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Usage insight
Petrichor, susurrus, gloaming, apricity, aureate, verdant, and halcyon each capture a specific natural phenomenon or quality, from the smell of rain to a spell of calm weather, more precisely than a generic description could.
Read the lessonWord in context
The ability to recover quickly after difficulty, or to withstand pressure without breaking.
The resilience of this foam allows it to regain its shape after compression.
How it's used: C1 · noun
Full word pageWord worth knowing
Not proud; not thinking you are better than others.
Why it's useful: B2 · adjective
Full word pageA better word
very sure
certain
No remaining doubt.
Stop saying “very”Quick practice
I _____ him that traveling to Cambodia was safe.
Full word pageDon't confuse these
Jealous
Afraid of losing something you already have.
He got jealous when she spent the evening talking to someone else.
Envious
Wanting something that someone else has.
I'm envious of her ability to fall asleep anywhere.
Jealousy is about keeping. Envy is about wanting. Everyday speech blurs them, but careful writing keeps them apart.
Learn the differenceUsage insight
Assure means to reassure a person (I assure you it’s fine). Ensure means to make certain something happens (ensure the door is locked). Insure means to arrange financial protection against loss (insure the car).
Read the lessonWord worth knowing
The feeling or idea a word suggests beyond its basic meaning.
Why it's useful: C1 · noun
Full word pageDon't confuse these
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 differenceQuick practice
The detailed _____ of the data took a long time.
Full word pageSay this, not that
Can you get this done?
Could you have this completed by Friday?
The original has no deadline, so “yes” means nothing. Every rewrite adds the one detail that turns a request into a commitment.
Professional ways to ask for an updateEveryday word
Small and neatly fitted into a little space.
The snow was compact and firm, perfect for building a snowman.
Where you'll meet it: B1 · adjective
Full word pageUsage insight
Formal words suit professional, academic and official writing; informal words suit conversation and friendly messages. The meaning stays the same, but the tone changes how you come across. When in doubt, aim neutral.
Read the lessonWord in context
To calm someone or ease pain.
The medicine soothes the pain of the inflammation.
How it's used: C1 · verb
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