© 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.
© Macmillan Polska 2008
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.
© Macmillan Polska 2008
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.
© Macmillan Polska 2008
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.
© Macmillan Polska 2008
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.