I use LingQ to expand my vocabulary in many languages, including English. From time to time, I share a selection of my English lingQs here, consisting mostly of unusual words which I consider intriguing. In this series, pay special attention to the pronunciations typeset in red. Beware: Only one meaning of every word is included, and the pronunciation is based on the American dialect (it usually suffices to replace ər with ə the get the British one).
thoroughly /θɜːrəli/ – in a complete or careful manner.
… you should learn the topic thoroughly if you want to get the full number of points …
… you should learn the topic thoroughly if you want to get the full number of points …
duchy /ˈdʌtʃi/ – the territory ruled by a duke or duchess.
… colonists who settled in France created an independent duchy of the northmen …
… colonists who settled in France created an independent duchy of the northmen …
niche /nɪtʃ/ – a place or position particularly suitable to the person or thing in it.
… wolves occupying a similar ecological niche to humans …
… wolves occupying a similar ecological niche to humans …
complexion /kəmˈplɛkʃən/ – the color, texture, and general appearance of the skin, esp. of the face.
… the first offender is described as having a tanned complexion …
… the first offender is described as having a tanned complexion …
vinegar /ˈvɪnɪgər/ – a sour liquid with a pungent odor, containing acetic acid, made by fermenting dilute alcoholic liquids, as cider, wine, or malt: it is used as a condiment or preservative.
… mix a teaspoon of cider vinegar with a glass of water …
… mix a teaspoon of cider vinegar with a glass of water …
schizophrenia /ˌskɪtsəˈfriniə/ or /ˌskɪtsɵˈfriːniə/ – a mental disorder where you perceive things incorrectly, often imagining things that are not real.
… his paranoid schizophrenia was triggered by cannabis use …
… his paranoid schizophrenia was triggered by cannabis use …
mischief /ˈmɪstʃɪf/ – playful and often harmless wrongdoing, pranks or bad behavior.
… great mischief has been done through ignorance …
… great mischief has been done through ignorance …
hyperbole /haɪˈpɜrbəli/ – a description that is exaggerated for emphasis.
… this isn’t mere hyperbole, this is a fact …
… this isn’t mere hyperbole, this is a fact …
colonel /ˈkɜrnl/ – a high ranking military officer.
… appointed colonel of a cavalry regiment was sent to secure the city …
… appointed colonel of a cavalry regiment was sent to secure the city …
epitome /ɪˈpɪtəmi/ – a person or object that is a perfect example of something.
… Robin Hood is the epitome of everything British …
… Robin Hood is the epitome of everything British …
Definitions are usually taken from www.yourdictionary.com.
Jakub Marian is a student of mathematics at Berlin Mathematical School. In addition to that, he's a passionate