IELTS: 'b' and 'c' words
Noun
something that aids or promotes well-being
The health benefits of humor start as soon as you anticipate the pleasure of a good laugh. New research shows that laughter reduces stress hormones and boosts immunity, effects that kick in even as you look forward to it.
Noun
idea that the universe began with a huge explosion between 10 and 20 billion years ago
Big Bang theory
The Big Bang theory says our universe was created when a tiny mass (billions X smaller than a proton) exploded and began expanding very rapidly into the stars and galaxies of today.
The Big Bang theory says our universe was created when a tiny mass (billions X smaller than a proton) exploded and began expanding very rapidly into the stars and galaxies of today.
Noun
undercover military or political group that carries out secret, unauthorized activities
black ops team
After being betrayed and left for dead, members of a CIA black ops team root out those who targeted them for assassination.
After being betrayed and left for dead, members of a CIA black ops team root out those who targeted them for assassination.
Verb
form a close personal relationship
A hitman who's in Bangkok to pull off a series of jobs falls for a local woman and bonds with his errand boy.
Noun
connection based on kinship
Studies show that watching your friends and family in stressful situations can loosely synchronize your heart rates, a strong manifestation of human bonds.
Verb
form a close personal relationship
Chihuahuas often bond to only one or two persons in a household. They can also be snobbish when it comes to other kinds of dogs, as the Chihuahua is a clannish breed.
an extra charge added to the price of the ticket by the company selling the ticket
booking fee
I don't like having to pay a booking fee to get my tickets, but it's better than having to wait in line at the ticket booth!
I don't like having to pay a booking fee to get my tickets, but it's better than having to wait in line at the ticket booth!
Verb
invite (someone) to do something that one thinks will be difficult
challenging
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has become a worldwide Internet trend with people filming themselves getting drenched in ice water while challenging others to donate money or do the same.
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has become a worldwide Internet trend with people filming themselves getting drenched in ice water while challenging others to donate money or do the same.
Verb
direct toward a particular end or object
"My thoughts before a big race are usually pretty simple. I tell myself: 'Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed... channel your energy. Focus."
Phrase
use a remote control to change channels quickly as you look for something to watch
channel surfing
I've been channel surfing for 15 minutes now but there's nothing to watch!
I've been channel surfing for 15 minutes now but there's nothing to watch!
Noun
the practice of going from one TV program to another usually by use of a remote control
channel surfing
Sunday’s 8-hour “Breaking Bad” session proves that Netflix is doing something right. But streaming video still lacks the numbing bliss of TV channel surfing -- settling for whatever's on, the human need to completely veg out.
Sunday’s 8-hour “Breaking Bad” session proves that Netflix is doing something right. But streaming video still lacks the numbing bliss of TV channel surfing -- settling for whatever's on, the human need to completely veg out.
Noun
team that does better than expected
Almost 100 million viewers tuned in to see the Bears blow out the Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. The Patriots were considered a cinderella team that year, but were soundly beaten by the Bear's revolutionary 46 defense.
Adjective
sufficiently polite and considerate
They are being very civil about it. Stating that infidelity wasn't an issue, the source added, "The big problem with their relationship is the distance."
Adjective
authoritative and perfect as a standard of its kind
Considered by some to be the greatest novel ever written, Anna Karenina is Tolstoy's classic tale of love and adultery set against the backdrop of high society in Russia.
Verb
fall or cave in suddenly
At some point in geological history a part of the ceiling to an amazing 10km cavern collapsed, opening to the world the beauty of Krizna cave, in Slovenia.
Verb
fall down or cave in suddenly
The inflatable roof of the Metrodome collapsed Sunday after a snowstorm that dumped 17 inches (43 cms) on Minneapolis.
Verb
give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
Serial presidential campaign flirter Gingrich doesn't just have problems committing to a run for the White House.
Verb
pay for damage or injury
Despite attacks on their livestock, Pakistani herders don't have an atavistic enmity to snow leopards. One conservationist believes that if locals are compensated for their losses, they will have no interest in killing them.
Verb
pay to make up for an error or injury
Passengers are beginning to suspect that airlines regularly get away with lying about weather delays. That way they don't have to compensate their customers for flights canceled for reasons under the airline's control.
Verb
complete or go well with something else
Social media is one of a number of tools to engage with people - it can't be used alone but can complement more traditional means and reach a different group of people.
Noun
a thing that adds value to something else
complement
Do you think these turquoise sun glasses are a good complement for my blue hair? I think they go pretty well together!
Do you think these turquoise sun glasses are a good complement for my blue hair? I think they go pretty well together!
Noun
group of buildings, apartments, etc., located near each other and used for a purpose
Four hundred and fifty people suddenly burst into song at the Crown Center complex in Kansas City.
Phrase
application of computer graphics to create images in films, TV, printed media, art, etc.
computer-generated imagery
Can you guess which side of this picture is a photograph and which side is computer-generated imagery? It's becoming almost impossible to tell the difference between real life and CGI.
Can you guess which side of this picture is a photograph and which side is computer-generated imagery? It's becoming almost impossible to tell the difference between real life and CGI.
Phrase
the process of using computers to create pictures or characters in film
computer-generated imaging
Now with computer-generated imaging (CGI), film-makers are able to create amazing special effects never possible before.
Now with computer-generated imaging (CGI), film-makers are able to create amazing special effects never possible before.
Noun
main idea, picture, or plan of something
A handful of entrepreneurs have raised millions of dollars by pitching the concept of products they have yet to make. But financial backers have no clear way of getting a refund if young businesses fail to deliver.
Verb
organize and carry out
You may think your toddler is just playing in the sand box, but she may really be conducting a sophisticated scientific experiment and making inferences every time she pours out another scoop of sand.
Noun
person who purchases goods and services for personal use
Chinese consumers continue to have a voracious appetite for autos, as more of the country’s 1.3 billion people climb the economic ladder. They bought 22 million vehicles last year.
Noun
following modern ideas or fashion in style or design
Its simple yet contemporary design creates a stunning effect. It combines two intersecting arcs and a square prism – and this makes the building more efficient.
Phrase
art produced since World War II
Breaking another contemporary art auction record, hedge fund billionaire Steven A. Cohen privately scooped up a de Kooning “Woman” painting for roughly $137.5 million.
Noun
dispute, especially a public one, between sides holding opposing views
Lady Gaga no doubt planned on causing maximum controversy by wearing the 'raw meat' ensemble - including a meat hat and purse - to the Los Angeles event.