[English] Additional questions 09/12/23

[Listening]

 

# It should be ease up in couple of hours.

The phrase "ease up" generally means to lessen in intensity, speed, or severity. It can refer to a variety of situations, such as a storm easing up (becoming less severe), traffic easing up (becoming less congested), or a busy schedule easing up (becoming less packed or stressful).

= Lessen, decrease, relax, diminish, alleviate, subside

 

# I guess it's a good thing I decided to follow up.

The phrase "follow up" generally means to take further actions or steps after an event or situation, often to ensure that it is progressing as expected or to verify something. It usually involves checking in, reviewing, updating, or seeking additional information.

 

In the sentence you provided - "I guess it's a good thing I decided to follow up." - the speaker is expressing that they're glad they decided to check on a situation or pursue additional steps after an initial action. The specific context can vary widely based on what the speaker is referring to.

 

= check, monitor, review, revisit, pursue, continue

 

# Correspondence

"Correspondence" generally refers to the act of communicating or exchanging information, often in the form of letters or emails. It can also refer to the letters or emails themselves. For example, you might say, "I have a box filled with my grandfather's correspondence from World War II," meaning you have a collection of letters that your grandfather wrote and received during that time.

 

In another sense, "correspondence" can mean similarity or analogy. For instance, in mathematics and logic, a correspondence is an equivalence or mapping between items from two different sets.

 

# out of print 

"Out of print" refers to a book or other printed work that is no longer being published. When a book goes out of print, new copies are not being produced by the publisher, and only existing copies in circulation are available for purchase. This often makes out-of-print books harder to find and sometimes more valuable.

= no longer in production, no longer published, unavailable, discontinued

 

# We haven't had any luck finding a copy

Paraphrasing the sentence could look like this:

1. "We've been unsuccessful in our attempts to find a copy."
2. "So far, we've failed to locate a copy."
3. "Our search for a copy has not been successful."
4. "We've yet to find a copy."

 

# haven't had

1. "I haven't had breakfast yet, so I'm really hungry."
2. "We haven't had any rain for weeks; the garden is really dry."
3. "They haven't had a chance to meet the new neighbors."
4. "She hasn't had much experience with public speaking, so she's nervous about the presentation."
5. "You haven't had your coffee yet, have you? You seem a bit tired."

In each of these sentences, "haven't had" refers to an absence or lack of something up until the present moment.

 

# I should have been notified

"I should have been notified" means that the speaker believes they had the right or expectation to be informed about something, but they were not.

Here are some paraphrases for that sentence:

1. "I was supposed to be informed."
2. "They ought to have told me."
3. "It would have been appropriate for them to notify me."

And here are some example sentences using "should have been":

1. "The project should have been completed by now, but we've faced several delays."
2. "You should have been at the meeting; your input would've been valuable."
3. "This letter should have been sent last week, but it was overlooked somehow."
4. "He should have been more careful while handling the fragile items."

In each of these sentences, 'should have been' is used to express an expectation or obligation that was not met in the past.

 

# I was really counting on this book

The phrase "count on" means to rely or depend on someone or something. It implies a level of trust or confidence that the person or thing will not fail you.

Here are some synonyms for "count on":

1. Depend on: This has a similar meaning, implying reliance.
2. Rely on: This is another way to express the same idea.
3. Trust in: While this is slightly more emotional, it conveys a similar sense of reliance.
4. Bank on: This is a less formal way to say "count on."

 

# It's a long shot.

"It's a long shot" is an idiomatic expression that means something has a very low probability of success, or it's unlikely to happen. The term originates from the concept of a difficult target to hit in shooting.

Here are some ways you can paraphrase "It's a long shot":

1. "It's unlikely to succeed."
2. "The chances are slim."
3. "It's a remote possibility."
4. "There's little likelihood."

These phrases convey the same idea—that there is not a high probability of success or occurrence for whatever situation is being referred to.

 

# debunk

The term "debunk" means to expose the falseness or hollowness of a myth, idea, or belief. It involves discrediting claims that are not supported by facts or evidence.

Here are some synonyms for "debunk":

1. Disprove: This refers to demonstrating that something is not true.
2. Refute: This is another way of saying prove a statement or theory to be wrong.
3. Discredit: This means to harm the good reputation of someone or something, often by proving them to be false.
4. Expose: In this context, it can mean revealing the truth behind falsehoods.
5. Invalidate: This refers to making an argument, statement, or a result no longer valid by countering it with other evidence.

 

# plateau

A "plateau" can refer to a couple of different concepts, depending on the context:

1. In geography, a plateau is an area of high ground, with a flat terrain on top and steep sides. It's often found in mountainous regions or can be an elevated plain.
2. In the context of progress or development (such as in learning, training, or business growth), a plateau refers to a state where something ceases to improve or increase after a period of activity or progress. For instance, after initial rapid weight loss, someone might reach a "weight loss plateau" where they stop losing weight for a while even though they continue their diet and exercise regimen.

Here are some sentences using "plateau":

1. The Colorado Plateau in the United States is known for its remarkable geological formations.
2. After several weeks of steady improvement in her piano skills, she hit a plateau and didn't seem to be getting any better.
3. The company's sales have plateaued this quarter; they're not decreasing but not increasing either.
4. During his workout regime, he reached a fitness plateau and needed to change his routine to continue making progress.
5. The Deccan Plateau in India is one of the largest volcanic plateaus in the world.

 

# adobe

terms of building material, adobe is a type of clay used for construction that's often mixed with organic materials like straw. The mixture is then shaped into bricks and dried in the sun. Adobe buildings are common in hot, dry climates and have been used for thousands of years around the world because they are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

 

 

# Prevented starvation during leaner years

In the context of "prevented starvation during leaner years," the term "leaner" is used metaphorically to describe years when resources, especially food, were scarce or less abundant. It's likely referring to periods of time when crop yields were low due to unfavorable weather conditions, economic hardship, or other adverse circumstances.

 

So in this context, "leaner years" would be those tougher times when survival was more difficult due to a lack of food or resources. The phrase as a whole suggests that some measures or actions were taken that successfully avoided starvation during these difficult times.

 

The term "leaner" doesn't have direct synonyms as its meaning can vary based on context. However, I can provide you with some words that might be used in place of "leaner" in certain contexts:

1. For leaner referring to scarcity or less abundance (as in "leaner years"): harder, tougher, difficult, sparse, scant
2. For leaner referring to a streamlined process or organization: efficient, optimized, trimmed
3. For leaner referring to physical fitness: fitter, trimmer

 

# in a nutshell

"In a nutshell" is an idiomatic expression in English that means "in the simplest, most concise, or most straightforward explanation or summary." It's used when you want to give a brief summary or an overview of something without going into all the details.

Here are some synonyms for "in a nutshell":

1. In short
2. In brief
3. To put it simply
4. To sum up
5. In summary
6. Essentially
7. Basically

For example:

In a nutshell, the plan involves increasing sales by improving our online marketing. Or using a synonym: To put it simply, the plan involves increasing sales by improving our online marketing.

 

# delicate

The term "delicate" generally has two main meanings:

1. Something that is easily broken or damaged: It's often used to describe objects that are fragile or intricate, like a delicate piece of china or a delicate lace fabric.
2. Something requiring careful handling: This can refer to situations, topics, or tasks that require tact, sensitivity, or precision. For example, diplomatic negotiations might be described as delicate.

Here are some synonyms for "delicate":

For the first meaning (easily broken or damaged):

• Fragile
• Breakable
• Frail
• Brittle

For the second meaning (requiring careful handling):

• Sensitive
• Tricky
• Difficult
• Ticklish

 

# sedimentary

"Sedimentary" refers to a type of rock that is formed from sediment. Sediment is made up of tiny pieces of other rocks, minerals, and organic material like shells and plants. These particles are carried by water, wind, or ice and deposited in layers over time. As these layers build up on top of each other, the pressure compresses them into solid rock.

1. Stratified: Refers to the layering that often occurs in sedimentary rocks as different types of sediment are deposited over time.
2. Depositional: Refers to the process by which sediments are laid down or deposited in new locations.
3. Clastic: A type of sedimentary rock made up of fragments (clasts) from other rocks.
4. Accumulative/Accretionary: These terms can refer to the way sediments accumulate or build up over time to form sedimentary rock.

 

# exacerbate

"Exacerbate" is a verb that means to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. It's often used in the context of issues or problems that are already serious or difficult.

Here are some synonyms for "exacerbate":

1. Aggravate
2. Worsen
3. Intensify
4. Increase
5. Compound
6. Inflame

For example:

The harsh criticism only served to exacerbate his feelings of inadequacy. Or using a synonym: The harsh criticism only served to intensify his feelings of inadequacy.

 

# midden

A "midden" is a dump for domestic waste. The term is often used in archaeology to describe a heap of domestic refuse, including animal bone, shell, botanical material, vermin, sherds, lithics (and other artifacts), and features associated with past human occupation.

These features provide a useful resource for archaeologists who wish to study the diet and habits of past societies. Middens with damp, anaerobic conditions can even preserve organic remains in deposits as the debris of daily life are tossed on the pile.

Synonyms or related terms could include: refuse heap, garbage dump, trash pile or rubbish heap.

 

# pile

A "pile" is a general term that refers to a heap or stack of objects placed on top of each other. The objects in a pile can be anything from clothes and books to stones and wood. Here are some examples of how the term might be used:

1. "There's a pile of laundry waiting to be washed."
2. "She has a pile of books on her desk that she needs to read for class."
3. "We made a pile of leaves in the yard."

In construction, a "pile" is also a long, heavy cylindrical object that's pushed into the ground to act as a support for structures like bridges or buildings.

In finance, "pile" can colloquially refer to large amounts of money.

The context usually makes it clear what kind of pile is being referred to.

 

# mummify

"Mummify" refers to the process of preserving a body by drying or treating it with substances to prevent decay. The term is most commonly associated with ancient Egyptian practices, where bodies were carefully prepared, treated with resins and oils, and wrapped in linen to be preserved as mummies.

 

# allude to

The phrase "allude to" means to suggest or indirectly call attention to something. When you allude to something, you are not discussing it openly or directly, but rather hinting at it or referring to it in a subtle or indirect way.

For example, if someone says, "Some people here could really use a mint," they might be alluding to the fact that someone in the room has bad breath.

In literature and speech, allusion is a powerful tool that can reference cultural works, historical events, or other well-known figures or concepts without having to explain them in detail. This allows the author or speaker to build on shared knowledge or experiences with their audience.

Here are some synonyms for "allude":

1. Hint
2. Suggest
3. Imply
4. Indicate
5. Refer
6. Insinuate

 

# meager

"Meager" is an adjective that describes something small, inadequate, or insufficient in quantity or amount. It's often used to describe things like resources, food supplies, incomes, or anything else where there might not be enough.

Here are some synonyms for "meager":

1. Scant
2. Sparse
3. Limited
4. Insufficient
5. Paltry
6. Minimal
7. Skimpy

For example: "The family had to get by on a meager income." "The harvest was meager due to the drought."

 

# pasture

A "pasture" is a piece of land covered with grass or other vegetation where livestock such as cows, sheep, and horses can graze. It's often used in the context of farming and ranching.

# But of course such meager sustenance was not sustainable, and even the most resourceful of those who remained eventually realized that the area simply had become unfit for human habitation.

" the phrase "even the most resourceful of those who remained" is a way to emphasize how dire or extreme a situation has become.

Let's break it down:

• "Even" is used here as an adverb to stress an unexpected or surprising circumstance. In this case, it emphasizes that not just anyone, but specifically the most capable individuals ("the most resourceful") have come to a certain realization.
• "The most resourceful" refers to people who are very good at finding ways to overcome difficulties. These would be people who are skilled at making do with what they have and finding solutions in challenging situations.
• "Of those who remained" specifies which group of people we're talking about: out of all the people who stayed in this area (as opposed to leaving), we're focusing on the ones who were best equipped (most resourceful) to handle tough circumstances.

So put together, "even the most resourceful of those who remained" means something like: even those individuals best equipped for survival among all those people that stayed behind...

The whole sentence then says that despite their skills and abilities, these very capable individuals also came to understand that they could no longer continue living in this area because conditions were too harsh. This underscores just how unsustainable life there had become—it wasn't just difficult for average folks; even those best prepared for hardship couldn't make it work.

 

# resourceful
"Resourceful" is an adjective that describes a person's ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. A resourceful person is good at problem-solving, often in innovative or imaginative ways, especially in situations where resources are limited or challenges are significant.

Being resourceful doesn't necessarily mean having many resources; rather, it's about being able to use whatever you do have effectively and creatively. For example, if you're stranded on a deserted island with only a few items, being resourceful might mean using those items in unexpected ways to help you survive.

[reading]

 

# congnizance

Cognizance" is a noun that refers to knowledge, awareness, or notice. It's often used in formal or legal contexts.

Here are a few examples of how it can be used:

1. "The manager took cognizance of the employee's exceptional performance and recommended her for a promotion."
2. "The court took cognizance of the new evidence presented in the case."

In the first example, "took cognizance of" means acknowledged or noticed. In the second example, it means that the court recognized and considered the new evidence.

In legal terminology, 'cognizance' also refers to a court's right to hear and decide on a case.

 

# emulate

To "emulate" means to try to match or surpass, typically by imitation. It's often used in the context of attempting to equal or exceed someone else's achievements, often as a form of admiration or respect.

Here are some examples of how it can be used:

1. "She admired her teacher greatly and tried to emulate her teaching style."
2. "The company sought to emulate the success of its competitors."

 

# firmly-entrenched rite

The phrase "firmly entrenched rite" refers to a ritual, tradition, or practice that is deeply rooted or established in a particular culture, society, or group. = deeply rooted and established tradition or custom

Let's break down the terms:

1. "Firmly" implies something that is secure and not easily moved or changed.
2. "Entrenched" suggests that something is so firmly established that change is very difficult or unlikely.
3. A "rite" refers to a social custom, practice, or religious ceremony.

So if you say a rite (like a certain holiday tradition) is "firmly entrenched," you're saying it's deeply ingrained in the practices of the group—it's done regularly and consistently and it would be difficult for it to change.

 

# set off

The phrase "set off" can have several meanings depending on the context, and thus, its synonyms may vary. Here are some potential synonyms for different contexts:

1. Begin, start (as in a journey or task)
2. Trigger, initiate (as in setting off an alarm or explosion)
3. Contrast, highlight (as in making something stand out)
4. Depart, leave (as in starting a trip)

 

# pituitary gland

 

The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, just below the hypothalamus. It's often referred to as the "master gland" because it controls the functions of many of the other endocrine glands in the body.

The pituitary gland produces and releases a variety of hormones that have wide-ranging effects on processes such as growth, reproductive function, and water balance in the body. These hormones include:

1. Growth hormone (GH): Stimulates growth in childhood and plays a role in maintaining healthy muscles and bones in adults.
2. Prolactin: Stimulates milk production after childbirth.
3. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Controls thyroid hormone release from the thyroid gland.
4. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): Controls cortisol production in the adrenal glands.
5. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Control sexual function and reproduction in men and women.
6. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin: Regulates water balance.
7. Oxytocin: Triggers uterine contractions during childbirth and milk release during breastfeeding.

Dysfunction or disease of this important gland can lead to various health problems, depending on which hormones are affected.

 

# predonderance

The term "preponderance" refers to the state or quality of being greater in quantity, importance, or influence. It implies a dominance or superiority in terms of weight, number, significance, or power. It can be used to describe a situation where one side or element outweighs or surpasses the other in terms of strength, prevalence, or impact.

For example:

• In a legal context, the burden of proof is often described as "preponderance of evidence," meaning that one side must present more convincing evidence than the other.
• In a debate, if one argument has a preponderance of supporting evidence and logical reasoning compared to the opposing argument, it may be considered stronger.
• When discussing statistics, if there is a preponderance of data pointing towards a particular outcome or trend, it suggests that outcome is more likely.

Overall, "preponderance" emphasizes an overwhelming presence or significance that tilts the balance in favor of one side over another.

 

# flock

In the phrase "struggling to keep up with a flock," the term "flock" typically refers to a group of animals, particularly birds or sheep, that travel, move, or stay together. It implies a collective group of individuals moving in unison.

For example:

• In the context of birds, a flock could refer to a group of birds flying together or roosting in close proximity.
• In the context of sheep or other grazing animals, a flock would represent a group that grazes and moves together under the guidance of a shepherd.

In the given phrase, "struggling to keep up with a flock" suggests that someone is having difficulty staying at the same pace as the rest of the group. It can be used metaphorically to describe feeling behind or unable to match others' progress or actions in various situations.

 

# nemesis

Nemesis refers to a formidable opponent or rival who is often seen as an agent of revenge or punishment. In Greek mythology, Nemesis was the goddess of retribution and vengeance. She was responsible for ensuring that individuals faced the consequences of their actions and received their due punishment.

In a broader sense, "nemesis" is commonly used to describe a person, force, or situation that acts as a persistent source of trouble, challenge, or downfall for someone. It represents an adversary or antagonist who opposes and seeks to bring about the downfall or defeat of another individual.

The term "nemesis" can also be used metaphorically to refer to any situation or outcome that brings about one's undoing or downfall. It implies poetic justice or the idea that one's actions eventually catch up with them in an unfavorable manner.

Overall, nemesis signifies an enemy or rival who poses a significant threat and often plays a role in bringing about just retribution for past deeds.

 

# threshold 

A threshold is a point or level at which something begins, changes, or crosses over into a new state or condition. It can refer to both literal and metaphorical boundaries or limits. Here are a few common uses and meanings of the term:

1. Physical Threshold: In its literal sense, a threshold is the entrance or doorway of a building, typically marked by a raised strip of wood or stone. It represents the boundary between two spaces.
2. Threshold as Limit: Metaphorically, a threshold can represent a limit or point of tolerance beyond which an action, event, or condition occurs. For example, someone might say they have reached their pain threshold when they can no longer tolerate any more pain.
3. Threshold as Activation Point: In certain contexts such as electronics or systems theory, the term "threshold" refers to the minimum intensity or value required for something to trigger an action or response. For instance, in digital logic circuits, there is often a specific voltage level that must be exceeded to switch from one state to another.
4. Psychological Threshold: The concept of thresholds also exists in psychology and human behavior. It refers to the point at which someone perceives changes in stimuli (e.g., sensory perception) or experiences significant shifts in emotions and reactions.

Overall, "threshold" commonly denotes a point of transition, limit, activation, sensitivity change, or significance in various domains—physical spaces, limits of tolerance/ability/response activation points—and it depends on the specific context in which it is used.

 

# impediment

1. What is it?

An impediment is something that makes progress, movement, or achievement difficult or impossible; it's a hindrance or obstacle. This can refer to physical barriers, conditions, situations, or even abstract concepts like laws and regulations.

In a broader sense, an impediment can also refer to a speech disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

1. Close synonyms for "impediment":
   • Obstacle
   • Hindrance
   • Barrier
   • Blockage
   • Obstruction
   • Hurdle
   • Handicap
   • Deterrent

These synonyms convey the idea of something that interferes with progress or achievement. They suggest some form of barrier or difficulty that prevents easy passage, movement, or accomplishment.

 

# jaunt

1. What is it?

A jaunt is a short journey or trip, usually taken for pleasure or recreation. It implies an excursion that is casual, light-hearted, and enjoyable. The term often suggests a sense of spontaneity or leisurely travel rather than a long-planned or strenuous journey.

1. Close synonyms for "jaunt":
   • Excursion
   • Outing
   • Trip
   • Journey
   • Tour
   • Expedition
   • Trek

These synonyms all refer to some form of travel or movement from one place to another, though the specific connotations can vary (for example, "expedition" and "trek" often suggest longer and more challenging journeys than "jaunt").

 

# solstice

 

A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year when the tilt of Earth's axis is most inclined toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun's apparent position in the sky to reach its northernmost or southernmost extremes. The solstices, and their effects on daylight, are directly related to the changing seasons.

1. Summer Solstice: This occurs around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and around December 21st in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks the longest day of the year when daylight hours are at their maximum.
2. Winter Solstice: This occurs around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and around June 21st in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks shortest day of the year when daylight hours are at their minimum.

The term "solstice" comes from Latin "solstitium", meaning 'sun standing still', because at solstice, before reversing direction, it appears to stand still briefly.

It's important to note that while we commonly refer to these events as marking beginning of summer and winter, they technically mark midsummer and midwinter (the midpoint of these seasons), according to traditional definitions used by many cultures throughout history.

# acquisition of provision
The phrase "acquisition of provision" isn't a standard term or phrase in English, but we can infer its meaning from the individual words:

1. Acquisition generally refers to the act of acquiring or obtaining something. This could involve purchasing, discovering, learning, or any other method of coming into possession of something.
2. Provision usually refers to supplies or resources that are provided or made available for use. This could include food and drink, equipment, materials, financial resources, and so on.

So together, "acquisition of provision" would likely refer to the process of obtaining supplies

# provision

1. What it means?

"Provision" is a noun with several related meanings:

• Supplying or providing something: This can refer to the act of supplying goods, services, or other necessary items. For example, "The company is responsible for the provision of healthcare benefits to its employees."
• A specific requirement in a law or agreement: In legal and contractual contexts, a provision is a clause within an agreement or law that specifies a particular condition, requirement, or stipulation. For example, "The contract includes a provision for early termination."
• Food and supplies needed for sustenance: In older usage (and still common in some regions), "provisions" often referred specifically to food and other necessary supplies—especially those needed for long journeys.

1. Close synonyms for "provision":

Depending on the context in which it's used:

For the act of supplying something:

• Supply
• Provide
• Furnish
• Equip

For specific requirement in law or agreement:

• Clause
• Stipulation
• Condition
• Requirement

For food and supplies:

• Supplies
• Rations
• Stock
• Stores

 

# chemical alteration

Chemical alteration refers to the process in which the chemical composition or structure of a substance is changed. This can occur through various mechanisms such as chemical reactions, where new substances are formed as a result of breaking and forming new chemical bonds.

For instance, when iron reacts with oxygen and water to form rust, this is a type of chemical alteration. Another example would be the process of photosynthesis in plants, where carbon dioxide and water are chemically altered under sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen.

In geology, "chemical alteration" often refers to changes that minerals undergo due to reactions with fluids (like water) within the Earth.

In biology or medicine, "chemical alteration" might refer to how drugs or other substances are metabolically changed within an organism.

The term can be used in many scientific contexts—chemistry, biology, geology—and its specific meaning may vary somewhat depending on the field.