Theme 1: Banking and Finance

balance / 'bæləns / 1. [countable] the amount of money that you have in your bank account

 My bank balance isn't very healthy.

2. [countable] the balance of a debt is the amount of money that you still owe after you have paid some of it

 The balance is due at the end of the month.

bureau de change noun / bjʊərəʊ də'ʆɒndʒ / plural a shop where you can change foreign money

checking account [countable] a bank account that you can take money out of at any time, and for which you are given checks to use to pay for things

savings account noun [countable] a bank account in which you keep money that you want to save for a period of time, and which pays you interest on the money you have in it

debit card noun [countable] a plastic card with your signature on that you can use to pay for things. The money is taken directly from your bank account

credit card noun [countable] a small plastic card that you use to buy goods or services and pay for them later

 We accept all major credit cards.

denomination noun / dɪnɒmɪ'neɪʆən / [countable] the value shown on a coin, paper money, or a stamp

deposit noun / dɪ'pɒzɪt / [countable] 1. a part of the cost of something you are buying that you pay some time before you pay the rest of it •

a deposit of/ put down a deposit (on something)

 A deposit of 10% is required.  We put down a deposit on a house last week.  We ask for one month's rent in advance, plus a deposit of $500.

2. an amount of money that is paid into a bank account ᅳ opposite withdrawal • deposit into

 I'd like to make a deposit (=pay some money) into my savings account.

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ceiling noun / 'siːl ŋɪ / [countable] the largest number or amount of something that is officially allowed • ceiling of • •

impose/set/put a ceiling (on something) raise/lower the ceiling (on something)  a public spending ceiling of £240 billion  The government imposed a ceiling on imports of foreign cars.

direct debit noun [uncountable and countable] an instruction you give your bank to pay money directly out of your account regularly to a particular person or organization

interest rate noun [countable] the percentage amount charged by a bank etc when you borrow money or paid to you by a bank when you keep money in an account there

loan noun / ləʊn / [countable] an amount of money that you borrow from a bank etc • a loan of

 a loan of £60,000  I had to take out a loan to buy my car.  It'll be years before we've paid off the loan.  The organization was allowed to make loans to private businesses.  An interest-free loan fund is available for students who find themselves in unforeseen

financial difficulty.

 They were unable to keep up with their loan repayments.

mortgage noun / 'mɔːgɪdʒ/ [countable] a legal arrangement by which you borrow money from a bank or similar organization in order to buy a house, and pay back the money over a period of years

 They've taken out a 30 year mortgage (=they will pay for their house over a period of 30

years).

 We decided to use Fred's redundancy money to pay off the mortgage.  Mortgage rates are set to rise again in the spring.  She was having trouble meeting her mortgage payments.

mortgage verb [transitive] if you mortgage your home, land, or property, you borrow money, usually from a bank, and if you cannot pay back the money within a particular period of time, the bank has the right to sell your property in order to get the money you owe it

 We mortgaged our house to start Paul's business.

overdraft noun / 'əʊvədrɑːft / [countable] the amount of money you owe to a bank when you have spent more money than you had in your account

 a £250 overdraft

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payee noun / peɪ 'iː / [countable] the person or organization to whom money, especially a check, must be paid

remittance noun / rɪ'mɪtəns / 1. [countable] formal an amount of money that you send to pay for something 2. [uncountable] when you send money • on remittance of something

 We will forward the goods on remittance of £10.

standing order noun [uncountable and countable] an arrangement by which a bank pays a fixed amount of money from your account every month, year etc ᅳ see also direct debit

statement noun / 'steɪtmənt / [countable] a record showing amounts of money paid, received, owed etc

 I haven't received my bank statement for last month yet.

transfer verb / træns 'fɜː/ [transitive] to move money from one account or institution to another •

transfer something (from something) to something  I'd like to transfer $500 to my checking account.

traveler’s check an internationally accepted check for a sum in a particular currency that can be exchanged elsewhere for local currency or for goods and is usually guaranteed against loss or theft.

recognize verb /'rekəgnaɪz/[transitive] [not in progressive] to know who someone is or what something is, because you have seen, heard, experienced, or learned about them in the past

 I didn't recognize you in your uniform.  It was malaria, but Dr Lee hadn't recognized the symptoms.

realize verb /'rɪəlaɪz/ to know and understand something, or suddenly begin to understand it • •

realize (that) realize who/what/how etc  I suddenly realized that the boy was crying.  I'm sorry, I didn't realize who you were.

at somebody's convenience =at a time that is best and easiest for someone  These meals can be prepared in advance, and served at your convenience.

for somebody's convenience

 For your convenience, the bank is open until 7 p.m.

authorize verb /'ɔ θː əraɪz /[transitive] to give official permission for something

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• authorize somebody to do something

 The city council authorized staff to purchase a new computer system.

p.a. = per annum

 a salary of $40,000 per annum

retain verb / rɪ 'teɪn / [transitive] to keep something or continue to have something

 You have the right to retain possession of the goods.  The state wants to retain control of food imports.

collective adjective / kə'lektɪv / [only before noun] shared or made by every member of a group or society

 a collective decision made by all board members  our collective responsibility for the environment

affective adjective / ə 'fektɪv / (medical) relating to or having an effect on the emotions

 affective disorders

terminate verb / 'tɜːmɪneɪt / = end

 The court ruled that the contract must be terminated.

effective adjective / ɪ'fektɪv / 1. successful, and working in the way that was intended

 the most effective ways of reducing inner city congestion

2. [no comparative, not before noun] if a law, agreement, or system becomes effective, it officially starts • effective from

 The cut in interest rates is effective from Monday.

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Theme 2: Marketing

television/radio/newspaper advertising

advertising / 'ædvətaɪz ŋɪ / [uncountable] the activity or business of advertising things on television, in newspapers etc • • advertising campaign/strategy

 Both candidates are spending millions on television advertising.  the advertising slogan 'Come alive with Pepsi'

advertisement noun / əd 'vɜːtɪsmənt / [countable] • advertisement for

 The Sunday papers are full of advertisements for cars.  They put an advertisement in The Morning News, offering a high salary for the right

person.

 The organizers of the concert had taken out a full page advertisement in The New York

Times.

brand noun / brænd / [countable] a type of product made by a particular company, that has a particular name or design • brand of

 What brand of detergent do you use?

distribute verb / dɪ 'strɪbjuːt / [transitive] 1. to share things among a group of people, especially in a planned way • distribute something among/to somebody

 Clothes and blankets have been distributed among the refugees.  a man distributing leaflets to passers-by

2. to supply goods to shops and companies so that they can sell them  Milk is distributed to the local shops by Herald's Dairies.

innovation noun / ɪnə'veɪʆən / [ Countable and Uncountable ] a new idea, method, or invention •

innovation in  recent innovations in English teaching  We must encourage innovation if the company is to remain competitive.  Many people feel bewildered by the speed of. technological innovation.

objective noun / əb 'dʒektɪv / [countable] = goal

 He vowed to achieve certain objectives before the end of his presidency.  The degree program has two main objectives.  Managers should set specific performance objectives for their teams.

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 The main objective was to improve children's knowledge of geography.

profit noun / 'prɒfɪt / [uncountable and countable] money that you gain by selling things or doing business, after your costs have been paid ᅳ opposite: loss

 Our daily profit is usually around $500.  They sold their house at a healthy profit.  Few independent movies turn a profit.  The property company made a huge profit on the deal.  Profits are up by a third.  Marston’s profits rose last year to $17 million.  The group’s pre-tax profits slumped to £25.5m.

promote verb / prə'məʊt / [transitive] 1. ▶ENCOURAGE◀

 a meeting to promote trade between Taiwan and the U.K.

2. ▶BETTER JOB◀ • promote somebody to something

 Helen was promoted to senior manager.

3. To help sell a new product, film etc by offering it at a reduced price or by advertising it

 She's in London to promote her new book.

purchase verb / 'pɜːtʆəs / [transitive] = buy something

 You can purchase insurance on-line.  Where did you purchase the car?  Tickets may be purchased in advance from the box office.

purchase noun [uncountable and countable] formal something you buy, or the act of buying it • day/date/time of purchase

 She paid for her purchases and left.  This product should be consumed on the day of purchase.  I enclose my receipt as proof of purchase.

resource noun / rɪ 'zɔːs / 1 ▶LAND/OIL/COAL ETC◀

 Canada's vast mineral resources  a country which is rich in natural resources

2 ▶MONEY/PROPERTY ETC◀ all the money, property, skills etc that you have available to use

when you need them

 She had no financial resources.  pool your resources (=put together all the resources that each of you can provide)

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revenue noun / 'revənjuː/ money that a business or organization receives over a period of time, especially from selling goods or services

 Strikes have cost £20 million in lost revenues.  an increase in tax revenues of 8.4%

revise verb / rɪ'vaɪz / [transitive] to change something because of new information or ideas

 The college has revised its plans because of local objections.  We have revised our estimates of population growth.

deadline noun / 'dedlaɪn / [countable] a date or time by which you have to do or complete something • deadline for something/ deadline of something • meet/miss a deadline • set/impose a deadline •

tight/strict deadline (=a deadline that is difficult)  The deadline for applications is May 27th.  It has to be in before the deadline of July 1st.  working under pressure to meet a deadline  They've set a deadline of Nov 5.

submit verb / səb'mɪt / to give a plan, piece of writing etc to someone in authority for them to consider or approve

 submit an application/claim/proposal etc  All applications must be submitted by Monday

submission noun / səb'mɪʆən /

in-house adjective, adverb working within a company or organization

 We have an in-house training unit.

caring adjective / 'keər ŋɪ / thinking about what other people need or want and trying to help them

 a warm and caring man  a caring attitude  The school aims to educate children in a caring environment.

focus verb / 'fəʊkəs / to give special attention to one particular person or thing •

focus on something; focus your attention/mind/efforts on something  He felt he needed to focus more on his career.  She tried to focus her mind on her work.  We need to focus public attention on this issue.

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Theme 3: Hospitality

hospitality noun / hɒspɪ'tæləti / [uncountable] 1. friendly behavior towards visitors

 Thanks for your hospitality over the past few weeks.

2. services such as food and drink that an organization provides for guests at a special event

 Improving customer service is complex and fundamental to all sectors of the hospitality

industry.

bartender / 'bɑːtendə/ someone who makes, pours, and serves drinks in a bar or restaurant

beverage noun / 'bevərɪdʒ / [countable] a hot or cold drink

 alcoholic beverages

catering noun / 'keɪtər ŋɪ / [uncountable] the activity of providing and serving food and drinks at parties, meetings etc for money  Who did the catering?  catering business/service etc

cater verb / 'keɪtə/ [intransitive and transitive] to provide and serve food and drinks at a party, meeting etc, usually as a business • cater for

 This is the biggest event we've ever catered for.  The hostel caters for single people who are unable to find affordable accommodation.

cocktail lounge noun a public room in a hotel, restaurant etc, where you can buy alcoholic drinks

complimentary adjective / kɒmplɪ'mentəri / given free to people

 There was a complimentary bottle of champagne in the hotel room.  I've got some complimentary tickets for the theatre tonight.

hygiene noun / 'haɪdʒiːn / [uncountable] the practice of keeping yourself and the things around you clean in order to prevent diseases • good/poor/proper hygiene

 the importance of personal hygiene  a food hygiene training course  The restaurant had been shut down following complaints of poor hygiene.

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front desk noun [uncountable] the desk where visitors go when they arrive at a hotel or organization housekeeper noun / 'haʊs kiːpə / [countable] someone who is employed to manage the cleaning, cooking etc in a house or hotel

landlord noun / 'lændlɔːd / [countable] a man who rents a room, building, or piece of land to someone

premise noun / 'premɪs / premises [plural] the buildings and land that a shop, restaurant, company etc uses • off the premises; on the premises

 Schools may earn extra money by renting out their premises.  The manager escorted him off the premises.  The wonderful desserts are made on the premises.

reservation noun / rezə 'veɪʆən / [countable] = booking

 Customers are advised to make seat reservations well in advance.  Groups of ten or more should make advance reservations.  Many newcomers were upset that they would be unable to camp there after having made

reservations months in advance.

reserve verb / rɪ 'zɜːv / [transitive] = book •

reserve something for somebody/something  I'd like to reserve a table for two.  Do you have to reserve tickets in advance?

seasonal adjective / 'siːzənəl / [usually before noun] happening, expected, or needed during a particular season

 seasonal workers/employment etc  seasonal jobs in the tourist industry

take advantage of something (to do something) to use a particular situation to do or get what you want

 I took advantage of the good weather to paint the shed.  You'll want to take full advantage of the beachfront clubs.

pick verb / pɪk / [transitive] choose a person or thing because they are the best or most suitable • pick somebody/something for something • pick somebody/something as something • pick somebody to do something

 Students have to pick three courses from a list of 15. I  I wasn't picked for the hockey team.

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 The hotel was picked as the best small hotel in the area.  He was picked to run in the 100 meters.

minor noun [countable] someone who is below the age at which they become legally responsible for their actions

 This film contains material unsuitable for minors.

tolerate verb / 'tɒləreɪt / [transitive] 1. to allow people to do, say, or believe something without criticizing or punishing them

 Drug dealers will not be tolerated in this community.

2. = stand, bear

 I told him I wasn't going to tolerate his drinking any longer.  For years the workers have had to tolerate low wages and terrible working conditions.

license noun /'laɪsəns/ [countable] an official document giving you permission to own or do something for a period of time

 The dealers applied for an export license.  He was arrested for driving without a license.  The Tennessee Valley Authority applied for a license to operate the facility.  I forgot to renew my driving license.

licensed adjective / 'laɪsənst / having a license to sell alcoholic drinks

 a licensed restaurant

accidental adjective / æksɪ'dentl / happening without being planned or intended opposite: deliberate

 Buy an insurance policy that covers accidental damage

comply verb / kəm 'plaɪ / to do what you have to do or are asked to do • comply with

 Failure to comply with the regulations will result in prosecution.  Companies must comply with European employment laws.  The gas stations that fail to comply with the law will be fined.

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Theme 4: Office administration noun / ədmɪnɪ'streɪʆən / [uncountable] the activities that are involved in managing the work of a company or organization

 We're looking for someone with experience in administration.  The health service spends too much on administration. the administration (=the people who do this work)  the college administration

agenda noun / ə'dʒendə / [countable] a list of the subjects to be discussed at a meeting

 the next item (=subject) on the agenda  Have you got a copy of the agenda for tomorrow's meeting?

executive noun / ɪg 'zekjʊtɪv / [countable] a manager in an organization or company who helps make important decisions

 a marketing executive  top executives on high salaries

flex-time /'flekstaɪm/ American English [uncountable] a system in which people work a particular number of hours each week or month, but can change the times at which they start and finish each day

 The group members used flex-time without clocks and effectively policed their own team

discipline.

intern noun / 'ɪntɜːn / someone who has nearly finished training as a doctor and is working in a hospital

 She refused to be treated by an intern and demanded to see a qualified doctor.

promotion noun / prə'məʊʆən / 1. [uncountable and countable] a move to a more important job or position in a company or organization

 I want a job with good prospects for promotion.  Your promotion to Senior Editor is now official.

2. [uncountable and countable] an activity intended to help sell a product, or the product that is being promoted

 a winter sales promotion

résumé noun / 'rezjʊmeɪ / [countable] a short written account of your education and your previous jobs that you send to an employer when you are looking for a new job

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stationery noun / 'steɪʆənəri / [uncountable] materials that you use for writing, such as paper, pens, pencils etc

maternity / mə'tɜːnəti / [only before noun] relating to a woman who is pregnant or who has just had a baby

 a blue maternity dress  maternity benefits/pay etc

maternity leave noun [uncountable] time that a mother is allowed to spend away from work when she has a baby • on maternity leave

 Karen will be on maternity leave next month.  The 42-clause Bill gives pregnant workers the right to a minimum of 14 weeks' maternity

leave.

sick leave noun [uncountable] time that you are allowed to spend away from work because you are sick • on sick leave

 He has been on sick leave for more than three months.

attach verb / ə'tætʆ / [transitive] to fasten or connect one object to another • attach something to something •

the attached form/check/leaflet etc  Attach a recent photograph to your application form.  Please fill in and return the attached reply slip.

select verb / sɪ'lekt / [transitive] = choose, pick • select somebody for something

 He had hopes of being selected for the national team.

• select somebody/something as something

 York was selected as the site for the research centre.

• select somebody/something from something  They selected the winner from six finalists.

• select somebody to do something

 Simon's been selected to go to the conference.

elect verb / ɪ'lekt / [transitive usually passive] to choose someone for an official position by voting • elect somebody to something • elect somebody (as) president/leader/mayor etc

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 the country's first democratically elected government  Ken Livingstone was elected (as) mayor of London in May 2000.

Theme 5: Shopping

bar code noun [countable] a group of thin and thick lines printed on products you buy in a shop, and which a computer can read. It contains information such as the price

bargain noun / 'bɑːgən / [countable] something you buy cheaply or for less than its usual price

 There are no bargains in the clothes shops at the moment.  That second-hand table was a real bargain.  Thousands of bargain hunters queued up for hours.

bargain verb to discuss the conditions of a sale, agreement etc, for example to try and get a lower price • bargain (with someone) (for/over something)

 workers bargaining for better pay  They bargained over the level of wages.  women bargaining with traders

cash register noun a machine used in shops to keep the money in and record the amount of money received from each sale

discount noun / 'dɪskaʊnt / [countable] a reduction in the usual price of something • 10% discount/discount of 25% etc • at a discount • offer/give somebody a discount (on something) • discount price/fare/store/shop/warehouse

 Members get a 15% discount.  Employees can buy books at a discount.  The Young Persons Railcard gives you a discount on rail travel.  discount airfares to Europe

loyalty card noun [countable] a card given by a shop, supermarket, etc that gives customers who often buy things there advantages such as lower prices, money back on goods etc

refund noun / 'riːfʌnd / [countable] an amount of money that is given back to you if you are not satisfied with the goods or services that you have paid for

 They refused to give me a refund.  Return your purchase within 14 days for a full refund.  You should go down there and demand a refund.

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tax refund: money that you get back from the government when it has taken too much money in taxes from your salary be out of stock/in stock = be unavailable or available in a particular shop)

 I'm sorry, that swimsuit is completely out of stock in your size.

stock verb if a shop stocks a particular product, it keeps a supply of it to sell

 We stock a wide range of kitchen equipment.

undersell verb / ʌndə'sel/ to sell goods at a lower price than someone else

further adjective more or additional • further details/information etc • a further 10 miles/5 minutes etc

 Are there any further questions?  Visit our website for further details.  Cook gently for a further 10 minutes.

until further notice = until you are told that something has changed

 Lacunza ordered the suspension of the elections until further notice.

on average based on a calculation about how many times something usually happens, how much money someone usually gets, how often people usually do something etc

 On average, men still earn more than women.  Nearly 80% of Swiss citizens on average turn out to vote.

static adjective / 'stætɪk / not moving, changing, or developing

 Economists predict that house prices will remain static for a long period.

contender noun / kən'tendə / [countable] someone or something that is in competition with other people or things •

a serious/strong/leading etc contender (for something)

 a contender for the Democratic nomination  Her new album has to be a strong contender for the Album of the Year award.

peer noun / pɪə/ [countable] [usually plural] formal your peers are the people who are the same age as you, or who have the same type of job, social class etc

 American children did less well in math than their peers in Japan.

rival company/firm/team etc

 Sheena left her job and went to work for a rival company.

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