Monthly Archives

April 2024

Intermediate+ Word of the Day: guy

We’re pretty sure you know that guy is an informal word for a man or boy and that, in the plural form guys, it can refer to both men and women, but did you know that guy is also a verb meaning ‘to make fun of or ridicule someone?’ And do you know who Guy Fawkes was and why today the UK celebrates Bonfire Night?

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: sway

To sway means ‘to move or swing from side to side’ or ‘to cause to move or swing from side to side.’ Figuratively, it means ‘to influence’ and, related to this, it can also mean…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: goad

A goad is a rod with a pointed (or, nowadays, sometimes electrically charged) end for driving cattle or other animals. Figuratively, something that drives, urges, or encourages can also be a goad. The related verb to goad means…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: hoist

To hoist is a verb that means ‘to lift or raise,’ especially with a mechanical device. In US English, it also means ‘to raise to one’s lips and drink,’ mainly referring to beer, whiskey or any other alcoholic drink. As a noun, a hoist is…

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