Lesson 197/202 · 21 words · 0 learned

B2 · Everyday actions (2)

1
obtain(verb)
/əbˈteɪn/
to get something, especially by making an effort
The employee obtained the report from her supervisor
I've been trying to obtain a list of supplies from the administrator for three weeks now
Synonymsacquiregetreceivegainprocuresecure
Antonymsloseforfeitrelinquishsurrendergive up
2
preparation(noun)
/ˌprepəˈreɪʃn/
the act or process of getting ready for something or making something ready
Income tax preparation can take a long time
It is important to do some preparation on your own before hiring an accountant to work on your tax form
Synonymsreadinessarrangementplanninggroundworkprovisionpreparatory work
Antonymsneglectignorancedisregardimpromptucarelessness
3
operate(verb)
/ˈɑːpəreɪt/
to work in a particular way
The train only operates in this area at the height of the tourist season
The train operates on a punctual schedule
Synonymsfunctionworkrunperformexecute
Antonymsfailmalfunctionceasestop
4
retain(verb)
/rɪˈteɪn/
to keep something; to continue to have something
She retained her tennis title for the third year.
The house retains much of its original charm.
Synonymskeepmaintainpreserveholdconserve
Antonymslosereleaseabandonrelinquishyield
5
requirement(noun)
/rɪˈkwaɪərmənt/
something that you need or want
A good degree is a minimum requirement for many jobs.
These goods are surplus to requirements(= more than we need).
Synonymsnecessityprerequisiteconditionstipulationobligationdemand
Antonymsoptionchoicedispensationwaiverluxurynonessential
6
resist(verb)
/rɪˈzɪst/
to stop yourself from having or doing something that you would like to have or do
He couldn't resist showing off his strength.
They are determined to resist pressure to change the law.
Synonymsopposewithstanddefyfightcombatendureabstain
Antonymssubmityieldsuccumbgive insurrenderaccept
7
pursue(verb)
/pərˈsuː/
to do something or try to achieve something over a period of time
We intend to pursue this policy with determination.
She wishes to pursue a medical career.
Synonymsfollowchaseseekstrive forhunttrack
Antonymsabandonquitevadeavoidfleeignore
8
struggle(verb)
/ˈstrʌɡl/
to try very hard to do something when it is difficult or when there are a lot of problems
By this time he'd managed to struggle out of bed.
They struggled just to pay their bills.
Synonymseffortcontendgrapplewrestlestrainlabor
Antonymseasepeacecomfortsurrenderacquiesce
9
observe(verb)
/əbˈzɜːrv/
to watch somebody/something carefully, especially to learn more about them
Our teacher will observe and score our performance.
He was observed to follow her closely.
Synonymswatchnoticeperceivemonitorscrutinizeinspectview
Antonymsignoreoverlookneglectdisregard
10
tear(verb)
/ter/
to damage something by pulling it apart or into pieces or by cutting it on something sharp; to become damaged in this way
Be careful not to tear the paper when you open the box.
Synonymscryingweepingsobbinglacrimationdistresssadness
Antonymsjoylaughterhappinesscheerfulness
11
rescue(verb)
/ˈreskjuː/
to save somebody/something from a dangerous or harmful situation
Firefighters rescued two children from the burning house.
Synonymssavesalvageliberatefreedeliveranceredemption
Antonymsabandonendangercaptureimprisonjeopardizeharm
12
wrap(verb)
/ræp/
to cover something completely in paper or other material, for example when you are giving it as a present
The book is carefully wrapped.
individually wrapped chocolates
Synonymscoverenclosepackageenfoldprotect
Antonymsunwrapopenexposeuncover
13
stare(verb)
/ster/
to look at somebody/something for a long time
They stared up at the hole in the ceiling.
I screamed and everyone stared.
Synonymsgazepeerglarewatchobserve
Antonymsglanceignoreneglectoverlook
14
rub(verb)
/rʌb/
to move your hand, a cloth, etc., backwards and forwards over a surface while pressing it
Rub the surface with sandpaper before painting.
Animals had been rubbing against the trees.
Synonymsscrapescrubpolishmassagestroke
Antonymstappatleave aloneignore
15
vary(verb)
/ˈveri/
to be different from each other in size, shape, etc.
The boxes vary in size from small to large.
The quality of the students' work varies considerably.
Synonymsdifferchangedivergefluctuatemodifydeviate
Antonymsstayremainstabilizeconformstandardize
16
pose(verb)
/pəʊz/
to sit or stand in a particular position in order to be painted, drawn or photographed
The players posed for a team photo before the match.
Synonymsstanceattitudepositionbearingpostureaffectationput on
Antonymsnaturalnessgenuinenesssincerity
17
transform(verb)
/trænsˈfɔːrm/
to change the form of something; to change in form
The photochemical reactions transform the light into electrical impulses.
To be honest with you, I don't remember what he said.
Synonymsconvertchangealtermodifyconvertmutateremodelmetamorphose
Antonymsmaintainpreserveretainkeepconserve
18
preserve(verb)
/prɪˈzɜːrv/
to keep something in its original state or in good condition
We must preserve these forests for future generations.
Synonymsconservemaintainprotectsafeguardkeepsaveuphold
Antonymsdestroydamageneglectabandondiscard
19
seek(verb)
/siːk/
to look for something/somebody
The police are seeking the missing man throughout the entire county.
Synonymssearchlook forpursuehuntexplorerequestattempt
Antonymsavoidignoreneglectabandonshunfinddiscover
20
mount(verb)
/maʊnt/
to organize and begin something
The police have mounted a campaign to reduce road accidents.
Synonymsascendclimbscale
Antonymsdescenddismountfall
21
rid(verb)
/rɪd/
to remove something unpleasant or unwanted from a place or person
We need to rid the house of mice.
Synonymseliminateremoveclearfreeexpel
Antonymskeepretainpreserveharbor