400 Must Have Words for the TOEFL LESSON 40 - Risky Fashions Vocabulary Test
Word List
bulk [bʌlk] n.
Largeness and a heavy appearance
→ The bulk of Kevin’s athletic body was too great for one small chair, so he sat on a bench.
Parts of speech bulky adj.
capricious [kəˈprɪʃəs] adj.
Moving unpredictably from one thing to another
→ Your college studies will go on too long if you make capricious jumps from one major to another.
Usage tips Capricious comes from a Latin word meaning “goat”and implies a motion like the jumping of a goat.
Parts of speech capriciousness n., capriciously adv.
cumbersome [ˈkʌmbəsəm] adj.
Difficult to wear or carry because of weight or shape
→ To make it to the top of the mountain before dark, the hikers dumped their cumbersome tent.
exotic [ɪgˈzɒtɪk] adj.
Interesting or unusual because of coming from a faraway place
→ I walked into the restaurant and smelled the exotic aromas of Malaysian spices.
Parts of speech exoticism n., exotically adv.
inhibit [ɪnˈhɪbɪt] v.
To discourage or to slow down
→ This lotion will inhibit the itching caused by mosquito bites.
Parts of speech inhibition n.
minimum [ˈmɪnɪməm] n.
The smallest possible amount or level
→ The minimum for being accepted to Cavill University is a score of 60 on the test.
Parts of speech minimize v., minimum adj., minimal adj., minimally adv.
striking [ˈstraɪkɪŋ] adj.
Very noticeable;easily attracting attention
→ Gordon had a striking new attitude after he learned self-discipline at the army academy.
Usage tips Striking comes from a verb that means “to hit.”
Parts of speech strike v., strikingly adv.
trend [trend] n.
A movement in one direction or a widespread change in fashion
→ The trend among some young men is to wear their caps with the bill off to one side.
Parts of speech trend v., trendy adj.
vanity [ˈvænɪtɪ] n.
An excessive concern for one’s appearance
→ Mark’s vanity led him to spend far too much money on haircuts and new clothes.
Parts of speech vain adj.
vulnerable [ˈvʌlnərəbl] adj.
Exposed to possible harm
→ Babies and very old people are especially vulnerable to the new disease.
Usage tips Vulnerable is often followed by a to phrase.
Parts of speech vulnerability n., vulnerably adv.
