Advanced Vocab List 1

line up (verb) to arrange, set up We need to line up a band for the wedding. whats all the fuss about = Whats the big deal? or What are you complaining about? I dont know what the fuss is all about = I dont know what the big deal is or I dont know why this is so important I read the Harry Potter books and I thought they were boring. I dont know what the fuss is all about. Many people in red shirts are yelling at the president. Do you know what the fuss is all about? rude awakening a shock, a sudden and unexpected surprise (usually bad news) I studied very hard for the test, so it was a rude awakening to see that I failed. transform (verb) to change from one thing into another, to change from one form, appearance, type into another form, appearance, type The caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. I painted her bedroom and transformed it into a classroom. spontaneous (adjective) happens without cause or without planning Were on vacation, and you still have a schedule to plan our day! Why cant you be more spontaneous? My computer spontaneously stopped turned off; I cant figure out why. switch (verb) to exchange; to change I cant see the movie. Could you switch seats with me? This class was too boring, so we switched subjects and it got more interesting. millennium (noun) 1,000 years Jesus lived in the first millennium. The year 2001 was the start of the third millennium. disturbing (adjective) makes you feel upset, worried, or uncomfortable I heard the disturbing news that a child was kidnapped. The horror movie was so disturbing that I couldnt get to sleep. (I was too disturbed.)

Advanced Vocab List 2

merger (noun) merge (verb) when two things (usually businesses) combine into one
McDonalds and KFC merged; Now they are called McKFC.

acquisition (noun) acquire (verb) -- when a larger business buys a smaller business; to get possession of something
Google acquired Youtube for $1 billion. McDonalds acquired KFC, so now you can get fried chicken at McDonalds.

sneaking feeling a feeling that something will happen

The weatherman on TV said it wont rain tonight, but I have a sneaking feeling that hes wrong. She seemed a little strange; I have a sneaking feeling that shes lying to me.

insight (noun) a deep understanding, clear feeling about a subject

Your essay shows a lot of insight in this subject.

undermine (verb) to weaken or secretly attack

Max really undermined his classmates when he cheated on the test. Working late can undermine ones health. Politicians are always trying to undermine their opponents.

such as used to show examples

There are many things to see in Taipei, such as Taipei 101 and the palace museum. Verbs such as hit or cut can be either present tense or past tense.

besides -- in addition to
Who was at the party besides Jon? Besides English, what subjects are you studying? Jack didnt get the job because he was rude to the boss. Besides, he was late for the interview.

Moreover / Furthermore / In addition used to give extra information or examples

That car is not safe enough. Furthermore, its way too expensive. That car is not safe enough. Moreover, its way too expensive.

Last but not least When giving many examples or reasons, this shows that the last example is
still very important. The death penalty can be unfair. It doesnt stop crime. Its cruel. And last but not least, its more expensive than jail. (If you win an award): Id like to thank my friends Jon and Kathy, my teachers Brian and Janner, my grandparents, and last but not least, my parents, who always helped me.

Advanced Vocab List 3

Unique (adj.) unlike anything else, one-of-a-kind, special and distinct Wow! I like that shirt! Its really unique; Ive never seen a shirt like that. Las Vegas is a very strange city, but its also a very unique place.

Haphazard (adj.) without order or organization; without attention or planning This office has a very haphazard filing system. Its very hard to find what you need. The traffic in Taiwan is so haphazard. People just drive wherever they want without worrying about the rules. Capture (verb) To catch someone, especially after chasing them -- To express or represent an image or idea The policeman captured the famous thief yesterday. This painting really captures the beauty of Taiwan. Authentic (adj.) not fake or copied This is an authentic painting from the 1700s. Its very valuable. That diamond is not authentic. Thats why its so cheap. Authenticity (noun) being genuine, real, honest I wont buy that diamond because I dont trust its authenticity. (I dont think its authentic.)

I bought a baseball signed by Wang Chien-Ming and it came with a certificate of authenticity. Relatively (adverb) somewhat, more than others Tainan is relatively affordable (more affordable than many cities like it.) This years final exams were relatively easy (easier than a lot of other final exams.) My cell phone is relatively new (but not the newest.) Trendy (adj.) new and popular, modern You can buy the newest trendy clothes at the department store. Paris is a very trendy city; people in Paris like to wear the newest (trendy) fashions and listen to the newest (trendy) music. Abundant / Plentiful (adj.) having a large supply of, having a lot of Because mangoes are so abundant this year, you can buy them very cheaply. Wildlife is plentiful in Africa. Theres an abundant supply of cheap drugs at the hospital.

Advanced Vocab List 4

Diverse (adj.) having many different kinds of something; having many different races of people My neighborhood is quite diverse there are Asians, Americans, and Africans living together. Theres an abundant supply of diverse fruits at the supermarket. Diversity (noun) variety, having many different kinds or races Im surprised by the diversity of this students writing; she always has many different and distinct ideas. I live in a diverse neighborhood because I think diversity is very interesting. Complacent (adj.) not caring about mistakes, lazy, careless He got fired from his job because he was too complacent he always went to work late and didnt work hard. My father is too complacent with his life, just watching TV all day and sleeping. He doesnt have any goals. Affluent (adj.) rich, wealthy, well-off

Rent is very expensive in the affluent neighborhoods. My uncle is an affluent banker. Riot (noun or verb) when many angry people fight in the streets There were riots after the government raised taxes. Students are rioting in Taipei today because they want a new government. Essential (adj.) necessary, needed, something that a situation must have Good grades are essential if you want to go to a good college. Eating fruits and exercising are essential to a healthy lifestyle. Harsh (adj.) very severe (punishment) or very strict (rules) The thief got the death penalty yesterday, and his family feels that the punishment was too harsh. Students are rioting today because they disagree with the harsh laws. Flourish(ing) (verb) growing, getting bigger and healthier Taiwans economy is flourishing because everyone is working very hard. Lions are flourishing in Africa because food is so abundant.

Advanced Vocab List 5

distinct
(adjective) easy to see, different from others

The thief left distinct fingerprints in the house. Stinky tofu has a distinct flavor; I can smell it from far away.

distinction (noun) difference, what makes something special

Theres almost no distinction between a McDonalds in Taiwan and a McDonalds in the US.

distinguish (from) (verb) to tell the difference, see the difference between two things
That fake diamond looked so real! I couldnt distinguish it from the real thing. I only speak English, so its hard for me to distinguish Chinese from Taiwanese.

set (it) apart (from) (verb) --

to be different than others because of a special characteristic

The legal gambling sets Las Vegas apart from other major cities. All the night markets are good, but the snacks at really set it apart from other night markets.

conduct (verb) to direct, manage, or control

Its hard to conduct class when all the students are speaking at the same time. Please dont go in that room. Theyre conducting a meeting right now.

conduct (noun) behavior

Spitting on the floor is inappropriate conduct in this school!

sentiment (noun) message or emotion, usually sweet or romantic

This greeting card has the perfect sentiment inside! I agree with your sentiments about the movie. ( I agree with your opinion / feeling. )

cozy (adjective) comfortable, comfy

This sofa is cozy. I know my apartment is small, but its so cozy that I dont want to leave.

observe (verb) to watch attentively

I observed some strange fish when I went snorkeling in Kenting. The principal will observe our class today.

discourse (noun) discussion, long conversation, often dealing with a specific topic.
We had an excellent discourse with the professor about Greek history. This book contains a famous discourse between two philosophers.

Advanced Vocab List 6

keep an eye on (idiom) to watch or look after something or someone
My sister will keep an eye on my baby while I go to work. Could you keep an eye on my purse while I go to the bathroom?

merely (adverb) only, nothing more, just

This is not a serious injury; its merely a small cut. I was merely asking a question, and the teacher got angry with me for no reason.

no rhyme or reason (idiom) no sense, no obvious explanation for something, mysteriously

Theres no rhyme or reason to the plot of that movie; I dont recommend it. The conclusion of her essay was without rhyme or reason; it didn't make any sense.

reluctant (adjective) --

opposite of eager, not very willing to do something

Susan wants to get married, but Bob is very reluctant he feels that hes too young. John is eager to go to Japan for summer vacation, but Jim is reluctant to go away because he'll miss his girlfriend. This paper is quite good, but Im reluctant to give it an A because there is no rhyme or reason to the conclusion.

drain (verb) to empty of water, liquid, or energy

If you want to change the oil in your car, first you must drain the old oil; then you can add the new oil. I ran 5 kilometers this morning and it completely drained me of energy. I need a nap. Tim was very scared; all the blood drained from his face; he looked like he'd seen a ghost.

pitiful (adjective) pathetic, horrible, bad, unfortunate

They live in a pitiful little house there are holes in the roof and the floor is starting to break. This test is pitiful! You only got one question right! Did you even study at all, or did you merely hope that you would do well? Look at that pitiful little puppy; we should take him to the vet.