Vocabulary

  • of course: Sure ; Certainly
  • talking about: To discuss a particular topic.
  • chips are down: A difficult situation where your resources are low and you face a challenge.
  • take over: To gain control of (a company) from someone else
  • think of: To look on as (being something specific); consider
  • in order to: For the purpose of; with the aim of.
  • around the world: In or to many countries.
  • get the picture: To understand a situation or idea.
  • from home: Working or operating from one's residence.
  • cope with: To deal successfully with a difficult situation.
  • such as: For example; like
  • ramp up: To increase the level or amount of something sharply.
  • do without: To manage without having or doing something
  • along with: In addition to; together with.
  • based on: To use something as the foundation or starting point for something else.
  • in the past: During a former period of time; previously.
  • rather than: More exactly; more correctly
  • run through: To pierce with a sharp pointed object
  • in the world: Used to emphasize a question expressing surprise, confusion, or disbelief.
  • by half: Indicates something is at 50% or to a large but incomplete extent.
  • from start to finish: Covering the whole process from beginning to end.
  • at least: As a minimum
  • for that matter: Used to emphasize that something is true or likely to happen, or to introduce a related point.
  • contrary to: In opposition to; against.
  • threat to: A person or thing likely to cause damage or danger.
  • make up: To invent or create a story
  • at the moment: At this time; now
  • intellectual property: Creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.
  • in part: To some extent; partially.
  • at the same time: Simultaneously; at the identical moment.
  • same time: Occurring simultaneously or at the same point in time.
  • closer to home: Nearer to one's place of residence or origin.
  • back up: To save a copy of your computer data
  • when the chips are down: When in a difficult or challenging situation.
  • figure: To appear in a game, play or event
  • pandemic: (of a disease) existing in almost all of an area or in almost all of a group of people, animals, or plants
  • critical: Making a negative judgment of something
  • common: Area in a city or town that is open to everyone
  • expect: To believe something is probably going to happen
  • position: Person's opinion or attitude about something
  • demand: Desire customers have to buy product, service
  • contribute: To be a factor in causing something to happen
  • spread: A big meal, often laid out as a buffet
  • increase: To make or become larger in size or amount
  • shift: To change in position or direction
  • bit: Device put in a horse's mouth to control it
  • industry: Hard work; being busy working
  • component: One of the parts that something is made up of
  • political: Being active or interested in government matters
  • mean: Average of a set of numbers
  • simply: In an easy or clear manner
  • security: Department in a company in charge of protection
  • advance: Forward movement by an army
  • giant: Tall, large, and powerful human-like creatures
  • generation: Act or process of producing or causing something
  • communist: Believer in communism
  • economy: Using money, resources in a careful, effective way
  • role: Character played by an actor
  • deter: To stop people doing a thing; stop from happening
  • phase: Different stages of the moon from new to full
  • digital: Using electronic signals or computers
  • inventory: List of items stored at a place
  • policy: Document stating terms of an insurance agreement
  • important: Having power or authority
  • technology: Use or knowledge of science in industry etc.
  • kind: In a caring and helpful manner
  • order: Religious or social group, as of nuns
  • invade: To enter something causing a harmful result
  • complexity: State of having many parts and not being simple
  • chip: To break a small piece off something such as a cup
  • change: To exchange one set of clothes for another
  • theft: Act of stealing
  • entity: Something that exists by itself and is real
  • geopolitical: Concerning geopolitics
  • semiconductor: Silicon chip used in computers
  • nanometer: One billionth of a meter
  • tangential: Line of thought that is not related
Placeholder Image

    Preparing usage notes, please check back later

  • not found vocabularyNo vocabulary matches your filters
    • advance

      US /ædˈvæns/

      UK /əd'vɑ:ns/

      • Noun
      • Forward movement by an army
      • An attempt to seduce someone
      • Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
      • (Of an army) to move forward
      • To change or improve
      A2TOEIC
      More
    • along with

      US /əˈlɔŋ wɪð/

      UK /əˈlɔŋ wið/

      • Preposition
      • In addition to; together with.
      • Adverb
      • In company or together with someone or something.
      • Including; in addition to.
      A2
      More
    • around the world

      US /əˈraʊnd ði wɜrld/

      UK /əˈraund ðə wɜː(r)ld/

      • Phrase
      • In or to many countries.
      • In various places throughout the world.
      A2
      More
    • at least

      US /æt list/

      UK /æt li:st/

      • Adverb
      • As a minimum
      • Not less than
      • Phrase
      • No less than; at the minimum
      • Used to indicate that something is positive in a bad situation.
      C2
      More
    • at the moment

      US

      UK

      • Adverb
      • At this time; now
      A1
      More
    • at the same time

      US

      UK

      • Phrase
      • Simultaneously; at the identical moment.
      • Nevertheless; however; used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement.
      A1
      More
    • back up

      US /bæk ʌp/

      UK /bæk ʌp/

      • Phrasal Verb
      • To save a copy of your computer data
      • To confirm the truth of what someone says
      A1
      More
    • based on

      US

      UK

      • Phrasal Verb
      • To use something as the foundation or starting point for something else.
      • Preposition
      • Using something as the main idea or foundation.
      • Relying on something as evidence or justification.
      A1
      More
    • by half

      US /baɪ hæf/

      UK /baɪ hɑ:f/

      • other
      • Indicates something is at 50% or to a large but incomplete extent.
      B2
      More
    • chip

      US /tʃɪp/

      UK /tʃɪp/

      • Transitive Verb
      • To break a small piece off something such as a cup
      • To break into small pieces, often with a tool
      • Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
      • Small piece that has broken off (e.g. from cup)
      • Piece of computer hardware that does calculations
      B1
      More
    • chips are down

      US

      UK

      • Idiom
      • A difficult situation where your resources are low and you face a challenge.
      More
    • closer to home

      US

      UK

      • Phrase
      • Nearer to one's place of residence or origin.
      • More relevant or pertinent to one's personal life or immediate surroundings.
      A1
      More
    • communist

      US /ˈkɑmjənɪst/

      UK /ˈkɒmjənɪst/

      • Adjective
      • Believer in communism
      • Noun
      • A person who supports or believes in communism.
      B1
      More
    • complexity

      US /kəmˈplɛksɪti/

      UK /kəm'pleksətɪ/

      • Uncountable Noun
      • State of having many parts and not being simple
      • A factor or element that makes something complicated.
      B1
      More
    • component

      US /kəmˈponənt/

      UK /kəmˈpəʊnənt/

      • Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
      • One of the parts that something is made up of
      • A constituent part; ingredient.
      • Adjective
      • Being a part of something
      A2
      More
    • contrary to

      US /ˈkɑnˌtrɛri tu/

      UK /ˈkɔntrəri tu:/

      • Preposition
      • In opposition to; against.
      • Differing from; not in agreement with.
      A1
      More
    • contribute

      US /kənˈtrɪbjut/

      UK /kən'trɪbju:t/

      • Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
      • To be a factor in causing something to happen
      • To donate, give (money) or help to something
      A2
      More
    • cope with

      US /kop wɪð/

      UK /kəup wið/

      • Phrasal Verb
      • To deal successfully with a difficult situation.
      A1
      More
    • critical

      US /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/

      UK /ˈkrɪtɪkl/

      • Adjective
      • Making a negative judgment of something
      • Being important or serious; vital; dangerous
      A2
      More
    • demand

      US /dɪˈmænd/

      UK /dɪ'mɑ:nd/

      • Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
      • Desire customers have to buy product, service
      • A strong request for someone to do something
      • Transitive Verb
      • To strongly request someone to do something
      • To need something.
      A2TOEIC
      More
    • deter

      US /dɪˈtə:/

      UK /dɪˈtɜ:(r)/

      • Transitive Verb
      • To stop people doing a thing; stop from happening
      B2TOEIC
      More
    • do without

      US

      UK

      • Phrasal Verb
      • To manage without having or doing something
      A1
      More
    • entity

      US /ˈɛntɪti/

      UK /'entətɪ/

      • Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
      • Something that exists by itself and is real
      • A thing with distinct and independent existence.
      B1
      More
    • for that matter

      US /fɔr ðæt ˈmætɚ/

      UK /fɔ: ðæt ˈmætə/

      • Phrase
      • Used to emphasize that something is true or likely to happen, or to introduce a related point.
      • Used to introduce a statement that supports or strengthens a previous statement.
      A2
      More
    • from home

      US

      UK

      • Phrase
      • Working or operating from one's residence.
      • Originating or coming from one's own house or country.
      A1
      More
    • from start to finish

      US /frəm stɑrt tu ˈfɪnɪʃ/

      UK /frəm stɑ:t tə ˈfɪnɪʃ/

      • other
      • Covering the whole process from beginning to end.
      B1
      More
    • generation

      US /ˌdʒɛnəˈreʃən/

      UK /ˌdʒenəˈreɪʃn/

      • Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
      • Act or process of producing or causing something
      • People born and living at about the same time
      A2TOEIC
      More
    • geopolitical

      US /ˌdʒi:oʊpə'lɪtɪkl/

      UK /ˌdʒi:əʊpə'lɪtɪkl/

      • Adjective
      • Concerning geopolitics
      C1
      More
    • get the picture

      US

      UK

      • Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
      • To understand a situation or idea.
      A1
      More
    • giant

      US /ˈdʒaɪənt/

      UK /'dʒaɪənt/

      • Countable Noun
      • Tall, large, and powerful human-like creatures
      • Very successful, powerful person or organization
      • Adjective
      • Very large, or much bigger than other things
      A2
      More
    • in order to

      US /ɪn ˈɔrdɚ tu/

      UK /in ˈɔ:də tu:/

      • Preposition
      • For the purpose of; with the aim of.
      • Phrase
      • In a specific sequence or arrangement.
      • With the aim of; for the purpose of.
      C1
      More
    • in part

      US /ɪn pɑrt/

      UK /in pɑ:t/

      • Adverb
      • To some extent; partially.
      A1
      More
    • in the past

      US

      UK

      • Phrase
      • During a former period of time; previously.
      A1
      More
    • in the world

      US /ɪn ði wɜrld/

      UK /in ðə wɜː(r)ld/

      • Phrase
      • Used to emphasize a question expressing surprise, confusion, or disbelief.
      • Used to indicate the extent or degree of something, often in a superlative sense.
      A1
      More
    • intellectual property

      US

      UK

      • Uncountable Noun
      • Creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.
      B2
      More
    • invade

      US /ɪnˈved/

      UK /ɪnˈveɪd/

      • Transitive Verb
      • To enter something causing a harmful result
      • To enter (a country or region) so as to subjugate or occupy it.
      B1
      More
    • inventory

      US /ˈɪnvəntɔ:ri/

      UK /ˈɪnvəntri/

      • Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
      • List of items stored at a place
      • A complete list of items such as property, goods in stock, or the contents of a building.
      • Transitive Verb
      • To list the things stored at a place
      B2TOEIC
      More
    • make up

      US /mek ʌp/

      UK /meik ʌp/

      • Phrasal Verb
      • To invent or create a story
      • To add up to
      • Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
      • To invent a story, excuse, etc.
      • To compensate for something lost, missed, or deficient.
      A1
      More
    • nanometer

      US /'nænəˌmi:tə/

      UK /'neɪnəmi:tə/

      • Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
      • One billionth of a meter
      C2
      More
    • of course

      US /ʌv kɔː(r)s/

      UK /ɔv kɔː(r)s/

      • Adverb
      • Sure ; Certainly
      • Phrase
      • For sure; certainly
      A2
      More
    • pandemic

      US /pænˈdɛmɪk/

      UK /pæn'demɪk/

      • Adjective
      • (of a disease) existing in almost all of an area or in almost all of a group of people, animals, or plants
      • Noun
      • a pandemic disease
      C2
      More
    • phase

      US /fez/

      UK /feɪz/

      • Noun
      • Different stages of the moon from new to full
      • Distinct part or step in a process
      • Transitive Verb
      • To make happen in a gradual ordered way
      A2
      More
    • policy

      US /ˈpɑlɪsi/

      UK /'pɒləsɪ/

      • Noun
      • Document stating terms of an insurance agreement
      • Course of action proposed by an organization, etc.
      A2TOEIC
      More
    • political

      US /pəˈlɪtɪkəl/

      UK /pəˈlɪtɪkl/

      • Adjective
      • Being active or interested in government matters
      • Diplomatic
      A2
      More
    • ramp up

      US /ræmp ʌp/

      UK /ræmp ʌp/

      • Phrasal Verb
      • To increase the level or amount of something sharply.
      More
    • rather than

      US

      UK

      • Adverb
      • More exactly; more correctly
      • Preferably; instead
      • Preposition
      • Instead of
      A1
      More
    • role

      US /rol/

      UK /rəʊl/

      • Noun
      • Character played by an actor
      • Part you play in an activity; job; responsibility
      A2
      More
    • run through

      US

      UK

      • Phrasal Verb
      • To pierce with a sharp pointed object
      • To practice or rehearse quickly, e.g. for a play
      A1
      More
    • same time

      US

      UK

      • Phrase
      • Occurring simultaneously or at the same point in time.
      • At the identical time as before; recurring at a fixed hour.
      • Noun
      • An equal duration or period.
      A1
      More
    • security

      US /sɪˈkjʊrɪti/sə'kjurətɪ/

      UK /sɪ'kjʊərətɪ/

      • Noun
      • Department in a company in charge of protection
      • Financial document, like stocks, bonds and notes
      A2TOEIC
      More
    • semiconductor

      US /sɛmikənˈdʌktɚ/

      UK /ˌsemikənˈdʌktə(r)/

      • Noun
      • Silicon chip used in computers
      B1
      More
    • shift

      US /ʃɪft/

      UK /ʃɪft/

      • Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
      • To change in position or direction
      • To move something from one place to another
      • Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
      • A change in a persons plans, opinions or beliefs
      • Period of work starting at a certain time
      A2
      More
    • spread

      US /sprɛd/

      UK /spred/

      • Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
      • A big meal, often laid out as a buffet
      • The distance between two things
      • Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
      • To place over a large area; to cover a large area
      • (Of ideas, gossip) to pass to and affect others
      A2TOEIC
      More
    • such as

      US /sʌtʃ æz/

      UK /sʌtʃ æz/

      • Preposition
      • For example; like
      A1
      More
    • take over

      US /tek ˈovɚ/

      UK /teik ˈəuvə/

      • Phrasal Verb
      • To gain control of (a company) from someone else
      • To assume control or possession of something.
      A1
      More
    • talking about

      US

      UK

      • Phrasal Verb
      • To discuss a particular topic.
      • To be constantly mentioning or bringing up a subject.
      A1
      More
    • tangential

      US /tænˈdʒɛnʃəl/

      UK /tænˈdʒenʃl/

      • Adjective
      • Line of thought that is not related
      C1TOEIC
      More
    • technology

      US /tɛkˈnɑlədʒi/

      UK /tek'nɒlədʒɪ/

      • Uncountable Noun
      • Use or knowledge of science in industry etc.
      • Machinery and equipment developed from scientific knowledge.
      A2TOEIC
      More
    • theft

      US /θɛft/

      UK /θeft/

      • Uncountable Noun
      • Act of stealing
      B1
      More
    • think of

      US /θɪŋk ʌv/

      UK /θiŋk ɔv/

      • Phrasal Verb
      • To look on as (being something specific); consider
      • To consider or remember something.
      • Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
      • To imagine or call something to mind
      A1
      More
    • threat to

      US

      UK

      • Phrase
      • A person or thing likely to cause damage or danger.
      • A statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for or opposition to something done or not done.
      B2
      More
    • when the chips are down

      US /wɛn ðə tʃɪps ɑɹ daʊn/

      UK /wen ðə tʃɪps ɑ: daʊn/

      • other
      • When in a difficult or challenging situation.
      B2
      More
    Video not in English?
    Video not in English?

    Get the full experience in the app

    Learn anywhere with detailed sentence and usage analysis

    preview
    01:03

    She took a brave step forward, leaving behind her comfort zone to chase her dreams.

    Vocabulary
    • brave

      adj. Having courage

    • comfort zone

      phr. A familiar situation where one feels safe

    Explanation
    a brave step is a noun phrase, where brave is an adjective modifying the noun step, meaning "a courageous step". forward is an adverb modifying step, meaning "ahead". The whole phrase serves as the object, answering the "what" of took (verb) — she took a brave step forward.

    Get the full experience in the app

    Look up words anytime with pronunciation, part of speech, and usage

    preview

    brave

    US/brev/
    UK/breɪv/
    adj.Brave
    v.t.To bravely face
    A2 Elementary

    Get the full experience in the app

    Practice speaking anytime and get instant pronunciation feedback

    preview

    Try this speaking exercise.

    Try practicing with this sentence.

    80
    B1
    #chip#china#taiwan#industry#chinese#semiconductor

    Global chip shortage: How microchips became one of the worlds most precious resources

    0
    林宜悉 posted on 2021/02/28
    Ever wondered why your new gadgets are so expensive or hard to find? This video dives deep into the global chip shortage, explaining how tiny microchips became the world's most precious resource and impacting everything from your phone to your car! You'll pick up tons of advanced vocabulary related to supply chains and technology, making it a fantastic way to boost your English skills while understanding a critical global issue.

    Learn this video on the APP!

    The VoiceTube App has more in-depth practice for videos!

    Recommended Videos

    Auto Next Video

    Footer

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

    About

    • About Us
    • Our Learning Services
    • Join Us
    • FAQ
    • Hot Tags

    Services

    • Pronunciation Challenge
    • Saved
    • Search Vocabulary
    • Blog

    Channels

    Levels

    • A1
    • A2
    • B1
    • B2
    • C1
    • C2

    Privacy˙Terms˙
    ©2026 VoiceTube Corporation. All rights reserved