Why Do We, Like, Hesitate When We, Um, Speak?

Question 1

Regulations

Answer 1

noun
Official rules or laws set by authorities
* The company must comply with all government regulations regarding employee safety.
* The financial regulations in this country are stricter than in other regions.

Question 2

Pepper

Answer 2

verb
To spread small amounts of something throughout
* She peppered her presentation with real-world examples to keep the audience engaged.
* The report was peppered with statistics to support the findings.

Question 3

Offending

Answer 3

adjective
Causing someone to be upset or annoyed
* She apologized for the offending comment, realizing it had upset her colleague.
* The editor flagged the offending terms in the manuscript for further review.

Question 4

Linguist

Answer 4

noun
Someone who studies language and its structure
* The linguist conducted research on how different languages evolve over time.
* As a linguist, he can speak several languages fluently and understands their grammar.

Question 5

Lumped into a broader bucket

Answer 5

idiom
Grouping something into a general category without considering its specific characteristics
* All the minor complaints were lumped into a broader bucket of customer concerns.
* The ideas from the meeting were lumped into a broader bucket of potential solutions for the company’s issues.

Question 6

Controversy

Answer 6

noun
A disagreement or dispute, often involving strong opinions or public debate
* The documentary caused a lot of controversy due to its sensitive subject matter.
* There was a controversy surrounding the company’s environmental practices.

Question 7

So-called

Answer 7

adjective
Referring to something known by a particular name, often implying doubt or criticism
* The so-called expert couldn’t answer the simplest questions.
* The so-called “green” initiative turned out to be environmentally harmful.

Question 8

Sign language

Answer 8

noun
A system of communication using visual gestures and signs, typically used by people with hearing problems
* She learned sign language to communicate with her deaf friend.
* He became fluent in American Sign Language to work as an interpreter.

Question 9

break a habit

Answer 9

verbal phrase
To stop a regular behavior, especially one that is unwanted or hard to change
* It took her months to break the habit of biting her nails.
* He tried to break the habit of checking his phone first thing in the morning.

Question 10

Imbue

Answer 10

verb
To fill or inspire something with a particular quality or feeling
* The artist’s work is imbued with deep emotion and personal experience.
* His words imbued the team with a sense of determination.

Question 11

Discourse

Answer 11

noun
Written or spoken communication or debate
* Their discourse about the environment lasted for hours.
* The book analyzes the discourse surrounding social justice issues.

Question 12

Conscientious

Answer 12

adjective
Showing great care and attention to detail, especially in one’s work or duties
* His conscientious approach to the project ensured its success.
* They praised her for being conscientious in following the company’s guidelines.

Question 13

Toddler

Answer 13

noun
A young child, typically between the ages of one and three, who is just learning to walk
* He bought a toy for his toddler to play with.
* Parents often find it challenging to keep a toddler entertained for long periods.

Question 14

Stigma

Answer 14

noun
A negative belief or attitude that leads to social disapproval or discrimination
* There is still a stigma around mental health issues in many societies.
* The company worked hard to remove the stigma of failure and encourage innovation.