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Unit 3 Oceans of Sand 1. barren (Para. 1): unable to produce plants or fruit, or (literary or specialized) unable to have babies Examples: We drove through a barren, rocky landscape. They longed for a child but she was barren. She became very depressed during the barren years when she was unable to paint. 2. subtropical (Para. 2): sub- is a prefix meaning not quite, almost or nearly Example: subhuman sub- as a prefix has other meanings: (1) below, under Example: Winter weather brought sub-zero temperatures to much of the country. (2) not equal, less important or lower in rank Examples: a sublieutenant a subordinate (3) smaller part of a larger whole Examples: a subcontinent a subcommittee meeting to subdivide 3. in the shade (Para. 4): in the slight darkness and coolness caused by something blocking the direct light from the sun Examples: I always try to park my car in the shade. The children played in/under the shade of a large beach umbrella. 4. tremendous, considerable, huge/enormous, immense, colossal, massive, vast (Para. 4): These words are all for describing extremely large numbers or amounts or meaning large in degree, for example, a serious problem, an accident that involves a lot of people, or a job that involves a lot of work. Tremendous means big, important and often exciting. Examples: My new job will be a tremendous challenge. Your advice has been a tremendous help to us. It was a tremendous thrill, meeting her in person. Considerable is a formal word meaning large enough and important .enough to have an effect or make a difference. Examples: It was so icy that Mabel had considerable difficulty in reaching the top of the hill. After applying for a visa there is always a considerable delay before you receive it. Huge/Enormous means extremely big. Examples: The difference between living in the country