Dread

Dread

= To fear greatly about something.

害怕;擔心;

He dreads going to see the doctor for a cancer review every three months.

他害怕每三個月去看醫生進行癌症檢查。

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Sanction

Sanction

= To impose a penalty on.

制裁;

China has sanctioned some companies for their weapons sales to Taiwan.

中國因一些公司向台灣出售武器而對其實施制裁。

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Pronouns

Pronouns

Pronouns are words used to replace nouns in order to avoid repetition and make sentences clearer. Common examples include I, me, my, he, him, his, she, her, and it. Pronouns can be categorized into three main types: subjective, objective, and possessive.

Types of Pronouns

Subjective Pronouns: These pronouns act as the subject of a sentence.

Examples: I, you, he, she, it, we, they

Example: He is my brother. (In this sentence, "He" is the subject.)

Objective Pronouns: These pronouns receive the action in a sentence.

Examples: me, you, him, her, it, us, them

Example: I lent him my car. (Here, "him" is the object.)

Possessive Pronouns: These pronouns show ownership or possession.

Examples: my, your, his, her, its, our, their

Example: This is my book. (In this case, "my" indicates who owns the book.)

Examples

This is Jeff. He is my brother.

(‘He’ is a pronoun that represents ‘Jeff’.)

This is my dad. He is a doctor.

(‘He’ is a pronoun that represents ‘my dad’.)

Jackson is my best friend. Sometimes I lend him my car.

(‘Him’ is a pronoun that represents ‘Jackson’.)

Sue cuts people's hair. She is a barber.

(‘She’ is a pronoun that represents ‘Sue’.)

My mother just retired. She was a nurse.

(‘She’ is a pronoun that represents ‘my mother’.)

Importance of Pronouns

Using pronouns effectively helps to streamline communication and makes writing more engaging. They prevent redundancy and can also provide clarity in sentences. For example, instead of repeatedly saying "Jeff" and "my dad," you can use "he" to make the text more fluid.

Conclusion

Understanding and using pronouns properly is essential for effective communication in both spoken and written language. By mastering the use of subjective, objective, and possessive pronouns, you can enhance your writing style and clarity.

 https://jeffreywckin.github.io/006-Pronouns.html

Opine

 Opine

To express an opinion.

發表意見。

“His watch is not reliable”,  opined Jeffrey.

Jeffrey認為他的手表不可靠。

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https://youtube.com/shorts/SWr54ZVjfVI

At the height of (something)

At the height of (something)

= Being at the most successful, intense, or advanced point of a situation, event, or condition.

高峰;

At the height of the thunderstorm, winds reached over 150 miles per hour, causing significant damage and flooding.

在雷暴最嚴重的時候，風速超過每小時 150 英里，造成了嚴重的破壞和洪水氾濫。

He was at the height of his excitement when he received the Nobel Prize.

當他獲得諾貝爾獎時，他興奮極了。

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At large

At large

= When someone is described as "at large," it means that the suspect has not been caught or is not in custody.

在逃;

The criminal remained at large and was regarded as highly dangerous to the community.

該罪犯仍然在逃，並被認為對社會極為危險。

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ethos

 ethos

= (a Greek term) the set of beliefs, values, or ideals that characterize a particular group, culture, or individual

Examples

The coach wanted to let all the players know the ethos of perseverance and teamwork.

The school's ethos emphasizes respect, integrity, and lifelong learning, creating a positive environment for students.

The company's ethos revolves around sustainability and ethical practices, influencing its decision-making and product offerings.

Some synonyms for "ethos":

Character

Spirit

Values

Principles

Culture

Beliefs

Ideology

Nature

Philosophy

Attitude

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nosedive

 nosedive

= to plunge sharply or to experience a sudden and steep decline 

The player’s performance nosedived after recovering from a serious knee injury.

 

After the announcement of the company's poor quarterly earnings, its stock price took a nosedive, alarming investors.

Her grades nosedived after she became overwhelmed with extracurricular activities and lost focus on her studies.

Some synonyms for "nosedive":

Plunge

Drop

Dive

Decline

Crash

Fall

Slump

Descend

Tumble

Plummet

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Anonymity

Anonymity

= The situation in which a person's identity is concealed or unknown.

匿名;

The forum allowed users to maintain their anonymity while sharing facts and opinions.

該論壇允許用戶在分享事實和觀點的同時保持匿名。

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Ambush

Ambush

= To attack someone suddenly and unexpectedly from a concealed position. 

埋伏突襲;

The enemy troops were ambushed by the soldiers in the forest.

敵軍在森林裡遭到了士兵的伏擊。

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Collective Nouns

 Collective Nouns

Collective nouns are words that refer to a group of people or things considered as a single entity. They help us describe collections in a more vivid and specific way. 

For example, a group of dogs is called a pack, which conveys a sense of unity and shared behavior.

Importance of Collective Nouns

Collective nouns not only enhance our vocabulary but also provide clarity in communication. By using these terms, we can convey information more effectively and create a mental image for the reader or listener.

Examples of Collective Nouns

Here are some common collective nouns:

A herd of elephants - Often used to describe a large group of these majestic animals, emphasizing their social structure.

A herd of deer - Refers to a group of deer, typically seen grazing together in the wild.

A pack of dogs - Indicates a group of dogs that often roam or hunt together.

A pack of wolves - Similar to dogs, this term highlights the social nature of wolves.

A flock of birds - Used for a group of birds flying or feeding together.

A flock of sheep - Describes a group of sheep, commonly seen in pastoral settings.

A swarm of bees - Refers to a large group of bees, often seen when they are searching for a new hive.

A swarm of flies - Indicates a group of flies, usually in a disorganized manner.

A panel of judges - Represents a group of judges, typically in a legal or competitive setting.

A board of directors - Refers to a group of individuals elected to oversee the activities of an organization.

A shoal of fish - Describes a group of fish swimming together, often for protection.

A litter of kittens - Refers to a group of kittens born to the same mother.

A pride of lions - Represents a social group of lions, commonly consisting of related females and their young.

A stack of chairs - Describes a neat arrangement of chairs piled on top of each other.

A gaggle of geese - Refers to a group of geese, especially when they are on the ground.

A bundle of newspapers - Indicates a collection of newspapers, often tied together.

A batch of letters - Refers to a group of letters processed together.

A stash of cash - Describes a hidden collection of money.

A fleet of ships - Represents a group of ships operating together, often for trade or military purposes.

A set of compasses - Refers to a group of instruments typically used for drawing circles or measuring distances.

Conclusion

Understanding and using collective nouns enriches our language and enhances communication. They provide a way to express the relationship between individuals within a group, making our descriptions more engaging and precise. Whether you're writing creatively or speaking in everyday situations, collective nouns can add depth to your expression.

https://jeffreywckin.github.io/005-Collective-Nouns.html

Rake in (money)

 Rake in (money)

To earn or make a lot of money.

賺大錢。

This company raked in over ten billion from the sale.

這家公司從出售中賺取了超過一百億。

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https://youtube.com/shorts/YBmumkKIy9I

In the blink of an eye

In the blink of an eye

= Very quickly or suddenly.

一瞬間；

The old woman fell to the floor in the blink of an eye, and I didn’t have enough time to help her.

一瞬間，老太太就倒在了地上，我根本來不及去扶她。

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Slew

Slew

=  A great number of something.

大量；

There has been a slew of changes in regulatory and tax rules recently, leaving many people confused.

最近，監管和稅收條例發生了大量的變化，讓許多人感到困惑。

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banish

 banish

= to send someone away from a place

Examples

He was banished from the restaurant due to a drunken brawl.

In the fairy tale, the wicked queen was banished to a distant land for her evil deeds.

To maintain peace, the community chose to banish anyone who disrespected the rules.

The king issued a decree to banish all spies from his kingdom.

She tried to banish negative thoughts by focusing on positive affirmations.

Some synonyms for the word "banish"

Exile

Expel

Dismiss

Remove

Deport

Evict

Send away

Displace

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havoc

 havoc

= widespread destruction or chaos

Examples

The wildfire caused havoc in the towns, burning and destroying many houses.

The hurricane wreaked havoc along the coastline, uprooting trees and flooding homes.

The unexpected injury to the star player created havoc in the team's lineup, forcing them to make last-minute changes.

The car accident caused havoc on the busy highway, resulting in hours of delays for commuters.

The software glitch unleashed havoc on the company's database, leading to the loss of critical data.

The protest quickly turned chaotic, leading to havoc in the streets as demonstrators clashed with police.

Some synonyms for the word "havoc":

Chaos

Destruction

Devastation

Disorder

Turmoil

Ruin 

Catastrophe

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Impersonator

Impersonator

= A person who pretends to be someone else.

模仿者；

The Michael Jackson impersonator danced and rocked the audience at the concert.

這位Michael Jackson 模仿者在音樂會上翩翩起舞，震撼全場。

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Sleek

 

Sleek

= Something that is smooth and shiny in appearance.

光滑的；

The bag is crafted from sleek fur material.

這個袋子採用光滑的毛皮材料製成。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

Common Nouns and Proper Nouns

 Common Nouns and Proper Nouns

Common nouns are generic names for a class of objects or a concept. They are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence.

Proper nouns, on the other hand, name specific people, places, or organizations. They are always capitalized, regardless of their position in a sentence.

Examples

Common Noun: He is a dentist.

(“Dentist” is a common noun.)

Common Noun: Is the moon a planet?

(“Moon” is a common noun in this context.)

Common Noun: My favorite drink is coffee.

(“Coffee” is a common noun.)

Proper Noun: Titanic is the film I like very much.

(“Titanic” is a proper noun.)

Proper Noun: What is the best place to live in London?

(“London” is a proper noun.)

Proper Nouns: Which one will you choose: Wendy’s or McDonald’s?

(“Wendy’s” and “McDonald’s” are proper nouns.)

Additional Notes

Common Nouns: These include general items, such as "city," "car," "teacher," and "book."

Proper Nouns: They refer to specific entities, such as "New York," "Toyota," "Mr. Smith," and "Harry Potter."

https://jeffreywckin.github.io/004-Common_Nouns_and_Proper_Nouns.html

Of two minds

 Of two minds

Not certain about what to do.

猶豫不決。

I was of two minds about whether to buy a new phone.

我拿不定主意，到底是否去買新手機。

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https://youtu.be/wn4xtblWZKI

each to their own

 each to their own

= to indicate that someone likes different things compared to others 

Examples

I prefer love songs, while Mark loves rock and roll. Each to their own.

Sarah enjoys classic literature, while Tom prefers modern thrillers. Each to their own.

Jamie likes hiking in the mountains, but Alex prefers relaxing on the beach. Each to their own.

Some people relish spicy food, while others can't stand it. Each to their own.

I love watching documentaries, whereas my friend enjoys action movies. Each to their own.

Susan collects stamps, but her brother is into video games. Each to their own.

Some synonyms and alternative phrases for "each to their own":

Different strokes for different folks

Every person has their taste

Everyone has their own likes

One man's trash is another man's treasure

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Bundle

Bundle

= To tie items together.

捆;

I bundled all the newspapers and magazines for recycling yesterday.

我昨天把所有報紙和雜誌綁起來以便回收。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

 

Break-in

Break-in

= A situation in which someone illegally enters a place, often with the intent to steal something.

入室盜竊；

The bank experienced two break-ins in five days.

該銀行在五天內發生兩宗入室盜竊案。

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make a big splash

 make a big splash

= to create a significant impact, often in a dramatic or noticeable way

Examples

The tech company made a big splash with its new AI robot.

The new restaurant made a big splash in the culinary scene with its innovative menu and stunning decor.

After launching the campaign, the nonprofit organization made a big splash in raising awareness about climate change.

The fashion designer made a big splash at the Paris Fashion Week with her bold new collection.

The startup made a big splash in the tech world by introducing a groundbreaking app that simplifies online shopping.

The athlete made a big splash during the Olympics, breaking records and capturing the attention of fans worldwide.

Synonyms for "make a big splash"

Make a strong impression

Create a buzz

Turn heads

Make waves

Cause a stir

Grab attention

Make headlines

Stand out

Leave a mark

Break new ground

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exotic

 exotic

= in the context of travel, feeling "exotic" might describe the unique experiences, landscapes, or cultures one encounters in a foreign country

Susan loves trying exotic dishes, such as chicken feet and fried spiders.

While in Thailand, she enjoyed sampling exotic fruits like durian and rambutan.

On her trip to Morocco, she experienced exotic spices in tagines and fragrant mint tea.

In Japan, she savored exotic delicacies like fugu (pufferfish) and natto (fermented soybeans).

Exploring the Amazon rainforest, she encountered exotic wildlife, including colorful toucans and playful monkeys.

Some synonyms for the word "exotic":

Unusual

Foreign

Striking

Unique

Outlandish

Intriguing

Alluring

Enchanting

Rare

Uncommon

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dangle

 dangle

= to hang something loosely

Mark let the keys and his wallet dangle from the hook on the wall. 

I like to dangle my feet off the edge of the dock while fishing. 

Susan decided to dangle the earrings in front of the mirror to see how they looked.

You can dangle the decorations from the ceiling for a festive look during the party.

Some synonyms for "dangle":

Suspended

Hang

Swing

Sway

Drop

Loll

Flap

Trail

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Bustle

Bustle

= To move around in a busy and energetic manner, often involving a lot of activity or movement.

忙碌;

She bustled through the kitchen, ensuring all the food was ready before the restaurant opened.

她在廚房忙碌工作，確保餐廳在開業前把所有的食物都準備好。

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Buy a pig in a poke

Buy a pig in a poke

= To purchase something without inspecting it first.

瞎買東西；

Investing in this IT startup without checking its balance sheet was like buying a pig in a poke.

在沒有檢查其資產負債表的情況下投資這家 IT 新創公司，就像瞎買東西一樣。

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Singular and Plural Nouns

 Singular and Plural Nouns

When a noun indicates one item, it is singular. On the other hand, when a

noun indicates two or more items, it is plural.

Here’s how to form plural nouns:

1. Adding -s

Many singular nouns form the plural simply by adding -s.

Examples:

Net → Nets

Bowl → Bowls

Orange → Oranges

2. Adding -es

Some singular nouns that end in -ch, -sh, -s, -x, or -z form the plural

by adding -es.

Examples:

Bus → Buses

Gas → Gases

Tax → Taxes

3. Changing -y to -ies

For singular nouns that end in a consonant followed by -y, the plural is

formed by changing -y to -ies.

Examples:

Copy → Copies

Fry → Fries

Fly → Flies

4. Irregular Plurals

Some singular nouns have irregular plural forms. These do not follow

standard rules.

Examples:

Spaceman → Spacemen

Person → People

5. Same Form for Singular and Plural

Certain nouns have the same form in both singular and plural.

Examples:

Fish

Deer

Sheep

Additional Notes

Collective Nouns: Some nouns can refer to a group but are treated as

singular.

For example, "team" and "family" can refer to multiple members but are

used as singular nouns in a sentence.

Compound Nouns: When using compound nouns, the plural typically applies

to the main noun.

For instance, "mother-in-law" becomes "mothers-in-law."

Conclusion

Understanding how to form plurals is essential for clear communication in

English. By recognizing these patterns, you can improve your writing and

speaking skills.

https://jeffreywckin.github.io/003-Singular-and-Plural.html

Denim

 Denim

A strong and thick cotton cloth for making jeans.

牛仔布。

The company planned to refashion the denim waste.

該公司計劃重新改造牛仔布廢料。

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gZCPECAfvds

#學英文 #英文 #學習 #英文筆記 #英文單字 #英文詞彙 #English #learnenglish #dailyword #vocabulary #studyenglish #ielts #dse #dseenglish #knowledge #englishlearning #Englishgrammar #grammar #grammarquiz 

Hang Tough

 Hang Tough

=To stay strong in the face of adversity.

Examples:

1. The cancer treatment is very tough, but hang tough; you will recover soon.

2. My boss is hanging tough during the negotiations for the acquisition.

3. Even when times get hard, it’s important to hang tough and keep pushing forward.

4. She had to hang tough through the challenging training sessions to achieve her goals.

A fun and unrealistic example:

1. Despite being chased by a herd of flying elephants during a rainstorm of chocolate syrup, Sarah decided to hang tough and continue her quest to find the legendary ice cream mountain. Nothing would deter her from reaching her sweet destination!

Synonyms:

Stay strong

Hold on

Persevere

Remain resilient

Keep fighting

Learning Tips:

Contextual Usage: Pay attention to how "hang tough" is used in different contexts, such as sports, business, or personal challenges. This will help you understand its meaning more deeply.

Practice Sentences: Create your own sentences using "hang tough" to reinforce your understanding. Try to use it in both written and spoken English.

Watch and Listen: Look for movies, podcasts, or songs where the phrase is used. This will help you hear how native speakers use the expression naturally.

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

 

Scramble

Scramble

= To act with urgency.

倉促行動；

People are scrambling to buy concert tickets as the highly anticipated event is expected to sell out quickly.

人們紛紛搶購音樂會的門票，因為這場備受期待的活動預計會迅速售罄。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

 

Tilt

 

Tilt

= To cause something to lean.

傾斜；

The table is tilted slightly, which means that any drink placed on it is likely to fall off.

桌子微微傾斜，因此如果在上面放置飲料，它很可能會掉下來。

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Cadence

Cadence

= Rhythmic flow.

Here are some examples of how to use the word "cadence" in sentences:

1. You need to focus on your optimal cadence when you are running.

2. The musician played the melody with a smooth cadence that captivated the audience.

3. Her speech had a rhythmic cadence that made it easy to listen to and understand.

4. The author’s use of varied sentence lengths created a unique cadence in the narrative.

5. The dancer moved with a graceful cadence that matched the music perfectly.

6. As you practice your English, pay attention to the cadence of native speakers to improve your fluency.

Synonyms:

Rhythm

Flow

Tempo

In language learning, cadence refers to the natural rhythm and flow of speech. Focusing on your cadence can enhance your speaking and listening skills.

In Conversation: Notice how native speakers use a smooth cadence, making their speech more engaging.

In Poetry: The cadence of a poem can create a musical quality, making it memorable.

Learning Tips:

1. Listen Actively: Pay attention to podcasts or audiobooks to grasp the natural rhythm of English.

2. Practice Speaking: Read aloud to develop your own cadence; try to mimic native speakers.

3. Record Yourself: Listening to your recordings can help you identify areas for improvement.

Paramedic

 Paramedic

= A trained medical professional who provides emergency medical care, often in pre-hospital settings.

Examples

1. The paramedic arrived quickly at the scene of the accident, discovering that many people were already dead.

2. The paramedic rushed into the building, skillfully navigating through the chaos to reach the injured.

3. The paramedic worked closely with the fire department to ensure all victims were safely evacuated from the scene.

4. The paramedic assessed the patient's condition and quickly decided on the best course of treatment.

Some synonyms and related terms for "paramedic":

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

First Responder

Ambulance Technician

Medical Responder

Rescue Worker

Emergency Care Provider

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Beset

 Beset

= A state of being troubled by problems or difficulties.

Example Sentences:

The company was beset by financial fraud and had to lay off more than half of its employees.

The town was beset by a series of natural disasters, including floods and hurricanes, which disrupted daily life.

She felt beset by doubts and anxieties as she prepared for her final exams.

The project was beset with delays due to unforeseen circumstances, pushing the deadline back by several months.

The athlete was beset by injuries throughout the season, making it difficult for him to compete at his best.

Usage Tips

When using "beset," consider the context of challenges or obstacles faced by a person, organization, or situation.

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

Uptick

Uptick

= A small increase or upward trend in a particular measurement or statistic.

上升;

The housing market has seen an uptick in prices as more foreign buyers entered the market.

隨著越來越多的外國買家進入市場，房地產市場價格出現上漲。

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To get the short end of the stick

To get the short end of the stick

= To be treated unfairly.

遇到不公平的待遇；

The country got the short end of the stick when it agreed to sign the unfair treaty.

當這個國家同意簽署這項不公平的條約時，它就吃虧了。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS