look forward to, run out of, unlikely, come over, cheer someone up: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 5. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. look forward to · phrasal verb

   to feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen

   I'm really looking forward to the concert next weekend; it's going to be an amazing experience!

   Synonyms: hope for, expect, be eager for

2. run out of · phrasal verb

   to use up and finish a supply of something

   We need to go grocery shopping soon; we've almost run out of milk and bread.

   Synonyms: deplete, exhaust, consume

3. unlikely · adjective/ˌənˈlaɪkli/

   not probable; not likely to happen or be true

   Because it is a public holiday, it seems unlikely that you will be able to contact anyone from the USA office.

   Synonyms: improbable, implausible, doubtful

4. come over · phrasal verb

   to visit someone or a place

   Since we moved to the countryside, many of our friends have come over to visit us at our house.

   Synonyms: stop by, drop in, drop by, pay a visit

5. cheer someone up · phrasal verb

   to make someone happy

   Seeing me so upset, my friends tried to cheer me up a little bit.

   Synonyms: enliven, console, brighten, gladden