zip (noun, verb, adjective) You may already know that zip is a short word for “zipper” in the UK and is a format for compressing computer files. You also might know that a zip or “zip code” is a postal code in the US. But zip is also an informal way of referring to vitality […]
scan (verb, noun) To scan something is to take a look at it. Ironically, it can mean both “to look quickly at something” and “to look at something closely and carefully“. It can also refer to using a scanner to read a code or copy an image. As a noun, scan is the act of […]
lame (adjective, verb) Many native speakers use lame in everyday conversation. In reference to explanations or excuses, it means “weak and unconvincing.” It also means “boring” in reference to things, and it can be used to refer to a person who is naive, socially awkward, or not cool. Example sentences You’re not going to help […]
treat (noun, verb) A treat is anything that gives pleasure, usually paid for by someone else as a way of showing affection. As a verb, when you treat someone to something, you are buying them food or taking them out to have fun. Treat also means to deal with something or someone in a specific […]
mismatch (noun, verb) Mismatch is a verb and a noun. The verb sense means “to be unsuitable” or “to be a bad match.” The noun means “a bad combination” or “an unsuitable match.” The term is often used to describe relationships between people and in many cases is modified by words like “completely,” “complete,” “total,” […]
wholeheartedly (adverb) Wholeheartedly means to do something with sincerity and enthusiasm. It expresses earnestness, or serious intention to do something. It can also mean to do something completely. Example sentences The city residents wholeheartedly embraced the idea of opening a homeless shelter downtown. Jane wholeheartedly supports her husband’s career as an artist. Greg wholeheartedly agrees […]
toast (noun, verb) Toast has several different meanings. It may refer to a piece of bread, slightly browned and crisp, that is usually eaten for breakfast, or the action of cooking bread or other food to brown it. It may also refer to a proposal to drink (or the action of drinking) in honor of […]
Definition Gloomy, depressing, dreary, pitiful or disgracefully bad (informally) Origin late Middle English: from earlier dismal (noun), denoting the two days in each month that in medieval times were believed to be unlucky, from Anglo-Norman French dis mal, from medieval Latin dies mali ‘evil days.’ Example for Dismal We can’t go anywhere in this dismal […]
