Definitions and samples proportion (n.) a part in relation to the whole – The proportion of women graduates has increased in recent years. rate (n.) the cost per unit of a good or service; the motion or change that happens in a certain time – The unemployment rate held at 9.6% last month, the Labor…
Definitions and samples utilize (v.) make use of; to use something in an effective way – We must consider how best to utilize what resources we have. humid (adj.) moist; damp – Tokyo is extremely humid in mid-summer. maximize (v.) to increase or make as great as possible – The company’s main function is to…
Definitions and samples constraint (n.) something that restricts thought or action – Constraints on spending have forced the company to rethink its plans. villain (n.) a very wicked person – Some people believe that Richard III did not murder his nephews and was not the villain he is generally thought to have been. quantify (v.)…
Definitions and samples rural (adj.) happening in or relating to the countryside, not the city – The area is still very rural and undeveloped. shrink (v.) to become reduced in size, amount, or value – I’m worried about washing that shirt in case it shrinks. vapor (n.) moisture in the air that can be seen;…
Definitions and samples stroke (n.) if someone has a stroke, a blood vessel in their brain bursts or becomes blocked, which may kill them or make them unable to move one side of their body – He had a minor stroke in 1987, which left him partly paralyzed. valuable (adv.) worth a lot of money;…
Definitions and samples salary (n.) money that you receive as payment from the organization you work for, usually paid to you every month – The average salary for a teacher is $39,000 a year. tank (n.) the place where gas is stored in a car or other vehicle – The water tank is leaking. obesity…
Definitions and samples infection (n.) a disease that affects a particular part of your body and is caused by BACTERIA or a Virus – The baby had an ear infection. deadline (n.) a time or day by which something must be done – There’s no way I can meet that deadline. destination (n.) the place…
Definitions and samples vague (adj.) unclear because someone does not give enough detailed information or does not say exactly what they mean – The governor gave only a vague outline of his tax plan. disease (n.) an illness that affects people or animals, especially one that is caused by infection – Studies have revealed that…
Definitions and samples definite (adj.) clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful – He was unusually definite about his current choice. accompany (v.) if you accompany someone, you go somewhere with them – The man I am doing business with has asked I accompany him and his daughter out for the night and I…
Definitions and samples skyscraper (n.) a very tall modern city building – In Hong Kong, there is also a plan to build a skyscraper over 480 metres tall. addiction (n.) the fact or condition of being addicted – Participants are offered help in everything from fighting drug addiction to getting a job. subway (n.) a…