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Cambridge English: CPE (C2 Proficiency) - Fear, Anxiety & Weakness

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Cambridge English: CPE (C2 Proficiency)

to expect something unpleasant or frightening to happen

Ex: The soldier apprehended the battle , unsure of what awaited him on the front lines .
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apprehensive
[Adjective]

nervous or worried that something unpleasant may happen

Ex: The team was apprehensive about the new project 's challenging deadline .
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to quail
[Verb]

to experience or express the feeling of fear

Ex: The children quailed at the spooky tales told around the campfire.
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qualm
[noun]

a slight feeling of nausea or unease, often temporary

Ex: Seeing blood often gives people qualms.
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perturbed
[Adjective]

feeling anxious, unsettled, or disturbed by something

Ex: The dog became perturbed when strangers entered the house.
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jittery
[Adjective]

having a nervous or restless energy

Ex: He felt jittery before meeting his new boss .
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timorous
[Adjective]

lacking bravery and confidence

Ex: The timorous approach of the new team member made her interactions hesitant .
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in a state of great anxiety, suspense, or excitement while waiting for something

Ex: The ongoing negotiation process has everyone on tenterhooks.
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tremulous
[Adjective]

(of the voice or body) shaking in a slight, fragile manner, often due to nerves, fear, age or illness

Ex: She wrote a tremulous note apologizing for the misunderstanding .
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a state of nervousness or fear, anticipating that something bad may occur

Ex: The ominous clouds overhead filled the villagers with trepidation, fearing an impending storm .
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wince
[noun]

an automatic physical reaction to sudden pain, often involving a slight flinch or tightening of the muscles

Ex: The loud bang triggered a startled wince from the child .
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fawning
[Adjective]

trying to gain someone's approval or affection by giving them excessive praise or attention

Ex: He disliked the fawning tone of the interviewer's questions.
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obsequious
[Adjective]

excessively flattering and obeying a person, particularly in order to gain their approval or favor

Ex: His obsequious praise of the manager was seen by his colleagues as a transparent attempt to get a promotion .
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servile
[Adjective]

very keen to please and obey others

Ex: The servile manner in which he answered every command highlighted his fear of losing his position .
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to try to gain someone's favor or friendship by acting friendly or affectionate, often in an insincere way

Ex: Reporters accused her of cozying up to powerful figures for personal gain.
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to fawn
[Verb]

to show affection or admiration excessively, typically to gain favor or advantage

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to try to gain advantage by flattery or submissive behavior

Ex: The employee brought coffee for the entire team in an attempt to curry favor with colleagues.
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subservient
[Adjective]

ready to obey others unquestioningly, especially those in authority

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unctuous
[Adjective]

characterized by excessive ingratiation or flattery, often in a way that seems insincere or manipulative

Ex: His unctuous praise for his boss only reinforced the perception that he was a sycophant .
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to bring oneself into favor with someone by trying to please them

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craven
[Adjective]

not having even the smallest amount of courage

Ex: He was labeled craven after he backed out of the challenge at the last minute .
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pusillanimous
[Adjective]

having a lack of courage or determination

Ex: The team grew frustrated with their pusillanimous teammate , who was always reluctant to take charge .
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dastardly
[Adjective]

extremely cowardly in a way that is cruel, underhanded, or deserving of strong disapproval

Ex: Spreading lies about her was a dastardly move .
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lily-livered
[Adjective]

lacking courage or resolution

Ex: The group was frustrated with the lily-livered approach of their leader .
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redoubtable
[Adjective]

causing fear due to greatness or being impressive

Ex: Facing the redoubtable general, the enemy army quickly lost morale.
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toady
[noun]

a person who behaves obsequiously to gain advantage from someone powerful

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slacker
[noun]

someone who avoids work or responsibility, especially by being lazy or trying to escape duties such as military service

Ex: The army cracked down on slackers who tried to avoid service .
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pique
[noun]

a brief, intense feeling of anger, irritation, or resentment

Ex: A look of pique crossed his face before he regained composure .
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to falter
[Verb]

to become unsure, weak, or unsteady in purpose, confidence, or action

Ex: As the climb grew steeper , their determination began to falter.
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to be undecided and not know what opinion, idea, or course of action to stick to

Ex: He has been vacillating on whether to move to a new city or stay where he is .
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a point of weakness or vulnerability

Ex: The food supply proved to be the nation's Achilles' heel in its defense against terrorist attacks.
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Cambridge English: CPE (C2 Proficiency)
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