Lesson 31

the harshest or most intense part of something

The coastal towns bore the brunt of the hurricane's fury.

a small-scale three-dimensional model or display depicting a scene, often enclosed within a glass case for viewing

The museum featured a diorama showcasing a prehistoric dinosaur habitat, complete with miniature plants and realistic terrain.

the probability or chance of something occurring

There is a high likelihood of rain this afternoon, based on the forecast and the current cloud cover.

a violent or lawless person

The ruffian lurked in the alley, intimidating passersby with his menacing glare.

squeeze tightly between the fingers

the universe or the entirety of a complex system, seen as a larger entity encompassing all its parts

The macrocosm, with its countless galaxies and stars, remains an awe-inspiring mystery to humanity.

a freshwater polyp with a cylindrical body and tentacles

Researchers observed a hydra attached to the underside of a leaf in the pond, its tentacles swaying gently in the water.

a lively, quick-witted, or vivacious quality, often characterized by intelligence, wit, or charm

Her speech was marked by an esprit that captivated the audience, blending humor and insight effortlessly.

(grammar) a letter or a set of letters that are added to the beginning of a word to alter its meaning and make a new word

Understanding common prefixes, such as 'pre-' and 'dis-,' can help students decode unfamiliar words.

a group of attendants or followers, typically accompanying an important person

The queen's retinue included her trusted advisors, guards, and ladies-in-waiting, who attended to her every need.

a facility or enclosure where wild or exotic animals are kept for exhibition

The royal palace had a private menagerie filled with rare beasts.

skillful tricks or sleight of hand performed as part of a magic or illusionist's performance

The magician's performance was a masterclass in legerdemain, captivating the audience with his skillful tricks.

instrumental music with a recurring theme often found in the final movement of a sonata or concerto

a fertile soil composed of a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, ideal for plant growth

The gardener chose loam as the preferred soil type for planting vegetables in the garden due to its fertility and drainage properties.

the kinship or familial bond among male siblings

Their close brotherhood lasted throughout childhood.

(chess) an opening strategy in which a player voluntarily sacrifices a pawn or sometimes a more valuable piece, typically in the early moves of the game

a heavy substance placed in a ship's hull or an airship's tanks to lower its center of gravity and counteract unwanted tilting, rolling, or drifting

Submarines flood their ballast tanks to dive and pump them out to resurface safely.

strength of character shown through courage and determination, especially in difficult situations

She proved her mettle by staying calm under pressure.

small animals or insects that are believed to be destructive and are difficult to handle when they appear in a considerable number

After the flood, the basement was infested with vermin such as rats and cockroaches.