C1 Unit 45: Describing things 3
20 C1 words: bubbly, structurally, rudimentary, effortless, stately, shambles… Learn them in 4 steps, then review them every day.
Word list
| Word | Meaning | Example | |
|---|---|---|---|
| bubbly/ˈbʌbli/ adj | bubblylively, cheerful and full of energy | Her bubbly personality made everyone feel welcome at the party.Her bubbly personality made everyone feel welcome at the party. | |
| structurally/ˈstrʌktʃɚəli/ adv | structurallyrelating to how something is built | The old bridge is structurally sound and safe to cross.The old bridge is structurally sound and safe to cross. | |
| rudimentary/ˌrudəˈmɛntɚi/ adj | rudimentaryvery basic and simple | The camp had only rudimentary facilities, such as a tap and a tent.The camp had only rudimentary facilities, such as a tap and a tent. | |
| effortless/ˈɛfɚtləs/ adj | effortlessdone with no apparent difficulty | The dancer made the difficult jump look effortless.The dancer made the difficult jump look effortless. | |
| stately/ˈsteɪtli/ adj | statelygrand, impressive and dignified | They live in a stately home with a long driveway.They live in a stately home with a long driveway. | |
| shambles/ˈʃæmbəlz/ n | shamblesa state of total disorder | After the party, the kitchen was a complete shambles.After the party, the kitchen was a complete shambles. | |
| motley/ˈmɑtli/ adj | motleymade up of many different kinds of people | A motley crowd of tourists and locals filled the square.A motley crowd of tourists and locals filled the square. | |
| antiquated/ˈæntəˌkweɪtɪd/ adj | antiquatedvery old-fashioned and out of date | The office still uses an antiquated computer system from the 1990s.The office still uses an antiquated computer system from the 1990s. | |
| dynamically/daɪˈnæmɪˌkli/ adv | dynamicallyin an energetic way with constant change | The city is growing dynamically, with new shops opening every week.The city is growing dynamically, with new shops opening every week. | |
| methodical/məˈθɑdəkəl/ adj | methodicaldone in a careful, organised way | Sam is a methodical worker who checks each step in order.Sam is a methodical worker who checks each step in order. | |
| placid/ˈplæsəd/ adj | placidcalm and not easily disturbed | The placid lake was perfectly still in the early morning.The placid lake was perfectly still in the early morning. | |
| lackluster/ˈlæˌklʌstɚ/ adj | lacklusterlacking energy, interest or excitement | The team gave a lackluster performance and lost the match easily.The team gave a lackluster performance and lost the match easily. | |
| monotonous/məˈnɑtənəs/ adj | monotonousboring because it never changes | The monotonous hum of the fan made Omar sleepy.The monotonous hum of the fan made Omar sleepy. | |
| docile/ˈdɑsəl/ adj | docilecalm and easy to control | The docile horse let the children ride it without any trouble.The docile horse let the children ride it without any trouble. | |
| taut/tɔt/ adj | tautstretched tight; not loose | Pull the rope until it is taut, then tie it to the post.Pull the rope until it is taut, then tie it to the post. | |
| uneventful/ˌʌniˈvɛntfəl/ adj | uneventfulwithout anything exciting or unusual happening | The trip was uneventful, and we arrived home safely.The trip was uneventful, and we arrived home safely. | |
| superficially/ˈsupɚˌfɪʃəli/ adv | superficiallyin a way that only considers the surface | The two paintings look superficially similar, but they are quite different.The two paintings look superficially similar, but they are quite different. | |
| telltale/ˈtɛlˌteɪl/ adj | telltalerevealing something that is meant to be hidden | A telltale sign of tiredness is when you start to yawn.A telltale sign of tiredness is when you start to yawn. | |
| enviable/ˈɛnviəbəl/ adv | enviablesomething that makes others wish they had it | She has an enviable view of the sea from her flat.She has an enviable view of the sea from her flat. | |
| wry/raɪ/ adj | wryshowing mild, ironic humour | Leo gave a wry smile when he saw the bill.Leo gave a wry smile when he saw the bill. |