REAL-LIFE ENGLISH | WEEK 13


YouTube Channel Source: RyanTwomey

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

WORDS / EXPRESSIONS + [Timestamp]

  1. Built-in [02:56]

  2. Breakers [03:16]

  3. Inverters [03:17]

  4. Finessing [05:28]

  5. Produce [06:43]

  6. Secured [07:45]

  7. Squeeze through [09:00]

  8. Appetizing [11:43]

  9. Flaky [11:50]

  10. Gooey [11:54]

  11. Surf shack [15:13]

  12. Batter [15:53]

  13. Majority [16:18]

  14. Stocked up [16:36]

  15. Test run [19:25]

  16. Optional [20:58]

  17. Solidify [21:05]

  18. Brim [21:09]

  19. Epic failure [21:37]

  20. Drizzle [23:12]

  21. Notorious [23:59]

  22. Spectacular [24:24]

  23. Incinerated [24:46]

  24. Busting out [27:52]

  25. Trade-off [28:11]

 


DEFINITIONS & SENTENCES

1. Built-in

Definition: Integrated; constructed as part of a larger unit rather than being detachable.

  • The new apartment came with built-in shelves, which saved us a lot of space.
  • She preferred a kitchen with built-in appliances for a sleeker look.
  • The built-in camera on my phone stopped working after the last update.

2. Breakers

Definition: Devices that interrupt the flow of electrical current automatically or manually for safety reasons; also can refer to large sea waves.

  • The electrician checked the breakers to see why the power was out.
  • Watching the breakers crash against the shore was mesmerizing at the beach house.
  • He flipped the breakers back on after the safety inspection was complete.

3. Inverters

Definition: Devices that convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC).

  • To go camping, we bought an inverter to power our electronic devices from the car battery.
  • Solar panels require inverters to convert the generated DC power into usable AC power for homes.
  • The efficiency of the solar system depends significantly on the performance of its inverters.

4. Finessing

Definition: Handling something in a subtle and delicate manner; often implies skillfully navigating a tricky situation.

  • She was finessing her way through the negotiation, ensuring both parties felt heard.
  • Finessing the delicate pastry dough required a gentle and skilled touch.
  • He managed to finesse a solution to the conflict that satisfied everyone involved.

5. Produce

Definition: To create, manufacture, or bring forth goods or results.

  • The factory produces over a thousand cars each month.
  • The garden was designed to produce a variety of fruits and vegetables year-round.
  • The team was under pressure to produce results by the end of the quarter.

6. Secured

Definition: Fixed or held firmly in place; obtained or achieved, often with effort.

  • She secured the painting to the wall with a sturdy hook.
  • After months of job hunting, he finally secured a position at a prestigious law firm.
  • The ropes were secured tightly to ensure the safety of the climbers.

7. Squeeze through

Definition: To manage to get through a tight space.

  • The cat managed to squeeze through the narrow opening of the fence.
  • I had to squeeze through the crowd to reach the front of the stage.
  • There was just enough room to squeeze through the gap between the rocks.

8. Appetizing

Definition: Appealing to the taste or smell; making one want to eat.

  • The aroma from the kitchen was very appetizing, making everyone eager for dinner.
  • The chef presented us with an appetizing selection of dishes that were as beautiful as they were delicious.
  • Despite being full, the appetizing display of desserts was too tempting to resist.

9. Flaky

Definition: Tending to break into small, thin pieces easily; can also describe someone as unreliable.

  • The delicious croissant was so flaky, it left crumbs all over the plate.
  • Her flaky skin required her to moisturize frequently.
  • He’s been quite flaky lately, canceling plans at the last minute several times.

10. Gooey

Definition: Soft and sticky; often used to describe foods that are moist and chewy.

  • The gooey chocolate brownies were a hit at the party.
  • Marshmallows become wonderfully gooey when roasted over a fire.
  • She loved the gooey texture of the caramel filling in the candy.

11. Surf Shack

Definition: A small, often informal dwelling or business associated with surfing or situated close to a surf beach.

  • The surf shack had an array of boards available for rental, catering to both beginners and pros.
  • They spent the afternoon at the surf shack, learning about the history of surfing over cups of coffee.
  • The old surf shack at the end of the beach was a favorite meeting spot for local surfers.

12. Batter

Definition: A mixture of flour, liquid (usually milk and/or water), and other ingredients, used for baking or frying; to beat or strike someone or something repeatedly.

  • She whisked the batter until it was smooth, ready for the pancakes.
  • The stormy winds battered the coast throughout the night.
  • John decided to try making beer batter for frying fish.

13. Majority

Definition: The greater part or number; the number greater than half the total.

  • The majority of voters supported the new policy.
  • She won by a large majority, with 70% of the vote.
  • Finding consensus can be challenging, even when a majority agrees on a topic.

14. Stocked up

Definition: To accumulate a large quantity of something for future use; to supply oneself with ample amounts of an item.

  • They stocked up on canned goods and water before the hurricane was expected to hit.
  • The library stocked up on new releases ahead of the summer reading rush.
  • With winter approaching, she stocked up on firewood and blankets.

15. Test Run

Definition: A trial or experiment to see how something performs under specific conditions.

  • The software team conducted a test run of the new app to iron out any glitches.
  • Before the big day, they did a test run of the wedding playlist to make sure everything sounded right.
  • The chefs did a test run of the menu to ensure all dishes met their high standards.

16. Optional

Definition: Available to be chosen but not obligatory.

  • Attendees could choose to participate in an optional workshop at the end of the conference.
  • The final question on the exam was optional and for bonus points.
  • Helmet use is compulsory, while elbow pads are optional but recommended.

17. Solidify

Definition: Make or become hard or solid.

  • The gelling agent will solidify the liquid within two hours.
  • The company hoped the new partnership would solidify its position in the market.
  • Over time, their casual friendship solidified into a deep and enduring bond.

18. Brim

Definition: The upper edge of anything hollow; to fill or be full to the point of overflowing.

  • Her coffee cup was filled to the brim, steaming gently in the morning light.
  • He walked carefully, not wanting to spill the water that was filled to the brim of the bucket.
  • The audience filled the hall to the brim, leaving standing room only.

19. Epic Failure

Definition: A complete and utter failure, often in a grand or dramatic way.

  • The event was an epic failure, with everything from the sound system to the lighting malfunctioning.
  • Despite the hype, the movie was an epic failure at the box office.
  • Her attempt at baking a soufflé was an epic failure, ending with the dessert collapsing and becoming inedible.

20. Drizzle

Definition: Very light rain; to trickle a thin stream of liquid over food.

  • It started to drizzle, but not enough to deter them from their walk.
  • Just before serving, she decided to drizzle a bit of caramel over the ice cream.
  • The morning was gray and cold with a light drizzle coating the streets.

21. Notorious

Definition: Famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed.

  • The company was notorious for its poor customer service and high fees.
  • Al Capone was notorious in the 1920s as a feared gangster and bootlegger.
  • The old mansion was notorious for its supposed hauntings and mysterious past.

22. Spectacular

Definition: Beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way; exceptionally good or impressive.

  • The fireworks show was spectacular, lighting up the entire bay.
  • She made a spectacular save during the final seconds of the match, securing the team’s victory.
  • The panoramic view from the top of the mountain was nothing less than spectacular.

23. Incinerated

Definition: To destroy (something, especially waste material) by burning.

  • The confidential documents were incinerated to prevent any data breaches.
  • After the Christmas holiday, the worn-out tree was incinerated along with other yard waste.
  • The village was incinerated during the volcanic eruption, leaving nothing but ash.

24. Busting out

Definition: To break out of or escape from something; to burst or erupt out energetically.

  • After a long winter, the whole city was busting out in colorful blooms.
  • He’s been practicing his dance moves and is ready to start busting out some new ones at the party.
  • The team was busting out in cheers after their unexpected victory.

25. Trade-off

Definition: A balance achieved between two desirable but incompatible features; a compromise.

  • Opting for a higher-paying job in a distant city was a trade-off between salary and being close to family.
  • The new software promises better security, but the trade-off is that it requires more processing power.
  • There’s always a trade-off between the quality of a product and the cost to produce it.

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