Vocabulary lesson 8

seemingly (adv.) you use seemingly when you want to say that something seems to be true.– She moved to Spain, seemingly to enjoy a slower style of life.modest (adj.) you use modest to describe something such as an amount, rate or improvement which is fairly small.– Unemployment rose to the still modest rate of 0.7%.biased…

Definitions and samples public (adj.) belonging to or having to do with people as a whole. Open to everyone. – The meeting inside a white tent next to the overlook was not open to the public. private (adj.) not known to many people. Known to just yourself. – The lower level has two more bedrooms,…

Definitions and samples sinister (adj.) evil; wicked; dishonest; frightening – The attacks are all the more sinister because nobody is sure who is behind them. tempt (v.) try to get someone to do something; test; invite – Sometimes, he says, the bad spirits tempt him to do wrong. wager (noun & verb) bet – Minimum…

Definitions and samples visible (adj.) able to be seen – the ship was barely visible through the dense fog. expensive (adj.) costing a lot of money. – Amanda’s expensive dress created a great deal of excitement at the party. discount (n. & v. & adj.) a lowering in the amount of money you have to…

Definitions and samples cruel (adj.) disregarding or taking pleasure in the pain or suffering of others – How could you be so cruel to someone who never did you any harm? dim (adj. & v.) (of a light, color, or illuminated object) not shining brightly or clearly – The room was very dim. cheerful (adj.)…

Definitions and samples cease (v.) to put an end to or to stop – right now! – “cease that drumming, Steve? or you’ll wake the baby,” Dad warned. procrastinate (v.) to delay or put off doing something you know you should do simply because you don’t want to do it. – If you procrastinate any…