Intermediate+ Word of the Day

Intermediate+ Word of the Day: rib

You might already know that a rib is one of a series of curved bones connected to the backbone that we humans and other animals have on each side of our bodies. Rib is also the cut of beef, pork, or lamb that contains the rib. Rib can also be used for anything that resembles a…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: prop

A prop is a support, and to prop means ‘to support and prevent from falling with or as with a prop’ or ‘to rest a thing against a wall or other means of support.’ Usually followed by up, it also means ‘to support or sustain something.’ Unrelatedly, a prop is a movable object used on stage or in a movie to enrich a performance; in this sense it is short for…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: gimmick

A gimmick is an ingenious or novel device or scheme designed to attract attention. It is also a concealed aspect or feature of a plan or deal. A gimmick is also a hidden mechanical device by which a magician works a trick or a gambler controls a game of chance. In US English, gimmick can also be used as a verb, often followed by up, meaning…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: whizz, whiz

To whizz means ‘to make a humming, buzzing, or hissing sound,’ as might be made by an object flying or moving quickly through air. To move or go quickly making that sound is also to whizz. As a noun, a whizz is both the sound of a whizzing object and a quick movement that produces that sound. Informally, a very skillful person in a particular field is…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: flay

To flay means ‘to strip the skin off an animal or a person’ or ‘to strip the outer covering off something.’ Figuratively, it can mean ‘to strip of money or property,’ although this sense is now rare. Flay can also mean ‘to criticize harshly’ or ‘to scold…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: whoop

A whoop is a loud shout or cry, usually indicating excitement, enthusiasm, or joy. As a verb, to whoop means ‘to make a loud cry or shout’ or ‘to utter something with a whoop.’ Owls and other birds also…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: daze

To daze means ‘to stun or stupefy,’ especially with a blow or a shock. It also means ‘to overwhelm’ or ‘to dazzle,’ either in a negative or a positive way. The noun daze, often used in the expression “in a daze,” is the state of being…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: pledge

A pledge is promise to do or to stop doing something. It is also something that you leave with someone, as proof that you will pay them back a debt or that you’ll keep a promise, as well as anything given as proof of love or friendship. In US English, a person accepted into a club but not formally initiated is also a pledge…

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Intermediate+ Word of the Day: rod

A rod is long straight stick, staff, or wand, or a slim bar or tube, such as you might use for hanging curtains from or draping towels over. You might have heard the term fishing rod, which is a long stick used for fishing. A rod is also a stick with measurements on it used for measuring. It is also a…

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