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trustworthy

trust‧wor‧thy /ˈtrʌstˌwɜːði $ -ɜːr-/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: adjective: ↑trusting, ↑trustworthy ≠ ↑untrustworthy, ↑trusty, ↑distrustful, ↑mistrustful; noun: ↑trust ≠ ↑distrust ≠ ↑mistrust, ↑trustee, ↑trusteeship, ↑trustworthiness; verb: ↑trust ≠ ↑distrust ≠ ↑mistrust]
able to be trusted and depended on
—trustworthiness noun [uncountable]
• • •
THESAURUS
■ people
▪ trustworthy especially written if someone is trustworthy, you can trust them because they are honest: Many people do not see politicians as trustworthy.
▪ reliable someone who is reliable can be trusted to do what they say they will do and not make any mistakes: a reliable employee | We need someone who is 100% reliable.
▪ responsible someone who is responsible can be trusted to behave in a sensible way: Sam’s a good babysitter – he’s responsible and the kids like him. | a responsible adult
▪ dependable someone who is dependable can be trusted to do what you need or expect: Britain is our most dependable ally.
▪ steady someone who is steady is sensible and you can depend on them: He’s only sixteen, but he’s steady and reliable.
▪ loyal someone who is loyal can be trusted to always give help or support to their friends, their country, their political party etc: She is fiercely loyal to her family. | He is one of the party’s most loyal supporters.
▪ faithful someone who is faithful stays loyal to a person, belief, political party etc, and continues to support them, even in difficult situations: Daniel had been a faithful friend. | a faithful member of the Communist Party
▪ can rely/depend on somebody if you can rely or depend on someone, you can be sure that they will do what you want or need them to do: Don’t worry about a thing – you can depend on me. | Patients rely on doctors to help them make the right decisions about their health care.
■ things
▪ reliable/dependable able to be trusted to do what you want, or to be accurate: The Boeing is a very reliable plane. | a dependable supply of oil | reliable economic forecasts | How can we be sure that his evidence is reliable?
▪ trustworthy if something is trustworthy, you know that it is true or accurate: a trustworthy source of information | a trustworthy guide
▪ can rely/depend on something if you can rely or depend on something, you can be sure that they will do what you want or need them to do: I need a car that I can rely on in all weathers.

modest

mod‧est /ˈmɒdəst, ˈmɒdɪst $ ˈmɑː-/ BrE AmE adjective
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: modestus]
1. NOT PROUD someone who is modest does not want to talk about their abilities or achievements OPP immodest, boastful
modest about
He was always modest about his role in the Everest expedition.
You’re too modest! You’ve been a huge help to us.
2. NOT BIG not very great, big, or expensive:
a modest increase in costs
She had saved a modest amount of money.
The new service proved a modest success.
a modest house with a small garden
his modest ambitions
3. SHY shy about showing your body or attracting sexual interest, because you are easily embarrassed OPP immodest:
She was a modest girl, always keeping covered, even in summer.
4. CLOTHES old-fashioned modest clothing covers the body in a way that does not attract sexual interest:
a modest knee-length dress
—modestly adverb:
‘I was just lucky,’ he said modestly.
modestly priced meals
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ modest not wanting to talk about your abilities or achievements and to say that you are good at something, even when you are – used to show approval: Miller, a quiet, modest man, gave credit to Asher for the initial discovery. | She was surprisingly modest about her own achievements as a player.
▪ self-effacing written not wanting to talk about yourself or to attract attention: Her husband was a quiet, self-effacing man who spent much of his time in his study.
▪ unassuming not wanting to be noticed and not expecting to be treated in a special way: By now Chapman was famous, but he remained as unassuming as ever. | He then began, in typically unassuming fashion, to establish the first modern dance company.
▪ humble believing that you are not more important, better, or cleverer than other people, and therefore not expecting to be treated in a special way: A good leader is humble enough to get advice from experts.
▪ unpretentious not trying to seem better than other people, even if you are rich, famous, clever etc: President Eisenhower was a friendly and unpretentious man who seemed to embody American virtues. | It's his unpretentious boyish charm that ensures Jackie Chan's position as one of the giants of international cinema.
▪ self-deprecating written behaving or talking about your own abilities or achievements in a way that makes them seem unimportant: Despite his intellect, he had an appealing self-deprecating humour. | The nice thing about him is his self-deprecating manner. His intellectual ability was never pushed at you, yet he obviously had great potential. | a self-deprecating smile

hard-working

ˌhard-ˈworking BrE AmE adjective
working with a lot of effort SYN industrious:
a hard-working teacher
 

serious

se‧ri‧ous S1 W1 /ˈsɪəriəs $ ˈsɪr-/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑seriousness; adverb: ↑seriously; adjective: ↑serious]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: sérieux, from Late Latin seriosus, from Latin serius]
1. SITUATION/PROBLEM a serious situation, problem, accident etc is extremely bad or dangerous:
the serious problem of unemployment
Luckily, the damage was not serious.
Serious crimes have increased dramatically.
serious injury/illness/accident etc
a serious accident on the freeway
Oil spills pose a serious threat to marine life.
The president was in serious trouble. ⇨ see Thesaurus box on P. 1590
2. IMPORTANT important and needing a lot of thought or attention:
This is a very serious matter.
the serious business of earning a living
Be quiet, Jim. This is serious.
3. NOT JOKING OR PRETENDING if someone is serious about something they say or plan to do, they really mean it and are not joking or pretending:
His voice suddenly became more serious.
a serious article
serious about
Is she serious about giving up her job?
deadly/dead serious (=definitely not joking)
She sounded dead serious.
Marry Frank? You can’t be serious!
4. CAREFUL serious attention/consideration/thought careful and thorough attention etc:
I’ll give your suggestion serious consideration.
5. QUIET/SENSIBLE someone who is serious is very quiet and sensible, and does not laugh and joke much:
a serious student
6. WORRIED/UNHAPPY slightly worried or unhappy:
You look serious. What’s wrong?
7. ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP a serious romantic relationship is likely to continue for a long time:
It’s serious – they’ve been seeing each other for six months.
serious about
Are you really serious about her?
serious boyfriend/girlfriend
8. SPORT/ACTIVITY [only before noun] very interested in an activity or subject, and spending a lot of time doing it:
He’s become a serious golfer since he retired.
Chris is a serious photographer.
9. VERY GOOD [only before noun] informal very good and often expensive:
He’s got a serious car!
10. LARGE AMOUNT [only before noun] informal used to emphasize that you are talking about a large amount of something:
In industry, you can earn serious money.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ a serious problem Vandalism is a serious problem in the area.
▪ a serious injury/illness The driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
▪ a serious accident He is recovering from a serious accident.
▪ serious damage The explosion sparked a fire which caused serious damage to their flat.
▪ a serious threat In the developed world, over-consumption is now a serious threat to health.
▪ a serious crime/offence Kidnapping is a serious crime.
▪ serious trouble The economy was in serious trouble.
▪ serious consequences Neglecting to make a proper will can have serious consequences.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ very bad
▪ serious very bad – used about problems, accidents, illnesses, or crimes: Violent crime is a serious problem in and around the capital. | The boy was taken to hospital with serious head injuries. | Fortunately, the damage to the car was not serious.
▪ severe very serious – used about problems, injuries, and illnesses: He suffered severe injuries in a car crash. | The problem became so severe that they had to bring water in from other countries. | severe epilepsy
▪ grave used about a situation that is very serious and worrying, especially because it is dangerous or seems likely to get worse: A thick fog descended and I knew that we were in grave danger. | The situation is grave – war now seems inevitable.
▪ acute used about an illness, problem, or situation that has become very serious or dangerous, and needs to be dealt with quickly: She was taken to the hospital suffering from acute appendicitis. | In San Diego, the shortage of skilled workers is acute.
▪ desperate used about a situation or problem that is very serious or dangerous, especially because a lot of people need urgent help: The situation is desperate – people here need aid before the harsh winter sets in. | The hospital is full of people in desperate need of medical attention.
▪ critical used about a situation that is very serious and dangerous and might get worse suddenly: In 1991, the food supply situation became critical. | Eight people were killed and four are still in a critical condition.
▪ life-threatening used about a situation, illness, or condition in which someone could die: Her child had a potentially life-threatening illness. | The situation was not life-threatening, but it was very worrying.
▪ be a matter of life and death spoken to be extremely serious – used when a situation is very urgent or important: For people living with HIV, getting the right treatment is literally a matter of life and death.
■ not joking
▪ serious not joking or laughing, or not pretending: His voice sounded serious. | They seem to be serious about their relationship.
▪ solemn very serious because of an important or sad occasion or ceremony: My father looked solemn, the way grown-ups look at funerals. | The judge read the verdict in a solemn voice.
▪ grave written quiet and very serious – used especially about the way people look when something important or worrying happens: She consulted Doctor Staples and returned looking grave. | He listened with a grave expression on his face.
▪ sombre British English (also somber American English) /ˈsɒmbə $ ˈsɑːmbər/ written sad, quiet, or serious because something unpleasant or worrying has happened or is going to happen: They sat in sombre silence. | The meeting began in a sombre mood.
▪ earnest very serious and sincere – often used about someone who is young and not very experienced: He was a rather earnest-looking young man. | ‘That’s wrong,’ she said, her voice sounding very earnest.

talkative

talk‧a‧tive /ˈtɔːkətɪv $ ˈtɒːk-/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑talk, talks, ↑talker; verb: ↑talk; adjective: ↑talkative]
someone who is talkative talks a lot OPP quiet
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ talkative a talkative person likes to talk a lot – also used about people’s moods: He’s very talkative with his friends and family. | Benjamin was in a talkative mood.
▪ chatty liking to talk a lot in a friendly way – a rather informal use: I like her – she’s always cheerful and chatty. | The chatty girl on the phone answered most of my questions.
▪ articulate able to talk easily and effectively about things, especially difficult subjects: All the applicants we interviewed were intelligent and articulate. | These were articulate people, well able to deal with the press and media.
▪ eloquent able to express your ideas and opinions well – used especially about people who speak in public and are able to influence people: an eloquent public speaker
▪ garrulous formal talking a lot, especially about unimportant things: A garrulous old man was sitting near me in the bar. | He became more garrulous as the evening went on.
▪ you can’t shut him/her up informal used to say humorously that someone talks all the time: You can’t shut him up so I never get any work done when he’s here.
▪ chatterbox informal someone, especially a child, who talks a lot : Cathy’s a real chatterbox.

considerate

con‧sid‧er‧ate /kənˈsɪdərət, kənˈsɪdərɪt/ adjective
  [Word Family: adjective: considerable ≠ inconsiderable, considerate ≠ inconsiderate, considered; verb: consider, reconsider; noun: consideration, reconsideration; adverb: considerably, considerately ≠ inconsiderately]
  always thinking of what other people need or want and being careful not to upset them OPP inconsiderate:
   • He was always kind and considerate.
  it is considerate of somebody (to do something)
   • It was very considerate of you to let us know you were going to be late.
  considerate towards
   • As a motorist, I try to be considerate towards cyclists.
 —considerately adverb
     • • •

THESAURUS

   ▪ kind someone who is kind tries to help people and make them happy or comfortable, and shows that they care about them: • They were very kind to us and let us stay in their house as long as we liked. | • a kind old lady | • a kind thing to say
   ▪ nice especially spoken friendly and kind. Nice is very common in everyday spoken English and is often used instead of kind: • Everyone has been so nice to me. | • It’s nice of you to invite me here. | • He seems such a nice man.
   ▪ generous kind because you give people money, presents etc: • ‘I’ll pay for the meal.’ ‘That’s very generous of you.’ | • a generous gift
   ▪ considerate thinking about other people’s feelings, and careful not to do anything that will upset them: • Our neighbours are very considerate and always keep their TV turned down. | • a considerate driver | • He’s always very polite and considerate to his guests.
   ▪ thoughtful thinking of things you can do to make other people happy or feel good – used especially when someone does something such as giving someone a present or helping someone: • It was thoughtful of you to send him a card. | • Some thoughtful person had taken her bag to the lost property office.
   ▪ caring kind and wanting to help and look after people: • She’s lucky to have such a loving and caring husband. | • The British are well-known for their caring attitude toward animals.
   ▪ sympathetic saying kind things to someone who has problems and behaving in a way that shows you care about them: • My boss was very sympathetic and said I should take some time off work. | • She gave him a sympathetic smile.
   ▪ good kind and showing that you want to help – used especially in the following phrases: • It was good of you to come and see me. | • She’s always been very good to us.
   ▪ sweet informal very kind – used especially when you like someone very much, or you are very pleased because of something they have done: • I was given the flowers by a sweet little old lady who lived next door. | • It’s sweet of you to ask. | • a sweet thing to say
   ▪ kind-hearted/warm-hearted especially written having a kind and friendly character, which makes other people like you: • He was a wonderful father, kind-hearted and always laughing. | • The town is full of warm-hearted, helpful people.
   ▪ benevolent formal kind and wanting to help people – often used about someone who is important or who people respect: • a benevolent ruler | • They believe in the existence of a benevolent God who will save mankind. | • He listened politely, like some benevolent uncle.

outgoing

out‧go‧ing /ˌaʊtˈɡəʊɪŋ◂ $ -ˈɡoʊ-/ adjective
 1. someone who is outgoing likes to meet and talk to new people:
   • We’re looking for someone with an outgoing personality.
 2. outgoing president/chancellor etc someone who will soon finish their time as president etc
 3. [only before noun] going out or leaving a place OPP incoming:
   • the tray for outgoing mail
   • outgoing phone calls

easy-going

ˌeasy-ˈgoing BrE AmE adjective
not easily upset, annoyed, or worried OPP uptight:
Her easy-going nature made her popular.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ relaxed feeling calm, comfortable, and not worried or annoyed: I was feeling relaxed after my holiday. | Looking relaxed and confident, the president answered questions from the press. | He seems very relaxed about the whole situation.
▪ easy-going relaxed and not getting annoyed or angry with people – used when this is a part of someone’s character. An easy-going person likes to have good friendly relationships with other people, and is not strict about rules: Fred MacMurray was very easy-going and a pleasure to work with. | The hotel owner was an easy-going woman who let visitors come and go pretty well when they pleased. | The children were brought up in an easy-going atmosphere at home.
▪ laid-back informal relaxed and not getting worried or annoyed about things – used when this is part of someone’s character. A laid-back person likes to take life slowly: He seemed like a cool laid-back kind of a guy. | Life on the farm was more laid-back compared to life in the big city.
▪ comfortable feeling happy and not worried about doing something, talking about something, or being with someone: The teachers were comfortable with the new technology and the students loved it. | Some female patients are not comfortable with the idea of seeing a male doctor. | This is an emotional issue, which most people aren’t comfortable talking about.
▪ at ease [not before noun] feeling relaxed in a situation – used especially when someone feels less worried than before, or when many other people would not feel relaxed in that situation: After a few weeks at college, I started to feel more at ease. | He looked completely at ease on a horse. | He was surprised to find himself so at ease with her father.
▪ feel at home to feel relaxed in a place or with a person: I’ve always felt at home in Tokyo. | He felt instantly at home with her.