May 31, 2024

 Want to show teachers appreciation? This top school gives them more freedom

autonomy / ɔˈtɒn ə mi / [aw-TON–uh-mee ] (n.) – the freedom to make decisions or act without being controlled by others

Example: University students appreciate the autonomy they’re given to choose their own classes and schedules.

Additional info: A related word is independence.

cede / sid / [seed ] (v.) – to give up control, authority, or possession to someone else

Example: The country decided to cede a part of its territory to its neighbor in exchange for peace.

Additional info: Some antonyms of this word are retain and keep.

correlation / ˌkɔr əˈleɪ ʃən / [kawr-uh–LEY-shuhn ] (n.) – a relationship or connection between two or more things, in which a change in one may result in a change in the other

Example: Scientists found a strong correlation between exercise and improved mental health in their study.

Additional info: Some related words are association and link.

morale / məˈræl / [muh–RAL ] (n.) – to the confidence, enthusiasm, and satisfaction of a group or person in relation to their work, tasks, or situations

Example: The team’s morale was boosted after winning the championship, leading to increased productivity and collaboration.

Additional info: Some verbs used with morale are raise and improve.

exude / ɪgˈzud / [ig-ZOOD ] (v.) – to show or display a particular emotion strongly or openly

Example: Despite her nervousness, Sarah managed to exude confidence during her presentation, impressing the audience with her knowledge.

Additional info: A related word is display.

May 30, 2024

Former Starbucks CEO Schultz says company needs to refocus on coffee as sales struggle

*1.  flagging  [FLAG-ing]*  >  becoming less strong, interesting, effective, or valuable

*Additional info* : The verb form of this word is flag (ex. The restaurant’s profits flagged as it struggled to attract more customers).

*2.  emeritus  [ih-MER-i-tuhs]* >  retired from active service but retaining a title as an honor for the work he/she had done

*Additional info* : This adjective is often added after a noun (ex. dean emeritus, chairman emeritus).

*3.  maniacal  [muh–NAHY–uh-kuhl]* >  showing extreme enthusiasm to the point of seeming wild or crazy

*Additional info* : A related word is intense.

*4.  turnaround [TURN–uh-round]* >  a significant change that transforms a negative situation into a positive one

*Additional info* : A related word is shift.

*5.  differentiate [dif-uh–REN-shee-eyt]* >  to recognize or show the difference between things, distinguishing how one thing is unlike another

*Additional info*  : An antonym of this word is unify.

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1.  flagging  [FLAG-ing]  >  becoming less strong, interesting, effective, or valuable

2.  emeritus  [ih-MER-i-tuhs] >  retired from active service but retaining a title as an honor for the work he/she had done

3.  maniacal  [muh–NAHY–uh-kuhl] >  showing extreme enthusiasm to the point of seeming wild or crazy

4.  turnaround [TURN–uh-round] >  a significant change that transforms a negative situation into a positive one

5.  differentiate [dif-uh–REN-shee-eyt] >  to recognize or show the difference between things, distinguishing how one thing is unlike another

May 29, 2024

 Japan has fallen hard for its hot, slurpy ramen noodles

*1.  slurpy [SLUR-pee]* >  making a loud sucking noise while eating or drinking, often associated with noodles or soups

*Additional info*: The verb form of this word is slurp (ex. She slurped her cold drink).

*2.  wacky  [WAK-ee]* > unusual in an exciting and silly way

*Additional info* : A related word is crazy.

*3.  get behind  [gɛt bih-HAHYND]* > to promote or support someone/something

*Additional info* : This phrase is used in an informal context.

*4.  pop up  [pop uhp]* >  to appear in a sudden and unexpected way

*Additional info* : This phrase is used in an informal context.

*5.  topping  [TOP-ing]* >  a food item that is placed on top of another food to make it look more delicious and attractive

*Additional info* : Some examples of toppings are cheese, candy sprinkles, and syrup.

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1.  slurpy [SLUR-pee] >  making a loud sucking noise while eating or drinking, often associated with noodles or soups

2.  wacky  [WAK-ee] > unusual in an exciting and silly way

3.  get behind  [gɛt bih-HAHYND] > to promote or support someone/somethin

4.  pop up  [pop uhp ] >  to appear in a sudden and unexpected way

5.  topping  [TOP-ing] >  a food item that is placed on top of another food to make it look more delicious and attractive

May 28, 2024

May 27, 2024

May 26, 2024

May 25, 2024

New York City to require warning labels for sugary foods and drinks in chain restaurants

*1.  prepackaged  [pree-PAK-ijd]* > (of food) prepared and ready to be eaten or heated when bought

*Additional info* : A related word is prepacked, which is usually used in British English.

*2.  over and over again  [OH-ver uhnd OH-ver uh–GEN]* > repeatedly or many times

*Additional info* : A variation of this phrase is over and over, which is an adverb.

*3.  vegan [VEE-guhn]* > not eating or consuming any animal product

*Additional info* : A related word is vegetarian.

*4.  foray [FAWR-ey]* >  an attempt to do something, such as an activity or job, for the first time

*Additional info* : It is always followed by the preposition into.

*5.  nanny state [NAN-ee steyt]* >  a government that tries to give a lot of regulations or laws to control the lives and choices of the people

*Additional info* : This expression is mainly used in British English.

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1.  prepackaged  [pree-PAK-ijd] > (of food) prepared and ready to be eaten or heated when bought

2.  over and over again  [OH-ver uhnd OH-ver uh–GEN] > repeatedly or many times

3.  vegan [VEE-guhn ] > not eating or consuming any animal product

4.  foray [FAWR-ey] >  an attempt to do something, such as an activity or job, for the first time

5.  nanny state [NAN-ee steyt] >  a government that tries to give a lot of regulations or laws to control the lives and choices of the people 

May 24, 2024

 Journalists critical of their own companies cause headaches for news organizations

*1.  turmoil  [TUR-moil]* > a state of confusion, uncertainty, or lack of order

*Additional info* : Some related words are chaos and trouble.

*2.  anti-authoritarian [AN-tee-uh-thawr-i-TAIR-ee-uhn]* >  opposing or rejecting authority, especially that of a government or an established institution

*Additional info* : An alternative spelling of this word is antiauthoritarian.

*3.  apt  [apt]* >  likely to happen or to do something

*Additional info* : This adjective is usually found in the format apt + to + (verb).

*4.  embolden  [em-BOHL-dn]* > to give someone or something the confidence, courage, or strength to do something or to take bold actions

*Additional info* : This word usually follows the form (be) + embolden.

*5.  despondent  [dih-SPON-duhnt]* > extremely unhappy or without hope

*Additional info*  : An antonym of this word is encouraged.

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1.  turmoil  [TUR-moil] > a state of confusion, uncertainty, or lack of order

2.  anti-authoritarian [AN-tee-uh-thawr-i-TAIR-ee-uhn] >  opposing or rejecting authority, especially that of a government or an established institution

3.  apt  [apt] >  likely to happen or to do something

4.  embolden  [em-BOHL-dn] > to give someone or something the confidence, courage, or strength to do something or to take bold actions

5.  despondent  [dih-SPON-duhnt] > extremely unhappy or without hope

May 23, 2024

 Surging auto insurance rates squeeze drivers

*1.  relentlessly  [ri-LENT-lis-lee]* > in a way that is continuing without stopping

*Additional info* : A related word is continuously.

*2.  squeeze  [skweez]* > to cause financial problems for someone or something

*Additional info* : The verb squeeze literally means “to press something tightly between two surfaces to reduce its size or to remove liquid from it.”

*3.  stoke [stohk]* > to make something stronger or more intense

*Additional info* : The verb stoke also means “to add fuel to something to make it burn well and produce heat” (ex. Dad stoked the fire with more wood to keep us warm during the camping trip).

*4.  sticking point [STIK-ing point]* > a problem or issue that makes it difficult to move forward or reach an agreement

*Additional info* : Some related words are challenge and obstacle.

*5.  rein something back [reyn bak]* > to control, limit, or reduce something

*Additional info* : A variation of this phrase is rein (something) in.

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1.  relentlessly  [ri-LENT-lis-lee] > in a way that is continuing without stopping

2.  squeeze  [skweez] > to cause financial problems for someone or something

3.  stoke [stohk] > to make something stronger or more intense

4.  sticking point [STIK-ing point] > a problem or issue that makes it difficult to move forward or reach an agreement

5.  rein something back [reyn bak] > to control, limit, or reduce something

May 22, 2024

 Rail spikes hammered, bullet train being built from Sin City to the City of Angels

*1.  board [bawrd]* > to get on or enter a ship, train, etc.

Additional info: A related phrase is hop on.

*2.  boost [boost]* > to increase or improve something, especially its strength, power, or effectiveness

*Additional info* : This phrasal verb is commonly used to describe the origins or history of something.

*3.  date back  [deyt bak]* > to have existed since a particular time in the past

*Additional info* : This phrasal verb is commonly used to describe the origins or history of something.

*4.  infrastructure  [IN-fruh-struhk-cher]* > the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society

*Additional info* : Some examples of infrastructures are roads, bridges, power plants, and communication systems.

*5.  congestion [kuhn-JES-chuhn]* > the condition of being overcrowded or blocked, especially with traffic or people

*Additional info* : The verb form of the word is congest (ex. The accident on the highway congested the traffic for miles, causing significant delays for commuters).

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1.  board [bawrd] > to get on or enter a ship, train, etc.

2.  boost [boost] > to increase or improve something, especially its strength, power, or effectiveness

3.  date back  [deyt bak] > to have existed since a particular time in the past

4.  infrastructure  [IN-fruh-struhk-cher] > the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society

5.  congestion [kuhn-JES-chuhn] > the condition of being overcrowded or blocked, especially with traffic or people

May 21, 2024

From stilettos to sheep: the bizarre and wonderful ceramic art on show in London

*1.  ceramic [suh–RAM-ik]* >  relating to something that is made from clay that has been formed and baked at a very high temperature until it becomes hard

*Additional info* : This word can also be used as a noun (ex. The peculiar vase is made of ceramic, metal, and glass).

*2.  high-end  [HAHY–END]* >  very expensive and of better quality

Additional info: An antonym of this word is cheap.

*3.  exhibit  [ig-ZIB-it]* > to make something like a painting, sculpture, etc., available for people to see

*Additional info*  It may also be used as a noun (ex. Photographs taken by young and local photographers are included in the exhibit).

*4.  run  [ruhn]* > a continuous series of exhibitions or performances

*Additional info* : The noun may also mean “a continuous series of similar things” (ex. a run of wins, a run of good luck).

*5.  have a go  [hav uh goh]* >  to try to do something

*Additional info*  : A related verb is attempt.

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1.  ceramic [suh–RAM-ik] >  relating to something that is made from clay that has been formed and baked at a very high temperature until it becomes hard

2.  high-end  [HAHY–END] >  very expensive and of better quality

3.  exhibit  [ig-ZIB-it] > to make something like a painting, sculpture, etc., available for people to see

4.  run  [ruhn] > a continuous series of exhibitions or performances

5.  have a go  [hav uh goh] >  to try to do something

May 20, 2024

 A coffee roastery in Finland has launched an AI-generated blend. The results were surprising

*1.  artisan  [AHR-tuh-zuhn]* > relating to the traditional way of making something by hand and using high-quality materials

*Additional info* : As a noun, artisan refers to a person who does skilled work with his/her hands.

*2.  blend  [blend]* > a mix or combination of different things or styles

*Additional info* : This word is often used with positive adjectives, such as perfect and right.

*3.  akin  [uh–KIN]* > similar or related

*Additional info* : It is usually followed by the preposition to.

*4.  aficionado  [uh-fish-yuh–NAH-doh]* > a person who likes something so much and knows a lot about it

*Additional info* : A related word is enthusiast.

*5.  seasoned  [SEE-zuhnd]* > having a lot of experience in a particular area or field

*Additional info* : An antonym of this word is inexperienced.

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1.  artisan  [AHR-tuh-zuhn] > relating to the traditional way of making something by hand and using high-quality materials

2.  blend  [blend] > a mix or combination of different things or styles

3.  akin  [uh–KIN] > similar or related

4.  aficionado  [uh-fish-yuh–NAH-doh] > a person who likes something so much and knows a lot about it

5.  seasoned  [SEE-zuhnd] > having a lot of experience in a particular area or field

May 19, 2024

Japanese doctors demand damages from Google over ‘groundless’ reviews

*1.  derogatory  [dih-ROG–uh-tawr-ee]* > showing a critical or disrespectful attitude toward someone/something to express insult

*Additional info* : An antonym of this word is respectful.

*2.  fraudulent  [FRAW-juh-luhnt]* > involving deceit, trickery, or dishonesty, especially with the intention to deceive or gain something unfairly

*Additional info* : A related word is dishonest.

*3.  spite  [spahyt]* > a feeling of anger or resentment resulting from being treated unfairly or insulted

*Additional info* : The adjective form of the word is spiteful (ex. The candidate’s speech was filled with spiteful attacks against her critics).

*4.  refute [ri-FYOOT]* > to prove that something is false or incorrect, especially by providing evidence or arguments against it

*Additional info* : A related word is reject.

*5.  plaintiff  [PLEYN-tif]* > a person who brings a case against another in a court of law

*Additional info* : This word is often used in a legal context.

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1.  derogatory  [dih-ROG–uh-tawr-ee] > showing a critical or disrespectful attitude toward someone/something to express insult

2.  fraudulent  [FRAW-juh-luhnt] > involving deceit, trickery, or dishonesty, especially with the intention to deceive or gain something unfairly

3.  spite  [spahyt] > a feeling of anger or resentment resulting from being treated unfairly or insulted

4.  refute [ri-FYOOT] > to prove that something is false or incorrect, especially by providing evidence or arguments against it

5.  plaintiff  [PLEYN-tif] > a person who brings a case against another in a court of law

May 18, 2024

 When red-hot isn’t enough: New government heat risk tool sets magenta as most dangerous level

*1.  meteorological  [mee-tee-er-uh–LOJ-i-kuhl]* > related to weather conditions

*Additional info* : The study of weather conditions is called meteorology.

*2.  worsening  [WUR-suhn-ing]* >  becoming very bad or unpleasant

*Additional info* : The verb form of this word is worsen (ex. The pollution levels worsen because of increased industrial activity and vehicle emissions).

*3.  hydration [hahy-DREY-shuhn]* >  the process of absorbing or consuming liquids, such as water, to keep one’s body in good condition

*Additional info* : Its verb form is hydrate (ex. Don’t forget to hydrate, especially in hot weather).

*4.   reverberate  [ri-VUR-buh-reyt]* >  to have a strong effect on people or on things over a period of time

*Additional info* : This word is usually followed by the prepositions through and around.

*5.  come into play [kuhm IN-too pley]* > to have an effect in a situation

*Additional info* : A variation of this phrase is (be) brought into play.

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1.  meteorological  [mee-tee-er-uh–LOJ-i-kuhl] > related to weather conditions

2.  worsening  [WUR-suhn-ing] >  becoming very bad or unpleasant

3.  hydration [hahy-DREY-shuhn] >  the process of absorbing or consuming liquids, such as water, to keep one’s body in good condition

4.   reverberate  [ri-VUR-buh-reyt] >  to have a strong effect on people or on things over a period of time

5.  come into play [kuhm IN-too pley] > to have an effect in a situation

May 17, 2024

Tenants with pets could find more rentals under California bill

* 1.  forgo [fawr-GOH]* > to decide not to have or do something, especially something good or enjoyable

* Additional info*  : An alternative spelling of this word is forego.

* 2.  relinquish  [ri-LING-kwish]*  >  to give up or let go of something, such as a possession, responsibility, or right

* Additional info*  : An antonym of this word is retain.

* 3.  nuisance  [NOO-suhns]*  >  something or someone that causes annoyance or trouble

* Additional info*  : A related word is disturbance.

* 5.  justification [juhs-tuh-fi-KEY-shuhn]*  > a good reason or explanation that makes something, such as decision or action, acceptable or right

* Additional info*  : Some related words are excuse and basis.

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1.  forgo  [fawr-GOH ] > to decide not to have or do something, especially something good or enjoyable

2.  relinquish  [ri-LING-kwish ] >  to give up or let go of something, such as a possession, responsibility, or right

3.  nuisance [NOO-suhns ] >  something or someone that causes annoyance or trouble

4.  caucus  [KAW-kuhs ] >  a group of people with common interests who meet to discuss and decide on matters

5.  justification  [juhs-tuh-fi-KEY-shuhn ] >  a good reason or explanation that makes something, such as decision or action, acceptable or right

May 16, 2024

 Record Store Day celebrates indie retail music sellers as they ride vinyl’s popularity wave

*1.  vinyl  [VAHYN-l]* > a record or plastic disc containing music that can be played on record players

*Additional info* : The word vinyl also means “a strong plastic material used for making objects, like floor coverings or records.”

*2.  striking  [STRAHY-king]* > attracting attention by being unusual, interesting, or impressive

*Additional info* : A related adjective is noticeable.

*3.  consecutive  [kuhn-SEK-yuh-tiv]* > following one after the other in a sequence without any breaks or gaps in between

*Additional info* : The adverb form of this word is consecutively (ex. The team won three games consecutively).

*4.  demise  [dih-MAHYZ]* > the end or failure of something, especially something that was once considered powerful, such as a business, industry, or system

*Additional info* : Some related nouns are fall and death.

*5.  ignite [ig-NAHYT]* > to start or begin something, such as an event, movement, or change, by bringing excitement or interest

*Additional info* : This word literally means “to start a fire or begin to burn.”

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1.  vinyl  [VAHYN-l] > a record or plastic disc containing music that can be played on record players

2.  striking  [STRAHY-king] > attracting attention by being unusual, interesting, or impressive

3.  consecutive  [kuhn-SEK-yuh-tiv] > following one after the other in a sequence without any breaks or gaps in between

4.  demise  [dih-MAHYZ] > the end or failure of something, especially something that was once considered powerful, such as a business, industry, or system

5.  ignite [ig-NAHYT] > to start or begin something, such as an event, movement, or change, by bringing excitement or interest

May 15, 2024

Oregon city’s challenge in US Supreme Court could change country’s homeless camping policies

*1.  friction  [FRIK-shuhn]* > a conflict or disagreement between people or groups, often resulting from differing opinions or interests

*Additional info* : A related word is tension.

*2.  unconstitutional [uhn-kon-sti-TOO-shuh-nl]*  >  against the principles or rules of a country’s constitution

*Additional info* : An antonym of this word is constitutional.

*3.  incarceration  [in-kahr-suh–REY-shuhn]* > the act of being kept in a prison as a punishment for committing a crime

*Additional info* : The verb form of the word is incarcerate (ex. The judge decided to incarcerate the robber for two years).

*4.  vandalism  [VAN-dl-iz-uhm]* > the crime of destroying others’ property, usually public property

*Additional info* : The verb form of the word is vandalize (ex. Some students vandalized a classroom wall with markers)

*5.  excessive  [ik-SES-iv]* > more than what is necessary, normal, or reasonable

*Additional info* : A related phrase is too much.

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1.  friction  [FRIK-shuhn] > a conflict or disagreement between people or groups, often resulting from differing opinions or interests

2.  unconstitutional [uhn-kon-sti-TOO-shuh-nl]  >  against the principles or rules of a country’s constitution

3.  incarceration  [in-kahr-suh–REY-shuhn] > the act of being kept in a prison as a punishment for committing a crime

4.  vandalism  [VAN-dl-iz-uhm] > the crime of destroying others’ property, usually public property

5.  excessive  [ik-SES-iv] > more than what is necessary, normal, or reasonable

May 14, 2024

 Organic cows run towards open fields after a winter spent in the cowshed in Denmark

*1.   usher [UHSH-er]* > to lead someone to the place one wants him/her to go

*Additional info* : A related word is accompany.

*2.  pasture  [PAS-cher]* > a large area of land covered with grass or plants that animals feed on

*Additional info* : This word may also be used as a verb (ex. The cows are pastured on a huge field).

*3.  graze  [greyz]* > (of animals) to eat grass or other plants that are growing in a field

*Additional info* : A related word is feed.

*4.  organically  [awr-GAN-ik-lee]* > without using artificial chemicals in growing plants or raising animals for food and other products

*Additional info* : Its adjective form is organic (ex. The restaurant only uses fresh, organic ingredients).

*5.   stage [steyj]* >  to plan and organize a public event

*Additional info* : A related word is present.

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1.   usher [UHSH-er] > to lead someone to the place one wants him/her to go

2.  pasture  [PAS-cher] > a large area of land covered with grass or plants that animals feed on

3.  graze  [greyz] > (of animals) to eat grass or other plants that are growing in a field

4.  organically  [awr-GAN-ik-lee] > without using artificial chemicals in growing plants or raising animals for food and other products

5.   stage [steyj] >  to plan and organize a public event

May 13, 2024

With ‘functional’ beverages, brands rush to quench a thirst for drinks that do more than taste good

*1.  beverage  [BEV-er-ij]* > a hot or cold drink, especially one other than water, such as tea, coffee, juice, or soda

*Additional info* : It’s used in a formal context.

*2.  functional [FUHNGK-shuh-nl]* >  relating to something that is designed to be useful for a specific and practical purpose

*Additional info* : The adjective may also mean “working properly.”

*3.  vie [vahy]* >  to compete with others to achieve, win, or get something

*Additional info* : The verb is often followed by the prepositions for or with.

*4.  deceptively  [dih-SEP-tiv-lee]*  >  in a way that makes someone believe something that’s not true

*Additional info* : The verb form of the word is deceive (ex. The company deceives its customers by placing fake items in expensive-looking boxes).

*5.  inconclusive  [in-kuhn-KLOO-siv]*  >  not showing or having a result

*Additional info* : A related word is vague.

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1.  beverage  [BEV-er-ij] > a hot or cold drink, especially one other than water, such as tea, coffee, juice, or soda

2.  functional [FUHNGK-shuh-nl] >  relating to something that is designed to be useful for a specific and practical purpose

3.  vie [vahy] >  to compete with others to achieve, win, or get something

4.  deceptively  [dih-SEP-tiv-lee]  >  in a way that makes someone believe something that’s not true

5.  inconclusive  [in-kuhn-KLOO-siv]  >  not showing or having a result

May 12, 2024

Japanese Ukiyo-e art comes alive in new immersive exhibition in Milan

*1.  immersive  [ih-MUR-siv]* > relating to digital technology or images that make someone feel he/she is really in a virtual environment

*Additional info* : A related phrase is deeply engaging.

*2.  contemporary [kuhn-TEM-puh-rer-ee]* > belonging to the present time

Additional info: A related word is modern.

*3.  genre  [ZHAHN-ruh]* > a category or type of artistic, literary, or musical composition characterized by similarities in style, form, or content

*Additional info* : Some adjectives that are often used with genre are artistic and different.

*4.  stylistic  [stahy-LIS-tik]* > relating to the particular way in which something is done or expressed

Additional info: Its root word is style.

*5.  thematic  [thee-MAT-ik]* >  relating to a specific subject or theme

*Additional info*  : The noun form of the word is theme (ex. I loved the theme of the movie).

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1.  immersive  [ih-MUR-siv] > relating to digital technology or images that make someone feel he/she is really in a virtual environment

2.  contemporary [kuhn-TEM-puh-rer-ee] > belonging to the present time

3.  genre  [ZHAHN-ruh] > a category or type of artistic, literary, or musical composition characterized by similarities in style, form, or content

4.  stylistic  [stahy-LIS-tik] > relating to the particular way in which something is done or expressed

5.  thematic  [thee-MAT-ik] >  relating to a specific subject or theme

May 11, 2024

Poland’s kids rejoice over new rules against homework. Teachers and parents aren’t so sure

*1.  modernize  [MOD-er-nahyz]* >   to make changes or updates to a system, method, etc., to make it suitable for use at the present time

*Additional info* :  The adjective form of the word is modern (ex. modern technology, modern art).

*2.  rote [roht]* >   the way or process of learning something by repeating it many times without understanding it

*Additional info* : A related word is routine.

*3.  decree [dih-KREE]* >    an official decision or order from the government that something must happen

*Additional info* : The word may also be used as a verb (ex. The city council decreed the prohibition of plastic bags in grocery stores).

*4.  skeptical  [SKEP-ti-kuhl]* >   having doubts and concerns about something

*Additional info* : A skeptical person is called a skeptic.

*5.  contextual   [kuhn-TEKS-choo-uhl]* >  related to the specific situation or environment of someone or something

*Additional info* : The antonym of this word is out-of-context.

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1.  modernize  [MOD-er-nahyz] >   to make changes or updates to a system, method, etc., to make it suitable for use at the present time

2.  rote [roht] >   the way or process of learning something by repeating it many times without understanding it

3.  decree [dih-KREE] >    an official decision or order from the government that something must happen

4.  skeptical  [SKEP-ti-kuhl] >   having doubts and concerns about something

5.  contextual   [kuhn-TEKS-choo-uhl] >  related to the specific situation or environment of someone or something

May 10, 2024

 Faced with possibly paying for news, Google removes links to California news sites for some users

*1.  level the playing field  [LEV–uhl thuh PLEY-ying feeld]* > to create a fair competition by giving everyone a chance to succeed without unfair advantages

*Additional info* : The verb level means “to bring to a common or equal level.”

*2.  lifeline   [LAHYF-lahyn]* > something important that provides help to a person, organization, or business, to continue to exist, survive, or succeed

*Additional info* : The word lifeline literally means “a rope thrown to help save someone who is in the water” (ex. The woman held on to the lifeline so she wouldn’t drown in the sea).

*3.  hub  [huhb]* > a central area or main part of something where many different things are happening or coming together

*Additional info*: Some adjectives used with this word are digital and online.

*4.  nosedive [NOHZ-dahyv]* > a sudden and significant drop in price, value, or condition in a short amount of time

*Additional info* : A related word is decrease.

*5.  upend [uhp-END]* > to disrupt something, leading to significant changes, failure, or loss in business or competition

*Additional info* : A related word is ruin.

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1.  level the playing field  [LEV–uhl thuh PLEY-ying feeld] > to create a fair competition by giving everyone a chance to succeed without unfair advantages

2.  lifeline   [LAHYF-lahyn] > something important that provides help to a person, organization, or business, to continue to exist, survive, or succeed

3.  hub  [huhb] > a central area or main part of something where many different things are happening or coming together

4.  nosedive [NOHZ-dahyv] > a sudden and significant drop in price, value, or condition in a short amount of time

5.  upend [uhp-END] > to disrupt something, leading to significant changes, failure, or loss in business or competition

May 9, 2024

 Internet providers must now be more transparent about fees, pricing, FCC says

*1.  pricing  [PRAHY-sing]* >  the set or decided costs for products or services that a business offers

*Additional info* : The word also means “the way that a company decides prices for its products or services.”

*2.  sign up  [sahyn uhp]* >  to officially join or start something, such as a service, event, or membership, often by signing a document

*Additional info* : A related word is register.

*3.  hike  [hahyk]* >  a sudden increase or rise in something, such as prices, fees, or rates

*Additional info* : This word sometimes comes after a noun (ex. price hike, tax hike).

*4.  introductory  [in-truh–DUHK-tuh-ree]* >  (of business) relating to the rates, offers, or services provided to customers when they first start using a product or service, usually to attract them

*Additional info* : Some nouns that can be used with this adjective are price, offer, and discount.

*5. pile on  [pahyl on]* >  to increase quickly

*Additional info* : A related word is gather.

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1.  pricing  [PRAHY-sing] >  the set or decided costs for products or services that a business offers

2.  sign up  [sahyn uhp] >  to officially join or start something, such as a service, event, or membership, often by signing a document

3.  hike  [hahyk] >  a sudden increase or rise in something, such as prices, fees, or rates

4.  introductory  [in-truh–DUHK-tuh-ree] >  (of business) relating to the rates, offers, or services provided to customers when they first start using a product or service, usually to attract them

5. pile on  [pahyl on] >  to increase quickly

May 8, 2024

 Traditional globes are still big business even in the age of Google Earth

*1.  yearning  [YUR-ning]* >  a strong feeling of longing or desire for something, often accompanied by sadness

*Additional info* : A related word is desire.

*2.  the cosmos [thuh KOZ-mohs]* >  the whole universe

Additional info: Its adjective form is cosmic (ex. Exploring the depths of cosmic space has been a lifelong dream for numerous astronauts).

*3.  existential [eg-zi-STEN-shuhl]* >  related to human existence

*Additional info* :  Its root word is exist, which means “to be real or alive.”

*4.  wrestle with something [RES–uhl with]* >  to try to find a solution to a challenging situation

*Additional info*  : A related word is fight.

*5.  overt [oh-VURT]* >  done or shown openly; not concealed or hidden

*Additional info*  : A related word is obvious.

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1.  yearning  [YUR-ning] >  a strong feeling of longing or desire for something, often accompanied by sadness

2.  the cosmos [thuh KOZ-mohs] >  the whole universe

3.  existential [eg-zi-STEN-shuhl] >  related to human existence

4.  wrestle with something [RES–uhl with] >  to try to find a solution to a challenging situation

5.  overt [oh-VURT] >  done or shown openly; not concealed or hidden

May 7, 2024

The London restaurant cooking up sustainable fine dining menus

*1.  conjure  [KUHN-jer]* > to make someone think of something

*Additional info* : The verb is usually followed by the preposition up.

*2.  exotic  [ig-ZOT-ik]*  > (of a plant or animal) relating to growing or living naturally in another part of the world

*Additional info* : A related word is peculiar.

*3.  sustainable [suh–STEY-nuh-buhl]*  >  relating to methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources

*Additional info* : The verb form of the word is sustain (ex. The organization uses strategies that can sustain resources).

*4.  ethos  [EE-thos]*  >  the beliefs, ideas, and values that a person, group, or organization follows

*Additional info* : The word is used in a formal context.

*5.  morsel  [MAWR-suhl]* > a small piece or amount of food

*Additional info* : The word can be used figuratively (ex. morsel of information, morsel of gossip).

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1.  conjure  [KUHN-jer] > to make someone think of something

2.  exotic  [ig-ZOT-ik]  > (of a plant or animal) relating to growing or living naturally in another part of the world

3.  sustainable [suh–STEY-nuh-buhl]  >  relating to methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources

4.  ethos  [EE-thos]  >  the beliefs, ideas, and values that a person, group, or organization follows

5.  morsel  [MAWR-suhl] > a small piece or amount of food

May 1, 2024

 Sword fighting offers hope for youth in Nairobi’s poorest areas

*1.  delinquency  [dih-LING-kwuhn-see]*  >  actions or behaviors, usually by young people, that are immoral or illegal

*Additional info* : The adjective form of the word is delinquent (ex. delinquent teenagers, delinquent children).

*2.  transformative  [trans-FAWR-muh-tiv]*  >  having a significant impact on someone, usually in a way that makes him/her better

*Additional info* : A related word is life-changing.

*3.  mentorship  [MEN-tawr-ship]*  >  the guidance and support provided by a more experienced or knowledgeable person to a less experienced individual

*Additional info* : The person providing guidance and support is called mentor.

*4.  impoverished [im-POV-er-isht]*  > relating to a condition of extreme poverty or financial hardship

*Additional info* : A related word is poor.

*5.  beacon  [BEE-kuhn]* > someone or something that gives a person hope or encouragement

*Additional info* : This word is usually followed by the preposition of.

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1.  delinquency  [dih-LING-kwuhn-see]  >  actions or behaviors, usually by young people, that are immoral or illegal

2.  transformative  [trans-FAWR-muh-tiv]  >  having a significant impact on someone, usually in a way that makes him/her better

3.  mentorship  [MEN-tawr-ship]  >  the guidance and support provided by a more experienced or knowledgeable person to a less experienced individual

4.  impoverished [im-POV-er-isht]  > relating to a condition of extreme poverty or financial hardship

5.  beacon  [BEE-kuhn] > someone or something that gives a person hope or encouragement

May 6, 2024

Failed Australian rideshare app accuses Uber of illegally operating service to gain unfair advantage

*1.  disruptor [dis-RUHP-ter]* > (in business) a company, person, or type of technology that uses creativity or new ideas to change a market or industry

*Additional info* : The noun may also be spelled as disrupter.

*2.  ride-sharing  [RAHYD-shair-ing]*  >  a way of traveling in a private vehicle driven by its owner for a fee, that is arranged through an application or website

*Additional info* : The noun is often used before another noun (ex. ride-sharing service).

*3.  lodge  [loj]*  >  to formally make a statement about something to a public organization or authority

*Additional info* : This verb is used in a formal context.

*4.   espionage  [ES-pee-uh-nahzh]* > the act of gathering secret information about the plans and activities of a competitor organization or business

*Additional info* : Some verbs used with espionage are engage, conduct, and commit.

*5.  unrepentant  [uhn-ri-PEN-tnt]*  > not feeling sorry for something wrong that a person has done

*Additional info* : Its root word is repent, which means “to be sorry for something.”

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1.  disruptor [dis-RUHP-ter] > (in business) a company, person, or type of technology that uses creativity or new ideas to change a market or industry

2.  ride-sharing  [RAHYD-shair-ing]  >  a way of traveling in a private vehicle driven by its owner for a fee, that is arranged through an application or website

3.  lodge  [loj]  >  to formally make a statement about something to a public organization or authority

4.   espionage  [ES-pee-uh-nahzh] > the act of gathering secret information about the plans and activities of a competitor organization or business

5.  unrepentant  [uhn-ri-PEN-tnt] > not feeling sorry for something wrong that a person has done

May 5, 2024

UK airports get more time to put in new scanners that will allow more liquids and packed laptops

*1.  paltry [PAWL-tree]* > too small in amount that it can’t be considered useful

*Additional info* :  An antonym of this word is plenty.

*2.  foil  [foil]* > to prevent something from succeeding

*Additional info* : An antonym of this word is allow.

*3.  case-by-case  [keys-bahy-keys]* > considering each situation or instance individually, without applying a general rule.

*Additional info* : This word is often preceded by the prepositional phrase on a.

*4.  breakdown  [BREYK-doun]* > a detailed list or summary of information, often presented in a systematic format

*Additional info* : A related word is summary.

*4.  breakdown  [BREYK-doun]* > a detailed list or summary of information, often presented in a systematic format

*Additional info* : A related word is summary.

*5.  short-haul  [SHAWRT-HAWL]* > traveling a short distance

*Additional info* : The antonym of this word is long-haul.

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1.  paltry [PAWL-tree] > too small in amount that it can’t be considered useful

2.  foil  [foil] > to prevent something from succeeding

3.  case-by-case  [keys-bahy-keys ] >considering each situation or instance individually, without applying a general rule.

4.  breakdown  [BREYK-doun ] > a detailed list or summary of information, often presented in a systematic format

5.  short-haul  [SHAWRT-HAWL ] > traveling a short distance

May 4, 2024

Google to purge billions of files containing personal data in settlement of Chrome privacy case

*1.  purge  [purj]* >  to delete or remove data that are no longer necessary

*Additional info* : A related word is expunge.

* 2.  class-action  [klas-AK-shuhn]* > relating to legal action that’s arranged by a group of people experiencing the same problem

*Additional info* : The noun form of the word is class action (ex. Customers joined a class action to hold the tech company responsible for privacy violations).

*3.  shield  [sheeld]* > to protect someone from any harm or danger

*Additional info* : The word may also be used as a noun (ex. Strong cybersecurity measures are a shield from cybersecurity attacks).

*4. culminate  [KUHL-muh-neyt]* >  to reach the final result or stage of a process

*Additional info* : The word is usually followed by the prepositions in or with.

*5.  paint a picture [peynt uh PIK-cher]* >  to describe or show something in a particular way

*Additional info* : This idiom usually follows the form paint a picture + of (something).

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1.  purge  [purj]>  to delete or remove data that are no longer necessary

2.  class-action  [klas-AK-shuhn] > relating to legal action that’s arranged by a group of people experiencing the same problem

3.  shield  ʃild / [sheeld] > to protect someone from any harm or danger

4. culminate  [KUHL-muh-neyt] >  to reach the final result or stage of a process

5.  paint a picture [peynt uh PIK-cher] >  to describe or show something in a particular way

May 3, 2024

A Swiss castle becomes the world’s first Water Library

*1.  focal point [FOH-kuhl point]* > a center of activity, interest, or attention within a specific context

*Additional info* : In art, focal point means “the most important or interesting part of a piece of art that catches attention.”

*2.  repository  [ri-POZ-i-tawr-ee]* >  a place where a large amount of something, such as information, knowledge, or resources, is kept

*Additional info* : A related word is storage.

*3.  urgency  [UR-juhn-see]* > the quality of being very important and needing immediate attention

*Additional info* : The adjective form of this word is urgent (ex. She received an urgent message asking her to call back immediately).

*4. overutilize  [OH-ver-YOOT-l-ahyz]* > to use something too much or more than necessary, often leading to it being used up quickly or other problems

*Additional info* : A related word is overuse.

*5.  vital [VAHYT-l]* > extremely important

*Additional info* : A related word is necessary.

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1.  focal point [FOH-kuhl point] > a center of activity, interest, or attention within a specific context

2.  repository  [ri-POZ-i-tawr-ee] >  a place where a large amount of something, such as information, knowledge, or resources, is kept

3.  urgency  [UR-juhn-see] > the quality of being very important and needing immediate attention

4. overutilize  [OH-ver-YOOT-l-ahyz] > to use something too much or more than necessary, often leading to it being used up quickly or other problems

5.  vital [VAHYT-l] > extremely important

May 2, 2024

California-based 99 Cents Only Stores is closing down, citing COVID, inflation, and product theft

*1.   assortment [uh–SAWRT-muhnt]* >  a group or collection of different types of things or people

*Additional info* : Some related words are variety and selection.

*2.  bargain-basement  [BAHR-guhn-BEYS-muhnt]* >  having a very low price

*Additional info* : A related word is cheap.

*3.  in no time [in noh tahym]* >  very quickly

*Additional info* : A variation of this idiom is in no time at all.

*4. forge ahead  [fawrj uh–HED]* > to make an effort to achieve a lot of progress or success in something

*Additional info* : A related word is advance.

*5.  untenable [uhn-TEN–uh-buhl]* >  not capable of being continued, supported, or defended, usually because it is difficult to do so, or it is not practical

*Additional info* : The antonym of this word is tenable.

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1.   assortment [uh–SAWRT-muhnt] >  a group or collection of different types of things or people

2.  bargain-basement  [BAHR-guhn-BEYS-muhnt] >  having a very low price

3.  in no time [in noh tahym] >  very quickly

4. forge ahead  [fawrj uh–HED] > to make an effort to achieve a lot of progress or success in something

5.  untenable [uhn-TEN–uh-buhl] >  not capable of being continued, supported, or defended, usually because it is difficult to do so, or it is not practical