Unit 3 · New Headway Pre Intermediate Vocabulary List

to speak very softly or quietly, usually to avoid being overheard by others who are nearby

"Do not whisper in class."

"The students whispered quietly to each other while the teacher was writing on the board because they did not want to be caught."

in a way that produces little or no noise

"Please sit quietly during the movie."

"The students sat quietly during the exam so that everyone could concentrate on their papers."

in a calm and harmonious manner

"The baby slept peacefully."

"The old man died peacefully in his sleep and his family was comforted by the knowledge that he had not suffered at the end."

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."

to a great or considerable extent

"It rained heavily all night long."

"It rained heavily all night long and the streets were completely flooded by the time we woke up."

in manner or situation that requires prompt action or attention due to its pressing nature

"He urgently needs medical attention."

"He urgently needs medical attention because his condition is getting worse by the minute."

at a pace that is not fast

"He spoke slowly."

"The old man walked slowly across the street using his cane for support and balance."

without any uncertainty

"She clearly explained the rules."

"She clearly explained the rules to everyone so there should be no confusion about what is allowed."

producing or having a lot of loud and unwanted sound

"The city is noisy."

"The noisy construction work outside made it impossible for her to concentrate on her online class assignments."

in a way that makes too much sound or disturbance

"The children played noisily."

"The children played noisily in the backyard and their laughter could be heard from the street."

thoroughly and precisely, with close attention to detail or correctness

"Drive carefully on the icy road."

"She carefully placed the fragile glass vase on the top shelf where it would be safe from the children."

to the greatest amount or extent possible

"I completely forgot about our meeting."

"I completely forgot about our meeting today because I had so many other things on my mind."

in a way that shows ease and skill in expressing thoughts clearly and smoothly

"He speaks English fluently."

"The young girl speaks English fluently even though she only started learning the language two years ago."

with cheerfulness and joy

"The dog barked happily."

"The dog wagged its tail happily when its owner returned home after a long trip."

in a manner that reflects a sense of wrongdoing or being at fault

"He guiltily looked away."

"He guiltily looked away when his mother asked him who had eaten the last cookie from the jar."

in a careful and gentle manner

"She spoke softly to the baby."

"She spoke softly to the baby so that he would not wake up from his afternoon nap."

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 small amounts over a long period of time

"The sun gradually rose over the mountains."

"The sun gradually rose over the mountains and the sky turned from dark blue to soft pink and orange."

a series of images, feelings, or events happening in one's mind during sleep

"I had a strange dream."

"She often recalled a recurring dream about flying over the ocean."

to no longer be asleep

"I wake up at seven AM."

"I usually wake up at seven in the morning and then make coffee."

to move slowly and quietly while staying close to the ground or other surface

"The cat will creep slowly."

"The cat began to creep slowly toward the unsuspecting bird that was eating seeds on the ground outside."

to leave somewhere such as a room, building, etc.

"They get out of the building safely."

"The firefighters helped the terrified family get out of the burning building through a window on the second floor."

furniture we use to sleep on that normally has a frame and mattress

"The cat sleeps on my bed every night."

"She made her bed every morning as soon as she woke up because she liked how neat and tidy the room looked with the blankets smooth and the pillows arranged nicely."

to take air into one's lungs and let it out again

"All living things need to breathe air."

"It is difficult to breathe in high altitudes because there is less oxygen in the air."

easy to understand

"The explanation was clear."

"The water in the lake was so clear that we could see the fish swimming at the bottom from the surface."

giving attention or thought to what we are doing to avoid doing something wrong, hurting ourselves, or damaging something

"Be careful."

"Be careful when you cross the street because the cars drive very fast on this road and the drivers often do not see pedestrians."

needing little skill or effort to do or understand

"The test is easy."

"The exam was surprisingly easy and most of the students finished early and left the room with smiles on their faces."

in a way that something is done without much trouble or exertion

"She solved it easily."

"She solved the difficult math problem easily because she had studied hard all week."

having all the necessary parts

"This is complete."

"The puzzle was finally complete after we found the last elusive piece."

having a quality that is satisfying

"The movie is good."

"The good news made everyone happy and they celebrated by opening a bottle of champagne and toasting to the future together."

in a way that is right or satisfactory

"You did well."

"She handled the difficult situation very well, maintaining her composure throughout the ordeal."

having a quality that is not satisfying

"The news is bad."

"The bad weather forced them to cancel their outdoor wedding ceremony and move everything inside the church at the last minute."

in a way that involves significant harm, damage, or danger

"He behaved badly at school."

"He behaved badly at school and the teacher sent him to the principal office for punishment."

able to speak or write clearly and effortlessly

"She is fluent."

"The fluent speaker could switch effortlessly between English and Spanish and she translated for the visiting delegation."

having a high speed when doing something, especially moving

"The car is fast."

"The fast runner crossed the finish line in record time breaking the previous record that had stood for ten years."

with a lot of difficulty or effort

"He works hard every day."

"He works hard every day to provide for his family and never complains about being tired."

before the usual or scheduled time

"I woke up early today."

"I woke up early today because I had a lot of work to do and I wanted to get a head start on everything."