Unit 106
Words 2101–2120 · formula, alter, perceive, routine, sink, stare
formula
#2101noun
A set of numbers, symbols, or rules used to calculate or explain something.
This formula helps us calculate the total cost of the order.
The teacher explained a simple formula for finding the area of a rectangle.
I followed my grandmother’s formula to make the perfect tomato sauce.
The company is testing a new formula for its popular skin cream.
This baby formula is suitable for children with sensitive stomachs.
alter
#2102verb
to change something slightly, especially to improve it or make it more suitable
We altered the schedule to give everyone more time for lunch.
The tailor altered my trousers so they fit perfectly.
She altered the recipe by using less sugar and adding fresh berries.
The school altered its rules after speaking with parents and students.
The medicine may alter your sense of taste for a few days.
perceive
#2103verb
to notice or understand something through your senses, thoughts, or feelings
She perceived a strange smell coming from the kitchen.
Customers perceived the new café as friendly and welcoming.
The teacher perceived that several students needed extra help.
He was perceived as rude because he never smiled or greeted anyone.
After treatment, she perceived less pain in her injured knee.
routine
#2104noun, adjective
A usual way of doing things, especially regularly repeated daily activities.
My morning routine includes a shower, breakfast, and a short walk.
The nurse checked my daily routine before suggesting healthier habits.
Starting a new job can be difficult until you learn the office routine.
We changed our travel routine and visited the market before lunch.
The coach added stretching to our training routine after practice.
sink
#2105noun, verb
To go down below the surface, or a bowl with a drain for washing things.
Please put the dirty dishes in the kitchen sink after dinner.
The boat began to sink after hitting a large rock.
Water was slowly sinking into the ground after the heavy rain.
She washed her hands in the sink before preparing lunch.
The bathroom sink is blocked, so the water will not drain.
stare
#2106verb, noun
to look at someone or something for a long time without looking away
Everyone stared at the magician during the final trick.
Please stop staring at me while I eat my lunch.
She stared out the train window during the long journey.
The doctor stared at the scan before explaining the results.
He gave me a blank stare when I asked about the missing keys.
anymore
#2107adverb
from now on or from a particular time; no longer
I don't watch television anymore because I prefer reading books.
She doesn't work at the hospital anymore.
Do you still play tennis, or have you stopped anymore?
We can't buy that brand anymore because the store stopped selling it.
He doesn't feel tired anymore after getting more sleep.
hero
#2108noun
A person admired for brave actions, especially someone who saves or helps others.
The firefighter became a hero after rescuing two children from the burning house.
My little brother thinks his favorite soccer player is a hero.
The nurse was a hero for helping patients during the difficult night.
Our teacher was the hero of the school play last Friday.
She felt like a hero when she found her lost dog.
supporter
#2109noun
A person who approves of and helps a person, team, idea, or organization.
Every supporter cheered loudly when the home team scored the winning goal.
My parents have always been strong supporters of my decision to study abroad.
The charity thanked its supporters for donating food and warm clothes.
Several supporters joined the candidate during her visit to the local market.
His biggest supporter stayed beside him throughout his long illness.
convert
#2110verb, noun
to change something into a different form, use, or belief
You can convert the sofa into a comfortable bed for overnight guests.
The company converted the old warehouse into bright offices for its growing team.
She converted the recipe from cups to grams before baking the cake.
We converted our dollars into euros at the airport before flying to Italy.
He converted to Buddhism after studying its teachings for several years.
steady
#2111adjective, verb
calm, regular, and not changing suddenly; to make something stable or controlled
She earns a steady income from her small bakery.
Keep a steady pace so you do not become too tired.
The doctor told him to take steady breaths during the examination.
He used one hand to steady the ladder while his brother climbed.
Business has been steady since the shop moved to this busy street.
meter
#2112noun, verb
A device that measures something, or a unit used to measure length.
The electricity meter showed that we had used less power this month.
The taxi driver stopped the meter when we reached the hotel.
The nurse measured the patient’s height with a meter stick.
The gas meter needs checking before winter begins.
The poem has a regular meter that makes it easy to read aloud.
truck
#2113noun, verb
A large vehicle used to carry heavy goods; to transport something by truck.
The delivery truck brought our new sofa this morning.
A truck carries fresh vegetables from the farm to the market.
The truck driver stopped for coffee before starting work.
Our moving company truck arrived early to collect the boxes.
They are trucking the equipment across the country for the concert.
nose
#2114noun, verb
The part of your face used for smelling and breathing; to notice or discover something.
My nose is blocked, so I can hardly breathe through it.
The little boy broke his nose when he fell off his bicycle.
She wrinkled her nose when she smelled the spoiled milk.
Our dog kept nosing around the kitchen while we prepared dinner.
He always noses into other people's business at work.
beside
#2115preposition, adverb
next to or at the side of someone or something
She sat beside her friend during the long train journey.
Please place the chair beside the table before dinner.
The teacher stood beside the students during the science experiment.
I found a small pharmacy beside the hotel while traveling.
He left his glass of water beside the bed.
sail
#2116noun, verb
to travel on water in a boat, or the large piece of cloth that catches wind
We sailed along the coast during our summer holiday.
The strong wind filled the boat’s sails and pushed us forward.
They are learning to sail at the local sailing club.
The sailors raised the sail before leaving the harbor.
A bright red sail stood out against the blue sea.
disaster
#2117noun
a very bad event that causes great damage, suffering, or loss
The earthquake was a disaster that destroyed thousands of homes.
The party was a complete disaster because nobody brought food or drinks.
Our holiday became a disaster when our luggage disappeared at the airport.
The new manager called the failed project a financial disaster.
The cake was a disaster, but everyone kindly ate a small piece.
pace
#2118noun, verb
The speed at which someone or something moves or happens.
The nurse checked my pulse while I walked at a steady pace.
We need to pick up the pace if we want to catch the train.
She works at her own pace and usually finishes before everyone else.
The teacher slowed the pace of the lesson when students looked confused.
After lunch, we paced ourselves so we could enjoy the whole hike.
heavily
#2119adverb
To a great degree or with a lot of force, weight, or amount.
It rained heavily all night, so the streets were flooded by morning.
The box was heavily damaged during delivery, but everything inside was safe.
The team relies heavily on volunteers to organize the community event.
She was breathing heavily after running up three flights of stairs.
The soup was heavily salted, so nobody wanted a second bowl.
devote
#2120verb
to give your time, energy, or attention to something
She devotes most of her free time to caring for her young children.
The team devoted two hours to preparing for tomorrow’s important presentation.
He is devoted to improving his English by reading every evening.
The restaurant owner devoted extra money to buying fresher ingredients this month.
After the accident, she devoted herself to helping other patients recover.