English vocabulary unit 16

construct v

We plan to construct a new bridge across the river.

district n

It's quite a nice district to live in.

dwell v

It's quite a nice district to live in.

inner city n

There's some very interesting music coming out of the inner city these days.

occupy v

Patients with minor illnesses are occupying beds that are needed for serious cases.

populate v

Luckily, the fire didn't spread to populated areas.

suburban adj

Many people would love to live in suburban areas but can't afford it.

surroundings n

I wish I lived in more pleasant surroundings.

urban adj

There needs to be more investment in urban areas.

built-up adj

This area has become quite built-up over the last few years.

high-rise adj

I couln't live in a high-rise block.

skyline n

I love the London skyline.

skyscraper n

Skyscrapers started to appear in the 1930s.

estate n

There's a lot of crime on this estate.

housing n

The government needs to build more housing for the poor.

demolish v

They have demolished my old school.

evict v

The letter says they're going to evict us.

structure n

The large structure outside town is going to be the new stadium.

infrastructure n

During the war a lot of infrastructure of the country was destroyed.

commuter belt n

Towns in the commuter belt often seem to lack character.

make yourself at home v

Charles will be down in a moment, so please make yourselves at home.

concrete jungle n

Where we used to live was a bit of a concrete jungle.

blot on the landscape n

Many people in the town think that the old factory is a blot on the landscape.

in the sticks

I don't think I could live so far out in the sticks.

on the street

Life is hard on the steet.

on the town

Did you go out on the town on your birthday?

blacken v

The smoke had blackened the white walls of the kitchen.

brighten v

Some flowers in here would certainly brighten the place up, wouldn't they?

broaden v

Travel broadens the mind.

dampen v

Nothing can dampen my spirits on this glorious morning.

deepen v

We'll have to deepen the well if we want more water.

frighten v

The little girl was frightened by the big dog.

harden v

They leave the clay in the sun to harden and use the bricks to build houses.

lengthen v

Lengthening of the platform may not be feasible even in the long-term.

loosen v

He loosened his coat but didn't take it off.

redden v

Ryan's face reddened as he realised what a terrible mistake he'd made.

shorten v

The dress suits you, but it's a bit long. You can always shorten it.

strengthen v

This decision by the authorities only strengthens our determination to fight on.

tighten v

Could you help me tighten my seat belt? It's a bit loose.

weaken v

We must remain strong and not weaken if we're going to stop this bypass being built.