29 Onerous English Phrases and Phrases with Definitions, Examples and Tricks to Bear in mind Them
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Difficult English phrases can journey you up (trigger you to make errors).
A lot of them are tough to spell and even pronounce.
Some can have completely different meanings relying on the state of affairs!
On this put up, I’ll present you 29 widespread however tough English phrases and phrases, plus my favourite tips for coping with sophisticated English vocabulary.
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29 Onerous English Phrases
1. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
If studying “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is frightening sufficient, you aren’t alone! Even native audio system have a tough time with it, on condition that it is without doubt one of the longest phrases within the English language.
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is an adjective that comes from the 1964 Disney film “Mary Poppins,” the place it was made right into a actually catchy tune.
The phrase has since come to imply two issues: one thing really great or one thing ridiculously sophisticated.
Which means #1: Great, nice, superior.
If I received the lottery, it will be a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious expertise.
Which means #2: Overly sophisticated.
I didn’t perceive something from the lesson as a result of the reasons had been supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
2. Colonel
“Colonel” is a tough English phrase as a result of its pronunciation is so completely different from its spelling. Relatively than “co-lo-nel,” you pronounce this one as “ker-nel”—like a corn kernel!
“Colonel” is a noun that refers to a excessive rank within the navy, normally beneath the generals. For instance:
Regardless that KFC’s founder known as Colonel Sanders, he was by no means within the navy.
3. Obligatory
The adjective “needed” is simple to misspell (like “neccesary” or “nesesarry”). It’s also complicated to pronounce, because the “c” and the “s” have the identical sound as in “stated” and the “y” is pronounced like an “i.”
Fortunately, it has a simple which means! Once you say that one thing is “needed,” you imply it’s required or wanted.
For instance:
A working laptop and web connection are needed for my job as a author.
4. Ironic
“Ironic” is tough not solely due to how it’s pronounced (eye-RO-nick) but in addition due to its a number of meanings.
Additionally, should you first got here throughout this adjective via Alanis Morissette’s tune of the identical identify, please know that “ironic” does not merely imply dangerous issues that occur to you.
As a substitute, it refers to:
Which means #1: Two contradictory however associated concepts or occasions that occur collectively.
It’s ironic {that a} man who says he believes in God treats his household badly.
Which means #2: The usage of irony (utilizing one factor to imply the other) in humor or comedy.
The comic is legendary for utilizing ironic humor to criticize the federal government.
5. Aggrandize
“Aggrandize” is one other phrase that’s tough to spell accurately. You may additionally discover it exhausting to pronounce—is it a-gran-DEE-ze or a-gran-DICE?
It’s a verb that has three meanings.
Which means #1: To make one thing look larger or extra vital than it truly is.
The person preferred to aggrandize his achievements as a result of he thought it made him in style.
Which means #2: To extend the scale of one thing.
The federal government wished to aggrandize the general public parks by planting extra timber.
Which means #3: To extend one’s wealth and energy.
The politician aggrandized himself via insurance policies that put more cash in his pocket.
6. Brusque
Opposite to its spelling, the adjective “brusque” is pronounced as “brusk” relatively than “brus-kei.”
It additionally has three completely different meanings:
Which means #1: Curt or harsh habits or high quality.
The person’s brusque phrases made the woman cry.
Which means #2: Sudden or sudden.
The brusque arrival of the storm caught everybody off-guard.
Which means #3: Tough look.
Though the home seems brusque, I prefer it!
7. Cacophony
“Cacophony” is a noun that may be tough to spell and pronounce. It can be optimistic or unfavourable relying on the context.
Which means #1: Disagreeable combination of sounds.
Unable to bear the each day cacophony of development sounds and automobile horns, she determined to depart town.
Which means #2: Deliberate combination of sounds that don’t go collectively for inventive impact.
The composer’s music stands out due to his skillful use of cacophony.
8. Paraphernalia
That is one other phrase that’s tough to spell and is a mouthful (exhausting to pronounce) even for native English audio system.
“Paraphernalia” is a noun that used to confer with a lady’s property aside from her dowry (presents with financial worth given to a husband or spouse when they’re married).
As we speak, it merely means a group of things that appear randomly thrown collectively.
You can say:
I couldn’t throw away the paraphernalia that jogged my memory of higher occasions.
9. Nauseous
The adjective “nauseous” got here from the Latin nauseosus, which means one thing that makes you are feeling disgusted or repulsed (like a horror film). Now, it’s an adjective meaning feeling dizzy or lightheaded, relatively than the factor that causes that feeling.
I must also be aware that “nauseated” is thought of extra grammatically right than “nauseous,” although the 2 are understood to have the identical which means.
With that out of the best way, right here is an instance of how “nauseous” could be used:
I felt nauseous throughout the street journey, so I took medication for movement illness.
10. Irregardless
One other phrase that’s typically thought of grammatically incorrect is “irregardless.” It’s a mixture of “regardless” and “irrespective.”
What makes it complicated is that it means the identical as “regardless,” although the prefix “ir-” would usually indicate the negation of a phrase.
I don’t suggest utilizing this phrase in any respect, however should you should, listed here are a few examples.
Which means #1: Regardless that; despite.
Irregardless of the mysterious man’s warnings, the group nonetheless entered the haunted home.
Which means #2: No which means; added for emphasis.
Irregardless, I’ll undergo with my plan.
11. Anachronistic
“Anachronistic” is one other adjective that may twist your tongue. You’ll be able to determine what it means from its origins, although. “Anachronistic” comes from a mix of the Greek phrases ana (in opposition to) and chronos (time).
There are a few methods you need to use it.
Which means #1: One thing or somebody out of their historic or cultural time.
The time traveler’s T-shirt and denims had been anachronistic within the age of dinosaurs.
Which means #2: One thing that’s outdated or retro.
The previous typewriter appeared anachronistic in an workplace filled with laptops and HD displays.
12. Untoward
You most likely discovered that the prefix “un-” means the other of the phrase that follows it. For instance, you might have “undo,” “untie,” “unpack,” and so forth.
Nonetheless, that’s not the case with “untoward.” It’s an adjective that suggests one thing dangerous, relatively than not moving into a sure course.
You can say:
The scholar’s constantly untoward habits bought him expelled from faculty.
13. Anemone
Until you want crops or the ocean, you’re most likely unfamiliar with the noun “anemone.” The pronunciation can throw you off because the stress is on the second syllable (uh-NEM-uh-nee). It’s also a phrase with letters you don’t typically see collectively.
There are 3 ways you can use it.
Which means #1: A sea-dwelling animal associated to jellyfish and coral.
The sight of fishes swimming among the many anemone’s tentacles was lovely.
Which means #2: A sort of brightly-colored flower.
She planted a number of anemones in her backyard.
Which means #3: An decoration that appears just like the anemone flower.
The anemone brooch on her costume added a pleasant contact!
14. Dilate
You’ll typically hear this verb utilized in a medical context. “Dilate” is a tough English phrase due to its pronunciation (it’s learn as DYE-leyt relatively than dee-lah-teh). There’s additionally the truth that it’s simple to combine up with “delight,” a phrase that has a very completely different (and extra optimistic) which means.
“Dilate” usually means the growth or widening of blood vessels or your eyes’ pupils.
For instance:
It’s stated that your pupils dilate once you have a look at somebody you discover engaging.
15. Actually
Initially, this adverb meant one thing that was precise and the other of “figuratively.” As we speak, via a lot misuse, the phrase is most frequently used to magnify one thing, and make it appear larger and extra vital.
Which means #1: Precise and never exaggerated.
There have been actually 1000’s of butterflies flying throughout us.
Observe: Which means if somebody had counted the entire butterflies, there would have really been 1000’s.
Which means #2: Exaggerated for emphasis, and never essentially true.
That’s actually the ugliest bag on the earth.
Observe: There are doubtless different baggage which are uglier than this bag, so it isn’t really the ugliest in the entire world.
16. Nonplussed
The adjective nonplussed comes from Latin, and means “no extra.” It’s a state of being the place nothing extra may be stated or carried out, like when you’re so confused by one thing you aren’t positive find out how to react.
Talking of complicated, this phrase can imply “stunned” or “not stunned” relying on the context!
Which means #1: Extraordinarily stunned and confused.
He was nonplussed at seeing his cat chase the neighbor’s canine up a tree.
Which means #2: Not stunned or affected in any respect (principally utilized in American English).
The shock birthday celebration left him nonplussed; he had recognized about it for per week already.
17. Left
“Left” looks like a easy sufficient phrase—till you understand what number of meanings it has!
For instance:
Which means #1: Departed, moved away from someplace.
He left his home at 6 within the morning to be on time for his flight.
Which means #2: Remaining, one thing not moved away.
He missed his flight as a result of he unintentionally left his passport in his bed room.
Which means #3: Path equal to the west; reverse of “proper” or “east.”
To get to the airport, flip left close to thirty first Road.
Which means #4: A political ideology that’s the reverse of proper.
In america, educated people typically have leftist beliefs.
18. Chorus
This phrase may be each a verb and a noun, and so they have two fully completely different meanings.
Which means #1: To cease your self from doing one thing.
Please chorus from making noise throughout the live performance.
Which means #2: A line or phrase that’s repeated in a tune or poem.
The refrain, or the repeated a part of a tune, known as the chorus.
19. Sure
“Sure” is one other phrase that has a number of meanings. It may be a verb, adjective and a noun!
Which means #1: Restrained and held in place.
He was sure to the chair with ropes.
Which means #2: Transferring in the direction of a vacation spot.
She is sure for faculty this weekend.
Which means #3: One thing that will occur sooner or later.
As a result of she had a contented childhood, she was sure to achieve success when she grew up.
Which means #4: To maneuver with vast strides (distinction between steps or positions)
The excellent news made him sure out of his room.
The ball sure into the backyard of their neighbor.
Which means #5: A boundary or restrict.
Town’s edges had been alongside the sure of the forest.
20. Overlook
Overlook can imply certainly one of 4 issues.
Which means #1: To oversee and watch over one thing.
His job is to overlook the development web site and ensure everybody stays secure.
Which means #2: To neglect or overlook one thing.
As a result of he ignored a giant security hazard, the development needed to be began over.
Which means #3: To forgive (a mistake or failure).
I’ll overlook your mistake now since you are my pal, however please be extra cautious subsequent time!
Which means #4: To have a view over one thing.
The highest ground of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest constructing, ignored the clouds of Dubai.
21. Mud
“Mud” is one other phrase with a number of meanings—two of them contradictory to (reverse) one another!
Which means #1: So as to add small particles to a floor.
The policemen dusted the crime scene for prints.
Which means #2: To take away small particles from a floor.
My mom likes to mud our tables and cabinets a minimum of twice a day.
Which means #3: The small particles on a floor.
After years of neglect, the home grew to become coated in mud.
22. Customized
If you’re not a local English speaker, “{custom}” is one other phrase that may be simple to combine up.
Which means #1: Typical habits exhibited by many in society.
Taking off your footwear when getting into the home will not be solely a {custom}, it is usually well mannered.
Which means #2: Specifically made, certainly one of a sort.
This violin was custom-made for the well-known violinist who has actually small palms.
23. Both
The phrase “both” is an attention-grabbing one, because the definition we use most frequently will not be fully right. The phrase comes from an Previous English phrase that meant “each” or “every.” After we use the phrase to imply each, we’re utilizing it the best way it was used initially.
Additionally, it may be pronounced “EE-ther” or “EYE-ther.” American English makes use of each, whereas British English makes use of “EE-ther.”
Which means #1: One or the opposite.
You’ll be able to select both this rooster sandwich or the meat one.
Which means #2: Each.
There’s site visitors on both facet of the street.
24. Unique
“Unique” is an adjective meaning certainly one of three issues.
Which means #1: One thing previous and unchanged that has existed for some time.
The authentic schedule began with a dance quantity, nevertheless it was become a singing competitors.
Which means #2: One thing new and distinctive that nobody has considered earlier than.
I had an authentic concept for an organization, however I’ve no cash to begin it.
Which means #3: The primary of one thing.
I preferred the authentic model of the film higher than the remake.
25. Maintain Up
This verb phrase has a number of meanings that may be optimistic or unfavourable relying on the context.
Which means #1: To assist one thing so it doesn’t fall down.
We’d like extra poles and ropes to maintain up the tent.
Which means #2: To remain sturdy and proceed regardless of troubles.
The tree held up to the tough hurricane winds, however the home was wrecked.
Which means #3: To stop one thing from persevering with.
What’s the maintain up? Can we please get going!
Which means #4: To rob a spot like a financial institution.
The robbers held up the financial institution and left with the entire cash.
Which means #5: To indicate for example.
The younger man was held up for example of what folks from his technology must be like.
26. Again Up
One other verb phrase with contradictory meanings is “again up.” It’s also simple to confuse with “backup,” which is a noun.
Which means #1: To assist or assist somebody.
I’ll again you up at any time when you’re in hassle. We’re pals, in spite of everything.
Which means #2: To retreat or transfer away.
I backed up slowly to get away from the growling canine.
Which means #3: To duplicate or copy one thing.
You need to at all times again up your digital information.
Which means #4: To trigger a delay (like in site visitors).
The accident triggered site visitors to again up.
27. Throw Out
The important thing to understanding this verb phrase is the phrase “throw,” or the sometimes-used synonym “toss.” Once you toss something, you’re shifting it away from your self.
You need to use this phrase in two methods.
Which means #1: To get rid of or put one thing within the rubbish.
I threw out my previous socks as a result of that they had holes in them.
Which means #2: To recommend or carry out a brand new concept.
After we had our assembly, I threw out some new concepts that the boss preferred.
28. Go Off
Individually, “go” and “off” are simple sufficient to know. Collectively, they grow to be a verb phrase that may imply various things relying on the context.
Which means #1: To depart abruptly.
I’ll go off to work quickly, so please take care!
Which means #2: To activate.
I didn’t hear my alarm go off this morning, so I used to be late to work.
Which means #3: To blow up.
The bomb was set to go off at precisely 12 midday.
Which means #4: To behave angrily and shout at somebody.
Even when Max is upset, he doesn’t go off on folks.
Which means #5: To start out one thing with power and enthusiasm.
I’ll go off and begin constructing my enterprise!
Which means #6: To grow to be spoiled or rotten.
Eggs go off rapidly, so use them as quickly as you’ll be able to.
29. Wound Up
Earlier than we had electrical energy, many issues labored via gears. You needed to wind up the gears to maintain them operating (the previous tense is wound up). That’s the reason when somebody is wound up (adjective), it’s like somebody moved their gears to get them excited.
The verb “to wind” comes from the similar root as “wander”: to maneuver round or journey. That explains the third definition: Once you wind up someplace, you’re ending your touring and coming to a conclusion or a remaining place.
Which means #1: To flip a knob or deal with so one thing will work.
The final time I wound up my previous clock was yesterday at midday. I’ve to wind it up day by day or two, in any other case it stops working.
Which means #2: To be excited or upset about one thing. (Casual adjective)
The youngsters shall be fully wound up should you allow them to eat all of that sweet in the present day.
Which means #3: To finish up.
I initially thought I’d come again dwelling, however I wound up staying at Sarah’s home final night time.
Tips on how to Study Tough Phrases in English
Once you come throughout a tough English phrase that you simply need to study, here’s what you are able to do.
Hearken to catchy tune lyrics.
Some songs are naturally simple to recollect as a result of they’re fast-paced and straightforward to sing. You’ll be able to reap the benefits of this for studying English vocabulary!
You need to use web sites like Lyrics.com to search out songs which have a vocabulary phrase you need to study. Attempt studying together with the lyrics subsequent time you hearken to a tune, or flip the subtitles on in case you are watching a music video.
Alternatively, you need to use an internet immersion program like FluentU. It has music movies on its platform, together with film trailers, TV present clips and different attention-grabbing English media. Each video has interactive captions that allow you to immediately search for unfamiliar phrases and get extra info on their definitions, use, instance sentences, and so forth.
Listed below are a few tough phrases you’ll be able to bear in mind higher with songs.
Examples:
- The phrase “millennial” means somebody born roughly between the early Nineteen Eighties and late Nineties. The 1975 tune “Give Your self a Attempt” makes use of this phrase in its lyrics (“I used to be 25… a Millennial that Child Boomers like”):
- “Oblivious” means to not be aware or conscious of somebody or one thing. There’s really a tune known as “Oblivious,” and it makes use of the phrase repeatedly all through the lyrics. The singer talks about wishing he was oblivious to the troubles he had in a tough relationship:
Make associations with artwork.
Once you catch your self looking at a chunk of artwork for a protracted time frame, whether or not in an artwork museum or on-line, that artwork is sure to stay in your thoughts. Associating tough vocabulary phrases with lovely pictures is one other approach that can assist you bear in mind them.
For the next phrases, we are going to use Leonardo da Vinci’s well-known “Mona Lisa” portray to make our vocabulary associations. You’ll be able to after all use any significant picture that works for you!
Examples:
- “Sustainable” means to be able to being maintained or to be eco-friendly. Consider how “Mona Lisa” has sustained her mysterious smile for hundreds of years! To recollect the environmental facet of this phrase, repair your thoughts on the inexperienced background behind her.
- “Ecstasy” is a state of elated bliss, and is commonly used to explain excessive emotion. In distinction, Mona Lisa has a famously flat smile. You’ll be able to think about how completely different she would look if she had been in ecstasy—mouth open, arms waving!
Describe your on a regular basis routine.
You understand your on a regular basis routine inside and outside. There are objects you see day by day, like your mirror or espresso pot. These are alternatives to create memorable associations for exhausting English phrases.
You may as well use this train with youthful kids who need to study difficult English phrases.
Examples:
- “Supersede” means to take the place of one thing or somebody not helpful.
For a really very long time, I’ve been utilizing a scratchy, low cost previous toothbrush. As we speak, my new electrical toothbrush arrived and outdated the previous one.
- “Upkeep” means the maintenance of property or tools, normally in reference to your property or belongings.
As we speak I known as my house advanced’s upkeep service to repair my oven, which I’ve been desirous to prepare dinner in for a really very long time.
Use context clues.
Think about you’re taking an English examination. You would not have Wi-Fi or a dictionary, so you haven’t any clue what a phrase means.
No drawback! You’ll be able to simply use context clues.
Context clues won’t get you the precise which means of the phrase, however they do provide you with a powerful trace or concept (in different phrases, a clue!).
Examples:
In his final job, my grandpa was in control of the commodities between his farm and one of many factories that also operates to today. He offered his greens, fruits and different crops, and the manufacturing facility purchased them from him so they might produce meals.
From this passage, you’ll be able to see that the commodities should be the identical because the greens, fruits and different crops. You’ll be able to determine that they should be the merchandise the narrator’s grandpa was promoting.
- “Advocate” means to specific a very good opinion of one thing or recommend one thing to another person.
My pal really useful the brand new pizzeria that had simply opened throughout the road. I took her suggestion and loved it very a lot.
Because the one who made the suggestion was your pal, you took it—as a result of why would your pal do you flawed?
Get a high-quality dictionary.
You want a good English dictionary that can assist you rapidly study the exhausting phrases you encounter.
My favourite on-line dictionary is Vocabulary.com. It’s a useful gizmo the place you’ll be able to get the audio, definition and simplified define of what the phrase means.
Not like different dictionary apps or on-line dictionaries, this web site breaks down what the phrase means in methods you’ll be able to perceive. It additionally offers you the choice to see the place the phrase may be present in different on-line assets.
It seems like we’ve wound up on the finish of this put up! Begin utilizing these exhausting English phrases and phrases and making use of the ideas above, and their meanings won’t be so tough anymore.
Obtain:
This weblog put up is on the market as a handy and moveable PDF that you simply
can take anyplace.
Click on right here to get a duplicate. (Obtain)
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