U1 - People Flashcards
Breakdown (noun/verb)
Noun: A failure or collapse in something, often in a mechanical system or in communication
- The car had a breakdown.
Verb: To decompose or separate into parts.
- Let me break it down for you.
Speakout (noun/verb)
Verb: To express one’s opinion or position openly and publicly
- She spoke out against the injustice.
Noun: A public expression of an opinion (less common usage, but can refer to organized events where people express their views).
Speakup (verb)
To talk louder or to express an opinion more assertively (e.g., “You need to speak up during meetings.”)
Get on/off the pitch
Get on the pitch: To enter the playing field (commonly used in sports like football/soccer).
Get off the pitch: To leave the playing field.
The pitch refers to the field of play in certain sports, like football (soccer).
Teammate
A member of the same team in a sport, project, or workplace collaboration (e.g., “She’s a great teammate on our soccer team”).
Colleague
A person you work with in a professional environment (e.g., “I discussed the project with my colleagues at the office”).
Take after (phrasal verb)
To resemble a parent or older relative in appearance or behavior (e.g., “She takes after her father in her love for sports”).
Look after (phrasal verb)
To care for someone or something (e.g., “I look after my little sister after school”).
Look up to (phrasal verb)
To admire or respect someone, often someone older or in a higher position (e.g., “She looks up to her older brother”).
Close (adj./verb)
S sound: When “close” is an adjective meaning near in space or time (e.g., “The school is close to my house”).
Z sound: When “close” is a verb meaning to shut (e.g., “Please close the door”).
Bring up (phrasal verb)
To mention something in conversation or raise a topic (e.g., “She brought up the subject of moving abroad”).
It can also mean to raise children (e.g., “They brought up their children well”).
Live back home
To return and live in the place where you were born or where your family resides (e.g., “I used to live in the city, but now I live back home with my parents”).
Bossy (adj.)
Describes someone who gives orders in a domineering or controlling way (e.g., “Her bossy attitude can be annoying sometimes”).
Easy-going (adj.)
Describes someone relaxed and not easily upset or worried (e.g., “He has an easy-going nature, nothing seems to stress him”).
Tidy (adj.)
Neat and organized (e.g., “Her desk is always tidy, everything is in its place”).
Thoughtful (adj.)
Considerate of other people’s feelings or needs (e.g., “That was a thoughtful gift, thank you”).
Occasionally (adverb)
Happening sometimes but not regularly (e.g., “I occasionally go to the gym”).
Diagram
A drawing or plan that outlines and explains the parts or operation of something (e.g., “The teacher used a diagram to explain how the heart works”).
Current
Refers to the present time (e.g., “Current events” or “my current job”).
Can also refer to a flow of water or air in a particular direction (e.g., “The ocean current is strong”).
Passive
Refers to a person or thing that allows things to happen without active participation (e.g., “She is passive during meetings, rarely giving input”).
Sane
Mentally healthy and reasonable (e.g., “Despite the chaos, she remained sane”).
Uptight (adj.)
Adjective with Emotional Connotation
Anxious, tense, or easily upset (e.g., “He gets uptight about little things”).
Put things away (phrasal verb):
To return items to their proper place (e.g., “After dinner, she put the dishes away in the cupboard”).
Rigorous (adj.)
Extremely thorough and accurate, often demanding strict attention to detail or high standards (e.g., “The study was conducted under rigorous conditions” or “The training program is very rigorous”).
Shrove Tuesday
The day before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent in the Christian calendar.
Traditionally, it’s a day for confession and absolution of sins (“shrive” means to confess).
In many cultures, it is also celebrated with feasts, particularly involving pancakes, hence it is sometimes called “Pancake Day” (e.g., “On Shrove Tuesday, we make pancakes before Lent begins”).
Thorough (adj.)
Complete, detailed, and done with great attention to every part or detail (e.g., “She gave the room a thorough cleaning” or “His report was thorough and left no question unanswered”).
Musician
A person who plays a musical instrument or is involved in the performance, composition, or conducting of music
Mechanic
A person who repairs and maintains machinery, especially cars (e.g., “The mechanic fixed my car’s engine”).
Plumber
A person who installs and repairs water pipes, drains, and fixtures like sinks and toilets (e.g., “We called a plumber to fix the leaky faucet”).
Banker
A person who works in banking, especially at a high level, managing financial transactions and services (e.g., “He became a successful banker after years of studying finance”).
Wage
Payment made based on the number of hours worked, typically given to hourly workers (e.g., “She earns a weekly wage for her part-time job”).
Pay
A general term for money given in exchange for work (e.g., “Her pay reflects her hard work”).
Salary
A fixed amount of money paid regularly (monthly or yearly) regardless of hours worked, usually for professional jobs (e.g., “He receives a yearly salary for his full-time position”).
Income
The money a person earns from work, investments, or other sources (e.g., “Her income from freelancing has increased this year”).
Furniture
Movable objects in a room that make it suitable for living or working, such as chairs, tables, and beds (e.g., “We bought new furniture for the living room”).
Loads
A large quantity of something, or things to carry (e.g., “She had loads of laundry to do” or “There were loads of people at the concert”).
Career
A person’s long-term occupation or profession, typically with opportunities for progress (e.g., “She’s pursuing a career in medicine”).
Catch on (phrasal verb)
To understand something after initially struggling with it, or for an idea or trend to become popular (e.g., “It took her a while to catch on to the new software” or “The new fashion trend is catching on”).
Bill
A written statement of money owed for goods or services (e.g., “He received the bill for the meal”).
Tiring (adj.)
Something that causes fatigue or exhaustion (e.g., “The hike was tiring, but worth it”).
In 1800s
In the eighteen hundreds (e.g., “In the 1800s, industrialization changed many countries”).
Yawn (verb/noun)
To open your mouth wide and inhale deeply due to tiredness or boredom (e.g., “He couldn’t stop yawning during the lecture”).
Rucksack
A type of backpack used for carrying items, often used for hiking or travel (e.g., “She packed her rucksack before heading out on the trail”).
(This word is more commonly used in British English; in American English, it’s often called a backpack).
Acquaintance
Someone you know but not well; they are more than a stranger but not yet a friend.
Example: “Sarah is just an acquaintance from work; we don’t hang out outside the office.”
Canteen
A cafeteria, usually in a school, factory, or workplace, where people can get meals. It can also refer to a small container for water carried by hikers or soldiers.
Example: “Let’s grab lunch at the canteen after our meeting.”
Mediate
To intervene in a dispute in order to resolve it, helping the parties involved come to an agreement.
Example: “He had to mediate between the two teams to prevent the argument from escalating.”
Fuss
Unnecessary or excessive excitement, activity, or worry, especially about something unimportant.
Example: “Stop making a fuss over the small scratch on the table.”
Tie
To fasten or bind something with a rope, string, or similar material.
Example: “I am tying my shoes before we head out.”
Isle
A small island. It’s often used in poetic or formal contexts.
Example: “They spent their vacation on a quiet, secluded isle.”
Cattle
Large domesticated animals raised for their meat, milk, or hide. Commonly refers to cows, bulls, or oxen.
Example: “The cattle were grazing peacefully in the field.”
Reverend
A title or form of address used for members of the clergy, especially in Christian denominations.
Example: “The Reverend gave an inspiring sermon last Sunday.”
Witchdoctor
A traditional healer or shaman in some cultures, believed to have magical powers to cure illness or protect against evil spirits.
Example: “The villagers sought the witchdoctor’s help for healing.”
Be my guest
John: “Hey, it looks like you’re eyeing those cookies. Be my guest, I made plenty!”
Help yourself
Sarah: “Thanks! I will. Help yourself to some coffee.”
Nice talking to you
John: “[…] Good to hear! Well, it was nice talking to you.
That’s my train
Sarah: “Nice talking to you, too. Uh-oh, that’s my train! I’ve got to run!”
Alternative (adj.)
Definition: Another option or choice.
Examples: Alternative medicine, alternative solutions.
Alternative lifestyle
Definition: A way of living that is different from the mainstream.
Examples: A lifestyle based on sustainable living, minimalist living.
Quite a (modifier)
Less than very
Definition: To a significant extent or degree.
Examples: Quite a challenge, quite a large amount.
Pretty (modifier)
Definition: Fairly or moderately; to a certain degree.
Examples: Pretty good, pretty easy.
Relatively (modifier)
Definition: In relation or comparison to something else.
Examples: Relatively inexpensive, relatively easy.
Fairly (modifier)
Definition: Moderately or to a reasonable extent.
Examples: Fairly new, fairly interesting.
A bit more
Definition: Slightly greater in degree or amount.
Examples: A bit more expensive, a bit more complicated.
A bit less
Definition: Slightly smaller in degree or amount.
Examples: A bit less crowded, a bit less difficult.
A lot more
Definition: Much greater in degree or amount.
Examples: A lot more enjoyable, a lot more challenging.
A lot less
Definition: Much smaller in degree or amount.
Examples: A lot less expensive, a lot less stressful.
Prompt (adj.)
Definition: Done without delay; on time.
Examples: A prompt reply, a prompt action.
Reasonably (modifier)
Definition: Fairly or to a moderate extent.
Examples: Reasonably priced, reasonably good.
On a typical day
Definition: Reflecting what usually happens.
Examples: On a typical day, I work from 9 to 5.
Urgent
Definition: Requiring immediate action or attention.
Examples: An urgent request, an urgent matter.
Motto
Definition: A short phrase expressing a guiding principle.
Examples: “Carpe diem,” “In God We Trust.”
Slogan
Definition: A memorable phrase used in advertising or politics.
Examples: “Just do it,” “Think different.”
Constitution
Definition: A set of fundamental principles governing a state or organization.
Examples: The U.S. Constitution, the constitution of a club.
Campaign
Definition: An organized effort to achieve a specific goal, often in politics or marketing.
Examples: An election campaign, a marketing campaign.
Amplify
Definition: To increase in strength or intensity.
Examples: Amplify a sound, amplify a message.
Seldom
Definition: Rarely or not often.
Examples: Seldom seen, seldom used.
Literacy
Definition: The ability to read and write.
Examples: Basic literacy, digital literacy.
Repeatedly
Definition: Occurring again and again.
Examples: Repeatedly asked questions, repeatedly warned.
Go round
Definition: To move around something or visit various places.
Examples: Go round the city, go round to friends’ houses.
Go away
Definition: To leave or depart from a place.
Examples: Go away on vacation, go away for the weekend.
Take place
Definition: To happen or occur.
Examples: The meeting will take place tomorrow, the event took place last week.
Neighborhood
Definition: A local area or district within a city or town.
Examples: A quiet neighborhood, a friendly neighborhood.
Lastly
Definition: In conclusion or at the end.
Examples: Lastly, I want to thank everyone, lastly, we need to discuss.
Spaghetti
Definition: A type of pasta made in long, thin strings.
Examples: Spaghetti with marinara sauce, spaghetti carbonara.
Superficial (adj.)
Refers to someone who is not deep or thoughtful.
Sanctify
To make something holy or set apart.
Mainstream
Definition: The ideas, attitudes, or activities that are considered normal or conventional and are accepted by most people in a society.
Examples: Mainstream media, mainstream culture.
Speaking of which
Used when you’re referring back to something just mentioned.
For example: “We were talking about cats. Speaking of which, have you seen my new kitten?”
Burden
A heavy load or responsibility, either physical or emotional.
Example: “Caring for his sick mother was a great burden for him.”
Regulation
A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
Example: “There are strict regulations on food safety.”
Slanted
Something that is tilted or biased.
Example: “The report was slanted to favor one side of the argument.”
Excursion
A short trip or outing, usually for leisure.
Example: “They went on an excursion to the countryside.”
Profession as…
to specify the exact role (e.g., “a profession as a teacher”)
Career in…
to refer to a broader field (e.g., “a career in education”).
Veterinary nurse
A person who assists veterinarians in caring for animals.
Example: “She works as a veterinary nurse in a clinic.”
Put out a fire
To extinguish a fire. It can be used literally or figuratively.
Example: “The firefighters put out the fire.”
Invoke
To call upon or refer to something, especially a law or principle.
Example: “He invoked his right to remain silent.”
Necessary
Something that is needed.
Example: “Water is necessary for life.”
Necessarily
Something that happens as a logical outcome or is required by circumstances.
Example: “Being rich doesn’t necessarily make you happy.”
We’d get along well
This means “we would have a good relationship.”
Example: “If we lived closer, I think we’d get along well.”
Greenhouse
A covered structure, typically made of glass or plastic, where plants are grown in controlled conditions.
It helps create a warm, humid environment, making it ideal for growing plants that need specific temperatures or protection from the elements.
