English remembrering : révisions de Novembre 2012

Learner’s Word of the Day

November 1

organize /ˈoɚgəˌnaɪz/    

verb  

British spelling:organise

inflected forms: organizes; organized; organizing

meaning :

1 [with object] : to arrange and plan (an event or activity) • They hired a professional to help organize their wedding. • We are organizing a fund-raiser.

2 : to arrange or order things so that they can be found or used easily and quickly : to put things into a particular arrangement or order [with object] • His office is a mess. He needs someone to help him organize his work/papers. • She took a moment to organize [=collect] her thoughts before she responded. • The book is organized around a central theme. [=the action, plot, characters, etc., of the book are guided by a central theme] • I spent some time organizing my closet last weekend. [no object] • You need to learn to organize better.

3 a : to gather (people) into a group that will work on something together [with object] • She organized people to work for social justice. • The players were organized into separate teams. [no object] • He encouraged them to organize for social justice.

3 b : to form a labor union [no object] • The company has tried to prevent the workers from organizing. [with object] • He tried to organize [=unionize] the workers in the factory.

— organizer also British organiser /ˈoɚgəˌnaɪzɚ/ noun, plural organizers [count] • an events organizer • She's a skillful organizer. • a labor/union/political organizer

November 2

access   /ˈækˌsɛs/   

noun [noncount]

meaning :

1 : a way of getting near, at, or to something or someone • All public buildings should provide wheelchair access. [=a way for people in wheelchairs to enter] • The cup holders are conveniently placed for easy access. [=so that they can be easily reached] — often followed by to • The town wants to increase public access to beaches. • A dirt road provides access to the home.

2 : a way of being able to use or get something • We have Internet access at the library. — usually followed by to • We have access to the Internet at the library. • I don't have access to a car right now. [=I don't have a car that I can use right now] • Patients need better access to medical care. • They tried to gain illegal access to the company’s network.

3 : permission or the right to enter, get near, or make use of something or to have contact with someone — usually followed by to • They refused to give the police access to their home. • Investigators are trying to gain/get access to his financial records. [=trying to get the right to see his financial records] • He was granted/denied access to the report. [=he was given/refused permission to see the report]

Learn about access  as a verb.

November 3

finding /ˈfaɪndɪŋ/ 
  noun [count]

plural findings

meaning :

1 : a legal decision : verdict • The Supreme Court overturned the lower court's finding.

2 : the results of an investigation — usually plural • He published his findings in a medical journal.

November 4

strategy /ˈstrætəʤi/    

noun

plural strategies

meaning :

1 [count] : a careful plan or method for achieving a particular goal usually over a long period of time • They are proposing a new strategy for treating the disease with a combination of medications. • The government is developing innovative strategies to help people without insurance get medical care. • marketing/business/investment/defense strategies

2 [noncount] : the skill of making or carrying out plans to achieve a goal • a specialist in campaign/military strategy

November 5

opponent /əˈpoʊnənt/    
noun [count]

plural opponents

meaning :

1 : a person, team, group, etc. that is competing against another in a contest • She is a formidable opponent in the race for senator. • The team’s opponents have not lost a game this season. • He knocked out his opponent in the third round.

2 : a person, group, etc., that is against something (such as an action, law, or system) : someone or something that does not want something to exist, be done, etc. — often followed by of • opponents of the war • opponents of building a new baseball stadium • opponents of abortion/slavery/communism

November 6
 smug   ˈsmʌg/    
adjective
 comparative and superlative forms: smugger; smuggest 
Status: disapproving

meaning :

: having or showing the annoying quality of people who feel very pleased or satisfied with their abilities, achievements, etc. • It's OK to celebrate your success, but try not to be too smug about it. • You can wipe that smug look off your face. • a smug smile/expression

— smugly adverb [more smugly; most smugly] • She smiledsmugly.

— smugness noun [noncount]

November 7 
that's the way the cookie crumbles ! 
Diom 
Status: informal

meaning :

That’s the way the cookie crumbles is used when something bad has happened to say that you must accept things the way they are • I'm disappointed that I didn't get the job but that's the way the cookie crumbles. [=that's how it goes]

November 8 
concede
kənˈsi:d/   verb 
inflected forms: concedes; conceded; conceding

meaning :

1 [with object] : to say that you accept or do not deny the truth or existence of (something) : to admit (something) usually in an unwilling way • I concede that the work has been slow so far, but it should speed up soon. • When she noted that the economy was actually improving, he grudgingly/reluctantly conceded the point. [=he admitted that she was right] • "Your plan might work," sheconceded, "but I still think mine is better." • It is generally conceded[=acknowledged, agreed] that they are the superior team. [=most people agree that they are the superior team]

2 : to admit that you have been defeated and stop trying to win [no object] • Although it seems clear that he has lost the election, he still refuses to concede. [with object] • He’s not ready to concede the election. • They were forced to concede defeat. [=to admit that they were defeated]

3 [with object] : to give away (something) usually in an unwilling way• The former ruler was forced to concede power to a new government. • The company says that workers are not concedingenough in negotiations.

4 [with object] sports : to allow an opponent to score (a point, goal, etc.) • The team has not conceded [=allowed] a goal this half.

November 9
 hazy /ˈheɪzi/    
adjective 
comparative and superlative forms: hazier; haziest

meaning :

1 : partly hidden, darkened, or clouded by dust, smoke, or mist :hidden by haze • We had only a hazy view of the mountain. • hazysunshine; also : having or filled with haze • hazy weather

2 a : not clear in thought or meaning : vague • He gave us a hazyaccount of how he had spent the last two weeks. • She has only hazymemories of the accident.

2 b : not certain • I’m a little hazy [=unclear] on/about the details.

— hazily /ˈheɪzəli/ adverb • hazily remembered

— haziness /ˈheɪzinəs/ noun [noncount] • the haziness of the view/memories

November 10 
backlash /ˈbækˌlæʃ/    
noun [count] 
plural backlashes

meaning : 

: a strong public reaction against something • a backlash against feminism

Note: A backlash occurs when many people react to an event, movement, etc., in a way that is opposite to its intended effect.

November 11
 Desperate   /ˈdɛsprət/    
adjective 
comparative and superlative forms: more desperate; most desperate

meaning :

1 : very sad and upset because of having little or no hope : feeling or showing despair • The collapse of her business had made herdesperate. • As the supply of food ran out, people becamedesperate. • We could hear their desperate cries for help. • adesperate phone call

2 : very bad or difficult to deal with • The building is in desperate[=terrible, awful] shape and may have to be demolished. • desperate[=hopeless] situations • The outlook was desperate.

3 : done with all of your strength or energy and with little hope of succeeding • a desperate struggle to defeat the enemy • He made adesperate bid/attempt to save his job. • They made one lastdesperate attempt to fight their way out.

4 : having a strong need or desire for something or to do something • He is desperate for money/attention/work. • After traveling all night, they were desperate for sleep. • She was desperate to prove that she was right.

5 : very severe or strong • The animals were in desperate need of food and water when they were found. • a desperate shortage of medical supplies • The situation called for desperate measures.

— desperately /ˈdɛsprətli/ adverb • We are trying desperately to find a solution. • They desperately struggled to defeat the enemy. • They were desperately [=extremely, terribly] unhappy/poor. • desperatelyill patients • We were desperately in need of food and water.

November 12 
retaliate
/rɪˈtæliˌeɪt/   verb [no object] 
inflected forms: retaliates; retaliated; retaliating

meaning :

: to do something bad to someone who has hurt you or treated you badly : to get revenge against someone • After the company announced plans to reduce benefits, the union threatened to retaliateby calling for a strike.

— retaliation /rɪˌtæliˈeɪʃən/ noun, plural retaliations [noncount] • They lived under the threat of retaliation. • The union has threatened a strike in retaliation for the company's plans to reduce benefits.[count] • a quick retaliation

— retaliatory /rɪˈtælijəˌtori/ adjective • retaliatory attacks

November 13 
weakeniˈwi:kən/   verb
inflected forms: weakens; weakened; weakening

meaning :

1 [with object] : to make (something or someone) weaker, less forceful, less effective, etc. • The disease weakens the immune system. • people (whose bodies are) weakened by hunger • Some are concerned that the increase in taxes will weaken the economy. • The beams had been weakened by water damage. • efforts toweaken environmental laws • The recent setbacks have notweakened our resolve. • These kinds of contradictions weaken your argument.

2 [no object] : to become weaker, less forceful, less effective, etc. • The disease causes the immune system to weaken. • The housing market is weakening. [=fewer people are buying houses]

3 of money : to decrease in value when compared to money from other countries [no object] • The dollar has continued to weakenagainst the euro. [with object] • Lower interest rates have weakenedthe dollar.

— weakening noun [noncount] • the weakening of environmental laws

November 14 
be toastdiomStatus: informal

meaning :

: to be in a lot of trouble • If anyone finds out about this, we're toast. :to be completely ruined, defeated, etc. • His career is toast. [=is finished/ruined]

November 15 
Fatal
   /ˈfeɪtl̟/   adjective 
comparative and superlative forms: more fatal; most fatal

meaning :

1 : causing death • a fatal accident • a disease that is often fatal • afatal blow • a chemical that can be fatal to birds

2 : causing ruin or failure • She made a fatal mistake/error. • The plan contained a fatal flaw. [=a flaw that would cause it to fail] • afatal weakness

— fatally adverb • fatally shot/wounded

November 16 
cope ˈkoʊp/    
verb [no object] 
inflected forms: copes; coped; coping

meaning :

: to deal with problems and difficult situations and try to come up with solutions • The trial has been difficult, but I'm learning to cope. — often followed by with • You'll just have to cope with the situation. • The book is about coping with stress. • He says he can no longercope with the demands of the job.

— coping adjective, always used before a noun • copingskills/strategies [=skills/strategies that help a person cope]

Learn about cope

 as a noun.

November 17
endureɪnˈdɚ, British ɪnˈdjʊə/   
 verb
 inflected forms: endures; endured; enduring

meaning :

1 [no object] : to continue to exist in the same state or condition • This tradition has endured [=lasted] for centuries. • She wants to make sure her legacy will endure.

2 a [with object] : to experience (pain or suffering) for a long time • The refugees have endured [=suffered] more hardship than most people can imagine. • He endured five years as a prisoner of war.

2 b [with object] : to deal with or accept (something unpleasant) • Weendured the lecture for as long as we could. — often used in negative statements • I cannot endure [=(more commonly) stand] the sound of her voice. • I refuse to endure [=(more commonly) put up with, stand for] such behavior any longer.

— endurable /ɪnˈdɚrəbəl, Brit ɪnˈdjʊərəbəl/ adjective • Such behavior is no longer endurable. [=it is unendurable]

— enduring adjective • enduring [=lasting] friendships • an enduringtradition/legacy

— enduringly adverb • an enduringly popular tradition

November 18 
Holdoutˈhoʊldˌaʊt/    
noun [count] 
plural holdouts

1 a : a person who refuses to reach an agreement until certain terms are met : a person who holds out • He says he might be a holdout at the start of the next season if the team doesn't agree to pay him more.

1 b : an act of holding out for something • He is expected to end his three-week holdout and join the team tomorrow.

2 : a person who continues to do or use something after others have stopped doing or using it • A few holdouts still use typewriters, but nearly everybody uses computers now.

November 19
 procedureprəˈsi:ʤɚ/    
noun 
plural procedures

meaning :

1 : a series of actions that are done in a certain way or order : an established or accepted way of doing something [count] • Installing a car battery is a simple procedure. • What is the procedure for applying for a loan? • New employees are taught the proper safetyprocedures. [noncount] • We must follow proper court/legal/parliamentary procedure. • An identity check is standard police procedure.

2 [count] : a medical treatment or operation • the procedure for treating a burn • surgical procedures • The procedure will take two hours.

— procedural /prəˈsi:ʤərəl/ adjective, always used before a noun, formal • procedural steps • Congress will vote on a proceduralmatter/bill.

November 20 
transplant
 /ˈtrænsˌplænt/    
noun 
plural transplants

meaning :

1 a medical : a medical operation in which an organ or other part is removed from the body of one person and put into the body of another person [count] • The heart transplant was successful. • He is going to need a liver transplant. [noncount] • The doctors are trying to keep him alive until a liver can be found for transplant. • transplantpatients/recipients

1 b [count]medical : an organ, piece of skin, etc., that is transplanted• The patient's body rejected the transplant. • She received a bone marrow transplant from an unknown donor.

2 [count] : a person who has moved to a new home especially in a different region or country • She’s a Southern transplant who now lives in New York.

Learn about transplant

 as a verb.

November 21
 have a bun in the ovendiom 
Status: informal

meaning :

to be pregnant • Rumor has it, she has a bun in the oven.

November 22 
gratefulˈgreɪtfəl/    
adjective
 comparative and superlative forms: more grateful; most grateful

meaning :

: feeling or showing thanks • She was grateful (that) she didn't have to work on the holiday. • the grateful [=thankful] recipient of a new heart • The college sent us a grateful acknowledgment of our donation. : feeling or showing thanks tosomeone forsome helpful act• I'm grateful to you for your help. • He's grateful forthe attention. • I'mgrateful (to you) for this opportunity. = I'm grateful to have this opportunity. = I'm grateful that I have this opportunity. • a gratefulsmile

— gratefully adverb • The college gratefully [=thankfully] acknowledges your donation.

— gratefulness noun [noncount] • expressing my gratefulness [=(more commonly) gratitude] for this opportunity

November 23 
bare–bonesadjective 
comparative and superlative forms: more bare-bones; most bare-bones

meaning : 

: including only what is most basic or needed • a bare-bones Web site • a bare-bones wedding ceremony • The hotel rooms are bare-bones.

November 24
 Cautiousˈkɑ:ʃəs/   
 adjective 
comparative and superlative forms: more cautious; most cautious

meaning :

: careful about avoiding danger or risk • Any cautious tourist will guard her passport. • You cannot be overly/too cautious when you’re driving in snow. • He answered the question with a cautious reply.

— cautiously adverb [more cautious; most cautious] • Shecautiously moved down the dark hall.

— cautiousness noun [noncount] • They proceeded withcautiousness. [=caution]

November 25 
mentality mɛnˈtæləti/    
noun [count] 
plural mentalities

meaning :

: a particular way of thinking — usually singular • You can only wonder about the mentality of someone who does such things. • He criticizes filmmakers for their blockbuster mentality. [=for thinking only about making movies that could be blockbusters] • a warmentality

November 27 
Noviceˈnɑ:vəs/    
noun [count] 
plural novices

meaning :

1 : a person who has just started learning or doing something • He's a novice in cooking. • a novice [=beginner] at skiing • a book for thenovice chess player

2 : a new member of a religious group who is preparing to become a nun or a monk

November 28
 icing on the cakediom

meaning :

: something extra that makes a good thing even better • The concert itself was great, and getting to meet the band afterward was (the)icing on the cake.

November 29  
likable
ˈlaɪkəbəl/   
 adjective
Variant spelling: likeable 
comparative and superlative forms: more likable; most likable

meaning :

: easy to like : having pleasant or appealing qualities • Detective Grant is the most likeable character in the novel. • She seems like a friendly, likable young woman.

—likability or likeability /ˌlaɪkəˈbɪləti/ noun [noncount]

November 30 
influx   ˈɪnˌflʌks/    
noun [count]
plural influxes

meaning :

1 : the arrival of a large number of people • The city is preparing for a large influx of tourists this summer.

2 : the arrival or inward flow of a large amount of something (such as money) • The company has had a sudden influx of capital.