REAL-LIFE ENGLISH | WEEK 09


YouTube Channel Source: Karl Conrad

Learn the words and expressions used in this Real-Life English video.

WORDS / EXPRESSIONS + [Timestamp]

  1. Lightweight [00:14]

  2. Co-pilot [00:27]

  3. Theoretically [00:43]

  4. Criteria [01:01]

  5. Ease of access [01:12]

  6. Gunk [01:58]

  7. Juice up [02:29]

  8. Playback [02:33]

  9. Replaceable [03:42]

  10. Memory foam [03:51]

  11. Embargo [04:19]

  12. Faux [04:29]

  13. Telephoto prism [05:04]

  14. Manageable [05:09]

  15. Vlogs [05:37]

  16. Variable [05:52]

  17. Workhorse [05:55]

  18. Baggie [05:58]

  19. Floats around [06:02]

  20. Spare [07:49]

  21. TSA [08:10]

  22. Edition [08:30]

  23. Bane [08:54]

  24. Effing [08:55]

  25. Toxic relationship [09:02]

 


DEFINITIONS & SENTENCES

  1. Lightweight

    Definition: Not very heavy; of less than average weight; or not very serious or important.

    Examples:

    • She prefers a lightweight backpack for her hiking trips to avoid shoulder strain.
    • The new smartphone model is incredibly lightweight yet durable.
    • The argument was fairly lightweight, lacking substantial evidence.
  2. Co-pilot

    Definition: A pilot who is second in command of an aircraft.

    Examples:

    • The co-pilot took over the controls while the captain reviewed the flight plan.
    • During the long-haul flight, both the pilot and co-pilot will take turns resting to stay alert.
    • The co-pilot performed all the radio communications, ensuring smooth coordination with air traffic control.
  3. Theoretically

    Definition: According to the principles of theory without regard to practice; hypothetically.

    Examples:

    • Theoretically, the plan should work, but we need to test it in a real-world scenario.
    • Theoretically, the bridge can hold up to 20,000 pounds, but that’s never been tested.
    • We can theoretically reach Mars in six months with the new propulsion technology.
  4. Criteria

    Definition: Standards or principles by which something is judged or decided.

    Examples:

    • The scholarship committee had three main criteria: academic excellence, community service, and financial need.
    • The criteria for selecting the winning entry include originality, relevance, and impact.
    • The car’s performance will be judged based on criteria such as speed, fuel efficiency, and safety.
  5. Ease of access

    Definition: The quality of being easy to approach, reach, enter, speak with, or use.

    Examples:

    • The architect designed the building with ease of access in mind, including ramps and wide doorways.
    • Online banking has greatly improved the ease of access to financial services for many customers.
    • Museums should facilitate ease of access to cultural works for all members of society.
  6. Gunk

    Definition: A sticky or greasy substance; dirt.

    Examples:

    • After working on the car, his hands were covered in black gunk.
    • Cleaning the oven required scrubbing to get all the gunk off the interior walls.
    • The old machinery in the factory was clogged up with years of oil and gunk.
  7. Juice up

    Definition: To give something more power or energy, to re-energize or recharge.

    Examples:

    • Before the road trip, make sure to juice up your car’s battery.
    • I need to juice up my phone; the battery is almost dead.
    • The engineers are looking for ways to juice up the performance of the electric motor.
  8. Playback

    Definition: The act of playing back a recording of audio or video.

    Examples:

    • The quality of the video playback was excellent, showing the film in high definition.
    • During the training session, we’ll go through the playback of our simulated customer conversations.
    • I couldn’t hear the music well during playback because the speakers were malfunctioning.
  9. Replaceable

    Definition: Capable of being replaced; able to be substituted.

    Examples:

    • Most parts on the machine are easily replaceable if they wear out.
    • The data on the hard drive was not backed up, so it was not replaceable when the device crashed.
    • While the lost antique was valuable, the sentimental attachment to it was not replaceable.
  10. Memory foam

    Definition: A dense, highly absorbent, and viscoelastic polyurethane foam that molds to the shape of the person’s body but recovers its original shape when pressure is removed.

    Examples:

    • Our new memory foam mattress conforms to our bodies, providing excellent support while we sleep.
    • Many people prefer memory foam pillows because they reduce neck pain by maintaining proper alignment.
    • The memory foam insoles in my shoes made a huge difference in comfort throughout the day.
  11. Embargo

Definition: An official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country, or a prohibition on moving ships into or out of ports.

Examples:

  • The government imposed an embargo on all imports from the neighboring country due to political tensions.
  • During the embargo, no oil could be shipped out from the country, severely impacting the economy.
  • Many farmers were worried about how the embargo would affect the prices of their crops in the international market.
  1. Faux

Definition: Made to look like something else that is usually more expensive or valuable; not genuine.

Examples:

  • She bought a faux fur coat because it was more affordable and animal-friendly than real fur.
  • The jewelry featured a faux diamond, nearly indistinguishable from a real one to the untrained eye.
  • To update the kitchen, they installed faux marble countertops, which were surprisingly convincing.
  1. Telephoto prism

Definition: A component of certain optical devices, including cameras and binoculars, that uses a prism system to magnify distant objects, often found in telephoto lenses.

Examples:

  • The telephoto prism in his camera lens allowed him to take clear shots of wildlife from a safe distance.
  • The binoculars were equipped with a high-quality telephoto prism, making them perfect for birdwatching.
  • A telephoto prism system can significantly enhance the image quality in telescopes used by amateur astronomers.
  1. Manageable

Definition: Capable of being managed, handled, or controlled.

Examples:

  • She broke her project into manageable tasks to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
  • Despite the small kitchen, the chef kept the space organized and manageable during the busy dinner service.
  • The workload this semester is quite heavy, but with good time management, it should be manageable.
  1. Vlogs

Definition: A blog in which the postings are primarily in video form.

Examples:

  • He started posting daily vlogs on his YouTube channel, sharing his life in Tokyo with viewers around the world.
  • Many travelers maintain travel vlogs, providing tips and showcasing the beauty of the places they visit.
  • The cooking vlogs have been a great help, making complex recipes accessible and easy to follow.
  1. Variable

Definition: Something that is subject to change or variation; an element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change.

Examples:

  • The main variable affecting plant growth in this experiment is the amount of sunlight they receive.
  • In programming, variables are used to store information that can change as the program runs.
  • The weather is a significant variable in planning outdoor events, as it can change unexpectedly.
  1. Workhorse

Definition: A person or machine that dependably performs hard work over a long period of time.

Examples:

  • The old truck was a real workhorse, hauling heavy loads day in and day out without issue.
  • She’s the workhorse of the team, always staying late to ensure projects are completed on time.
  • Their new line of industrial printers is designed to be the workhorse of any high-volume printing business.
  1. Baggie

Definition: A small, plastic bag, typically sealable and watertight, used for storing or carrying items.

Examples:

  • She packed her sandwich in a baggie to keep it fresh until lunchtime.
  • For the school trip, each student received a baggie with their name on it for collecting samples.
  • He used a baggie to keep his cellphone dry while hiking in the rain.
  1. Floats around

Definition: To move or drift through the air or on water, often aimlessly; to be circulated widely or without a fixed pattern.

Examples:

  • There are rumors floating around the office about upcoming layoffs.
  • Leaves and petals floated around the garden, caught in the gentle breeze.
  • He noticed several ideas floating around the meeting but none seemed to take root.
  1. Spare

Definition: Additional to what is required for ordinary use; kept in reserve for emergency or special cases.

Examples:

  • She always kept a spare key hidden outside in case she locked herself out.
  • It’s wise to carry a spare tire in your car, especially on long road trips.
  • Despite the tight budget, they managed to find some spare funds to invest in new software.
  1. TSA (Transportation Security Administration)

Definition: A U.S. government agency that oversees security for the traveling public, primarily in airports, to ensure safe travel.

Examples:

  • I arrived early for my flight to get through the TSA checkpoint in time.
  • The TSA has implemented new screening procedures to enhance airport security.
  • Travelers can sign up for TSA PreCheck to expedite their security screening process at airports.
  1. Edition

Definition: A particular form or version of a published text or work of art, often differing in detail from other editions.

Examples:

  • She collected every edition of her favorite author’s novels as they were released.
  • The first edition of the book is highly valued by collectors due to its rarity.
  • The newspaper issues a morning edition and an evening edition every day.
  1. Bane

Definition: A cause of great distress or annoyance; something, typically poison, causing death or destruction.

Examples:

  • Mosquitoes are the bane of my existence during summer camping trips.
  • Paperwork is the bane of many creative professionals who prefer to focus on their craft.
  • The invasive species became the bane of the local ecosystem, disrupting the balance and causing harm to native populations.
  1. Effing

Definition: Used in expressing anger, frustration, or emphasis.

Examples:

  • I can’t believe you did this without asking; it’s an effing disaster!
  • He’s always late to the meetings; it’s effing annoying.
  • The printer stopped working again right before the deadline, which is just effing great.
  1. Toxic Relationship

Definition: A relationship characterized by behaviors on the part of the toxic partner that are emotionally and, not infrequently, physically damaging to the other partner. A toxic relationship is not limited to romantic relationships but can also include friendships, family, and work relationships.

Examples:

  • She decided to end the toxic relationship after realizing it was affecting her mental health.
  • In a toxic relationship, one person may constantly belittle or control the other, leading to an unhealthy dynamic.
  • Therapy can be a helpful resource for those struggling to navigate or recover from a toxic relationship.

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