Endangered
Seriously at risk of extinction. ” In the city, we feel the same insecurity that outsiders do in the forest, says an Awá man named Blade. But the dense Amazon … Continue reading
Soap Operas
A television or radio drama serial dealing typically with daily events in the lives of the same group of characters. (The origin of this word dates back to 1930s when … Continue reading
Willpower
The mental ability used to control and direct your thoughts and actions, or a determination to do something, despite any difficulties or opposition. A new book Willpower: Rediscovering our Greatest Strength suggests … Continue reading
Misdemeanour
An action which is slightly bad or breaks a rule but is not a crime. Hundreds of US schools have police patrolling the playgrounds and corridors to keep order. But … Continue reading
Torch Relay
A group of people who continue an activity that others from the same team or organization have been doing previously. The Olympic torch will be carried round the UK by … Continue reading
Introvert
A person predominantly concerned with their own thoughts and feelings rather than with external things. “It is often assumed extroverts do best in life. But contrary to popular opinion, introverts … Continue reading
Sunbeds
A structure like a bed containing a device for producing light, which you lie on in order to make the skin go darker. Last year, UK government banned under-18s from using … Continue reading
Supermoon
The “supermoon” phenomenon, which we could see last weekend, means the Moon appears up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than usual, as it comes closer to the Earth . … Continue reading
Apathy
When someone shows no interest or energy and is unwilling to take action, especially over something important. Dave Meslin, in his TED talk “The antidote to apathy”, identifies seven barriers that … Continue reading
Abduct
To force someone to go somewhere with you, often using threats or violence. Chinese police rescued more than 24,000 abducted women and children in 2011, according to a report by … Continue reading
(of a bird) to make a series of short high sounds. (of a person) to talk quickly and nervously in a high voice, saying very little of importance or interest. … Continue reading
Restoration
The act or process of returning something to its earlier good condition or position. Universal Pictures, the Hollywood studio known for classic films such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Jaws, … Continue reading
Dope
To give a person or an animal drugs in order to make them perform better or worse in a competition. Organisers of the London Olympics are determined to keep this … Continue reading
English around us 