Some Important words

Elicit:

• to get or produce something, especially information or a reaction

• Have you managed to elicit a response from them yet? The questionnaire was intended to elicit information on eating habits.

• They were able to elicit the support of the public.

outrage• [ U ] a feeling of anger and shock • These murders have provoked outrage across the country. Many

politicians and members of the public expressed outrage at the verdict. • [C ] a shocking, morally unacceptable and usually violent action • The bomb, which killed 15 people, was the worst of a series of terrorist

outrages. [ + that ] It's an outrage (= it is shocking and morally unacceptable) that so much public money should have been wasted in this way.

• (verb)• (especially of an unfair action or statement) to cause someone to feel

very angry, shocked or upset • Local people were outraged at the bombing. A proposed 5% pay cut

has outraged staff at the warehouse.

Outraged and outrageousOutrage (adj)feeling outrage • Many outraged viewers wrote to the BBC to complain.Outrageous (adj)1. shocking and morally unacceptable • The judge criticized the "outrageous greed" of some of the lawyers. [ + that ] It is

outrageous that these buildings remain empty while thousands of people have no homes.

• These prices are just outrageous (= much too high) . 2. describes something or someone that is shocking because they are unusual or strange • outrageous clothes/behaviour an outrageous character Outrageously (adv)outrageously high prices

thoughtful(1) carefully considering things • He has a thoughtful approach to his work. (2) quiet because you are thinking about something • You look thoughtful. (3) kind and always thinking about how you can help other people • Thank you for phoning when I was ill - it was very

thoughtful of you. She's a very thoughtful person. • Opposite thoughtless

solemn1. serious and without any humour • a solemn face/voice solemn music • Everyone looked very solemn. 2. solemn promise/commitment/undertaking• an agreement which you make in a serious

way and expect to keepSolemnly (adv)

introverted

Introvert (n) Someone who is shy, quiet and unable to make friends easily. • Extrovert (n) an energetic, happy person who

enjoys being with other people • Most sales people are extroverts. Introverted (adj)

transparency

1. [ U ] the characteristic of being easy to see through The old-fashioned type of plastic lacked transparency.2. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a photograph or picture printed on plastic which you can see on a screen by shining a light through it.• Transparent (adj) If a substance or object is transparent, you can

see through it very clearly • Grow the bulbs in a transparent plastic box, so the children can see

the roots growing. Her blouse was practically transparent! • 2. clear and easy to understand or recognize • I think we should try to make the instructions more transparent.

spatial

• relating to the position, area and size of things • This task is designed to test the child's spatial

awareness (= understanding of where things are in relation to other things) .

Spatially (adv)spatially aware

Set the tone

set the tone: (1) if something someone says or does sets the tone for an event or activity, it establishes the way that event or activity will continue, especially the mood of the people involved (often + for ) He was furious when she arrived late, and that set the tone for the whole evening.(2) to establish a particular mood or character for something The governor's speech was intended to set the tone for the party's national convention next week

periphery

1. the outer edge of an area • Houses have been built on the periphery of the

factory site. The ring road runs around the periphery of the city centre.

2. the less important part of a group or activity • Many women feel they are being kept on the

periphery of the armed forces.

barren

1. unable to produce plants or fruit • We drove through a barren, rocky landscape. 2. LITERARY unable to have babies3. not productive • She became very depressed during the barren

years when she was unable to paint.

draw someone or something into something

1. Lit. to sketch a picture, adding someone or something into the picture. She drew a little dog into the lower corner of the picture. I drew in a large tree and the ruins of an abbey. She drew herself into the scene.2. Fig. to involve someone or something in something. Don't draw me into this argument. This is not the time to draw that argument into the discussion.

somber

1. serious, sad and without humour or entertainment • a sombre atmosphere/voice/face The funeral was a

sombre occasion. • I left them in a sombre mood. 2. dark and plain • He wore a sombre black suit.

Single out

to choose one person or thing from a group for special attention, especially criticism or praise • It's not fair the way my sister is always singled

out for special treatment. Jamie was thrilled when the teacher singled out his poem and asked him to read it out.

texture

1. [ C or U ] the quality of something that can be decided by touch; the degree to which something is rough or smooth, or soft or hard • a smooth/rough/coarse texture This artificial

fabric has the texture of silk.• 2. [ U ] the character of a piece of writing or

music • The writing has a rich texture.

vivid

1. Vivid descriptions, memories, etc. produce very clear, powerful and detailed images in the mind • He gave a very vivid and often shocking

account/description of his time in prison. He's one of those people with a very vivid imagination - every time he hears a noise he's convinced it's someone breaking in.

2. very brightly coloured • She was wearing a vivid pink shirt.

spontaneous

happening or done in a natural, often sudden way, without any planning or without being forced • His jokes seemed spontaneous, but were in

fact carefully prepared beforehand. APPROVING She's such a spontaneous, lively woman.

bulge

(verb) to stick out in a round shape • Her bags were bulging with shopping.(noun) 1. a curved shape sticking out from the surface of something • I wondered what the bulge in her coat pocket was. • 2. a sudden increase that soon returns to the usual level • There was a bulge in spending in the early part of the

year.

rigid

stiff or fixed; not able to be bent, moved, changed or persuaded • a rigid steel and concrete structure I was rigid

with (= stiff and unable to move because of) fear.

• DISAPPROVING We were disappointed that they insisted on such a rigid interpretation of the rules.

captivate

• to hold the attention of someone by being extremely interesting, exciting, pleasant or attractive

• With her beauty and charm, she captivated film audiences everywhere.

Captivating (adj)a captivating performance