Podcasts about Vocabulary

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 1, 2026 is: amortize • AM-er-tyze • verb To amortize something, such as a mortgage, is to pay for it by making regular payments over a long period of time. // If you apply extra payments directly to your loan balance as a principal reduction, your loan can be amortized sooner. See the entry > Examples: “As part of some of the league's commercial deals—where companies pay the league for rights of some sort—the NFL has received equity or warrants. … The warrants are priced at fair market value on the date of vesting and amortized over 10 years.” — Jacob Feldman and Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico, 5 Aug. 2025 Did you know? When you amortize a loan, you figuratively “kill it off” by paying it down in installments, an idea reflected in the etymology of amortize. The word comes ultimately from a Latin word meaning “to kill” that was formed in part from the Latin noun mors, meaning “death”; it is related both to murder and a word naming a kind of loan that is usually amortized: mortgage. The original use of amortize dates to the 14th century, when amortizing was about transferring ownership of a property to a corporation, and especially to an ecclesiastical corporation—that is, a corporation consisting wholly of clergy. Such land was said to be in mortmain, which under the feudal system meant that the property was permanently exempt from a lord's usual payment collections. Mortmain is of course another mors word. Its second syllable comes from Latin manus, meaning “hand,” the implication being that the property was held in the dead hand of a corporation—a hand incapable of paying out.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 31, 2025 is: retrospective • reh-truh-SPEK-tiv • adjective Retrospective describes something that relates to the past or to something that happened in the past. // The museum has curated a retrospective exhibit of the artist's early works. See the entry > Examples: "Our retrospective sense of time hinges on memory: Periods rich in novel, significant experiences feel longer, while routine collapses duration ..." — Marc Wittmann, Psychology Today, 16 Nov. 2025 Did you know? At the year's end, both introspection and retrospection are common. While introspection involves looking inward and taking stock of oneself, retrospection is all about recollecting and contemplating things that happened in the past. A look back at the history of the related adjective retrospective reveals that it retains a strong connection to its past: its Latin source is retrospicere, meaning "to look back at." Retrospective can also be used as a noun referring to an exhibition that "looks back" at an artist's work created over a span of years. Once you have retrospective and retrospection behind you, you can also add their kin retrospect (most familiar in the phrase in retrospect to describe thinking about the past or something that happened in the past) and retro (usually meaning "fashionably nostalgic or old-fashioned") to your vocabulary, too.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 30, 2025 is: charisma • kuh-RIZ-muh • noun Charisma refers to a special magnetic charm or appeal that causes people to feel attracted and excited by someone. A person with charisma is captivating and often admired. // The young singer has the kind of charisma that turns a performer into a star. See the entry > Examples: "Sports and showbiz have gone hand in hand since newsreels in the 1920s showcased the skills and charisma of Babe Ruth." — Carole Horst, Variety, 16 July 2025 Did you know? The Greek word charisma means "favor" or "gift." It comes from the verb charizesthai ("to favor"), which in turn comes from the noun charis, meaning "grace." In English, charisma was originally used in Christian contexts to refer to a gift or power bestowed upon an individual by the Holy Spirit for the good of the Church—a sense that is now very rare. These days, we use the word to refer to social, rather than divine, grace. For instance, a leader with charisma may easily gain popular support, and a job applicant with charisma may shine in an interview.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 29, 2025 is: nefarious • nih-FAIR-ee-us • adjective Nefarious is a formal word that describes something as evil or immoral. // Authorities suspect that the recovered materials were going to be used for nefarious purposes. See the entry > Examples: “Introducing characters like Gorilla Grodd on DC Crime would help familiarize audiences with these figures before they potentially receive an expanded role in another project. Perhaps each season could focus on a different villain, highlighting their nefarious actions.” — Chris Agar, comicbook.com, 16 Nov. 2025 Did you know? If you need a fancy word to describe someone who's up to no good, nefarious has got you (and them) covered. It's also handy for characterizing the “no good” such a dastardly devil gets up to, as in “a nefarious business/plot/deed.” Nefarious is most often used for someone or something that is flagrantly wicked or corrupt—it's more applicable to the mustache-twirling supervillain than the morally gray antihero. In other words, there's no question that a nefarious scheme, or schemer, is not right. Etymologically, this makes perfect sense: nefarious can be traced back to the Latin noun nefas, meaning “crime,” which in turn combines ne- (“not”) and fas, meaning “right” or “divine law.” It is one of very few English words with this root, accompanied only by the likes of nefariousness and the thoroughly obscure nefast (“wicked”).

For me, and I think for many people, this last week of the year is a supremely hopeful one. The rush to get ready for Christmas is behind us and the promise of a new year is finally in focus. We're faced with possibilities for a change, instead of pressure. I realize, of course, that for many of us those possibilities for the new year include uncertainty, worry and fear which are beyond any assistance I could give on this podcast. I can merely offer prayers that the universe grants us all the courage and resources we need to face the circumstances before us. And I will stick to what I know best, how to help you find more meaning, joy and fulfillment in your harp playing, It has become a fairly wide-spread practice at the beginning of the year to choose a word or a phrase to be your touchpoint throughout the year, to inspire you, motivate you and keep you focused. As I was thinking through my word for 2026, I realized that many of the words I have been using frequently in my teaching and in my own practice are words that carry too much weight. They have a charge, a negative charge like a negative ion. Some of those words didn't start out that way in my vocabulary. In fact, more than one of them I intentionally chose to use to reduce the negative connotation of another word. Still, it's the right time to rethink them. Words shape our thinking. They can create boxes that limit us, that hold us back from achieving what we want in any area of life, including our harp playing. Or they can free us to love what we do and to find new energy for doing it. I'll tell you my word - it's actually two words - for 2026, but before I do that I want to share the words that I am rethinking for the coming year. My goal is to be more mindful of my language in my teaching, and that includes my teaching you on this podcast. These are words I use all the time so it will be an adventure for me, for sure, but if my 2026 vocabulary words help you reduce any negative charge that is impacting your harp playing, it will have been more than worth the effort.  Links to things I think you might be interested in that were mentioned in the podcast episode:  Time is running out to join us at the Getaway Retreat. Register today. Make your harp dreams come true this year - work with a Harp Mastery® Certified Coach. Harpmastery.com Get involved in the show! Send your questions and suggestions for future podcast episodes to me at podcast@harpmastery.com Looking for a transcript for this episode? Did you know that if you subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts you will have access to their transcripts of each episode? LINKS NOT WORKING FOR YOU? FInd all the show resources here: https://www.harpmastery.com/blog/Episode-242  

How many words does the German language have? We'll get to the bottom of this question in the second episode of our podcast series. The German language owes its almost inexhaustible wealth to a creative phenomenon that is notorious: compositing. Our guest today is Elisabeth Höbartner, teacher at the German School Melbourne. - Wie viele Wörter hat die deutsche Sprache? Dieser Frage gehen wir in der zweiten Folge unserer Podcastreihe auf den Grund. Ihren schier unerschöpflichen Reichtum verdankt die deutsche Sprache einem kreativen Phänomen, das berühmt-berüchtigt ist: dem Kompositum. Unser Gast ist heute Elisabeth Höbartner, Lehrerin an der Deutschen Schule Melbourne.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 28, 2025 is: yen • YEN • noun A yen is a strong desire, urge, or craving for something. // After dinner, the family went out for ice cream to satisfy their yen for something sweet. // Students with a yen to travel should consider studying abroad. See the entry > Examples: “If you've got a yen for succulent, right-off-the-boat Maine sea scallops, now is the time to get them.” — Stephen Rappaport, The Bangor Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025 Did you know? Although yen suggests no more than a strong desire these days (as in “a yen for a beach vacation”), at one time someone with a yen was in deep trouble: the first meaning of yen, used in the late 19th century, was an intense craving for opium. The word comes from yīn-yáhn, a combination of yīn, meaning “opium,” and yáhn, “craving,” in the Chinese language used in the province of Guangdong. In English, the Chinese syllables were translated as yen-yen, and eventually shortened to yen.

In this powerful 2.5-hour Idioms Masterclass, Teacher Tiffani breaks down the most common and confusing idioms used by native speakers. You'll finally understand expressions like barking up the wrong tree, bite the bullet, butterflies in your stomach, bury the hatchet, cut corners, bend over backwards, and more. Each idiom is explained with clear examples, real-life context, and pronunciation practice to help you use them naturally. Whether you're in America, Australia, or anywhere in the world, this lesson will help you express yourself fluently, confidently, and naturally every time you speak English.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 27, 2025 is: apropos • ap-ruh-POH • preposition Apropos is used as a preposition to mean "with regard to." It is frequently used in the phrase "apropos of." // Sean interrupted our conversation about politics and, apropos of nothing, asked who we thought would win the basketball game. As an adjective, apropos describes something that is suitable or appropriate, as in "an apropos nickname." See the entry > Examples: "Once, at the height of COVID, I dropped off a book at the home of Werner Herzog. I was an editor at the time and was trying to assign him a review, so I drove up to his gate in Laurel Canyon, and we had the briefest of masked conversations. Within 30 seconds, it turned strange. 'Do you have a dog? A little dog?' he asked me, staring out at the hills of Los Angeles, apropos of nothing. He didn't wait for an answer. 'Then be careful of the coyotes,' Herzog said." — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2025 Did you know? Apropos wears its ancestry like a badge—or perhaps more fittingly a beret. From the French phrase à propos, meaning "to the purpose," the word's emphasis lands on its last syllable, which ends in a silent "s": ap-ruh-POH. Apropos typically functions as an adjective describing what is suitable or appropriate ("an apropos comment"), or as a preposition (with or without of) meaning "with regard to," as in "apropos (of) the decision, implementation will take some time." The phrase "apropos of nothing" is used to signal that what follows does not relate to any previous topic.

Hello and welcome back to PadGap!In today's episode, Hanieh and Mohsen dive into a very simple yet incredibly powerful Persian word—one you'll hear everywhere. It's a true magic word: short, polite, and surprisingly flexible.Through short, everyday dialogues—from cafés and homes to classrooms, shops, phone calls, and friendly conversations—you'll learn eight different real-life uses of this essential word and how tone can completely change its meaning. If you want to sound more natural and confident in Persian, this episode is a must-listen. Let's get started! If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We'd also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let's keep learning and growing together — one word at a time

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 26, 2025 is: grandiose • gran-dee-OHSS • adjective Grandiose is usually used disapprovingly to describe something that seems impressive or is intended to be impressive, but that is either not possible or practical. // The long-vacant historic building has finally been purchased, and the developer has announced grandiose plans to make it the center of a new theater district. See the entry > Examples: “Henry [VIII] was a leader known for his grandiose presentation, a love of dramatic rhetoric and self-promotion, and a fondness for blaming others. He carefully curated his image, issuing official portraits and closely managing public appearances. His reign concentrated power in one man and his obsessions.” — Philippa Gregory, LitHub.com, 29 Oct. 2025 Did you know? When it comes to bigness, there's grand and then there's grandiose. Both words can be used to describe something impressive in size, scope, or effect, but while grand may lend its noun a bit of dignity (i.e., “we had a grand time”), grandiose often implies a whiff of pretension. The difference between a grand plan for the city park and a grandiose one, for example, might be the difference between a tasteful fountain and a garden full of topiaries cut in the shapes of 19th century literary figures. So if you're choosing between the two, a helpful mnemonic might be that the extra letters in grandiose suggest that one's ideas, claims, promises, schemes, dreams—you get the idea—are a bit extra.

One of the greatest statements in the Bible is Romans 3:25: "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement".

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 25, 2025 is: noel • noh-EL • noun When capitalized, Noel refers to Christmas or the Christmas season. Uncapitalized, noel refers to a Christmas carol. // We were greeted at the door by a group of carolers singing noels. // Every year we send our family Christmas cards with our photo enclosed wishing everyone a joyous Noel. See the entry > Examples: “The meeting began with a touch of holiday spirit as members of the Woodland Park High School Madrigals sang three selections. The first was a Noel song with a medieval/renaissance feel that was well matched to their festive costumes. They followed with the popular ‘Carol of the Bells' and ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas.'” — Doug Fitzgerald, The Pikes Peak (Colorado) Courier, 9 Dec. 2024 Did you know? English speakers borrowed noel from the French word noël, which is also used for both the Christmas holiday and a Christmas carol. It can be traced further back to the Latin word natalis, which can mean “birthday” as a noun or “of or relating to birth” as an adjective. (The English adjective natal has the same meaning and is also an offspring of natalis.) Noels were being sung in Latin and French for centuries before English-speakers started using the word to refer to Christmas carols in the 18th century. An early use of noel (spelled Nowel) to mean “Christmas” can be found in the text of the late 14th-century Arthurian legend Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 24, 2025 is: hark back • HAHRK-BAK • verb Harking back can be about turning back to an earlier topic or circumstance, as in "a storyteller harking back to his youth," or it can be about going back to something as an origin or source, as in "a style that harks back to the turn of the previous century." // The dinner conversation harked back to the lunch debate over what counts as a traditional holiday meal. // The diner's interior decor harks back to the 1950s. See the entry > Examples: "The single harks back to Chenier's heyday when his music was produced on 45s and put into jukeboxes, says [Maureen] Loughran." — Alicia Ault, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025 Did you know? Hark, a very old word meaning "to listen," was used as a cry in hunting. The master of the hunt might cry "Hark! Forward!" or "Hark! Back!" The cries became set phrases, both as nouns and verbs. Thus, a "hark back" was a retracing of a route by dogs and hunters, and to "hark back" was to turn back along the path. From its use in hunting, the verb acquired its current figurative meanings concerned with returning to the past. The variants hearken and harken (also very old words meaning "to listen") are also used, with and without back, as synonyms of hark back.

The vocabulary of acting is strangling the talent of actors. The need to use the right words is cutting off the actor's talent.

The road trip season has pushed us back a day but here we are squeezing in a show between Chanukah and Christmas. Vocabulary lessons this week include Competitive Balance Tax, because the Luxury Tax isn't just for Monopoly anymore, and Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI). Just because it's the holidays it doesn't mean you can slack on learning. Our boyfriends this week are from BAL, where Patti leans into the once and forever boyfriend and Pottymouth goes Westy, and the Hammers, where Pottymouth picks a player with a wacky Tennessee claim to fame and Patti goes right to ROY. The Police Blotter features the return of Wander Franco's case to the courts, and the end of the Tyler Skagg's courtroom drama. The International Baseball update includes almost baffling chaos around the Serie del Caribe and the Serie de las Americas but the takeaway is absolutely please stop blowing up Venezuelan boats. We're both on yet more road trips and we wish you safe travels if you are too, and happy holidays if you celebrate.  See you a day late again next week!We say, “A glass half full of Santa's Butt,” “There was some hockey, there was some smarts,” and “Donny was the youngest Osmond that had any juice.” Fight the man, send your game balls to Meredith, get boosted, and find us on Bluesky @ncibpodcast, on Facebook @nocryinginbball, Instagram @nocryinginbball and on the Interweb at nocryinginbball.com. Please take a moment to subscribe to the show, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to NCiB. Become a supporter at Patreon to help us keep doing what we do. We now have episode transcripts available!  They are available for free at our Patreon site. Say goodnight, Pottymouth. 

In this Christmas themed episode, we'll talk about how we usually spend Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the next one. We will also give you some related vocabulary so you can wish your friends and family Merry Christmas in Greek.D: Λοιπόν για να ανακεφαλαιώσουμε το πρόγραμμά μας για τα Χριστούγεννα! /So, let's recap our Christmas schedule!E: Ωραία, την παραμονή τα παιδιά μας θα πάνε μαζί για κάλαντα, οπότε αφού τελειώσουν μπορούμε να πάμε για έναν καφέ και ό,τι τελευταία ψώνια μάς έχουν μείνει. /Great. On Christmas Eve the kids will go caroling together, so once they're done we can go for a coffee and do any last-minute shopping we still have.D: Τέλεια αν και θα γίνεται χαμός στα μαγαζιά, αλλά όλο και κάτι μπορεί να έχουμε ξεχάσει. /Perfect, although the shops will be packed, surely there's something we've forgotten.E: Ε ναι. Ανήμερα, θα τα περάσουμε οικογενειακά, οπότε δεν έχουμε κάτι να κάνουμε για εκείνη τη μέρα. /Of course. On Christmas Day we'll spend it with family, so we don't have anything to plan for that day.D: Αχ ναι, ευτυχώς το έχουν αναλάβει οι γονείς μου εκείνο το τραπέζι. Για τη δεύτερη μέρα, που θα μαζευτούμε στο σπίτι μου λέω να κάνω χοιρινό λεμονάτο με πατάτες στο φούρνο για κυρίως. /Oh yes, thankfully my parents are taking care of that meal. For the second day, when we're getting together at my place, I'm thinking of making lemon pork with oven-roasted potatoes as the main dish.E: Τέλεια ιδέα! Να κρατήσουμε την παράδοση! Εγώ μπορώ να κάνω την σαλάτα. Βασικά έχω δύο στο μυαλό μου, μία με ρόκα και παρμεζάνα και μία πράσινη με φρούτα εποχής και ξηρούς καρπούς. Πώς σου φαίνεται αυτό; /Perfect idea! Let's keep the tradition! I can make the salad. Actually, I have two in mind: one with arugula and Parmesan, and one green salad with seasonal fruits and nuts. How does that sound?D: Ό,τι καλύτερο! Για ορεκτικά σκεφτόμουν τυροπιτάκια ή σπανακοπιτάκια ή και τα δύο. /Couldn't be better! For appetizers I was thinking cheese pies or spinach pies—or both.E: Καλά σε αυτό δεν μπορώ να πω όχι… Ξέρεις πόσο μου αρέσουν τα σπανακοπιτάκια! /Well, I can't say no to that… You know how much I love spinach pies!D: Ξέρω ξέρω, γι' αυτό τα έβαλα στο μενού! Για γλυκό έχω ήδη μελομακάρονα και κουραμπιέδες, δεν το συζητώ. /I know, I know. That's why I put them on the menu! For dessert I already have melomakarona and kourabiedes; that's non-negotiable.Ε: Ωραία. Έλεγα να δοκιμάσω να φτιάξω δίπλες φέτος. Δεν έχω ξαναφτιάξει. Τι λες; /Great. I was thinking of trying to make diples this year. I've never made them before. What do you think?D: Τολμηρή σε βρίσκω! Αλλά η αλήθεια είναι ότι μου αρέσουν πάρα πολύ, οπότε θα περιμένω να τις δοκιμάσω και από τα χεράκια σου! / I find you brave! But the truth is I really love them, so I'll be looking forward to tasting the ones made by your own hands!Ε: Τέλεια! Έτοιμες λοιπόν. /Perfect! Then we're all set.D: Ώπα! Περίμενε! Τι θα πιούμε; /Wait! Hold on! What will we drink?Ε: Ααα σωστά! Ε λευκό κρασί ταιριάζει με το χοιρινό. /Ahhh, right! Well, white wine goes well with pork.D: Ωραία. Λευκό κρασάκι οπότε και κανένα χυμό ή αναψυκτικό για τα παιδιά. /Great. So white wine, and maybe some juice or soft drinks for the kids.Ε: Τι ωραία! Ανυπομονώ! /How wonderful! I can't wait!Check out our Instagram @greek_lang_experts or visit our website for our upcoming⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Greek classes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!If you enjoyed this episode please rate our podcast and leave a comment!

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 23, 2025 is: bespoke • bih-SPOHK • adjective Bespoke describes something that is custom-made—that is, made to fit the needs or requirements of a particular person. // As a tailor, Lana specialized in crafting bespoke clothing for her clients, each piece unique and suited to their tastes. See the entry > Examples: “The vehicles are bespoke machines with every little detail thought of, from embroidered seats to custom floor mats to retro paint jobs.” — Charlie Berrey, SlashGear.com, 10 Nov. 2025 Did you know? In the English language of yore, the verb bespeak had various meanings, including “to speak,” “to accuse,” and “to complain.” In the 16th century, bespeak acquired another meaning: “to order.” It is from that sense that we get the adjective bespoke, referring to clothes and other things that are ordered before they are made. Bespoke has enjoyed a spike in usage in recent years, perhaps due to consumer trends that champion all things artisanal over those that are prefab.

We walk you through essential Christmas words and traditions in Mexico, from nacimientos and Christmas trees to poinsettias, piñatas, and festive street decorations. We also explore classic holiday food and drinks like tamales, ponche, rompope, and buñuelos, plus the music, posadas, and expressions you'll hear everywhere. Whether you're traveling, living in Mexico, or simply want to sound more confident during the holidays, this episode helps you connect language with real-life Christmas experiences.Key Takeaways:Master practical Spanish Christmas vocabulary used in real conversationsUnderstand the meaning behind Mexican holiday traditions and symbolsSpeak more naturally about Christmas while traveling or celebrating in SpanishRelevant Links And Additional Resources:036 – Las Posadas Navideñas Mexicanas | Mexican Christmas Parties037 – Diferencias Navideñas Entre México Y EEUU | Christmas Differences Between Mexico And The US141 – Villancicos Navideños | Christmas Carols142 – La Rama: El Árbol Navideño Mexicano | The Branch: The Mexican Christmas Tree195 – Ponche – El Olor De La Navidad En México | Ponche, The Smell Of Christmas In MexicoLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don't miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizSupport the show

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 22, 2025 is: temporize • TEM-puh-ryze • verb To temporize is to avoid making a decision or giving a definite answer in order to have more time. // Pressured by voters on both sides of the issue, the congressman temporized. See the entry > Examples: "The question is, Did you eat the last piece of pie? And the politician who ate the last piece of pie doesn't want to say yes, because they might get in trouble. Doesn't want to say no, because that's an outright lie. So they waver, they equivocate, they temporize, they put things in context, and they talk like a politician." — David Frum, The Atlantic (The David Frum Show podcast), 21 May 2025 Did you know? Temporize comes from the Middle French word temporiser, which in turn likely traces back via Medieval Latin temporizāre, "to delay," to the Latin noun tempus, meaning "time." Tempus is also the root of such words as tempo, contemporary, and temporal. If you need to buy some time, you might resort to temporizing, but you probably won't win admiration for doing so, as the word typically carries a negative connotation. For instance, a political leader faced with a difficult issue might temporize by talking vaguely about possible solutions without actually doing anything. The point of such temporizing is to avoid taking definitive—and possibly unpopular—action, in hopes that the problem will somehow go away.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 21, 2025 is: hibernaculum • hye-ber-NAK-yuh-lum • noun Hibernaculum (plural hibernacula) refers to a shelter occupied during the winter by a dormant animal, such as an insect, snake, bat, or marmot. // Local scientists are studying the longevity of bats who use bridges and other aboveground hibernacula versus that of bats who roost all winter in subterranean caves. See the entry > Examples: “Adult female bees begin looking for a hibernation location, or hibernaculum, in the fall. If the gardener is planning to deadhead any spent flowers from the summer, aim to prune stems at varying heights (8" to 24") as a nesting site for these bees. Many perennial flowers and shrubs have pithy stems that will serve as a good location. A few common Oklahoma garden plants that are good candidates include roses, purple coneflower, salvia, bee balm, and sunflowers.” — Sherry Clark, The Shawnee (Oklahoma) News-Star, 8 Oct. 2025 Did you know? If you're afraid of snakes or bats, you probably won't enjoy thinking about hibernacula, where hundreds, even thousands, of these creatures might be passing the wintry months. Other creatures also use hibernacula, though many of these tend to be less crowded. The word hibernaculum has been used for the burrow of a woodchuck, for instance, as well as for a cozy caterpillar cocoon attached to a wintry twig, and for the spot in which a frog has buried itself in mud. Hibernacula are all around us and have been around for a long, long time, but we have only called them such since the late 1700s, making hibernaculum only a few decades older than the more familiar verb hibernate. Both words come from the Latin verb hibernare, meaning “to pass the winter,” which in turn comes from hibernus, meaning “winter.”

In this 4-hour Ultimate English Expressions Masterclass, Teacher Tiffani teaches hundreds of real-life expressions that will instantly upgrade your fluency. You'll master phrases like bend over backwards, cut to the chase, bring it up, backseat driver, believe it or not, couldn't care less, and more — all explained clearly with examples, tone, and pronunciation tips. Discover how native speakers actually use these expressions in everyday conversations across America and beyond. Whether you're learning English for work, school, or daily life, this masterclass will help you express yourself naturally and confidently in every situation.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

in this episode, you will learn colloquial Punjabi vocabulary. You will learn word like ਪਾਡੀ ਮਾਰਨਾ, ਹਵਾ ਕਰਨਾ, ਨਿੰਦਿਆ, ਚੁਗਲੀ etc. Dive into the world of conversational Punjabi and vibrant Punjabi culture! This podcast goes beyond textbook language, teaching you how Punjabi is spoken in real life—step by step. Learn not just the words but the traditions, stories, and regional nuances that make Punjabi so rich and unique. Whether you're a language enthusiast or curious about the Punjabi way of life, this podcast is your gateway to authentic learning and cultural exploration.If you want to learn more about colloquial Punjabi and Punjabi culture then subscribe/follow the podcast.If you wanna support my work or want 1 on 1 private class with me then check out my patreonSupport the podcast on Patreon⬇️ https://www.patreon.com/amrinder69 Get my free Punjabi pronouns ebook ⬇️https://mailchi.mp/40bd16240e52/untitled-pageSupport through PayPal⬇️https://www.paypal.me/amrinder69Check out The Amrinder Singh Podcast (Punjabi podcast)⬇️https://open.spotify.com/show/46YPbbiIk0BDhnO6QDSxVC?si=JBgiZf9rQMaWBnN0aM1LuA&dd=1Youtube ⬇️https://youtube.com/amrindermkInstagram ⬇️https://instagram.com/colloquial.punjabi?igshid=MDE2OWE1N2Q=Facebook⬇️https://www.facebook.com/amrinder.singh.mk Contact with me⬇️Email: amrinder.s.shergill@gmail.com Telegram : Amrinder_mkFacebook Group  ⬇️https://www.facebook.com/groups/2832332600381383/?ref=share#learnpunjabi 

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 20, 2025 is: decorous • DECK-er-us • adjective Decorous is a formal adjective used to describe an attitude or behavior characterized by propriety and good taste. // The ceremony was conducted with a decorous solemnity. See the entry > Examples: “... Elizabeth reveals, later, that she felt she never belonged to the decorous world of parties and corsets and curls and feathers on the head ...” — Ryan Lattanzio, Indie Wire, 13 Oct. 2025 Did you know? One of the earliest recorded uses of decorous appears in a book titled The Rules of Civility (1671): “It is not decorous to look in the glass, to comb, brush, or do any thing of that nature to ourselves, whilst the said person be in the Room.” This rule of thumb may be a bit outdated; like many behaviors once deemed unbecoming, public primping is unlikely to offend in modern times. Though mores shift, decorous lives on to describe timeless courtesies like polite speech, proper attire, and (ahem) covering one's cough.

聖誕夜最令人期待的小儀式—— 把襪子掛好、等禮物來臨！

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 19, 2025 is: veracity • vuh-RASS-uh-tee • noun Veracity is a formal word that can refer to truth or accuracy, or to the quality of being truthful or honest. // The jury seemed not to doubt the veracity of the witness. See the entry > Examples: "Raise your hand if you've been questioning the veracity of real events, news stories and images posted on social media lately. It used to be we'd have to tiptoe around a minefield of hoaxes only once a year, on April 1. But thanks to the proliferation of misinformation spawned by artificial intelligence, every day on the internet is an exercise in judgment and media literacy." — Laura Yuen, The Hamilton (Ontario) Spectator, 9 Oct. 2025 Did you know? Veracity has been in use since the early 17th century, and we can honestly tell you that it comes from the Latin adjective vērāx, "truthful," which in turn comes from the earlier verus, "true." Verus also gives us the words verity ("the quality of being true"), verify ("to establish the truth of"), and verisimilitude ("the appearance of truth"), among other words. In addition, vērāx is the root of the word veraciousness, a somewhat rarer synonym and cousin of veracity.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 18, 2025 is: jaunty • JAWN-tee • adjective Something described as jaunty is lively in manner or appearance. Jaunty can also describe something, such as an article of clothing, that suggests a lively and confident quality. // The server whistled a jaunty tune as she wiped the tables and set out fresh flowers in preparation for the day's diners. See the entry > Examples: “He stood at the front of the room and announced that we would begin with a quiz, which we all failed because the quiz was over material that we were supposed to have covered during the last class. When he handed the quizzes back to us after the break, he did so in a frenetic, almost jaunty way, running up and down the aisles and announcing our grades—‘Zero, zero, zero'—loudly before tossing the quizzes down in front of us ...” — Lori Ostlund, Are You Happy?: Stories, 2025 Did you know? Does throwing on a jaunty hat make someone appear more genteel? Maybe, but something more definitive links the words: both jaunty and genteel come from the French word gentil, meaning “of aristocratic birth.” Genteel was borrowed first to describe things associated with aristocratic people. Jaunty joined the language just a few years later in the mid-17th century as a synonym of stylish and also as a synonym for genteel. While genteel has maintained its associations of propriety and high social class, jaunty has traipsed into less stuffy territory as a descriptor of tunes and hats and other things that suggest lively confidence.

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Support Us: ⁠Donation Page – LibriVox Free AudiobooksA Practical Handbook of Pertinent Expressions, Striking Similes, Literary, Commercial, Conversational, and Oratorical Terms, for the Embellishment of Speech and Literature, and The Improvement of the Vocabulary of Those Persons Who Read, Write, and Speak EnglishAlt-BC: Lucy BurgoyneGenre(s): Reference, Language learningLanguage: EnglishSupport Us: ⁠Donation Page – LibriVox Free Audiobooks

Support Us: ⁠Donation Page – LibriVox Free AudiobooksGrenville Kleiser (1868 - 1935)Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases (Pt. 2).A Practical Handbook of Pertinent Expressions, Striking Similes, Literary, Commercial, Conversational, and Oratorical Terms, for the Embellishment of Speech and Literature, and The Improvement of the Vocabulary of Those Persons Who Read, Write, and Speak EnglishAlt-BC: Lucy BurgoyneGenre(s): Reference, Language learningLanguage: EnglishSupport Us: ⁠⁠Donation Page – LibriVox Free Audiobooks

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In this episode we will talk about holiday related vocabulary and the roots of these words. We will help you understand where they come from and how they got the meaning they have now."So first we'll look at the word Χριστούγεννα = Christmas, which is derived from the words Χριστός = Christ και γέννα (γέννηση) = birth, meaning η γέννηση του Χριστού = the birth of Christ. Then we have Πρωτοχρονιά = New Year's Day, which is also a compound word and is derived from the words πρώτος = first και χρονιά = year, meaning Η πρώτη μέρα του χρόνου = the first day of the year. And the third holiday we celebrate in Greece during this season is "Θεοφάνεια" = Epiphany, which is formed by the words Θεός = God και φαίνομαι = to appear. Θεοφάνεια is the day that commemorates the manifestation of the Holy Trinity during the baptism of Jesus. The English word Epiphany is also of Greek origin, coming from επιφάνεια which means ‘appearance' or ‘manifestation'. So these were the three big holidays we include in what we call εορταστική περίοδος = festive season. Now looking into some other words, we have of course "μελομακάρονα" which doesn't have a translation in English, but they're the honey dipped cookies, and the word comes from μέλι = honey και μακαρία = a small offering bread. And then we have some words that are not compound, like:στολίδι = ornament, decoration from the verb στολίζω = to decorate δώρο = the present from the verb δίνω = to give, which actually in Greek δώρο is an object or gesture offered without expecting anything in return.έθιμο = tradition/ custom, comes from the ancient έθος = habit and is a customary practice of a people or a group.άγγελος = angel. And yes, the English word ‘angel' comes from the ancient Greek άγγελος, which means αγγελιαφόρος = the messenger giving the meaning messenger of God and entered English through Latin."

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 17, 2025 is: espouse • ih-SPOWZ • verb To espouse an ideology, belief, etc., is to take it up and support it as a cause. Espouse is usually encountered in formal speech and writing. // The article explores some of the lesser-known viewpoints espoused by the charismatic leader. See the entry > Examples: “Crammed into a tiny apartment in Greenwich Village, they [Yoko Ono and John Lennon] immersed themselves in the city's counterculture, absorbing progressive politics whenever they weren't glued to the television set. Lennon's celebrity secured the duo a large platform to espouse these ideas ...” — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2025 Did you know? As you might guess, the words espouse and spouse are hitched, both coming from the Latin verb spondēre, meaning “to promise” or “to betroth.” In fact, the two were once completely interchangeable, with each serving as a noun meaning “a newly married person” or “a partner in marriage” and also as a verb meaning “to marry.” Their semantic separation began when the noun espouse fell out of use. Nowadays, espouse is almost exclusively encountered as a verb used in the figuratively extended sense “to commit to and support as a cause.”

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 16, 2025 is: conversant • kun-VER-sunt • adjective Conversant, usually used in the phrase "conversant with," describes someone who has knowledge of or experience with something. // The ideal candidate for the sommelier position will have expert knowledge of the various wines served in the restaurant and be conversant with the rich world of viniculture. See the entry > Examples: "The advantages of franchise expansion are obvious. These shows benefit from name recognition and a dedicated audience, as well as writers, producers and crew members already conversant with that audience's expectations." — Alexis Soloski, The New York Times, 6 July 2025 Did you know? The adjectives conversant and conversational both descend from the Latin verb conversari, meaning "to associate with." Conversant dates to the Middle Ages; an early meaning of the word was simply "having familiar association." One way to associate with others is to have a conversation with them—in other words, to talk. For a short time in the 19th century conversant could mean "relating to or suggesting conversation," but for the most part that meaning stayed with conversational while conversant went in a different direction. Today, conversant is sometimes used, especially in the United States, with the meaning "able to talk in a foreign language," as in "she is conversant in several languages," but it is more often associated with knowledge or familiarity, as in "conversant with the issues."

"Rage bait." "Parasocial." "6-7." Ben Zimmer, linguist, language columnist, and chair of the New Words Committee of the American Dialect Society, discusses what the words of the year chosen by various dictionaries like Oxford and Dictionary.com, and what the choices say about our language and culture. To submit your nomination for word of the year to the American Dialect Society, go to https://americandialect.org.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 15, 2025 is: dreidel • DRAY-dul • noun A dreidel is a 4-sided toy marked with Hebrew letters and spun like a top in a game of chance. The game, played by children especially at Hanukkah, is also called dreidel. // All the kids in the family look forward to playing dreidel together during Hanukkah. See the entry > Examples: “The Jewish tradition has always been syncretic, adapting and responding to the culture around it, he [Rabbi Steven Philp] said. Hanukkah is ‘a great example of this,' Philp said, noting that the holiday's traditions—like spinning the dreidel, eating latkes or potato pancakes, and munching on ... jelly-filled doughnuts—are customs that were borrowed from neighboring cultures over time.” — Kate Heather, The Chicago Sun-Times, 25 Dec. 2024 Did you know? If your dreidel is spinning beneath the glow of the menorah, it's probably the Jewish festival of lights known as Hanukkah. The holiday celebrates the miracle of a small amount of oil—enough for one day—burning for eight days in the Temple of Jerusalem. And though it's a toy, the dreidel's design is very much an homage: on each of its four sides is inscribed a Hebrew letter—nun, gimel, he, and shin—which together stand for Nes gadol haya sham, meaning “A great miracle happened there.” (In Israel, the letter pe, short for po, “here,” is often used instead of shin). In the game of dreidel, each letter bears its own significance: the dreidel is spun and depending on which letter is on top when it lands, the player's currency, or gelt, is added to or taken from the pot. Nun means the player does nothing; gimel means the player gets everything; he means the player gets half; and shin means the player adds to the pot. Wherever you land on holiday traditions, we wish you words of gimel: gratitude, grub, and, of course, gaiety.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 14, 2025 is: multitudinous • mul-tuh-TOO-duh-nus • adjective Multitudinous is a formal word with meanings that relate to multitudes. It can mean “existing in a great multitude”—that is, “very many”; or “including a multitude of individuals”; or “existing in or consisting of innumerable elements or aspects.” // The two old friends reminisced about the multitudinous ways in which their lives had changed. // The author's appearance is expected to attract a multitudinous gathering that will fill the auditorium. See the entry > Examples: “Launched as Holton's artistic inquiry into his own Chinese heritage, the project has evolved into a profound examination of family dynamics, migration, and cultural hybridity in contemporary New York, where the American identity is multitudinous.” — Natasha Gural, Forbes, 11 June 2025 Did you know? “I am large, I contain multitudes.” So wrote Walt Whitman in his most celebrated poem, “Song of Myself.” He was expressing his ability to hold within himself contradictory statements, facets, opinions, beliefs, etc. Another, if less poetic, way of saying “I contain multitudes” might be “I am multitudinous,” using the sense of that five-syllable word meaning “existing in or consisting of innumerable elements or aspects.” Multitudinous doesn't have a lot of meanings—three to be exact—but each one concerns, well, a lot. In addition to serving Whitmanesque purposes as noted above, multitudinous is the kind of highly expressive word that you can rely upon when you want something a little more emphatic than plain old numerous, as in “multitudinous possibilities.” Lastly, its original sense—still in use today—is a synonym of populous meaning “including a multitude of individuals,” as in “the multitudinous city.”

https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bizpod/BEP081c-Meetings-Finishing.mp3 Welcome back to Business English Pod for today's lesson on finishing a meeting in English. We'll learn how to summarize action points and wrap up the meeting. A well-run meeting can be productive and useful. But a poorly run meeting can leave everyone feeling like their time has been wasted. And one of the big differences between good and bad meetings is how they end. A good meeting doesn't slowly run out of energy. Instead, there's a clear ending to it. And people come out of the meeting with a strong sense of purpose and a clear idea of what they need to do. Without a sense of purpose, people might feel like the meeting generated a lot of discussion but nothing more. Giving a strong finish to a meeting isn't actually that hard to do. First off, you need to be clear that the meeting is about to end. That gives people a chance to collect their thoughts. Next, you can summarize the action points and assign tasks. You may also want to emphasize how important they are to give some extra motivation. Then you can wrap up the meeting with some closing thoughts. In today's dialog, we'll join a meeting at a bank. The team has been discussing some recent issues and future plans. You will hear Lisa provide a strong finish to the meeting with James, Bryan, Charles, and Cecilia. Listening Questions 1. What question does Lisa ask the group before stating the action items? 2. What does Lisa emphasize about James planned action? 3. What does Lisa say to officially end the meeting? Premium Members: PDF Transcript | Quizzes | PhraseCast | Lesson Module Download: Podcast MP3>>> The post BEP 81c – Meeting English: Action Points and Wrapping Up first appeared on Business English Pod :: Learn Business English Online.

Join Teacher Tiffani in this 90+ minute Vocabulary Marathon and supercharge your English fluency! You'll learn practical words and expressions like aspiration, determination, compassion, empathy, gratitude, efficiency, drive, delegate, gallant, bummed, hangry, flex, flop, and faceplant — all words that real native speakers use in everyday life. Each term is clearly explained with real examples, pronunciation practice, and sentence applications to help you apply new vocabulary naturally. Whether you're in America, Australia, or anywhere in the world, this episode gives you the tools and confidence to speak English like a native.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 13, 2025 is: alleviate • uh-LEE-vee-ayt • verb To alleviate something is to make it less painful, difficult, or severe. Alleviate can also mean "to partially remove or correct." // There's no cure for the common cold, but there are various treatments that may alleviate some of the symptoms. // The new tunnel should alleviate traffic congestion on the bridge. See the entry > Examples: "The funds are meant to alleviate monetary barriers and enhance the fashion industry's talent pipeline." — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025 Did you know? Now for a bit of light reading. Alleviate comes from Latin levis, meaning "having little weight." (Levis also gave rise to the English adjective light as in "not heavy.") In its early days during the 16th century, alleviate could mean both "to cause (something) to have less weight" or "to make (something) more tolerable." The literal "make lighter" sense is no longer used, and today only the "relieve, lessen" sense remains. Incidentally, not only is alleviate a synonym of relieve, it's also a cousin: relieve comes from Latin levare ("to raise"), which in turn comes from levis.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 12, 2025 is: waggish • WAG-ish • adjective Waggish describes someone who is silly and playful, and especially someone who displays a mischievous sense of humor. The word can also describe things that such a person might do or possess. // He had a waggish disposition that could irk adults but typically delighted children. // She denied the prank but did so with a waggish smirk that didn't match her disavowal. See the entry > Examples: “[Patricia] Lockwood began her writing life quietly, as a poet. She found her first major audience on Twitter, posting self-proclaimed ‘absurdities' ... that quickly came to define the medium's zany, waggish ethos ...” — Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 Did you know? One who is waggish acts like a wag. What, then, is a wag? It has nothing to do with a dog's tail; in this case a wag is a clever person prone to joking. Though light-hearted in its use and meaning, the probable source of this particular wag is grim: it is thought to be short for waghalter, an obsolete English word that translates as gallows bird, a gallows bird being someone thought to be deserving of hanging (wag being the familiar wag having to do with movement, and halter referring to a noose). Despite its gloomy origins, waggish is now often associated with humor and playfulness—a wag is a joker, and waggery is merriment or practical joking. Waggish can describe the prank itself as well as the prankster type; the class clown might be said to have a “waggish disposition” or be prone to “waggish antics.”

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 11, 2025 is: leviathan • luh-VYE-uh-thun • noun Leviathan is a word with literary flair that can refer broadly to something very large and powerful, or more narrowly to a large sea animal, or a totalitarian state having a vast bureaucracy. // Towering leviathans of the forest, giant sequoias often reach heights of more than 200 feet. See the entry > Examples: “These are dim days for the leviathan merchants. The smart whaling families have diversified and will hang onto their wealth for years to come. ... The less smart, those convulsed by the strange desire to continue doing what had always been done, who consider it a divinely issued directive to rid the waves of great fish, now face a problem: the Atlantic whale that built their houses and ships has seemingly wised up ...” — Ethan Rutherford, North Sun, or The Voyage of the Whaleship Esther: A Novel, 2025 Did you know? Old Testament references to a huge sea monster, Leviathan (in Hebrew, Liwyāthān), are thought to have been inspired by an ancient myth in which the god Baal slays a multiheaded sea monster. Leviathan appears in the Book of Psalms as a sea serpent that is killed by God and then given as food to creatures in the wilderness, and it is mentioned in the Book of Job as well. After making a splash in English in the 1300s, the word Leviathan began to be used, capitalized and uncapitalized, for enormous sea creatures both imagined and real—including as a synonym of whale over 100 times in Herman Melville's Moby-Dick, as in “ere the Pequod's weedy hull rolls side by side with the barnacled hulls of the leviathan.” Today, leviathan can be used for anything large and powerful, from ships to corporations.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addresses a concerning trend revealed in a recent HarperCollins survey from the UK, which shows a significant decline in the interest of parents reading aloud to their children. Less than half of parents of kids up to 13 find reading aloud fun, and only 29% of children aged 5 to 13 view reading as enjoyable rather than just a school subject. The episode highlights alarming statistics showing a decrease in literacy rates in the U.S., with nearly 28% of adults ranking at the lowest literacy levels. Dr. Kathy discusses the critical importance of reading aloud for children's development, emphasizing how it fosters a love for reading and helps children navigate challenges in life with the understanding that there is always a conclusion. Tune in to learn more about the impact of reading on children's growth and the urgent need to reinvigorate the joy of reading in homes.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 10, 2025 is: grift • GRIFT • verb To grift is to use dishonest tricks to illegally take money or property. // The email scammer shamelessly grifted thousands of dollars from unwitting victims. See the entry > Examples: "When the families demanded he return the jewellery he had grifted from them he arranged meetings and then did not show." — Peter Spriggs, The Echo (South Essex, England), 31 Oct. 2025 Did you know? Someone who grifts is a thief, but of a particular sort: they illegally obtain money or property by means of cleverness or deceit, and do not usually resort to physical force or violence. A grifter might be a pickpocket, a crooked gambler, a scammer, or a con artist. The most plausible etymology we have for the murky term is that grift is an early 20th century alteration of graft, a slightly older word which refers to the acquisition of money or property in dishonest or questionable ways. Both grift and graft have noun and verb forms.

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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 9, 2025 is: paltry • PAWL-tree • adjective Paltry is a formal word that can describe something that is very small or too small in amount, or something that has little meaning, importance, or worth. // They're offering a paltry salary for the position. // The professor announced they'd finally had enough of the students' paltry excuses for being late to class. See the entry > Examples: "When the witty and wry English fantasy novelist Terry Pratchett interviewed Bill Gates for GQ in 1995, only 39% of Americans had access to a home computer. According to the Pew Research Center, the number who were connected to the internet was a paltry 14%." — Ed Simon, LitHub.com, 25 Nov. 2024 Did you know? Before paltry was an adjective, it was a noun meaning trash. That now-obsolete noun came from palt or pelt, a dialect term referring to a piece of coarse cloth, or more broadly, to trash. The adjective paltry, which dates to the mid-16th century, originally described things considered worthless, or of very low quality, but it's gained a number of meanings over the centuries, none of which are complimentary. A paltry house might be neglected and unfit for occupancy; a paltry trick is a trick that is low-down and dirty; a paltry excuse is a poor one; and a paltry sum is small and insufficient.