Unit 1

having the highest level of significance or central importance

In the park, the main attraction is the large fountain in the center.

having the highest importance

The chief concern of the community is addressing unemployment among young people.

a notable feature or quality that defines or describes something

Her kindness is a characteristic everyone notices.

a distinguishing quality or characteristic, especially one that forms part of someone's personality or identity

Honesty is one of her most admirable traits.

anything that proves the truth or possibility of something, such as facts, objects, or signs

The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including DNA analysis and eyewitness testimony, to support their case.

to find someone or something, often by following a series of clues or evidence

The detectives traced the stolen artwork to an underground art market.

the action or process of reaching a particular thing

He beamed with pride as he recounted his achievement of climbing the highest peak in the country.

an impressive or remarkable achievement or accomplishment, often requiring great skill or strength

to cause someone to feel puzzled, confused, or bewildered by something complex or difficult to understand

The intricate puzzle often perplexes even the most experienced solvers.

to confuse someone, often by presenting something mysterious or difficult to understand

The riddle puzzles her.

an ancestor or a person from whom one is descended, typically from earlier generations

His forebears came from Ireland and settled in America in the 19th century.

a blood relative who lived a long time ago, usually before one's grandparents

She discovered that one of her ancestors had fought in the Civil War.

a very strong feeling of wanting to do or have something

Sarah's desire for adventure led her to travel to exotic destinations around the world.

to persistently try to motivate or support someone, particularly to pursue their goals

The teacher urged her students to explore their passions and pursue their interests with determination.

(of an animal, child, or plant) to grow with strength, health, or energy

The baby thrived in the loving and supportive care of her family.

to grow in a healthy and strong way

The garden began to flourish with proper sunlight and watering.

a link that holds atoms or ions together in any molecule or crystal

The covalent bond between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms forms a water molecule.

to attach or connect two things by a rope, band, etc.

The construction workers are tying reinforcing steel bars together for the foundation.

to reside in a specific place

Many species of birds inhabit the forest year-round.

to reside at the place where one works or studies, usually in provided accommodation on the premises

a loosely defined social gathering or occasion

He attended a small function at his friend's house.

to go on vacation by a ship or boat

For their anniversary, the couple decided to cruise around the Caribbean.

a disorder in which one is unable to sleep or stay asleep

After several weeks of stress at work, she began to suffer from insomnia, making it difficult to concentrate during the day.

a type of bag, often made of leather or canvas, with a strap that is worn over one shoulder and across the bo

He packed his books into his satchel before heading off to school.

a prearranged time for children to get together and play, typically with a parent or caregiver present

She arranged a playdate for her son with his best friend from school.

a social event where a person stays overnight at someone else's house, usually for fun

She invited her friends to a sleepover for her birthday celebration.

the condition of forgetting or being unable to recall past events or information, ranging from minor forgetfulness to more severe forms, such as dementia or amnesia

Memory loss can be a common symptom of aging, but it can also be caused by other health conditions.

an absorbent garment worn by infants and young children to contain and absorb urine and feces

She changed the baby’s nappy after the morning feeding.

to move slowly with the body near the ground or on the hands and knees

The baby began to crawl across the living room floor.

to establish a stable and committed lifestyle, often involving marriage or a serious, long-term relationship

They planned to settle down and raise a family in their hometown.

to skip school or work without permission or without a valid reason

If you play truant, you miss out on valuable lessons and fall behind.

a very young child, typically from birth to around one year old

The pediatrician provided guidance to the new parents on caring for their infant's health and development.

a boy who is attending school, especially in primary or secondary education

The schoolboy eagerly raised his hand to answer the teacher’s question.

one of the partners in a romantic or sexual relationship, without being married to each other

Sarah's lover surprised her with a bouquet of roses on their anniversary.

someone who serves in an army, particularly a person who is not an officer

Every soldier must undergo rigorous training.

a behavior or treatment that is fair and just

The victim's family sought justice through the court system for the crimes committed against their loved one.

the behavior of being immature, overly playful, or exhibiting traits typically associated with children

His childishness made it difficult for others to take him seriously at work.

an elevated area, especially in theaters, on which artists perform for the audience

The actor stepped onto the stage to deliver his monologue.

(of sheep, cows, etc.) to feed on the grass in a field

The sheep were allowed to graze freely in the meadow.

an official contract or arrangement by which a bank gives money to someone as a loan to buy a house and the person agrees to repay the loan over a specified period, usually with interest

They took out a mortgage to buy their first house in the suburbs.

a light, horse-drawn carriage with four wheels, typically used for leisurely rides

They took a scenic ride in a buggy through the countryside.

a time that is arranged to meet a person with whom one is in a relationship or is likely to be in the future

She was excited about her date with him at the new Italian restaurant.

to move to a higher position or rank

After years of hard work, she was promoted to manager of the department.

(of a person) displaying good judgment

She’s a sensible friend who always offers sound advice.

a container that is used for drinks and is made of glass

Sarah enjoyed her milkshake in a thick glass with a straw.

to exercise in order to get healthier or stronger

I work out with a friend to make the exercise routine more enjoyable.

a continuous pain in a part of the body, often not severe

After the long hike, I had an ache in my legs.

the unpleasant feeling caused by an illness or injury

I have a sharp pain in my side when I breathe.

to fill in a black and white outline or picture with colors using crayons, markers, or other coloring materials

The children were asked to color in the pictures in their activity books.

a period of time spent resting or sleeping in bed beyond one's usual waking time, often done for the purpose of getting additional rest or relaxation

A lie-in can help you feel refreshed after a late night.

the legal act of ending a marriage

After years of marital conflict, they decided to pursue a divorce and go their separate ways.

an emotional outburst, usually associated with anger or frustration, that involves screaming, crying, kicking, and sometimes even physical aggression

The child threw a tantrum when he couldn't have the toy.

a large, rounded stomach

His potbelly was noticeable even under his loose shirt.

having little or no hair on the head

He used a special shampoo to try to prevent becoming completely bald.

an insignificant student who is ridiculed as being affected or boringly studious

the building, rooms, or facilities that a specific club uses

The members met at the club for their weekly chess matches.

a plaything consisting of a board balanced on a fulcrum; the board is ridden up and down by children at either end

to rest or sleep for a short period of time during the day

I'm feeling a bit tired, so I'm going to take a nap for about 30 minutes before I continue working on my project.

to look at a thing or person and pay attention to it for some time

He sat on the park bench and watched the sunset.

elaborate or sophisticated in style, often designed to impress

She wore a fancy gown to the ball, adorned with intricate lace and jewels.

to stop carrying something by putting it on the ground

As soon as I entered the room, I put down my umbrella.

to take care of someone or something and attend to their needs, well-being, or safety

The nurse looks after the sick patient by monitoring their condition and providing medication.

to rely on no one in making decisions or forming opinions

It's important to think for oneself and not just follow the crowd.

to acknowledge a specific concept, suggestion, or factor

Always think of your health when making lifestyle choices.

(of a surface) continuing in a straight line with no raised or low parts

She spread the dough on the baking sheet, making it flat and even.

to hit a thing or person with the foot

The karate expert kicks the punching bag during training.

having a color between white and black, like most koalas or dolphins

My grandmother's hair is gray.

a polite word used when making a request