Unit 8 · Interchange Upper Intermediate Vocabulary List

an official meeting where a group of people discuss a certain matter, which often continues for days

"The conference was useful."

"The medical conference brought together thousands of doctors and researchers who shared findings about the latest treatments for various diseases."

a talk given to an audience about a particular subject to educate them, particularly at a university or college

"The lecture was very boring."

"The guest speaker delivered an insightful lecture on the future of artificial intelligence and its societal impact."

a profession or a series of professions that one can do for a long period of one's life

"He has a long career."

"Choosing a career based only on salary potential often leads to dissatisfaction because enjoyment and meaning are just as important for long term happiness."

the process that involves teaching and learning, particularly at a school, university, or college

"Education is important."

"Access to quality education is one of the most important factors determining a person future success and earning potential in modern society."

to want or choose one person or thing instead of another because of liking them more

"I prefer tea over coffee."

"Many people prefer to shop online rather than in physical stores because it saves time and effort."

the desire to win or succeed in a contest or rivalry with others

"His competitiveness makes him a poor loser."

"The competitiveness of the job market required graduates to have internships and strong portfolios."

the act of working together toward a common goal

"The project requires cooperation between departments."

"The success of the project depended entirely on the close cooperation between the two teams."

the ability to use imagination in order to bring something new into existence

"Creativity is an inner ability."

"Creativity is the ability to generate original and valuable ideas for art science or business."

the quality of persistently trying in spite of difficulties

"Perseverance brings results."

"Through perseverance and determination she earned her degree while working full time and raising children."

the belief and trust in oneself and one's abilities

"Her self confidence grows after each successful performance."

"Her self-confidence grew after she successfully completed the difficult project without any help."

the ability to control one's behavior and actions in order to achieve a goal or complete a task

"Self-discipline is key to success."

"Self discipline is key to success and you must resist distractions to achieve your goals."

any type of sports that include fighting which are especially originated in the Far East, such as judo, kung fu, etc.

"Martial arts require discipline."

"She studies martial arts every week."

a number of objects scattered around in a messy and untidy way

"The desk is covered in clutter."

"The desk is covered in clutter and she cannot find important documents among the mess."

free from mess or untidiness

"The room is uncluttered."

"The uncluttered desk helped her focus on her work because there were no distracting papers or?? scattered around her workspace."

used to show that something happened or is true, even though there was a difficulty or obstacle that might have prevented it

"He won despite the rain."

"Despite the overwhelming odds, the determined team managed to secure a surprising victory in the championship game."

a lawyer who represents someone in a court of law

"She hired an attorney."

"The defendant's attorney presented a compelling case to the jury during the trial."

a player who is primarily responsible for defending their team's goal or territory, and preventing the opposing team from scoring

"The defender slides to block the shot."

"The defender blocked the shot with a sliding tackle and prevented a sure goal."

a close friend

"He is my buddy."

"My old buddy from college called me yesterday after we had not spoken for five years."

to, in, or at any place

"I cannot find my keys anywhere."

"I cannot find my keys anywhere and I am going to be late for work if I do not leave soon."

without restriction to a specific time

"Call me anytime you need."

"Call me anytime you need because I am always happy to help you with whatever problem you have."

an institution that offers higher education or specialized trainings for different professions

"She goes to college now."

"She decided to apply to a small liberal arts college in New England after graduation."

a series of lessons or lectures on a particular subject

"I'm taking a photography course now."

"This intensive course offers a comprehensive overview of modern economic theory."

belonging to or following the methods or thoughts that are old as opposed to new or different ones

"The food is traditional."

"The traditional wedding ceremony included customs that had been passed down through generations of the family."

to be present at a meeting, event, conference, etc.

"I will attend the meeting."

"All employees are expected to attend the mandatory training session next week."

the certificate that is given to university or college students upon successful completion of their course

"She earned a degree in engineering."

"A master's degree is often a prerequisite for advanced positions in the field."

to become something greater in quantity, importance, or size

"The business will expand."

"The company plans to expand its operations into international markets next year."

a way or track that is built or made by people walking over the same ground

"The path is narrow."

"The narrow dirt path through the forest led us to a beautiful waterfall hidden among the tall green trees."

an act of raising someone to a higher rank or position

"She received a promotion."

"The promotion came after years of hard work and careful effort"

doing an activity as a job and not just for fun

"He is professional."

"She decided to pursue a professional career in medicine after volunteering at the local hospital."

a legal document that gives someone permission to do something, such as drive a car or practice a profession

"I need a license."

"You must obtain a valid driver's license before you are legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle."

a document or official statement attesting to the fact that someone has met certain standards or requirements

"Get certification."

"To practice medicine, she needed to obtain her medical certification from the board."

something that explains an action or event

"There is a reason."

"The main reason she decided to resign was the lack of opportunities for professional growth rather than dissatisfaction with her salary or colleagues."

the middle part or point of an area or object

"The center is crowded."

"The fountain in the town square is located precisely at the center of the park."

a teacher who gives lessons privately to one student or a small group

"My tutor is very smart."

"She hired a private tutor to help her son improve his math grades."

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."

used to emphasize a fact or the truth of a situation

"Did you actually see?"

"I thought it was a rumor, but he actually confirmed the surprising news himself."

to reconsider something, especially in order to make a decision about it or make modifications to it

"We must review this."

"The committee will review the proposal before making any final decisions regarding its implementation."

a subject of significance or interest to someone or something

"It is their concern."

"Environmental protection is a growing concern for many individuals and governments worldwide."

willingness to accept behavior or opinions that are against one's own

"Tolerance is needed."

"The school promotes tolerance by teaching students about different cultures religions and lifestyles respectfully."

a specific amount of money set aside for a particular use

"We have a small budget."

"The company carefully managed its marketing budget to ensure maximum return on investment."

the amount of money spent to do or have something

"The company is cutting down on travel expense."

"Traveling to another country for a conference is a major expense for a small startup company."

a unit of currency or coin used in several countries, equal to one hundredth of a dollar or pound

"The penny is small."

"He found a penny on the sidewalk and picked it up with a smile."

something that you regularly do almost without thinking about it, particularly one that is hard to give up or stop doing

"Reading before bed is a good habit."

"He has a bad habit of biting his nails when he feels nervous or anxious about something."

to be around something on all sides

"High walls surround the ancient castle."

"The police surrounded the building to prevent the suspect from escaping through any exits or windows."

having or making little or no sound

"The room is silent."

"The silent forest was peaceful and calm with no sound except for the wind blowing through the trees."

in a way that continues without any pause

"The baby cries constantly."

"The baby is constantly crying for attention and his exhausted parents do not know what to do anymore."

to say that something is the case without providing proof for it

"He claims he is innocent."

"The politician made a bold claim about economic growth without providing any supporting evidence."

to think that something is true without having proof or evidence

"Assume he is wrong."

"Do not assume that everyone shares your opinions because people come from different backgrounds and have various perspectives."

in a way that cannot be avoided

"Big cars are not necessarily safer."

"Bigger cars are not necessarily safer than smaller ones despite what many people seem to believe."

to form a decision or opinion based on what one knows

"Do not judge people by appearance."

"It is unfair to judge someone solely based on their appearance without knowing their personality or background."

to go close or closer to something or someone

"Please approach cautiously."

"As the storm intensified, the rescue team decided to approach the damaged structure with extreme caution."

(of a person) interested in learning and knowing about things

"The cat is curious."

"The curious child opened the closet door and found a hidden room behind it that contained old toys and photographs."

to strongly disagree with a policy, plan, idea, etc. and try to prevent or change it

"Many citizens oppose the new law."

"Many citizens oppose the construction of a new shopping mall because it would destroy the local park."

similar in every detail and totally alike

"The shirts are identical."

"The two sisters are identical twins and even their parents sometimes confuse them."

having so many things to do in a way that leaves not much free time

"I am very busy."

"She had a busy schedule filled with meetings, deadlines, and client calls, leaving her with very little personal time."

something that is greatly desired

"She has ambition."

"His relentless ambition drove him to overcome numerous obstacles on his path to success."

a possibility arising from favorable circumstances

"A lucky chance appeared."

"There is a chance of rain later today."