English Vocabulary in Use: Advanced Book with Answers and Enhanced eBook Vocabulary Reference and Practice 3rd Edition

meaning
adjective
verb
examples
loathing
intense hatred
loathsome 
loathe
I just loathe people who tell lies.
abhorrence
intense disgust
abhorrent
abhor
We all find her behaviour abhorrent.
scorn
lack of respect for 
something
scornful
scorn
There was a scornful note in his 
voice.
irritation
a feeling of being annoyed
irritating 
irritated*
irritate
Her comments gave me an intense 
feeling of irritation.
distress
a feeling of being 
extremely upset or worried
distressing 
distressed*
distress
Being told that my best friend was 
seriously ill was very distressing.
alarm
a feeling of being very 
worried or frightened
alarming 
alarmed*
alarm
The advance of the enemy troops 
across the river was an alarming 
development.
Adjectives with negative connotations
She was very 
offhand with everyone. 
[showed a rude lack of interest in others]
The Director’s personal assistant can be very 
officious. 
[too eager to tell others what to do]
He makes very 
ostentatious displays of his wealth, with big, flashy cars, designer clothes, etc. 
[displaying wealth or possessions in a vulgar way]
She’s become very 
pompous since she was elected to Parliament. 
[too formal and showing that you 
think that you are more important than other people]
She boasts about reading philosophy books – she’s so 
pretentious. 
[tries to appear more serious or 
important than she is]
What 
puerile behaviour! Grow up! 
[silly and childish]
Because I rushed it, my essay was a bit