What is the difference between a Russian optimist, pessimist and realist?
The optimist studies English.
The pessimist studies Chinese.
The realist stays home and cleans his kalashnikov.
n. (pl. -ies) 1 speech or writing in praise of a person.
- expression of praise. [latin from greek]
EUNUCH
n. Castrated man, esp. One formerly employed at an oriental harem or court. [greek, = bedchamber attendant]
EUREKA
int. I have found it! (announcing a discovery etc.). [greek heureka]
EVINCE
v. (-cing) indicate, display (a quality, feeling, etc.). [latin: related to *evict]
EVOLVE
v. (-ving) 1 develop gradually and naturally.
- devise (a theory, plan, etc.).
- unfold.
- give off (gas, heat, etc.). [latin volvo volut- roll]
EXCEED
v. - (often foll. By by an amount) be more or greater than.
- go beyond or do more than is warranted by (a set limit, esp. Of one's authority, instructions, or rights).
- surpass. [latin excedo -cess- go beyond]
EXCEPT
—v. Exclude from a general statement, condition, etc. —prep. (often foll. By for) not including; other than (all failed except him; is all right except that it is too long). —conj. Archaic unless (except he be born again). [latin excipio -cept- take out]
EXCESS
baggage n. (also excess luggage) baggage exceeding a weight allowance and liable to an extra charge.
- —n. - exceeding.
- amount by which one thing exceeds another.
- a overstepping of accepted limits of moderation, esp. In eating or drinking. B (in pl.) Immoderate behaviour.
- part of an insurance claim to be paid by the insured. —attrib. Adj. Usu. - that exceeds a limited or prescribed amount.
- required as extra payment (excess postage). in (or to) excess exceeding the proper amount or degree.
EXCISE
—n. - tax on goods produced or sold within the country of origin.
- tax on certain licences. —v. (-sing) 1 charge excise on.
- force (a person) to pay excise. [dutch excijs from romanic: related to latin *census tax]
- v. (-sing) 1 remove (a passage from a book etc.).
- cut out (an organ etc.) By surgery. excision n. [latin excido cut out]
EXCITE
v. (-ting) 1 a rouse the emotions of (a person). B arouse (feelings etc.). C arouse sexually.
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