Engagement & Exchange: English Vocabulary List

to reduce or eliminate differences between two or more things to bring them closer together

"The runner closed the gap on the leader."

"The runner started to close the gap between himself and the leader during the final lap of the race."

to analyze and highlight the similarities and differences between two or more things or concepts

"The teacher drew a comparison between the two poems."

"The teacher drew a comparison between the two poems to help the students understand their similarities and differences."

to make a hasty or premature judgment or decision without sufficient evidence or information

"Do not jump to a conclusion without all the facts."

"Do not jump to the conclusion that he is guilty without looking at all the evidence first."

to stay away from someone or something unpleasant, particularly one that is dangerous or troublesome

"Steer clear of that dog, he bites."

"I try to steer clear of my ex boyfriend whenever I see him at parties or events."

to patiently remain in line or in a queue, allowing others to go ahead before it is one's opportunity to proceed

"The children learned to wait their turn."

"The well behaved children waited their turn patiently while the other child played with the toy."

to remember or consider a particular piece of information or advice

"Bear this in mind always."

"When planning your budget for the trip, you should bear in mind that accommodation costs tend to be much higher during the peak tourist season."

to force someone to give one information, resources, or a response through persistent questioning or pressure

"He tried to wring a confession out of the suspect."

"The police tried to wring a confession out of the suspect by questioning him for hours."

to place one leg over the other, either while sitting or standing

"Please cross your legs politely."

"It is considered polite for ladies to cross their legs when sitting in formal meetings."

to stay hidden and avoid unnecessary attention or activity

"The criminal decided to lie low for a while."

"The criminal decided to lie low in a small town until the police stopped searching for him."

to wait with satisfaction for something to happen

"I look forward to meeting you."

"I am really looking forward to the weekend because I have no plans and can finally relax."

to give support or credibility to a belief, theory, or statement

"His diary lends credence to his story."

"The fact that several witnesses told the same story lent credence to his explanation of events."

to gradually increase the strength, force, or speed of an activity or process

"The campaign is beginning to build momentum."

"The political campaign began to build momentum after several successful rallies and speeches in public."