Lesson 1

abandon: (v)

(1) to leave forever;

Example: She abandoned her dog at the park.

(2) to leave something without finishing;

Example: She abandoned the test

(3) to give oneself up to a feeling or desire.

Example: He abandoned himself to grief.

keen: (adj.)

(1)quick in understanding;

Example: She has a keen mind

(2)having a strong interest;

Example: They have a keen interest in technology

(3)with a fine cutting edge

Example: That knife has a keen edge

jealous: (adj.)

(1) wanting to keep what one has;

Example: He is very jealous of his possessions

(2) wanting to have what someone else has; envious;

Example: He is jealous of their success

tact: (n)

the ability to say the right thing at the right time; skills in dealing with people

Example: A school teacher has to have tact

oath: (n)

(1) a solemn promise

Example: They made an oath to protect their family

(2) a course; an expression of strong feeling using religious or sexual words improperly

Example: When James discovered that he had been abandoned, he let out an angry oath

vacant: (adj.)

(1) of a room, a house, a space, etc; not being used or lived in

Example: The house was vacant

(2) of a job; available, not at present filled

Example: the state has vacant jobs

(3) showing lack of active thought

Example: He had a vacant expression in his face

hardship: (n)

difficult conditions of life; such lack of money

Example: They had to face many hardships before they became famous

gallant: (adj.)

(1) courageous; brave; fearless

Example: The Canadian team made a gallant effort to win their goal medals.

(2) attentive and polite of women

Example: Mark is so gallant he always gives up his seat to women on the bus.

data: (n)

facts, information

Example: the data is/are all ready for examination

unaccustomed: (adj.)

Not used to something

Example: Coming from San Francisco to Norway I was not accustomed to the cold weather.

bachelor: (n)

a man who is not married

Example: My brother went to a bachelor’s party last night

qualify: (v)

to gain a certain level of knowledge; ability or performance

Example: This course will qualify you to teach swimming