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English Rewind - Weekender: management speak

Video vocabulary

stupid

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US / ˈstju:pɪd /

UK / ˈstu:pɪd /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Not intelligent; lacking ability to learn easily

speak

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US / spi:k /

UK / spik /

A1
  • verb
  • To be able to use a certain language
  • To use words to tell information, express thoughts

dislike

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US / dɪs'laɪk /

UK / dɪsˈlaɪk /

A2
  • verb
  • To not like something

consider

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US / kən'sɪdə(r) /

UK / kənˈsɪdər /

A1
  • verb
  • To think carefully about something

quick

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US / kwɪk /

UK / kwɪk /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Using very little time; moving far in little time
  • Learning and understanding rapidly and easily

thousand

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US / ˈθaʊznd /

UK / ˈθaʊzənd /

A1
  • number
  • Number 1,000

explain

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US / ɪk'spleɪn /

UK / ɪkˈsplen /

A1
  • verb
  • To make clear or easy to understand by describing

vocabulary

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US / və'kæbjələrɪ /

UK / voˈkæbjəˌlɛri /

B1
  • noun
  • Words that have to do with a particular subject
  • The words that a person knows

describe

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US / dɪ'skraɪb /

UK / dɪˈskraɪb /

A1
  • verb
  • To tell the appearance, sound, smell of something

actually

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US / ˈæktʃuəli /

UK / ˈæktʃuəli /

A1
  • adverb
  • Used to add new (often different) information

slogan

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US / ˈsləʊgən /

UK / ˈsloɡən /

B2
  • noun
  • Distinctive phrase used in political campaign, etc.

feel

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US / fi:l /

UK / fil /

A1
  • verb
  • To be aware of or experience an emotion, sensation
  • To sense through direct contact; touch

area

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US / 'eərɪə /

UK / ˈɛriə /

A1
  • noun
  • Amount of measured space
  • A specific section or space; part of a region
  • A subject or field of study

use

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US / ju:s /

UK / ju:s /

A1
  • noun
  • Ability to employ something
  • Need to enable it to work
  • Permission to do something with something
  • Act of spending money
  • Operation of a machine for its function
  • verb
  • To have; to eat, drink, consume etc.
  • To need to operate or work
  • To operate a machine, e.g. a computer
  • To treat a person badly
  • To do something with, for a task or purpose

sure

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US / ʃʊə(r) /

UK / ʃʊr /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Having no doubts about something
  • Have confidence in your own words or actions
  • Firmly established or held; being firm or stable
  • Being correct or true
  • adverb
  • What you say to agree willingly

shorthand

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US / ˈʃɔ:thænd /

UK / ˈʃɔrtˌhænd /

B2
  • noun
  • Abbreviated writing; symbols used by secretary
  • Short way of saying something

always

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US / 'ɔ:lweɪz /

UK / ˈɔlwez,-wɪz,-wiz /

A1
  • adverb
  • For a very long time
  • At all times; in every situation
  • For ever

new

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US / nju: /

UK / nu, nju /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Not old, recently born, built or made
  • Being or doing something for the first time
  • Not felt, seen or known previously
  • Having been recently bought or obtained

here

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US / hɪə(r) /

UK / hɪr /

A1
  • adverb
  • In this place; at this location, position or time

probably

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US / ˈprɒbəbli /

UK / ˈprɑbəbli /

A1
  • adverb
  • That is likely to happen or be true

shame

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US / ʃeɪm /

UK / ʃem /

A2
  • noun
  • Feeling of guilt because you did something wrong
  • verb
  • To make someone feel ashamed

too

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US / tu: /

UK / tu /

A1
  • adverb
  • In addition, also; with emphasis
  • Say that something is more than you want

skeptical

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US / 'skeptɪkəl /

UK / 'skeptɪkəl /

C2
  • adjecitve
  • Doubting that something is true/probable/useful

sort

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US / sɔ:t /

UK / sɔrt /

A1
  • noun
  • Group or class of similar things or people
  • verb
  • To organize things by putting them into groups
  • To deal with things in an organized way

indeed

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US / ɪnˈdi:d /

UK / ɪnˈdid /

A2
  • adverb
  • Actually; in fact; in reality

also

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US / 'ɔ:lsəʊ /

UK / ˈɔlso /

A1
  • adverb
  • In addition; too; in a similar way

other

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US / 'ʌðə(r) /

UK / ˈʌðər /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • A thing different from that mentioned
  • determiner
  • (Something) else; not the first (one)
  • pronoun
  • Being the one and only thing of that category

mention

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US / 'menʃn /

UK / ˈmɛnʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Act of referring to or talking about something
  • verb
  • To refer to or talk or write about something

one

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US / wʌn /

UK / wʌn /

A1
  • pronoun
  • You; we; people in general; someone
  • The thing or person previously referred to
  • adjecitve
  • Used to refer to people generally
  • Being a strong example of (something mentioned)
  • number
  • Number 1

how

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US / haʊ /

UK / haʊ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • To what degree? in what amount?
  • adverb
  • (Used to explain the way to do something)
  • exclamation
  • For what purpose or reason?
  • (Used to ask someone or something's condition)

sceptical

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US / ˈskeptɪkl /

UK / ˈskɛptɪkəl /

C2
  • adjecitve
  • Doubting that something is true/probable/useful

make

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US / meɪk /

UK / mek /

A1
  • noun
  • Product made by a particular company; brand
  • verb
  • To arrange or prepare something e.g. dinner
  • To get to (a place) on time
  • To gain the status of (teacher, lawyer, etc.)
  • To create something by putting things together
  • To earn a certain amount of money at a job
  • To cause or force a person to do something
  • To cause something to happen or be formed

robertson

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US / ˈrɒbətsən /

UK / ˈrɑbərtsən /

A1

word

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US / wɜ:d /

UK / wɚd /

A1
  • noun
  • Unit of language that has a meaning
  • Promise
  • Short remark or piece of information
  • verb
  • To express something by choosing particular words

into

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US / 'ɪntə /

UK / ˈɪntu /

A1
  • preposition
  • Moving or going inside something
  • In the same direction as; in the direction of
  • So as to become; taking the state of

outside

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US / ˌaʊtˈsaɪd /

UK / aʊtˈsaɪd, ˈaʊtˌsaɪd /

A2
  • adverb
  • Beyond the limits or edges of some place, thing
  • noun
  • Area around or near something, such as a building
  • preposition
  • Beyond the limits or edges of some place, thing

kind

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US / kaɪnd /

UK / kaɪnd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • In a caring and helpful manner
  • friendly and considerate
  • noun
  • One type of thing

term

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US / tɜ:m /

UK / tɚm /

A1
  • noun
  • Conditions applying to an agreement, contract
  • Length of time something is expected to happen
  • Fixed period of weeks for learning at school
  • The (precise) name given to something
  • verb
  • To call; give a name to

less

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US / les /

UK / lɛs /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Smaller in amount or degree
  • adverb
  • To a smaller degree
  • noun
  • A smaller amount
  • preposition
  • With the subtraction of

the

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US / ðə /

UK / ðə /

A1
  • article
  • Used to refer to something already mentioned
  • Used to show there is only one of something
  • determiner
  • Used to describe all of a family

intense

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US / ɪn'tens /

UK / ɪnˈtɛns /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Very strong, great or extreme in degree

originally

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US / əˈrɪdʒənəli /

UK / əˈrɪdʒənəli /

A2
  • adverb
  • At first; in the beginning
  • In a new and unique manner

temporarily

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US / tempəˈrerɪlɪ /

UK / tempəˈrerɪlɪ /

A2
  • adverb
  • For a limited amount of time

fine

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US / faɪn /

UK / faɪn /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Good, acceptable or satisfactory
  • Of high quality; made with great skill
  • In a careful or exact manner; into small pieces
  • Being of high quality
  • Good; okay; no problem
  • (Of weather) good; not raining
  • noun
  • Money you have to pay because you broke a rule
  • verb
  • To pay money because you broke a law

bad

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US / bæd /

UK / bæd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Not good; wrong
  • Lacking in good morals; evil
  • No longer fresh; spoiled

you

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US / jʊ /

UK / ju /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Person someone is speaking or writing to
  • Person or people in general

little

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US / 'lɪtl /

UK / ˈlɪtl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being short in length of time
  • Not great in size, amount, or degree; small
  • Being very young or younger than others
  • adverb
  • By an amount or degree that is not very much
  • Not often; rarely
  • noun
  • A person's name

this

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US / ðɪs /

UK / ðɪs /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Used to indicate something already been discussed
  • Used to indicate something happening around now
  • adverb
  • An indication by a physical motion or gesture
  • A specific amount of
  • determiner
  • Person, thing, or idea near you
  • pronoun
  • Person, thing that has already been discussed

simply

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US / ˈsɪmpli /

UK / ˈsɪmpli /

A1
  • adverb
  • In an easy or clear manner

although

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US / ɔ:lˈðəu /

UK / ɔlˈðo /

A1
  • conjunction
  • Despite the fact that; however

ready

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US / 'redɪ /

UK / ˈrɛdi /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being likely or about to do something
  • Being willing to do a task
  • verb
  • To prepare something for use or action

colleague

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US / 'kɒli:ɡ /

UK / ˈkɑlˌiɡ /

A2
  • noun
  • Person you work or cooperate with

treat

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US / tri:t /

UK / trit /

A1
  • noun
  • Something you buy for others as a surprise present
  • something that tastes good and that is not eaten often
  • verb
  • To pay for the food or enjoyment of someone else
  • To use medical methods to try to cure an illness
  • To act in a certain way toward someone

forward

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US / 'fɔ:wəd /

UK / ˈfɔrwəd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Toward what is ahead; in front
  • Acting in a socially aggressive manner; pushy
  • adverb
  • Toward the front in place; in front
  • Toward a future time; to a more advanced state
  • verb
  • To send something to another address or person

effective

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US / ɪˈfektɪv /

UK / ɪˈfɛktɪv /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Working efficiently to produce a desired result

second

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US / 'sekənd /

UK / ˈsɛkənd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • 2nd; the one following first
  • noun
  • Unit of time; one sixtieth of a minute
  • Short period of time that you wait for someone
  • (Do) soon

vaguely

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US / ˈveɪgli /

UK / ˈveɪɡli /

B1
  • adverb
  • In a vague way; not fully

even

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US / 'i:vn /

UK / ˈivən /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being equal in influence, power, possibility etc.
  • Being divided equally or fairly
  • (Of teams/contest) with similar chances of success
  • Smooth, level, or regular
  • Can be divided by 2; ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, or 0
  • At a regular, equally steady manner
  • Remaining steady and unchanging
  • adverb
  • (When this is surprising) as well; too
  • (Used to compare two things/stress the difference)
  • verb
  • To make something level; to flatten
  • To make something equal

manager

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US / ˈmænɪdʒə(r) /

UK / ˈmænɪdʒɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Person who controls and runs a business or group

own

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US / əʊn /

UK / on /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Belong to oneself
  • determiner
  • Yours, his, hers, etc.; not belonging to another
  • pronoun
  • (Something) belong to myself
  • verb
  • To have something as your property

language

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US / ˈlæŋgwɪdʒ /

UK / ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ /

A1
  • noun
  • Words or signs used to communicate messages

comment

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US / 'kɒment /

UK / ˈkɑmɛnt /

A2
  • noun
  • Something you say, giving an opinion; remark
  • verb
  • To say something that gives your opinion

like

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US / laɪk /

UK / laɪk /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being equal in status or kind to something else
  • Similar; the same
  • adverb
  • For example
  • preposition
  • Used as a filler; used to ad emphasis
  • In a way similar to the way something is done
  • Such as; for example
  • verb
  • To want to
  • To find something pleasing; to prefer something

about

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US / ə'baʊt /

UK / əˈbaʊt /

A1
  • adverb
  • To be ready to; going to
  • Nearly; approximately; roughly
  • Near; next to; close to
  • In every direction; in the area of
  • preposition
  • Concerning or of (a topic)

suppose

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US / sə'pəʊz /

UK / səˈpoʊz /

A2
  • conjunction
  • What if
  • verb
  • To imagine or guess what might happen

metaphorical

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US / ˌmetəˈfɒrɪkl /

UK / ˌmetəˈfɔ:rɪkl /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Using words imaginatively to reveal a similarity

hard

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US / hɑ:d /

UK / hɑː(r)d /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Difficult to do; difficult to understand
  • (Of facts) not able to be misunderstood; clear
  • (Of alcohol) strong
  • Involving or requiring lots of work, effort, care
  • Being full of pain, trouble, and problems
  • Strong
  • (Of edge) clear; sharp
  • Difficult to bend, break or cut; solid
  • adverb
  • With lots of force, power, or impact

jargon

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US / ˈdʒɑ:gən /

UK / ˈdʒɑ:rgən /

B2
  • noun
  • Terms and expressions used in a specialist field

that

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US / ðæt /

UK / ðæt, ðət /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • The person or thing being talked about
  • Used to identify something both the speakers know
  • adverb
  • Used to reinforce adjectives and adverbs
  • To such a degree
  • conjunction
  • Used to connect a noun clause
  • Used to introduce an adverbial clause
  • Used to introduce a noun clause
  • determiner
  • Used as a noun to refer to something
  • pronoun
  • Referring an object far away
  • Used to refer to the relative pronoun ‘which’

get

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US / ɡet /

UK / ɡɛt /

A1
  • verb
  • To become affected by illness or disease
  • To begin to feel or understand an emotion or idea
  • To send or bring someone or something home, etc.
  • To go somewhere to obtain something
  • To (cause to) do a particular thing
  • To obtain, receive or be given something
  • To currently have
  • To prepare for use
  • To understand something being said or read

what

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US / wɒt /

UK / hwɑt, hwʌt, wɔt, wʌt,hwət, wət /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Thing or things that; the same kind as
  • Used to emphasize something you are about to say
  • adjecitve
  • Used to refer to a particular amount, or number
  • Used to place emphasis on a particular quality
  • adverb
  • To a certain degree
  • determiner
  • Question words used for asking for information
  • exclamation
  • Used to express excitement, shock, or surprise
  • Used to ask people to repeat something they said

overuse

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US / ˌəʊvə'ju:z /

UK / ˌovɚˈjuz /

B2
  • noun
  • Use of an object too often or too extensively
  • verb
  • To use something too often or too extensively

terrible

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US / ˈterəbl /

UK / ˈtɛrəbəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Very bad; horrible

unwell

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US / ʌnˈwel /

UK / ʌnˈwɛl /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Being in poor health; having your period

mean

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US / mi:n /

UK / min /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being good at
  • Nasty; unkind
  • Not liking to spend money; cheap; stingy
  • noun
  • Average of a set of numbers
  • verb
  • To express a particular idea or thought
  • To intend to do something in particular
  • To have a particular meaning or value

workplace

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US / ˈwɜ:kpleɪs /

UK / ˈwɚkˌples /

B2
  • noun
  • Place where work is done

she

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US / ʃɪ /

UK / ʃi /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Female person or animal mentioned before
  • (Refers to female person mentioned before)

people

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US / 'pi:pl /

UK / ˈpipəl /

A1
  • noun
  • Persons sharing culture, country, background, etc.
  • Men, Women, Children

happen

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US / 'hæpən /

UK / ˈhæpən /

A1
  • verb
  • To take place or occur

type

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US / taɪp /

UK / taɪp /

A1
  • noun
  • Printed letters or blocks used for printing them
  • Group of things or people sharing common features
  • verb
  • To identify something belonging to a group
  • To write by touching keys on a keyboard

communication

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US / kəˌmju:nɪ'keɪʃn /

UK / kəˌmjunɪˈkeʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Talking to people; giving information to people

look

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US / lʊk /

UK / lʊk /

A1
  • noun
  • Person's beauty or physical attractiveness
  • Particular style of dress, clothes, or appearance
  • The way someone, something appears to be
  • Act of searching for or examining something
  • verb
  • To appear to be; seem

believe

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US / bɪ'li:v /

UK / bɪˈliv /

A1
  • verb
  • To think or accept that something is true
  • To have a particular opinion about something

useful

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US / ˈju:sfl /

UK / ˈjusfəl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • That can help with a particular task

main

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US / meɪn /

UK / men /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Most important; most often used

everyone

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US / ˈevriwʌn /

UK / ˈɛvriˌwʌn /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Every person; everybody

worker

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US / ˈwɜ:kə(r) /

UK / ˈwɜ:rkə(r) /

A1
  • noun
  • Person who works

they

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US / ðeɪ /

UK / ðe /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Two or more people, animals, or things

their

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US / ðɛː /

UK / ðer /

A1
  • determiner
  • Belonging to them

terribly

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US / ˈterəbli /

UK / ˈtɛrəbli /

B1
  • adverb
  • To an extreme degree; badly; very

simple

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US / 'sɪmpl /

UK / ˈsɪmpəl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Not hard to understand or do; not complex
  • Having only a few parts; not complex
  • Being ordinary or normal
  • Being plain; without a lot added for style

add

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US / æd /

UK / æd /

A1
  • verb
  • To include as well
  • To put two things or numbers together, e.g. 2+2

very

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US / 'verɪ /

UK / ˈvɛri /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning a large degree or amount
  • adverb
  • A lot; much; many
  • Used to stress or emphasize a noun

way

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US / weɪ /

UK / we /

A1
  • adverb
  • Used to emphasize the amount of something
  • noun
  • Particular aspect of something being thought about
  • One of various choices that could be made
  • Particular existing condition or state
  • (Often long) distance or length of time
  • How something is done
  • Route to go to a place
  • Small street
  • Usual behavior, emotions or habits of someone

show

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US / ʃəʊ /

UK / ʃo /

A1
  • noun
  • False display of love, emotion or action
  • An event for displaying or promoting goods
  • Play, opera or theater production
  • Presentation that is broadcast on TV or radio
  • verb
  • To be easily seen or displayed
  • To display your emotions or feelings
  • To let someone see something; display
  • To explain or teach how something is done
  • To lead someone somewhere; point them to something
  • To prove something to be true, correct
  • To reveal or allow something to be seen

speaker

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US / 'spi:kə(r) /

UK / ˈspikɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Electronic device for making or broadcasting sound
  • Person who makes a speech before a group

work

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US / wɜ:k /

UK / wɚk /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Activity completed in order to make money
  • noun
  • The product of some artistic or literary endeavor
  • Everything created by an author, artist, musician
  • Activity you do in order to make money
  • Place of employment
  • Final product or result of a some labor or effort
  • verb
  • To bring into a specific state of success
  • To be functioning properly, e.g. a car
  • To do your job in your company or workplace
  • To make an effort to do something
  • To operate a machine or device

encourage

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US / ɪn'kʌrɪdʒ /

UK / ɛnˈkɚrɪdʒ, -ˈkʌr- /

A2
  • verb
  • To increase the chance of something happening
  • To make someone more determined or confident

bit

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US / bɪt /

UK / bɪt /

A1
  • noun
  • Device put in a horse's mouth to control it
  • Small piece of something
  • verb
  • (E.g. of fish) to take bait and be caught

take

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US / teɪk /

UK / tek /

A1
  • noun
  • Filming of a single scene for TV or the movies
  • verb
  • To accept something that is offered
  • To use a method of traveling, e.g. a bus or train
  • To use a camera to make (a photo)
  • To pick up something and go away with it
  • To study a subject in school
  • To attempt to pass (an exam)
  • To require a certain amount of time, money, space

its

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US / ɪts /

UK / ɪts /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Referring to or belonging to ‘it’
  • determiner
  • Of something; belonging or related to something
  • other
  • Possessive form of “it”

management

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US / 'mænɪdʒmənt /

UK / ˈmænɪdʒmənt /

A2
  • noun
  • People who are in control of a business or group
  • The process of running an organization

staff

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US / stɑ:f /

UK / stæf /

A1
  • noun
  • Employees of a company
  • Long stick that a person uses to help them walk
  • verb
  • To hire workers for a business

yes

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US / jes /

UK / jɛs /

A1
  • adverb
  • Way to say you agree or will do something

broadcast

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US / 'brɔ:dkɑ:st /

UK / ˈbrɔdˌkæst /

A2
  • noun
  • Program sent out from a radio or TV station
  • verb
  • To send out signals by radio or television

both

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US / bəuθ /

UK / boθ /

A1
  • determiner
  • Used to refer to two things at the same time
  • pronoun
  • Used to refer to two things at the same time

strange

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US / streɪndʒ /

UK / strendʒ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Unusual or odd; surprising because unexpected

unimportant

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US / ˌʌnɪmˈpɔ:tnt /

UK / ˌʌnɪmˈpɔ:rtnt /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Not having a major effect; not important

expression

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US / ɪk'spreʃn /

UK / ɪkˈsprɛʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Act of making your thoughts and feelings known
  • Group of words that have a specific meaning

all

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US / ɔ:l /

UK / ɔl /

A1
  • adverb
  • Completely; totally
  • determiner
  • Being every one of something
  • pronoun
  • 100% of something; the complete amount

organization

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US / ˌɔ:gənaɪˈzeɪʃn /

UK / ˌɔrɡənɪˈzeʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Group of people with a particular purpose

department

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US / dɪˈpɑ:tmənt /

UK / dɪˈpɑ:rtmənt /

A2
  • noun
  • Division of a larger part or organization

original

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US / ə'rɪdʒənl /

UK / əˈrɪdʒənəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Being first made, thought or performed; fresh
  • Being unique or thinking differently from others

hear

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US / hɪə(r) /

UK / hɪr /

A1
  • verb
  • To be aware of sound; to perceive with the ear
  • To be told or find out information or facts
  • To consider or listen to a court case

with

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US / wɪð /

UK / wɪð, wɪθ /

A1
  • preposition
  • As an employee of a certain company
  • Against something or someone
  • By using something as a means
  • Due to; because of
  • Including
  • Possessing as a feature
  • Related to
  • (Of the manner/attitude by which you do something)
  • Used to express that people or things are together

could

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US / kəd /

UK / kʊd /

A1
  • other
  • Past form of 'can' to mean have ability
  • Used to ask for something politely, or to offer

next

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US / nekst /

UK / nɛkst /

A1
  • adverb
  • The one that follows another in time or order
  • At a time or place directly after the present one
  • noun
  • The one that follows after
  • adjecitve
  • Immediately after the previous one
  • First occurrence after the present one

organize

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US / ˈɔ:gənaɪz /

UK / ˈɔ:rgənaɪz /

A1
  • verb
  • To arrange and plan things, e.g. a party

insane

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US / ɪnˈseɪn /

UK / ɪnˈsen /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Mentally ill; crazy
  • Being mentally disturbed
  • Being crazy or stupid

know

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US / nəʊ /

UK / noʊ /

A1
  • verb
  • To be familiar with a person or place, thing
  • To feel sure or be convinced about something
  • To discover or be aware of something
  • To be able to distinguish
  • To have knowledge of things

conventional

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US / kən'venʃənl /

UK / kənˈvɛnʃənəl /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Following the common attitudes and practices

page

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US / peɪdʒ /

UK / pedʒ /

A1
  • noun
  • Person's name
  • One side of a sheet of paper
  • (Olden times) boy servant of a king or queen
  • Screen of information on an online service
  • verb
  • To call for someone via a phone or speaker

have

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US / həv /

UK / hæv /

A1
  • verb
  • To drink, smoke, eat or use something
  • To experience the effects of something
  • To organize an event, or join in an activity
  • To own, possess, or hold something
  • To cause to happen or produce a particular effect

clear

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US / klɪə(r) /

UK / klɪr /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Empty; without anything in it or on it
  • Being certain and without doubt
  • Being without any streaks, spots, or cracks
  • Easy to understand; well-explained; obvious
  • adverb
  • Completely; entirely; through the whole of
  • Away from; free from
  • verb
  • To recover from or remove a problem
  • To get rid of the entire contents of
  • To give permission for something to happen
  • To make a place or surface empty by removing
  • To prove that someone is not guilty or to blame

enjoy

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US / ɪnˈdʒɔɪ /

UK / ɛnˈdʒɔɪ /

A1
  • verb
  • To take pleasure in something

rely

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US / rɪ'laɪ /

UK / rɪˈlaɪ /

B2
  • verb
  • Depend on with full trust or confidence

six

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US / sɪks /

UK / sɪks /

A1
  • number
  • 6

often

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US / ˈɔfən /

UK / ˈɔfən,ˈɑfən,ˈɔftən,ˈɑf- /

A1
  • adverb
  • Many times; frequently; on many occasions

his

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US / hɪz /

UK / hɪz /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Something belonging to a male person

confusion

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US / kən'fju:ʒən /

UK / kənˈfjuʒən /

B1
  • noun
  • Not knowing what to do; state of disorder

commission

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US / kə'mɪʃn /

UK / kəˈmɪʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Money paid for a service, e.g. money exchanging
  • An official role or title in the military
  • Group officially put in charge of e.g. education
  • Order for a specific piece of work, usually of art
  • verb
  • To hire someone, order work to be done for payment

positive

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US / ˈpɒzətɪv /

UK / ˈpɑzɪtɪv /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Showing agreement or support for something
  • Being sure about something; knowing the truth
  • Having the charge produced by electrons
  • Being good or useful
  • Showing that a chemical is present in a test

website

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US / ˈwebsaɪt /

UK / 'websaɪt /

A1
  • noun
  • Collection of webpages in one location

strong

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US / strɒŋ /

UK / strɔŋ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • (Of tea or beer) dark or thick
  • Having big muscles; physically powerful

such

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US / sʌtʃ /

UK / sʌtʃ /

A1
  • determiner
  • Being similar to
  • (Thing) as previously stated or referred to
  • adverb
  • (Used to emphasize the quality of an adjective)

begin

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US / bɪ'ɡɪn /

UK / ˈbeɡɪn /

A1
  • verb
  • To do the first part of an action; to start

possibly

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US / ˈpɒsəbli /

UK / ˈpɑ:səbli /

A1
  • adverb
  • May be true or likely, but is uncertain

just

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US / dʒʌst /

UK / dʒʌst /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Proper or appropriate; as is deserved
  • Doing or being what is right or fair
  • Legally correct; having enough evidence
  • adverb
  • Almost; nearly
  • Exactly at the time of
  • Exactly (the same as, like)

those

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US / ðəʊz /

UK / ðoz /

A1
  • determiner
  • The people or things we are talking about
  • pronoun
  • The objects far from the speaker

ask

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US / ɑ:sk /

UK / æsk /

A1
  • verb
  • To say to someone that you want something

opinion

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US / əˈpɪnjən /

UK / əˈpɪnjən /

A2
  • noun
  • Court judge's statement why a decision was made
  • A person's thoughts on a topic

meaningful

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US / 'mi:nɪŋfl /

UK / ˈminɪŋfəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Having importance; showing someone's intention

fan

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US / fæn /

UK / fæn /

A2
  • noun
  • Thing you wave in front of your face to stay cool
  • Someone who admires a famous person, sport etc.
  • verb
  • To blow air upon a fire to make it stronger
  • To use a device to cool yourself, something

time

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US / taɪm /

UK / taɪm /

A1
  • noun
  • Speed at which music is played; tempo
  • Point as shown on a clock, e.g. 3 p.m
  • Number of hours, minutes needed to do something
  • Occasion when something happens
  • Period or occasion that something occurred
  • Period in history or the past
  • Something measured in minutes, hours, days, etc.
  • How long an event takes; duration
  • verb
  • To check speed at which music is performed
  • To choose a specific moment to do something
  • To measure how long an event takes, e.g. a race
  • To schedule something to occur at a specific moment

few

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US / fju: /

UK / fju /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Not many, a small number

job

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US / dʒɒb /

UK / dʒɑ:b /

A1
  • noun
  • Something that must be done
  • Regular work at which you earn money

within

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US / wɪˈðɪn /

UK / wɪðˈɪn, wɪθ- /

A1
  • adverb
  • Inside the limits of an area, time or range
  • preposition
  • From the inside of something

attitude

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US / ˈætitju:d /

UK / ˈætɪˌtud, -ˌtjud /

A2
  • noun
  • Way you act, think and feel about something

everybody

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US / ˈevribɒdi /

UK / ˈɛvriˌbɑdi, -ˌbʌdi /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Every person; everyone

profession

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US / prəˈfeʃn /

UK / prəˈfɛʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Act of stating your beliefs or feelings openly
  • Job requiring special education or skills
  • Group of people working in a certain job

express

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US / ɪk'spres /

UK / ɪkˈsprɛs /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Sent by a fast mail service
  • Traveling at high speed
  • noun
  • Fast train or bus
  • verb
  • To send something by fast mail
  • To state or show what you think or how you feel

communicate

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US / kə'mju:nɪkeɪt /

UK / kəˈmjunɪˌket /

A2
  • verb
  • To give and exchange information

hello

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US / hə'ləʊ /

UK / hɛˈlo, hə- /

A1
  • exclamation
  • What you say when you meet someone

sound

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US / saʊnd /

UK / saʊnd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Sensible, dependable and reliable
  • Unbroken or undisturbed, as of sleep
  • Firm or solid in structure
  • Sane; not mentally ill
  • Clearly reasoned; involving sense, good judgment
  • noun
  • Unique quality that characterizes a style of music
  • Waves traveling in air or water that can be heard
  • verb
  • To seem or appear to be, from what was said
  • To say in a clear deliberate manner
  • To make a noise, e.g. to ring a bell

much

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US / mʌtʃ /

UK / mʌtʃ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Very; to a high level or degree
  • adverb
  • A lot; large amount; a high degree of
  • Nearly; basically
  • On many occasions; often
  • noun
  • A large amount; a great quantity

why

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US / waɪ /

UK / hwaɪ, waɪ /

A1
  • adverb
  • Question word to ask for a reason
  • exclamation
  • (Used to express surprise or approval)

duck

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US / dʌk /

UK / dʌk /

B1
  • noun
  • Common type of water bird
  • someone's face when their lips are pushed outwards, especially in photographs
  • verb
  • To avoid doing something that is difficult
  • To lower your head to avoid hitting something

special

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US / 'speʃl /

UK / ˈspɛʃəl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being additional or extra
  • Different, better or greater than normal
  • noun
  • Heavily discounted sales item

programme

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US / ˈprəʊgræm /

UK / ˈproˌɡræm, -ɡrəm /

A1
  • noun
  • A plan or schedule of events
  • TV show
  • verb
  • To write computer code for a piece of software

wonder

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US / 'wʌndə(r) /

UK / ˈwʌndɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Surprise caused by experiencing something amazing
  • verb
  • To feel curious about something
  • To think or consider about something over time

patronize

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US / 'pætrənaɪz /

UK / ˈpetrəˌnaɪz, ˈpætrə- /

B2
  • verb
  • To frequently buy at a particular store
  • To look down on someone, by being unkind

complaint

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US / kəmˈpleɪnt /

UK / kəmˈplent /

B1
  • noun
  • Saying something is wrong and should be changed
  • Official charge against a person by the police
  • A medical problem with your body; illness

well

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US / wel /

UK / wɛl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being in a fortunate, good condition or state
  • Healthy and in good condition
  • adverb
  • In an acceptable, proper, or successful manner
  • In a complete, total, or full manner
  • A great and considerable degree
  • In a successful way, in a good or satisfactory way
  • exclamation
  • Used to begin or continue a particular statement
  • Used to show you want to start saying something
  • Used to express that you are waiting for a reply
  • You say this to change the topic of a conversation
  • Used to indicate you are making a final remark
  • noun
  • Long deep hole in the ground to get water
  • verb
  • To cause your eyes to fill with tears

talk

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US / tɔ:k /

UK / tɔk /

A1
  • noun
  • Style of speaking
  • Discussion between two countries
  • Giving information in front of people; lecture
  • Saying things or ideas to someone with words
  • verb
  • To make a formal speech about something
  • To say things or ideas to someone with words

weekender

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US / ˌwi:kˈendə(r) /

UK / ˈwikˌɛndɚ /

A1
  • other
  • A small suitcase to carry clothing and accessories for a weekend trip
  • Someone who vacations on a weekend

for

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US / fə(r) /

UK / fɔr,fə /

A1
  • preposition
  • Used to show the purpose, or need of something

report

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US / rɪ'pɔ:t /

UK / rɪˈpɔrt, ˈport /

A1
  • noun
  • Account of the necessary facts and information
  • The telling of news in the media
  • Official statement about something
  • verb
  • To submit a report or bill to the government
  • To write in a newspaper or speak on a news program
  • To state something officially
  • To officially present yourself to an authority
  • To describe something by telling it to others

understand

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US / ˌʌndə'stænd /

UK / ˌʌndɚˈstænd /

A1
  • verb
  • To know the meaning of language, what someone says

phrase

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US / freɪz /

UK / frez /

A2
  • noun
  • Common expression or saying
  • Section of musical notes in a piece of music
  • A set of words used together
  • verb
  • To choose words to say what you mean clearly

quite

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US / kwaɪt /

UK / kwaɪt /

A1
  • adverb
  • Not very; fairly
  • Very; In a complete or total manner

against

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US / əˈgenst /

UK / əˈɡenst /

A1
  • preposition
  • In physical contact with, as for support; next to
  • In opposition to; disagreeing with

box

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US / bɒks /

UK / bɑ:ks /

A1
  • noun
  • A marked area of a baseball field
  • A container with four straight sides and a lid
  • Area of seating in a theater separated from others
  • A 4 sided container or shape printed on a page
  • Entire amount of something inside a container
  • verb
  • To strike someone on the side of the head
  • To pack an object in a six-sided container
  • To fight with gloved hands as a sport

not

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US / nɒt /

UK / nɑt /

A1
  • adverb
  • Word indicating the negative
  • (Used to form the negative of verbs)

same

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US / seɪm /

UK / sem /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being equal in quality and amount
  • Identical; not different
  • Not changing; constant

archive

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US / 'ɑ:kaɪv /

UK / ˈɑrˌkaɪv /

B1
  • noun
  • Collection of historical records and materials
  • verb
  • To store things such as historical records

maybe

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US / ˈmeɪbi /

UK / ˈmebi /

A1
  • adverb
  • Possibly but not certainly; perhaps

but

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US / bət /

UK / bʌt,bət /

A1
  • conjunction
  • Used before you say something different, opposite

can

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US / kæn /

UK / kən,kæn /

A1
  • noun
  • A metal container for storing food
  • other
  • Able to; have the skill to; have the time to
  • verb
  • To have permission to
  • To be possible to do
  • To preserve food by sealing it in a metal container

english

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US / ˈɪŋglɪʃ /

UK / ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning the culture and people of England
  • noun
  • Language of the UK, USA, Nigeria and elsewhere
  • Person's name

really

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US / ˈri:əli /

UK / ˈriəˌli, ˈrili /

A1
  • adverb
  • Used to stress something that is said; definitely
  • In a true or accurate manner
  • Very

boss

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US / bɒs /

UK / bɔs, bɑs /

A1
  • noun
  • Person in charge of you at work
  • verb
  • To give orders to someone in an unpleasant way

blue

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US / blu: /

UK / blu /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Color of the clear sky
  • Feeling sad or down

our

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US / 'aʊə(r) /

UK / aʊr /

A1
  • determiner
  • Belonging to us

november

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US / nəʊˈvembə(r) /

UK / noˈvɛmbɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • 11th month of the year

would

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US / wʊd /

UK / wʊd /

A1
  • other
  • Used to indicate something imagined
  • Used to ask or request something politely
  • Verb used to indicate possibility, request etc.
  • Used to indicate a preference
  • Used to indicate a reaction
  • Indicates something that occurred repeatedly
  • Used to indicate willingness or ability to do

themselves

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US / ðəmˈselvz /

UK / ðɛmˈsɛlvz, ðəm- /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Reflexive form of 'they'

want

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US / wɔnt /

UK / wɑnt, wɔnt /

A1
  • noun
  • Something you desire or wish for
  • State or condition of poverty
  • verb
  • To desire or wish for something; hope for a thing

name

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US / neɪm /

UK / nem /

A1
  • noun
  • What something or someone is called
  • verb
  • To state what someone is called, e.g. John

finance

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US / ˈfaɪnæns /

UK / fəˈnæns, faɪ-, ˈfaɪˌnæns /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Concerned with money
  • noun
  • Control of money a person, business has access to
  • verb
  • To support someone or something financially

andrew

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US / ˈænˌdəʊvə, -də- /

UK / ˈænˌdovɚ, -də- /

A1

something

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US / ˈsʌmθɪŋ /

UK / ˈsʌmθɪŋ /

A1
  • adverb
  • In some degree or measure
  • noun
  • a person or thing of some value or consequence
  • pronoun
  • Thing that is not yet known or named
  • Approximately

think

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US / θɪŋk /

UK / θɪŋk /

A1
  • verb
  • To have an idea about something without certainty
  • To have an idea, opinion or belief about something

sometimes

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US / ˈsʌmtaɪmz /

UK / ˈsʌmˌtaɪmz /

A1
  • adverb
  • Only at certain times; occasionally

call

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US / kɔ:l /

UK / kɔl /

A1
  • noun
  • A order or request for action
  • The sound an animal makes, often when in danger
  • A correct prediction, e.g. a decision in a game
  • A short visit to a place or person
  • A decision by a referee or umpire in a game
  • verb
  • To make a request or order for action
  • (Animal) to make sounds to warn of danger
  • To announce the date of an election
  • To make a judgment about something
  • To give someone or something a name
  • To guess in advance the result or outcome
  • To visit a place or person for a short time
  • To phone someone
  • To speak, announce or shout in a loud voice

come

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US / kʌm /

UK / kʌm /

A1
  • verb
  • To arrive at a place
  • (Of mail) to be delivered
  • To move toward someone; go with someone
  • To reach a certain point or state

out

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US / aʊt /

UK / aʊt /

A1
  • adverb
  • No longer stylish (e.g. fashion)
  • Away from home, business, or the usual place
  • In a direction/movement away from inside or center
  • noun
  • Act when a batter cannot continue playing
  • verb
  • To tell people a secret

sentence

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US / 'sentəns /

UK / ˈsɛntəns /

A1
  • noun
  • Official punishment given by a court of law
  • Set of words that make a whole statement
  • verb
  • (Of a judge) to decide the punishment of

particular

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US / pəˈtɪkjələ(r) /

UK / pɚˈtɪkjəlɚ, pəˈtɪk- /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • One specific (one)
  • Having firm ideas about what is desirable
  • Being special or more than is typical

form

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US / fɔ:m /

UK / fɔrm /

A1
  • noun
  • Sports team or person's current winning record
  • Document you complete when making an application
  • Visible shape or style; type; kind
  • verb
  • To organize something such as a club or group
  • To develop; to come into a shape or substance
  • To make something into a particular shape

finally

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US / ˈfaɪnəli /

UK / ˈfaɪnəli /

A1
  • adverb
  • used especially at the beginning of a sentence to introduce the last point or idea
  • After a long time or some difficulty

environment

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US / ɪn'vaɪrənmənt /

UK / ɛnˈvaɪrənmənt, -ˈvaɪən- /

A1
  • noun
  • Natural world in which plants and animals live
  • The entire surrounding conditions of something

and

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US / ənd /

UK / ənd, ən,ænd /

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  • conjunction
  • Used to refer to two or more things
  • Plus; in addition; on top of that
  • Used to introduce an action that follows another

two

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US / tu: /

UK / tu /

A1
  • number
  • 2

prepare

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US / prɪˈpeə(r) /

UK / prɪˈper /

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  • verb
  • To make something ready for use

from

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US / frəm /

UK / frʌm, frɑm,frəm /

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  • preposition
  • Starting at a particular place, time or level

completely

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US / kəmˈpli:tli /

UK / kəmˈpliːtli /

A1
  • adverb
  • In every way or as much as possible

keep

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US / ki:p /

UK / kip /

A1
  • noun
  • Large, strong tower in the middle of a castle
  • Money spent on you so you can live in a place
  • verb
  • To continue doing something; not to stop
  • To stop balls going in a goal in sports
  • To not give back or return something
  • (Of food) to not spoil or not rot
  • To take possession of something to own, e.g. a pet
  • To have and continue to hold something
  • To do something that you have promised or agreed
  • To stay in a certain place or condition
  • To maintain the rules

office

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US / ˈɒfɪs /

UK / ˈɔ:fɪs /

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  • noun
  • Room or building used for business
  • Important job position, often in a government

real

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US / rɪəl /

UK / ˈriəl, ril /

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  • adjecitve
  • Actually existing or happening, not imagined
  • Being important or special

lot

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US / lɒt /

UK / lɑt /

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  • noun
  • What happens to a person in life from chance; fate
  • A group of people seen together
  • Item for sale at an auction
  • Small area of land used for a purpose e.g. parking

meet

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US / mi:t /

UK / mit /

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  • noun
  • Sporting competition e.g. swimming
  • verb
  • To provide something that is necessary
  • To come together at a certain time or place

thompson

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US / ðɪs /

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where

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US / hwɛə /

UK / hwɛr, wɛr /

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  • conjunction
  • At or in the place which
  • In whatever place
  • pronoun
  • Word you use to ask the location of something

only

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US / ˈəunli /

UK / ˈonli /

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  • adverb
  • Just one; just that amount or thing; not more than
  • Not very important or serious
  • Just that type of thing, person
  • Short time ago; not before a certain time
  • conjunction
  • Except; but

any

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US / 'enɪ /

UK / ˈɛni /

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  • adjecitve
  • One, or some, no matter which
  • pronoun
  • One (thing) of many; some
  • Introduction to Video Content
  • Welcome to Weekender, where we explore the fascinating world of management speak. In this episode, we delve into the origins and impact of this unique language used in the workplace. Management speak refers to the metaphorical expressions employed by managers to motivate and communicate with their employees. Phrases such as 'blue sky thinking', 'getting your ducks in a row', 'thinking out of the box', and 'reading from the same page' are all examples of management speak. While these phrases may sound bizarre to some, they serve as a means of encouraging productivity and teamwork.However, not everyone is a fan of this type of language. Nicola Clark, who has conducted a study on workplace communication, argues that managers need to be mindful of how they express themselves. She labels management speak as jargon, which refers to the specialized vocabulary and language used within a particular occupation.Clark acknowledges that jargon can sometimes be useful as a form of shorthand, allowing colleagues to convey complex ideas in a succinct manner. However, she warns that jargon becomes problematic when it is not understood by all those involved. In such cases, she advises managers to carefully consider their choice of words and strive for clear communication.Ultimately, effective communication is crucial in any workplace setting. While jargon can be a helpful tool for those who comprehend it, it is essential to ensure that it does not create confusion or alienate others. So, join us as we explore the intricacies of management speak and its impact on workplace dynamics. Enjoy the show!
  • Subtitles section
  • Hello.
  • Catherine here from BBC Learning English.
  • Just so you know, this programme is from the BBC Learning English Archive.
  • It was originally broadcast in November, two thousand and six on our website.
  • Enjoy!
  • Hello, I'm Callum Robertson and this is Weekender.
  • Blue sky thinking, getting your ducks in a row, thinking out of the box and reading from the same page.
  • Well, what are these strange phrases?
  • Well, they're metaphorical expressions for the workplace, a kind of language that is described as management speak.
  • Management speak, the way that managers talk to the employees when they want to encourage them and make them work harder.
  • If your boss said to you, we all have to get our ducks in a row, would you know what was meant and how would you feel about your boss for saying it?
  • Probably think the boss is insane or maybe temporarily unwell.
  • I wouldn't understand what he was talking about at all.
  • Well, that's one opinion and it's not an uncommon one.
  • Nicola Clark has commissioned a report on communication in the workplace and she believes managers have to think carefully about how they express themselves.
  • She calls management speak jargon.
  • This is a word for the special vocabulary and language often used within a particular type of job – jargon.
  • Jargon isn't always bad, she says, but what does she think is very important?
  • It's fine to use jargon when it's considered shorthand and when everybody that's within that environment understands it.
  • If they don't, they just need to really carefully think about what they're saying.
  • Communication is so important.
  • she says that communication is so important.
  • Jargon, she says, is OK if everyone understands it.
  • Using jargon can be an effective form of shorthand, which means a way of saying a lot in a simple sentence.
  • Indeed, every profession has its own jargon, but it's only useful if everyone understands it.
  • However, even if everyone understands it, that doesn't mean they like it being used, as these office workers comment.
  • I think the less management speak, the better.
  • It can just cause confusion and quite often it's just a way of the boss showing off new management terms that they've learnt on some expensive course.
  • I think it's a real shame that managers rely on such clichés when they're communicating with their staff because it's really patronising.
  • Those employees weren't fans of management speak.
  • They both thought it made their bosses look bad.
  • The second speaker called the expressions clichés.
  • Clichés – expressions which are used too much and aren't original.
  • He also thought using them was patronising.
  • Patronising.
  • Treating the people you are talking to as stupid and unimportant.
  • bbclearningenglish.com But what about managers themselves?
  • How do they feel about this type of language?
  • I spoke to Andrew Thompson, one of the managers at the BBC.
  • What do you think is his attitude to this kind of language?
  • I asked him if he hears or even uses phrases such as blue sky thinking and thinking outside the box.
  • Yes, I hear them quite a lot.
  • I hear them in meetings, colleagues use them.
  • I have possibly, although I'd like to say I haven't, I've used them a few times.
  • There are always new phrases and some of them actually say something and are useful and
  • people use them and they come into the language.
  • And that happens in management, as I'm sure it happens in all sorts of other areas.
  • So, you know, off the ones you mentioned, thinking outside the box, it does mean something.
  • I think it's terribly overused, but, you know, meaning innovative thinking, non conventional thinking,
  • I can recognize that and it's an expression, it's a quick way of saying something.
  • So I'm not saying all management speak is terrible, I'm just a bit skeptical about some of the phrases that come up.
  • Well, Andrew isn't completely against management speak.
  • He says sometimes it can be a quick way of saying something.
  • It can express an idea simply.
  • But he does say that some expressions are used too much and there are some phrases he is sceptical about.
  • Sceptical.
  • He's not sure if they are actually very useful.
  • I went on to ask him if there were any particular phrases that he didn't like.
  • Which one does he mention?
  • I've taken an intense dislike to driving things forward.
  • And this is from an organisation where one of our own departments, our finance department if I can name and shame them, have a slogan which is driving finance forward.
  • which in my humble opinion is not terribly meaningful.
  • It just sounds vaguely positive.
  • So what does it really mean?
  • So Andrew has a strong dislike of the phrase driving things forward, which he says sounds a little positive but has no real meaning.
  • And I suppose this is the main complaint with a lot of management speak.
  • It's not clear.
  • Finally, I asked Andrew if he could explain the strange management speak expression we had at the beginning, to keep all our ducks in a row.
  • Yes, we need to get organised, we need to get ready, we need to be prepared.
  • And so arguably, why not say we need to be prepared or we need to be ready for the next thing we have to do.
  • I'm not terribly against getting our ducks in a row, but I wonder how much it adds.
  • learningenglish.com