Unit 12 · Interchange Intermediate Vocabulary List

a thorough explanation of how something happened

"Long story... I will tell you later."

"Long story. I will tell you later, but right now I do not have enough time to explain everything."

a situation in which two things happen simultaneously by chance that is considered unusual

"It is a coincidence that we wear the same shirt."

"It was a strange coincidence that both sisters wore the same dress to the party without planning it."

in the direction of a particular person or thing

"He walked toward the door."

"He walked slowly toward the door because he did not want to leave the party."

a writer who explores characters, events, and themes in depth through long narrative stories, particularly novels

"She is a successful novelist with many bestsellers."

"A novelist often develops an intimate understanding of their character's psychology"

used to express that something positive or favorable has happened or is happening by chance

"Fortunately nobody was hurt."

"Fortunately nobody was hurt in the accident although both cars were badly damaged and had to be towed away."

a tire of a car, bike, etc. that has been deflated

"The driver changes the flat tire on the shoulder."

"She changed the flat tire on the side of the road while her husband held the flashlight."

in a way that happens at the same time as something else

"Coincidently I saw him yesterday too."

"Coincidently I saw him yesterday at the supermarket even though we had not planned to meet."

used to express that a positive outcome or situation occurred by chance

"Luckily, it didn't rain."

"Luckily I found my keys under the sofa after searching the entire house for almost an hour."

in an unexpected manner that resembles a miracle

"Miraculously nobody was injured."

"Miraculously nobody was injured in the plane crash even though the aircraft was completely destroyed by the impact."

in a sorrowful or regretful manner

"Sadly he could not come."

"Sadly he could not come to the wedding because he was sick and the doctor told him to stay in bed."

in a way that is quick and unexpected

"Suddenly the lights went out."

"Suddenly the lights went out and we were left in complete darkness not knowing what had happened."

partly or completely unable to hear

"He is deaf."

"The deaf woman communicates using sign language and she reads lips to understand what people are saying to her."

a physical or mental condition that prevents a person from using some part of their body completely or learning something easily

"Her disability does not limit her ambition."

"The company installed wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms to accommodate employees with physical disabilities and comply with the new regulations."

in the recent period of time

"I have been busy lately."

"I have been busy lately with work and family obligations so I have not had much time for myself."

in a way that is easily understandable or noticeable

"He obviously did not know the answer."

"He obviously did not know the answer because he kept looking at the ceiling and avoiding eye contact."

to give a short performance in order to get a role in a movie, play, show, etc.

"She auditioned for the school play."

"She was extremely nervous when she went to audition for the lead role in the school play because many talented students tried out."

extremely great or large

"The story is incredible."

"The incredible view from the mountaintop took her breath away and she stood there in silence for several minutes."

to let go of something being held

"Release the bird now."

"The bird was injured, so the veterinarian decided to release it back into the wild."

a group of people, often with something in common

"A bunch of friends."

"A happy bunch of tourists gathered at the landmark, eager to explore the city's attractions."

to physically connect or fasten something to another thing

"Attach the label here."

"Please attach the necessary documents to the email before sending it out."

to answer someone by writing or saying something

"Please reply to my message."

"I sent him a message yesterday but he did not reply to me yet."

to accidentally cause a liquid or substance to flow out of its container or onto a surface

"Do not spill your drink."

"The clumsy waiter managed to spill the entire tray of drinks on the guests."

in a manner that is unusual or unexpected

"Strangely nobody heard the noise."

"Strangely nobody heard the noise even though it was very loud and the walls are quite thin."

(of a machine or vehicle) to stop working as a result of a malfunction

"The car will break down."

"My old car is likely to break down again due to its age and poor maintenance."

the absence of sound or noise, often creating a peaceful or uncomfortable atmosphere

"The teacher demanded silence."

"The teacher demanded silence and the noisy students immediately stopped talking."

used after negative statements to indicate a similarity between two situations or feelings

"I don't like it either."

"He wasn't happy with the decision, and she didn't agree with it either."

a very scary, unpleasant, or disturbing dream

"The nightmare was awful."

"The nightmare woke him up in the middle of the night."

possessing great strength or force

"The engine is powerful."

"The powerful storm caused widespread damage, leaving many without electricity for several days."

to provide someone with support, hope, or confidence

"Encourage the team to win."

"Her encouraging words helped the athlete overcome his self-doubt and perform exceptionally well."