Lesson 7A · New English File Upper Intermediate Vocabulary List

to tell someone in advance about a possible danger, problem, or unfavorable situation

"Signs warn drivers about dangerous curves ahead."

"The weather service warned residents about the approaching hurricane and advised them to evacuate immediately."

to intentionally stay away from or refuse contact with someone

"You should avoid processed foods."

"To avoid traffic congestion you should leave for the airport at least two hours before your flight departure time."

to not let someone do something

"Vaccines prevent many serious diseases."

"Regular hand washing can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases in schools and other public places."

to be important or have a great effect on someone or something

"Your opinion matters to me greatly."

"It does not matter what others think as long as you are happy with your choices."

to bring a type of information from the past to our mind again

"Remember to lock the door."

"It is important to remember that everyone makes mistakes and we should not be too hard on ourselves."

to want something to happen or be true

"We hope for good weather tomorrow."

"I hope that the weather will be sunny and warm this weekend so we can finally have our long delayed picnic in the park."

to take something from someone or somewhere without permission or paying for it

"Do not steal from other people."

"The employee was fired after trying to steal money from the cash register when he thought no one was watching him."

to provide someone with suggestion or guidance regarding a specific situation

"I advise you to study more."

"I would advise you to save some money each month because unexpected expenses can arise at any time."

to speak to someone often angrily because one disagrees with them

"They argue about money often."

"The siblings argued loudly about who would get the front seat in the car during the long family road trip."

to refuse to admit the truth or existence of something

"She did not deny the truth."

"The company continues to deny any responsibility for the environmental damage caused by its factories."

to talk about something with someone, often in a formal manner

"We need to discuss the budget."

"The committee will discuss the proposed budget changes during their weekly meeting tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock."

to say or show one's unwillingness to do something that someone has asked

"He will refuse to go."

"The committee decided to refuse their application for funding due to insufficient documentation."

to pay attention and become aware of a particular thing or person

"I notice a change in you."

"Did you notice how the speaker paused dramatically before revealing the surprising conclusion of her inspiring story?"

to have a sudden or complete understanding of a fact or situation

"He finally realized his mistake."

"He did not realize how much his words had hurt her until he saw the tears streaming down her face."

to give someone something, like money, expecting them to give it back after a while

"People lend money to their friends."

"Could you please lend me twenty dollars until I get paid at the end of this week?"

to use or take something belonging to someone else, with the idea of returning it

"Students borrow books from the library."

"It is generally not a good idea to borrow money from friends because it can damage your relationship permanently."

to care or be concerned about a particular person or thing

"I don't mind waiting."

"She didn't mind the long journey as she was engrossed in her book."

to make a person remember an obligation, task, etc. so that they do not forget to do it

"Remind me to call."

"Can you remind me to pick up the dry cleaning on my way home today?"

to think or believe that it is possible for something to happen or for someone to do something

"I expect you to arrive on time."

"You should expect some delays due to the heavy snow that fell overnight on the highways."

to not leave until a person or thing is ready or present or something happens

"People wait for the bus patiently."

"The impatient customers had to wait nearly an hour for their food because the restaurant was extremely busy and understaffed that evening."

to desire something to occur or to be true even though it is improbable or not possible

"She wishes for good luck today."

"I wish you good luck on your final exams which are starting next Monday morning."

to get more points, votes, etc. than the other side, in a game, race, competition, etc. and win

"Our team will beat them."

"The underdog team managed to beat the reigning champions in a thrilling final match."

to become the most successful, the luckiest, or the best in a game, race, fight, etc.

"The team wins the championship trophy easily."

"The young athlete trained hard for many years hoping to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games representing her country with pride."

to put something or someone in a higher place or lift them to a higher position

"Raise your hand, please."

"The workers decided to raise the heavy furniture to the second floor."

to move from a lower to a higher position

"The sun will rise."

"The hot air balloon began to rise slowly into the clear blue sky."

to carefully place something or someone down in a horizontal position

"Lay the book down."

"The construction workers will lay the foundation for the new building next week if the weather permits."

(of a person or animal) to be in a resting position on a flat surface, not standing or sitting

"The cat will lie down."

"The tired dog decided to lie on the cool tile floor to escape the summer heat."

to take something from an organization, place, etc. without their consent, or with force

"The masked man tried to rob the bank."

"Two masked men attempted to rob the bank but were arrested before they could escape with any money."