English Speaking: Practical Tips for Politely Ending a Conversation

noun

1. a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held

Synonym: sports meeting

noun

1. a poor example

e.g. it was an apology for a meal
a poor excuse for an automobile

Synonym: apology

2. a note explaining an absence

e.g. he had to get his mother to write an excuse for him

3. a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.

e.g. he kept finding excuses to stay
every day he had a new alibi for not getting a job
his transparent self-justification was unacceptable

Synonym: alibiexculpationself-justification

verb

1. perceive (an idea or situation) mentally

e.g. Now I see!
I just can't see your point
Does she realize how important this decision is?
I don't understand the idea

Synonym: understandrealisesee

2. be fully aware or cognizant of

Synonym: recognizerecogniserealiseagnizeagnise

3. make real or concrete
give reality or substance to

e.g. our ideas must be substantiated into actions

Synonym: realiseactualizeactualisesubstantiate

4. expand or complete (a part in a piece of baroque music) by supplying the harmonies indicated in the figured bass

Synonym: realise

5. convert into cash
of goods and property

Synonym: realise

6. earn on some commercial or business transaction
earn as salary or wages

e.g. How much do you make a month in your new job?
She earns a lot in her new job
this merger brought in lots of money
He clears $5,000 each month

Synonym: gaintake inclearmakeearnrealisepull inbring in

adv

1. in a gradual manner

e.g. the snake moved gradually toward its victim

Synonym: bit by bitstep by step