ESL Vocabulary Lists

Vocab List 6

keep an eye on  (idiom) – to watch or look after something or someone

My sister will keep an eye on my baby while I go to work.

Could you keep an eye on my purse while I go to the bathroom?

merely (adverb) – only, nothing more, just

This is not a serious injury; it’s merely a small cut.

I was merely asking a question, and the teacher got angry with me for no reason.

no rhyme or reason (idiom) – no sense, no obvious explanation for something, mysteriously

There’s no rhyme or reason to the plot of that movie; I don’t recommend it.

The conclusion of her essay was without rhyme or reason; it didn't make any sense.

reluctant (adjective) --  opposite of “eager,” not very willing to do something

Susan wants to get married, but Bob is very reluctant – he feels that he’s too young.

John is eager to go to Japan for summer vacation, but Jim is reluctant to go away because he'll miss his girlfriend.

This paper is quite good, but I’m reluctant to give it an “A” because there is no rhyme or reason to the conclusion.

drain (verb) – to empty of water, liquid, or energy

If you want to change the oil in your car, first you must drain the old oil; then you can add the new oil.

I ran 5 kilometers this morning and it completely drained me of energy.  I need a nap.

Tim was very scared; all the blood drained from his face; he looked like he'd seen a ghost.

pitiful (adjective) – pathetic, horrible, bad, unfortunate

They live in a pitiful little house – there are holes in the roof and the floor is starting to break.

This test is pitiful!  You only got one question right!  Did you even study at all, or did you merely hope that you would do well?

Look at that pitiful little puppy; we should take him to the vet.