Everyday word
restoreverb
To bring something back to how it was before.
Restore the stolen painting to its rightful owner.
Where you'll meet it: B1 · verb
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Usage insight
Weather vs. Whether: What’s the Difference?
Weather refers to atmospheric conditions like rain, sun or wind. Whether introduces a choice between alternatives or possibilities (whether or not). If you can’t swap in “if,” you don’t need whether.
Read the lessonWord in context
premisenoun
An idea that an argument or story is built on.
He premised these remarks so that his readers might understand.
How it's used: B2 · noun
Full word pageMini vocabulary set
Emotional Vocabulary
uneasyWorried or uncomfortable about something.gratefulFeeling thankful for something someone did.melancholyA feeling of thoughtful sadness.
See the full setWord worth knowing
proficiencynoun
Great skill or ability in doing something.
Why it's useful: B2 · noun
Full word pageA better word
very wet
soaked
Wet through, usually unintentionally.
Stop saying “very”Quick practice
The unknown young man _____ among the invited guests.
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Affect vs Effect
Affect
To influence or change something.
The rain affected our plans.
Effect
The result of a change.
The rain had an effect on our plans.
Affect is the action. Effect is the result of that action. If you can put 'the' or 'an' in front of it, you want effect.
Learn the differenceUsage insight
Words for Describing Someone’s Voice
Describe a voice by pitch (shrill, gravelly), volume and force (booming, faint), or emotional quality (soothing, clipped). Combining one trait from each category usually gives a fuller picture than piling on adjectives.
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articulateverb
Able to express ideas clearly and well.
The ankle bone articulates with the leg bones to form the ankle bones.
Why it's useful: B2 · verb
Full word pageDon't confuse these
Their vs There vs They're
Their
Belonging to them.
Their car is blocking the driveway.
There
In that place.
Put the boxes over there.
They're
Short for 'they are'.
They're waiting outside.
Their shows ownership, there points to a place, and they're is two words squeezed into one.
Learn the differenceQuick practice
The scientist proposed a new _____ to explain the strange phenomenon.
Full word pageSay this, not that
Kindly find attached the document in question.
The contract is attached.
Naming the document beats “the document in question”, and pointing to the relevant page saves the reader a scroll.
Sounding less formal (without sounding careless)Everyday word
obligationnoun
Something you must do because of a duty or promise.
He is under an obligation to finish the job.
Where you'll meet it: B1 · noun
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