© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

1 Building a career

1.1 About business - The education business

assignment (n) C/U

/əˈsaɪnmənt/

zadanie (w ramach pracy lub stażu)

His first assignment as a reporter was to cover the local election.

alumni (n) C

/əˈlʌmnaɪ/

absolwenci

Cambridge alumni

applicant (n) C

/ˈæplɪkənt/

kandydat

Successful applicants will be notified by telephone.

aptitude (n) U

/ˈæptɪˌtjuːd/

predyspozycja

an aptitude test

budding (adj)

/ˈbʌdɪŋ/

obiecujący (o osobie)

a short story competition designed to encourage budding authors.

corny (adj)

/ˈkɔː(r)ni/

banalny, wyświechtany (o wypowiedzi)

I know it sounds corny, but it was love at first sight.

coveted (adj) FORMAL

/ˈkʌvətəd/

pożądany

L&V is a much coveted brand.

cutthroat (adj)

/ˈkʌtˌθrəʊt/

zabójczy, wyniszczający (np. o
konkurencji)

a cutthroat competition for market share

endowment (n) C

/ˌɪnˈdaʊmənt/

darowizna (na rzecz instytucji)

University endowments provide essential funding for our activities.

enlist (v) T

/ɪnˈlɪst/

zaangażować, pozyskać (kogoś)

We must enlist families as partners in their children's education.

faculty (n) C AmE

/ˈfæk(ə)lti/

kadra akademicka

A meeting for students, faculty and administrators will be held on Friday at 5 p.m.

practise what you preach
(phrase)

/ˈpræktɪs wɒt juː
ˌpriːʧ/

postępować tak, jak się mówi

Sometimes it's hard as a parent to practise what you preach.

fee (n) C

/fiː/

opłata

Tuition fees at Stanford have now reached 9000 GBP a year.

remain aloof (v) I

/rɪˈmeɪn əˈluːf/

zachowywać dystans, być z dala

Harvard remains aloof from the competition between US colleges.

show up (v) I

/ˌʃəʊ ˈʌp/

przyjść, "pokazać się", wpaść

We didn't think Austin would show up.

sift (v) T

/sɪft/

przesiewać (przen.)

sifting through thousands of candidates

staggering (adj)

/ˈstægərɪŋ/

oszałamiający

a staggering 63 percent increase

stellar (adj)

/ˈstelə(r)/

celujący (o osiągnięciach)

Only candidates with stellar test scores have the chance to be admitted.

step up (phr. v) T

/ˌstep ˈʌp/

zwiększać

Elite colleges have been stepping up their efforts to attract the best students.

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

1.2 Vocabulary - Education and career

drop out (phr. v) I

/ˌdrɒp ˈaʊt/

porzucić (szkołę, studia itp.)

Too many students drop out of college after only one year.

miss out (phr. v) I

/ˌmɪs ˈaʊt/

przegapić, stracić szansę

We will be repeating the questions later, so you won't miss out.

start over (phr. v) I AmE

/ˌstɑː(r)t ˈəʊvə(r)/

zacząć od początku

She counted all the envelopes, put them back in the box, then started over.

thoroughly (adv)

/ˈθʌrəli/

dokładnie

The case will be studied thoroughly before any decision is made.

working party (n) C BrE

/ˈwɜː(r)kɪŋ ˌpɑː(r)ti/

grupa robocza

We'll have to set up a working group to deal with this problem

1.3 Grammar - Tense review

come along (phr. v) I

/ˌkʌm əˈlɒŋ/

przychodzić, pojawić się

He told me to work hard and take every opportunity that comes along.

fancy SPOKEN

/ˈfænsi/

≈ nie spodziewać się (pot.)

Fancy meeting you there!

put on weight (phr. v) T

/ˌpʊt ɒn ˈweɪt/

przybrać na wadze

I always tend to put on weight.

1.4 Speaking - Giving reasons

intake (noun) Sg. or U

/ˈɪnteɪk/

nabór (do szkoły, na uczelnię)

this year's intake of students

1.5 Writing - Cover letters

accomplishment (n) C/U

/əˈkɒmplɪʃmənt/

osiągnięcie

Tell me about your accomplishments in your previous job.

brokering (n) U AmE
BrE: brokerage

/ˈbrəʊkərɪŋ/

≈ pośrednictwo (w biznesie)

a career in insurance brokering

lead (n) C

/liːd/

trop, wskazówka

In this job you will generate and follow up leads, handle client appointments and
presentations.

outgoing (adj)

/ˈaʊtˌgəʊɪŋ/

towarzyski

an outgoing personality

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

tender (n) C/U

/ˈtendə/

oferta handlowa, przetarg

The authorities have invited international tenders for the project.

venue (n) C

/venjuː/

miejsce (konferencji, spotkania)

a popular venue for corporate events

1.6 Case study - Magnalia Business School

campus (n) C/U

/ˈkæmpəs/

kampus uniwersytecki

We have rooms for 200 students on campus.

draw up (phr. v) T

/ˌdrɔː ˈʌp/

sporządzić (dokument, plan)

Let's draw up a list of proposals.

heritage (n) C/U

/ˈherɪtɪʤ/

dziedzictwo

Ireland's rich musical heritage.

metropolis (n) C

/məˈtrɒpəlɪs/

metropolia

an international metropolis

procurement (n) U

/prəˈkjʊə(r)mənt/

zaopatrzenie

defense procurement

sit back (phr. v) I

/ˌsɪt ˈbæk/

siedzieć z założonymi rękami

I can't afford to sit back with so much urgent work.

tailor something to/for (v)
I

/ˈteɪlə(r)/

dostosować (coś)

executive education tailored to the needs of individual companies.

2 Information

2.1 About business - IT solutions

bury (v) T

/ˈberi/

zakopać, zagrzebać

My French homework is buried somewhere under this pile of books.

cram (v) T

/kræm/

upychać

Downsizing basically means cramming more work into fewer people.

flush something down the
toilet (phrase)

/ˈflʌʃ sʌmθɪŋ daʊn ðə
ˌtɔɪlət/

spuścić coś w toalecie

He was so infuriated with his mobile phone that he flushed it down the toilet!

mad dash (n) Sg.

/mæd ˈdæʃ/

owczy pęd

At the end of the nineties there was a mad dash to buy shares in high-tech
companies.

mess up (phr. v) IT

/ˌmes ˈʌp/

namieszać (przen.)

You really messed things up!

overhaul (v) T

/ˈəʊvə(r)ˌhɔːl/

zmienić coś (radykalnie)

There is an urgent need to overhaul the welfare system.

pressure-cooker (n) C

/ˈpreʃə(r) ˌkʊkə(r)/

kocioł (przen. o trudnej sytuacji lub
nieprzyjemnej atmosferze w pracy)

the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the bank's currency dealing office

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

quest (n) C

/kwest/

poszukiwanie

the quest for efficiency

slick (adj)

/slɪk/

zręczny, sprytny

The team demonstrated their usual slick passing style.

take a breather (phrase)
INFORMAL

/teɪk ə ˈbriːðə(r)/

złapać oddech (pot.)

This company is a real sweatshop where employees feel they can never stop to take a
breather.

2.2 Information systems and communication

snail mail (n) U
COMPUTING

/ˈsneɪl meɪl/

poczta tradycyjna (dosł. "poczta ślimacza") Government institutions in Poland will still only reply to correspondence send by

snail mail.

2.4 Speaking - Telephoning

IP address (n) C

/aɪ ˌpiː əˈdres/

adres IP

a fixed IP address

mustn't grumble (phrase)

/ˌmʌsnt ˈgrʌmb(ə)l/ "nie narzekam" (odp. na pyt. How are

you?)

Oh, mustn't grumble.

small talk (n) U
INFORMAL

/ˈsmɔːltɔːk/

luźna rozmowa towarzyska

It's important to have a few moments of small talk before getting down to business.

trivial (adj)

/ˈtrɪviəl/

trywialny

Why do they get so upset over such a trivial matter?

2.5 Writing - Memos

alleviate (v) T

/əˈliːvieɪt/

złagodzić (ból, konsekwencje czegoś itp.) The U.N.'s most important objective is to alleviate world poverty.

fine (n) C

/faɪn/

kara (pieniężna)

Firms could face fines of up to £5,000.

forethought (n) U

/ˈfɔː(r)θɔːt/

≈ przemyślenie (czegoś)

To write a good memo, you need careful forethought, layout and revision.

forthwith (adv) FORMAL
Legal

/fɔː(r)θˈwiθ/

natychmiast (prawn.)

The property is to be disposed of forthwith.

officialese (n) U

/əˌfɪʃəˈliːz/

język urzędniczy

Don't speak officialese to me - I want your explanations to be in Plain English.

shareware (n) U

/ˈʃeə(r)weə(r)/

shareware (rodzaj oprogramowania)

a shareware office package

time frame (n) C

/ˈtaɪm ˌfreɪm/

ramy czasowe

We should specify the time frame within which information will be provided.

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

2.6 Case Study - Meteor Bank

drag someone kicking and
screaming (phrase)

/dræg sʌmwʌn ˈkɪkɪŋ
ən ˌskriːmɪŋ/

zaciągnąć, zmusić kogoś do zrobienia
czegoś (zwł. stawiając ultimatum)

You'll have to drag him kicking and screaming to the talks.

downtime (n) U

/ˈdaʊnˌtaɪm/

czas przestoju

system downtime

malicious (adj)

/məˈlɪʃən/

złośliwy

malicious gossip

3 Quality

3.1 About business - What quality means

commitment (n) Sg./U

/kəˈmɪtmənt/

poparcie, zaangażowanie

The government has failed to honour its commitment to the railways.

craze (n) C

/kreɪz/

mania (na coś)

the craze for Irish music

enchanting (adj)

/ɪnˈʧɑːntɪŋ/

czarujący

She had an enchanting personality, which made her irresistible to men.

end (n) C

/end/

cel

The government manipulates economic data for political ends.

fake (v) T

/feɪk/

sfałszować

The signature had been faked.

planned / built-in
obsolescence (n) U

/plænd / bɪlt
ɪnˌɒbsəˈles(ə)ns/

przestarzałość

Consumers are the obvious victims of planned obsolescence because they are often
forced to upgrade their systems more often than necessary.

roughly (adv)

/ˈrʌfli/

około

The meeting lasted roughly 50 minutes.

sake (n) C usually Sg.

/seɪk/

cel (w wyrażeniach typu for clarity's sake) For clarity's sake, let me explain that again.

sour (v) IT

/ˈsaʊə(r)/

popsuć się (o relacji i sytuacjach między
ludźmi)

Relations between the two countries have soured.

struggle (v) I

/ˈstrʌg(ə)l/

usiłować, walczyć (z czymś lub kimś)

He struggled to open the bottle with a knife..

take for granted (phrase)

/ˌteɪk fə ˈgræntɪd/

uważać coś za oczywiste

People take it for granted that the weather in Spain will be sunny.

white goods (n) C

/ˈwaɪt gʊdz/

sprzęt elektryczny

The white goods industry has been accused of designing products to last a limited
time.

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

3.2 Vocabulary - Quality and standards

cost-effective (adj)

/ˌkɒst ɪˈfektɪv/

opłacalny

Is it more cost-effective to buy or rent property?

fit for purpose (adj)

/ˌfɪt fə(r) ˈpɜː(r)pəs/

≈ nadający się (do danego zastosowania)

The new vehicles - whichever are chosen - will not be fit for purpose.

in the eye of the beholder
(idiom)

/ɪn ði ˌaɪ əv ðə
bɪˈhəʊldə(r)/

≈ zwrot oznaczający, że coś zależy od
subiektywnej oceny

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

machine (v) T

/məˈʃiːn/

obrabiać (metal, drewno)

The components are machined to a tolerance of less than one millimetre.

stakeholder (n) C

/ˈsteɪkˌhəʊldə(r)/

osoba zainteresowana

We invited all stakeholders in the project to a meeting.

3.3 Grammar - Passive structures and

have something done

grab (v) T INFORMAL

/græb/

wziąć (pot.)

I'll just grab a coffee and be with you in a second.

hassle (n) C/U
INFORMAL

/ˈhæsl/

kłopoty, zawracanie głowy

We've had nothing but hassle with it.

round-the-clock (adj)

/ˈraʊnd ðə ˌklɒk/

całodobowy

Our plant is working round-the-clock to meet demand.

night shift (n) C

/ˈnaɪt ʃɪft/

nocna zmiana

Dan's on the night shift.

3.4 Speaking - Delivering presentations

make or break (phrase)

/meɪk ɔː ˈbreɪk/

wóz lub przewóz

They have the ability to make or break a new star.

signposting (n) U

/ˈsaɪnˌpəʊstɪŋ/

≈ drogowskazy (w prezentacji: zwroty
łączące jej poszczególne części)

A complete lack of signposting in your presentation will quickly confuse the
audience.

3.5 Writing - Procedures and instructions

drowsiness (n) U

/ˈdraʊzɪnɪs/

senność

Warning: this product may cause drowsiness.

garment (n) C FORMAL

/ˈgɑː(r)mənt/

ubranie, garderoba

waterproof garments

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

groove (n) C

/gruːv/

rowek, żłobienie

Slide the panel into position in the grooves.

peg (n) C

/peg/

kołek

The furniture is built using wooden pegs instead of nails.

upside down (adv)

/ˌʌpsaɪd ˈdaʊn/

do góry nogami

The car landed upside down in a ditch.

3.6 Case study - Zaluski Strawberries

bulk (n) C usually Sg.

/bʌlk/

większość, duża część

Women still do bulk of domestic work.

bruise (v) T

/bruːz/

poobijać, posiniaczyć

Fallen apples are often bruised.

harvest (n) C

/ˈhɑː(r)vɪst/

żniwa

the corn harvest

outlet (n) C

/ˈaʊtlet/

punkt sprzedaży

Most of the sales are through traditional retail outlets.

punnet (n) C BrE

/ˈpʌnɪt/

łubianka

Care should be taken when packing fruit to punnets.

shallow (adj)

/ˈʃæləʊ/

płytki

The dish needs to be quite shallow.

shed (n) C

/ʃed/

szopa

a storage shed

shelf life (n) Sg.

/ˈʃelf ˌlaɪf/

czas ekspozycji na półce sklepowej

Fresh fruit products have a very short shelf life.

sound (adj)

/saʊnd/

zdrowy, solidny

sound fruit

squash (v) T

/skwɒʃ/

zgnieść

She sat on the chair and accidentally squashed the apple pie that was lying there.

stack (v) T

/stæk/

układać w stos

She began stacking plates on the trolley.

straw (n) U

/strɔː/

słoma

a straw hat

tray (n) C

/treɪ/

tacka

Add more paper to the paper tray and continue printing.

4 Feedback

4.1 About business - The project team

accomplish (v) T

/əˈkʌmplɪʃ/

osiągnąć

We accomplished a lot at work this week.

apathy (n) U

/ˈæpəθi/

apatia

Unemployment in the region has caused many people to sink into hopeless apathy.

aspiring (adj)

/əˈspaɪrɪŋ/

aspirujący

aspiring business leaders

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

better off (adj)

/ˌbetə(r) ˈɒf/

lepiej sytuowany,

You would be a lot better off if you set up your own business.

blindfold (n) C

/ˈblaɪn(d)ˌfəʊld/

opaska na oczy

Children played a game in which they were asked to identify various fruit with a
blindfold on.

bunch (n) Sg.

/bʌnʧ/

grupa, banda

a bunch of idiots

buy into (phr. v) T
INFORMAL

/ˌbaɪ ˈɪntuː/

kupić (jakiś pomysł)

You don't buy into all this garbage, do you?

milestone (n) C

/ˈmaɪlstəʊn/

kamień milowy

1974 was a milestone for his career in music.

offend (v) T

/əˈfend/

obrazić (kogoś)

They avoided saying anything that might offend their audience.

scope (n) U

/skəʊp/

zakres

These issues are beyond the scope of this book.

silly (adj)

/ˈsɪli/

głupi

silly team-building activities

start from scratch (phrase)

/ˌstɑːt frəm ˈskræʧ/ zacząć od początku

The plan didn't work, so we had to start from scratch.

4.2 Vocabulary - Managing people and projects

appraisal interview (n) C
BrE

/əˈpreɪz(ə)l/
ˌɪntə(r)vjuː/

ocena pracownika

We have appraisal interviews every year.

hectic (adj)

/ˈhektɪk/

morderczy, wykańczający (np. o pracy)

This week has been really hectic.

loner (n) C

/ˈləʊnə(r)/

samotnik

He's a real loner.

4.4 Speaking - Coaching

elicit (v) T FORMAL

/ɪˈlɪsɪt/

wyciągnąć (coś od kogoś), przen.

The linguist wanted to elicit the Farsi word for "one" from an Iranian student.

insolent (adj)

/ˈɪnsələnt/

bezczelny

You're insolent and incompetent!

overdo (v) T

/ˌəʊvə(r)ˈduː/

przedobrzyć

Be careful not to overdo it with the exercise.

praise (n) U

/preɪz/

pochwała

Give your child plenty of praise and encouragement.

4.5 Writing - Reports

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

foster (v) T

/ˈfɒstə(r)/

promować, sprzyjać (czemuś)

This approach will foster an understanding of environmental issues.

4.6 Case study - Trident Overseas

could do with something
(phrase) SPOKEN

/kʊd ˈduː wɪð
ˌsʌmθɪŋ/

≈ przydałoby się (pot.)

I could do with a cup of coffee right now.

dealer (n) C

/ˈdiːlə(r)/

sprzedawca, handlowiec

a car dealer

forecourt (n) C

/ˈfɔː(r)kɔː(r)t/

plac (przed budynkiem)

in the forecourt of St. Patrick's cathedral.

handle someone with kid
gloves idiom

/ˈhænd(ə)l sʌmwʌn
wɪð ˌkɪd glʌvz/

obchodzić się z kimś jak z jajkiem

We have to handle them with kid gloves or they will just go over to the competition.

mess (n) Sg.

/mes/

bałagan, burdel

an economic mess

put up with (phr. v) T

/ˌpʊt ˈʌp wɪð/

znosić (coś lub kogoś)

I will not put up with your bad behaviour any longer!

sort out (phr. v) T

/sɔː(r)t ˈaʊt/

rozwiązać (problem)

This matter could be sorted out if they would just sit down and talk.

top up (phr. v) T

/tɒp ˈʌp/

dopełnić, doładować (np. kartę pre-paid)

He topped up the oil at the petrol station and drove on.

windscreen (n) C BrE

/ˈwɪn(d)skriːn/

przednia szyba (w samochodzie)

There is a dead fly on my windscreen.

work your fingers to the
bone (phrase)

/wɜːk jə(r) ˈfɪŋgə(r)z
tʊ ðə ˌbəʊn/

harować (zwł. fizycznie)

I work my fingers to the bone for this company and I get very little thanks.

5 Selling more

5.1 About business - Sales and marketing

blog (n) C

/blɒg/

blog

a political blog

bucks (n) Pl. AmE
INFORMAL

/bʌks/

kasa (pot.)

Everyone's trying to think of ways to make a few bucks.

edge (n) Sg.

/eʤ/

przewaga

Training can give you the edge over competitors.

lure (v) T

/lʊə(r)/

zwabić (kogoś)

The campaign is designed to lure tourists back to the province.

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The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

raft (n) C

/ræft/

tratwa

They travelled together on a raft down the river.

stifle (v) T

/ˈstaɪf(ə)l/

hamować, dusić

an attempt to stifle innovation/debate/democracy

5.2 Vocabulary - The marketing mix

blend (v) T

/blend/

łączyć, mieszać

Their music blends jazz and pop in a stylish contemporary sound.

coupon (n) C

/ˈkuːpɒn/

kupon

This coupon gives you £2 off the price of a meal.

quantitative (adj)
FORMAL

/ˈkwɒntɪtətɪv/

ilościowy

The differences are not measurable in quantitative terms.

razor (n) C

/ˈreɪzə(r)/

żyletka

an electric razor

SMS (n) U

/ˌesemˈes/

SMS

Transactions can be authorized via telephone or SMS.

spare (adj) only before
noun

/speə(r)/

zapasowy

a spare key/battery/pair of glasses

stealth (n) U

/stelθ/

sekret

a stealth operation

subliminal (adj)

/sʌbˈlɪmɪn(ə)l/

podprogowy

Television programmes are full of subliminal advertising.

5.3 Grammar - Questions for persuading

luncheon voucher (n) C

/ˈlʌnʧ(ə)n ˌvaʊʧə(r)/ bon na posiłek

Luncheon vouchers are one of the perks of this job.

timeshare (n) C

/ˈtaɪmʃeə(r)/

forma współwłasności nieruchomości, w
której każdy współwłaściciel ma prawo do
jej używania przez określoną ilość czasu w
roku, zwykle w stałych terminach

Timeshare holidays mean that you'll be spending your holiday each year in the same
place.

5.4 Speaking - Dealing with objections

peanuts (n) U
INFORMAL

/ˈpiːnʌts/

drobniaki (pot., dosł. "orzeszki")

We're working for peanuts.

plunge (n) C

/ˈplʌnʤ/

zanurkowanie (dosł.), rzucić się do czegoś Your proposal looks attractive, but I just don't feel ready to take the plunge.

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

(w zwrocie)

small print (n) U

/smɔːl ˈprɪnt/

wyrażenie oznaczające szczegółowe
warunki umowy, zwłaszcza niekorzystne
dla kupującego, często zapisane małym
drukiem, a przez to zwykle przez niego nie
czytane

You'd better read through all the lawyerese and the small print before signing the
contract.

5.5 Writing - Mail shots and sales letters

grab someone's attention
(phrase)

/ˌgræb sʌmwʌnz
əˈtenʃ(ə)n/

przyciągnąć uwagę

It's often bad characters in a story who grab our attention.

handling (n) U

/ˈhændlɪŋ/

tu: łatwość prowadzenia samochodu

The car's ride and handling are poor.

trawl through (v) IT

/trɔːl ˈθruː/

przekopywać się (przen., np. przez
dokumenty)

He has trawled through hundreds of documents in the library.

5.6 Writing - Backchat Communications

Bluetooth TM

/ˈbluːtuːθ/

Bluetooth

a Bluetooth keyboard

courier (n) C

/ˈkʊriə(r)/

kurier

We'll send the documents by courier.

flat (adj)

/flæt/

rozładowana (bateria)

The battery in my laptop is flat.

fleet (n) C

/fliːt/

flota

the company's fleet of vehicles.

geopositioning (n) U

/ˌʤiːəʊpəˈzɪʃ(ə)nɪŋ/ lokalizacja satelitarna lub radiowa

an advanced geopositioning system.

handset (n) C

/ˈhæn(d)set/

słuchawka (w telefonie)

I banged the handset down with annoyance after speaking to the tax office on the
phone.

keep up with (phr. v) I

/ˌkiːp ˈʌp wɪð/

być na bieżąco

We try to keep up with what's happening.

Won (n) C

/wɒn/

won (waluta koreańska)

6 New Business

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

6.1 About business - Self-financing

beg (v) IT

/beg/

żebrać

homeless people begging on the streets

bottom line (n) C

/ˌbɒtəm ˈlaɪn/

zasadnicza kwestia

The bottom line is that he lied to Parliament.

drag on (phr. v) I

/ˌdræg ˈɒn/

ciągnąć się

Some cases drag on for years.

dip into (phr. v) T

/ˌdɪp ˈɪntu/

sięgnąć (po coś)

You'd better stop dipping into your savings.

mortgage (n) C

/ˈmɔː(r)gɪʤ/

kredyt hipoteczny

On my present salary I can't get a mortgage.

odds (n) Pl.

/ɒdz/

szanse

The odds are they won't succeed.

pitch (n) C

/pɪʧ/

≈ prezentacja handlowa

She only had ten minutes to make her pitch for the contract.

premises (n) Pl.

/ˈpremɪsɪz/

siedziba, teren firmy

The charity is going to move into new premises next year.

stake (n) C BUSINESS

/steɪk/

udziały

They took a 40% stake in the business.

6.2 Vocabulary - Funding a start-up

asset (n) C :usually Pl.

/ˈæset/

aktywa, majątek

The business has assets totalling £5.1 million.

household (adj) only
before nouns

/ˈhaʊshəʊld/

dotyczący gospodarstw domowych

household goods/appliances/expenses etc.

outstanding (adj)

/ˌaʊtˈstændɪŋ/

zaległy

All your outstanding debts must be settled now.

raw materials (n) Pl.

/rɔː məˈtɪəriəlz/

surowce do produkcji

The raw materials are stored in silos.

track record (n) C

/ˈtræk ˌrekɔː(r)d/

reputacja

They have a long track record of being mean with their money.

6.3 Grammar - Future perfect and future continuous

float (v) T BUSINESS

/fləʊt/

wejść na giełdę

The company was floated in 1993.

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The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

6.4 Speaking - Taking questions

awkward (adj)

/ˈɔːkwə(r)d/

skomplikowany, niewygodny (zwł. o
problemie lub sytuacji)

After he spoke there was an awkward silence.

bluff (v) IT

/blʌf/

blefować

They said they'd had another offer, but we knew they were just bluffing.

do your homework
(phrase)

/ˌduː jə(r)
ˈhəmwɜː(r)k/

przygotować się (przen.)

You could tell from the interviewer's questions that he hadn't really done his
homework.

field (v) T

/fiːld/

odpowiedzieć

The education minister fielded questions from journalists outside the parliament
building this morning.

nod (v) IT

/nɒd/

skinąć głową

The manager nodded in agreement.

recap (v) IT

/ˌriːˈkæp/

przypomnieć (coś), podsumować

We'll just recap briefly on what we did.

6.5 Writing - An executive summary

core (adj)

/ˈkɔː(r)/

główny, centralny

We need to focus on our core activities.

organic (adj)

/ɔː(r)ˈgænɪk/

organiczny

They only buy organic wine.

sustainable (adj)

/səˈsteɪnəb(ə)l/

zrównoważony, wyważony ekologicznie

sustainable agriculture

upkeep (n) Sg.

/ˈʌpˌkiːp/

utrzymanie (nieruchomości)

Landlords are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the property

6.6 Case study - Angels or demons

cunning (adj)

/ˈkʌnɪŋ/

przebiegły, cwany

a cunning and resourceful criminal

drop somebody a line
(phrase)

/ˈdrɒp ˌsʌmbədi ə
ˌlaɪn//

odezwać się (do kogoś)

Drop me a line when you're in Paris next time, will you?

grab (v) T

/græb/

zrobić dobre wrażenie (na kimś)

The idea didn't really grab me.

hype (n) U INFORMAL

/haɪp/

głośna reklama

I hate all the hype about portable music players.

upbeat (adj) INFORMAL

/ˈʌpbiːt/

optymistyczny

The players seemed upbeat about their chances of winning.

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The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

7 Financial Control

7.1 About business - Financial control

bribery (n) U

/ˈbraɪb(ə)ri/

łapówkarstwo

He is appearing in court on charges of bribery and fraud.

forefront (n) U

/ˈfɔː(r)ˌfrʌnt/

przód, pozycja lidera

We are at the forefront of efforts to tackle inequality.

fraudster (n) C

/ˈfrɔːdstə(r)/

oszust

The Northern Territory Justice Department says a notorious fraudster is using a
dating agency to rip off Territory men.

litigation (n) U

/ˌlɪtɪˈgeɪʃ(ə)n/

spór w sądzie

The claim is currently in litigation.

liken someone/something
to something (phr. v) T
FORMAL

/ˈlaɪkən/

przyrównywać

His works have been likened to those of Beckett.

makeover (n) C

/ˈmeɪkˌəʊvə(r)/

przeróbka, zmiana wizerunku

The city has undergone a radical makeover in recent years.

policy-maker (n) C

/ˈpɒlɪsi ˌmeɪkə(r)/

osoba odpowiedzialna za kształtowanie
polityki

The problem is being taken increasingly seriously by policy-makers.

protection racket (n) C

/prəˈtekʃ(ə)n ˌrækɪt/ rekiet, wymuszanie pieniędzy

The gang ran a protection racket in the capital.

scam (n) C INFORMAL

/skæm/

przekręt, szwindel (zwł. finansowy)

There are numerous scams and fraudulent businesses on the Internet.

tax evasion (n) U

/ˈtæks ɪˌveɪʒ(ə)n/

unikanie podatków

The government loses billions of dollars every year as a result of its inability to cope
with tax evasion.

undercover (adj)

/ˌʌndə(r)ˈkʌvə(r)/

tajny (plan, operacja)

He was arrested in an undercover operation.

white-collar crime (n) C

/ˈwaɪt ˌkɒlə(r) kraɪm/ przestępstwo w prowadzeniu działalności

gospodarczej

Lawyers, IT consultants and other professionals are surrounded daily by
opportunities to commit white-collar crimes.

7.2 Vocabulary - Financial documents and regulation

embezzle (v) IT

/ˌɪmˈbez(ə)l/

sprzeniewierzyć (pieniądze)

The total he embezzled was $5.2m in three years.

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

7.3 Grammar - Cause and effect, ability, articles

run out (phr. v) I

/ˌrʌn ˈaʊt/

ulatniać się (pot., np. o pieniądzach)

Make sure to save some money, not just let run out all of it.

snapshot (n) C

/ˈsnæpʃɒt/

ogląd sytuacji

Here is a snapshot of the situation.

7.4 Speaking - Communicating in meetings

in good shape (phrase)

/ɪn gʊd ʃeɪp/

w dobrej formie

The country's healthcare system, ironically, is not in good shape.

iron out (phr. v) T

/ˌaɪr(ə)n ˈaʊt/

pokonać trudności

We need to iron out some issues on the IT side.

starving (adj)
INFORMAL

/ˈstɑː(r)vɪŋ/

głodny

Let's have lunch - I'm starving!

take stock (v) I

/teɪk ˈstɒk/

przemyśleć coś

We'll have to set up a separate meeting to take stock of things.

tweak (v) T INFORMAL

/twiːk/

dopieścić (pot.)

Overall, it's a great idea, but it just needs tweaking.

7.5 Writing - Meeting minutes

open-plan office (n) C

/ˌəʊpən ˈplæn ɒfɪs/ biuro ze wspólną powierzchnią dla

wszystkich pracowników, w dużym
pomieszczeniu, bez ścian

Do you prefer to work in a private or an open-plan office?

partition (n) C

/ˌpɑː(r)ˈtɪʃ(ə)n/

przegroda

a partition wall

7.6 Case study - Car-glazer

bodyshop (n) C

/ˈbɒdiˌʃɒp/

warsztat blacharski

Visit our bodyshop to repair or replace all types of vehicle glass.

chasing letter (n) C
INFORMAL

/ˈʧeɪsɪŋ ˌletə(r)/

wezwanie do zapłaty (pot.)

They still haven't paid despite two chasing letters we sent them last month.

dent (n) C

/dent/

wgniecenie

The impact had made a dent in the car's front bumper.

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The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

outstanding (adj)

/ˌaʊtˈstændɪŋ/

zaległy, przeterminowany (o płatnościach) All your outstanding debts must be settled now.

petty cash (n) U

/ˌpeti ˈkæʃ/

pieniądze na drobne wydatki

Employees mustn't use petty cash for any personal business.

reprimand (v) T

/ˈreprɪˌmænd/

udzielić nagany

He was severely reprimanded for his unsuitable behaviour.

scratch (n) C

/skræʧ/

rysa

There were some nasty scratches on the paintwork.

sickie (n) C BrE Very
informal

/ˈsɪki/

zwolnienie lekarskie "lewe" (wyłącznie
pot.)

Dealing with staff who throw sickies is a big problem.

suspension (n) C/U

/səˈspenʃ(ə)n/

zawieszenie (kogoś w pracy)

Beckham is back after a two-match suspension.

8 Fair trade

8.1 About business - Fair trade

affluent (adj)

/ˈæfluːənt/

zamożny

Affluent people buy expensive items just because of the brand name.

altruism (n) U

/ˈæltruːɪz(ə)m/

altruizm

He showed altruism and compassion for the weak.

crop (n) C

/krɒp/

uprawa

They're all out planting the crops today.

ignore (v) T

/ɪgˈnɔː(r)/

ignorować

This ignores the complexity of modern business.

illiteracy (n) U

/ɪˈlɪtərəsi/

analfabetyzm

economic illiteracy

magic wand (n) C

/ˈmæʤɪk ˌwɒnd/

czarodziejska różdżka

I can't just wave a magic wand and produce the money for you.

naive (adj)

/naɪˈiːv/

naiwny

Fair trade supporters are naive to think they can solver all the problems of the
developing world.

pursue (v) T

/pə(r)ˈsjuː/

zajmować się, prowadzić (jakąś czynność) They have continued to pursue a policy or repression.

relieve (v) T

/rɪˈliːv/

ulżyć

Your headaches can easily be relieved by regular aspirin.

threaten (v) IT

/ˈθret(ə)n/

grozić

Their actions threaten the stability and security of the region.

toil (v) I Literary

/tɔɪl/

harować

Farm labourers have to toil in the fields all day.

8.2 Vocabulary - Contracts and corporate ethics

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

lapse (v) I

/læps/

wygasnąć (o ważności dokumentu)

The permit was extended for another year before being left to lapse.

like hell (phrase) very
informal

/laɪk ˈhel/

akurat! (wyłącznie pot.)

‘He'll change his mind.’ ‘Like hell he will!’

litigation (n) U

/ˌlɪtɪˈgeɪʃ(ə)n/

spór w sądzie

The claim is currently in litigation.

offshore (adj) only before
noun

/ˈɒfʃɔː(r)/

zagraniczny (fin., zwł. dot. raju
podatkowego)

offshore assets/funds/investments

part and parcel (phrase)

/ˌpɑː(r)t ən ˈpɑː(r)səl/ nieodłączna część, na porządku dziennym These little arguments were part and parcel of their relationship.

renege (v) I FORMAL

/rɪˈniːg/

wycofać się (z obietnicy, umowy itp.)

They have no right to renege on the contract.

take out a contract on
someone (phrase)
INFORMAL

/teɪk aʊt ə ˈkɒntrækt
ən ˌsʌmwʌn/

opłacić czyjeś zabójstwo

The Russian mafia took out a contract on his life.

vote down (phr. v) T

/vəʊt ˈdaʊn/

przegłosować (coś)

This amendment will be voted down by the committee.

warranty (n) C

/ˈwɒrənti/

gwarancja

a one-year warranty period.

wash your hands of
(phrase)

/ˌwɒʃ yɔː ˈhændz ɒv/ umyć ręce (od czegoś, pot.)

I've decided to wash my hands of this project.

8.4 Speaking - Negotiating a compromise

premium (n) C

/ˈpriːmiəm/

dodatkowa zapłata

Customers are prepared to pay a premium for fair-trade goods; growers receive a
premium to be used for community projects like schools and hospitals.

shade tree (n) C

/ˈʃeɪd triː/

drzewo dające cień

I'm going to sit under a shade tree and read a book.

8.5 Writing - Assertive writing

assertive (adj)

/əˈsɜː(r)tɪv/

asertywny

You need to be more assertive to succeed in business.

bluntly (adv)

/ˈblʌntli/

bezpośrednio, bez ogródek (o sposobie
mówienia)

‘They just don't like you,’ he told me bluntly.

evasive (adj)

/ɪˈveɪsɪv/

wymijający

The president remains evasive about the site of the proposed nuclear tests.

© Macmillan Polska 2008

The Business Upper-Intermediate Glossary

fuzzy (adj)

/ˈfʌzi/

mglisty, rozmyty

I have a fuzzy idea of how it works.

refer (v) T

/rɪˈfɜː(r)/

skierować (osobę, sprawę)

The doctor referred me to a skin specialist.

sue (v) T

/suː/

podać kogoś do sądu

Burnett sued the newspaper for libel and won.

8.6 Case study - Green Hills Coffee

binding (adj)

/ˈbaɪndɪŋ/

wiążący

Remember that this is a legally binding document.

breach (n) C

/briːʧ/

złamanie (prawa, umowy, zasady)

The company was found to be in breach of environmental regulations.

have a soft spot for
someone/something
(idiom)

/hæv ə ˈsɒft spɒt
fə(r) ˌsʌmwʌn/

mieć słabość do kogoś lub czegoś

I have a soft spot for Melbourne.

jeopardize (v) T

/ˈʤepə(r)daɪz/

≈ narażać na niedobre konsekwencje,
zagrażać czemuś

Cuts in funding could jeopardize this vital research work.

practice (n) C/U

/ˈpræktɪs/

praktyka

It is good practice to check your work before handing it in.