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.
1,792 questions
2
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Unable to speak like humans
Does the adj 'speechless' fit ok if used for an animal? As in:
Don't hurt the poor cat. It's speechless.
i.e. it can't complain about what has been done to it.
What's the adjective for someone or ...
- 1,613
10
votes
1
answer
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What does 'placard' mean here?
He kept the truck in two wheel drive and drove in second gear. The
light of the unrisen moon before him spread out along the dark placard
hills like scrimlights in a theatre.
I searched the word in a ...
- 407
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2
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a non-flying object that happens to float
What, as an English user, do we find best for the thing seen in the picture?
It is simply a skateboard that goes in the air, bouncing against a speed-breaker and then lands back. It's being used in a ...
- 1,613
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Is it correct to say "find out information"? [duplicate]
I found the phrase "find out information" in one of the student's books, but I am not sure that it's natural to say like that. To me, it's more natural to say "find information"
...
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Phrases used in cartoons [closed]
If a kids' cartoon character using hoverboard uses this phrase when in danger:
"Maday Maday Maday"
Does Ofcom watershed policy allow these catchphrases used in cartoons?
Is this acceptable ...
- 1,401
0
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2
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69
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A tea or just tea/meal
Are sentences 1, 2, 3 about having a meal while #4 is about drinking tea? In British and American English?
We are having tea.
We are having a tea.
We are having our tea.
We are having a cup of tea....
- 185
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3
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Why does name‑calling mean insulting someone when it literally means "calling a name"?
In English, name‑calling is used to mean insulting, mocking, or verbally abusing someone (e.g., "Stop the name‑calling!"). But the phrase seems literal: "calling someone’s name." ...
- 576
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Is "unlike" incorrect in this sentence?
I was doing some exercises and came across this example:
_______ its seemingly claustrophobic size, the house is surprisingly
well-lit thanks to the semi-transparent polycarbonate materials used
in ...
- 119
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votes
3
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264
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What does “youth” mean when they are being addressed?
What does the term “youth” refer to?
I’m 23 for example do I qualify as “youth”?
For example I read a news article titled, “Pope Francis to Youth…”, and I started thinking about what that word exactly ...
-2
votes
1
answer
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Difference between ( to diminish and to prune )
A definition of diminish is (to reduce or be reduced in size, importance or value).
And a definition of prune is (to reduce something by removing things that are not necessary)
So what is the ...
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What does the phrase 'on the lowks' mean?
Could you please tell me is there a phrase 'on the lowks' in the English language? And if there is, what does it mean? As I understand it refers to some American slang. If it doesn't, please correct ...
- 113
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3
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The usage and meaning of 'a bargain', 'a good bargain', 'a bad bargain'
I am wondering why Ngram viewer states that 'a bargain' is used 20 times more than "a good bargain' or 'a bad bargain'.
- 445
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2
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Is it a slab? Is it a plank? No, but it could be a tree stump
I have watched a few YouTube videos where craftsmen make amazing epoxy tables from slabs of wood. But what if the piece of wood is significantly thicker and doesn't need legs to stand on, is that ...
- 31.8k
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What are possible approaches to learn new English words?
Some time ago I started keeping notes with new English words, phrases, and idioms.
But I don't actually look them up after I've written them down.
What are the approaches of actually learning them and ...
- 111
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6
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Doesn't 'My father never laid a compassionate hand on me.' sound like an oxymoron?
This is a comment by Diane Schiavo to the post 'David Beckham explains why he kisses his daughter on the lips':
My father never laid a compassionate hand on me. Only beatings and backhanded fists in ...
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