English

As tangible evidence of the attack, he pointed to a deep laceration over his eyebrow that had required ten stitches.

1. tangible [ˋtændʒəb!] (adj.) important and noticeble

In 1872, the first ship equipped for ocean exploration set out on a four-year trip around the world.

1. set out = to start a journey

When the curtain came down, the critic's face registered the disdain she felt for the lackluster play.

1. register (v.) [ formal ] to show your feelings about something in your face or voice

He sprang from his stool and charged across the ring, showing disdain for the champion's strength.

1. stool (n.) a seat that has legs but no support for your back or arms

It would have been foolhardy for us to try to occupy that capital city and pile up American casualties from sniper attacks by Iraq's guerillas.

1. pile up [ phrasal vb ] same as pile

When my neighbor's dog was run over, we sent a condolence card.

1. run over [ phrasal vb ] to hit someone or something with a vehicle and drive over them

There are any number of people who try to find more respectable or glamorous titles for the mundane jobs they hold.

1. mundane [ˋmʌnden] (adj.) ordinary and not interesting or exciting, especially because of happening too regular

Although the district attorney bristled with anger, the defendant kept insisting that his rights had been violated because he had not been told that he could see a lawyer before confessing.

1. bristle (v.) to be angry or offended about something

There was an ominous silence when the jittery defendant rose in court.

1. ominous (adj.) making your think that something bad will happen

Our lackluster performance indicated to him that we had forgotten the rudimentary aspects of basketball.

1. lackluster (adj.) not lively, exciting, or impressive

Unfortunately for the schemers, a vigilant hospital guard spotted Art climbing into the rear of the ambulance and quickly foiled the escape attempt.

1. rear (n.) the part of a place or thing that is at the back

It certainly does enhance your appreciation of football when you are aware of every nuance of the sport.

1. nuance [`njuɑns] (n.) a slight difference that may be difficult to notice but is fairly important

It was not until the phony “doctor” began to gesticulate wildly with his scalpel, that a vigilant nurse was able to detect the fraud.

1. vigilant [`vɪdʒələnt] (adj.) [ formal ] watching a person or situation very carefully so that you will notice any problems or signs of danger immediately

Under the pretext of being a surgeon he gained entry to the hospital.

1. pretext (n.) a reason that you pretend to have in order to hide your real reason or intention

His speech was usually rambling, but this time I found it brief and laconic.

1. rambling (adj.) a rambling speech or piece of writing is long and confusing

One Sunday, after Mr. Coolidge had listened to an interminable sermon, a throng of newsmen gathered around him.

1. sermon (n.) a speech made by a priest or religious leader, especially as part of a religious ceremony

In the annals of crime, there are few scoundrels who could match the exploits of Reggie Hayes, who also used the names of Reginald Haven, Ricardo Hermosa, Father Harris, and dozens of other allases.

1. exploit (n.) [ usually plural ] something unusual that someone does that you think is brave, exciting, or entertaining

The sick child's mother implored the doctor to come immediately.

1. implore (v.) [ formal ] to ask someone to do something, in a very emotional way, because you want it very much

Scott and his men either walked through deep snow or skied over ice and uneven ground.

1. uneven(adj.) not smooth or level

In 1860, Robert O'Hara Burke, a police officer from Ireland, was chosen to lead an expedition across the continent from south to north.

But it was the first expedition to cross Australia, and Burke and Wills are still known as heroes of exploration.