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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: sharp

When something is sharp it means that it has a thin cutting edge or that its ends have edges or points. Figuratively, sharp means ‘clearly defined,’ ‘involving a sudden change in direction,’ or ‘intense.’ Related to intensity…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: bit

A bit is the mouthpiece of a horse’s bridle and it is also a small thin shaft that can be used in a drill. Most commonly, however, a bit is a small quantity or piece of something, a very short time, and also…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: blister

A blister is a thin swelling on the skin that contains liquid, like the ones you get from friction or burning. Anything that looks like that—for example, an air bubble in paint—is also called a blister. Blister is also a verb that means…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: beat

Most commonly, to beat means ‘to strike something or someone repeatedly,’ ‘to smash against,’ and ‘to shape by hitting.’ However, beat also means ‘to stir ingredients vigorously,’ ‘to keep time by strokes,’ ‘to defeat something or someone,’ and, informally, ‘to be better than something or someone.’ Informally, it means ‘to confuse’ and ‘to avoid blame.’ As a noun, a beat is a stroke or blow and the sound it makes, the major rhythm in a music piece and a throbbing or pulsing. As an adjective,…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: trim

To trim means ‘to make tidy or neat by clipping or by cutting what’s unnecessary.’ Figuratively, it means ‘to reduce or cut down.’ Trim also means ‘to decorate or adorn with ornaments.’ As a noun, a trim is the action of trimming by cutting, or a material used for decoration. A trim is also….

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: tack

A tack is a short nail with a large flat head, as well as a long stitch used to fasten fabric before sewing. It is also a course of action and, more specifically, the direction a boat takes when it…

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