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

How Sri Lanka is caught in a dance between two rival geopolitical powers - BBC Newsnight

Video vocabulary

benefit

Copy vocabulary

US / 'benɪfɪt /

UK / ˈbɛnəfɪt /

A2
  • noun
  • Good result or effect, something advantageous
  • verb
  • To have a good effect or be helpful

crisis

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kraɪsɪs /

UK / ˈkraɪsɪs /

B1
  • noun
  • Unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty

distress

Copy vocabulary

US / dɪ'stres /

UK / dɪˈstrɛs /

B1
  • noun
  • State of great sadness, anxiety or pain
  • Condition of danger or emergency
  • State of lacking money and basic needs
  • Condition of physical illness, pain or suffering
  • verb
  • To cause someone anxiety or sadness
  • To be in financial trouble

lotus

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ləʊtəs /

UK / ˈlotəs /

B2
  • other
  • Any aquatic plant of the water lily family

programme

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈprəʊgræm /

UK / ˈproˌɡræm, -ɡrəm /

A1
  • noun
  • A plan or schedule of events
  • TV show
  • verb
  • To write computer code for a piece of software

send

Copy vocabulary

US / send /

UK / sɛnd /

A1
  • verb
  • To cause to behave or respond in a particular way
  • To cause mail or packages to go to another place
  • To move something quickly in a particular way
  • To give information or greetings to someone

traditional

Copy vocabulary

US / trəˈdɪʃənl /

UK / trəˈdɪʃənəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Involved in a custom or event common to a people

constant

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kɒnstənt /

UK / ˈkɑnstənt /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Happening frequently or without pause
  • noun
  • Thing that happens always or at a regular rate

financial

Copy vocabulary

US / faɪˈnænʃl /

UK / faɪˈnænʃ(ə)l /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Involving money

few

Copy vocabulary

US / fju: /

UK / fju /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Not many, a small number

individual

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl /

UK / ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒuəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Made for use by one single person
  • Having a distinct manner different from others
  • noun
  • Single person, looked at separately from others

metre

Copy vocabulary

US / 'mi:tə(r) /

UK / ˈmitɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Unit of length equal to 100 cm or about 39 inches

those

Copy vocabulary

US / ðəʊz /

UK / ðoz /

A1
  • determiner
  • The people or things we are talking about
  • pronoun
  • The objects far from the speaker

chinese

Copy vocabulary

US / /

UK / /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning the culture and people of China

cycle

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsaɪkl /

UK / ˈsaɪkəl /

A2
  • noun
  • Series of regular and repeated actions
  • Bicycle, bike
  • verb
  • To go through a series of events repeatedly
  • To ride on a bicycle

implode

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪm'pləʊd /

UK / ɪmˈplod /

C2
  • verb
  • To burst or explode inward

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)

nation

Copy vocabulary

US / 'neɪʃn /

UK / ˈneʃən /

A1
  • noun
  • Area or region controlled by a government and army

recover

Copy vocabulary

US / rɪ'kʌvə(r) /

UK / rɪ'kʌvər /

A2
  • verb
  • To return to a prior normal condition
  • To get back something that was lost

spoiler

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈspɔɪlə(r) /

UK / ˈspɔɪlɚ /

C2
  • noun
  • Bar mounted on rear of fast car to stop it lifting
  • Someone who pampers by excessive indulgence
  • Someone who takes spoils or plunder (as in war)

somewhere

Copy vocabulary

US / 'sʌmweə(r) /

UK / ˈsʌmˌhwɛr, -ˌwɛr /

A1
  • adverb
  • At or to an unknown or unnamed place

ask

Copy vocabulary

US / ɑ:sk /

UK / æsk /

A1
  • verb
  • To say to someone that you want something

harm

Copy vocabulary

US / hɑ:m /

UK / hɑrm /

A2
  • noun
  • Damage or injury
  • verb
  • To damage, injure, or hurt someone or something

land

Copy vocabulary

US / lænd /

UK / lænd /

A1
  • noun
  • Region or country
  • Earth; the ground
  • verb
  • To arrive or cause a boat to arrive at the shore
  • To obtain or get something that you wanted
  • To (cause to) come down to the ground safely
  • To cause to arrive in a specific place or state

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

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

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

well

Copy vocabulary

US / wel /

UK / wɛl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being in a fortunate, good condition or state
  • Healthy and in good condition
  • adverb
  • In an acceptable, proper, or successful manner
  • In a complete, total, or full manner
  • A great and considerable degree
  • In a successful way, in a good or satisfactory way
  • exclamation
  • Used to begin or continue a particular statement
  • Used to show you want to start saying something
  • Used to express that you are waiting for a reply
  • You say this to change the topic of a conversation
  • Used to indicate you are making a final remark
  • noun
  • Long deep hole in the ground to get water
  • verb
  • To cause your eyes to fill with tears

within

Copy vocabulary

US / wɪˈðɪn /

UK / wɪðˈɪn, wɪθ- /

A1
  • adverb
  • Inside the limits of an area, time or range
  • preposition
  • From the inside of something

anxious

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈæŋkʃəs /

UK / ˈæŋkʃəs /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Afraid of what may happen; worried and nervous
  • Wanting something badly

begin

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪ'ɡɪn /

UK / ˈbeɡɪn /

A1
  • verb
  • To do the first part of an action; to start

definitely

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈdefɪnətli /

UK / ˈdefɪnətli /

A2
  • adverb
  • Without question; beyond doubt

mass

Copy vocabulary

US / mæs /

UK / mæs /

B1
  • noun
  • Religious ceremony in some Christian churches
  • Large amount or number of something
  • Main or largest part of something
  • Large number of people considered as a whole
  • Amount of matter that an object has
  • verb
  • To gather people or things into a large group

soon

Copy vocabulary

US / su:n /

UK / sun /

A1
  • adverb
  • At a time not long from now

water

Copy vocabulary

US / 'wɔ:tə(r) /

UK / ˈwɔtɚ, ˈwɑtɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Clear liquid that forms the seas, rivers and rain
  • Large area such as an ocean or sea
  • verb
  • (Of the eyes) to produce tears
  • (Mouth) to become wet at the thought of nice food
  • To pour liquids onto a plant to keep it alive

question

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kwestʃən /

UK / ˈkwɛstʃən /

A1
  • noun
  • Issue or problems you are dealing with
  • What you ask about; issue
  • verb
  • To ask for or try to get information
  • To have or express concerns or uncertainty

for

Copy vocabulary

US / fə(r) /

UK / fɔr,fə /

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

immediate

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪˈmi:diət /

UK / ɪˈmidiɪt /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Being the very next to or just after
  • Done without delay; straight away

infrastructure

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r) /

UK / ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃɚ /

B1
  • noun
  • Basic necessary equipment for a country or region

logic

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈlɒdʒɪk /

UK / ˈlɑ:dʒɪk /

A2
  • noun
  • Proper, valid sensible reasoning
  • Scientific study of reasoning

player

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈpleɪə(r) /

UK / ˈpleɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Machine that plays recorded material
  • Person who plays a musical instrument
  • Person who plays games on devices
  • Person who plays sports

restructure

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌri:'strʌktʃə(r) /

UK / riˈstrʌktʃɚ /

B1
  • verb
  • To change or organize something in a different way

short

Copy vocabulary

US / ʃɔ:t /

UK / ʃɔrt /

A1
  • adverb
  • Less than what is needed
  • Suddenly stopping what you are saying or doing
  • verb
  • (Of electric circuit) to spark because faulty
  • adjecitve
  • Measuring a small distance
  • Happening for a small amount of time
  • Unfriendly or rude

tower

Copy vocabulary

US / 'taʊə(r) /

UK / ˈtaʊɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Tall, narrow building
  • Tall metal structure for broadcasting, or the view
  • verb
  • To be very good at something

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

able

Copy vocabulary

US / 'eɪbl /

UK / ˈebəl /

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

december

Copy vocabulary

US / dɪˈsembə(r) /

UK / dɪˈsɛmbɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • The 12th month of the year

emigration

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌemɪ'ɡreɪʃn /

UK / ˌɛmɪˈɡreʃən /

B1
  • noun
  • Migration from your native country to another

three

Copy vocabulary

US / θri: /

UK / θri /

A1
  • number
  • Number 3

term

Copy vocabulary

US / tɜ:m /

UK / tɚm /

A1
  • noun
  • Conditions applying to an agreement, contract
  • Length of time something is expected to happen
  • Fixed period of weeks for learning at school
  • The (precise) name given to something
  • verb
  • To call; give a name to

vital

Copy vocabulary

US / 'vaɪtl /

UK / 'vaɪtl /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Needed to support life; essential
  • Full of life; energetic

also

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɔ:lsəʊ /

UK / ˈɔlso /

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

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)

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

bank

Copy vocabulary

US / bæŋk /

UK / bæŋk /

A1
  • noun
  • A financial institution that keeps or lends money
  • The side of a river
  • A row of things in lines (e.g. computers)
  • verb
  • To put or keep your money in a bank
  • To turn a plane when flying; (of a plane) to turn

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

vie

Copy vocabulary

US / vaɪ /

UK / vaɪ /

B2
  • verb
  • To fight or compete against to win or get a thing

dance

Copy vocabulary

US / dɑ:ns /

UK / dæns /

A1
  • noun
  • A series of steps and movements in time to music
  • A social event with dancing while music is playing
  • verb
  • To move your body rhythmically to music

dancer

Copy vocabulary

US / 'dɑ:nsə(r) /

UK / 'dænsər /

A2
  • noun
  • People who move their body with rhythm to music

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

love

Copy vocabulary

US / lʌv /

UK / lʌv /

A1
  • noun
  • Person's name
  • A very strong feeling of affection
  • The person you care very deeply about
  • Strong, deep emotional and sexual attraction
  • verb
  • To care for and like someone very strongly, deeply
  • To like doing very much; enjoy greatly
  • To feel a strong emotional and romantic attraction

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

open

Copy vocabulary

US / 'əʊpən /

UK / ˈopən /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Available for use; accessible
  • Not being hidden; available for others to see
  • Being available for customers to enter or use
  • Allowing everyone to use or take part in
  • Not secret anymore
  • Not closed or shut
  • Willing to accept new ideas and thoughts
  • noun
  • Name for a tennis or golf competition
  • verb
  • To make accessible or able to be used, e.g. road
  • To start the activities or services of a business
  • To make a space or hole appear in something
  • To move or change so that it is no longer closed
  • To start something, e.g. a new business

power

Copy vocabulary

US / 'paʊə(r) /

UK / ˈpaʊɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Legal or official right to perform certain actions
  • Ability to move forcefully and quickly
  • Energy of something (e.g. electricity or fuel)
  • Mathematical way to multiply a number
  • Condition of being in political control
  • Physical force, energy, and strength
  • verb
  • To give energy to something, e.g. by electricity
  • To move something forcefully and quickly

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

turn

Copy vocabulary

US / tɜ:n /

UK / tɚn /

A1
  • noun
  • Place where changing of direction happens
  • Your time or chance to perform a duty
  • Your chance to play or do in say a game
  • Unexpected change, as in the weather
  • verb
  • To become (a particular age)
  • To become a different quality, color, etc.
  • To change the direction of something, e.g. a car
  • To move in an opposite direction or position
  • To shape metal with a spinning tool

than

Copy vocabulary

US / ðən /

UK / ðən /

A1
  • conjunction
  • Used to compare two things that are not equal

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

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

big

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪɡ /

UK / bɪɡ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Popular
  • Serious
  • Large

investment

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪnˈvestmənt /

UK / ɪnˈvɛstmənt /

A2
  • noun
  • Something purchased hoping its value will increase
  • Act of giving time, energy to see a future reward

might

Copy vocabulary

US / maɪt /

UK / maɪt /

A1
  • other
  • Used to politely request an action
  • Used to express that something could happen
  • Power, strength, force or influence

migration

Copy vocabulary

US / maɪˈgreɪʃn /

UK / maɪˈɡreʃən /

B1
  • noun
  • Process of moving to live in another place

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

deep

Copy vocabulary

US / di:p /

UK / dip /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Complex and important
  • Extreme or intense
  • Going far down from the surface
  • Low in pitch, as a sound
  • adverb
  • At a certain distance beneath the surface

terminal

Copy vocabulary

US / 'tɜ:mɪnl /

UK / ˈtɚmənəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • (Of an illness, etc.) likely to lead to death
  • noun
  • Final stop or station for a bus, train or plane
  • Place where trips end or begin, like a train stop
  • other
  • End part of some structure or concept

badly

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈbædli /

UK / ˈbædli /

A1
  • adverb
  • Not in a good way; not as wanted or liked
  • To a severe degree; very much
  • In an unkind or unfavorable manner

follow

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈfɔləu /

UK / ˈfɑlo /

A1
  • verb
  • To come after someone; be guided by someone
  • To support someone, e.g. singer or comedian
  • To be the logical result of something
  • To happen after something else happens
  • To believe a set of values or a moral teacher
  • To understand something happening or being said

less

Copy vocabulary

US / les /

UK / lɛs /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Smaller in amount or degree
  • adverb
  • To a smaller degree
  • noun
  • A smaller amount
  • preposition
  • With the subtraction of

sake

Copy vocabulary

US / seɪk /

UK / sek /

A2
  • noun
  • Japanese rice wine
  • Interest or benefit of someone or 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

fund

Copy vocabulary

US / fʌnd /

UK / fʌnd /

A2
  • noun
  • Money collected, saved, or provided for a purpose
  • A specific account into which you put money
  • verb
  • To supply money for something

indication

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn /

UK / ˌɪndɪˈkeʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Something showing something exists or will happen

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

similar

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsɪmələ(r) /

UK / ˈsɪməlɚ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Nearly the same; alike

ultimately

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈʌltɪmətli /

UK / ˈʌltəmɪtli /

B1
  • adverb
  • Done or considered as the final and most important

emerge

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪ'mɜ:dʒ /

UK / ɪˈmɚdʒ /

A2
  • verb
  • To rise or appear out of some background

happen

Copy vocabulary

US / 'hæpən /

UK / ˈhæpən /

A1
  • verb
  • To take place or occur

yeah

Copy vocabulary

US / jeə /

UK / ˈjɛə, ˈjæə, jɛ- /

A1
  • exclamation
  • Another way of saying 'yes'

cousin

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kʌzn /

UK / 'kʌzn /

A2
  • noun
  • Child of your uncle or aunt
  • Something similar to or related to something else

everywhere

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈevriweə(r) /

UK / ˈevriwer /

A1
  • adverb
  • Every place

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

she

Copy vocabulary

US / ʃɪ /

UK / ʃi /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Female person or animal mentioned before
  • (Refers to female person mentioned before)

swing

Copy vocabulary

US / swɪŋ /

UK / swɪŋ /

A2
  • noun
  • Movement in a curved motion
  • Flowing, curved movement, e.g. of the arm
  • A back and forth motion, while hanging
  • Change in opinion or theme
  • Outdoor seat that hangs by two ropes, or chains
  • verb
  • To move something in a back and forth motion
  • To move in a back and forth motion, while hanging
  • To change opinion or mood, usually quickly

anymore

Copy vocabulary

US / 'enɪmɔ: /

UK / ˌɛniˈmɔr, -ˈmor /

A2
  • adverb
  • No longer; no more

block

Copy vocabulary

US / blɒk /

UK / blɑk /

A2
  • noun
  • Solid piece of material used for building
  • A piece of wood, chocolate etc.
  • Hard piece of wood, stone etc. with straight edges
  • Building made up of offices or apartments
  • Area of a city divided by four streets
  • verb
  • To stop from going forward or making progress

down

Copy vocabulary

US / daʊn /

UK / daʊn /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being sad, sick, or unhappy
  • Not operating, working, or functioning as expected
  • adverb
  • In a sitting or lying position
  • Towards or on the ground, floor, or bottom
  • Written or copied onto a piece of paper or book
  • noun
  • A period of play in American Football
  • The soft, smooth hairs that cover a bird's body
  • preposition
  • Along something's path, course, or direction
  • Going from a higher position to a lower position
  • verb
  • To eat or drink very quickly and without stopping

family

Copy vocabulary

US / 'fæməlɪ /

UK / ˈfæmli /

A1
  • noun
  • Close group of people or organizations
  • A group of people who are related through blood
  • Group of related plants or animals

lanka

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈlɑːŋkə /

UK / ˈlæŋkə /

A1

step

Copy vocabulary

US / step /

UK / stɛp /

A1
  • noun
  • Movement done as part of a particular dance
  • Distance covered by one movement of a leg; stride
  • One part or stage in a process
  • Sound made by the feet while walking; footstep
  • Flat horizontal piece that forms stairs
  • verb
  • To raise and moving the foot to put it down

action

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ækʃn /

UK / ˈækʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Something that a person or thing does
  • verb
  • To act to do something

get

Copy vocabulary

US / ɡet /

UK / ɡɛt /

A1
  • verb
  • To become affected by illness or disease
  • To begin to feel or understand an emotion or idea
  • To send or bring someone or something home, etc.
  • To go somewhere to obtain something
  • To (cause to) do a particular thing
  • To obtain, receive or be given something
  • To currently have
  • To prepare for use
  • To understand something being said or read

president

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈprezɪdənt /

UK / ˈprɛzɪdənt,-ˌdɛnt /

A2
  • noun
  • Person in charge of a country, or organization

ail

Copy vocabulary

US / eɪl /

UK / el /

B2
  • verb
  • To have an illness

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

stakeholder

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsteɪkhəʊldə(r) /

UK / ˈsteɪkhoʊldə(r) /

C2
  • noun
  • Someone who holds a financial share of a business

again

Copy vocabulary

US / ə'ɡen /

UK / əˈɡɛn /

A1
  • adverb
  • One more time, once more

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)

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

prefer

Copy vocabulary

US / prɪˈfɜ:(r) /

UK / prɪˈfɚ /

A1
  • verb
  • To like something better than something else

people

Copy vocabulary

US / 'pi:pl /

UK / ˈpipəl /

A1
  • noun
  • Persons sharing culture, country, background, etc.
  • Men, Women, Children

unlock

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌʌn'lɒk /

UK / ʌnˈlɑk /

B1
  • verb
  • To use a key or code to open something

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’

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

investigate

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪn'vestɪɡeɪt /

UK / ɪnˈvɛstɪˌɡet /

A2
  • verb
  • To try to find out facts; to carry out research

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

certainly

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsə:tnli /

UK / ˈsɚtnli /

A1
  • adverb
  • Sure; of course

hope

Copy vocabulary

US / həʊp /

UK / hop /

A1
  • noun
  • When you wish something will happen; what you wish
  • verb
  • To expect and want something to happen

hopefully

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈhəʊpfəli /

UK / ˈhopfəli /

A2
  • adverb
  • In a manner wishing something to happen

major

Copy vocabulary

US / 'meɪdʒə(r) /

UK / ˈmedʒɚ /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Main league; esp. referring to American baseball
  • Important, serious, or large in scope, size
  • noun
  • High-ranking officer in the army
  • Main subject you study at university
  • verb
  • To study a particular subject at university

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)

agreement

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈgri:mənt /

UK / əˈɡrimənt /

A2
  • noun
  • Sharing the same opinion or reach a decision

immigration

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌɪmɪˈgreɪʃn /

UK / ˌɪmɪˈɡreɪʃn /

B1
  • noun
  • Process of moving your home to a new country

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

two

Copy vocabulary

US / tu: /

UK / tu /

A1
  • number
  • 2

kid

Copy vocabulary

US / kɪd /

UK / kɪd /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Made from young goat skin
  • noun
  • Child or young person
  • Young goat
  • verb
  • To make fun of someone in a gentle way; to tease

large

Copy vocabulary

US / lɑ:dʒ /

UK / lɑ:rdʒ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Big; of great size; broad, tall, wide, or fat

most

Copy vocabulary

US / məʊst /

UK / most /

A1
  • adverb
  • Very; extremely
  • Greatest possible degree
  • pronoun
  • Nearly all of something

office

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈɒfɪs /

UK / ˈɔ:fɪs /

A1
  • noun
  • Room or building used for business
  • Important job position, often in a government

another

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈnʌðə(r) /

UK / əˈnʌðɚ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • One more, but not this
  • determiner
  • One more added
  • pronoun
  • One more (thing)

battle

Copy vocabulary

US / 'bætl /

UK / ˈbætl /

A2
  • noun
  • Military fight between armies
  • Working hard to stop something; struggle
  • verb
  • To fight or struggle against someone or something
  • To work hard to stop something; struggle

complex

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kɒmpleks /

UK / kəmˈplɛks, ˈkɑmˌplɛks /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Not being simple; having many parts or aspects
  • noun
  • Group of buildings all used for the same purpose
  • Psychological issue regarding self-image

governor

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈgʌvənə(r) /

UK / ˈgʌvərnə(r) /

B2
  • noun
  • Person who leads a state or province

obligation

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌɒblɪ'ɡeɪʃn /

UK / ˌɑblɪˈɡeʃən /

B2
  • noun
  • Duty to be done because of a law, rule or promise
  • other
  • Fact of being forced morally to do something

stabilize

Copy vocabulary

US / 'steɪbəlaɪz /

UK / ˈstebəˌlaɪz /

B1
  • verb
  • To make stable/consistent, with no major changes

arrive

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈraɪv /

UK / əˈraɪv /

A1
  • verb
  • To reach the place you are traveling to

company

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kʌmpənɪ /

UK / ˈkʌmpəni /

A1
  • noun
  • Good feeling from being with someone else
  • A business that sells things or provides services
  • Guests, especially in your home
  • Being with another person rather than alone

default

Copy vocabulary

US / dɪ'fɔ:lt /

UK / dɪˈfɔlt /

B2
  • noun
  • Automatic setting when no indicated preference
  • Failure to meet an agreement or make a payment
  • verb
  • To fail to meet as agreed; failure to pay
  • To return to a previously determined state

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

help

Copy vocabulary

US / help /

UK / hɛlp /

A1
  • noun
  • Something given to enable a person to do something
  • Assistance given to someone in need
  • Someone who makes something easier or possible
  • verb
  • To act to enable a person to do something; assist
  • To make something better or less difficult

landmark

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈlændmɑ:k /

UK / ˈlændmɑ:rk /

B1
  • noun
  • Event that marks a change or turning point
  • Easily recognizable structure that is easy to see

literally

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈlɪtərəli /

UK / ˈlɪtərəli /

B1
  • adverb
  • So as to express the exact meaning of something
  • Used to say something is true, even if unlikely

local

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈləʊkl /

UK / ˈloʊkl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Relating to a particular area, city, or town
  • noun
  • Bus or train, that stops at most stations
  • People who live in the area being discussed
  • The pub you most frequently go to

think

Copy vocabulary

US / θɪŋk /

UK / θɪŋk /

A1
  • verb
  • To have an idea about something without certainty
  • To have an idea, opinion or belief about something

kent

Copy vocabulary

US / kɛnt /

UK / kɛnt /

A1
  • other
  • A county in southeastern England on the English Channel; formerly an Anglo-Saxon kingdom, it was the

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

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

centre

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsentə(r) /

UK / ˈsɛntɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Community place people go health or social reasons
  • Place in the middle of something
  • Person or thing that is attracting attention
  • verb
  • To place a focus on something

from

Copy vocabulary

US / frəm /

UK / frʌm, frɑm,frəm /

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

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

believe

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪ'li:v /

UK / bɪˈliv /

A1
  • verb
  • To think or accept that something is true
  • To have a particular opinion about something

country

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈkʌntri /

UK / ˈkʌntri /

A1
  • noun
  • An area of land that is controlled by a government
  • Open land that is away from towns and cities

encourage

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪn'kʌrɪdʒ /

UK / ɛnˈkɚrɪdʒ, -ˈkʌr- /

A2
  • verb
  • To increase the chance of something happening
  • To make someone more determined or confident

look

Copy vocabulary

US / lʊk /

UK / lʊk /

A1
  • noun
  • Person's beauty or physical attractiveness
  • Particular style of dress, clothes, or appearance
  • The way someone, something appears to be
  • Act of searching for or examining something
  • verb
  • To appear to be; seem

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

unlocked

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌʌnˈlɒkt /

UK / ˌʌnˈlɑːkt /

B1
  • verb
  • To use a key or code to open something

ago

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈgəʊ /

UK / əˈgoʊ /

A1
  • adverb
  • At a specified length of time in the past

agree

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈgri: /

UK / əˈɡri /

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

china

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈtʃaɪnə /

UK / ˈtʃaɪnə /

A1
  • noun
  • A communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the wo
  • other
  • High quality porcelain originally made only in China

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

geopolitic

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌdʒɪˈəʊpəˈlɪtɪk /

UK / /

C2
  • noun
  • Study of relationship among politics and geography

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

approach

Copy vocabulary

US / ə'prəʊtʃ /

UK / əˈprəʊtʃ /

A2
  • noun
  • Means of reaching a place, often a road or path
  • Request of someone with a specific goal in mind
  • Specific way to handle a project, task, problem
  • verb
  • To get close to reaching something or somewhere
  • To request someone to do something specific

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

medicine

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈmedsn /

UK / ˈmɛdɪsɪn /

A2
  • noun
  • Something used in treating illness or pain
  • Science of preventing, treating, or curing disease

show

Copy vocabulary

US / ʃəʊ /

UK / ʃo /

A1
  • noun
  • False display of love, emotion or action
  • An event for displaying or promoting goods
  • Play, opera or theater production
  • Presentation that is broadcast on TV or radio
  • verb
  • To be easily seen or displayed
  • To display your emotions or feelings
  • To let someone see something; display
  • To explain or teach how something is done
  • To lead someone somewhere; point them to something
  • To prove something to be true, correct
  • To reveal or allow something to be seen

build

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪld /

UK / bɪld /

A1
  • noun
  • Your physical shape; physique
  • verb
  • To establish e.g. a reputation, over time
  • To construct a house, office, factory

geopolitical

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌdʒi:əʊpə'lɪtɪkl /

UK / ˌdʒi:oʊpə'lɪtɪkl /

C1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning geopolitics

imf

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌaɪ em ˈef /

UK / ˌaɪ em ˈef /

A1
  • abbreviation
  • International Monetary Fund.

hospital

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈhɒspɪtl /

UK / ˈhɑ:spɪtl /

A1
  • noun
  • Building for sick people, with doctors and nurses

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

chance

Copy vocabulary

US / tʃɑ:ns /

UK / tʃæns /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Happening by luck; not planned
  • Taking a risk to try something
  • noun
  • The way something happens without planning
  • An opportunity; favorable circumstances, situation
  • The possibility that something will happen
  • verb
  • To occur just through luck; happen
  • To take a risk to try something

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”

return

Copy vocabulary

US / rɪ'tɜ:n /

UK / rɪ'tɜ:rn /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Do again; repeated
  • noun
  • Faulty or unwanted product sent back to a company
  • Enter key; the main key on the computer keyboard
  • Profit made as a result of a business activity
  • Process of going back to a previous way or state
  • verb
  • To hit something back to the other player or team
  • To come back after being away from somewhere
  • To repay someone's actions, kindness etc.
  • To put, bring, take, give, or send something back
  • To occur again

stadium

Copy vocabulary

US / 'steɪdɪəm /

UK / ˈstediəm /

B2
  • noun
  • Building with a sports field for watching games

who

Copy vocabulary

US / hu: /

UK / hu /

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

worker

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈwɜ:kə(r) /

UK / ˈwɜ:rkə(r) /

A1
  • noun
  • Person who works

loom

Copy vocabulary

US / lu:m /

UK / lum /

B2
  • noun
  • Device with a frame used to make cloth from thread
  • verb
  • To appear in a large, unclear, or threatening form
  • (Of unpleasant thing) to be close to happening

zealand

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈzi:lənd /

UK / ˈzilənd /

A1
  • other
  • Largest island of Denmark and the site of Copenhagen

billion

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈbɪljən /

UK / ˈbɪljən /

A2
  • noun
  • Number 1,000,000,000

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

fear

Copy vocabulary

US / fɪə(r) /

UK / fɪr /

A1
  • noun
  • Unpleasant feeling caused by being aware of danger
  • verb
  • To be afraid of or nervous about something

repay

Copy vocabulary

US / rɪˈpeɪ /

UK / rɪˈpe /

B1
  • verb
  • To do in return for something done for you
  • To make payments on money that you borrowed

reclaim

Copy vocabulary

US / rɪ'kleɪm /

UK / rɪˈklem /

B2
  • verb
  • To get back something that was lost; recover

queue

Copy vocabulary

US / kju: /

UK / kju /

B1
  • noun
  • Line of people or cars waiting for something

skilled

Copy vocabulary

US / skɪld /

UK / skɪld /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Having or showing or requiring special skill

they

Copy vocabulary

US / ðeɪ /

UK / ðe /

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

very

Copy vocabulary

US / 'verɪ /

UK / ˈvɛri /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning a large degree or amount
  • adverb
  • A lot; much; many
  • Used to stress or emphasize a noun

ceremony

Copy vocabulary

US / 'serəmənɪ /

UK / ˈsɛrəˌmoni /

B1
  • noun
  • Special social or religious event
  • Rigidly formal way of behaving

creditor

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈkredɪtə(r) /

UK / ˈkrɛdɪtɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Person to whom money is owed

hundred

Copy vocabulary

US / 'hʌndrəd /

UK / ˈhʌndrɪd /

A1
  • number
  • 100

month

Copy vocabulary

US / mʌnθ /

UK / mʌnθ /

A1
  • noun
  • One of 12 28-31 day periods in the year

young

Copy vocabulary

US / jʌŋ /

UK / jʌŋ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • At an early stage of existence; not mature
  • Being recently created or started
  • noun
  • Babies in a group or family of animals

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

bollywood

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈbɒliwʊd /

UK / ˈbɑːliwʊd /

A1
  • other
  • Film industry of India

interest

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɪntrəst /

UK / ˈɪntrɪst, -tərɪst, -ˌtrɛst /

A1
  • noun
  • Best or most advantageous thing for someone
  • Activity or subject one enjoys doing or learning
  • Fee for borrowing money
  • verb
  • To make someone want to know about something
  • To persuade to do, become involved with something

lender

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈlendə(r) /

UK / ˈlendər /

A2
  • noun
  • Person or business that lends money

preoccupation

Copy vocabulary

US / priˌɒkjuˈpeɪʃn /

UK / priˌɑ:kjuˈpeɪʃn /

B2
  • noun
  • Being fully absorbed in doing something

sizeable

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsaɪzəbl /

UK / ˈsaɪzəbəl /

C1
  • adjecitve
  • Being large

cricket

Copy vocabulary

US / 'krɪkɪt /

UK / ˈkrɪkɪt /

B1
  • noun
  • Sport played by two teams hitting a ball with bats
  • Brown or black insect that makes short loud noises

behind

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪˈhaɪnd /

UK / bɪˈhaɪnd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning a later or slower time than expected
  • Being in a losing position in a sporting event
  • Being in the past; old fashioned
  • adverb
  • Remaining
  • noun
  • The part of the body that one sits on
  • preposition
  • At or toward the back of someone or something
  • Supporting or helping someone

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

foot

Copy vocabulary

US / fʊt /

UK / fʊt /

A1
  • noun
  • Base of something such as a mountain or vase
  • Length of 12 inches or about 25 cm
  • Lowest part of the leg we use to stand on

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

moment

Copy vocabulary

US / 'məʊmənt /

UK / 'moʊmənt /

A1
  • noun
  • Very short or brief period of time
  • A particular period in time

often

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈɔfən /

UK / ˈɔfən,ˈɑfən,ˈɔftən,ˈɑf- /

A1
  • adverb
  • Many times; frequently; on many occasions

suffer

Copy vocabulary

US / 'sʌfə(r) /

UK / ˈsʌfɚ /

A2
  • verb
  • To experience pain, illness, or injury

before

Copy vocabulary

US / bɪˈfɔ:(r) /

UK / bɪˈfɔr,-ˈfor /

A1
  • adverb
  • At a time earlier than the present; previously
  • conjunction
  • In advance of something happening
  • preposition
  • In front of someone or something

century

Copy vocabulary

US / 'sentʃərɪ /

UK / ˈsɛntʃəri /

A1
  • noun
  • Period of 100 years

chad

Copy vocabulary

US / tʃæd /

UK / tʃæd /

A1
  • other
  • A family of Afroasiatic tonal languages (mostly two tones) spoken in the regions west and south of L
  • A landlocked desert republic in north-central Africa; was under French control until
  • A small piece of paper that is supposed to be removed when a hole is punched in a card or paper tape

island

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈaɪlənd /

UK / ˈaɪlənd /

A1
  • noun
  • Area of land that is surrounded by water

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

last

Copy vocabulary

US / lɑ:st /

UK / læst /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Most recent; the latest
  • The one before
  • adverb
  • Final; with nothing following; after all others
  • Most recent; the latest
  • determiner
  • The one at the end
  • verb
  • To remain or continue for a certain period of time

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

plan

Copy vocabulary

US / plæn /

UK / plæn /

A1
  • noun
  • Drawing of how something should be done or made

scar

Copy vocabulary

US / skɑ:(r) /

UK / skɑr /

B1
  • noun
  • Long lasting emotional pain from a bad experience
  • A mark on something made by scratching it
  • verb
  • To cause long lasting emotional pain
  • To leave a mark on something by scratching it

six

Copy vocabulary

US / sɪks /

UK / sɪks /

A1
  • number
  • 6

without

Copy vocabulary

US / wɪˈðaʊt /

UK / wɪðˈaʊt, wɪθ- /

A1
  • preposition
  • Not with; not having

ambassador

Copy vocabulary

US / æm'bæsədə(r) /

UK / æmˈbæsədɚ, -ˌdɔr /

B1
  • noun
  • Official representing a country in another country

fantastic

Copy vocabulary

US / fænˈtæstɪk /

UK / fænˈtæstɪk /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Strange or unusual in design or appearance
  • Very large, fast or great
  • Hard to believe; amazing

community

Copy vocabulary

US / kə'mju:nətɪ /

UK / kəˈmjunɪti /

A2
  • noun
  • Group of people who share a common idea or area

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)

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

economic

Copy vocabulary

US / ˌi:kəˈnɒmɪk /

UK / ˌɛkəˈnɑmɪk, ˌikə- /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning trade, industry, and money

location

Copy vocabulary

US / ləʊˈkeɪʃn /

UK / loʊˈkeɪʃn /

B1
  • noun
  • Particular position or area of place, event, etc.

quickly

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈkwɪkli /

UK / ˈkwɪklɪ /

A1
  • adverb
  • Without taking a lot of time; fast

rivalry

Copy vocabulary

US / 'raɪvlrɪ /

UK / ˈraɪvəlri /

A2
  • noun
  • State/feeling when groups compete with each other

actually

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈæktʃuəli /

UK / ˈæktʃuəli /

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

folk

Copy vocabulary

US / fəʊk /

UK / fok /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • (Of ordinary people) not sophisticated
  • noun
  • Ordinary common people

immediately

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪˈmi:diətli /

UK / ɪˈmidiɪtli /

A1
  • adverb
  • Without any delay; straight away

route

Copy vocabulary

US / ru:t /

UK / rut, raʊt /

A2
  • noun
  • Way to get from one place to another place; path
  • Path or way that people often use
  • Method of achieving a certain result
  • verb
  • To send along a particular path or way

strategic

Copy vocabulary

US / strəˈti:dʒɪk /

UK / strəˈtidʒɪk /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Concerned with strategy; well thought out

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

afford

Copy vocabulary

US / ə'fɔ:d /

UK / əˈfɔrd, əˈford /

A2
  • verb
  • To make available, to provide
  • To have enough money to pay for something

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

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

wedding

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈwedɪŋ /

UK / ˈwɛdɪŋ /

A2
  • noun
  • A marriage of two people
  • verb
  • To combine and join two things together as one

economy

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪ'kɒnəmɪ /

UK / ɪˈkɑnəmi /

A1
  • noun
  • Using money, resources in a careful, effective way
  • Total of all goods, services and wages in an area

precedent

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈpresɪdənt /

UK / ˈprɛsɪdənt /

B1
  • noun
  • A similar action happening before now

wait

Copy vocabulary

US / weɪt /

UK / wet /

A1
  • verb
  • To delay or not do something until later
  • To spend time until an expected thing happens
  • To remain in a place until a thing happens

asian

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈeɪʃn /

UK / ˈeɪʃn /

A1
  • noun
  • A native or inhabitant of Asia
  • other
  • Of or relating to or characteristic of Asia or the peoples of Asia or their languages or culture

complicated

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kɒmplɪkeɪtɪd /

UK / ˈkɑmplɪˌketɪd /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Difficult to do, understand or use
  • verb
  • To make more difficult to do, understand or use

debt

Copy vocabulary

US / det /

UK / dɛt /

A2
  • noun
  • Sum of money owed to someone that is not yet paid

delay

Copy vocabulary

US / dɪˈleɪ /

UK / dɪˈle /

A2
  • noun
  • Action of being late or happening later
  • verb
  • To wait some amount of time before doing something
  • To do something later than is planned or expected
  • To stop something from happening for a time

reality

Copy vocabulary

US / rɪ'ælətɪ /

UK / riˈælɪti /

A2
  • noun
  • What is true, as opposed to what is imagined

currency

Copy vocabulary

US / 'kʌrənsɪ /

UK / ˈkɚrənsi, ˈkʌr- /

B1
  • noun
  • Widespread acceptance
  • Money system that a country uses

here

Copy vocabulary

US / hɪə(r) /

UK / hɪr /

A1
  • adverb
  • In this place; at this location, position or time

new

Copy vocabulary

US / nju: /

UK / nu, nju /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Not old, recently born, built or made
  • Being or doing something for the first time
  • Not felt, seen or known previously
  • Having been recently bought or obtained

position

Copy vocabulary

US / pəˈzɪʃn /

UK / pəˈzɪʃən /

A1
  • noun
  • Person's opinion or attitude about something
  • Specific location where someone or something is
  • Where you play or your role on a sports team
  • Person's job or status level
  • Set of conditions affecting what you can (not) do
  • verb
  • To put in a particular location or direction

rubble

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈrʌbl /

UK / ˈrʌbəl /

B2
  • noun
  • Rough, broken stones from destroyed building

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

supply

Copy vocabulary

US / sə'plaɪ /

UK / səˈplaɪ /

A2
  • noun
  • Availability of products and services for use
  • Specific things needed to perform a certain task
  • verb
  • To give or sell goods to others for their use

india

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɪndɪə /

UK / ˈɪndɪə /

A1
  • proper noun
  • A country in southern Asia that occupies the greater part of the Indian subcontinent; population 1,3

reason

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ri:zn /

UK / ˈrizən /

A1
  • noun
  • Ability to think about facts and form a judgment
  • Explanation for why something occurred or was done
  • verb
  • To think and make conclusions in a logical manner

too

Copy vocabulary

US / tu: /

UK / tu /

A1
  • adverb
  • In addition, also; with emphasis
  • Say that something is more than you want

always

Copy vocabulary

US / 'ɔ:lweɪz /

UK / ˈɔlwez,-wɪz,-wiz /

A1
  • adverb
  • For a very long time
  • At all times; in every situation
  • For ever

container

Copy vocabulary

US / kənˈteɪnə(r) /

UK / kənˈtenɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • An object that can be used to hold things

many

Copy vocabulary

US / 'menɪ /

UK / ˈmɛni /

A1
  • determiner
  • Used to refer a large number of things

itself

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪtˈself /

UK / ɪtˈsɛlf /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Referring to it

warn

Copy vocabulary

US / wɔ:n /

UK / wɔrn /

A2
  • verb
  • To tell someone about possible danger

will

Copy vocabulary

US / wɪl /

UK / wɪl /

A1
  • noun
  • Desire or choice of someone
  • Document saying who gets your money when you die
  • Strong desire to do something; determination
  • Desire to do something; strong wish to do
  • other
  • Used with verbs to express the future
  • verb
  • To leave property to someone after your death
  • To use mental effort to make something happen
  • Am (is, are) likely to do
  • To influence someone to do something
  • To make something happen by strongly wanting it

australia

Copy vocabulary

US / ɒˈstreɪliə /

UK / ɔːˈstreɪliə /

A1
  • noun
  • The smallest continent; between the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean

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

involve

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪn'vɒlv /

UK / ɪnˈvɑlv /

A2
  • verb
  • To have or be included as a part of something

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

sri

Copy vocabulary

US / ʃriː /

UK / ʃriː /

A1
  • noun
  • A title of respect used before the name of a man, a god, or a sacred book.

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

attain

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈteɪn /

UK / əˈten /

B1
  • verb
  • To reach a desired level or amount over time

compete

Copy vocabulary

US / kəmˈpi:t /

UK / kəmˈpit /

A2
  • verb
  • To try to beat others at something, e.g. a race

friend

Copy vocabulary

US / frend /

UK / frɛnd /

A1
  • noun
  • Person who you like and enjoy being with

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

politic

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈpɒlətɪk /

UK / ˈpɑlɪtɪk /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Careful what you say; diplomatic

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

recovery

Copy vocabulary

US / rɪˈkʌvəri /

UK / rɪˈkʌvəri /

A2
  • noun
  • Process of returning to a former (good) state
  • Act of getting back something that was lost

assurance

Copy vocabulary

US / əˈʃʊərəns /

UK / əˈʃʊrəns /

B1
  • noun
  • Freedom from doubt

barrier

Copy vocabulary

US / 'bærɪə(r) /

UK / ˈbæriɚ /

B1
  • noun
  • Difficult situation preventing something happening
  • Structure or object that stops free movement

but

Copy vocabulary

US / bət /

UK / bʌt,bət /

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

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

illustrate

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈɪləstreɪt /

UK / ˈɪləˌstret, ɪˈlʌsˌtret /

A2
  • verb
  • To supply pictures to go along with words
  • To be an example that explains or proves something

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

nearly

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈniəli /

UK / ˈnɪrli /

A1
  • adverb
  • Not completely; almost

record

Copy vocabulary

US / 'rekɔ:d /

UK / ˈrekərd /

A1
  • noun
  • Highest or most extreme level achieved
  • Round plastic disc on which music has been stored
  • History of a person's past actions or achievements
  • verb
  • To indicate a temperature, speed, etc.; register
  • To write down or say what happened
  • To put music, sounds onto a device to store it

superpower

Copy vocabulary

US / ˈsu:pəpaʊə(r) /

UK / ˈsu:pərpaʊə(r) /

C2
  • noun
  • State powerful enough to influence world events

towards

Copy vocabulary

US / tə'wɔ:dz /

UK / 'təuədz, twɔ:dz /

A1
  • preposition
  • In the direction of someone or something

food

Copy vocabulary

US / fu:d /

UK / fud /

A1
  • noun
  • What people and animals eat to live
  • Things taken in by plants to maintain life
  • A particular style or type of cooking, e.g. Asian

loan

Copy vocabulary

US / ləʊn /

UK / lon /

A2
  • noun
  • Act of allowing someone to borrow something
  • verb
  • To give money, etc. that must be paid back

logistic

Copy vocabulary

US / lə'dʒɪstɪkl /

UK / loˈdʒɪstɪk /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning planning and organizing a large project

not

Copy vocabulary

US / nɒt /

UK / nɑt /

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

our

Copy vocabulary

US / 'aʊə(r) /

UK / aʊr /

A1
  • determiner
  • Belonging to us

quite

Copy vocabulary

US / kwaɪt /

UK / kwaɪt /

A1
  • adverb
  • Not very; fairly
  • Very; In a complete or total manner

relationship

Copy vocabulary

US / rɪˈleɪʃnʃɪp /

UK / rɪˈleʃənˌʃɪp /

A2
  • noun
  • Connection between two or more people or things
  • Way people interact or live with each other
  • Romantic or loving friendship between two people

themselves

Copy vocabulary

US / ðəmˈselvz /

UK / ðɛmˈsɛlvz, ðəm- /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Reflexive form of 'they'

advantage

Copy vocabulary

US / əd'vɑ:ntɪdʒ /

UK / ædˈvæntɪdʒ /

A2
  • noun
  • Thing making the chance of success higher
  • A positive point about something

effect

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪ'fekt /

UK / ɪˈfɛkt /

A1
  • noun
  • An advantage, benefit
  • Change brought about by a cause; result

round

Copy vocabulary

US / raʊnd /

UK / raʊnd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being in the shape of a circle or ball
  • Consisting of curved and not straight lines
  • Somewhat fat or curved in physical appearance
  • Being a whole number, not a fraction, decimal
  • adverb
  • From beginning to end (e.g. of the year)
  • noun
  • One of the three-minute periods in boxing
  • Drinks bought by one person for a group
  • Series regular visits, routes, or stops at places
  • Single shot or bullet fired from a gun
  • An object with a circular shape
  • One stage in a series of games, e.g. football
  • One's turn in a game such as cards
  • preposition
  • Going around
  • verb
  • To cause or make a circular or curved shape
  • To go or pass around the bend or corner
  • To change from a fraction to nearest whole number

support

Copy vocabulary

US / səˈpɔ:t /

UK / səˈpɔrt, -ˈport /

A1
  • noun
  • Assistance or advice given to someone
  • Evidence that helps prove something is true
  • A thing to hold up or prevent from falling down
  • verb
  • To give assistance or advice to someone
  • To help prove or show that something is true
  • To hold up or prevent from falling down

cash

Copy vocabulary

US / kæʃ /

UK / kæʃ /

A2
  • noun
  • Physical money (not credit card or digital)
  • verb
  • To sell or give something to get money

reform

Copy vocabulary

US / rɪ'fɔ:m /

UK / rɪˈfɔrm /

A2
  • noun
  • An improvement, especially in a person's behaviour or in the structure of something
  • verb
  • To re-shape something to a better condition
  • To (cause to) lead a non-criminal life
  • To improve society by removing abuse/injustice
  • To re-shape something into a different form

troupe

Copy vocabulary

US / tru:p /

UK / trup /

A1
  • noun
  • Traveling band of singers, actors, or performers

want

Copy vocabulary

US / wɔnt /

UK / wɑnt, wɔnt /

A1
  • noun
  • Something you desire or wish for
  • State or condition of poverty
  • verb
  • To desire or wish for something; hope for a thing

yet

Copy vocabulary

US / jet /

UK / jɛt /

A1
  • adverb
  • At a later time (used after ‘not’)
  • (Used to emphasize that thing is, will be greater)
  • Eventually; at a future time
  • Until now; up to the present
  • conjunction
  • Adding to what has been said, often as a contrast

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

engulf

Copy vocabulary

US / ɪn'ɡʌlf /

UK / ɛnˈɡʌlf /

C1
  • verb
  • To completely surround and enclose

same

Copy vocabulary

US / seɪm /

UK / sem /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being equal in quality and amount
  • Identical; not different
  • Not changing; constant
  • Introduction to Video Content
  • How Sri Lanka is caught in a dance between two rival geopolitical powers - BBC NewsnightThis article delves into the complex geopolitical dance that Sri Lanka finds itself in, torn between the influence of two major powers - China and the United States. At the heart of this power struggle lies the issue of debt restructuring and the financial future of Sri Lanka. The construction of an enormous lotus-shaped tower in Colombo, funded by Chinese investment, stands as a symbolic landmark of China's influence on the island.Recently, Sri Lanka secured a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to alleviate the economic crisis plaguing the country. However, this bailout is contingent on China's agreement to restructure its $7 billion worth of loans to Sri Lanka. With the bailout money crucially dependent on China's cooperation, the process has been delayed, much to the dismay of Sri Lanka's central bank governor.The Sri Lankan government had hoped to receive the necessary assurances within three months, enabling them to unlock the IMF bailout in December. However, a delay in China's response has hampered progress. The central bank governor acknowledges the urgency of financial assurances, as it would benefit both the creditors and debtors in advancing the repayment of obligations.Prior to this predicament, Newsnight, a program under BBC, had investigated Chinese investments in Sri Lanka, revealing significant projects such as cricket stadiums, hospitals, and airports. These investments are part of China's broader strategy of extending its influence in developing countries by offering generous loans.The Chinese government is reportedly concerned about the implications of Sri Lanka's debt restructuring for other countries. However, the United States ambassador to Sri Lanka has raised concerns about China's prevarication, asserting that the delay in debt restructuring is harming Sri Lanka's economy. The US wants China to turn its rhetorical claims of friendship into tangible actions that swiftly provide the necessary financial assurances.For Sri Lanka, time is of the essence. The country cannot afford any further delays and urgently requires these assurances. Whether China will respond promptly or prolong the debt restructuring process remains uncertain and will undoubtedly shape Sri Lanka's economic future and its intricate dance between these rival geopolitical powers.
  • Subtitles section
  • This enormous tower in the shape of a lotus was built in the centre of Colombo with Chinese investment cash before the economic crisis engulfed Sri Lanka.
  • It's become quite literally a landmark of Chinese influence on this island.
  • The International Monetary Fund has agreed a $3 billion bailout to help the Sri Lankan people, yet the bailout money won't actually arrive until China agrees to a restructuring of its $7 billion of loans to Sri Lanka.
  • Sri Lanka's central bank governor admits the agreement is taking longer than hoped.
  • When we thought we should be able to get the assurances within about three months, so that we were hoping to get the programme unlocked from the IMF somewhere in December, for whatever reason there was a delay,
  • The sooner they give us financial assurances, that would be better for both, as a creditor and as a debtor.
  • That will help for us to start repaying their obligations sooner than later.
  • Newsnight was here six months ago investigating the reality of Chinese investment in this country – cricket stadiums, hospitals, airports.
  • China has also made sizeable loans to many other developing countries.
  • Beijing is believed to be anxious about the precedent Sri Lanka debt restructuring will set.
  • But the US ambassador to Sri Lanka today warns China's prevarication on debt restructuring is now harming the country.
  • Beijing has said they are a friend of Sri Lanka and I'm sure the Sri Lankan people would love to see that turn into action and make sure that there is not a delay and that Beijing really responds quickly without delay in terms of providing those financial assurances.
  • Sri Lanka does not have time to delay.
  • They need these assurances immediately.
  • And we've seen again delays in Zambia and Chad and other countries, where for one reason or another it's been held up.
  • And China has been the spoiler.
  • So again, for the sake of the Sri Lankan people, we certainly hope the PRC is not a spoiler as they proceed to attain this IMF agreement.
  • Yet it's more complicated than just waiting for China.
  • Another stakeholder looms large over this land.
  • This rubble over here, this is going to be a new container terminal operated by a Chinese company.
  • But if we swing round here, just a few hundred metres across the water, we can see land which is being reclaimed for another container terminal.
  • But this one will be operated by an Indian company.
  • These two nations are also competing in other ports around Sri Lanka for investment.
  • And what all this illustrates is that these two new Asian superpowers are vying for influence on this island, not only over the country's politics, but its infrastructure as well.
  • Sri Lanka also needs India, another major lender to the country, to agree to write down its loans to unlock the IMF bailout.
  • And here some see geopolitics as the barrier and the question of who will have the most influence over the Sri Lanka that ultimately emerges from this crisis.
  • It's a preoccupation here, this constant battle for influence.
  • I think every player, big or small, recognises that Sri Lanka has a fantastic advantage in terms of location, strategic location, in terms of trans-shipment routes.
  • So there is logic in that interest, but we know when big players like India and China come in, it's more than just the logistics of it, it's definitely strategic.
  • I think there is this wait-and-watch approach.
  • Every step taken now could have a bearing on what happens later to the individual relationship that these countries have.
  • At Sri Lankan weddings, traditional local folk dances often open the ceremony.
  • But this troupe of dancers told us they are nearly always asked to put on an Indian Bollywood show too.
  • So this is the complex dance in which Sri Lanka finds itself involved.
  • Its immediate future and recovery seems blocked, or at least held up, by one of the big geopolitical power rivalries of the 21st century between China and India.
  • Other smaller countries might find themselves in a similar position in the coming years if they too follow Sri Lanka into default.
  • We look for more coordination within the international community, not less, as we look towards how we can support countries in debt distress, help them get back on their feet, but in a way that the reforms will be long-lasting and not returning to the same cycle of debt distress that we've seen everywhere.
  • Long queues at the Colombo immigration office are a sure indication of a still badly ailing economy.
  • This is what can happen when a country's economy implodes.
  • You get mass economic migration.
  • A record 311,000 Sri Lankans left the country last year.
  • And this emigration has actually been encouraged by the country's president.
  • He wants Sri Lankans like these to leave the country, earn foreign currency, and send it back to Sri Lanka so the country can afford vital food and medicine supplies.
  • So tell us about where you and your family would like to go.
  • The UK, because my cousin is there.
  • She's in Kent, so I'm planning to move there for the moment.
  • And I hope she will help me to find a place.
  • Since I have two kids, it's very young, I don't want them to suffer anymore in this country.
  • Hopefully, we are looking at New Zealand, Australia or UK. Would you prefer to stay in Sri Lanka ideally?
  • Yeah, definitely, because here we are more stabilised.
  • We have our families, cousins, two friends, everyone.
  • So if we are moving to another country, definitely we have to start from the very beginning.
  • The emigration of these skilled workers could benefit Sri Lanka in the short term, but many fear the longer term scarring effects will be deep.
  • And so, Sri Lanka is a country that finds itself waiting for geopolitical rivalries to allow it to recover.
  • Waiting for the chance to leave this crisis behind.