Objective Proficiency p 133. Vocabulary

Ex 2
Text 2
  • Geek: someone who is boring, especially because they seem to be interested only in computers.
  • Take something apart: to separate a machine or piece of equipment into the different parts that it is made of. Dismantle. E.g. Bill Gates was a computer geek who could take a computer apart.


  • Fledgling: /ˈfledʒlɪŋ/ 1 a young bird that has just learnt to fly. 2 (usually before another noun) a person, an organization or a system that is new and without experience. E.g. fledgling democracies.




  • Loose: not strictly organized or controlled. E.g. a loose alliance/coalition/federation. A loose association of artists, writers and composers. 
  • Lean to/towards/toward something: to have a tendency to prefer something, especially a particular opinion or interest. Sp. inclinarse. E.g. The UK leant towards the US proposal.
  • Nerd: 1 a person who is boring, stupid and not fashionable. E.g. I feel like a nerd in these shoes. 2 a person who is very interested in computers.
  • Expertise: /ˌekspɜːˈtiːz/ expert knowledge or skill in a particular subject, activity or job. E.g. professional/scientific/technical, etc. expertise. We have the expertise to help you run your business. It is difficult to find staff with the level of expertise required for this job. Expertise in something/in doing something They have considerable expertise in dealing with oil spills.
  • Seek, sought, sought: /sɔːt/ to look for something/somebody. E.g. seek something/somebody Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes. Seek for something/somebody (British English) They sought in vain for somewhere to shelter.
  • Corporate: / ˈkɔːpərət/ involving or shared by all the members of a group. Sp. colectivo. E.g. Is there a corporate identity shared by all Asian countries?
  • Enduring: /ɪnˈdjʊərɪŋlasting for a long time. E.g. enduring memories. What is the reason for the game's enduring appeal?
  • Marathon: /ˈmærəθən/ an activity or a piece of work that lasts a long time and requires a lot of effort and patience. E.g. The interview was a real marathon.
  • Stamina: the physical or mental strength that enables you to do something difficult for long periods of time. Sp. resistencia. E.g. It takes a lot of stamina to run a marathon. Exercises aimed at increasing stamina.
  • Equate something (with something) to think that something is the same as something else or is as important. E.g. Some parents equate education with exam success. I don't see how you can equate the two things.
Ex 3 

  • At the same time: 1 at one time; together. E.g. She was laughing and crying at the same time. 2. used to introduce a contrasting fact, etc. that must be considered. E.g. You have to be firm, but at the same time you should try and be sympathetic. Of course, we want to be part of Europe, but at the same time we must be careful not to lose our close relationship with the US.
  • Conversely: /ˈkɒnvɜːsli/ (formal) in a way that is the opposite or reverse of something. E.g. You can add the fluid to the powder, or, conversely, the powder to the fluid. Women suffering from anorexia are still convinced that their thin, frail bodies are fat and unsightly. Conversely, some people who are a great deal heavier than they should be can persuade themselves that they are ‘just right’. When the press was biased towards the political right, television coverage tended to lean to the left. Conversely, if the press swung heavily to the left, television would have to redress the balance by leaning to the right. Some wrong answers were marked right and, conversely, some right answers had been rejected.
  • Instead: in the place of somebody/something. E.g. He didn't reply. Instead, he turned on his heel and left the room. The committee has rejected our proposal. Instead, they have brought forward an alternative plan.
  • Turn/spin on your heel: to turn around suddenly so that you are facing in the opposite direction.  
  • Likewise: the same; in a similar way. E.g. He voted for the change and he expected his colleagues to do likewise. The character of the lake has changed and the character of the surrounding area likewise. 
  • On the contrary: used to introduce a statement that says the opposite of the last one. E.g. ‘It must have been terrible.’ ‘On the contrary, I enjoyed every minute.’ The risk of infection hasn't diminished – on the contrary, it has increased. 
  • Otherwise: used to state what the result would be if something did not happen or if the situation were different. E.g. My parents lent me the money. Otherwise, I couldn't have afforded the trip. Shut the window, otherwise it'll get too cold in here. We're committed to the project. We wouldn't be here otherwise. 
Ex 5
  • Overlength: longer than is standard. E.g. Read this overlength answer. 
  • Go along: 1 to continue with an activity. E.g. He made up the story as he went along. 2 to make progress; to develop. E.g. Things are going along nicely.
  • Outcome: /ˈaʊtkʌm/ the result or effect of an action or event. E.g. We are waiting to hear the final outcome of the negotiations. These costs are payable whatever the outcome of the case. We are confident of a successful outcome. Four possible outcomes have been identified.
  • Highlight something: to emphasize something, especially so that people give it more attention. E.g. The report highlights the major problems facing society today.



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