windowpane. a person's body with reference to its size or build. a metal or plastic structure holding the lenses of a pair of glasses. the rigid supporting structure of an object such as a vehicle, building, or piece of furniture. a person's body with reference to its size or build.
Example: The wooden frame of the huge bed. We need a large frame to put this photo in. I would like to frame the orchard with rows of daffodils. The workers finished the frame of the building first.
fr: cadre, encadrement
Fund
noun
a sum of money saved or made available for a particular purpose.
Example: The government set up a fund for orphans.
fr: fond
Grab
verb
take illegally, grasp or seize suddenly and roughly. attract the attention of; make an impression on.
Example: He grabbed the diamonds and fled.
fr: saisir, aggriper, prendre, s'emparer de
Graduate
noun
student taking advanced degree. a person who has successfully completed a course of study or training, especially a person who has been awarded an undergraduate or first academic degree.
Example: The graduates are studying for their Masters of Science.
fr: diplômé
Growth
noun
the process of increasing in size. something that has grown or is growing.
Example: The organisers of the music festival were surprised by its growth, year after year. A child's growth usually stops in his late teens. "the upward growth of plants"
fr: essor, croissance, développement, expansion
Halt
noun
a suspension of movement or activity, typically a temporary one.
Example: There was a halt on all transactions while the bank investigated the security breach. The train's halt was due to a technical malfunction.
fr: halte, pause, court arrêt
Hand-held
adjective
small, compact, designed to be held in the hand, a small computer that can be used in the hand.
Example: a handheld camera.
fr: portatif
Harbor
noun
sea port, a place on the coast where ships may moor in shelter, especially one protected from rough water by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures.
Example: No boats are allowed to enter the harbor after midnight.
fr: port
Hearing
noun
to state your side, an opportunity to state one's case.
Example: The suspect was brought into a hearing.
fr: audience
Homage
noun
speech, event to tribute, display of respect
Example: The evening was a homage to the late rector of the church.
fr: hommage
Hooliganism
noun
rioting, violent or rowdy behaviour by young troublemakers, typically in a gang.
Example: The problems of football hooliganism.
fr: vandalisme
Household
noun
a house and its occupants regarded as a unit (members of a family, the house).
Example: the establishment and affairs of a royal household. We are going to have a meeting of the whole household tonight. The household was liable for taxes.
fr: famille, foyer, ménage
Hypocritical
adjective
behaving in a way that suggests one has higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case.
Example: We don't go to church and we thought it would be hypocritical to have him christened.
fr: hypocrite
Idiomatic
adjective
using, containing, or denoting expressions that are natural to a native speaker. appropriate to the style of art or music associated with a particular period, individual, or group.
Example: Can you identify any of the artist's idiomatic themes in this painting.
fr: idiomatique
In a bid to
adverb
A bid for something or a bid to do something is an attempt to obtain it or do it. in order to.
Example: The company said that it might cut 2,232 jobs in a bid to reduce costs. A bid is an offer to pay a particular amount of money for something that is being sold.
fr: dans le but de, afin que
Inquiry
noun
formal official investigation, an act of asking for information.
Example: The police launched an inquiry into the robbery.
fr: enquête, investigation
Insight
noun
the capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of someone or something. an accurate and deep understanding. awareness by a mentally ill person that their mental experiences are not based in external reality.
Example: Do you have any insight into the company's direction? His insight into the human mind was fascinating.
fr: aperçu, perspicacité, idée, vision
Insignia
noun
emblem, a distinguishing badge or emblem of military rank, office, or membership of an organization.
Example: The veteran wore a military insignia on his jacket.
fr: insigne
Invaluable
adjective
extremely useful, priceless
Example: History is an invaluable subject for children to learn, an invaluable source of information
fr: inestimable, très précieux
Invest
verb
spend money on, put (money) into financial schemes, shares, property, or a commercial venture with the expectation of achieving a profit.
Example: The company is to invest £12 m in its manufacturing site at Linlithglow ; it looked like a good deal, so Ben invested his life savings.
fr: investir dans, placer
Iteration
noun
repetition, mathematic approximation
Example: The computer can perform repeated iterations of that function for days.
fr: récurrence, répétition, itération
K-12
acronym
education to secondary school. K–12, from kindergarten to 12th grade, is an American English expression that indicates the range of years of publicly supported primary and secondary education found in the United States.
Example: The table shows the progression of the education system starting with the basic K–12 system then progressing through post-secondary education.
fr: éducation dans le secondaire
Keen to
adjective
having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm. interested in or attracted by (someone or something). (of a sense) highly developed.
Example: A keen gardener ; He makes it obvious he's keen on her ; I have keen eyesight"
fr: appliqué, assidu, passionné par
Knowledgeable
adjective
intelligent and well informed.
Example: The graduate student was very knowledgeable.
fr: instruit, savant
Lamppost
noun
a tall pole with a light at the top; a street light. post of a street lamp
Example: The street was lined with trees and lampposts.
fr: lampadaire, réverbère
Lane
noun
a narrow road, especially in a rural area. a division of a road marked off with painted lines and intended to separate single lines of traffic according to speed or direction.
Example: Kyle was pulled over by the police for failing to use his blinker when he changed lanes. Erin drove up the lane to the house.
fr: ruelle, chemin, voie, file, piste
Lean on
verb
rely on for support, depend on, rely on or derive support from someone or something, put pressure on someone to act in a certain way.
Example: they have learned to lean on each other for support ; a determination not to allow the majority to lean on the minority
fr: s'appuyer sur, compter sur
Left-wing
adjective
advocating or taking measures to promote greater social and economic equality, and typically favouring socially liberal ideas; socialist or progressive.
Example: They are left-wing activists.
fr: parti politique de gauche (socialiste)
Loan
noun
a thing that is borrowed, especially a sum of money that is expected to be paid back with interest.
Example: I need to get a loan from the bank.
fr: emprunt, prêt
Loathsome
adjective
causing hatred or disgust; repulsive. hateful, abhorrent, disgusting
Example: Everyone hissed when the loathsome villain came on stage. What's that loathsome object you left in my car?
fr: détestable, dégoûtant, répugnant
Lucrative
adjective
which that brings benefits, that is profitable
Example: They run a lucrative real estate business in the city.
fr: lucratif, profitable
Mainland
noun
land mass, a large continuous extent of land that includes the greater part of a country or territory, as opposed to offshore islands and detached territories.
Example: Ferries to the mainland leave every hour on the hour.
fr: continent
Maintenance
noun
financial support provided for a person's living expenses.
Example: "a chance of going to university with fees and maintenance paid"
fr: entretien
Matchstick
noun
small wooden stick to give some fire
Example: The flame burned down the matchstick and burned my fingers before I could get the fire lit.
fr: allumette
Measure
noun
a plan or course of action taken to achieve a particular purpose.
Example: This measure is necessary to ensure the safety of all employees.
fr: mesure
Meekly
adverb
compliantly, in a quiet, gentle, and submissive manner.
Example: To keep the peace, she nodded meekly and smiled.
fr: docilement
Mere
adjective
simple, just, no more than, some, only = used to emphasize how small or insignificant someone or something is. used to emphasize that the fact of something being present in a situation is enough to influence that situation.
Example: Questions that cannot be answered by mere mortals / His stomach rebelled at the mere thought of food / As a mere employee, I have no power to hire or fire anyone.
fr: ne...que, seulement, quelques
Misleading
adjective
giving the wrong idea or impression.
Example: The teacher had accidentally taught some misleading information to the students.
fr: erroné , confus
Monitor
noun
a device used for observing, checking, or keeping a continuous record of something. a television receiver used in a studio to select or verify the picture being broadcast from a particular camera.
Example: My computer has a large monitor.
fr: écran, moniteur (informatique)
Motorcade
noun
a procession of motor vehicles, typically carrying and escorting a prominent person / procession of cars
Example: The president's motorcade caused a traffic jam.
fr: cortège d'automobiles
Mull
verb
think about (a fact, proposal, or request) deeply and at length.
Example: Tom liked to drink wine while mulling the issues of the day. He began to mull over the various possibilities
fr: bien réfléchir à, retourner dans sa tête, songer
Nauseating
adjective
causing or liable to cause a feeling of nausea or disgust; disgusting. morally disgusting or causing sick feeling.
Example: The stench was nauseating. I listened to his nauseating story of infidelity. The nauseating smell of the sewer offended passersby.
fr: nauséabond, dégoûtant, écoeurant, qui soulève le coeur
Network
noun
an arrangement of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines. a group or system of interconnected people or things.
Example: a spider constructs a complex network of several different kinds of threads, the company has a network of 326 branches, the company's servers are linked in a network.
fr: réseau
NIMBY (not in my backyard)
acronym
characterization of opposition by residents to proposed developments in their local area, as well as support for strict land use regulations. It carries the connotation that such residents are only opposing the development because it is close to them and that they would tolerate or support it if it were built farther away.
Example: Some examples of projects that have been opposed by nimbys include housing development, homeless shelters, incinerators, sewage treatment systems, fracking, and nuclear waste repositories.
fr: opposant au projet
Noughties
noun
the decade from 2000 to 2009.
Example: He became one of the biggest stars of basketball in the noughties.
fr: Années 90's
Offshore
adjective
situated at sea some distance from the shore. (of a wind) blowing towards the sea from the land. relating to the business of extracting oil or gas from the seabed. made, situated, or registered abroad, especially in order to take advantage of lower taxes or costs or less stringent regulation.
Example: Carl works on an offshore oil rig.
fr: en mer, au large, de terre, côtier
On hold
adverb
waiting to be connected while making a phone call. temporarily not being dealt with or pursued.
Example: Our marriage plans are on hold for the time being.
fr: suspendu, en attente
Onset
noun
the beginning of something, especially something unpleasant.
Example: The onset of Jack's illness was sudden. The weather gets colder at the onset of winter.
fr: début, commencement, manifestation, survenue
Ostensible
adjective
stated, apparent or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.
Example: Betty's ostensible cheerfulness seemed odd, given her mother had just died. The real dispute which lay behind the ostensible complaint.
fr: apparent, prétendu
Outcome
noun
the way a thing turns out; a consequence.
Example: Does anyone know the outcome of the negotiations?
fr: résultat, issue, aboutissement, conséquence
Outperform
verb
perform better than. (of an investment) be more profitable than.
Example: David outperformed his sister on the TOEFL exam.
fr: être plus performant que, faire mieux que, dépasser, surpasser
Outrage
noun
an extremely strong reaction of anger, shock, or indignation.
Example: Hilary's outrage grew when she read about the latest atrocities.
fr: indignation, affront, offense
Outskirts
noun
the outer parts of a town or city.
Example: "he built a new factory on the outskirts of Birmingham"
fr: périphérie, banlieue
Passer-by
noun
a person who happens to be going past something, especially on foot.
Example: The raiders fled when disturbed by a passer-by.
fr: passant
Pathway
noun
a track that constitutes or serves as a path. a way of achieving a specified result; a course of action.
Example: There is a pathway leading from the gate to the front door. You don't have to follow the same pathway throughout your whole life.
fr: voie, chemin, sentier, allée
Peer
verb
look with difficulty or concentration at someone or something. be just visible.
Example: Faye peered at her with suspicion, the towers peer over the roofs
fr: se concentrer en regardant, observer
Penniless
adjective
(of a person) having no money; very poor.
Example: "a penniless young student"
fr: fauché, sans le sou
Pick off
verb
shoot a member of a group, aiming carefully from a distance.
Example: The soldiers were picked off by snipers.
fr: descendre, liquider, éliminer, dégommer, buter
Pick up
verb
take hold of and lift or move someone or something. go somewhere to collect someone, typically in one's car.
Example: I'll pick up the kids from school today.
fr: aller chercher, passer prendre
Plagiarism
noun
the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. copying words or ideas
Example: The senator's speech contained a plagiarism from a British politician.
fr: plagiat
Pledged to
adjective
promised to secure debt, to make a serious or formal promise to give or do something.
Example: We are asking people to pledge their support for our campaign. If you join the armed forces, you have to pledge allegiance to your country.
fr: engagé, donné en garantie/en gage
Prevent
verb
keep (something) from happening, (of God) go before (someone) with spiritual guidance and help.
Example: The police officer prevented her from entering the building. The vast majority of household accidents can easily be prevented.
fr: empêcher de faire qqch, éviter
Privilege
noun
a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.
Example: David has enjoyed a number of privileges, including wealth and a private education.
fr: privilège , avantage
Proliferation
noun
when something increases suddenly in number, rapid increase in the number or amount of something. rapid reproduction of a cell, part, or organism. a large number of something.
Example: a continuing threat of nuclear proliferation, we attempted to measure cell proliferation, stress levels are high, forcing upon them a proliferation of ailments
fr: prolifération
Proponent
noun
a person who advocates a theory, proposal, or course of action.
Example: Several proponents of the new measure spoke at the meeting.
fr: partisan, avocat, adepte
Protester
noun
a person who publicly demonstrates opposition to something; a demonstrator.
Example: The protesters marched through the streets holding up signs.
fr: manifestant
Provide
verb
furnish, make available for use; supply. make adequate preparation for (a possible event).
Example: I'll provide the tent if you provide the food.
fr: fournir
Public-spirited
adjective
willing to help the wider community; socially concerned.
Example: Those public-spirited people who call attention to low standards in high places.
fr: civilisé, citoyen, qui fait preuve de civisme
Rag doll
noun
a soft doll made from pieces of cloth / child's stuffed cloth doll
Example: My sister made me a rag doll out of scraps cloth and yarn.
fr: poupée de chiffon
Refine
verb
remove impurities or unwanted elements from (a substance), typically as part of an industrial process. make minor changes so as to improve or clarify (a theory or method).
Example: This factory refines flour. This plant refines oil.
fr: raffiner
Reform
verb
make changes in (something, especially an institution or practice) in order to improve it.
Example: "the Bill will reform the tax system"
fr: réformer
Reframe
verb
place (a picture or photograph) in a new frame. frame or express (words or a concept or plan) differently.
Example: The photographer has cropped the photo to showcase the sailboat better. "I reframed my question"
fr: recadrer, recentrer, rogner, reformuler
Regulation
noun
rule, a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority. the action or process of regulating or being regulated.
Example: The staff handbook includes a regulation forbidding wearing jewellery when operating machinery.
fr: règles
Reluctant
adjective
unwilling and hesitant; disinclined.
Example: Susan tried to persuade her reluctant child to eat his vegetables.
fr: réticent, hésitant
Rely on
verb
rely on/upon (someone or something) a : to need (someone or something) for support, help, etc. : to depend on (someone or something)
Example: All rights rely on corollary responsibilities that defend and protect the rights themselves.
fr: dépendre de, compter sur
Renewable
adjective
(of a contract, agreement, etc.) capable of being renewed. (of a natural resource or source of energy) not depleted when used. creating sustainable energy
Example: Renewable energy accounts for only 10% of local use.
fr: renouvelable
Report
verb
account, give a spoken or written account of something that one has observed, heard, done, or investigated. cover an event or subject as a journalist or a reporter. used to indicate that something has been stated, although one cannot confirm its accuracy. present oneself formally as having arrived at a particular place or as ready to do something.
Example: "the Chairman shall report the Bill to the House"
fr: rapport, compte rendu, reportage
Requirement
noun
a need, prerequisite, a thing that is needed or wanted.
Example: Food is a basic requirement ; Choose the type of window that suits your requirements best
fr: besoin, prérequis, condition nécessaire
Retain
verb
keep, memorize, continue to have (something); keep possession of.
Example: Irene retained the key in case she needed it again in the future.
fr: garder, conserver, retenir
Retention
noun
the continued possession, use, or control of something. the fact of keeping something in one's memory. the action of absorbing and continuing to hold a substance.
Example: I am concerned about the company's retention of personal data. Retention of customers is very important to this business.
fr: conservation, maintien, mémoire
Return on investment
noun
Return on investment (ROI) is a performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or compare the efficiency of several investments.
Example: This is the best way to maximize your return on investment.
fr: profit, retour sur investissement
Roll-out
verb
the unveiling of a new aircraft or spacecraft. the official launch or introduction of a new product or service. the stage of an aircraft's landing during which it travels along the runway while losing speed.
Example: The official roll-out is on 30 July ; Bumpy ground during the roll-out can start a series of sharp little bounces ; Campaigns these days look a lot like product roll-outs ; The company plans to roll out its new product range in the spring.
fr: dérouler, étaler, abaisser, lancer, déployer
Sailboard
noun
a board with a mast attached to it by a swivel joint, and a sail, used in windsurfing.
Example: Betsy bought a sailboard for her upcoming vacation.
fr: planche à voile
Schedule
noun
timetable, a plan for carrying out a process or procedure, giving lists of intended events and times.
Example: The train schedule is available on the railway website.
fr: emploi du temps, programme, horaire
Scope
noun
the extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant. the opportunity or possibility to do or deal with something.
Example: The sniper used his scope to aim his gun. The manager did not understand the scope of the problem at first, but soon realized its scale. Romance questions are beyond the scope of the language forum. We widened the scope of our investigation / The scope for major change is always limited by political realities.
fr: objectif, portée, lunette, étendue, champ, cadre
Scrutiny
noun
critical observation or examination, close examination, searching look
Example: The proposal came under close scrutiny before being approved. Adam felt himself blushing under the woman's scrutiny.
fr: examen approfondi, regard scrutant qqch, surveillance
Seal off
verb
isolate, cordon off
Example: The scene of the road traffic accident has been sealed off by the police.
fr: boucler, interdire l'accès
Self-esteem
noun
confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect.
Example: Assertiveness training for those with low self-esteem.
fr: estime de soi, amour-propre
Sensitive
adjective
quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences. having or displaying a quick and delicate appreciation of others' feelings.
Example: The new method of protein detection was more sensitive than earlier ones. I pay tribute to the Minister for his sensitive handling of the bill
fr: sensible, susceptible, délicat
Shareholder
noun
an owner of shares in a company.
Example: The company's shareholders are unhappy about the recent bad publicity.
fr: Actionnaire
Shift
verb
move or cause to move from one place to another, especially over a small distance.
Example: The wind has shifted and is now blowing from the north.
fr: déplacer, changer, passer, bouger
Shipping
noun
ships considered collectively, especially those in a particular area or belonging to a particular country. the transport of goods by sea or some other means.
Example: The coastguard issued a warning to all shipping in the area.
fr: flotte, navires, trafic maritime
Skilled
adjective
having or showing the knowledge, ability, or training to perform a certain activity or task well. based on or proceeding from the ability to do something well.
Example: skilled legal advice. a highly skilled job.
fr: qualifié, doué
Slightly
adverb
to a small degree; not considerably.
Example: He lowered his voice slightly.
fr: légèrement, quelque peu, plutôt, un peu, doucement
Smash
verb
violently break (something) into pieces. completely defeat, destroy, or foil (something regarded as hostile or dangerous). move so as to hit or collide with something with great force and impact.
Example: The thief smashed a window to get into the car / he smashed the course record / a deliberate attempt to smash the union movement /a firm that had smashed for so tremendous an amount / their plane smashed into a mountainside. Oliver smashed the bottle against the wall. The plate smashed when it hit the floor.
fr: briser, se casser, se fracasser
Smuggle
verb
deal in contraband goods, import illegally. move (goods) illegally into or out of a country. convey (someone or something) somewhere secretly and illicitly.
Example: Ben has been smuggling for years now and he's never been caught.
fr: passer en contrebande
Snap
verb
break suddenly and completely, typically with a sharp cracking sound. (of an animal) make a sudden audible bite. break with noise.
Example: A guitar strings kept snapping ; a dog was snapping at his heels.
fr: se casser net avec un bruit sec
Sniffer
noun
a person who sniffs something.
Example: Policemen brang with them their sniffers.
fr: chien renifleur/ flaireur
Soak
verb
make or allow (something) to become thoroughly wet by immersing it in liquid. impose heavy charges or taxation on. be immersed in water or another liquid. (of a liquid) cause (something or someone) to become extremely wet. (of a liquid) penetrate or permeate something completely. remove something by immersing it in water for a period of time.
Example: Robert soaked his stained shirt in a bowl of water. The sudden downpour soaked the spectators. That pan needs a soak before you try to wash it up. Soak the beans overnight in water / She spent some time soaking in a hot bath / The rain poured down, soaking their hair / Cold water was soaking into my shoes / Don't disturb the wound—soak the dressing off if necessary / He is again vowing to soak the rich, as he has long threatened to do
fr: tremper, faire tremper
Spoil
verb
diminish or destroy the value or quality of. harm the character of (someone, especially a child) by being too lenient or indulgent.
Example: Jack's parents give him everything he wants; they spoil him. You told Mary we were planning a party for her birthday? You've spoiled the surprise now!
fr: gâcher, gâter
Spokesperson
noun
a spokesman or spokeswoman (used as a neutral alternative).
Example: "a spokesperson for the Scottish Office". Each team must designate one spokesperson.
fr: porte-parole
Springboard
noun
a strong, flexible board from which someone may jump in order to gain added impetus when performing a dive or a gymnastic movement.
Example: Only divers of 16 years and above may use the upper springboard.
fr: tremplin
Squalor
noun
the state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect.
Example: She lived a life of squalor on the margins of society.
fr: misère, conditions sordides
Square mile
noun
a unit of area equal to a square one mile long on each side.
Example: The windfarm is like 100 square miles.
fr: mille carré
Staunch
verb
very loyal and committed in attitude. (of a wall) of strong or firm construction.
Example: "a staunch supporter of the anti-nuclear lobby"
fr: ardent, fervent, dévoué, loyal, fidèle, solide
Stem
originate in or be caused by. "many of the universities' problems stem from rapid expansion"
Example: The soldier pressed his hand against the wound to stem the bleeding.
fr: endiguer, bloquer, contenir
Suit
verb
be convenient for or acceptable to. enhance the features, figure, or character of (someone). adapt something to.
Example: What time would suit you? / they took care to suit their answers to the questions put to them / the dress didn't suit her.
fr: convenir à, aller à, adapter, arranger
Surrounding
adjective
to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand. surrendered the fort. : to give up completely or agree to forgo especially in favor of another. : to give (oneself) up into the power of another especially as a prisoner.
Example: Vandals had made holes in the surrounding fence.
fr: environnant, tout autour
Target
noun
a person, object, or place selected as the aim of an attack.
Example: The airport terminal was the target of a bomb.
fr: cible, objectif
Testimony
noun
a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law. evidence or proof of something. a public recounting of a religious conversion or experience.
Example: "the testimony of an eyewitness" "his blackened finger was testimony to the fact that he had played in pain" Her high marks are testimony to her improved attitude this term.
fr: témoignage, déposition, attestation, déclaration
Thoroughfare
noun
a road or path forming a route between two places.
Example: a scheme to stop the park being used as a thoroughfare. This is the only thoroughfare through town; all of the other roads are flooded.
fr: passage, artère
Thoughtful
adjective
absorbed in or involving thought. showing consideration for the needs of other people, considerate person.
Example: Marilyn's daughter is so thoughtful; she takes good care of her mother. It was thoughtful of your old boss to send you a birthday card.
fr: prévenant, attentionné, gentil
Threaten
verb
state one's intention to take hostile action against (someone) in retribution for something done or not done. cause (someone or something) to be vulnerable or at risk; endanger.
Example: She threatened me with a knife.
fr: menacer
Thwart
verb
prevent (someone) from accomplishing something.
Example: He never did anything to thwart his father, The guards thwarted an attempt to invade the citadel.
fr: déjouer, contrecarrer
Tidal
adjective
relating to or affected by tides.
Example: The captain made sure he had tidal information relevant to the area he would be sailing in.
fr: à marée
to be wooden
adjective
unexpressive, unnatural
Example: His acting was so wooden it was unbelievable; luckily, people were prepared to watch him just for his good looks.
fr: manquer de naturel, crispé, raide
To curb
verb
a check or restraint on something. restrain or keep in check.
Example: The nation's new economic policy is supposed to curb inflation.
fr: mettre fin à, maîtriser, résorber, réfréner, brider, freiner
Trafficker
noun
a person who deals or trades in something illegal.
Example: There is a sudden increase in traffickers in this region, and the police are having trouble controlling the situation.
fr: trafiquant
Transcend
verb
be or go beyond the range or limits of (a field of activity or conceptual sphere). surpass (a person or achievement).
Example: this was an issue transcending the tech space and reaching other corners of society /he doubts that he will ever transcend Shakespeare.
fr: transcender, dépasser, surpasser
Trend
noun
a general direction in which something is developing or changing.
Example: There is a trend towards better management here.
fr: tendance
Trim down
verb
to reduce, trim something down : ​to become smaller in size; to make something smaller.
Example: The author's publishers asked her to trim down her novel.
fr: raccourcir, abréger
Trouble spot
noun
difficult place, location of frequent fighting, violence : a place where violence or war often happens.
Example: Pakistan and Iran are thought of as trouble spots in the West.
fr: point sensible, zone de tension/de conflit/de guerre, endroit à problèmes
Tuition
noun
teaching or instruction, especially of individual pupils or small groups. or (US) a sum of money charged for teaching by a college or university.
Example: Many students struggle to pay their tuition.
fr: frais de scolarité
Turn out
verb
prove to be the case. extinguish a light.
Example: The job turned out to be beyond his rather limited abilities.
fr: finir, terminer, conclure, tourner
Uncontroversial
adjective
not likely to be disputed or to cause strife or quarrel : not relating to or arousing controversy. an uncontroversial opinion.
Example: In all, Hagel should be an uncontroversial choice to head the Pentagon.
fr: Non controversé
Undergo
verb
experience or be subjected to (something, typically something unpleasant or arduous).
Example: He is going to undergo heart surgery on Wednesday. She had to undergo a lot of criticism when the deal fell apart.
fr: subir, passer, se soumettre à
Underneath
preposition
beneath, below
Example: Few people had ever explored the tunnels underneath the city.
fr: en dessous de, sous
Unsustainable
adjective
not able to be maintained at the current rate or level. upsetting the ecological balance by depleting natural resources. not able to be upheld or defended.
Example: Our use of fossil fuels is unsustainable because they will run out one day. The government's policy on taxation is unsustainable because it is unfair.
fr: non viable, insoutenable, intenable
User fee
noun
a sum of money paid as a necessary condition to gain access to a particular service or facility.
Example: user fees could include highway tolls or parking garages.
fr: frais d'utilisation
Value
noun
the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something. principles or standards of behaviour; one's judgement of what is important in life.
Example: Your support is of great value.
fr: valeur
Vamp up
verb
to make something more attractive and exciting / improve
Example: I need to vamp up my look - maybe get some brighter lipstick and a new hairstyle. You'd better vamp up a good excuse for not being at the meeting.
fr: dynamiser, inventer, améliorer
Vessel
noun
a ship or large boat. a hollow container, especially one used to hold liquid, such as a bowl or cask.
Example: The crew ensured the vessel was in good repair before setting to sea.
fr: vaisseau, bateau, navire
Vibrancy
adjective
the state of being full of energy and life. striking brightness of colour. strength and resonance of sound.
Example: These paintings are notable for the vibrancy of the colours the artist uses. We were impressed by the vibrancy of the atmosphere in the club. The vibrancy of the singer's voice resonated throughout the entire auditorium.
fr: éclat, brillance, vitalité, dynamisme, vibration
Wage
Waste
verb
use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose. (of a person or a part of the body) become progressively weaker and more emaciated.
Example: Europeans do not like to waste paper.
fr: gaspiller, gâcher
Welfare
noun
government benefits, statutory procedure or social effort designed to promote the basic physical and material well-being of people in need. or the health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group.
Example: I'm worried about the welfare of the children. He lived on welfare for many years.
fr: bien-être ou allocations
Well-being
noun
the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
Example: an improvement in the patient's well-being.
fr: bien-être
Well-being
noun
the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy, happiness
Example: Parents should ensure the well-being of their children.
fr: bien-être
Whether
conjonction
expressing a doubt or choice between alternatives. expressing an inquiry or investigation (often used in indirect questions). indicating that a statement applies whichever of the alternatives mentioned is the case.
Example: We're not sure whether it will rain.
fr: si
Wide
adjective
broad, of a particular width, of great or more than average width. including a great variety of people or things.
Example: There is a wide space between the two buildings. The table is one metre wide. The carpenter chose three 20-centimeter wide planks.
fr: large, grand, vaste
Windfarm
noun
an area of land with a cluster of wind turbines for driving electrical generators.
Example: An increasing amount of our electricity is generated by wind farms.
fr: champ d'éoliennes, parc éolien
Windmill
noun
a building with sails or vanes that turn in the wind and generate power to grind corn into flour. wind turbine
Example: A host of windmills stood in the field to provide power for the town.
fr: éolienne
Wireless
adjective
using radio, microwaves, etc. (as opposed to wires or cables) to transmit signals.
Example: It is now possible to have wireless connections between lots of different devices in your home.
fr: sans fil
Within
preposition
on the inside of, before the end of, a given distance away.
Example: Please stay within the boundaries. The project is due within three days. There is a town within five miles of this spot.
fr: dans, à l'intérieur de, au sein de, dans un rayon de
Work up
verb
gradually bring someone to a state of intense excitement, anger, or anxiety. develop or produce something by activity or effort.
Example: He got all worked up and started shouting and swearing ; I finally worked up the courage to ask if I had the job
fr: embêter, énerver, exciter
Wreck
noun
the destruction of a ship at sea; a shipwreck. something, especially a vehicle or building, that has been badly damaged or destroyed.
Example: There are a lot of wrecks in the waters around this coast.
fr: épave, naufrage, ruine
Wrenching
adjective
emotionally distressing, pulling or twisting suddenly and violently.
Example: Banksy exposed wrenching art in the streets where he let appear his paintings. Tom felt a wrenching pang as he walked away from the only home he had ever known.
fr: arrachant, déchirant, douloureux