1. consider
Meaning: deem to be
Use: At the moment, artemisinin-based therapies are considered the best treatment, but cost about $10 per dose – far too much for impoverished communities. Seattle Times (Feb 16, 2012)
2. minute
Meaning: infinitely or immeasurably small
Use: The minute stain on the document was not visible to the naked eye.
3. accord
Meaning: concurrence of opinion
Use: The committee worked in accord on the bill, and it eventually passed.
4. evident
Meaning: clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
Use: That confidence was certainly evident in the way Smith handled the winning play with 14 seconds left on the clock.
5. practice
Meaning: a customary way of operation or behavior
Use: He directed and acted in plays every season and became known for exploring Elizabethan theatre practices.
6. intend
Meaning: have in mind as a purpose
Use: “Lipstick, as a product intended for topical use with limited absorption, is ingested only in very small quantities,” the agency said on its website.
7. concern
Meaning: something that interests you because it is important
Use: The scandal broke out in October after former chief executive Michael Woodford claimed he was fired for raising concerns about the company’s accounting practices.
8. commit
Meaning: perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
Use: In an unprecedented front page article in 2003 The Times reported that Mr. Blair, a young reporter on its staff, had committed journalistic fraud. New York Times (Feb 15, 2012)
9. issue
Meaning: some situation or event that is thought about
Use: As a result, the privacy issues surrounding mobile computing are becoming ever-more complex.
10. approach
Meaning: move towards
Use: Spain’s jobless rate for people ages 16 to 24 is approaching 50 percent.New York Times (Feb 15, 2012)
11. establish
Meaning: set up or found
A small French colony, Port Louis, was established on East Falkland in 1764 and handed to the Spanish three years later.
12. utter
Meaning: without qualification
No one can blame an honest mechanic for holding a wealthy snob in utter contempt. Ingersoll, Robert Green
13. conduct
Meaning: direct the course of; manage or control
Scientists have been conducting studies of individual genes for years.
14. engage
Meaning: consume all of one’s attention or time
We had nearly two hundred passengers, who were seated about on the sofas, reading, or playing games, or engaged in conversation. Field, Henry M. (Henry Martyn)
15. obtain
Meaning: come into possession of
He delayed making the unclassified report public while awaiting an Army review, but Rolling Stone magazine obtained the report and posted it Friday night. New York Times (Feb 11, 2012)
16. scarce
Meaning: deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand
Meanwhile, heating oil could grow more scarce in the Northeast this winter, the Energy Department warned last month. New York Times (Jan 21, 2012)
17. policy
Meaning: a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
Inflation has lagged behind the central bank’s 2 percent target, giving policy makers extra scope to cut rates.
18. straight
Meaning: successive, without a break
After three straight losing seasons, Hoosiers fans were just hoping for a winning record. Seattle Times (Feb 15, 2012)
19. stock
Meaning: capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares
In other words, Apple’s stock is cheap, and you should buy it. Forbes (Feb 16, 2012)
20. apparent
Meaning: clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
But the elderly creak is beginning to become apparent in McCartney’s voice.
21. property
Meaning: a basic or essential attribute shared by members of a class
Owing to these magic properties, it was often planted near dwellings to keep away evil spirits. Parsons, Mary Elizabeth
22. fancy
Meaning: imagine; conceive of; see in one’s mind
For a time, indeed, he had fancied that things were changed. Weyman, Stanley J.
23. concept
Meaning: an abstract or general idea inferred from specific instances
As a psychologist, I have always found the concept of speed dating fascinating. Scientific American (Feb 13, 2012)
24. court
Meaning: an assembly to conduct judicial business
When Brown pleaded not guilty to assaulting Rihanna, their violent past came out in court. Slate (Feb 16, 2012)
25. appoint
Meaning: assign a duty, responsibility, or obligation to
In 1863 he was appointed by the general assembly professor of oriental languages at New College. Various
26. passage
Meaning: a section of text, particularly a section of medium length
His interpretation of many obscure scriptural passages by means of native manners and customs and traditions is particularly helpful and informing. Sheets, Emily Churchill Thompson
27. vain
Meaning: unproductive of success
An attempt was made to ignore this brilliant and irregular book, but in vain; it was read all over Europe. Various
28. instance
Meaning: an occurrence of something
In many instances large districts or towns would have fewer representatives than smaller ones, or perhaps none at all. Clarke, Helen Archibald
29. coast
Meaning: the shore of a sea or ocean
Martello towers must be built within short distances all round the coast. Wingfield, Lewis
30. project
Meaning: a planned undertaking
The funds are aimed at helping build public projects including mass transit, electricity networks, water utility and ports, it said.
31. commission
Meaning: a special group delegated to consider some matter
The developers are now seeking approval from the landmarks commission. New York Times (Feb 16, 2012)
32. constant
Meaning: a quantity that does not vary
In 1929, Hubble independently put forward and confirmed the same idea, and the parameter later became known as the Hubble constant. Nature (Nov 15, 2011)
33. circumstances
Meaning: one’s overall condition in life
The circumstances leading up to the shootings was not immediately available.
34. constitute
Meaning: compose or represent
Oil and natural gas constituted almost 50 percent of Russian government revenue last year.
35. level
Meaning: a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
Only last month did the men’s and women’s unemployment rates reach the same level. New York Times (Feb 19, 2012)
36. affect
Meaning: have an influence upon
The central bank will start distributing low-interest loans in early March to individuals and small- and medium-sized companies affected by the flooding.
37. institute
Meaning: set up or lay the groundwork for
Corporations have to be more and more focused on instituting higher labor standards. Washington Post (Feb 7, 2012)
38. render
Meaning: give an interpretation of
But authorities had rendered the weapon and the explosive device inoperable, officials said. Chicago Tribune (Feb 17, 2012)
39. appeal
Meaning: be attractive to
To get traditional women’s accessories to appeal to men, some designers are giving them manly names and styles. New York Times (Feb 19, 2012)
40. generate
Meaning: bring into existence
Qualities such as these are not generated under bad working practices of any sort. Hungerford, Edward
41. theory
Meaning: a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the world
Testing that theory begins Saturday night, as the Capitals take on Tampa Bay in another important contest. Washington Post (Feb 18, 2012)
42. range
Meaning: a variety of different things or activities
Like American community colleges, admission at an open university is not competitive, but the schools offer a range of programs, including doctoral degrees.
43. campaign
Meaning: a race between candidates for elective office
At the same point in 2004 — as an incumbent facing re-election — Mr. Bush had taken in about $145.6 million for his campaign. New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)
44. league
Meaning: an association of sports teams that organizes matches
“When I broke into the big leagues until a month ago, Gary kept in touch,” Mets third baseman David Wright said. Seattle Times (Feb 17, 2012)
45. labor
Meaning: any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
More labor is entailed, more time is required, greater delay is occasioned in cleaning up, and the amount of water used is much greater. Hoskin, Arthur J.
46. confer
Meaning: have a meeting in order to talk something over
Ms. Stewart said Mrs. Bachmann conferred with her family and a few aides after her disappointing showing on Tuesday evening. New York Times (Jan 4, 2012)
47. grant
Meaning: allow to have
He had been granted entry into the White House only for the daily briefing, later that afternoon. New York Times (Feb 17, 2012)
48. dwell
Meaning: think moodily or anxiously about something
But it is hardly necessary to dwell on so normal an event. Vinogradoff, Paul
49. entertain
Meaning: provide amusement for
The first Super Bowl in 1967 featured college marching bands entertaining the crowds at halftime.
50. contract
Meaning: a binding agreement that is enforceable by law
Contracts with utilities will be signed starting next month, he said.
51. earnest
Meaning: characterized by a firm, sincere belief in one’s opinions
Too much praise cannot be given to the earnest and efficient missionaries who founded and have maintained this mission. Miller, George A.
52. yield
Meaning: give or supply
It is a very important honey plant, as it yields an exceptionally pure nectar and remains in bloom a long time. Parsons, Mary Elizabeth
53. wander
Meaning: move or cause to move in a sinuous or circular course
While each animal wandered through the maze, its brain was working furiously. New York Times (Feb 16, 2012)
54. insist
Meaning: be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
Interior Department officials insisted that they had conducted an extensive scientific inquiry before moving ahead with the spill response plan. New York Times (Feb 17, 2012)
55. knight
Meaning: a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry
The knight was gallant not only in war, but in love also. Crothers, Samuel McChord
56. convince
Meaning: make realize the truth or validity of something
But though he listened he was not convinced. Reade, Charles
57. inspire
Meaning: serve as the inciting cause of
His surprising performance inspired an outpouring of fan adoration that has been dubbed “Linsanity.” Chicago Tribune (Feb 19, 2012)
58. convention
Meaning: a large formal assembly
Last year, the industry’s main trade convention, the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, organized workshops in Las Vegas focusing on lien laws and auction sales. New York Times (Feb 17, 2012)
59. skill
Meaning: an ability that has been acquired by training
He says many new drivers are terrified of motorway driving because they do not have the skills or confidence needed.
60. harry
Meaning: annoy continually or chronically
There’s something uplifting about hearing a string instrument when I’m feeling ragged or harried. New York Times (Feb 9, 2012)
61. financial
Meaning: involving fiscal matters
Meanwhile, universities have raised tuition every year, putting many students in a financial bind. New York Times (Feb 20, 2012)
62. reflect
Meaning: show an image of
Teens ranting over chores and whatnot can often reflect deeper feelings of alienation or perceived uncaring on the part of parents.
63. novel
Meaning: an extended fictional work in prose
Before Robert Barr publishes a novel he spends years in thinking the thing out. Anonymous
64. furnish
Meaning: provide with objects or articles that make a room usable
Instead, according to court documents, the money went toward furnishing mansions, flying in private jets, and retaining a $120,000-a-year personal hairstylist. BusinessWeek (Feb 1, 2012)
65. compel
Meaning: force somebody to do something
But the flames grew too large, compelling firefighters to call off the rescue. New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)
66. venture
Meaning: proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
Clearly he would not venture to descend while his enemy moved. Strang, Herbert
67. territory
Meaning: the geographical area under the jurisdiction of a state
On Friday, West Africa regional group Ecowas condemned the rebels, urging them to end hostilities and surrender all occupied territory.
68. temper
Meaning: a characteristic state of feeling
Oscar Wilde, to do him justice, bore this sort of rebuff with astonishing good temper and sweetness. Anonymous
69. bent
Meaning: fixed in your purpose
The business-oriented constituency of the Republican Party, Jacobs said, has been weakened by a faction bent on lowering taxes and cutting spending.
70. intimate
Meaning: marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity
The female spider can choose when to cut off intimate relations by eating her partner, or kicking him out. Scientific American (Jan 31, 2012)
71. undertake
Meaning: enter upon an activity or enterprise
An autopsy has reportedly been undertaken but the results are not expected for several weeks.
72. majority
Meaning: more than half of the votes in an election
Republicans need just four seats in the Senate to take control as the majority party.
73. assert
Meaning: declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
In your talk you asserted the pill’s risks of blood clotting, lung artery blockage, heart attack and stroke are minimal.
74. crew
Meaning: the people who work on a vehicle
Several pilots and crew members would have to escape at once, while safety divers watched, ready to rescue anyone who became stuck. New York Times (Feb 6, 2012)
75. chamber
Meaning: a natural or artificial enclosed space
“Today,” said the old man, “you must push through with me into my most solitary chamber, that we may not be disturbed.” Carlyle, Thomas
76. humble
Meaning: marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful
“Challenging yourself, playing up against stronger, tougher, and overall better competition will keep you humble.” Washington Post (Jan 17, 2012)
77. scheme
Meaning: an elaborate and systematic plan of action
Some companies in the Globe District of Arizona have started extensive underground schemes for mining large tonnages very cheaply by “caving” methods. Hoskin, Arthur J.
78. keen
Meaning: demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
Not one of his movements escaped her keen observation; she drank in every shiver. Wingfield, Lewis
79. liberal
Meaning: having political views favoring reform and progress
Romney’s actually done well in open primaries where fiscally conservative yet socially liberal independents have backed him over his opponents.
80. despair
Meaning: a state in which all hope is lost or absent
There were wounded love, and wounded pride, and despair, and coming madness, all in that piteous cry. Reade, Charles
81. tide
Meaning: the periodic rise and fall of the sea level
In the case of mobile connectivity, a rising tide does not lift all boats. Slate (Feb 9, 2012)
82. attitude
Meaning: a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings
“Behaviours have changed and attitudes have changed,” Mr. Taylor said.
83. justify
Meaning: show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for
He felt sure that if the circumstances justified it, the necessary proceedings could be taken.” Anonymous
84. flag
Meaning: a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared three days of mourning and ordered flags flown at half staff. New York Times (Feb 16, 2012)
85. merit
Meaning: any admirable or beneficial attribute
Thus far in our inquiry extraordinary merits have been offset by extraordinary defects. Ayres, Harry Morgan
86. manifest
Meaning: reveal its presence or make an appearance
A too rapid transformation of existing conditions might very easily lead to an economic crisis, symptoms of which are already beginning to manifest themselves. Vay, Peter
87. notion
Meaning: a general inclusive concept
Does that old notion that defense wins championships still hold up these days? Seattle Times (Jan 13, 2012)
88. scale
Meaning: relative magnitude
And there might not be much money, so fashion shows are done on a much smaller scale. Seattle Times (Feb 17, 2012)
89. formal
Meaning: characteristic of or befitting a person in authority
A formal decision to call off the search is likely on Wednesday, rescue officials said. New York Times (Jan 31, 2012)
90. resource
Meaning: a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
“Economists assume that, under normal conditions, markets will allocate resources efficiently,” he added.
91. persist
Meaning: continue to exist
Old ideas, long after the conditions under which they were produced have passed away, often persist in surviving. Ingersoll, Robert Green
92. contempt
Meaning: lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
And with his backhanded contempt for all things ordinary, Blake is making some of the catchiest, most difficult music in recent memory.
93. tour
Meaning: a route all the way around a particular place or area
He typed in “South Park” and took senior executives on a tour of Web sites offering pirated episodes. New York Times (Feb 8, 2012)
94. plead
Meaning: enter a defendant’s answer
Aria pleaded not guilty, but he acknowledged that he had violated some laws. New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)
95. weigh
Meaning: be oppressive or burdensome
So far, the political turmoil has not appeared to have discouraged visitors, but prolonged strife could weigh on tourism. New York Times (Feb 11, 2012)
96. mode
Meaning: how something is done or how it happens
Speaking of science, he says, in language far in advance of his times: ‘There are two modes of knowing—by argument and by experiment. Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)
97. distinction
Meaning: a discrimination between things as different
But such a distinction is quite external; at heart the men may be very much alike. Anonymous
98. inclined
Meaning: at an angle to the horizontal or vertical position
Such an inclined passage following a seam of coal is known as a slope. Hoskin, Arthur J.
99. attribute
Meaning: a quality belonging to or characteristic of an entity
The authors found that when the available prospects varied more in attributes such as age, height, occupation and educational background, people made fewer dating proposals. Scientific American (Feb 13, 2012)
100. exert
Meaning: make a great effort at a mental or physical task
Use: School boards may come to exert even greater influence over what students read. Forbes (Jan 23, 2012)