Lesson 30

(of a baby) born before completing the normal full-term pregnancy length

The twins were delivered at 30 weeks, making them moderately premature.

to consider, evaluate and plan an action in advance

to engage someone's mind or attention fully, especially with worries or concerns

She has been preoccupied with worries about her children's health and safety.

to decide or establish something in advance, especially by divine authority or an inevitable course of events

It seemed their relationship had been preordained from the moment they first met.

to change the shape of something out of its usual shape

Heavy pressure on the metal sheet can deform it, resulting in a bent or twisted form.

an odd or spoiled outward appearance

The severe burn scars left her face with a deformity for many years.

complete and total, with no imperfections or exceptions

The painting depicted the landscape with absolute realism, capturing every tiny detail.

the act of forgiving someone for their sins or wrongdoings, usually by a priest

The priest offered the repentant sinner absolution and forgiveness for their sins during confession.

to steer away from the main subject and focus on a different topic in speech or writing

I don't want to digress too far from the main point of my argument.

a deviation from the main subject under focus or discussion

His lecture was full of interesting digressions.

related to or positioned at the front part of an object, structure, or entity

A frontal view of the building shows its symmetrical facade and main entrance.

the outer edge of occupied or developed land, beyond which lies unsettled territory

Pioneers migrated westward, steadily pushing the frontier of settlement into new territories.

a tiny spark-like speck of a substance

Through the microscope, the scientist could discern only the faintest scintilla of gold amidst the crushed rock sample.

gleaming and full of flashes of light, like sparks or twinkling stars

The neon signs downtown put on a scintillating display, their vibrant colors twinkling against the dark street.

arousing intense dislike or hatred

The tyrant's execrable crimes shocked the world.

hate coupled with disgust

a liquor or brew containing alcohol as the active agent

to disrupt normal physical or mental functioning through pharmacological mechanisms in the brain

With no tolerance, just a few hits of marijuana were enough to intoxicate my friend

to openly declare a belief, opinion, or intention

The artist professed that her paintings were inspired by the beauty of nature and the emotions they evoke.

an experienced teacher at a university or college who specializes in a particular subject and often conducts research

He is a professor of physics at a renowned university.