Unit 5 The Future

Word

Definition

Example

represent

Act as a substitute for or be the equivalent of

He was chosen to represent the team at the conference

virtual reality

The computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way

The new game used virtual reality technology for an immersive experience

by then

At that time or by that time

By then, the project should be completed and ready for presentation

well-being

The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy

The company prioritized the well-being of its employees

change dramatically

To alter or transform in a sudden or striking way

The landscape would change dramatically with the new construction project

closely-knit community

A group of people with strong bonds, connections, or relationships, often living or working closely together

The small town was known for its closely-knit community and friendly atmosphere

sophisticated

Developed to a high degree of complexity

The new smartphone had a more sophisticated operating system

general public

Ordinary people in society, rather than people who are considered to be important or to have specialist knowledge

The announcement was made for the general public to attend

modern civilisation

The society, culture, and way of life of a particular area

The internet has become an integral part of modern civilisation

agricultural societies

Societies whose economy is based on producing and maintaining crops and farmland

Many ancient civilizations were once agricultural societies

urban populations

The total number of people living in towns and cities

The urban populations were on the rise in many countries

dominant culture

The culture that is the most powerful, widespread, or influential within a social or political entity in which multiple cultures are present

The dominant culture in the region valued community and tradition

governing elite

A select group that holds power and authority within a society or organization

The governing elite was responsible for making important policy decisions

restriction

A limiting condition or measure, especially a legal one

The new law imposed a restriction on the use of plastic bags

sign up for

To officially agree to become involved in an organized activity

She decided to sign up for the dance class next semester

come up

Occur or present itself, especially unexpectedly

He had to come up with a solution to the problem quickly

range

A set of different things of the same general type

The store had a wide range of products to choose from

industrial

Relating to or characterized by industry

The town's economy relied heavily on industrial production

luxurious

Extremely comfortable, elegant, or enjoyable, especially in a way that involves great expense

They stayed in a luxurious hotel during their vacation

spacious

Having ample space

The new apartment had a spacious living room and kitchen

industrious

Diligent and hard-working

The industrious workers finished the project ahead of schedule

populous

Having a large population; densely populated

The city was one of the most populous in the region

outlandish prediction

A strange, unusual, or bizarre forecast or statement about the future

Her outlandish prediction about the weather didn't come true

wearable technology

Smart electronic devices or computers that can be incorporated into clothing or worn as accessories

The company specialized in developing wearable technology for athletes

hoverboard

A fictional levitating board used for personal transportation

He enjoyed riding his hoverboard around the neighborhood

concrete

Existing in a material or physical form; not abstract

They poured concrete to create a sturdy foundation for the building

blend with

Mix or combine harmoniously

The colors of the painting would blend with the decor of the room

mouldable

Capable of being shaped or changed in form

The clay was soft and mouldable for the students' art projects

disposable

Designed to be used once or only a few times and then thrown away

They used disposable cups and plates for the picnic

inhabitant

A person or animal that lives in or occupies a place

The inhabitants of the village were friendly and welcoming

convergence

The act of moving toward union or uniformity

The convergence of technology and art was a prominent theme in the exhibition

invisibility cloak

A fictional garment that renders the wearer invisible

In the movie, the main character used an invisibility cloak to hide from the enemies

tantalising prospect

An alluring or exciting possibility or likelihood

The job offer in the new city was a tantalising prospect for her

scatter

Throw in various random directions

The wind would scatter the leaves across the yard in the fall

leisure pursuit

An activity that is freely chosen for relaxation and enjoyment

Gardening became her favorite leisure pursuit after retirement

intuit human feelings

Understand or work out by instinct

The therapist was able to intuit the patient's feelings without them speaking

turn out

Develop in a particular way or have a particular result

The event turned out to be a great success, thanks to the hard work of the organizers

forecast

A calculation or estimate of future events, especially coming weather or a financial trend

The meteorologist would forecast the weather for the week ahead

assume

Suppose to be the case, without proof

It would be unwise to assume the outcome without proper research

foretell

Predict or prophesy a future event

Some people believed that the fortune teller could foretell the future

prophesy

Say that (a specified thing) will happen in the future

The ancient text seemed to prophesy the rise of a new leader

estimate

Roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of

The company would estimate the project cost before starting

anticipate

Regard as probable; expect or predict

They would anticipate the market trends to make informed decisions

foresee

Be aware of beforehand; predict

It was difficult to foresee the challenges they would face in the future

pie chart

A circular statistical graphic that is divided into slices to illustrate numerical proportion

The data was presented in a pie chart for better understanding

summarise

Give a brief statement of the main points of something

She would summarise the main points of the presentation for the audience

energy capacity

The maximum amount of energy that a system can contain or produce

The new power plant had a high energy capacity for the region

fossil fuels

Natural fuels such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms

The country was working towards reducing its reliance on fossil fuels

nuclear

Relating to the nucleus of an atom

The government invested in nuclear energy for sustainable power

renewable

Capable of being replaced by natural ecological cycles or sound management practices

The company focused on using renewable energy sources for its operations

account for

To consider or regard in a specified way

The new expenses would account for the majority of the budget

duty to

A moral or legal obligation; a responsibility

It was his duty to ensure the safety of the passengers on the flight

amenity

A desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place

The apartment complex offered a swimming pool as an added amenity

upward trend

A pattern of progress or improvement in a situation, especially economically or statistically

The upward trend in sales indicated a positive market response

thriving community

A community that is developing and becoming successful

The thriving community was known for its vibrant cultural events and festivals