English Language Learners Stack Exchange
English Language Learners Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [vocabulary]

This tag is for questions about a body of words. It should not be used to inquire about the definition of a specific word.

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1757 questions
32
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10 answers

When should I use 'thaw' and 'melt'?

Thaw seems to be used when thawing something, like food. Melt seems to be used with ice. Some dictionary definitions seem to conflict with these statements. When should each word be used?
Genie
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3 answers

What does the believoisie mean?

Examples: Thankfully, though, Hitchens' score-settling asides to the believoisie don't take up the bulk of Mortality. It has something to do with a litany of grievances against the believoisie so rote that it might well (or ironically) be styled a…
Michael Login
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20
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3 answers

The origin of 'feed' in 'line feed'

A line feed means moving one line forward. It's definition references feed. In summary,'feed' has three meanings Give food to. Supply with material or power. Cause to pass gradually and steadily, typically through a confined space. From which…
Wizard
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16
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5 answers

Is PC used as an English expression for a computer in English speaking countries?

Japanese people call computers PC in Japanese-made katakana expression. English speakers usually use laptops for that. Is PC used to mean a computer in English-speaking countries?
tak
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14
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3 answers

A different concept of difficult English words

I’m interested in building up my English vocabulary, but whenever I look for “difficult English words” or “advanced vocabulary” I’m presented with a list of polysyllabic words such as: aberration, abhor, acquiesce, amiable, appease, arcane, avarice,…
Toli
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13
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3 answers

Are body parts like thighs, hips etc. considered private parts too?

When we use the phrase 'private parts' do we refer to 'thighs' also or this phrase only refers to parts like urinary organ, hips, etc?
English-Learner
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12
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2 answers

butt, bottom, buttock and ass?

A woman's butt was allegedly touched by a man several times during a commute on the MRT. How to use butt, bottom, buttock and ass? I am confusing with these words.
bingo bin
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12
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3 answers

Broken patches on a road

Are the broken patches on the road called holes? If not, then what do we call them? What exactly a hole is? One that is from one surface to another?
English-Learner
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12
votes
7 answers

"The notice reads" vs. "The notice recites"

To my US English ear, "The notice recites" sounds wrong. I think one recites poetry but the notice itself can't recite anything. I checked with Merriam Webster and it seems to back up my point of view in that it doesn't have a definition that…
aparente001
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11
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4 answers

shore, shoreline, beach, coast, coastline

I have browsed the Internet several times, and eventually, I failed to learn what is the difference exactly between those. It would be appreciated, if someone please through a marked or signed picture show me their differences. Or, where are they…
nima
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11
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5 answers

Is "hunch" the right word for this situation?

When I was leaving home for a language learning center, something inside my mind was trying to tell me to walk instead of taking a bus or I would be late for the class. I might be too tired to walk so I chose the bus, and then I was late. Given…
kitty
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10
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2 answers

What we can use "there" or "over there"

When we can use word "there" and when "over there"? I could not find the answer in the dictionary.Thanks
elena
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10
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2 answers

get to know VS. come to know

Would you please tell me if the following mean the same? if so, which one do native speakers use more? Get to know VS. come to know I am sure there is some subtle difference between these. I am confused a little bit, as my profs. has already told…
nima
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10
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2 answers

What is the difference between 'shop' and 'store'?

Why can't 'convenience store' be 'convenience shop'? And why can't 'coffee shop' be 'coffee store'? Can you tell me the exact difference between the two words?
heechan lee
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10
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8 answers

Grey hair or white hair

In my region is it usual that we say 'white' for hair which is not black or brown anymore as the age passes. But I've recently come to know that the word 'grey' can also be used instead of 'white'. Which word do you native use? The colour that I…
English-Learner
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