Advanced English (2) • NOUNS • 'T'

noun [C ] C2 formal • synonyms: principle, doctrine, belief • core/fundamental tenet; tenets of democracy/religion/philosophy; challenge/violate a tenet • freq in AmE: 4/10

a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true, especially one that is central to a system of thought or ideology

noun phrase [C ] C1 • synonyms: reasoning, mental path, logic • explain/follow/analyze someone’s thought process; thought process behind something; reveal/understand/interrupt thought process • freq in AmE: 7/10

the mental sequence or structure of reasoning, reflection, or decision-making; the way someone organizes and connects ideas to reach conclusions or solve problems

noun [U ] C1 • synonyms: brutality, intimidation, violence • political/street/emotional thuggery; condemn/justify/disguise thuggery • freq in AmE: 5/10

violent or brutal behavior, especially involving intimidation, coercion, or criminal force; often used to describe lawless aggression or bullying tactics

noun [C ] C2 business/logistics (UK also turnround time) • synonyms: processing time, delivery time, completion time • shorten/improve/guarantee turnaround time; 24-hour/standard/expected turnaround time • freq in AmE: 7/10

the amount of time taken to complete a process, task, or request — especially from initiation to delivery; commonly used in business, logistics, customer service, and production contexts

noun [S or U ] C1 metaphorical • synonyms: turning point, threshold, breaking point • each/hit/pass tipping point • bring/mark/represent tipping point in something • freq in AmE: 8/10

the critical moment or threshold at which a significant and often irreversible change occurs; the point where momentum shifts and transformation accelerates

collocation with tipping point noun [S or U ] C1 metaphorical • synonyms: hit, cross, approach • reach tipping point in something/when something happens • situation/market/climate/public opinion reaches tipping point • freq in AmE: 8/10

to arrive at a critical threshold where change becomes inevitable or accelerates rapidly; often marks the moment when pressure, momentum, or tension leads to transformation

noun [C or U ] C1 • synonyms: term, incumbency, service • tenure as president/professor/CEO; during/throughout/after one's tenure • freq in AmE: 6/10

the period during which someone holds a position, office, or role — especially in politics, academia, or leadership; implies formal authority and continuity

noun [S ] C2 • synonyms: end, conclusion, final stage • at/in/on the tail end of something; catch/join/arrive at the tail end; the tail end of a process/event/era • freq in AmE: 5/10

the final part, last stage, or concluding portion of something — often used to describe time periods, sequences, or events

collocation with tail end noun [S ] C2 • synonyms: final stage, conclusion, last part • at/in/on the tail end of something; the tail end of a process/event/era; catch/join something at the tail end • freq in AmE: 5/10

the final part or concluding stage of a period, event, process, or sequence — often implying that most of it has already passed

noun [S ] C1 • synonyms: elite, premium, upper echelon • in the top tier (of something); top-tier brand/university/talent; reach/join/compete in the top tier • freq in AmE: 7/10

the highest level, rank, or category within a system, organization, or classification; often associated with excellence, prestige, or elite status

noun [C ] C1 • synonyms: benchmark, standard, reference point • a touchstone for excellence/truth/tradition; serve as/become/remain a touchstone; cultural/moral/artistic touchstone • freq in AmE: 5/10

a standard or reference point by which something is judged, evaluated, or compared; often used in intellectual, cultural, or philosophical contexts

noun [C ] C1 • synonyms: pioneer, innovator, groundbreaker • trailblazer in science/art/activism; fearless/visionary trailblazer; become a trailblazer • freq in AmE: 6/10

a person who is the first to do something or to lead the way in a new field, method, or movement — often inspiring others to follow

collocation with thread [C ] C1 • synonyms: unifying theme, shared element • a common thread (that) runs through something; a common thread running through(out) something • common thread in stories/voices/experiences • freq in AmE: 6/10

a shared idea, theme, or element that connects different things, people, or events; something recurring or unifying across varied contexts

noun [C or U ] C1 • synonyms: trim level/configuration/package • base/sport/luxury trim; choose/upgrade/compare trim; trim options/levels/details • freq in AmE: 6/10

(OF VEHICLE) the specific version or configuration of a vehicle model, often defined by its features, materials, and design details — including interior finishes, technology packages, and performance options

noun [C ] C1 • synonyms: configuration/variant/package • in different/various/three/four/five etc. trim levels; base/luxury/sport trim level; choose/compare/upgrade trim levels; in sedans/SUVs/EVs • freq in AmE: 5/10

a specific version of a vehicle model defined by its set of features, materials, and options — such as engine type, interior finishes, infotainment systems, and safety technologies

collocation with trim level noun [C ] C1 • synonyms: in three versions/configurations/packages • available/offered/sold in three trim levels; base/sport/luxury; standard/mid-range/premium • freq in AmE: 5/10

used to describe a vehicle model that is available in three distinct configurations or versions, each offering a different set of features, finishes, and performance options

collocation with trim level noun [C ] C1 • synonyms: offered/sold/available in multiple versions/configurations • available in various trim levels / comes in different trim levels; base/sport/luxury • freq in AmE: 6/10

used to describe a vehicle model that is offered in multiple configurations, each with a distinct set of features, finishes, and performance options — typically ranging from basic to premium

noun [C ] C1 • synonyms: adjustment/refinement/fix/optimization • make/apply/suggest a tweak; minor/quick/clever tweak; performance/code/layout tweak • freq in AmE: 6/10

a small adjustment or fine-tuning made to improve performance, appearance, or functionality — often quick, targeted, and iterative

noun [C ] C2 • synonyms: characteristic, attribute, tendency • personality/genetic/emotional trait; defining/admirable/inherited trait; trait of resilience/cruelty; trait as fingerprint/shadow • freq in AmE: 8/10

a specific characteristic, quality, or feature of a person, thing, or group, especially one that distinguishes or defines identity or behavior

noun [C ] C2 • synonyms: dictator, despot, oppressor • cruel/ruthless tyrant; overthrow/confront/denounce tyrant; tyrant rules/dominates/terrorizes; label someone a tyrant • freq in AmE: 6/10

a ruler or person who exercises power in a cruel, oppressive, or unjust way; historically, a sovereign who seized power without legal right

collocation with terrain noun [C or U ] C1 mainly US informal (figurative, media/business) • synonyms: rough ground, uneven landscape • rugged terrain features/conditions; navigate/cross rugged terrain; adapt to rugged terrain • freq in AmE: 5/10

land that is uneven, rocky, and difficult to travel across; often characterized by steep slopes, rough surfaces, and natural obstacles

noun [U ] C1 formal • synonyms: apprehension, dread, unease • with/in trepidation; feel/approach/speak with trepidation • freq in AmE: 4/10

a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen; nervous apprehension or dread

noun [C ] C1 • synonyms: mockery, distortion, farce • travesty of justice/democracy; call/denounce something as a travesty; complete/grotesque travesty

a distorted, absurd or false representation of something; often used to express outrage at injustice or misrepresentation

noun [C or U ] C1 • synonyms: statement, account, evidence • give/present/provide testimony; emotional/sworn/expert testimony; testimony in court/under oath; bear testimony to something • be (a) testimony to something (= to be clear proof of something)

formal statement given in court or publicly to express facts, experiences or beliefs; often used as evidence or personal account

collocation with testimony noun [C or U ] C1 • be (a) testimony to love/effort/hard work

↪ to serve as clear evidence or proof of a quality, fact, or achievement; to demonstrate or exemplify something strongly and visibly