Subtitles section
Repeat sentence
Subtitles mode
Full screen
Previous
Next
x 1.0
Playback speed
More

The Baboon That Controlled a Railway for 9 Years

Video vocabulary

bear

Copy vocabulary

US / bɛː /

UK / bɛr /

A2
  • noun
  • Large brown animal with fur that lives in forests
  • Someone who expects stock market to fall
  • verb
  • To accept (responsibilities or duties)
  • To give birth to a child; to produce fruit
  • To accept or suffer the weight of difficulties
  • To keep moving left or right while going forward
  • To show (sign of something)
  • To support the weight of something, e.g. a bridge

indicate

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈɪndɪkeɪt /

UK / ˈɪndɪˌket /

A2
  • verb
  • To show something; direct attention to; point out
  • To represent something using a symbol or sign

hand

Copy vocabulary

US / hænd /

UK / hænd /

A1
  • noun
  • Cards given to a player in a card game
  • Piece of a clock that points to the time
  • Someone who performs physical tasks or work
  • Body part at the end of a person's arm
  • Help for someone performing a particular action
  • Condition of having power or influence
  • Member of the crew of a ship
  • verb
  • To give something to someone personally

retrieve

Copy vocabulary

US / rɪˈtri:v /

UK / rɪˈtriv /

B2
  • verb
  • To find and bring in animals during a hunt
  • To get information from a computer
  • To find and get something from somewhere

hobble

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈhɒbl /

UK / ˈhɑːbl /

C2
  • verb
  • To walk with difficulty due to injury or weakness

notice

Copy vocabulary

US / 'nəʊtɪs /

UK / ˈnotɪs /

A1
  • noun
  • Time by when you must leave, e.g. if you are fired
  • Paper with an announcement, e.g. pinned to a board
  • verb
  • To become aware by sight, touch, or hearing

widespread

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈwaɪdspred /

UK / ˈwaɪdˈsprɛd /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Happening or existing in many places

command

Copy vocabulary

US / kə'mɑ:nd /

UK / kəˈmænd /

A2
  • noun
  • Electronic order to a computer to do something
  • An order to control things or others
  • verb
  • To be able to see far from a certain location
  • To give an order; have control over others
  • To have or get (respect or attention)

his

Copy vocabulary

US / hɪz /

UK / hɪz /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Something belonging to a male person

process

Copy vocabulary

US / prə'ses /

UK / ˈprɑsˌɛs, ˈproˌsɛs /

A2
  • noun
  • Dealing with official forms in the way required
  • Set of changes that occur slowly and naturally
  • verb
  • To organize and use data in a computer
  • To deal with official forms in the way required
  • To prepare by treating something in a certain way
  • To adopt a set of actions that produce a result
  • To convert by putting something through a machine

recently

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈri:sntli /

UK / 'risṇtlɪ /

A1
  • adverb
  • Just a while ago; not long ago

via

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈvaɪə /

UK / ˈvaɪə, ˈviə /

B1
  • preposition
  • By the means of using something
  • By going through, by way of

with

Copy vocabulary

US / wɪð /

UK / wɪð, wɪθ /

A1
  • preposition
  • As an employee of a certain company
  • Against something or someone
  • By using something as a means
  • Due to; because of
  • Including
  • Possessing as a feature
  • Related to
  • (Of the manner/attitude by which you do something)
  • Used to express that people or things are together

car

Copy vocabulary

US / kɑ:(r) /

UK / kɑr /

A1
  • noun
  • A vehicle with wheels and engine to carry people

loud

Copy vocabulary

US / laʊd /

UK / laʊd /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Being very bright with colors, clothes etc.
  • Making a lot of noise

see

Copy vocabulary

US / si: /

UK / si /

A1
  • verb
  • To go on a date with someone
  • To predict whether something is, or will be true
  • To understand what someone says
  • To use your eyes to look at something
  • To visit a place often for sightseeing or pleasure
  • To visit or meet with someone
  • To find out by waiting or looking
  • To watch (a game, movie or TV show)

unpreventable

Copy vocabulary

US / /

UK / /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Not able to be stopped

caution

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kɔ:ʃn /

UK / ˈkɔʃən /

B1
  • noun
  • Quality of being cautious; avoiding risk, danger
  • Warning given by police for breaking traffic rules
  • A warning about a possible danger
  • verb
  • To give someone a warning about a possible danger

count

Copy vocabulary

US / kaʊnt /

UK / kaʊnt /

A2
  • noun
  • Number of things added together, e.g. votes
  • With the number of crimes, knockouts, as stated
  • verb
  • To add things together to find the total number
  • To matter or be important
  • To include someone or something in a final number

czech

Copy vocabulary

US / tʃek /

UK / tʃɛk /

A1
  • other
  • A native of inhabitant of the Czech Republic
  • Of or relating to Czechoslovakia or its people or their language
  • The Slavic language of Czechs

engineer

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌendʒɪ'nɪə(r) /

UK / ˌɛndʒəˈnɪr /

A2
  • noun
  • Someone whose job is designing machines, buildings
  • Someone whose job is to repair or maintain engines

fall

Copy vocabulary

US / fɔ:l /

UK / fɔl /

A1
  • noun
  • Season after summer and before winter; Autumn
  • A drop in amount; decrease
  • Dropping from a standing position to the ground
  • verb
  • To drop in amount; to decrease
  • To come down from a higher position suddenly
  • To go from standing to the ground, by accident

exist

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪɡ'zɪst /

UK / ɪɡˈzɪst /

A1
  • verb
  • To be present, alive or real

jack

Copy vocabulary

US / dʒæk /

UK / dʒæk /

A1
  • noun
  • Increase the amount or intensity of something
  • Tool for exerting pressure or lifting
  • verb
  • To increase the amount or intensity of something
  • To exert pressure on by lifting

dark

Copy vocabulary

US / dɑ:k /

UK / dɑrk /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Of a color that is not light
  • Marked by unhappiness or hopelessness
  • Having little or no light; not light in color
  • noun
  • The time of day when the sky is black

world

Copy vocabulary

US / wɜ:ld /

UK / wɜrld /

A1
  • noun
  • All the humans, events, activities on the earth
  • Political division due to some kind of similarity

fuss

Copy vocabulary

US / fʌs /

UK / fʌs /

B1
  • noun
  • Act of being excited in a complaining manner
  • Act of complaining; a quarrel
  • verb
  • To be very over-worried or excited

have

Copy vocabulary

US / həv /

UK / hæv /

A1
  • verb
  • To drink, smoke, eat or use something
  • To experience the effects of something
  • To organize an event, or join in an activity
  • To own, possess, or hold something
  • To cause to happen or produce a particular effect

investigation

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪnˌvestɪ'ɡeɪʃn /

UK / ɪnˌvɛstɪˈɡeʃən /

B1
  • noun
  • Search for information about something

information

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn /

UK / ˌɪnfɚˈmeʃən /

A1
  • noun
  • Collection of facts and details about something

port

Copy vocabulary

US / pɔ:t /

UK / pɔrt, port /

B1
  • noun
  • City where ships can shelter during a storm
  • Left side of a ship when facing forward
  • Opening in a computer where wires can be connected
  • Sweet wine that is produced in Portugal
  • verb
  • To move data from one computer system to another

could

Copy vocabulary

US / kəd /

UK / kʊd /

A1
  • other
  • Past form of 'can' to mean have ability
  • Used to ask for something politely, or to offer

know

Copy vocabulary

US / nəʊ /

UK / noʊ /

A1
  • verb
  • To be familiar with a person or place, thing
  • To feel sure or be convinced about something
  • To discover or be aware of something
  • To be able to distinguish
  • To have knowledge of things

station

Copy vocabulary

US / 'steɪʃn /

UK / ˈsteʃən /

A1
  • noun
  • Building, area, place used for a specific reason
  • A person's place in society
  • Place where you can catch a train or a bus
  • Company that broadcasts radio or TV programs
  • verb
  • (Army) to be posted to a place to perform duties
  • To put a person in a certain place or position

town

Copy vocabulary

US / taʊn /

UK / taʊn /

A1
  • noun
  • Small city
  • Part of city with shops and entertainments

become

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪ'kʌm /

UK / bɪˈkʌm /

A1
  • verb
  • To begin to be; grow to be; develop into
  • To be suitable for a particular job or role

boss

Copy vocabulary

US / bɒs /

UK / bɔs, bɑs /

A1
  • noun
  • Person in charge of you at work
  • verb
  • To give orders to someone in an unpleasant way

tuberculosis

Copy vocabulary

US / tju:ˌbɜ:kjuˈləʊsɪs /

UK / tu:ˌbɜ:rkjəˈloʊsɪs /

C2
  • noun
  • Disease affecting especially the lungs

business

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈbɪznəs /

UK / ˈbɪznɪs /

A1
  • noun
  • A company formed for making profit
  • Matter that has to be dealt with; task; situation
  • Activity of working to make a profit

can

Copy vocabulary

US / kæn /

UK / kən,kæn /

A1
  • noun
  • A metal container for storing food
  • other
  • Able to; have the skill to; have the time to
  • verb
  • To have permission to
  • To be possible to do
  • To preserve food by sealing it in a metal container

surprise

Copy vocabulary

US / səˈpraɪz /

UK / sərˈpraɪz /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • That surprises you; not expected
  • noun
  • Something unexpected that slightly shocks you
  • verb
  • To do something that another person didn't expect

surprising

Copy vocabulary

US / səˈpraɪzɪŋ /

UK / sərˈpraɪzɪŋ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Making you feel a bit shocked because unexpected
  • verb
  • To do something that another person didn't expect

now

Copy vocabulary

US / naʊ /

UK / naʊ /

A1
  • adverb
  • At the present time or moment
  • Right away or in the next possible moment
  • Used to refer to something that just happened
  • Time between the present and a moment in the past
  • conjunction
  • Resulting from or because of something

operate

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈɒpəreɪt /

UK / ˈɑ:pəreɪt /

A1
  • verb
  • To control or handle something, such as a machine
  • To control or manage something such as a business
  • To be working or being used
  • To perform surgery on someone

museum

Copy vocabulary

US / mjuˈzi:əm /

UK / mjuˈziəm /

A2
  • noun
  • Building to display art/science/history objects

perform

Copy vocabulary

US / pə'fɔ:m /

UK / pɚˈfɔrm /

A1
  • verb
  • To carry out an action well or successfully
  • To entertain an audience by dancing, singing etc.

schedule

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈʃedju:l /

UK / ˈskedʒu:l /

A2
  • noun
  • A list of events and their times
  • A plan to do something at a certain time
  • verb
  • To plan to do something at a certain time

south

Copy vocabulary

US / saʊθ /

UK / saʊθ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Direction to your right when facing the rising sun
  • Coming from the opposite direction from north
  • noun
  • The direction to your right of the rising sun

wagon

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈwægən /

UK / ˈwæɡən /

B2
  • noun
  • Four wheel vehicle used to transport things

africa

Copy vocabulary

US / 'æfrɪkə /

UK / ˈæfrɪkə /

A1
  • noun
  • Continent between the Atlantic and Indian oceans

expect

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪk'spekt /

UK / ɪkˈspɛkt /

A1
  • verb
  • To believe something is probably going to happen

jumper

Copy vocabulary

US / 'dʒʌmpə(r) /

UK / ˈdʒʌmpɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Person who jumps often in a competition
  • Sweater

lantern

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈlæntən /

UK / ˈlæntərn /

B2
  • noun
  • Light in a glass box that can be carried

mainland

Copy vocabulary

US / 'meɪnlænd /

UK / ˈmenˌlænd, -lənd /

B2
  • noun
  • Main land mass of a country or continent

video

Copy vocabulary

US / 'vɪdɪəʊ /

UK / ˈvɪdiˌo /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Of a moving film, with sound
  • noun
  • Recording capturing action with sound
  • verb
  • To make a moving film of, with sound

ability

Copy vocabulary

US / ə'bɪlətɪ /

UK / əˈbɪlɪti /

A2
  • noun
  • The power, resources or skill to do something

but

Copy vocabulary

US / bət /

UK / bʌt,bət /

A1
  • conjunction
  • Used before you say something different, opposite

demonstrate

Copy vocabulary

US / 'demənstreɪt /

UK / ˈdɛmənˌstret /

A2
  • verb
  • To display a feeling or ability openly
  • To protest about something often as a group
  • To prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence
  • To show how something works (e.g. product)

give

Copy vocabulary

US / ɡɪv /

UK / ɡɪv /

A1
  • noun
  • Degree of flexibility in something, a material
  • verb
  • To hand over or present something to someone
  • To cause someone to have or experience something

security

Copy vocabulary

US / sɪ'kjʊərətɪ /

UK / sɪˈkjʊrɪtisə'kjurətɪ /

A2
  • noun
  • Department in a company in charge of protection
  • Financial document, like stocks, bonds and notes
  • Person paid to protect property and people
  • Things done to protect people, buildings etc.
  • Condition of being safe from danger or harm

signal

Copy vocabulary

US / 'sɪɡnəl /

UK / ˈsɪɡnəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Most important or most noticeable
  • noun
  • Movement of a hand or other means to send messages
  • Act/sound that tells people to do/start something
  • Road-side lights that direct traffic to go or stop
  • Sound and light waves carrying TV and radio data
  • verb
  • To be evidence/an indication something will happen
  • To make a noise or motion to tell someone to start

single

Copy vocabulary

US / 'sɪŋɡl /

UK / ˈsɪŋɡəl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being one only, without others
  • Only; merely
  • Not married or in a relationship
  • noun
  • One run in cricket or a hit baseball
  • An individual song from a CD or album
  • Person who is not married or in a relationship

shout

Copy vocabulary

US / ʃaʊt /

UK / ʃaʊt /

A2
  • noun
  • Speaking loudly so you get attention
  • verb
  • To speak very loudly to get attention

snobbish

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsnɒbɪʃ /

UK / ˈsnɑ:bɪʃ /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Thinking of others as having a lower social status

habit

Copy vocabulary

US / 'hæbɪt /

UK / ˈhæbɪt /

A2
  • noun
  • Loose clothing like a cloak, worn by monks, nuns
  • Usual way of behaving; something often repeated

really

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈri:əli /

UK / ˈriəˌli, ˈrili /

A1
  • adverb
  • Used to stress something that is said; definitely
  • In a true or accurate manner
  • Very

would

Copy vocabulary

US / wʊd /

UK / wʊd /

A1
  • other
  • Used to indicate something imagined
  • Used to ask or request something politely
  • Verb used to indicate possibility, request etc.
  • Used to indicate a preference
  • Used to indicate a reaction
  • Indicates something that occurred repeatedly
  • Used to indicate willingness or ability to do

color

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kʌlə(r) /

UK / ˈkʌlɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Quality of things you can see, e.g. red, blue
  • Pink or red in your face, e.g. after being ill
  • The shade of someone's skin e.g. black, or yellow
  • verb
  • To change or affect someone's opinion
  • To make something colorful using colored pencils

fix

Copy vocabulary

US / fɪks /

UK / fɪks /

A2
  • noun
  • Answer to a problem
  • verb
  • To arrange or prepare something
  • To attach something so it will not move or change
  • To dishonestly arrange the result of a game
  • To make an animal unable to produce young
  • To make something whole or able to work again

not

Copy vocabulary

US / nɒt /

UK / nɑt /

A1
  • adverb
  • Word indicating the negative
  • (Used to form the negative of verbs)

radio

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈreɪdiəʊ /

UK / ˈreɪdioʊ /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning the broadcasting of sound
  • noun
  • System of sending/receiving signals through air
  • Device to listen to broadcast programs, messages
  • verb
  • To broadcast a message to be heard by radio

survive

Copy vocabulary

US / sə'vaɪv /

UK / sɚˈvaɪv /

A2
  • verb
  • To continue to live despite illness or trouble

twist

Copy vocabulary

US / twɪst /

UK / twɪst /

A2
  • noun
  • Turn or spiral curve in a path or road
  • Bend or sudden change of direction
  • An unexpected change in the direction of a story
  • a change in the way in which something happens
  • verb
  • To turn something in a circular direction
  • To turn in a curving direction e.g. road or path
  • To bend something into a particular shape
  • To change the meaning in an unintended way
  • To turn in opposite directions at the same time
  • To wind something around something else
  • To turn direction or position, as of your body

elizabeth

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪ'lɪzəbəθ /

UK / ɪ'lɪzəbəθ /

A1
  • noun
  • Daughter of George VI who became the Queen of England and Northern Ireland in on the death of her fa
  • other
  • Queen of England; a woman’s name

about

Copy vocabulary

US / ə'baʊt /

UK / əˈbaʊt /

A1
  • adverb
  • To be ready to; going to
  • Nearly; approximately; roughly
  • Near; next to; close to
  • In every direction; in the area of
  • preposition
  • Concerning or of (a topic)

again

Copy vocabulary

US / ə'ɡen /

UK / əˈɡɛn /

A1
  • adverb
  • One more time, once more

different

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈdɪfrənt /

UK / ˈdɪfrənt /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Not of the same kind; unlike other things

even

Copy vocabulary

US / 'i:vn /

UK / ˈivən /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being equal in influence, power, possibility etc.
  • Being divided equally or fairly
  • (Of teams/contest) with similar chances of success
  • Smooth, level, or regular
  • Can be divided by 2; ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, or 0
  • At a regular, equally steady manner
  • Remaining steady and unchanging
  • adverb
  • (When this is surprising) as well; too
  • (Used to compare two things/stress the difference)
  • verb
  • To make something level; to flatten
  • To make something equal

eventually

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪˈventʃuəli /

UK / ɪˈvɛntʃuəli /

A2
  • adverb
  • After a long time; after many attempts; in the end

like

Copy vocabulary

US / laɪk /

UK / laɪk /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being equal in status or kind to something else
  • Similar; the same
  • adverb
  • For example
  • preposition
  • Used as a filler; used to ad emphasis
  • In a way similar to the way something is done
  • Such as; for example
  • verb
  • To want to
  • To find something pleasing; to prefer something

roller

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈrəʊlə(r) /

UK / ˈroʊlə(r) /

A2
  • noun
  • Long round piece of wood for flattening dough
  • Plastic or metal tube for shaping hair
  • Tool shaped like a tube used for crushing things
  • Powerful large long wave

threat

Copy vocabulary

US / θret /

UK / θrɛt /

A2
  • noun
  • Warning of probable trouble
  • A warning that you may be harmed

week

Copy vocabulary

US / wi:k /

UK / wik /

A1
  • noun
  • Period of seven days from Sunday to Saturday

what

Copy vocabulary

US / wɒt /

UK / hwɑt, hwʌt, wɔt, wʌt,hwət, wət /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Thing or things that; the same kind as
  • Used to emphasize something you are about to say
  • adjecitve
  • Used to refer to a particular amount, or number
  • Used to place emphasis on a particular quality
  • adverb
  • To a certain degree
  • determiner
  • Question words used for asking for information
  • exclamation
  • Used to express excitement, shock, or surprise
  • Used to ask people to repeat something they said

that

Copy vocabulary

US / ðæt /

UK / ðæt, ðət /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • The person or thing being talked about
  • Used to identify something both the speakers know
  • adverb
  • Used to reinforce adjectives and adverbs
  • To such a degree
  • conjunction
  • Used to connect a noun clause
  • Used to introduce an adverbial clause
  • Used to introduce a noun clause
  • determiner
  • Used as a noun to refer to something
  • pronoun
  • Referring an object far away
  • Used to refer to the relative pronoun ‘which’

aware

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈwɛə /

UK / əˈwɛr /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Knowing or feeling that something exists

disc

Copy vocabulary

US / dɪsk /

UK / dɪsk /

A2
  • noun
  • Thin or flat, round object, e.g. for storing data

first

Copy vocabulary

US / fɜ:st /

UK / fɚst /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • 1st; Coming before all others in time or place
  • noun
  • Something that has not happened before
  • Position of the winner of a competition

particularly

Copy vocabulary

US / pəˈtikjuləli /

UK / pɚˈtɪkjələli, pəˈtɪk- /

A2
  • adverb
  • Specially; more than others

reforest

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌriːˈfɒrɪst /

UK / riˈfɔrəst /

A1
  • other
  • Forest anew

rail

Copy vocabulary

US / reɪl /

UK / rel /

B1
  • noun
  • Long thin piece of metal, wood as part of a fence
  • One of two metal tracks along which a train runs
  • verb
  • To complain or object forcefully
  • To give or encircle something with a fence or bar

place

Copy vocabulary

US / pleɪs /

UK / ples /

A1
  • noun
  • Particular location, area or region
  • verb
  • To put someone in a particular type of situation
  • To put something in a certain location or position

own

Copy vocabulary

US / əʊn /

UK / on /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Belong to oneself
  • determiner
  • Yours, his, hers, etc.; not belonging to another
  • pronoun
  • (Something) belong to myself
  • verb
  • To have something as your property

similar

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsɪmələ(r) /

UK / ˈsɪməlɚ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Nearly the same; alike

number

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈnʌmbə(r) /

UK / ˈnʌmbɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Symbols such as 1, 2, 56, 793
  • Particular song or dance performed during a show
  • Total quantity or amount of things
  • verb
  • To put numbers on things
  • To assign a sequence within a group, series, set
  • To claim to be part of a larger group, series, set

stay

Copy vocabulary

US / steɪ /

UK / ste /

A1
  • noun
  • Legal order to stop or delay an action
  • Strong rope or wire that supports a ship's mast
  • Period of time spent living in or visiting a place
  • verb
  • To keep trying without giving up
  • To remain in the same place and not move away
  • To spend time visiting a place or someone's home

tell

Copy vocabulary

US / tel /

UK / tɛl /

A1
  • verb
  • To (strongly) advise a person to do something
  • To be able to guess
  • To say or communicate information to someone
  • To inform, but without speaking; indicate
  • To have a negative effect on someone
  • To order someone to do something; command
  • To recognize something based on certain signs
  • To report something to an authority
  • To explain something or teach someone something

impressed

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪmˈprest /

UK / ɪmˈprest /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Feeling an emotional impact
  • verb
  • To make an emotional or cognitive impact upon
  • To press into a soft material to make a pattern

language

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈlæŋgwɪdʒ /

UK / ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ /

A1
  • noun
  • Words or signs used to communicate messages

movable

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈmu:vəbl /

UK / ˈmuvəbəl /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Can be moved from place to place

track

Copy vocabulary

US / træk /

UK / træk /

A2
  • noun
  • A circular course for running
  • Course or way someone takes, e.g. in education
  • Path in a field or a forest made by walkers
  • Often circular course laid out for car racing
  • One of multiple musical recordings on an album
  • Band surrounding the wheels of a tank
  • Metal lines that trains ride on
  • verb
  • To use marks to follow a wild animal
  • To move a certain way/follow a particular course
  • To record and examine the progress of something

find

Copy vocabulary

US / faɪnd /

UK / faɪnd /

A1
  • noun
  • Object discovered by chance
  • Things that have been discovered from searching
  • verb
  • To become aware of something that is happening
  • To discover or meet by chance
  • To decide if someone is guilty of a crime, or not
  • To learn through study, research, or effort
  • To discover something by looking for it

mean

Copy vocabulary

US / mi:n /

UK / min /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being good at
  • Nasty; unkind
  • Not liking to spend money; cheap; stingy
  • noun
  • Average of a set of numbers
  • verb
  • To express a particular idea or thought
  • To intend to do something in particular
  • To have a particular meaning or value

proper

Copy vocabulary

US / 'prɒpə(r) /

UK / ˈprɑpɚ /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Correct according to social or moral rules

access

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ækses /

UK / ˈæksɛs /

A2
  • noun
  • Way to enter a place, e.g. a station or stadium
  • verb
  • To be able to use or have permission to use

bicycle

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈbaɪsɪkl /

UK / ˈbaɪsɪkl /

B1
  • noun
  • 2-wheeled vehicle ridden by pushing on foot pedals
  • verb
  • To ride a two-wheeled vehicle with pedals

fire

Copy vocabulary

US / 'faɪə(r) /

UK / faɪr /

A1
  • noun
  • Heat and the flame produced when burning
  • Intense energy for or about something
  • verb
  • To apply heat to something to make it hard
  • To make a person leave their job; dismiss
  • To shoot a gun or weapon
  • To launch something into the sky, e.g. a rocket
  • To start working on something e.g. a project

extent

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪkˈstent /

UK / ɪkˈstɛnt /

A2
  • noun
  • Point, level or limit to which something reaches
  • Range or space included in something

include

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪnˈklu:d /

UK / ɪnˈklud /

A1
  • verb
  • To make someone, something part of a group

manager

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈmænɪdʒə(r) /

UK / ˈmænɪdʒɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Person who controls and runs a business or group

search

Copy vocabulary

US / sɜ:tʃ /

UK / sɜ:rtʃ /

A2
  • noun
  • Examination of person to find something
  • Action to find an answer to a problem
  • Action of trying to find someone or something
  • verb
  • To examine a person's clothing to find something
  • To look for an answer or explanation to a problem
  • To look carefully for someone or something

then

Copy vocabulary

US / ðen /

UK / ðɛn /

A1
  • adverb
  • A time that is not now
  • Following another thing in time or arrangement
  • Following on reasonably from what was just stated
  • At that time, not now

despite

Copy vocabulary

US / dɪˈspaɪt /

UK / dɪˈspaɪt /

A2
  • preposition
  • Without being affected by something; in spite of

house

Copy vocabulary

US / haʊs /

UK / haʊs /

A1
  • noun
  • Place where a specific activity or business occurs
  • Building in which a family, person lives
  • verb
  • To give someone a place to live
  • To contain or store something

jump

Copy vocabulary

US / dʒʌmp /

UK / dʒʌmp /

A1
  • noun
  • Large sudden increase
  • An act of springing into the air
  • Bar or other thing that is jumped over
  • A sudden movement due to surprise
  • verb
  • To attack someone suddenly
  • To push your body into the air with your legs
  • To suddenly decide to do something
  • To make a sudden movement due to surprise

least

Copy vocabulary

US / li:st /

UK / list /

A1
  • adverb
  • In the smallest or lowest way
  • noun
  • Something that is of the lowest or smallest degree

skull

Copy vocabulary

US / skʌl /

UK / skʌl /

B2
  • noun
  • Structure of bones forming the face and head

ride

Copy vocabulary

US / raɪd /

UK / raɪd /

A1
  • noun
  • Machine at an amusement park for riding on for fun
  • Trip on a bicycle or a horse
  • verb
  • To travel in a particular vehicle as a passenger
  • To sit on and control a horse or vehicle

right

Copy vocabulary

US / raɪt /

UK / raɪt /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Correct or true
  • The south side of you looking at the rising sun
  • adverb
  • Exactly in a place or time
  • Being appropriate for a particular event
  • In a straight or direct manner
  • noun
  • Something you are legally or morally allowed to do
  • Ideal of what is just and good
  • Political view based on conservatism
  • verb
  • To fix something previously wrong or unjust
  • To make upright, as a boat that has turned over

refuse

Copy vocabulary

US / rɪ'fju:z /

UK / ˈrefjus /

A2
  • noun
  • Garbage, waste
  • verb
  • To not accept, allow, or give something

tanzania

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌtænzəˈni:ə /

UK / ˌtænzəˈniə /

A1
  • other
  • A republic in eastern Africa

although

Copy vocabulary

US / ɔ:lˈðəu /

UK / ɔlˈðo /

A1
  • conjunction
  • Despite the fact that; however

finger

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈfɪŋgə(r) /

UK / ˈfɪŋɡɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • One of the five long parts of the hand
  • verb
  • To touch something with the ends of the hands
  • To identify the person guilty of a crime

easily

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈi:zəli /

UK / ˈizəli /

A1
  • adverb
  • Clearly; without doubt; certainly
  • Without difficulty

james

Copy vocabulary

US / dʒeimz /

UK / dʒemz /

A1
  • proper noun
  • The name of seven Stuart kings of Scotland.
  • The name of two kings of England, Ireland, and Scotland.

let

Copy vocabulary

US / let /

UK / lɛt /

A1
  • verb
  • To allow someone to do something
  • Introducing a suggestion to do something together
  • To rent a house, etc. to others

natural

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈnætʃərəl /

UK / ˈnætʃərəl, ˈnætʃrəl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being as one would expect; being usual or normal
  • Not made by humans; without human intervention

the

Copy vocabulary

US / ðə /

UK / ðə /

A1
  • article
  • Used to refer to something already mentioned
  • Used to show there is only one of something
  • determiner
  • Used to describe all of a family

baboon

Copy vocabulary

US / bəˈbu:n /

UK / bæˈbun /

B2
  • noun
  • Large African monkey that has large teeth

also

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɔ:lsəʊ /

UK / ˈɔlso /

A1
  • adverb
  • In addition; too; in a similar way

deforestation

Copy vocabulary

US / diːˌfɒr.ɪˈsteɪ.ʃən /

UK / diːˌfɔːr.əˈsteɪ.ʃən /

C2
  • noun
  • Process of removing the trees from an area

how

Copy vocabulary

US / haʊ /

UK / haʊ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • To what degree? in what amount?
  • adverb
  • (Used to explain the way to do something)
  • exclamation
  • For what purpose or reason?
  • (Used to ask someone or something's condition)

therefore

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈðeəfɔ:(r) /

UK / ˈðerfɔ:(r) /

A1
  • adverb
  • And so; for that reason

year

Copy vocabulary

US / jə: /

UK / jɪr /

A1
  • noun
  • Unit of time equal to 12 months or 365 or 366 days
  • Used to refer to the age of a person

you

Copy vocabulary

US / jʊ /

UK / ju /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Person someone is speaking or writing to
  • Person or people in general

half

Copy vocabulary

US / hɑ:f /

UK / hæf, hɑf /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Not complete
  • adverb
  • Partly; somewhat
  • noun
  • One of two equal periods of game time in a sport
  • The part you get when one is divided into two;

man

Copy vocabulary

US / mæn /

UK / mæn /

A1
  • noun
  • Humans in general, including male and female
  • An adult male human being
  • Male who acts in a masculine way; not like a woman
  • verb
  • To control or operate (a machine); be in charge of
  • To operate a machine (a boat, etc.)

nark

Copy vocabulary

US / nɑːk /

UK / nɑːrk /

A1
  • noun
  • Informer or spy working for the police

plant

Copy vocabulary

US / plɑ:nt /

UK / plænt /

A2
  • noun
  • Factory or a place where things are made
  • Living thing with leaves and roots growing in soil
  • verb
  • To firmly position something (in the ground)
  • To put seeds, flowers, trees in the ground

teach

Copy vocabulary

US / ti:tʃ /

UK / titʃ /

A1
  • verb
  • To help someone learn or do something

convey

Copy vocabulary

US / kən'veɪ /

UK / kənˈve /

B1
  • verb
  • To carry or transport something
  • To make aware or tell others information
  • Law to transfer property legally between people

fate

Copy vocabulary

US / feɪt /

UK / fet /

B1
  • noun
  • What will happen to you in the future, often bad
  • Power that determines what happens; destiny

make

Copy vocabulary

US / meɪk /

UK / mek /

A1
  • noun
  • Product made by a particular company; brand
  • verb
  • To arrange or prepare something e.g. dinner
  • To get to (a place) on time
  • To gain the status of (teacher, lawyer, etc.)
  • To create something by putting things together
  • To earn a certain amount of money at a job
  • To cause or force a person to do something
  • To cause something to happen or be formed

order

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɔ:də(r) /

UK / ˈɔrdɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Religious or social group, as of nuns
  • Instructions to others to do what you want
  • State in which things are neat and organized
  • What you ask to buy, e.g. food in restaurant
  • Social or political control of an area
  • verb
  • To put things in a sequence, e.g. a, b, c
  • To give instructions to others to do what you want
  • To ask for something you want to buy, e.g. a meal

able

Copy vocabulary

US / 'eɪbl /

UK / ˈebəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Skilled; good at something
  • Having the ability to do something

cape

Copy vocabulary

US / keɪp /

UK / kep /

B1
  • noun
  • Clothing without sleeves worn over the shoulders
  • Large area of land that sticks out into a sea

executive

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪɡ'zekjətɪv /

UK / ɪɡˈzɛkjətɪv /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Of a high ranking job in a company
  • noun
  • A senior manager in a business or organization

university

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌju:nɪ'vɜ:sətɪ /

UK / ˌjunɪˈvɜrsəti /

A1
  • noun
  • High-level educational institution; college

across

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈkrɔs /

UK / əˈkrɔs,əˈkrɑs /

A1
  • adverb
  • Distance from one side to another
  • (Go) from one side to the other of something

bottle

Copy vocabulary

US / 'bɒtl /

UK / ˈbɑtl /

A1
  • noun
  • Container with a narrow neck used to hold liquids
  • verb
  • To put something into a bottle to store it

conclude

Copy vocabulary

US / kənˈklu:d /

UK / kənˈklud /

A2
  • verb
  • To finish or cause to finish; end
  • To arrive at a judgment or opinion

consist

Copy vocabulary

US / kən'sɪst /

UK / kənˈsɪst /

A2
  • verb
  • To have as an essential, necessary or main part

play

Copy vocabulary

US / pleɪ /

UK / pleɪ /

A1
  • noun
  • Loose, free movement between two objects
  • Single action in a sports game
  • Performance in which people act in a theater
  • verb
  • To act as a character in a movie, or on stage
  • To perform music on an instrument
  • To use a device, e.g. a video game
  • To do something for enjoyment and fun
  • To do or perform a game or sport

this

Copy vocabulary

US / ðɪs /

UK / ðɪs /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Used to indicate something already been discussed
  • Used to indicate something happening around now
  • adverb
  • An indication by a physical motion or gesture
  • A specific amount of
  • determiner
  • Person, thing, or idea near you
  • pronoun
  • Person, thing that has already been discussed

word

Copy vocabulary

US / wɜ:d /

UK / wɚd /

A1
  • noun
  • Unit of language that has a meaning
  • Promise
  • Short remark or piece of information
  • verb
  • To express something by choosing particular words

browser

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈbraʊzə(r) /

UK / ˈbraʊzɚ /

B1
  • noun
  • Software that lets you search for information

into

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɪntə /

UK / ˈɪntu /

A1
  • preposition
  • Moving or going inside something
  • In the same direction as; in the direction of
  • So as to become; taking the state of

lead

Copy vocabulary

US / li:d /

UK / lid /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being the main part in movies or plays
  • noun
  • Wire for electricity, computer, etc.; cable
  • Information that could help to solve a crime
  • Main part in a play or movie
  • Heavy, gray metal element
  • Rope used to tie something to stop it escaping
  • Act of being at the front in a race or game
  • verb
  • To show the way or guide others
  • To be at the front of a race or game
  • To travel in front of; go in advance of others

one

Copy vocabulary

US / wʌn /

UK / wʌn /

A1
  • pronoun
  • You; we; people in general; someone
  • The thing or person previously referred to
  • adjecitve
  • Used to refer to people generally
  • Being a strong example of (something mentioned)
  • number
  • Number 1

other

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ʌðə(r) /

UK / ˈʌðər /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • A thing different from that mentioned
  • determiner
  • (Something) else; not the first (one)
  • pronoun
  • Being the one and only thing of that category

peg

Copy vocabulary

US / peɡ /

UK / pɛɡ /

B1
  • noun
  • Person's name
  • Wood or plastic used to hold clothes on a line
  • Key that tightens or loosens guitar strings
  • verb
  • To identify as being a specific type
  • To keep prices, wages etc. at a set level
  • To hang clothes on a line to dry
  • To fix together with small pieces of wood, etc.
  • To succeed in making something stay in position

pull

Copy vocabulary

US / pʊl /

UK / pʊl /

A1
  • noun
  • Act of breathing in smoke, as from a pipe
  • Force something has that draws other things to it
  • Using your hands to move something to you
  • verb
  • To breathe in smoke, as from a pipe
  • To hold something and move it toward you
  • To remove something by force

assistant

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈsɪstənt /

UK / əˈsɪstənt /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • (Person) helping another, usually as a job
  • noun
  • Person who helps another, usually as a job

continue

Copy vocabulary

US / kən'tɪnju: /

UK / kənˈtɪnju /

A1
  • verb
  • To do something without stopping, or after pausing
  • To start doing again after a break, pause, or stop

respond

Copy vocabulary

US / rɪ'spɒnd /

UK / rɪˈspɑnd /

A2
  • verb
  • To answer something or someone
  • To have a good reaction to e.g. medical treatment

should

Copy vocabulary

US / ʃʊd /

UK / ʃʊd /

A1
  • other
  • Used to indicate what is proper or reasonable

truth

Copy vocabulary

US / tru:θ /

UK / truθ /

A2
  • noun
  • Real facts about something

unless

Copy vocabulary

US / ənˈles /

UK / ʌnˈlɛs /

A2
  • conjunction
  • Negative of 'if'

area

Copy vocabulary

US / 'eərɪə /

UK / ˈɛriə /

A1
  • noun
  • Amount of measured space
  • A specific section or space; part of a region
  • A subject or field of study

himself

Copy vocabulary

US / hɪmˈself /

UK / hɪmˈsɛlf /

A1
  • pronoun
  • The same (male) person who did the action

market

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈmɑ:kɪt /

UK / ˈmɑ:rkɪt /

A1
  • noun
  • Need or demand for a particular product or service
  • Area or region where a certain product is sold
  • Public event where people sell goods on tables
  • Institution where stocks are bought and sold
  • verb
  • To publicize products to get you to buy; advertise

nickname

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈnɪkneɪm /

UK / ˈnɪkˌnem /

B2
  • noun
  • Name given by friends or family
  • verb
  • To give someone an informal name or title

totally

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈtəʊtəli /

UK / ˈtotl:ɪ /

A1
  • adverb
  • In a complete way; completely; absolutely

aristocrat

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈærɪstəkræt /

UK / əˈrɪstəˌkræt,ˈærɪs- /

B2
  • noun
  • Member of the highest, landowning social group

certain

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsə:tn /

UK / ˈsɚtn /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Definite, fixed
  • Referring to an unspecified amount or quantity
  • Being sure about something; without doubt

develop

Copy vocabulary

US / dɪ'veləp /

UK / dɪˈvɛləp /

A1
  • verb
  • To explain something in steps and in detail
  • To create or think of something
  • To grow bigger, more complex, or more advanced
  • To make a photograph from film

day

Copy vocabulary

US / deɪ /

UK / de /

A1
  • noun
  • A period of 24 hours beginning at midnight
  • The period of time when it is light outside
  • Person's name

sure

Copy vocabulary

US / ʃʊə(r) /

UK / ʃʊr /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Having no doubts about something
  • Have confidence in your own words or actions
  • Firmly established or held; being firm or stable
  • Being correct or true
  • adverb
  • What you say to agree willingly

switch

Copy vocabulary

US / swɪtʃ /

UK / swɪtʃ /

A2
  • noun
  • A change or shift from one method to another
  • Thing you move to turn electrical items on or off
  • Thin flexible piece of wood or stick
  • verb
  • To exchange or replace something for another thing

after

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɑ:ftə(r) /

UK / ˈæftɚ /

A1
  • adverb
  • Later than another time, or behind something
  • conjunction
  • Following something before
  • preposition
  • When an event happened or time has passed

incoming

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈɪnkʌmɪŋ /

UK / ˈɪnˌkʌmɪŋ /

C1
  • adjecitve
  • Coming toward a place or position; arriving

thousand

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈθaʊznd /

UK / ˈθaʊzənd /

A1
  • number
  • Number 1,000

warn

Copy vocabulary

US / wɔ:n /

UK / wɔrn /

A2
  • verb
  • To tell someone about possible danger

weather

Copy vocabulary

US / 'weðə(r) /

UK / ˈwɛðɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Whether it is raining, sunny, cold etc. outside
  • verb
  • To successfully deal with a difficult situation
  • To erode or become damaged due to the environment

cleverness

Copy vocabulary

US / 'klevənəs /

UK / ˈklɛvɚnəs /

B1
  • noun
  • Fact of being clever or intelligent

habitat

Copy vocabulary

US / 'hæbɪtæt /

UK / ˈhæbɪˌtæt /

B1
  • noun
  • Natural place where a plant or animal lives

once

Copy vocabulary

US / wʌns /

UK / wʌns /

A1
  • adverb
  • One time; one instance
  • At a time in the past
  • conjunction
  • When; as soon as

actually

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈæktʃuəli /

UK / ˈæktʃuəli /

A1
  • adverb
  • Used to add new (often different) information

ensure

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪn'ʃʊə(r) /

UK / ɛnˈʃʊr /

A2
  • verb
  • To make something sure, certain, or safe

realize

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ri:əlaɪz /

UK / ˈriəˌlaɪz /

A1
  • verb
  • To become aware of or understand mentally

write

Copy vocabulary

US / raɪt /

UK / raɪt /

A1
  • verb
  • To compose letters and words on paper or a screen
  • To invent or create a computer program
  • To create a song or piece of music

use

Copy vocabulary

US / ju:s /

UK / ju:s /

A1
  • noun
  • Ability to employ something
  • Need to enable it to work
  • Permission to do something with something
  • Act of spending money
  • Operation of a machine for its function
  • verb
  • To have; to eat, drink, consume etc.
  • To need to operate or work
  • To operate a machine, e.g. a computer
  • To treat a person badly
  • To do something with, for a task or purpose

beloved

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪ'lʌvd /

UK / bɪˈlʌvɪd, -ˈlʌvd /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Loved very much

meaning

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈmi:nɪŋ /

UK / ˈminɪŋ /

A1
  • noun
  • Idea or thing represented by words or sentences
  • verb
  • To express a particular idea or thought
  • To intend to do something in particular
  • To have a particular intention or value

lose

Copy vocabulary

US / lu:z /

UK / luz /

A1
  • verb
  • To be unable to keep in check or control something
  • To decrease in value or quantity (e.g. weight)
  • To stop having certain qualities or abilities
  • To stop having or being entitled to
  • To fail to win something that is being contested
  • To be unable to find something you once had
  • To be dependent on someone (used with 'not')

stuck

Copy vocabulary

US / stʌk /

UK / stʌk /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Not able to move
  • verb
  • To push a sharp or pointed object into something
  • To join together using glue or paste
  • To remain in one place or position for a long time

small

Copy vocabulary

US / smɔ:l /

UK / smɔl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Little in size; not big
  • (Of letters) not written in capital letters
  • Being insignificant or minor
  • (Of a business) with few people or things; local
  • (Of voice) being soft and quiet
  • (Of a child) being young

try

Copy vocabulary

US / traɪ /

UK / traɪ /

A1
  • noun
  • Act of putting the ball over the rugby goal line
  • verb
  • To make an effort, to attempt to do something
  • To examine someone or something in a court of law
  • To test to see if it is good or you like it
  • To make a person go through hardship; test
  • To examine something to see if it works

clap

Copy vocabulary

US / klæp /

UK / klæp /

B1
  • noun
  • A loud sound made by striking your hands together
  • verb
  • To make loud sounds by striking the hands together

perfectly

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈpɜ:fɪktli /

UK / ˈpəfɪktli /

A2
  • adverb
  • In a faultless manner; without mistakes

separate

Copy vocabulary

US / 'sepəreɪt /

UK / 'sepəreɪt /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Being different from or unrelated to another
  • verb
  • To divide two things by being in between them
  • To live away from your husband or wife
  • To move things away from each other

communicate

Copy vocabulary

US / kə'mju:nɪkeɪt /

UK / kəˈmjunɪˌket /

A2
  • verb
  • To give and exchange information

for

Copy vocabulary

US / fə(r) /

UK / fɔr,fə /

A1
  • preposition
  • Used to show the purpose, or need of something

spend

Copy vocabulary

US / spend /

UK / spɛnd /

A2
  • verb
  • To use money to pay for something
  • To use time in order to do something
  • To use up something completely

time

Copy vocabulary

US / taɪm /

UK / taɪm /

A1
  • noun
  • Speed at which music is played; tempo
  • Point as shown on a clock, e.g. 3 p.m
  • Number of hours, minutes needed to do something
  • Occasion when something happens
  • Period or occasion that something occurred
  • Period in history or the past
  • Something measured in minutes, hours, days, etc.
  • How long an event takes; duration
  • verb
  • To check speed at which music is performed
  • To choose a specific moment to do something
  • To measure how long an event takes, e.g. a race
  • To schedule something to occur at a specific moment

imply

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪmˈplaɪ /

UK / ɪmˈplaɪ /

A2
  • verb
  • To suggest something, without saying it directly

limited

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈlɪmɪtɪd /

UK / ˈlɪmɪtɪd /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • (Of a company) with a limit of financial liability
  • With restrictions; not broad in scope
  • verb
  • To stop or prevent an increase past a point

job

Copy vocabulary

US / dʒɒb /

UK / dʒɑ:b /

A1
  • noun
  • Something that must be done
  • Regular work at which you earn money

loco

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ləʊkəʊ /

UK / 'loʊkoʊ /

A1
  • noun
  • (Informal) crazy; nuts

pair

Copy vocabulary

US / peə(r) /

UK / per /

A2
  • noun
  • Two of the same thing, e.g. socks
  • Two people viewed together for some reason; couple
  • verb
  • To put two things or people together

signage

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsaɪnɪdʒ /

UK / ˈsaɪnɪdʒ /

C2
  • noun
  • Signs collectively

capable

Copy vocabulary

US / 'keɪpəbl /

UK / ˈkepəbəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Being able to do something very well; proficient

differentiate

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌdɪfə'renʃɪeɪt /

UK / ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃiˌet /

B1
  • verb
  • To see or show how things are not the same

fact

Copy vocabulary

US / fækt /

UK / fækt /

A1
  • noun
  • Something that is known or proved to be true

much

Copy vocabulary

US / mʌtʃ /

UK / mʌtʃ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Very; to a high level or degree
  • adverb
  • A lot; large amount; a high degree of
  • Nearly; basically
  • On many occasions; often
  • noun
  • A large amount; a great quantity

standard

Copy vocabulary

US / 'stændəd /

UK / ˈstændəd /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Being the accepted normal level of quality
  • (Of a language) being the most accepted in a place
  • noun
  • Official unit of measuring something
  • Principle of behaving in a moral way

under

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈʌndə(r) /

UK / ˈʌndɚ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • In the same place as another thing, but lower
  • adverb
  • In a lower quantity or price than expected
  • preposition
  • According to the terms of an agreement or law
  • Managed or controlled by the authority of
  • Being of a lesser quality or amount than expected
  • Influenced or affected by something or someone
  • Less or lower in age, amount, size or number

check

Copy vocabulary

US / tʃek /

UK / tʃɛk /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Decorated with squares made up of lines
  • noun
  • Paper showing how much you owe at a restaurant
  • Printed piece of paper you sign to pay for things
  • A mark on a form, equivalent to 'yes'; tick
  • Mark used to show that something is correct
  • Procedure to prevent errors or control something
  • verb
  • To confirm the details of something are correct
  • To leave your things with staff who look after it
  • To examine something to see if something is wrong
  • To examine in order to prevent errors/a problem

driver

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈdraɪvə(r) /

UK / ˈdraɪvɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • People who move cattle from one place to another
  • Someone who operates a vehicle
  • A club with a wooden head used when playing golf

convince

Copy vocabulary

US / kən'vɪns /

UK / kənˈvɪns /

A2
  • verb
  • To persuade someone, or make them feel sure

generate

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈdʒenəreɪt /

UK / ˈdʒɛnəˌret /

A2
  • verb
  • To create or be produced or bring into existence
  • To create electricity, heat, energy and power

responsible

Copy vocabulary

US / rɪ'spɒnsəbl /

UK / rɪˈspɑnsəbəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Being the cause of something that has occurred
  • Having the duty of dealing with something
  • Able to be trusted to do what needs to be done

signalman

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsɪgnəlmən /

UK / ˈsɪɡnəlmən /

C2
  • noun
  • Railroad employee in charge of signals and points

vane

Copy vocabulary

US / veɪn /

UK / veɪn /

B2
  • noun
  • Part of weathervane, device to show wind direction

control

Copy vocabulary

US / kən'trəʊl /

UK / kənˈtrol /

A1
  • noun
  • A device designed to operate a machine
  • Participant in experiment that is left untouched
  • Act to dominate or command; make manageable
  • A law limiting the growth or spread of something
  • A place which overseas or manages e.g. a factory
  • verb
  • To direct or influence the behavior of something

railroad

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈreɪlrəʊd /

UK / ˈreɪlroʊd /

C2
  • noun
  • System of tracks on which trains travel

though

Copy vocabulary

US / ðəu /

UK / ðo /

A1
  • adverb
  • Although, despite the fact that

difference

Copy vocabulary

US / 'dɪfrəns /

UK / ˈdɪfərəns, ˈdɪfrəns /

A1
  • noun
  • A thing or issue that people do not agree about
  • Not of the same kind; unlike other things

fixture

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈfɪkstʃə(r) /

UK / ˈfɪkstʃɚ /

B2
  • noun
  • Item that is part of something for a long time

head

Copy vocabulary

US / hed /

UK / hɛd /

A1
  • noun
  • Counter for the number of cattle
  • Natural mental ability or intelligence
  • Leader or person with the greatest authority
  • Mind; mental ability; mental state
  • Side of a coin with a head on it
  • Top part of your body with eyes and a mouth
  • Starting point of something, e.g. a river
  • verb
  • To hit a ball with your head in a game
  • To be first or at the front or top (e.g. a list)
  • To travel or move toward a particular place; To go in a particular direction
  • To become the leader of something
  • To lead or be responsible for something

leg

Copy vocabulary

US / leɡ /

UK / lɛɡ /

A1
  • noun
  • Part of the body from the hips down
  • The piece of furniture that touches the ground

never

Copy vocabulary

US / 'nevə(r) /

UK / ˈnɛvɚ /

A1
  • adverb
  • Not ever; not at any time

conductor

Copy vocabulary

US / kənˈdʌktə(r) /

UK / kənˈdʌktɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Material which can transfer electricity through it
  • Person who leads a musical group
  • Employee in charge of a train, bus etc.

launch

Copy vocabulary

US / lɔ:ntʃ /

UK / lɔntʃ, lɑntʃ /

A2
  • noun
  • Starting a new project; introducing new product
  • Act of firing rockets into the air
  • verb
  • To start a new project; start selling a product
  • To put a rocket into the air
  • To put a ship into the water for the first time

prodigious

Copy vocabulary

US / prəˈdɪdʒəs /

UK / prəˈdɪdʒəs /

C1
  • adjecitve
  • Amazingly huge and enormous

since

Copy vocabulary

US / sɪns /

UK / sɪns /

A1
  • adverb
  • At a point before the present time
  • conjunction
  • For this reason; because
  • preposition
  • From the time in the past that

set

Copy vocabulary

US / set /

UK / sɛt /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Prepared for something; ready
  • noun
  • Complete group of something
  • Place where a television show or movie is filmed
  • Group of games in a tennis match
  • Device that receives radio or television signals
  • verb
  • To make a clock state or ring at a particular time
  • To decide upon or choose something
  • To make something ready for use (e.g. table)
  • To decide on a price for something
  • To become hard (of glue, concrete etc.)
  • To be located in a specific place or time
  • To put (e.g. a vase) down carefully in a place
  • To put someone in a certain condition or state
  • (Of the sun) to go lower than the horizon

start

Copy vocabulary

US / stɑ:t /

UK / stɑrt /

A1
  • noun
  • First time or place that a thing exists; beginning
  • First opportunity to achieve something, e.g. a job
  • Sudden action or movement because you are scared
  • other
  • Beginning of something in place or time
  • verb
  • To do, be or happen for the first time; begin
  • To turn something on

test

Copy vocabulary

US / test /

UK / test /

A1
  • noun
  • A medical examination
  • Action to establish the truth or nature of
  • Examination; questions to measure knowledge
  • verb
  • To be given a medical examination
  • To try to establish the truth or nature of
  • To ask a series of questions to measure knowledge

axe

Copy vocabulary

US / æks /

UK / æks /

B1
  • noun
  • Tool with a sharp metal edge used to chop wood
  • verb
  • To make someone lose their job

just

Copy vocabulary

US / dʒʌst /

UK / dʒʌst /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Proper or appropriate; as is deserved
  • Doing or being what is right or fair
  • Legally correct; having enough evidence
  • adverb
  • Almost; nearly
  • Exactly at the time of
  • Exactly (the same as, like)

skate

Copy vocabulary

US / skeɪt /

UK / sket /

B2
  • noun
  • Flat sea fish
  • Boot with a metal blade attached to the bottom
  • Boot with small wheels attached to the bottom
  • verb
  • To slide on ice wearing boots with a metal blade
  • To slide on a surface, e.g. ice
  • To move wearing boots with wheels attached

technology

Copy vocabulary

US / tek'nɒlədʒɪ /

UK / tɛkˈnɑlədʒi /

A2
  • noun
  • Use or knowledge of science in industry etc.

scribble

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈskrɪbl /

UK / ˈskrɪbəl /

B2
  • noun
  • The act of writing quickly and carelessly
  • verb
  • To write something quickly and carelessly

between

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪˈtwi:n /

UK / bɪˈtwin /

A1
  • preposition
  • From one person, thing, or place, to another
  • In the space that separates two objects
  • Among two or more people who share something

original

Copy vocabulary

US / ə'rɪdʒənl /

UK / əˈrɪdʒənəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Being first made, thought or performed; fresh
  • Being unique or thinking differently from others

planting

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈplɑːntɪŋ /

UK / ˈplæntɪŋ /

A2
  • verb
  • To firmly position something (in the ground)
  • To put seeds, flowers, trees in the ground

they

Copy vocabulary

US / ðeɪ /

UK / ðe /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Two or more people, animals, or things

wilde

Copy vocabulary

US / 'wɪkɪ /

UK / 'wɪkɪ /

A1

all

Copy vocabulary

US / ɔ:l /

UK / ɔl /

A1
  • adverb
  • Completely; totally
  • determiner
  • Being every one of something
  • pronoun
  • 100% of something; the complete amount

engine

Copy vocabulary

US / 'endʒɪn /

UK / ˈɛndʒɪn /

A2
  • noun
  • Machine that changes energy into mechanical motion
  • The part of a train that pulls railway cars

everyone

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈevriwʌn /

UK / ˈɛvriˌwʌn /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Every person; everybody

its

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪts /

UK / ɪts /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Referring to or belonging to ‘it’
  • determiner
  • Of something; belonging or related to something
  • other
  • Possessive form of “it”

unforeseen

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌʌnfɔ:ˈsi:n /

UK / ˌʌnfɔ:rˈsi:n /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Not having been predicted

who

Copy vocabulary

US / hu: /

UK / hu /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Which person
  • Used to introduce information about people

agree

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈgri: /

UK / əˈɡri /

A1
  • verb
  • To have the same opinion as someone else

death

Copy vocabulary

US / deθ /

UK / dɛθ /

A2
  • noun
  • When someone dies; the end of life

direction

Copy vocabulary

US / də'rekʃn /

UK / dɪˈrɛkʃən, daɪ- /

A2
  • noun
  • When someone tells people what to do
  • Describes the way you are going, e.g. North

install

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪnˈstɔ:l /

UK / ɪnˈstɔl /

A2
  • verb
  • To set up equipment so that it is ready to use
  • To place someone officially in a job position

lever

Copy vocabulary

US / 'li:və(r) /

UK / ˈlɛvɚ, ˈlivɚ /

B2
  • noun
  • A handle that one pulls to operate a machine
  • Strong metal bar used to lift or move heavy object
  • Means of achieving a desired result
  • verb
  • To move something with a strong bar made of metal

lived

Copy vocabulary

US / 'lɪvd /

UK / 'lɪvd /

A1
  • verb
  • To be alive
  • To experience a particular type of life
  • To make your home in a house or town

move

Copy vocabulary

US / mu:v /

UK / muv /

A1
  • noun
  • Act of moving a playing piece in chess, etc.
  • An action; doing something
  • Step taken to achieve a goal
  • verb
  • To cause someone to have certain emotions
  • To cause something to change to a different place
  • To change where people live or a business operates
  • To take action to do or achieve something

their

Copy vocabulary

US / ðɛː /

UK / ðer /

A1
  • determiner
  • Belonging to them

way

Copy vocabulary

US / weɪ /

UK / we /

A1
  • adverb
  • Used to emphasize the amount of something
  • noun
  • Particular aspect of something being thought about
  • One of various choices that could be made
  • Particular existing condition or state
  • (Often long) distance or length of time
  • How something is done
  • Route to go to a place
  • Small street
  • Usual behavior, emotions or habits of someone

constantly

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈkɒnstəntli /

UK / ˈkɑnstəntlɪ /

B1
  • adverb
  • Frequently, or without pause

possible

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈpɒsəbl /

UK / ˈpɑsəbəl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being able or appropriate for a task or purpose
  • Having a chance of happening, or being true

add

Copy vocabulary

US / æd /

UK / æd /

A1
  • verb
  • To include as well
  • To put two things or numbers together, e.g. 2+2

society

Copy vocabulary

US / sə'saɪətɪ /

UK / səˈsaɪɪti /

A2
  • noun
  • A group who meet to share values or interests
  • Group of people living together
  • Upper class of a community

take

Copy vocabulary

US / teɪk /

UK / tek /

A1
  • noun
  • Filming of a single scene for TV or the movies
  • verb
  • To accept something that is offered
  • To use a method of traveling, e.g. a bus or train
  • To use a camera to make (a photo)
  • To pick up something and go away with it
  • To study a subject in school
  • To attempt to pass (an exam)
  • To require a certain amount of time, money, space

display

Copy vocabulary

US / dɪˈspleɪ /

UK / dɪˈsple /

A2
  • noun
  • Arrangement of objects so people can see or buy
  • verb
  • (Animals) to indicate readiness for sex
  • To show, e.g. your feelings, thoughts; demonstrate
  • To put so they can be seen or be bought

faso

Copy vocabulary

US / 'fæʃnəblɪ /

UK / ˈfæʃənəblɪ /

A1

human

Copy vocabulary

US / 'hju:mən /

UK / ˈhjumən /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning or characteristic of people
  • noun
  • A person; a man, woman or child

proceed

Copy vocabulary

US / prəˈsi:d /

UK / proʊˈsi:d /

A2
  • verb
  • To continue to do something; carry on
  • To go forward in a certain direction

pay

Copy vocabulary

US / peɪ /

UK / pe /

A1
  • noun
  • Money you receive from your job, work, etc.
  • verb
  • To give money for goods or work done
  • To give (attention, respect, etc.) to
  • To be punished or suffer for something you did
  • To make (a visit) to a person or place

burkina

Copy vocabulary

US / bɜːˈkiːnə /

UK / bərˈkinə /

A1

naturally

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈnætʃrəli /

UK / ˈnætʃərəli, ˈnætʃrə- /

A2
  • adverb
  • In the expected or usual way
  • Without the aid of someone or something

old

Copy vocabulary

US / əʊld /

UK / old /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Having existed for a long time, not young or new
  • Age of a person since birth

post

Copy vocabulary

US / pəʊst /

UK / post /

A1
  • noun
  • Message delivered or shared in an online group
  • Piece of wood, metal in the ground for support
  • Job or position within an organization or company
  • Place where a soldier, etc. is ordered to go
  • verb
  • To send a letter or package using stamps
  • To share a message on an internet discussion group
  • To send a soldier somewhere to do a job
  • To put a message in public for everyone to see

work

Copy vocabulary

US / wɜ:k /

UK / wɚk /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Activity completed in order to make money
  • noun
  • The product of some artistic or literary endeavor
  • Everything created by an author, artist, musician
  • Activity you do in order to make money
  • Place of employment
  • Final product or result of a some labor or effort
  • verb
  • To bring into a specific state of success
  • To be functioning properly, e.g. a car
  • To do your job in your company or workplace
  • To make an effort to do something
  • To operate a machine or device

both

Copy vocabulary

US / bəuθ /

UK / boθ /

A1
  • determiner
  • Used to refer to two things at the same time
  • pronoun
  • Used to refer to two things at the same time

hold

Copy vocabulary

US / həʊld /

UK / hold /

A1
  • noun
  • Section of a ship or plane used for storing things
  • Influence or power held over someone
  • Place of support for hands or feet when climbing
  • verb
  • To agree to keep something for someone
  • To have the capacity to support/contain something
  • To control an area and protect it from attack
  • To not allow someone to leave a place
  • To cause an event to happen at a place or time
  • To use hands or arms to carry or keep something
  • To have a specific quality or property
  • To keep an image, belief or feeling in your mind
  • To have or own something
  • To wait before being able to talk on the phone
  • To limit the movement of someone in a sport

from

Copy vocabulary

US / frəm /

UK / frʌm, frɑm,frəm /

A1
  • preposition
  • Starting at a particular place, time or level

out

Copy vocabulary

US / aʊt /

UK / aʊt /

A1
  • adverb
  • No longer stylish (e.g. fashion)
  • Away from home, business, or the usual place
  • In a direction/movement away from inside or center
  • noun
  • Act when a batter cannot continue playing
  • verb
  • To tell people a secret

over

Copy vocabulary

US / 'əʊvə(r) /

UK / ˈovɚ /

A1
  • adverb
  • Finished; no longer happening
  • Towards the ground/away from a standing position
  • noun
  • A set of six consecutive balls bowled in cricket
  • other
  • Finished
  • preposition
  • Showing the relation when a thing is above another
  • On or covering something
  • Above or across something
  • More than you need
  • From one side to the other
  • In the direction of; toward

plenty

Copy vocabulary

US / 'plentɪ /

UK / ˈplɛnti /

A2
  • pronoun
  • When there is not too little of something; a lot

any

Copy vocabulary

US / 'enɪ /

UK / ˈɛni /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • One, or some, no matter which
  • pronoun
  • One (thing) of many; some

come

Copy vocabulary

US / kʌm /

UK / kʌm /

A1
  • verb
  • To arrive at a place
  • (Of mail) to be delivered
  • To move toward someone; go with someone
  • To reach a certain point or state

effort

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈefət /

UK / ˈɛfət /

A2
  • noun
  • Amount of work used trying to do something

observe

Copy vocabulary

US / əbˈzɜ:v /

UK / əbˈzɜ:rv /

A2
  • verb
  • To celebrate a particular holiday/religious event
  • To obey or follow laws, rules, or customs
  • To watch carefully; to make a comment

and

Copy vocabulary

US / ənd /

UK / ənd, ən,ænd /

A1
  • conjunction
  • Used to refer to two or more things
  • Plus; in addition; on top of that
  • Used to introduce an action that follows another

back

Copy vocabulary

US / bæk /

UK / bæk /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Farthest from the front e.g. in a classroom
  • adverb
  • Have returned to a place you were before
  • noun
  • The part of a chair that the upper body leans upon
  • Location at the rear of something
  • The reverse of side something
  • Area on the rear of your body
  • verb
  • To bet money on something
  • To go backwards in a car
  • To support and encourage someone or some cause

intelligence

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪn'telɪdʒəns /

UK / ɪnˈtɛlədʒəns /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Of the spying services; acting in secrecy
  • noun
  • Collection of secret information about something
  • Ability to learn things or to consider situations

ethiopia

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌi:θɪ'əʊpɪə /

UK / ˌi:θɪ'oʊpɪr /

A1
  • noun
  • Ethiopia is a republic in northeastern Africa on the Red Sea; formerly called Abyssinia

lot

Copy vocabulary

US / lɒt /

UK / lɑt /

A1
  • noun
  • What happens to a person in life from chance; fate
  • A group of people seen together
  • Item for sale at an auction
  • Small area of land used for a purpose e.g. parking

money

Copy vocabulary

US / 'mʌnɪ /

UK / ˈmʌni /

A1
  • noun
  • Coins or notes we use to pay for things

until

Copy vocabulary

US / ənˈtɪl /

UK / ʌnˈtɪl /

A1
  • conjunction
  • Up to; to a time when something happens
  • preposition
  • Before (a specific time)

coal

Copy vocabulary

US / kəʊl /

UK / kol /

A2
  • noun
  • Dark hard substance from the earth burnt as a fuel

far

Copy vocabulary

US / fɑ:(r) /

UK / fɑr /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • A long way away
  • Being a long way away
  • adverb
  • To a large degree or extent

double

Copy vocabulary

US / 'dʌbl /

UK / ˈdʌbəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning or intended for use by two people
  • Two times the amount or degree; twice
  • Made of two parts that are the same, similar
  • noun
  • Person that is exactly like someone else
  • verb
  • To be used for two functions at the same time
  • To make or become twice as much

leave

Copy vocabulary

US / li:v /

UK / liv /

A1
  • noun
  • Permission to do something
  • Vacation time; time off work
  • verb
  • To go away from; depart
  • To gift property to someone after you die
  • To allow something to continue happening
  • To let something remain unused or available
  • To let something or someone remain somewhere

owner

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈəʊnə(r) /

UK / ˈoʊnə(r) /

A1
  • noun
  • Person who owns or has something

tree

Copy vocabulary

US / tri: /

UK / tri /

A1
  • noun
  • Tall green plants in a forest

where

Copy vocabulary

US / hwɛə /

UK / hwɛr, wɛr /

A1
  • conjunction
  • At or in the place which
  • In whatever place
  • pronoun
  • Word you use to ask the location of something

completely

Copy vocabulary

US / kəmˈpli:tli /

UK / kəmˈpliːtli /

A1
  • adverb
  • In every way or as much as possible

nine

Copy vocabulary

US / naɪn /

UK / naɪn /

A1
  • number
  • 9

only

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈəunli /

UK / ˈonli /

A1
  • adverb
  • Just one; just that amount or thing; not more than
  • Not very important or serious
  • Just that type of thing, person
  • Short time ago; not before a certain time
  • conjunction
  • Except; but

put

Copy vocabulary

US / pʊt /

UK / pʊt /

A1
  • phrasal verb
  • to make a light stop shining by pressing or moving a switch
  • verb
  • To move or place a thing in a particular position
  • To rate something in importance or value
  • To write or say something in a certain manner

train

Copy vocabulary

US / treɪn /

UK / tren /

A1
  • noun
  • Line of people, animals moving the same direction
  • Vehicle that carries people and runs on rails
  • Long rear section of a (e.g. wedding) dress
  • Series of events happening one after another
  • verb
  • To teach a pet a behavior or a trick
  • To educate someone in something, e.g. medicine
  • To cause a plant to grow a certain way by cutting
  • To point a certain way or toward something
  • To practice to get better at a thing, e.g. sports

beer

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪə(r) /

UK / bɪr /

A2
  • noun
  • Alcoholic drink that is made from wheat or grains

finally

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈfaɪnəli /

UK / ˈfaɪnəli /

A1
  • adverb
  • used especially at the beginning of a sentence to introduce the last point or idea
  • After a long time or some difficulty

keep

Copy vocabulary

US / ki:p /

UK / kip /

A1
  • noun
  • Large, strong tower in the middle of a castle
  • Money spent on you so you can live in a place
  • verb
  • To continue doing something; not to stop
  • To stop balls going in a goal in sports
  • To not give back or return something
  • (Of food) to not spoil or not rot
  • To take possession of something to own, e.g. a pet
  • To have and continue to hold something
  • To do something that you have promised or agreed
  • To stay in a certain place or condition
  • To maintain the rules

name

Copy vocabulary

US / neɪm /

UK / nem /

A1
  • noun
  • What something or someone is called
  • verb
  • To state what someone is called, e.g. John

native

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈneɪtɪv /

UK / ˈnetɪv /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Caused by natural ability; innate
  • noun
  • Someone from or born in a specific country
  • Original inhabitant, e.g. before others
  • Person speaking a language from birth

proficiently

Copy vocabulary

US / /

UK / /

A1
  • other
  • In a proficient manner

cottage

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈkɒtɪdʒ /

UK / ˈkɑtɪdʒ /

A2
  • noun
  • Small house in the country

correspond

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌkɒrəˈspɒnd /

UK / ˌkɔ:rəˈspɑ:nd /

B1
  • verb
  • To have similarity or equality with something
  • To write letters or emails to someone

ease

Copy vocabulary

US / i:z /

UK / iz /

A2
  • noun
  • State of being comfortable or relaxed
  • verb
  • To make something less difficult, tight, stressed
  • To move slowly and purposely to get in small space

drunk

Copy vocabulary

US / drʌŋk /

UK / drʌŋk /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Not behaving normally because of drinking alcohol
  • noun
  • A person who drinks too much alcohol
  • verb
  • To put liquid in your body through your mouth

ton

Copy vocabulary

US / tʌn /

UK / tʌn /

A2
  • noun
  • Unit of weight; 907 kilograms (US); 1016 (UK)

drink

Copy vocabulary

US / drɪŋk /

UK / drɪŋk /

A1
  • noun
  • A liquid that you put in your mouth
  • verb
  • To put water in your body through your mouth
  • Introduction to Video Content
  • The Baboon That Controlled a Railway for 9 YearsIn the late 1800s in South Africa, a baboon named James Wilde gained fame for his unique ability to control a railway used by multi-ton trains and thousands of passengers. This fascinating story showcases the ingenuity and adaptability of both humans and animals during a time when communication technology was limited.During this era, radios did not exist, and shouting at a train driver was ineffective due to the noise of the trains. As a result, signals were developed to convey instructions to incoming trains at various stations. Initially, lanterns and hand signals were used by signalmen, but as technology advanced, switches and levers were installed to control the signals more efficiently.These signals resembled weather vanes, consisting of fixed posts with movable discs or signage that could be adjusted using a switch. Different colors indicated whether to stop, go, or proceed with caution, and additional signs indicated which tracks to use when arriving at a station. With the growing popularity of locomotives, a large number of signalmen were required to ensure the trains adhered to their schedules and operated safely.One such signalman was James Wilde, who worked for the Cape Town to Port Elizabeth Mainland Railroad. However, James Wilde was not a human; he was a baboon. Despite his unconventional job title, James Wilde proved to be a capable signalman, operating the levers that controlled the signals with impressive dexterity.For nine years, James Wilde fulfilled his duties as a baboon signalman, guiding trains and ensuring they followed the correct tracks. His ability to understand and respond to the signals earned him the respect and admiration of his human colleagues. He became a well-known figure along the railway, attracting attention from both passengers and railway workers.Although the exact details of James Wilde's training remain unknown, it is speculated that he observed the actions of human signalmen and learned to imitate their movements. This phenomenon of imitation, often referred to as 'monkey see, monkey do', is displayed by various primate species, highlighting their capacity for learning and adaptation.The story of James Wilde, the baboon signalman, exemplifies the incredible bond between humans and animals, as well as the remarkable abilities of animals to comprehend and perform complex tasks. It serves as a reminder that intelligence and capability can extend beyond the confines of human society, and that mutual cooperation and respect can bridge the gap between species.
  • Subtitles section
  • This video was made possible by Ecosia.
  • Start using the search engine that plants trees with every search you make at ecosia.co.hai.
  • Monkey see, monkey do, baboon see, baboon control a railway used by multi-ton trains and thousands of passengers—that's how it worked in the late 1800s in South Africa.
  • Back in the old days, radios didn't exist and since trains were loud, you couldn't just shout at a driver to tell them what to do.
  • Therefore, in the late 1800s, signals were developed as a way to tell incoming trains to stations what to do.
  • At first, lanterns and hand signals were used by signalmen to convey the information needed but as technology advanced, signals that could be controlled by switches and levers were installed to ease the process.
  • These signals were similar to weather vanes in that they consisted of fixed posts with movable discs or signage that could be controlled via a switch.
  • Various colors meant to stop, or go, or proceed with caution, and there were other vanes on different axes to indicate which tracks to pull into when surviving at the station and various other signs meaning to take it to the left,
  • Right, to criss-cross, to cha-cha now, to cha-cha again, and for everyone to clap their hands.
  • With the world going loco for locomotives at the time, tons and tons of signalmen were needed to ensure that the trains stuck to schedules, were in working condition, and stuck to the proper tracks.
  • Signalmen, as their names imply, were also responsible for operating the levers that would set off the signals for the trains out of the signal house.
  • In the 1870s, one of the signalmen for the Cape Town to Port Elizabeth Mainland Railroad in South Africa was a man named James Wilde.
  • Wilde went by the nickname Jumper because he had a habit of jumping between the cars that would pass on the tracks and in a totally unforeseen and completely unpreventable twist of fate, Jumper once jumped from a moving rail car and fell under it,
  • Losing both of his legs in the process.
  • After this, Jumper continued working, hobbling around on a pair of peg legs, although he found himself limited in his ability to signal trains proficiently.
  • Not having legs does that.
  • One day at the market, though, Jumper came across a Czech Mababoon who'd been trained to lead an ox-drawn wagon.
  • Though impressive, its intelligence isn't particularly surprising by today's standards.
  • We now know that baboons aren't so different from humans in their brain capacity.
  • Baboons can keep schedules, communicate with their own language, differentiate between scribbles and the written word, and the University of Rochester recently concluded that baboons are actually capable of counting to an extent,
  • Although I'm not sure what all the fuss is about since I've been able to do that since at least I was double one or 12teen.
  • Jumper begged and begged and finally convinced the owner to let him take the baboon and thus the prodigious primate pair was born.
  • The original owner warned Jumper, however, that the baboon would refuse to work unless he had been given plenty of brandy to drink.
  • They're really just like us.
  • The baboon, named Jack, was first taught to observe and then respond to certain commands.
  • When Jumper would hold up a certain number of fingers, Jack was to pull the corresponding lever.
  • From there, Jack learned that the trains were giving similar orders by the number of blats from their whistle.
  • Over time, Jack realized on his own which tracks needed which signals and would double check his own work as he was doing it.
  • He also realized that conductors needed access to the coal sheds and would retrieve the key from Jumper unabidden to give to the incoming engineers.
  • Now, if your job is replaceable by a monkey, you really shouldn't be expecting much job security, so surprise, surprise, both Jack and Jumper's jobs eventually came under threat.
  • Jack was a beloved fixture of the railroad until some snobby high society aristocrat noticed that he was, in fact, a monkey and narked on the pair.
  • The bosses at the railway were aware that Jumper had found an assistant but were totally in the dark about his baboon-ness.
  • After the Cape Town executives launched an investigation, they found out the truth about the monkey business.
  • So, naturally, they tried to fire both Jumper and Jack.
  • Jumper begged to demonstrate Jack's cleverness and so the rail managers agreed to put him to the test.
  • Jack perfectly performed his signaling abilities even checking both directions to make sure that the incoming trains were headed to separate tracks at the station.
  • They were so impressed that they made Jack an official employee paying him $0.20 a day and half a bottle of beer every week.
  • It's been said that in the nine years Jack worked as a signalman, he never made a single mistake despite being constantly drunk and a monkey.
  • Jack became known as Jack the Signalman and worked and lived with Jumper in a small cottage not far from that signal house.
  • He stayed there and worked for the railroad up until his death from tuberculosis in 1890 and his skull is now displayed at a museum in Grahamstown, South Africa not far from where he worked.
  • Monkeys can do a lot like play the violin, ride bicycles, roller skate, but what they can't do is stop the systematic and widespread deforestation of their natural habitat.
  • Luckily, you can and you don't even have to spend any money or effort to do it.
  • Ecosia is a non-profit search engine that uses the money generated from advertising to reforest areas including places like Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso where there are native baboons.
  • It only takes about 50 searches to plant one tree so you can really easily make a difference.
  • Head to ecosia.co.hai to add it to your browser so you can start planting trees one search