52

habit noun

Synonyms: habit, custom, tradition, practice, routine

habit

something that someone does regularly

He has the habit of biting his fingernails.

custom

something that people usually do, or have done for a long time

It’s their custom to invite all their neighbours to a party at New Year. the local custom of decorating the wells in spring

tradition

beliefs, stories and ways of doing things which are passed from one generation to the next

According to local tradition, the queen died in this bed. It’s a family tradition for the eldest son to take over the business.

practice

a way of doing something, especially a way that is regularly used

It’s standard practice for shops to stay open later on Saturdays. It’s always been our practice to walk the dogs before breakfast.

routine

the usual, regular way of doing things

He doesn’t like his daily routine to be disturbed. A change of routine might do you good.

53

hard adjective

Synonyms: hard, difficult, awkward, tough, tricky

Antonyms: easy, simple

Synonyms:

hard

not easy

Some of the questions were very hard. It’s hard to stay happy when bad things happen.

difficult

not easy to do or achieve

Finding a parking space is difficult on Saturdays. I find it difficult to work when I’m tired.

awkward

hard to use, deal with or carry out because of shape, size or position

I find the handle rather awkward to hold comfortably. Some of the movements you have to do are quite awkward.

tough

requiring a lot of effort, bravery or confidence

She’s very good at taking tough decisions.

tricky

requiring a lot of skill, patience or intelligence

Getting the wire through the little hole is quite tricky. It was tricky to get the right tone of regret in the letter.

Antonyms:

easy

not difficult, or not needing a lot of effort

simple

easy to do or understand

54

harm verb

Synonyms: harm, damage, hurt, injure, wound

harm

to physically affect something or someone in a bad way

Luckily, the little girl was not harmed. The bad publicity has harmed our reputation.

damage

to break, partially destroy or badly affect something

A large number of shops were damaged in the fire. These glasses are easily damaged. His career was badly damaged by the newspaper reports.

hurt

to have pain, or to cause someone to feel pain

My tooth hurts. No one was badly hurt in the accident. Did you hurt your leg when you fell?

injure

to cause pain or damage to someone or to a part of the body

He injured his back playing rugby.

wound

to hurt someone badly by cutting into their flesh

Two of the gang were shot and wounded in the bank robbery. The attacker pulled a knife, wounding him on the arm.

55

help noun

Synonyms: help, support, assistance, aid

help

something which makes it easier for you to do something

Do you need any help with moving the furniture? Her assistant is not much help in the office – he can’t type or drive.

support

help or encouragement

I’m grateful for the support of friends and family. We have had no financial support from the bank.

assistance help

He asked if he could be of any assistance. She will need assistance with her luggage. He was trying to change the wheel when a truck driver offered his assistance.

aid

help, especially money, food or other gifts given to people living in difficult conditions

aid to the earthquake zone an aid worker