Learn advanced vocabulary with the news.
This lesson will help you in learning English vocabulary in context. You will learn advanced words and phrases that can enhance your speaking and writing skills, making you sound more fluent in English.
This is particularly important if you aim to excel in English proficiency exams like IELTS, CAE, or TOEFL.
Listen to the podcast Speak Better English with Harry or watch it on YouTube at Learn English with Harry. englishclass101
Advanced vocabulary words
Learn Advanced Vocabulary With The News
Harry
From time to time, we include an interesting and current news article as part of our lessons.
In this lesson, we will focus on an article from The Guardian newspaper, which provides well-balanced articles that we enjoy reading.
First, I will read the article to give you an overall understanding of its content. Then, I will read it again, emphasizing certain words for better comprehension. Finally, I will explain the meanings of those specific words.
Are you ready? Let’s begin.
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computational
Meaning: anything related to computing or using computers to solve problems, perform calculations, or process data
Examples:
Computational algorithms are essential tools used in various fields to solve complex problems.
When you use a calculator to add numbers together, the calculator performs a computational task by using its internal programming to quickly calculate the result.
surge
Meaning: a sudden increase
Examples:
The store experienced a surge in customers during the holiday season, with people flocking in to buy gifts and take advantage of the sales.
The power blackout occurred due to a surge in electricity usage on the coldest day of the year.
The heavy rain resulted in a surge of water that quickly flooded the streets, causing extensive damage.
Learn Advanced Vocabulary With The News
fraught
Meaning: filled with a specific quality, emotion, or difficulty. It often implies a sense of tension, anxiety, or complications
Examples:
The conversation between the two friends was fraught with tension after their disagreement about politics.
The tense atmosphere in the office was fraught with tension and disagreements among coworkers.
to hold back on
Meaning: to delay
Examples:
Let’s hold back on publishing this article until we gather more information.
I decided to hold back on sharing my opinion during the meeting to avoid causing any unnecessary conflict.
to tumble
Meaning: to fall, decline or decrease in value or prices
Example:
The stock market tumbled yesterday, with major indices experiencing a sharp decline due to concerns over the global economy.
to disrupt
Meaning: to make something more difficult
Examples:
Due to ongoing strikes, the experience of travelling by train can often be disrupted.
The scheduled knee operation was disrupted due to a strike affecting the hospital’s staff.
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to loom
Meaning: to hang or appear there in a threatening or impressive way
Examples:
As the storm clouds gathered, a sense of unease loomed over the village, signalling the impending arrival of a severe thunderstorm.
On an autumn day, the dense fog loomed over the forest, turning the landscape into a magical place.
Uncertainty was looming over the city as the imminent closure of the old factory threatened to leave many people jobless.
sobering
Meaning: something that makes you sit up and think
Examples:
The documentary presented a sobering portrayal of the harsh realities faced by underprivileged communities.
The sobering statistics on climate change serve as a wake-up call to the urgent need for environmental action.
inextricable
Meaning: something that cannot be separated
Examples:
In Ireland, for a long time, there existed an inextricable link between the state and the church.
The bond between the two sisters was so strong that their lives seemed inextricable.
inevitable
Meaning: something that is going to happen no matter what
Examples:
The end of the day is always inevitable, reminding us of the fleeting nature of time.
There are certain things in life that are inevitable, such as death and taxes.
Learn Advanced Vocabulary With The News
to root out
Meaning: to completely eliminate or remove something
Examples:
The teacher took swift action to root out the disruptive behaviour in the class.
We should root out bullying in the school to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
make up
Meaning: to fabricate or produce something that is not originally present or real
Examples:
He failed to complete his homework and made up a story about his dog eating it.
Kids make up stories all the time. They make up little friends that don’t really exist.
He didn’t want to go to school, so he made up a story about having a sore throat.
burgeoning
Meaning: growing or expanding rapidly
Examples:
The country’s burgeoning economy has led to increased opportunities for business growth and investment.
The company’s burgeoning success can be attributed to its innovative products and strong customer base.
So here we learnt advanced vocabulary with the news. Let me give them to you one more time:
- computational
- surge (noun)
- fraught
- to hold back on
- to tumble
- to disrupt
- to loom
- sobering
- inextricable
- to root out
- to make up (stuff)
- burgeoning
Okay, so if there’s anything else that you require in relation to this article, or the words or the phrase of the expressions, as I said at the beginning, send me an email, and we’ll try to help you out. You can contact me at englishlessonviaskype.com
This is Harry’s always thanking you for listening and for watching, and remember, join me for the next lesson.
speak better English with Harry podcast- episode 433
more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
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