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The rise and fall of Italy's warriors-for-hire - Stephanie Honchell Smith

Video vocabulary

the

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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

be

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US / bɪ /

UK / bi /

A1
  • verb
  • Being

and

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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

that

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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’

have

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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

not

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US / nɒt /

UK / nɑt /

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

for

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US / fə(r) /

UK / fɔr,fə /

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

this

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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

with

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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

about

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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)

get

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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

but

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US / bət /

UK / bʌt,bət /

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

they

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US / ðeɪ /

UK / ðe /

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

just

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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)

all

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US / ɔ:l /

UK / ɔl /

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

do

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US / du: /

UK / du /

A1
  • other
  • Question words for 'do' verbs
  • verb
  • To act; to perform actions
  • To be enough; to be acceptable
  • To have a certain effect on something or someone

like

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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

one

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US / wʌn /

UK / wʌn /

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

there

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US / ðɛə /

UK / ðɛr /

A1
  • adverb
  • Used to illustrate the existence of something
  • In a particular respect
  • In that place or position, at that location

out

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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

from

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US / frəm /

UK / frʌm, frɑm,frəm /

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

see

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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)

make

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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

know

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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

time

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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

want

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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

when

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US / wen /

UK / wɛn /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning or during the time something happens
  • adverb
  • Word you use to ask about the time, or day
  • conjunction
  • Although
  • In the event that; if
  • pronoun
  • Which time

would

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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

now

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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

some

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US / səm /

UK / sʌm /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Remarkable; very good (or very bad) in a way
  • Concerning a certain unclear degree, quantity
  • determiner
  • Used to refer to an unspecified amount or number
  • pronoun
  • Number of persons, things in a group, but not all

take

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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

here

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US / hɪə(r) /

UK / hɪr /

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

these

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US / ði:z /

UK / ðiz /

A1
  • determiner
  • People, things, or ideas near you
  • pronoun
  • The objects near the speaker

into

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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

well

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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

could

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US / kəd /

UK / kʊd /

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

other

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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

over

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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

much

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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

even

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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

who

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US / hu: /

UK / hu /

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

two

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US / tu: /

UK / tu /

A1
  • number
  • 2

try

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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

also

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US / 'ɔ:lsəʊ /

UK / ˈɔlso /

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

their

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US / ðɛː /

UK / ðer /

A1
  • determiner
  • Belonging to them

only

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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

work

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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

put

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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

off

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US / ɒf /

UK / ɔ:f /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • (Of event) canceled; no longer occurring
  • Not having on; not wearing
  • Being somewhat wrong
  • adverb
  • Separated, removed, or away from a place or route
  • (Of a machine) no longer turned on or operating
  • (Of light, computer) no longer attached/connected
  • Far away in terms of time or space
  • preposition
  • Away or free from work
  • (Of foods, drink) old and bad to eat, drink
  • Extending or leading from something
  • No longer in or on some transport or vehicle

still

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US / stɪl /

UK / stɪl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Quiet; without sound
  • adverb
  • (Used of an action or condition that is ongoing)
  • noun
  • Machine or device for making alcohol
  • Photograph (not a video or moving image)

find

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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

day

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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

his

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US / hɪz /

UK / hɪz /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Something belonging to a male person

new

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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

most

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US / məʊst /

UK / most /

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

year

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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

many

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US / 'menɪ /

UK / ˈmɛni /

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

keep

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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

video

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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

another

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US / əˈnʌðə(r) /

UK / əˈnʌðɚ /

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

end

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US / end /

UK / ɛnd /

A1
  • noun
  • The point where a process or activity stops
  • A point that marks the limit of something; finish
  • Goal or desired result
  • The tip, edge or limit of something
  • verb
  • To be the last part of something

might

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US / maɪt /

UK / maɪt /

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

play

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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

turn

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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

live

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US / lɪv /

UK / liv /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being broadcast as events happen, not recorded
  • Carrying electric current; able to give a shock
  • Glowing because burning; hot
  • Not yet killed (for food)
  • adverb
  • (Music, drama) as it is performed
  • verb
  • To be alive
  • To experience a particular type of life
  • To make your home in a house or town

move

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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

while

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US / waɪl /

UK / hwaɪl, waɪl /

A1
  • conjunction
  • In spite of the fact that; although
  • During the time that; at the same time
  • noun
  • Short amount of time

life

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US / laɪf /

UK / laɪf /

A1
  • noun
  • All the living things e.g. animals, plants, humans
  • Period of time things live, from birth to death

own

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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

away

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US / ə'weɪ /

UK / əˈwe /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Not present
  • adverb
  • Disappear completely
  • Doing something with a lot of energy
  • Not here; far from here; in a different direction
  • To a different area, location

man

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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.)

few

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US / fju: /

UK / fju /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Not many, a small number

number

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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

game

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US / ɡeɪm /

UK / ɡem /

A1
  • noun
  • Activity with rules that people play to have fun
  • Birds and animals people hunt to kill and eat
  • Match between two teams

enough

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US / ɪˈnʌf /

UK / ɪˈnʌf /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Sufficient to answer the need
  • adverb
  • To a satisfactory degree
  • pronoun
  • Equal to what is needed; as much as required
  • Adequate number or amount

high

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US / haɪ /

UK / haɪ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Excited or relaxed from taking drugs
  • Being of excellent quality or excellent standards
  • Larger than usual in number, amount or degree
  • Holding an important or powerful position
  • With a sound close to the top of the musical scale
  • Rising upward a great distance
  • adverb
  • At or to a place far above the ground
  • At a great value, amount or price
  • In a way that shows a lot of wealth
  • noun
  • (Weather) area of increased pressure

become

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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

each

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US / i:tʃ /

UK / itʃ /

A1
  • determiner
  • Every one of two or more things
  • pronoun
  • Per one person or thing

hold

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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

side

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US / saɪd /

UK / saɪd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • In addition to the central or most important thing
  • Next to, or very close to, the right or left of
  • noun
  • Position or opinion that is opposite to another
  • Right or left part of a person's body
  • Feature of someone's personality
  • Straight edge of an object
  • One of two or more groups fighting each other
  • verb
  • To decide to agree with one point, not the other

between

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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

without

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US / wɪˈðaʊt /

UK / wɪðˈaʊt, wɪθ- /

A1
  • preposition
  • Not with; not having

almost

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US / 'ɔ:lməʊst /

UK / ˈɔlˌmost, ɔlˈmost /

A1
  • adverb
  • Only a little less than, nearly, not quite

nothing

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US / 'nʌθɪŋ /

UK / ˈnʌθɪŋ /

A1
  • noun
  • Item of little or no value, importance, interest
  • Number or value of zero
  • pronoun
  • Not anything, not a single thing

win

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US / wɪn /

UK / wɪn /

A1
  • noun
  • Success in beating the other team or competitors
  • Success in a game or contest
  • verb
  • To get something as a prize because of a success
  • To gain something you want because of your efforts
  • To succeed in a game or contest

ready

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US / 'redɪ /

UK / ˈrɛdi /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being likely or about to do something
  • Being willing to do a task
  • verb
  • To prepare something for use or action

against

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US / əˈgenst /

UK / əˈɡenst /

A1
  • preposition
  • In physical contact with, as for support; next to
  • In opposition to; disagreeing with

begin

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US / bɪ'ɡɪn /

UK / ˈbeɡɪn /

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

walk

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US / wɔ:k /

UK / wɔk /

A1
  • noun
  • Journey on foot done for pleasure or exercise
  • verb
  • To move with your legs at a slowish pace

soon

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US / su:n /

UK / sun /

A1
  • adverb
  • At a time not long from now

course

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US / kɔː(r)s /

UK / kɔː(r)s /

A2
  • noun
  • The route or direction e.g. a river moves along
  • A series of lessons given over time
  • Part of a meal that is served separately
  • Place where horses etc. race against each other
  • Route or direction that a river, etc. moves along
  • verb
  • To flow somewhere rapidly and in great quantity

stand

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US / stænd /

UK / stænd /

A1
  • noun
  • Effort to fight against something
  • Piece of furniture; device to hold or support
  • Place in a stadium where spectators watch
  • Table where things are sold at a fair or market
  • verb
  • To be a candidate in an election
  • To be able to accept someone, something; bear
  • To last for a long time
  • To be upright; not be sitting or lying down
  • To place something in a particular position; place
  • To be (as stated)
  • To still be valid
  • To have an opinion about something

lead

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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

case

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US / keɪs /

UK / kes /

A1
  • noun
  • Container used to carry things, e.g. clothes
  • Set of facts about a crime
  • Set of facts about an event
  • Example or instance of something
  • verb
  • To find out about a place, as in planning to steal

deal

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US / di:l /

UK / dil /

A1
  • verb
  • To cope with something - usually troubles
  • To give (something bad e.g. news) to
  • To buy and sell illegal drugs
  • To give out (cards, etc.) to; distribute
  • To do business with someone or to sell products

word

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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

either

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US / ˈaɪðə(r) /

UK / ˈiðɚ, ˈaɪðɚ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • One of two (used when there is a choice of two)
  • adverb
  • (After negative statements) likewise, in addition
  • conjunction
  • Used as the first of two connected things
  • determiner
  • Used as the first of two connected things
  • pronoun
  • The one or the other

pay

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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

allow

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US / əˈlaʊ /

UK / əˈlaʊ /

A1
  • verb
  • To admit the validity or truth of something
  • To let or permit someone do something

free

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US / fri: /

UK / fri /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Living, happening without being controlled
  • Costing no money
  • Not working; not busy
  • verb
  • To release (e.g. bird) from a cage or prison

fast

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US / fɑ:st /

UK / fæst /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • In a way that is difficult to move or change
  • Moving or able to move quickly
  • Showing time that is later than the actual time
  • adverb
  • With a great deal of speed
  • noun
  • Period of time when a person chooses not to eat
  • verb
  • To refuse food for a long time

experience

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US / ɪk'spɪərɪəns /

UK / ɪkˈspɪriəns /

A1
  • noun
  • Thing a person has done or that happened to them
  • An event at which you learned something
  • Knowledge gained by living life, doing new things
  • verb
  • To gain knowledge by doing things

later

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US / ˈleɪtə(r) /

UK / ˈletɚ /

A1
  • adverb
  • Happening after now

power

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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

grow

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US / ɡrəʊ /

UK / ɡro /

A1
  • verb
  • To get bigger and more mature; make plants do this
  • To improve; to develop better skills over time
  • To develop and become bigger or taller over time

fight

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US / faɪt /

UK / faɪt /

A1
  • noun
  • An argument or quarrel
  • Act of trying to hurt someone by hitting them
  • A struggle to do a difficult task
  • verb
  • To argue or quarrel with someone about something
  • To try to hurt someone by hitting them
  • To struggle to do a difficult task

large

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US / lɑ:dʒ /

UK / lɑ:rdʒ /

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

control

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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

young

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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

act

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US / ækt /

UK / ækt /

A1
  • noun
  • What someone did; action; behavior
  • A law or rule passed by a government we must obey
  • One of the parts that a stage play is divided into
  • verb
  • To behave in a certain way
  • To perform on a stage or in a movie

sign

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US / saɪn /

UK / saɪn /

A1
  • noun
  • Indication that something exists or will happen
  • Motion or movement that expresses your thoughts
  • A board in the street that conveys information
  • Mark or symbol with an understood meaning
  • verb
  • To communicate by using ones hands and gestures
  • To write your signature on a document

force

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US / fɔ:s /

UK / fɔrs, fors /

A1
  • noun
  • Group of persons trained for military action; army
  • Pressure; attraction
  • The use of physical strength/violence to persuade
  • verb
  • To use physical strength or violence to persuade

forward

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US / 'fɔ:wəd /

UK / ˈfɔrwəd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Toward what is ahead; in front
  • Acting in a socially aggressive manner; pushy
  • adverb
  • Toward the front in place; in front
  • Toward a future time; to a more advanced state
  • verb
  • To send something to another address or person

reach

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US / ri:tʃ /

UK / ritʃ /

A2
  • noun
  • Power or control someone has over something
  • verb
  • To come to or arrive at a goal or destination
  • To be long enough to get to a certain place
  • To extend a hand or arm to touch or take something

quickly

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US / ˈkwɪkli /

UK / ˈkwɪklɪ /

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

business

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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

release

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US / rɪ'li:s /

UK / rɪ'li:s /

A2
  • noun
  • Act of freeing someone from a duty or burden
  • Introduction of a new product, film, book, etc.
  • Relief from sadness, suffering or trouble
  • Act of freeing from a jail, cage, prison, etc.
  • verb
  • To free someone from a responsibility or burden
  • To allow a film, music etc. to be sold/distributed
  • To allow to leave a jail, cage, etc.; let out
  • To let go of something you are holding

result

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US / rɪ'zʌlt /

UK / rɪˈzʌlt /

A2
  • noun
  • Something produced through tests or experiments
  • Final score of a competition, election or game
  • verb
  • To be the outcome of other causes and effects

hundred

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US / 'hʌndrəd /

UK / ˈhʌndrɪd /

A1
  • number
  • 100

offer

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US / 'ɒfə(r) /

UK / ˈɔfɚ, ˈɑfɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Price you say you are willing to pay for something
  • Act of making a thing available to be accepted
  • verb
  • To suggest a price you are willing to pay
  • To give the opportunity to accept something
  • To say you are willing to do something
  • To give or say something as an act of worship

thousand

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US / ˈθaʊznd /

UK / ˈθaʊzənd /

A1
  • number
  • Number 1,000

ability

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US / ə'bɪlətɪ /

UK / əˈbɪlɪti /

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

themselves

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US / ðəmˈselvz /

UK / ðɛmˈsɛlvz, ðəm- /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Reflexive form of 'they'

opportunity

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US / ˌɒpə'tju:nətɪ /

UK / ˌɑpɚˈtunɪti, -ˈtju- /

A2
  • noun
  • Time, situation when a thing might be done; chance

attack

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US / ə'tæk /

UK / əˈtæk /

A2
  • noun
  • Act intended to hurt someone physically, mentally
  • verb
  • To try to destroy, beat, or injure

provide

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US / prə'vaɪd /

UK / prəˈvaɪd /

A1
  • verb
  • To make available; to supply for use
  • To make certain something will happen or be done
  • To offer or give something that is wanted, needed

draw

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US / drɔ: /

UK / drɔ /

A1
  • noun
  • Something that attracts people to visit a place
  • A lottery or prize
  • Result of a game, contest where the score is equal
  • verb
  • To attract attention to someone or something
  • To get closer to or approach something or someone
  • To influence a person's involvement in something
  • To move an object by pulling
  • To create an image using pen or pencil and paper
  • To take one thing out of a container, etc.
  • (Of 2 teams) to finish a game with the same score

party

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US / 'pɑ:tɪ /

UK / ˈpɑrti /

A1
  • noun
  • Social event often with food, drinks and dancing
  • Group of people who travel, do something together
  • One side in a legal action or conflict
  • Official political group
  • verb
  • To attend, meet, gather at an event to have fun

simply

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US / ˈsɪmpli /

UK / ˈsɪmpli /

A1
  • adverb
  • In an easy or clear manner

several

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US / ˈsevrəl /

UK / ˈsɛvərəl,ˈsɛvrəl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Many of
  • pronoun
  • More than two but not a large amount

cost

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US / kɒst /

UK / kɔ:st /

A1
  • noun
  • A loss or damage occurring when meeting a goal
  • The price you pay for something
  • verb
  • To make someone suffer or lose something of value

rule

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US / ruːl /

UK / ruːl /

A2
  • noun
  • Something that is normal and usually happens
  • Governmental control or power over a region
  • Statement that says how things should be
  • verb
  • To decide legally, especially in court
  • To have control or influence
  • To mark with a straight line

sleep

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US / sli:p /

UK / slip /

A1
  • noun
  • Substance in a person's eyes after waking up
  • Period of time during which a person is asleep
  • verb
  • To have enough beds for
  • To rest your body in bed, as at night time

government

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US / ˈgʌvənmənt /

UK / ˈɡʌvənmənt /

A1
  • noun
  • Group of people and system that rule a nation

decision

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US / dɪ'sɪʒn /

UK / dɪˈsɪʒən /

A1
  • noun
  • Choice made after thinking; final judgment
  • Ability to make quick and confident choices

nearly

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US / ˈniəli /

UK / ˈnɪrli /

A1
  • adverb
  • Not completely; almost

corner

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US / 'kɔ:nə(r) /

UK / ˈkɔrnɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Place where two lines, sides, corners etc. meet
  • Edges of something, e.g. eyes, boxing ring
  • verb
  • To force into a position impossible to escape from
  • To go around a bend in the road (often by driving)

center

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US / 'sentə /

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 direct focus toward something

war

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US / wɔ:(r) /

UK / wɔr /

A2
  • noun
  • Situation where armies fight each other

easily

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US / ˈi:zəli /

UK / ˈizəli /

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

clearly

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US / ˈklɪəlɪ /

UK / ˈklɪrlɪ /

A1
  • adverb
  • In a way that is easy to understand; obviously

struggle

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US / 'strʌɡl /

UK / ˈstrʌɡəl /

A2
  • noun
  • Strong efforts made to do something difficult
  • verb
  • To try very hard to do something difficult

regular

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US / ˈregjələ(r) /

UK / ˈrɛɡjəlɚ /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Having an equal amount of space or time in between
  • Occurring or being done frequently
  • Being normal, usual, or average
  • noun
  • Customers who frequently visit a place
  • Soldier who has a permanent job in the army

battle

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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

powerful

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US / ˈpauəful /

UK / ˈpaʊəfəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Having control or influence over
  • Having a lot of physical force, energy, strength

local

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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

risk

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US / rɪsk /

UK / rɪsk /

A1
  • noun
  • Actions that cause potential problems
  • verb
  • To do something potentially dangerous or foolish

market

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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

launch

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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

truly

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US / 'tru:lɪ /

UK / ˈtruli /

A2
  • adverb
  • In accordance with truth, fact or reality; really

range

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US / reɪndʒ /

UK / rendʒ /

A2
  • noun
  • Cooking stove with multiple burners
  • Given distance from a point; how far plane can fly
  • Large grassy area where cattle wander and feed
  • Group or chain of mountains
  • Set of things with something in common
  • Limits within which something extends or varies
  • A set of products, e.g. so that people can choose
  • verb
  • To cover an area from one point to another
  • To extend to or vary within given limits
  • To put things in a row or in line
  • To wander or explore

despite

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US / dɪˈspaɪt /

UK / dɪˈspaɪt /

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

avoid

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US / ə'vɔɪd /

UK / əˈvɔɪd /

A2
  • verb
  • To prevent from happening
  • To stay away from

individual

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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

gain

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US / ɡeɪn /

UK / ɡen /

A2
  • noun
  • An increase in something, such as weight
  • verb
  • To increase in something, such as weight
  • To get something wanted, needed or valued

surprise

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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

heat

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US / hi:t /

UK / hit /

A2
  • noun
  • State of anger, excitement, or arguing
  • Particular temperature at which to cook something
  • High temperature
  • One of series of races to find the finalists
  • Hot temperature, conditions, or weather
  • verb
  • To make hot or hotter

town

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US / taʊn /

UK / taʊn /

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

benefit

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US / 'benɪfɪt /

UK / ˈbɛnəfɪt /

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

search

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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

replace

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US / rɪ'pleɪs /

UK / rɪˈples /

A2
  • verb
  • To use instead of something else
  • To return an item to its original location

generation

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US / ˌdʒenəˈreɪʃn /

UK / ˌdʒɛnəˈreʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Act or process of producing or causing something
  • People born and living at about the same time

training

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US / ˈtreɪnɪŋ /

UK / ˈtrenɪŋ /

A1
  • noun
  • Act of educating someone to get better at
  • 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

political

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US / pəˈlɪtɪkl /

UK / pəˈlɪtɪkəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Being active or interested in government matters
  • Diplomatic
  • Of the system of elections and government
  • Concerning government or public affairs
  • Involved in getting of power/influence in a group

court

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US / kɔ:t /

UK / kɔrt, kort /

A2
  • noun
  • Place king or queen meet people, makes laws etc.
  • Place where legal cases are decided
  • Large, flat area, to play tennis or basketball
  • verb
  • To act in a way to shows you wish to marry someone
  • To encourage dangerous behavior
  • To pay attention to someone to get their support

tight

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US / taɪt /

UK / taɪt /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Showing anxiety or anger; tense
  • Positioned physically close together
  • Managed or controlled in a strict and careful way
  • (Of road, bend) curving sharply
  • Drunk
  • Being equally matched in ability or score
  • Lacking extra space
  • Having limited time available
  • Being very limited in supply
  • Not generous; mean with money; stingy
  • (Rope or tie) pulled strongly
  • Being in a good solid relationship
  • adverb
  • Firmly; so it can't move

rich

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US / rɪtʃ /

UK / rɪtʃ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Having a lot of money or valuable possessions
  • Containing a lot of exciting events or experiences and therefore very interesting
  • (of a color, sound, smell, etc.) Pleasantly deep or strong
  • If food is rich, it contains a large amount of oil, butter, eggs, or cream.

trade

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US / treɪd /

UK / treid /

A2
  • noun
  • A specific industry, e.g. shoe making
  • Action of buying and selling things in business
  • The buying and selling of goods and services
  • Exchanging something for something else
  • Job often requiring physical skills, e.g. plumbing
  • verb
  • To buy, sell and exchange goods in business
  • To give something in return for something else

entirely

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US / ɪnˈtaɪəli /

UK / ɪnˈtaɪərli /

A2
  • adverb
  • Wholly; completely

english

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US / ˈɪŋglɪʃ /

UK / ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning the culture and people of England
  • noun
  • Language of the UK, USA, Nigeria and elsewhere
  • Person's name

defend

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US / dɪ'fend /

UK / dɪˈfɛnd /

B1
  • verb
  • To protect and explain your position in court
  • To protect against an attack
  • To try to prevent another team from scoring

enemy

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US / ˈenəmi /

UK / ˈɛnəmi /

A2
  • noun
  • Something that stops you doing what you want
  • Group, or people, you are opposed to

international

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US / ˌɪntə'næʃnəl /

UK / ˌɪntɚˈnæʃənəl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Of or relating to several countries
  • noun
  • Person playing sport for their country

peace

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US / pi:s /

UK / pis /

A2
  • noun
  • Calm and quiet state
  • Time when there is no war or fighting

military

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US / 'mɪlətrɪ /

UK / ˈmɪlɪˌtɛri /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning the army or navy
  • noun
  • Army or armed forces

engage

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US / ɪn'ɡeɪdʒ /

UK / ɪn'gedʒ /

A2
  • verb
  • To start to fight with an enemy
  • To hire someone for a task or job
  • To have or hold the focus or interest of someone
  • To carry out, participate in; be involved in

century

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US / 'sentʃərɪ /

UK / ˈsɛntʃəri /

A1
  • noun
  • Period of 100 years

artist

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US / ˈɑ:tɪst /

UK / ˈɑrtɪst /

A2
  • noun
  • A person skilled and creative in art e.g. painter

intense

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US / ɪn'tens /

UK / ɪnˈtɛns /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Very strong, great or extreme in degree

region

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US / 'ri:dʒən /

UK / ˈridʒən /

A2
  • noun
  • Part of a country, of the world, area, etc.

compete

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US / kəmˈpi:t /

UK / kəmˈpit /

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

crush

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US / krʌʃ /

UK / krʌʃ /

B1
  • noun
  • Strong attraction to someone
  • verb
  • To break something into small pieces by pressing
  • To defeat someone or something (in a game)
  • To damage something by flattening it
  • To cause someone to feel humiliated

victory

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US / 'vɪktərɪ /

UK / ˈvɪktəri /

B1
  • noun
  • Defeating or beating someone or something

typically

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US / ˈtɪpɪkli /

UK / ˈtɪpɪklɪ /

B1
  • adverb
  • In a normal or usual way

however

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US / haʊˈevə(r) /

UK / haʊˈevɚ /

A1
  • adverb
  • In whatever way; by whatever means
  • conjunction
  • (Used to introduce a counter statement)

john

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US / dʒɔn /

UK / dʒɑn /

A1
  • noun
  • A toilet.
  • A prostitute's client.
  • proper noun
  • (1165–1216), son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine; king of England 1199–1216; known as John Lack
  • The name of six kings of Portugal.

defeat

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US / dɪ'fi:t /

UK / dɪˈfit /

B1
  • noun
  • When you lose a fight, game or competition
  • verb
  • To beat an enemy, team, disease

hire

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US / ˈhaɪə(r) /

UK / haɪr /

A2
  • noun
  • Short term rental of something e.g. car, phone
  • verb
  • To give a job to someone in exchange for pay
  • To give the use of something in exchange for money

contract

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US / 'kɒntrækt /

UK / 'kɑ:ntrækt /

A1
  • noun
  • Legal agreement, e.g. for doing work for money
  • Agreement to pay someone to kill a person
  • verb
  • To become ill as a result of getting a disease
  • To make an agreement for doing work for money
  • To reduce in size, length due to heat loss
  • To reduce the amount of

golden

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US / ˈgəʊldən /

UK / ˈgoʊldən /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Dark yellow color often seen in sunsets
  • Made of gold
  • Very good; wonderful; (of possibility) exceptional

establish

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US / ɪˈstæblɪʃ /

UK / ɪˈstæblɪʃ /

A2
  • verb
  • To set or create something to last for a long time
  • To use facts, evidence to show truth or clarity

outfit

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US / 'aʊtfɪt /

UK / ˈaʊtˌfɪt /

B2
  • noun
  • A set of clothing (with accessories)
  • verb
  • To provide with clothing and other things

foreign

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US / ˈfɒrən /

UK / ˈfɔ:rən /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Being of a different place or country
  • Strange; different from ones found at home

army

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US / 'ɑ:mɪ /

UK / ˈɑrmi /

A2
  • noun
  • Large group of soldiers organized to fight in wars

gather

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US / ˈgæðə(r) /

UK / ˈɡæðɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Fold in cloth, as in a full skirt
  • verb
  • To bring objects together into one place
  • (Of liquids) To come to a head, as in boil
  • To collect foods such as wild berries or crops
  • To increase or accumulate
  • To bring people, animals together into a group
  • To activate strength, courage to prepare for task
  • To understand or believe some information

era

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US / 'ɪərə /

UK / 'ɪrə /

B1
  • noun
  • Period characterized by particular events, people

violence

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US / ˈvaɪələns /

UK / ˈvaɪələns /

B1
  • noun
  • Strong physical force of nature
  • Use of physical force to harm someone

killer

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US / ˈkɪlə(r) /

UK / ˈkɪlɚ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being appealing or funny
  • noun
  • Something that is a challenge to deal with
  • Person, thing or animal that kills

conflict

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US / 'kɒnflɪkt /

UK / ˈkɑnˌflɪkt /

A2
  • noun
  • Argument or struggle between two or more parties
  • verb
  • To have opposite ideas; to disagree; To not match

native

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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

regardless

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US / rɪˈgɑ:dləs /

UK / rɪˈɡɑrdlɪs /

A2
  • adverb
  • Without being affected or concerned by something

expectation

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US / ˌekspekˈteɪʃn /

UK / ˌɛkspɛkˈteʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Belief or hope that something is going to happen

agent

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US / 'eɪdʒənt /

UK / ˈedʒənt /

A2
  • noun
  • Chemical with the power to make chemical reactions
  • Person who represents or decides for others
  • A spy; someone who spies on other countries

deadly

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US / ˈdedli /

UK / ˈdɛdli /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Causing or capable of causing death
  • Being very accurate

mood

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US / mu:d /

UK / mud /

A1
  • noun
  • Emotion or a state of mind; how you feel

soldier

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US / 'səʊldʒə(r) /

UK / ˈsoldʒɚ /

B1
  • noun
  • Person working in an army to fight

origin

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US / ˈɒrɪdʒɪn /

UK / ˈɔrədʒɪn,ˈɑr- /

A2
  • noun
  • Point at which something begins or is created
  • Country or social group that a person comes from

attract

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US / ə'trækt /

UK / əˈtrækt /

A2
  • verb
  • To make something move closer using magnetic force
  • To make someone notice and become interested in

combat

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US / 'kɒmbæt /

UK / kəmˈbæt, ˈkɑmˌbæt /

B1
  • verb
  • To fight someone or something physically

spell

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US / spel /

UK / spɛl /

A2
  • noun
  • Making some magic happen; form of words to do this
  • Period of time; time when an action is being done
  • verb
  • To lead to future trouble
  • To be able to write (or say) the letters of a word

alternative

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US / ɔ:lˈtɜ:nətɪv /

UK / ɔlˈtɚnətɪv, æl- /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • A different choice
  • noun
  • Something different you can choose

dominate

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US / 'dɒmɪneɪt /

UK / ˈdɑməˌnet /

B1
  • verb
  • To be taller, bigger, or more physically obvious
  • To control; rule; enjoy a commanding position in
  • To be the most common, significant or important

fighter

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US / ˈfaɪtə(r) /

UK / ˈfaɪtɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Something or someone that fights

division

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US / dɪ'vɪʒn /

UK / dɪˈvɪʒən /

B1
  • noun
  • How many times a number is contained in another
  • One part of an organization
  • Act of dividing or separating into parts
  • Something that acts as a separating line or point

explosion

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US / ɪkˈspləʊʒn /

UK / ɪkˈsploʒən /

B1
  • noun
  • Loud and sudden expression of emotion
  • Sudden increase of something
  • Violent release of energy (e.g. from a bomb)

profit

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US / 'prɒfɪt /

UK / 'prɑ:fɪt /

A2
  • noun
  • Benefit from doing something
  • Money earned from sales, after costs are deducted
  • verb
  • To be a benefit to someone
  • To earn money from something

elite

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US / iˈliːt /

UK / iˈliːt /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Belonging to the richest, most powerful, best-educated, or best-trained group in a society
  • noun
  • The richest, most powerful, best-educated, or best-trained group in a society

church

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US / tʃɜ:tʃ /

UK / tʃɚtʃ /

A1
  • noun
  • Building where Christians gather and pray to God
  • An occasion of Christian religious prayer, worship

rarely

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US / ˈrɛəli /

UK / ˈrɛrli /

A2
  • adverb
  • Not often (seen, done, etc.); infrequently

income

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US / ˈɪnkʌm /

UK / ˈɪnˌkʌm /

A1
  • noun
  • Earned money from work, investments or business

regularly

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US / ˈregjələli /

UK / ˈregjələrli /

B1
  • adverb
  • At the usual time each day, week, or month

ongoing

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US / ˈɒngəʊɪŋ /

UK / ˈɑ:ngoʊɪŋ /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Continuing to exist or be in progress

cultural

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US / ˈkʌltʃərəl /

UK / ˈkʌltʃərəl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Of a particular society's customs and beliefs
  • Of arts, music, literature, theater

primarily

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US / praɪˈmerəli /

UK / praɪˈmɛrəli, -ˈmɛr- /

A2
  • adverb
  • In the most basic or important way

increasingly

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US / ɪnˈkri:sɪŋli /

UK / ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli /

A2
  • adverb
  • More and more; in greater degree or amount

veteran

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US / 'vetərən /

UK / ˈvɛtərən /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Experienced through long service or practice
  • noun
  • Person experienced through long service

europe

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US / ˈjʊərəp /

UK / ˈjʊrəp /

A1
  • noun
  • A continent including Germany, France and Spain
  • other
  • The second smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use 'Europe' to re

england

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US / 'ɪŋɡlənd /

UK / ˈɪŋɡlənd /

A1
  • proper noun
  • A European country that forms the largest and most southern part of Great Britain and of the United

tense

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US / tens /

UK / tɛns /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Unable to relax; feeling nervous or stressed
  • Stretched tight and stiff
  • noun
  • The use of grammar to state the time things happen
  • verb
  • To tighten the muscles, a rope, etc.

humble

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US / 'hʌmbl /

UK / ˈhʌmbəl /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Being lower in quality or status
  • Not proud/arrogant; of low status
  • verb
  • To make someone feel less proud or confident

fulfil

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US / fʊlˈfɪl /

UK / fʊlˈfɪl /

B1
  • verb
  • To finish or provide something successfully
  • To make real, to bring into effect

attractive

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US / əˈtræktɪv /

UK / əˈtræktɪv /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Making you like them, as by being good-looking

dimension

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US / daɪˈmenʃn /

UK / dɪˈmɛnʃən, daɪ- /

B1
  • noun
  • Number of planes (X, Y, Z axes) an object has
  • Measurement in space, e.g. length or diameter
  • Scope, extent or size of something abstract

payment

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US / ˈpeɪmənt /

UK / ˈpemənt /

A2
  • noun
  • Amount of money that is paid for something

representative

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US / ˌreprɪˈzentətɪv /

UK / ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntətɪv /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Acting or speaking for other people
  • Typical of a particular group or thing
  • noun
  • Typical example of a particular category
  • Politician who acts on behalf of the people
  • A person who acts as an agent or sales person

temporary

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US / ˈtemprəri /

UK / 'tempəreri /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Continuing for a limited time; not permanent

wealthy

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US / ˈwelθi /

UK / ˈwɛlθi /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Having a great quantity of money or property

fortune

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US / 'fɔ:tʃu:n /

UK / ˈfɔrtʃən /

B1
  • noun
  • What might happen to you in the future
  • Chance or luck, particularly good luck
  • Very large amount of money

raid

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US / reɪd /

UK / red /

B1
  • noun
  • Sudden entry by police; surprise attack by army
  • (Army) to suddenly enter or attack a place
  • verb
  • (Army) to suddenly enter or attack a place
  • To suddenly enter or attack, e.g. to steal or harm

unnecessary

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US / ʌnˈnesəsəri /

UK / ʌnˈnesəseri /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Being more than needed or not needed

glory

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US / 'ɡlɔ:rɪ /

UK / ˈɡlɔri, ˈɡlori /

B1
  • noun
  • State of having respect, honor or pride
  • Condition of great beauty, success, or influence

purely

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US / ˈpjʊəli /

UK / ˈpjʊrli /

A2
  • adverb
  • For no other reason; only and completely

encouraging

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US / ɪn'kʌrɪdʒɪŋ /

UK / ɛnˈkə:rədʒɪŋ, -ˈkʌr- /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Giving support to make more determined, confident
  • verb
  • To increase the chance of something happening
  • To make someone more determined or confident

clash

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US / klæʃ /

UK / klæʃ /

B1
  • noun
  • A conflict; disagreement
  • verb
  • To have a disagreement or fight over something
  • (Of colors) to not suit or match appealingly

distribution

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US / ˌdɪstrɪˈbju:ʃn /

UK / ˌdɪstrəˈbjuʃən /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Sending products to stores to sell
  • noun
  • Dividing or spreading out to others
  • Act of sending products to stores to sell
  • Act of spreading something over an area
  • An arrangement of values showing frequency

july

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US / dʒuˈlaɪ /

UK / dʒʊˈlaɪ /

A1
  • noun
  • 7th month of the year

leverage

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US / 'li:vərɪdʒ /

UK / ˈlɛvərɪdʒ, ˈlivə- /

B2
  • noun
  • An advantage which gives you influence or power
  • verb
  • To use an advantage which gives you influence

france

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US / frɑːns /

UK / fræns /

A1
  • noun
  • A republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

dawn

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US / dɔ:n /

UK / dɔn /

B1
  • noun
  • First light of day
  • Person's name
  • verb
  • To begin to grow light as the sun rises
  • To begin to be understood for the first time

extensive

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US / ɪkˈstensɪv /

UK / ɪkˈstɛnsɪv /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Large; full or complete

elaborate

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US / ɪ'læbəreɪt /

UK / ɪˈlæbəret /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Made or done with great care or in a detailed way
  • verb
  • To explain something in detail
  • To be made or explained with great care/in detail

arrival

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US / əˈraɪvl /

UK / əˈraɪvəl /

A1
  • noun
  • When someone or something gets to at a place

italian

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US / ɪ'tælɪən /

UK / ɪˈtæljən /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning the culture and people of Italy
  • noun
  • Person from Italy

merely

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US / ˈmiəli /

UK / ˈmɪrli /

B1
  • adverb
  • Only, simply, or nothing more than

midst

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US / mɪdst /

UK / mɪdst, mɪtst /

B2
  • noun
  • Middle area or part of something

hail

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US / heɪl /

UK / hel /

B2
  • noun
  • Small hard pieces of ice from rain storms
  • Bullets, stones etc. flying through the air
  • verb
  • To speak of something with admiration/excitement
  • To call out to (taxi) to get it to pick you up
  • To fly, fall together through the air
  • Used to say that hail is falling

commander

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US / kəˈmɑ:ndə(r) /

UK / kəˈmændə(r) /

B1
  • noun
  • Person with authority who commands or controls

farming

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US / ˈfɑ:miŋ /

UK / ˈfɑrmɪŋ /

A1
  • noun
  • Act of growing crops or raising animals
  • verb
  • To use land for raising plants or animals for food

expire

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US / ɪk'spaɪə(r) /

UK / ɪkˈspaɪr /

B2
  • verb
  • To breathe out
  • To die
  • To come to the end of the time it is valid

loyalty

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US / ˈlɔɪəlti /

UK / ˈlɔɪəlti /

B2
  • noun
  • Complete and sustained support for person, thing

ruler

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US / ˈru:lə(r) /

UK / ˈrulɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Someone who has control over a country or area
  • Straight instrument used for measuring things

warfare

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US / ˈwɔ:fɛə /

UK / ˈwɔrˌfɛr /

B2
  • noun
  • Methods used by those fighting in a war
  • Long, sometimes violent struggle between groups

rivalry

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US / 'raɪvlrɪ /

UK / ˈraɪvəlri /

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

excel

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US / ɪkˈsel /

UK / ɪkˈsɛl /

B2
  • verb
  • To perform an activity better than others

specify

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US / ˈspesɪfaɪ /

UK / ˈspɛsəˌfaɪ /

A2
  • verb
  • To state, name or mention exactly and clearly

ruthless

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US / ˈru:θləs /

UK / ˈruθlɪs /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Not considering the feelings or health of others

hostage

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US / 'hɒstɪdʒ /

UK / ˈhɑstɪdʒ /

B2
  • noun
  • Person held prisoner to get a demand satisfied

massacre

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US / 'mæsəkə(r) /

UK / ˈmæsəkɚ /

B2
  • noun
  • Killing of a large number of people
  • verb
  • To kill a large number of people

formidable

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US / ˈfɔ:mɪdəbl /

UK / ˈfɔ:rmɪdəbl /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Powerful; causing fear and deserving respect
  • Being very hard to deal with or overcome

renowned

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US / rɪˈnaʊnd /

UK / rɪˈnaʊnd /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Widely known and esteemed

synonymous

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US / sɪˈnɒnɪməs /

UK / sɪˈnɑnəməs /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Having the same meaning as another word
  • Strongly suggesting an idea/quality; equal to

dynasty

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US / ˈdɪnəsti /

UK / ˈdaɪnəsti /

B1
  • noun
  • Family that controls a country for a long time
  • Period of time that a family has ruled

naval

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US / ˈneɪvl /

UK / ˈnevəl /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning a navy or ships used in war

merchant

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US / ˈmɜ:tʃənt /

UK / ˈmɜ:rtʃənt /

B1
  • noun
  • Someone who buys and sells goods
  • Person who buys, sells, or trades different goods

catholic

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US / ˈkæθlɪk /

UK / ˈkæθəlɪk, ˈkæθlɪk /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • One of many Christian belief systems
  • noun
  • Person believing in the Catholic church

weaponry

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US / ˈwepənri /

UK / ˈwɛpənri /

C1
  • noun
  • Collection of weapons and weapon-like instruments

thinker

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US / 'θɪŋkə(r) /

UK / ˈθɪŋkɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Person studying important matters, creating ideas

leash

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US / li:ʃ /

UK / li:ʃ /

B1
  • noun
  • Chain, strap, etc. for controlling an animal

mercenary

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US / ˈmɜ:sənəri /

UK / ˈmɜ:rsəneri /

C1
  • adjecitve
  • (Of soldiers) hired to fight for another country

savvy

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US / 'sævɪ /

UK / ˈsævi /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Wise; Not easily fooled; Street smart

revolt

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US / rɪ'vəʊlt /

UK / rɪˈvolt /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Causing you to feel distaste or shock
  • noun
  • Protest against authority; fight to take control
  • Often violent rising up against a government
  • verb
  • To refuse to obey someone's authority or wishes
  • To cause someone to feel distaste or shock

prestige

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US / preˈsti:ʒ /

UK / prɛˈstiʒ, -ˈstidʒ /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • having or showing success, rank, wealth, etc.
  • noun
  • High respect and status, as from being successful

renaissance

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US / rɪˈneɪsns /

UK / ˈrenəsɑ:ns /

B1
  • noun
  • Period of intense activity in art and science
  • Renewed interest in a particular field or subject

bandit

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US / ˈbændɪt /

UK / ˈbændɪt /

B2
  • noun
  • Robber or outlaw belonging to a gang

combatant

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US / ˈkɒmbətənt /

UK / kəmˈbætn:t,ˈkɑmbətn:t /

B2
  • noun
  • Person in a fight or war

conquest

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US / ˈkɒŋkwest /

UK / ˈkɑ:ŋkwest /

B2
  • noun
  • Land or a nation won or taken by force, an army

gunpowder

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US / ˈɡʌnpaʊdə(r) /

UK / ˈɡʌnpaʊdər /

C2
  • noun
  • Chemical used in fireworks, to fire cannon, etc.

truce

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US / tru:s /

UK / trus /

B2
  • noun
  • Agreement between opponents to stop fighting

plunder

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US / 'plʌndə(r) /

UK / ˈplʌndɚ /

C1
  • noun
  • Things taken violently or by force
  • verb
  • To take steal forcefully and unlawfully in wartime

counterattack

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US / 'kaʊntərəˌtæk /

UK / ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk /

C1
  • noun
  • An attack against an enemy that already attacked
  • verb
  • To fight an enemy that already attacked you

outclass

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US / ˌaʊtˈklɑːs /

UK / ˌaʊtˈklæs /

C2
  • verb
  • To be better than others; outperform

awoke

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US / əˈwəʊk /

UK / əˈwoʊk /

A2
  • verb
  • To wake from sleep; wake someone from sleep

florence

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US / 'flɔ:rəns, 'flɒr- /

UK / 'flɔ:rənsˌ 'flɑ:r- /

A1
  • proper noun
  • A city in western central Italy, the capital of Tuscany, on the Arno River; population 365,659 (2008
  • An industrial and commercial city in northwestern Alabama, on the Tennessee River, east of Muscle Sh
  • A city in northern Kentucky, southwest of Covington; population 27,745 (est. 2008).
  • A commercial city in northeastern South Carolina; population 31,570 (est. 2008).

pillage

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US / 'pɪlɪdʒ /

UK / ˈpɪlɪdʒ /

C1
  • verb
  • To steal things after a war or battle

ottoman

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US / 'ɒtəmən /

UK / 'ɑ:təmən /

A1
  • noun
  • A Turk (especially a Turk who is a member of the tribe of Osman I)
  • other
  • Of or relating to the Ottoman Empire or its people or its culture
  • The Turkish dynasty that ruled the Ottoman Empire from the th century to its dissolution after World
  • Thick cushion used as a seat

merciful

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US / ˈmɜ:sɪfl /

UK / ˈmə:sɪfəl /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Showing or giving kind instead of harsh treatment

cowardice

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US / ˈkaʊədɪs /

UK / ˈkaʊərdɪs /

C1
  • noun
  • Lack of courage; tendency to run away from danger

connive

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US / kəˈnaɪv /

UK / kəˈnaɪv /

C2
  • verb
  • To encourage or agree to something wrong/illegal

pisa

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US / ˈpi:zə /

UK / ˈpizə, -zɑ /

A1
  • proper noun
  • A city in northern Italy, in Tuscany, on the Arno River; population 87,398 (2008). It is noted for t

florentine

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US / 'flɒrəntaɪn /

UK / 'flɔ:rənti:n /

A1
  • noun
  • A native or resident of Florence, Italy

cossack

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US / ˈkɒsæk /

UK / ˈkɔsək /

C1
  • noun
  • Member of various Russian ethnic groups
  • Introduction to Video Content
  • The rise and fall of Italy's warriors-for-hireAt dawn on July 29, 1364, John Hawkwood, an English soldier turned contract mercenary, led a surprise attack against an army of sleeping Florentine mercenaries. The enemy commander quickly awoke and gathered his men to launch a counterattack. But as soon as the defending army was ready to fight, Hawkwood's fighters simply turned and walked away. This wasn't an act of cowardice. These mercenaries, known as condottieri, had simply done just enough fighting to fulfill their contracts. And for Italy's condottieri, war wasn't about glory or conquest. It was purely about getting paid.For much of the 14th and 15th centuries, the condottieri dominated Italian warfare, profiting from and encouraging the region's intense political rivalries. The most powerful of these regions were ruled either by wealthy representatives of the Catholic Church or merchants who'd grown rich from international trade. These rulers competed for power and prestige by working to attract the most talented artists and thinkers to their courts, leading to a cultural explosion now known as the Italian Renaissance. But local rivalries also played out in military conflicts, fought almost entirely by the condottieri.Many of these elite mercenaries were veterans of the Hundred Years' War, hailing from France and England. When that war reached a temporary truce in 1360, some soldiers began pillaging France in search of fortune. And the riches they found in Catholic churches drew their raiding parties to the center of the church's operations—Italy. But here, savvy ruling merchants saw these bandits' arrival as a golden opportunity. By hiring the soldiers as mercenaries, they could control the violence and gain an experienced army without the cost of outfitting and training locals.
  • Subtitles section
  • At dawn on July 29, 1364, John Hawkwood, an English soldier turned contract mercenary, led a surprise attack against an army of sleeping Florentine mercenaries.
  • The enemy commander quickly awoke and gathered his men to launch a counterattack.
  • But as soon as the defending army was ready to fight, Hawkwood's fighters simply turned and walked away.
  • This wasn't an act of cowardice.
  • These mercenaries, known as condottieri, had simply done just enough fighting to fulfill their contracts.
  • And for Italy's condottieri, war wasn't about glory or conquest.
  • It was purely about getting paid.
  • For much of the 14th and 15th centuries, the condottieri dominated Italian warfare, profiting from and encouraging the region's intense political rivalries.
  • The most powerful of these regions were ruled either by wealthy representatives of the Catholic Church or merchants who'd grown rich from international trade.
  • These rulers competed for power and prestige by working to attract the most talented artists and thinkers to their courts, leading to a cultural explosion now known as the Italian Renaissance.
  • But local rivalries also played out in military conflicts, fought almost entirely by the condottieri.
  • Many of these elite mercenaries were veterans of the Hundred Years' War, hailing from France and England.
  • When that war reached a temporary truce in 1360, some soldiers began pillaging France in search of fortune.
  • And the riches they found in Catholic churches drew their raiding parties to the center of the church's operations—Italy.
  • But here, savvy ruling merchants saw these bandits' arrival as a golden opportunity.
  • By hiring the soldiers as mercenaries, they could control the violence and gain an experienced army without the cost of outfitting and training locals.
  • The mercenaries liked this deal as well, as it offered regular income and the ability to play these rulers off each other for their own benefit.
  • Of course, these soldiers had to be kept on a tight leash.
  • Rulers forced them to sign elaborate contracts, or condotta, a word that became synonymous with the mercenaries themselves.
  • Divisions of payment, distribution of plunder, non-compete agreements—it was all spelled out clearly, making war merely another dimension of business.
  • Contracts specified the number of men a commander would provide, and the resulting armies ranged from a few hundred to several thousand.
  • Individual soldiers regularly moved between armies in search of higher payments, and when their contracts expired, condottieri commanders became free agents, with no expectation of ongoing loyalty.
  • When John Hawkwood launched his surprise attack against the Florentine condottieri, he was working for Pisa.
  • Later, he would fight for Florence and many of Pisa's other enemies.
  • But regardless of who was contracting them, the condottieri fought primarily for themselves.
  • Their extensive military experience allowed them to avoid taking unnecessary risks in the heat of battle, and while still deadly, their clashes rarely led to crushing victories or defeats.
  • Condottieri commanders wanted battles to be inconclusive—after all, if they established peace, they'd put themselves out of business.
  • So even when one side did win, enemy combatants were typically held hostage and released to fight another day.
  • But there was nothing merciful about these decisions.
  • Contracts could just as easily turn them into ruthless killers, as in 1377 when Hawkwood led the massacre of a famine-stricken town who tried to revolt against the local government.
  • Over time, foreign condottieri were increasingly replaced by native Italians.
  • For young men from humble origins, war for profit offered an attractive alternative to farming or the church, and this new generation of condottieri leveraged their military power into political influence—in some cases,
  • Even founding ruling dynasties.
  • However, despite cornering the market on Italian warfare for nearly two centuries, the condottieri only truly excelled at engaging in just enough close-range combat to fulfill their contracts.
  • Over time, they became outclassed by the gunpowder weaponry of France and Spain's large standing armies, as well as the naval might of the Ottomans.
  • By the mid-16th century, these state-sponsored militaries forced all of Europe into a new era of warfare, putting an end to the condottieri's conniving war games.
  • Fast forward a few hundred years.
  • The year is 1676, and the mood is tense for the Zaporozhian Cossacks.
  • Renowned as one of Europe's most formidable military forces, they are in the midst of a power struggle.
  • Live a day in the life of a Cossack soldier with this video.