Vocabulary

• in the middle of: In the central part or point of something.
• see in: To accompany someone to the entrance of a building or room.
• rather than: More exactly; more correctly
• on the inside: Having a position of authority or influence within an organization or system.
• out of the way: Remote; isolated.
• sheer size: The impressive or intimidating magnitude of something.
• in fact: Used to emphasize the truth of a statement, especially one that contrasts with or contradicts something else.
• from the top: From the beginning.
• on to: Toward something; forward
• set up
• in particular: Specifically; especially.
• check out
• on top of that: In addition to something already mentioned; furthermore.
• apart from: Except for; not considering
• hike up: To increase something, often prices or taxes.
• of old: From a long time ago; in the past.
• over time: Gradually; as time passes.
• quite simply: In a clear and straightforward manner; without complication.
• absolutely: Completely; totally; very
• massive: Very big; large; too big
• tough: (Of food) difficult to chew or bite through
• spot: A certain place or area
• strike: To hit something
• unique: Unlike other things; being the only one like it
• explore: To examine something in detail to learn about it
• sheer: To suddenly turn or change direction
• stunning: Causing amazement, e.g. because so very good
• reflect: To indicate or be a sign of something
• concrete: Hard building material made of cement, sand, water
• intricate: Very detailed or difficult to untangle
• intimidate: To make someone feel afraid
• remain: To be left behind; to continue to exist
• intact: Being complete, without damaged or missing parts
• neglect: Act of failing to do something important, required
• preserve: To cook food so it can be kept for long periods
• simply: In an easy or clear manner
• survive: To continue to live despite illness or trouble
• sturdy: Substantially made or built; strong
• spiral: A continuous curve round a central point
• curve: Smooth rounded line that is not straight
• defense: Argument in support of something
• original: Being first made, thought or performed; fresh
• imperial: Of an empire or an emperor
• formidable: Powerful; causing fear and deserving respect
• impose: To make someone to do or endure something
• glory: State of having respect, honor or pride
• build: Your physical shape; physique
• schedule: A list of events and their times
• modern: Of the present time; up to date; contemporary
• stand: To be a candidate in an election
• frequent: Happening often
• middle: Place that is halfway between two things
• exterior: Outside layer or surface
• dozen: 12 people or things
• fortress: Military buildings providing protection
• quick: Using very little time; moving far in little time
• palace: Official home of a ruler, such as a king or queen
• fortify: To protect against military attack, as with walls
• panoramic: Having a full and wide view of something
• rank: To rate or class things
• layout: Plan or design of something, e.g. of book page
• rugged: (Of mountains) rough and uneven; hard to climb
• feel: To be aware of or experience an emotion, sensation
• bloom: To flower; to produce flowers
• design: To plan in a particular way to fulfill a purpose
• lose: To be unable to keep in check or control something
• famous: Excellent
• view: Opinion, belief, or idea about something
• residence: Place where a person lives
• special: Being additional or extra
• main: Most important; most often used
• prefecture: An administrative state or region in a country
• close: Almost; near
• secondary: Being of less importance than something else
• feudal: Of or typical of feudalism
• countdown: Counting backward to zero to show the time left
• moat: Water-filled ditch surrounding a castle
• squeak: To make a short very high cry or sound
• samurai: Japanese warrior from centuries ago
• mountaintop: The top of a mountain; summit