Figurative Meanings

the changing process of a liquid to a gas and then cooling it which results in the forming of a purified liquid

In the laboratory, distillation is often used to isolate specific chemicals from a mixture.

to suddenly break with a sharp noise

The dry twig snapped loudly under his foot as he walked through the forest.

to poke or pierce something with a sharp point

The warrior spiked his opponent with a spear during the battle.

someone who drives a vehicle

I waved to the bus driver as I got off at my stop.

to bend an object into a particular shape, such as wire, cloth, etc.

The artist skillfully twisted the metal wire to fashion an intricate jewelry pendant.

bullets, shells, or other projectiles used in firearms

Soldiers checked their ammunition before the battle.

the act of leaving, usually to begin a journey

The departure of the train was delayed by half an hour.

a formal party held to celebrate an event or welcome someone

After the ceremony, the couple hosted a reception where guests enjoyed a variety of appetizers and a formal meal.

a statement offering personal opinion, advice, or additional information

She gave input on the proposed changes.

to slowly move back and forth or from side to side

The branches of the willow tree swayed gently in the breeze.

not in a fine mental or physical state

She has been feeling ill for a week and finally decided to see a doctor.

the unexpected or spontaneous expulsion of a fetus from the uterus before it is mature enough to survive independently

to rotate something so that it is facing a different direction or is in a different position

He turned the vase to display the flowers from a different angle.

the image of something as reflected by a mirror (or other reflective material)

the act of gathering together to achieve a common goal

the best performance or result, or the highest or lowest level that has ever been reached, especially in sport

The gymnast achieved a perfect score, setting a new record in the floor exercise event.

(of military) to move away in order to escape the danger because one has been defeated or is weak

Faced with overwhelming enemy forces, the battalion decided to retreat from the battlefield.

(of a part of the body) not covered by any clothing

She felt the cool breeze on her bare arms as she walked along the beach.

capable of understanding other people's emotions and caring for them

She has a sensitive nature, always attuned to the feelings of those around her.

cruel and unkind toward others

The teacher's harsh criticism demoralized the students.

having a refreshing, brisk coldness in the air

The morning air was crisp, making her breath visible as she walked.

pertaining to or consisting of meteors or meteoroids

(of a place) able to be reached, entered, etc.

The wheelchair ramp made the building more accessible to people with mobility impairments.

(of a disease or condition) capable of transmitting from one person, organism, or object to another through direct or indirect contact

Sarah stayed home from work to avoid spreading her infectious cold to her coworkers.

connected with God or a god, and considered holy or deeply respected in religious contexts

The river is considered sacred in many indigenous cultures.

having a point or edge that can pierce or cut something

The hunter's arrowhead was sharp, designed for clean and efficient kills.

associated with or occurring in the open ocean

The oceanic currents play a crucial role in regulating global climate.

to jump quickly and slightly while walking

She couldn't contain her excitement and started to skip down the street.

to present or show something publicly to inform or entertain an audience

The art gallery will exhibit a collection of contemporary paintings next month.

to release something from restraint, allowing it to move or act freely

Excited dogs eagerly waited for their owners to unleash them in the park.

an amount we pay to buy, do, or make something

He compared the cost of various insurance plans.

to give up resistance or stop fighting against an enemy or opponent

Faced with overwhelming forces, the army decided to surrender to avoid further bloodshed.

to seek information or advice from someone, especially before making a decision or doing something

The lawyer consulted with her colleagues to prepare for the upcoming trial.

to describe something or someone through words

The author portrays the protagonist as a courageous and determined individual.

to control the movement and the speed of a car, bus, truck, etc. when it is moving

You should drive with both hands on the steering wheel.

to provide someone with something, such as help or services, especially as required or expected

During the event, the organizers will render information about the schedule and activities to the attendees.

to be thankful for something

She regularly appreciates the support of her friends during challenging times.

to see an act of crime or an accident

She witnesses incidents of shoplifting in her store.

to emit small flashes of electricity or fire

The faulty wire began to spark, indicating a potential electrical problem in the house.

to move using our legs, faster than we usually walk, in a way that both feet are never on the ground at the same time

When he heard the news, he ran home in a hurry.

to have in your hands or arms

They held candles during the power outage.

to cook something at a temperature just below boiling, allowing it to bubble gently

She simmers the soup for rich flavor.

a delicate cotton or silky cloth made by weaving or knitting threads in an open web-like pattern

She adorned her wedding gown with beautiful lace, giving it a timeless and elegant look.

to catch an animal or a person and keep them as a prisoner

The zookeepers capture wild animals for conservation purposes.

a dark shape on a surface made by a person or object blocking the light

The shadow of the building loomed over the park.

to decrease the amount of pain, stress, etc.

Taking a short break can relieve stress during a busy workday.

to have control and authority over a place, like a country

The king reigned over the kingdom for decades, establishing a prosperous era.

a living thing that grows in ground or water, usually has leaves, stems, flowers, etc.

The gardener watered the plant every morning.

to add more attractive and lively colors to something, making it look more cheerful and vibrant

She uses colorful flowers to brighten the room.

to move a spoon, etc. around in a liquid or other substance to completely mix it

She gently stirred the soup, ensuring all the flavors blended perfectly before serving.

to talk with excessive pride about one's achievements, abilities, etc. in order to draw the attention of others

During the interview, the candidate couldn't help but boast about their extensive experience and impressive track record

to break on the surface without falling into separate pieces

The frozen lake began to crack as temperatures rose, creating patterns on the surface.

to provide a place for someone to stay and sleep, usually in a house, hotel, or other lodging facility

The innkeeper arranged rooms to accommodate the visiting family.

a thin metal strand or filament used for fastening, forming cages, fences, or similar structures

to protect or shield from cold, heat, sound, or electricity by surrounding with a material that prevents the transfer of energy

The homeowners decided to insulate their attic to keep the house warm in winter.

to eat something eagerly and in large quantities, often implying intense hunger or enjoyment

The aroma of freshly baked cookies made it irresistible, and the kids eagerly devoured the entire batch.

to remove one's own clothes

Feeling the warmth of the sun, she decided to strip and enjoy the beach in her swimsuit.

to separate something from a whole

The surgeon needed to sever the damaged tissue to facilitate healing.

to add beautiful things to something in order to make it look more attractive

During the holiday season, people decorate their homes with colorful lights, wreaths, and ornaments.

to move toward a lower level

The elevator started to descend to the ground floor of the office building.

a border that surrounds a picture, mirror, etc.

The antique frame around the painting added a touch of elegance to the artwork.