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Breaking down the Supreme Court's ruling ending affirmative action in college admissions

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

you

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US / jʊ /

UK / ju /

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

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

can

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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

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)

what

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US / wɒt /

UK / hwɑt, hwʌt, wɔt, wʌt,hwət, wət /

A1
  • 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
  • pronoun
  • Thing or things that; the same kind as
  • Used to emphasize something you are about to say

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

will

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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

go

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US / ɡəʊ /

UK / ɡo /

A1
  • noun
  • A turn in a game
  • verb
  • To attend or be at a place
  • To do an activity
  • To function properly
  • To move or travel to another place

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

think

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US / θɪŋk /

UK / θɪŋk /

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

your

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US / jɔ: /

UK / jʊr, jɔr, jor,jə /

A1
  • determiner
  • Belonging to you; belonging to the other person

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

more

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US / mɔ:(r) /

UK / mɔr, mor /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • In addition; extra
  • Greater in amount, number, or size
  • adverb
  • To a greater degree; in greater quantity
  • For a longer period of time
  • determiner
  • Additional quantity
  • pronoun
  • A greater or additional number

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

because

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US / bɪ'kɒz /

UK / bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkʌz /

A1
  • conjunction
  • For a reason

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

good

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US / ɡʊd /

UK / ɡʊd /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Proper, appropriate or right
  • (Of an amount) enough; plenty
  • Excellent; high quality
  • Acting well or properly; of moral character
  • In a positive or happy emotional state
  • noun
  • Advantage or benefit

say

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US / seɪ /

UK / se /

A1
  • noun
  • Power to decide or greatly influence something
  • verb
  • To indicate or give information using language
  • To use words to tell your message
  • To ask someone to give information to others

how

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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)

really

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US / ˈri:əli /

UK / ˈriəˌli, ˈrili /

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

way

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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

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

very

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US / 'verɪ /

UK / ˈvɛri /

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

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

give

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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

people

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US / 'pi:pl /

UK / ˈpipəl /

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

let

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US / let /

UK / lɛt /

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

who

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US / hu: /

UK / hu /

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

need

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US / ni:d /

UK / nid /

A1
  • noun
  • Thing you must have and cannot not have e.g. air
  • Thing you must have and cannot manage without
  • verb
  • To be unable to manage without something; require

down

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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

which

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US / wɪtʃ /

UK / hwɪtʃ,wɪtʃ /

A1
  • determiner
  • Question word to ask about a person's choice
  • pronoun
  • (Used to describe something previously mentioned)
  • Question word to decide either, or

our

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US / 'aʊə(r) /

UK / aʊr /

A1
  • determiner
  • Belonging to us

use

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US / ju:s /

UK / ju:s /

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

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

something

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US / ˈsʌmθɪŋ /

UK / ˈsʌmθɪŋ /

A1
  • adverb
  • In some degree or measure
  • noun
  • a person or thing of some value or consequence
  • pronoun
  • Thing that is not yet known or named
  • Approximately

start

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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

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

those

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US / ðəʊz /

UK / ðoz /

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

tell

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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

mean

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US / mi:n /

UK / min /

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

his

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US / hɪz /

UK / hɪz /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Something belonging to a male person

feel

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US / fi:l /

UK / fil /

A1
  • verb
  • To be aware of or experience an emotion, sensation
  • To sense through direct contact; touch

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

why

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US / waɪ /

UK / hwaɪ, waɪ /

A1
  • adverb
  • Question word to ask for a reason
  • exclamation
  • (Used to express surprise or approval)

should

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US / ʃʊd /

UK / ʃʊd /

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

talk

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US / tɔ:k /

UK / tɔk /

A1
  • noun
  • Style of speaking
  • Discussion between two countries
  • Giving information in front of people; lecture
  • Saying things or ideas to someone with words
  • verb
  • To make a formal speech about something
  • To say things or ideas to someone with words

great

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US / ɡreɪt /

UK / ɡret /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Very large in size
  • Very important
  • Very good; fantastic; wonderful
  • adverb
  • Very good; better than before
  • noun
  • Successful and well-admired person

bit

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US / bɪt /

UK / bɪt /

A1
  • noun
  • Device put in a horse's mouth to control it
  • Small piece of something
  • verb
  • (E.g. of fish) to take bait and be caught

through

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US / θru: /

UK / θru /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • having finished using or doing something
  • adverb
  • From the beginning of something until the end
  • preposition
  • Over, in, across an entire thing or place
  • Allowing you to pass between, or to
  • By a particular way or process; by the use of

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

leave

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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

long

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US / lɒŋ /

UK / lɔŋ, lɑŋ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Large distance from one end to the other
  • Having many parts, e.g. a book with many chapters
  • adverb
  • For a large amount of time
  • noun
  • Person's name
  • verb
  • To have a strong desire for something or someone

she

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US / ʃɪ /

UK / ʃi /

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

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

help

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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

today

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US / tə'deɪ /

UK / təˈde /

A1
  • adverb
  • On this day; at the time that is happening now
  • noun
  • This day; day that is happening now

part

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US / pɑ:t /

UK / pɑ:rt /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • To some degree; half; not fully
  • noun
  • Division of a book
  • Ratio of something, e.g. 3 of gin, 1 of tonic
  • A line in a person's hair, made with a comb
  • Character an actor plays on stage, movie, or TV
  • Some, but not all of a specific thing
  • Role in causing something to happen
  • verb
  • To make a line in a person's hair, by using a comb
  • To move two things apart creating a space
  • To leave someone, or to break off a relationship

run

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US / rʌn /

UK / rʌn /

A1
  • noun
  • Journey between two places made by ship or car
  • Series of similar things or successes and failures
  • Act of running; exercise of running
  • verb
  • To depart or travel according to a schedule
  • To cause an animal to move in a certain direction
  • (Of an engine) to be operating
  • To start or use a computer program
  • To flow in a certain direction, like a liquid
  • To manage or operate a business
  • To operate or drive something
  • (Of a road) to go from one place to another
  • To move your legs faster than walking

thank

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US / θæŋk /

UK / θæŋk /

A1
  • verb
  • To tell someone you are grateful to them

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

hear

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US / hɪə(r) /

UK / hɪr /

A1
  • verb
  • To be aware of sound; to perceive with the ear
  • To be told or find out information or facts
  • To consider or listen to a court case

few

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US / fju: /

UK / fju /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Not many, a small number

both

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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

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

its

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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”

nice

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US / naɪs /

UK / naɪs /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being attractive or of high quality or value
  • Good or enjoyable
  • Being kind or friendly

idea

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US / aɪ'dɪə /

UK / aɪˈdiə /

A1
  • noun
  • Belief, thought, suggestion, opinion or plan

believe

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US / bɪ'li:v /

UK / bɪˈliv /

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

wait

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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

everyone

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US / ˈevriwʌn /

UK / ˈɛvriˌwʌn /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Every person; everybody

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

such

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US / sʌtʃ /

UK / sʌtʃ /

A1
  • adverb
  • (Used to emphasize the quality of an adjective)
  • determiner
  • Being similar to
  • (Thing) as previously stated or referred to

open

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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

learn

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US / lɜ:n /

UK / lɚn /

A1
  • verb
  • To get knowledge or skills by study or experience

reason

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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

sort

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US / sɔ:t /

UK / sɔrt /

A1
  • noun
  • Group or class of similar things or people
  • verb
  • To organize things by putting them into groups
  • To deal with things in an organized way

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

understand

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US / ˌʌndə'stænd /

UK / ˌʌndɚˈstænd /

A1
  • verb
  • To know the meaning of language, what someone says

line

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US / laɪn /

UK / laɪn /

A1
  • noun
  • Border that divides two places or regions
  • Long crease in the skin, often from age
  • Mark that is long, straight and very thin
  • Row of words, letters or numbers that are written
  • Telephone connection
  • People waiting one behind the other; queue
  • Long thin wire, e.g. for electrical signal
  • verb
  • To put material along the inside of something

include

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US / ɪnˈklu:d /

UK / ɪnˈklud /

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

fact

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US / fækt /

UK / fækt /

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

welcome

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US / 'welkəm /

UK / ˈwɛlkəm /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being what was wanted or needed
  • noun
  • Friendly greeting to someone who has arrived
  • verb
  • To greet someone who has just arrived
  • To accept or receive something happily and gladly

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

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

eat

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US / i:t /

UK / it /

A1
  • verb
  • To put food in your mouth

build

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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

house

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US / haʊs /

UK / haʊs /

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

past

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US / pɑ:st /

UK / pæst /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • No longer current or new
  • adverb
  • So as to go beyond, or further than something
  • noun
  • Time that existed before now, e.g. long ago
  • preposition
  • After a particular time
  • At a later point in distance; beyond

order

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US / 'ɔ:də(r) /

UK / ˈɔrdɚ /

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

pull

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US / pʊl /

UK / pʊl /

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

sense

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US / sens /

UK / sɛns /

A1
  • noun
  • Certain mental feeling or emotion
  • Normal or clear state of mind
  • Meaning of a particular word, phrase or text
  • verb
  • To perceive using sight, sound, taste touch etc.
  • To recognize the presence of something

everybody

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US / ˈevribɒdi /

UK / ˈɛvriˌbɑdi, -ˌbʌdi /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Every person; everyone

write

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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

along

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US / əˈlɒŋ /

UK / əˈlɔ:ŋ /

A1
  • adverb
  • As a companion; taken with someone
  • preposition
  • At a point on a line

whether

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US / ˈweðə(r) /

UK / ˈhwɛðɚ, ˈwɛð- /

A1
  • conjunction
  • If something will happen or not

body

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US / ˈbɒd.i /

UK / ˈbɑdi /

A1
  • noun
  • An object distinct from other objects
  • A group of people involved in an activity together
  • Main part of something
  • A person's physical self

read

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US / ri:d /

UK / ri:d /

A1
  • noun
  • Person's name
  • verb
  • To take a measurement of a meter (e.g. gas meter)
  • To predict your future from cards, a crystal ball
  • To look at and comprehend the meaning of a text
  • To understand something about a situation

country

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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

system

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US / 'sɪstəm /

UK / ˈsɪstəm /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Working in an organized, logical way
  • noun
  • Set of organized, planned ideas that work together

school

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US / sku:l /

UK / skul /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Being to do with schools and education
  • noun
  • Large group of fish that swim together
  • Education of a child
  • Building where you learn in classes with a teacher
  • A particular belief or idea about something
  • verb
  • To teach or train someone to know or do something

finally

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US / ˈfaɪnəli /

UK / ˈfaɪnəli /

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

state

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US / steɪt /

UK / stet /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning region within a country
  • noun
  • Region within a country, with its own government
  • Situation or condition something is in
  • verb
  • To say; declare as fact

consider

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US / kən'sɪdə(r) /

UK / kənˈsɪdər /

A1
  • verb
  • To think carefully about something

challenge

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US / 'tʃælɪndʒ /

UK / ˈtʃæləndʒ /

A2
  • noun
  • An activity you wish to try that may be hard to do
  • Act of formally inviting someone to compete
  • A question to determine correctness of something
  • verb
  • To formally invite someone to compete at something
  • To question the correctness of something

action

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US / 'ækʃn /

UK / ˈækʃən /

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

white

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US / waɪt /

UK / hwaɪt, waɪt /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Belonging to a race of people with light skin
  • Of the color of fresh snow and milk
  • noun
  • Person's name
  • Lightest color; The color of fresh snow.

color

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US / 'kʌlə(r) /

UK / ˈkʌlɚ /

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

history

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US / 'hɪstrɪ /

UK / ˈhɪstəri /

A2
  • noun
  • Established pattern or record
  • Study of past events as an academic subject

door

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US / dɔ:(r) /

UK / dɔr,dor /

A1
  • noun
  • You walk through this when you go in a room

ground

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US / graʊnd /

UK / ɡraʊnd /

A1
  • noun
  • Connection of electrical equipment to earth
  • Place where people play particular sports
  • Solid surface of the earth that we stand on
  • verb
  • To break (coffee, etc.) into tiny bits with machine
  • To make loud jarring noise by pressing hard
  • To make sharp or smooth through friction
  • To press together with force making a sound
  • To punish someone by not allowing them to go out
  • To hit the bottom
  • (Of boat) to hit the bottom so it cannot move
  • To prevent a plane from taking off
  • To place the ball over the goal line in rugby

opportunity

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US / ˌɒpə'tju:nətɪ /

UK / ˌɑpɚˈtunɪti, -ˈtju- /

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

blow

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US / bləʊ /

UK / blo /

A2
  • noun
  • Something that causes you difficulty or sadness
  • Act of making air come out of your mouth
  • A hit or strike from an object
  • verb
  • To move something using air
  • To make air come quickly out of your mouth
  • To clear something by forcing air through it

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

appreciate

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US / ə'pri:ʃɪeɪt /

UK / əˈpriʃiˌet /

A2
  • verb
  • To rise in value (of property or belongings)
  • To be thankful for; to value or admire

major

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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

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

choice

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US / tʃɔɪs /

UK / tʃɔɪs /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Of good quality or taste; desirable
  • noun
  • Decision between two or more possibilities

plus

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US / plʌs /

UK / plʌs /

A2
  • noun
  • A benefit or advantage
  • preposition
  • In addition; add
  • In addition to; Indicates a number above
  • Having a value greater than zero

tonight

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US / təˈnaɪt /

UK / təˈnaɪt /

A1
  • adverb
  • Night following this day
  • noun
  • This evening; the night of today

serve

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US / sɜ:v /

UK / sɚv /

A2
  • verb
  • To act in a particular position or office
  • To hit the first ball to an opponent in tennis etc.
  • To be used for a particular purpose
  • To give someone food or drinks
  • To give a person or group a service that is needed
  • To spend a particular amount of time in prison
  • To help customers find products and making sales
  • To give an official paper to appear in court

affect

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US / ə'fekt /

UK / əˈfɛkt /

A2
  • verb
  • To cause a change in something else

practice

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US / 'præktɪs /

UK / ˈpræktɪs /

A2
  • noun
  • The office and place for legal or medical work
  • Doing something many times to become better at it
  • verb
  • To work as a doctor or lawyer
  • To live according to the teachings of a religion
  • To do something many times to improve a skill

recently

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US / ˈri:sntli /

UK / 'risṇtlɪ /

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

note

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US / nəʊt /

UK / not /

A1
  • noun
  • Paper money
  • Comments at the bottom of a page or end of a book
  • A particular musical sound from voice, instrument
  • Short piece of writing to help remember something
  • verb
  • To make mention of something; to make a remark
  • To write brief comments to help remember something

student

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US / ˈstju:dnt /

UK / ˈstudnt, ˈstjud- /

A1
  • noun
  • Person studying at school

decade

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US / ˈdekeɪd /

UK / ˈdɛkˌed, dɛˈked /

B1
  • noun
  • Period of 10 years

race

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US / reɪs /

UK / res /

A2
  • noun
  • Speed contest between people, animals or vehicles
  • People who share physical features or culture
  • verb
  • To take part in a running or swimming competition
  • To move or go at a very fast pace
  • To take someone, something to a place very quickly

skill

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US / skɪl /

UK / skɪl /

A2
  • noun
  • Ability to do something well

president

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US / ˈprezɪdənt /

UK / ˈprɛzɪdənt,-ˌdɛnt /

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

american

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US / əˈmerɪkən /

UK / əˈmɛrɪkən /

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

skin

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US / skɪn /

UK / skɪn /

A2
  • noun
  • Outer covering of an animal used for leather; hide
  • Outer covering of a fruit or vegetable
  • Outer layer of an animal or human
  • Outer part of an object, such as a plane
  • verb
  • To defeat someone easily and completely
  • To hurt yourself, accidentally cutting yourself
  • To remove the outer covering from an animal

strike

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US / straɪk /

UK / straɪk /

A2
  • noun
  • A punch or hit
  • Fact of not hitting the ball when playing baseball
  • Refusal to work to get more pay, protest something
  • verb
  • To hit something
  • To suddenly become (e.g. rich)
  • To have an idea occur to you

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

announce

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US / əˈnaʊns /

UK / əˈnaʊns /

A2
  • verb
  • To make a public statement about a plan, decision

address

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US / ə'dres /

UK / əˈdrɛs /

A1
  • noun
  • Exact street location of a place
  • A formal speech to a group of people
  • verb
  • To write the place someone lives on a letter
  • To refer to someone or something formally
  • To make a formal speech to a group of people
  • To try to find a solution to; think about

law

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US / lɔ: /

UK / lɔ /

A1
  • noun
  • Field of study that relates to the legal profession
  • A rule made and enforced by a government
  • System or rules made by the government

recognize

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US / ˈrek.əɡ.naɪz /

UK / ˈrek.əɡ.naɪz /

A2
  • verb
  • To accept the truth or reality of something
  • To consider something as important or special
  • To accept the legal authority of someone, thing
  • To publicly show appreciation for someone's work
  • To know someone or something because you have seen or heard him or her or experienced it before

program

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US / 'prəʊɡræm /

UK / ˈproˌɡræm, -ɡrəm /

A1
  • noun
  • Small book of events in a play, concert or movie
  • A plan or schedule of events
  • Series of classes at a college or university
  • A computer application
  • TV show
  • verb
  • To make someone act or think in a certain way
  • To write computer code for a piece of software

opinion

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US / əˈpɪnjən /

UK / əˈpɪnjən /

A2
  • noun
  • Court judge's statement why a decision was made
  • A person's thoughts on a topic

measure

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US / ˈmeʒə(r) /

UK / ˈmɛʒɚ /

A1
  • noun
  • Plan to achieve a desired result
  • Tool used to calculate the size of something
  • verb
  • To determine the value or importance of something
  • To calculate size, weight or temperature of

twice

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US / twaɪs /

UK / twaɪs /

A1
  • adverb
  • Two times

lesson

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US / 'lesn /

UK / ˈlɛsən /

A1
  • noun
  • Something done to learn or teach something; class
  • Wisdom or knowledge received from an experience

negative

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US / 'neɡətɪv /

UK / ˈnɛɡətɪv /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Being harmful, unwanted or unhelpful
  • In mathematics, being less than zero
  • Focusing on the bad aspects; pessimistic
  • noun
  • The opposite to a positive electrical charge
  • In grammar, containing words such as 'no' or 'not'
  • Reply to a question or statement that means 'no'
  • Image on camera film used to make a photo

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

background

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US / ˈbækgraʊnd /

UK / ˈbækˌɡraʊnd /

A2
  • noun
  • Images, color, or information behind the main one
  • Someone's personal work and educational history
  • A position not as important as the main event
  • Past events that influence things in the present

specifically

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US / spəˈsɪfɪkli /

UK / spəˈsɪfɪkli /

A2
  • adverb
  • As regards a particular thing; closely related to
  • In particular

united

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US / jʊ'naɪtɪd /

UK / juˈnaɪtɪd /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Joined or combined together
  • verb
  • To join or come together for the same goal

factor

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US / 'fæktə(r) /

UK / ˈfæktɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Something that influences a result
  • verb
  • To consider or include in an estimate or judgment
  • To find the two numbers a number can be divided by

discuss

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US / dɪˈskʌs /

UK / dɪˈskʌs /

A1
  • verb
  • To talk about seriously or in great detail

text

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US / tekst /

UK / tɛkst /

A1
  • noun
  • Any form in which writing exists
  • Reading or audio passage, often a story or article
  • Written part of a book or other work
  • verb
  • To send a message by phone or other device

college

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US / 'kɒlɪdʒ /

UK / 'kɑːlɪdʒ /

A2
  • noun
  • School or educational institution for adults

equal

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US / 'i:kwəl /

UK / ˈikwəl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Same in shape, size, or number
  • verb
  • To add up or be the same as

majority

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US / mə'dʒɒrətɪ /

UK / məˈdʒɔrɪti, -ˈdʒɑr- /

B1
  • noun
  • Amount that is more than half of a group

otherwise

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US / ˈʌðəwaiz /

UK / ˈʌðɚˌwaɪz /

A2
  • adverb
  • In an additional or different way
  • Unless; or

ignore

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US / ɪɡ'nɔ:(r) /

UK / ɪɡˈnɔr, -ˈnor /

A2
  • verb
  • To not listen to, look at, or pay attention to

north

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US / nɔ:θ /

UK / nɔ:rθ /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Coming from the opposite direction to the south
  • noun
  • Direction to your left when facing the rising sun

policy

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US / 'pɒləsɪ /

UK / ˈpɑlɪsi /

A2
  • noun
  • Document stating terms of an insurance agreement
  • Course of action proposed by an organization, etc.

america

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US / ə'merɪkə /

UK / əˈmɛrɪkə /

A1
  • noun
  • The United States of America; North America and/or South America

legal

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US / 'li:ɡl /

UK / ˈliɡəl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Concerning the law; allowed by law

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.

herself

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US / hɜ:ˈself /

UK / hɚˈsɛlf /

A1
  • pronoun
  • Female person that did the original action

oppose

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US / əˈpəʊz /

UK / əˈpoʊz /

A2
  • verb
  • To fight against someone in a contest or game

divide

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US / dɪ'vaɪd /

UK / dɪˈvaɪd /

A2
  • verb
  • To split numbers by another number, e.g. 6 / 2 = 3
  • To separate something into equal pieces

justice

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US / 'dʒʌstɪs /

UK / ˈdʒʌstɪs /

A2
  • noun
  • Quality of being fair, equal, or just
  • Person in a court who judges criminal cases

cake

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US / keɪk /

UK / keɪk /

A1
  • noun
  • Sweet baked food made from flour, eggs, fat, sugar
  • verb
  • To cover with a thing that becomes hard when dried
  • To become dried into a hardened mass

university

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US / ˌju:nɪ'vɜ:sətɪ /

UK / ˌjunɪˈvɜrsəti /

A1
  • noun
  • High-level educational institution; college

alongside

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US / əˌlɒŋˈsaɪd /

UK / əˌlɔ:ŋˈsaɪd /

B1
  • preposition
  • Side by side with something

education

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US / ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃn /

UK / ˌɛdʒəˈkeʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Academic field studying the practice of teaching
  • Process of giving or receiving teaching

discussion

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US / dɪˈskʌʃn /

UK / dɪˈskʌʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Any long communication about a particular topic

afternoon

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US / ˌɑ:ftəˈnu:n /

UK / ˌæftərˈnu:n /

A1
  • noun
  • Time after 12:00 and before the evening meal

chief

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US / tʃi:f /

UK / tʃif /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • The one highest in authority or importance
  • noun
  • Leader of a race or group of people
  • The one highest in authority or importance

application

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US / ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃn /

UK / ˌæplɪˈkeʃən /

A2
  • noun
  • Software program, e.g. for smart phone
  • Process of spreading a substance over a surface
  • The specific use of a machine, idea, or discovery
  • Request for job, building permission etc.

pleasure

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US / 'pleʒə(r) /

UK / ˈplɛʒɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Feeling of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction

abandon

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US / ə'bændən /

UK / əˈbændən /

B1
  • noun
  • Wild, carefree behavior
  • verb
  • To discard or intentionally get rid of an item
  • To withdraw your support, or leave someone
  • To stop doing or having (hope, plans); give up
  • To leave a place, car and not go back
  • To surrender to a desire, with little self-control

identity

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US / aɪ'dentətɪ /

UK / aɪˈdɛntɪti /

B1
  • noun
  • Collection of qualities that makes a person

joe

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US / /

UK / /

A1
  • noun
  • An ordinary man.

inspiration

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US / ˌɪnspə'reɪʃn /

UK / ˌɪnspəˈreʃən /

B1
  • noun
  • Force making you feel you can do things, succeed

coverage

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US / ˈkʌvərɪdʒ /

UK / ˈkʌvərɪdʒ /

A2
  • noun
  • Type of programs a radio or TV station broadcasts

severe

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US / sɪ'vɪə(r) /

UK / səˈvɪr /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Very bad; harsh
  • Being very serious or extremely bad
  • (Of clothes, etc.) plain; simple; not decorated

participate

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US / pɑ:ˈtɪsɪpeɪt /

UK / pɑ:rˈtɪsɪpeɪt /

B1
  • verb
  • To take part with others in doing something

criticize

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US / ˈkrɪtɪsaɪz /

UK / ˈkrɪtɪˌsaɪz /

B1
  • verb
  • To assess the work of others
  • To say that someone or something is bad

washington

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US / 'wɒʃɪŋtən /

UK / 'wɑ:ʃɪŋtənˌ 'wɔ:ʃɪŋ- /

A1
  • other
  • A state in northwestern United States on the Pacific

crown

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US / kraʊn /

UK / kraʊn /

B1
  • noun
  • A gold ring put on a King or Queen’s head
  • An artificial cap on a tooth
  • Top part of something
  • other
  • To put a crown on to make someone a king/queen
  • verb
  • To officially give someone the winners title
  • To be made king or queen of a country
  • To be at the top of something

conservative

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US / kənˈsɜ:vətɪv /

UK / kənˈsɚvətɪv /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • (Of an estimate, price) set fairly low
  • Resistant to change
  • noun
  • Person with traditional ideas; doesn't like change

achievement

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US / əˈtʃi:vmənt /

UK / əˈtʃivmənt /

A2
  • noun
  • Something good that you have successfully done

fundamental

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US / ˌfʌndəˈmentl /

UK / ˌfʌndəˈmɛntl /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Forming a necessary part, base, or core
  • noun
  • A basic part of something
  • (Music) the lowest note in a harmony

author

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US / 'ɔ:θə(r) /

UK / ˈɔθɚ /

A2
  • noun
  • Person who writes books, plays, poems etc.
  • verb
  • To write book or articles

sixth

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US / sɪksθ /

UK / sɪksθ /

A1
  • noun
  • 6th

conclude

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US / kənˈklu:d /

UK / kənˈklud /

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

unexpected

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US / ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd /

UK / ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Surprising because it was not expected

permanent

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US / 'pɜ:mənənt /

UK / ˈpɚmənənt /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Lasting forever; not temporary or changing

analysis

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US / əˈnæləsɪs /

UK / əˈnælɪsɪs /

B1
  • noun
  • Careful study to better understand something

biden

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US / baɪd /

UK / baɪd /

A1

advocate

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US / 'ædvəkeɪt /

UK / ˈædvəˌket /

B1
  • noun
  • A lawyer who protects a clients interests
  • Person who supports a movement for changes
  • verb
  • To request change
  • To publicly support a belief

dominant

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US / ˈdɒmɪnənt /

UK / ˈdɑmənənt /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • The strongest; most powerful
  • Being the most common, significant or important

impose

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US / ɪmˈpəʊz /

UK / ɪmˈpoʊz /

A2
  • verb
  • To make someone to do or endure something

supreme

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US / su:ˈpri:m /

UK / sʊˈprim /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Greatest in degree/nature/quality; absolute best
  • Holding the highest power, status or authority

preference

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US / ˈprefrəns /

UK / ˈprɛfərəns, ˈprɛfrəns /

A2
  • noun
  • Something that is liked/wanted more than another

conscious

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US / ˈkɒnʃəs /

UK / ˈkɑnʃəs /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Aware of what is going on around you

analyst

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US / ˈænəlɪst /

UK / ˈænəlɪst /

B1
  • noun
  • Someone who is skilled at studying details of data

deem

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US / di:m /

UK / dim /

B2
  • verb
  • To judge something to be a certain thing, way

disappointment

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US / ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt /

UK / ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt /

B2
  • noun
  • Feeling or state of not being satisfied

liberal

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US / 'lɪbərəl /

UK / ˈlɪbərəl, ˈlɪbrəl /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Open-minded; willing to hear others' opinions
  • Political party for freedom and social change
  • Supporting progress and social change
  • Not being strict
  • noun
  • Someone who is open-minded and favors progress

racial

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US / ˈreɪʃl /

UK / ˈreʃəl /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Of or relating to race

geoff

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US / dʒɛf /

UK / /

A1

pursuit

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US / pəˈsju:t /

UK / pɚˈsut /

B1
  • noun
  • Act of following someone to catch them
  • Process of attempting to achieve a goal
  • Activity, hobby or sport, done for enjoyment

newshour

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US / /

UK / /

A1

govern

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US / ˈgʌvn /

UK / ˈgʌvərn /

B1
  • verb
  • To officially control land and make policies

jackson

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US / 'dʒæksən /

UK / 'dʒæksən /

A1
  • proper noun
  • An industrial city in south central Michigan; population 33,518 (est. 2008).
  • The capital of Mississippi, an industrial and commercial city in the central part of the state, on t
  • A commercial city in western Tennessee; population 63,158 (est. 2008).

essay

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US / 'eseɪ /

UK / ˈɛsˌe, ɛˈse /

B1
  • noun
  • Short piece of written opinion on a subject

asian

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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

skeptical

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US / 'skeptɪkəl /

UK / 'skeptɪkəl /

C2
  • adjecitve
  • Doubting that something is true/probable/useful

tolerate

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US / ˈtɒləreɪt /

UK / ˈtɑ:ləreɪt /

B1
  • verb
  • To be able to adjust to changes of various kinds
  • To be able to survive under specific conditions
  • To let people do, say or believe what they wish
  • To be able to drink (e.g. alcohol) without effects

thomas

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US / 'tɒməs /

UK / 'tɑməs /

A1
  • other
  • A radio broadcast journalist during World War I and World War II noted for his nightly new broadcast

constitution

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US / ˌkɔnstiˈtju:ʃən /

UK / ˌkɑnstɪˈtuʃən, -ˈtju- /

B1
  • noun
  • Statement of fundamental principles of a country
  • Condition of your health
  • Different parts that make something

admission

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US / ədˈmɪʃn /

UK / ædˈmɪʃən /

B1
  • noun
  • Act of allowing someone to enter
  • Taking responsibility for an error or mistake

irrelevant

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US / ɪˈreləvənt /

UK / ɪˈrɛləvənt /

A2
  • adjecitve
  • Not important; not related to the topic

discrimination

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US / dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn /

UK / dɪˌskrɪməˈneʃən /

B1
  • noun
  • Ability to recognize the difference between things
  • Treating people unfairly due to race, age etc.

constitutional

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US / ˌkɒnstɪˈtju:ʃənl /

UK / ˌkɑnstɪˈtuʃənəl, -ˈtju- /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Regarding laws that govern a nation and its people
  • Regarding the basic health, character of a person

carolina

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US / ˌkærə'laɪnə /

UK / ˌkærə'laɪnə /

A1
  • noun
  • Area of the states of North Carolina and South Carolina

prohibit

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US / prə'hɪbɪt /

UK / proˈhɪbɪt /

B1
  • verb
  • To make something impossible
  • To prevent, forbid to use or do something

inspirational

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US / ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃənl /

UK / ˌɪnspə'reɪʃənl /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Influencing someone to do something (good)

uphold

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US / ʌp'həʊld /

UK / ʌpˈhold /

B2
  • verb
  • To support to keep it being used as it should
  • To maintain an argument in spite of opposition

precedent

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US / ˈpresɪdənt /

UK / ˈprɛsɪdənt /

B1
  • noun
  • A similar action happening before now

amendment

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US / əˈmendmənt /

UK / əˈmɛndmənt /

B1
  • noun
  • A change, addition, or improvement to something

setback

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US / 'setbæk /

UK / ˈsɛtˌbæk /

C1
  • noun
  • Unfortunate happening that hinders or frustrates

discriminate

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US / dɪ'skrɪmɪneɪt /

UK / dɪˈskrɪməˌnet /

B1
  • verb
  • To distinguish the differences between things
  • To treat people unfairly because of race, age etc.

harvard

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US / ˈhɑːvəd /

UK / ˈhɑrvərd /

A1

ruling

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US / ˈru:lɪŋ /

UK / ˈrulɪŋ /

A2
  • noun
  • A legal decision about a court case
  • verb
  • To decide legally, especially in court
  • To have control or influence
  • To mark with a straight line

ideological

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US / ˌaɪdɪə'lɒdʒɪkl /

UK / ˌaɪdiəˈlɑdʒɪkəl, ˌɪdi- /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • In conformity with fixed ideas or beliefs

dissent

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US / dɪ'sent /

UK / dɪˈsɛnt /

B2
  • noun
  • Difference of opinion; a disagreement
  • verb
  • To differ in opinion

applicant

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US / ˈæplɪkənt /

UK / ˈæplɪkənt /

B1
  • noun
  • Someone formally expressing interest e.g. in a job

benign

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US / bɪˈnaɪn /

UK / bɪˈnaɪn /

C1
  • adjecitve
  • (Of cancer) not harmful or too serious
  • Kind and gentle

wrongly

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US / ˈrɒŋli /

UK / ˈrɔ:ŋli /

A2
  • adverb
  • In error; unfairly; unjustly
  • In a way that is untrue, unfair or incorrect

upend

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US / ʌpˈend /

UK / ʌpˈɛnd /

C2
  • verb
  • To overturn or turn up on end

roberts

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US / ˈrɔbəts /

UK / ˈrɑbəts /

A1
  • other
  • A Welsh pirate credited with having taken more than ships

affirmative

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US / əˈfɜ:mətɪv /

UK / əˈfɜ:rmətɪv /

B2
  • adjecitve
  • Saying 'yes'; confirming; agreeing to

unconstitutional

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US / ˌʌnˌkɒnstɪˈtju:ʃənl /

UK / ˌʌnˌkɑ:nstəˈtu:ʃənl /

C2
  • adjecitve
  • Not consistent with or according to a constitution

scathing

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US / ˈskeɪðɪŋ /

UK / ˈskeðɪŋ /

C1
  • adjecitve
  • Harsh

colorblind

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US / 'kɒlərblaɪnd /

UK / 'kɒlərblaɪnd /

A1
  • other

underrepresented

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US / ˌʌndəreprɪ'zentɪd /

UK / ˌʌndəˌreprɪ'zentɪd /

C2
  • adjecitve
  • Insufficient amount of support or representation

fiat

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US / ˈfi:æt /

UK / ˈfiət, -ˌæt, -ˌɑt, ˈfaɪˌæt, -ət /

C1
  • noun
  • Official order from a person of authority

sonia

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US / ˈsɒnjə /

UK / ˈsoʊnjə /

A1

construe

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US / kənˈstru: /

UK / kən'stru: /

C1
  • verb
  • To understand something in a particular way

touchstone

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US / 'tʌtʃstəʊn /

UK / ˈtʌtʃˌston /

B2
  • noun
  • Reference point against which things are evaluated

recuse

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US / rɪˈkjuːz /

UK / rɪˈkjuːz /

A1
  • noun
  • Challenge or except to a judge as being incompetent or interested, in canon and civil law

afoul

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US / əˈfaʊl /

UK / əˈfaʊl /

A1
  • adjecitve
  • Especially of a ship's lines etc.

ripcord

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US / ˈrɪpkɔ:d /

UK / ˈrɪpkɔ:rd /

A1
  • noun
  • Cord that is pulled to open a parachute

constitutionality

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US / ˌkɒnstɪˌtju:ʃəˈnæləti /

UK / ˌkɑ:nstəˌtu:ʃəˈnæləti /

C2
  • noun
  • Degree whether a law is allowed by a constitution

sotomayor

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US / ˌsɒstəˈnju:təʊ /

UK / ˌsɑ:stəˈnu:toʊ /

A1

colorblindness

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US / /

UK / /

A1
  • other

obliviousness

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US / /

UK / /

B2
  • noun
  • State of not having realized/remembered something

inure

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US / ɪˈnjʊə(r) /

UK / ɪˈnjʊr /

C2
  • verb
  • To cause to accept or become accustomed to

determinative

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US / dɪˈtɜːmɪnətɪv /

UK / dɪˈtɜːrməˌnetɪv /

B1
  • adjecitve
  • Having the power or quality of deciding
  • Introduction to Video Content
  • In a significant blow to affirmative action in higher education, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled against race-conscious admissions programs at both Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. The court's conservative majority, in a decision split along ideological lines, argued that these programs unfairly discriminated against white and Asian American applicants and favored students from underrepresented backgrounds. Chief Justice John Roberts, known for his skepticism towards such policies, authored the majority opinion. He expressed the view that universities have wrongly prioritized race over other factors, such as challenges overcome, skills developed, and lessons learned. President Biden criticized the rulings, emphasizing the importance of pursuing a more equitable higher education system. Although this ruling was not unexpected given the court's past decisions, it does overturn two previous rulings in support of race-conscious admissions programs. To gain further insights into this ruling, we turn to NewsHour Supreme Court Analyst Marcia Coyle, who provides valuable perspective on its implications.
  • Subtitles section
  • Welcome to the NewsHour.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court today dealt a major blow to affirmative action in higher education, striking down race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.
  • In rulings divided along ideological lines, the court's sixth justice conservative majority said the schools discriminated against white and Asian American applicants by using race-conscious policies that benefited students from underrepresented backgrounds.
  • Chief Justice John Roberts, who has long been skeptical of such policies, authored the majority opinion.
  • He wrote, many universities have concluded wrongly that the touchstone of an individual's identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned, but the color of their skin.
  • Our constitutional history doesn't tolerate that choice.
  • This afternoon at the White House, President Joe Biden criticized the rulings and said the country cannot abandon its pursuit of a more equal system of higher education.
  • JOE BIDEN, President of the United States of America, said, I know today's court decision is a severe disappointment to so many people, including me, but we cannot let the decision be a permanent setback for the country.
  • We need to keep an open door of opportunities.
  • We start our coverage tonight with NewsHour Supreme Court Analyst Marcia Coyle.
  • Marcia, it's great to have you here.
  • MARCIA COYLE, Supreme Court Analyst, NewsHour Supreme Court, Washington, D.C.: Nice to be here, Jeff.
  • And we should say this ruling was not unexpected, but the court twice upheld race-conscious college admissions programs in the past 20 years, to include as recently as 2016.
  • Help us understand how this ruling today upends decades of its own precedent.
  • MARCIA COYLE, Supreme Court Analyst, NewsHour Supreme Court, Washington, D.C.: Well, there has really been a fundamental divide on the court for almost 40 years on the constitutionality of race preferences.
  • The conservatives believe that they are unconstitutional.
  • The liberal justices feel that race preferences that are benign, that do give benefits, are good.
  • And the court has said that's one of the very, very few reasons that the Constitution will allow race preferences.
  • So that's why today it did upend, in a sense, what it had been doing for many decades.
  • I want to read a bit more from Chief Justice Roberts' opinion.
  • In the majority opinion, he notes, nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant's discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination,
  • Inspiration or otherwise.
  • So some people have taken that to mean that an applicant can write an essay about how race affected his or her life.
  • But in the court's opinion, how does the use of affirmative action in college admission practices run afoul of the Constitution?
  • Well, they cannot use it as a factor in admissions.
  • It can't be a dominant factor or the determinative factor.
  • It cannot be a plus factor.
  • It cannot be used in a negative way.
  • But the court did sort of leave the door open, and I think everyone's going to have to wait and see how this plays out, to admissions applications or essays in which an applicant talks about or discusses how race really affected that person's life,
  • Whether inspirational or not.
  • Justice Kintanji Brown-Jackson recused herself from the Harvard case because she had served for years on one of Harvard's governing bodies.
  • But she participated in the North Carolina case, and she wrote a scathing dissent, part of which reads this way, with, let them eat cake obliviousness, today the majority pulls the ripcord and announces colorblindness for all by legal fiat.
  • But deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life.
  • Tell us more about what she wrote alongside what we heard from Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who also dissented.
  • Well, both of them believe that there's nothing in the text of the 14th Amendment that prohibits racial preferences or race conscious measures.
  • And they both oppose this idea of a colorblind constitution.
  • This is something Justice Thomas has been advocating for decades.
  • In fact, today was sort of his crowning achievement that it's finally been recognized by the majority.
  • Justice Jackson used her dissent to very specifically address how the University of North Carolina's admissions policy worked, and how it has, its policy has really inured to the benefit of everybody,
  • Not just those students who were getting the racial preference.
  • And she also felt, as Justice Sotomayor did, that the court was ignoring the facts of life on the ground in order to impose this colorblind rule.
  • Marcia Coyle, thank you so much for your analysis.
  • We appreciate it.
  • My pleasure, Jeff.