IELTS Practice Tests and Preparation Tips
Circumvent (verb) To circumvent is to go around or circumnavigate. Circumvent can also mean bypass, avoid, elude, escape or outwit. Example sentences The pilot circumvented the storm by flying further south. The smugglers tried...
The words bloc, wing, and faction all refer to loosely organized groups within a larger group of society. A bloc is a group interested in promoting a certain interest, regardless of the political affiliation...
Don’t confuse bazaar with bizarre; a bazaar is a fair for the sale of goods. Bizarre means unusual or weird. We bought a cake at the church bazaar. She wore a rather bizarre costume...
Don’t confuse assent and ascent. An assent is an act or gesture of agreement or permission. Examples You may leave the hospital only with the doctor’s assent. Assent can also be a verb. Since...
Bereaved and bereft are used in two entirely different ways, and you must never mix them up. Bereaved refers exclusively to bereavement (losing someone you love). The accident bereaved the old woman of her...
An Atheist believes there is no god while an agnostic believes human beings can never know whether there is god or not. Although his parents were highly religious people, he remained an agnostic for...
Basically, anxious means distressed, worried. Examples: Father’s illness gave us some anxious moments. I am anxious about my future. They are anxious about their safety. She was anxious about her friend’s illness. Although generally...
Be sure to spell and pronounce anecdote (an-ek-dote) properly. Don’t confuse it with antidote ( anti-dote). An anecdote is a short narrative, often humorous. Public speakers often begin their talk with humorous anecdotes. Throughout...
Amount and number confuse some people. Use amount when referring to quantities that can’t be counted. Examples are: a large amount of snow, a small amount of money. What is the amount of my...
The words amiable and amicable are often confused. Amiable is usually used to describe persons and amicable is used to describe actions, gestures, etc. Examples: The next door neighbors are amiable persons. Amiable neighbors...
