used for introducing a statement that makes a previous statement seem unlikely or surprising
although he isn't feeling too well, he will still attend the meeting.

to cause physical harm to a person or damage a place or thing
The soldiers will attack if you threaten them.

an official survey that collects information about people in a particular area, usually including the number of people living there
There are approximately 1.3 billion people in China according to a census conducted in 2005.

a long, tall post that is often used to provide support for a building or make a building look nice
The Greeks used large columns to support the roofs of their buildings.

only just or almost not true or possible
She could hardly believe that she won the lottery.

an amount that is most or more than half of a group of people or things
The majority of the school children were from single parent homes.

a part that is less than half of the whole; a small part
Hispanics now represent the largest minority in the United States.

to gently touch an animal or person
My dog likes it when I pet his belly.

the total number of people who live in a particular area, such as a city or country
The population for the city of Norfolk has increased 50% in the past 10 years.

a group of people with the same cultural history and language
A person should be judged by their abilities not their race.