Vocabulary Insight 8

immediately following something that is mentioned

to stop doing something, particularly in response to a request, command, or understanding that it should be discontinued

The company was ordered to desist from any further illegal practices.

providing advice to be careful or cautious

to make audible sounds without necessarily forming clear or meaningful words

In pain, she uttered a loud cry for help.

the act of harshly criticizing or reprimanding someone for their actions or behavior

The manager's public castigation of the employee embarrassed everyone.

a serious promise or statement made by someone to tell the truth, often with the belief that breaking the promise will have serious consequences

The witness took an oath to tell the whole truth during the trial.

to stop sleeping and become aware

The gentle sunrise helped her awaken peacefully.

used to bid someone goodbye or to express good wishes to someone departing

Farewell, my dear friend.I'll miss you.

to settle or land on a surface, often referring to a bird or insect

As the sun set, fireflies began to alight on the branches, filling the forest with their gentle glow.

to live in a particular place

The family decided to dwell in a quaint village after years of city living.

to wrap or enclose someone or something within arms, wings, or a covering

to sleep, typically in a calm and peaceful manner

After a day of hiking, he found a peaceful spot to slumber under the trees.

a strong and violent storm characterized by high winds, heavy rain, thunder, and lightning

full of danger or risk, often threatening safety or well-being

Emergency responders faced perilous conditions battling the massive chemical fire.

showing courage or determination in the face of danger or adversity

The firefighter made a valiant effort to save the family trapped in the burning house.

to happen to a person or thing in a way that seems destined and has serious consequences

The fate that befell them was beyond their control.

(often plural) a very poor and overpopulated area of a city or town in which the houses are not in good condition

He advocates for better housing solutions for people in slums.

a room or set of rooms forming a separate residence within a house or block of flats, especially in the US or Scotland

She rented a tenement on the top floor of the building.

a person or animal that resides in a particular place or habitat

The cave dweller left behind ancient tools and artifacts.

to block a passage or space, typically causing a hindrance or obstruction to the normal flow of something

a road, street, or passage that provides a direct route or passage for vehicles, pedestrians, or both

The highway serves as the main thoroughfare between the two cities.

an area where construction activities take place, involving the creation or renovation of structures

The workers arrived early at the building site to start their shift.

the physical and organizational assets, such as roads, bridges, utilities, and public services, that support economic activity and daily life

The government invested billions in rebuilding the nation's aging infrastructure.

a system of pipes and facilities that collect and process dirty water and waste from buildings and house

The city's sewage system underwent major upgrades to handle increased capacity.

to start an action or event

The manager commenced the project by assigning tasks to each team member.

to bring two parts of something together

He couldn't figure out how to fasten the buttons on his shirt with his cold fingers.

to clearly and confidently say that something is the case

In an interview last month, the athlete asserted that dedication and hard work will always lead to achieving fitness goals.