aggressive
US /əˈɡrɛsɪv/
UK /əˈgresɪv/
- Adjective
- Using energy and determination to achieve a goal
- Behaving in a hostile and threatening way
B1Moreaggressively
US /əˈɡrɛsɪvlɪ/
UK /ə'ɡresɪvlɪ/
- Adverb
- Using energy and determination to achieve a goal
- In a violent, angry or threatening manner
B1Morealliance
US /əˈlaɪəns/
UK /əˈlaɪəns/
- Noun
- Group of people/organizations working together
B1TOEICMoreat some point
US /æt sʌm pɔɪnt/
UK /æt sʌm pɔint/
- Phrase
- At an unspecified time, usually in the future.
A1Moreavoid
US /əˈvɔɪd/
UK /ə'vɔɪd/
- Transitive Verb
- To prevent from happening
- To stay away from
A2TOEICMoreback down
US /bæk daʊn/
UK /bæk daun/
- Phrasal Verb
- To admit you were wrong; stop claiming
A1Morebelow the surface
US /bəˈloʊ ðə ˈsɝfɪs/
UK /bɪˈləu ðə ˈsɜ:fɪs/
- other
- Hidden emotions or issues not immediately visible.
B2Morebias
US /ˈbaɪəs/
UK /'baɪəs/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Preference to believe things even if incorrect
- A systematic error in a statistical result
- Transitive Verb
- To unfairly favor one view over another
- To cause someone to have prejudice
B1TOEICMorebuild on
US /bɪld ɑn/
UK /bild ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To develop or expand something; to use something as a foundation for further progress.
- To use something as a base or foundation for further development or success.
A2Moreclaim
US /klem/
UK /kleɪm/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- To say that something is true, often without proof.
- A statement that something is true.
- Transitive Verb
- To demand or ask for something that you believe is rightfully yours.
- To take or cause the loss of (e.g., a life, property).
A2Moreclarify
US /ˈklærəˌfaɪ/
UK /'klærəfaɪ/
- Transitive Verb
- To make a liquid become clear or pure
- To state again so that a point is clearer
B1Morecome down to
US /kʌm daʊn tu/
UK /kʌm daun tu:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To become in the end a matter of
- To be passed on to someone as an inheritance.
A1Morecompetition
US /ˌkɑmpɪˈtɪʃən/
UK /ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃn/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Fighting against others to win something
- A situation in which people or organizations compete with each other for something that not everyone can have.
A2Morecomplete with
US /kəmˈplit wɪð/
UK /kəmˈpli:t wið/
- Phrase
- Having something as an extra part or feature.
A1Moreconflict
US /ˈkɑnˌflɪkt/
UK /'kɒnflɪkt/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Argument or struggle between two or more parties
- A serious disagreement or argument.
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To have opposite ideas; to disagree; To not match
A2Moreconfrontation
US /ˌkɑ:nfrənˈteɪʃn/
UK /ˌkɒnfrʌnˈteɪʃn/
- Noun
- A disagreement or argument
B1Morecontentious
US /kənˈtɛnʃəs/
UK /kənˈtenʃəs/
- Adjective
- Tending to create argument or division
B2TOEICMorecracking down
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To act forcefully in order to reduce crime, etc.
B1Moredash
US /dæʃ/
UK /dæʃ/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To hit against something with a lot of force
- To destroy or damage a feeling, such as hope
- Noun
- Hyphen e.g. '-'; or space
- Act of running quickly towards a particular place
B1TOEICMoredemonstrate
US /ˈdɛmənˌstret/
UK /'demənstreɪt/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To display a feeling or ability openly
- To protest about something often as a group
A2TOEICMoreepisode
US /ˈɛpɪˌsod/
UK /'epɪsəʊd/
- Noun
- One separate event in a series of events
- Show which is part of a larger story
B1TOEICMoreescalate
US /ˈɛskəˌlet/
UK /ˈeskəleɪt/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To increase in size, intensity, or scope
- To become much worse or more severe
B2Moreessentially
US /ɪˈsenʃəli/
UK /ɪˈsenʃəli/
- Adverb
- Basically; (said when stating the basic facts)
- Used to emphasize the basic truth or fact of a situation.
A2Moreexcept for
US /ɪkˈsɛpt fɔr/
UK /ikˈsept fɔ:/
- Preposition
- Not including; excluding.
fleet
US /flit/
UK /fli:t/
- Countable Noun
- Group of ships under one commander
- Adjective
- able to run quickly
B1TOEICMorefor some reason
US /fɔr sʌm ˈrizən/
UK /fɔ: sʌm ˈri:zən/
- Phrase
- For a reason that is not known or not easily explained.
A1Moregeopolitic
US
UK
- Uncountable Noun
- Study of relationship among politics and geography
C2Moregive up
US /ɡɪv ʌp/
UK /ɡiv ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To lose hope or admit defeat
- To decide to not start to try solving a problem
A1Morego to ground
US /goʊ tə graʊnd/
UK /gəu tə graund/
- other
- Hide or disappear to avoid capture or trouble.
C2Morehave to
US /hæv tu/
UK /ˈhæv tə/
- Auxiliary Verb
- Must do
A1Moreillustrate
US /ˈɪləˌstret, ɪˈlʌsˌtret/
UK /ˈɪləstreɪt/
- Transitive Verb
- To supply pictures to go along with words
- To be an example that explains or proves something
A2TOEICMorein addition to
US /ɪn əˈdɪʃən tu/
UK /in əˈdiʃən tu:/
- Preposition
- Besides; as well as
- Phrase
- Besides; as well as.
- Furthermore; moreover.
B1Morein fact
US /ɪn fækt/
UK /in fækt/
- Adverb
- Used to emphasize the truth of a statement, especially one that contrasts with or contradicts something else.
- Used to introduce a more detailed or surprising piece of information.
- Phrase
- Used to emphasize the truth of a statement, especially one that is surprising or contrary to what might be expected.
C1Morein 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.
C1Morein the future
US /ɪn ði ˈfjutʃɚ/
UK /in ðə ˈfju:tʃə/
- Phrase
- At a later time; in times to come.
A1Morein 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.
A1Moreincident
US / ˈɪnsɪdənt/
UK /ˈɪnsɪdənt/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Event, usually unusual or important; accident
- A political event that causes difficulties.
A2Morelead to
US /lid tu/
UK /li:d tu:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To result in some action
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To have something as a consequence or result.
A1Morelighten up
US /ˈlaɪtn: ʌp/
UK /ˈlaɪtn ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To become more cheerful or less serious.
- Transitive Verb
- To reduce the weight or burden of something.
A1Morenavy
US /ˈnevi/
UK /ˈneɪvi/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Very dark shade of blue
- Armed force consisting of ships, sailors etc.
B1Morenext to
US /nɛkst tu/
UK /nekst tu:/
- Preposition
- Being located along side another
- In comparison with
- Adverb
- Almost; nearly
A1Moreon earth
US /ɑn ɚθ/
UK /ɔn ə:θ/
- Phrase
- Used to emphasize a question expressing surprise or anger.
- Used to emphasize that something is not possible or will not happen.
A1Moreon the surface
US /ɑn ði ˈsɚfəs/
UK /ɔn ðə ˈsə:fis/
- Phrase
- Appearing to be true or real until examined more closely.
- Located on the outer part or uppermost layer of something.
B2Moreprevent
US /prɪˈvɛnt/
UK /prɪ'vent/
- Transitive Verb
- To stop something from happening or existing
A2TOEICMorereach
US /ritʃ/
UK /ri:tʃ/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To come to or arrive at a goal or destination
- To be long enough to get to a certain place
- Uncountable Noun
- Power or control someone has over something
A2TOEICMorereef
US /rif/
UK /ri:f/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Line of rocks or sand at the surface of the ocean
- Rolling up sail to make it smaller in strong winds
- Transitive Verb
- To roll up sail to make it smaller in strong winds
B2Moreregion
US /ˈridʒən/
UK /'ri:dʒən/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Part of a country, of the world, area, etc.
- A part of the body
A2TOEICMorerelationship
US /rɪˈleʃənˌʃɪp/
UK /rɪˈleɪʃnʃɪp/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Connection between two or more people or things
- Way people interact or live with each other
A2TOEICMoreresponse
US /rɪˈspɑns/
UK /riˈspɔns/
- Noun
- Something said/written as an answer to something
- Reaction to something that has occurred
A2TOEICMoreresupply
US /ˌri:sə'plaɪ/
UK /ˌri:sə'plaɪ/
- Transitive Verb
- To provide someone with something you already have
B2Morerun through
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To pierce with a sharp pointed object
- To practice or rehearse quickly, e.g. for a play
A1Moresoldier
US /ˈsoldʒɚ/
UK /'səʊldʒə(r)/
- Countable Noun
- Person working in an army to fight
B1Moresuperpower
US /ˈsu:pərpaʊə(r)/
UK /ˈsu:pəpaʊə(r)/
- Noun
- State powerful enough to influence world events
C2Moresurface
US /ˈsɚfəs/
UK /'sɜ:fɪs/
- Transitive Verb
- To give (road) a top layer
- Intransitive Verb
- To appear after being hidden, unseen, or unknown
- To come to the top of something; emerge
A2TOEICMoretake 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.
A1Moretalking about
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To discuss a particular topic.
- To be constantly mentioning or bringing up a subject.
A1Moreterritory
US /ˈtɛrɪˌtɔri, -ˌtori/
UK /'terətrɪ/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Area of land defended by an animal
- Area of particular knowledge or experience
B1TOEICMorethanks to
US /θæŋks tu/
UK /θæŋks tu:/
- Preposition
- Because of; as a result of.
A1Morethumb
US /θʌm/
UK /θʌm/
- Intransitive Verb
- To use your thumb to request a ride in a car
- Countable Noun
- Part of a glove that goes over the thumb
- The short, thick finger on the side of your hand
B1Moreto let
US /tu lɛt/
UK /tu let/
- Preposition
- Indicates that a property is available for rent.
A2Moretrade
US /treid/
UK /treɪd/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- A specific industry, e.g. shoe making
- Action of buying and selling things in business
- Transitive Verb
- To buy, sell and exchange goods in business
- To give something in return for something else
A2TOEICMoretreaty
US /ˈtriti/
UK /ˈtri:ti/
- Noun
- An agreement between nations
B1TOEICMoreultimately
US /ˈʌltəmɪtli/
UK /ˈʌltɪmətli/
- Adverb
- Done or considered as the final and most important
- Fundamentally; at the most basic level.
B1TOEICMore
Vocabulary
- in fact: Used to emphasize the truth of a statement, especially one that contrasts with or contradicts something else.
- thanks to: Because of; as a result of.
- in order to: For the purpose of; with the aim of.
- lead to: To result in some action
- on earth: Used to emphasize a question expressing surprise or anger.
- run through: To pierce with a sharp pointed object
- next to: Being located along side another
- complete with: Having something as an extra part or feature.
- back down: To admit you were wrong; stop claiming
- build on: To develop or expand something; to use something as a foundation for further progress.
- in the world: Used to emphasize a question expressing surprise, confusion, or disbelief.
- go to ground: Hide or disappear to avoid capture or trouble.
- except for: Not including; excluding.
- for some reason: For a reason that is not known or not easily explained.
- at some point: At an unspecified time, usually in the future.
- talking about: To discuss a particular topic.
- lighten up: To become more cheerful or less serious.
- to let: Indicates that a property is available for rent.
- come down to: To become in the end a matter of
- have to: Must do
- in the future: At a later time; in times to come.
- cracking down: To act forcefully in order to reduce crime, etc.
- in addition to: Besides; as well as
- take over: To gain control of (a company) from someone else
- give up: To lose hope or admit defeat
- on the surface: Appearing to be true or real until examined more closely.
- below the surface: Hidden emotions or issues not immediately visible.
- ultimately: Done or considered as the final and most important
- episode: One separate event in a series of events
- essentially: Basically; (said when stating the basic facts)
- demonstrate: To display a feeling or ability openly
- conflict: Argument or struggle between two or more parties
- aggressive: Using energy and determination to achieve a goal
- bias: Preference to believe things even if incorrect
- claim: To say that something is true, often without proof.
- territory: Area of land defended by an animal
- relationship: Connection between two or more people or things
- prevent: To stop something from happening or existing
- avoid: To prevent from happening
- competition: Fighting against others to win something
- reach: To come to or arrive at a goal or destination
- deal: To cope with something - usually troubles
- response: Something said/written as an answer to something
- surface: To give (road) a top layer
- region: Part of a country, of the world, area, etc.
- form: Sports team or person's current winning record
- incident: Event, usually unusual or important; accident
- lead: Wire for electricity, computer, etc.; cable
- illustrate: To supply pictures to go along with words
- ground: To break (coffee, etc.) into tiny bits with machine
- thumb: To use your thumb to request a ride in a car
- trade: A specific industry, e.g. shoe making
- lot: What happens to a person in life from chance; fate
- escalate: To increase in size, intensity, or scope
- kind: In a caring and helpful manner
- order: Religious or social group, as of nuns
- control: A device designed to operate a machine
- fact: Something that is known or proved to be true
- build: Your physical shape; physique
- support: To give assistance or advice to someone
- public: Owned by the government
- government: Group of people and system that rule a nation
- dash: To hit against something with a lot of force
- chance: The way something happens without planning
- clarify: To make a liquid become clear or pure
- fleet: Group of ships under one commander
- legal: Concerning the law; allowed by law
- confrontation: A disagreement or argument
- alliance: Group of people/organizations working together
- aggressively: Using energy and determination to achieve a goal
- treaty: An agreement between nations
- contentious: Tending to create argument or division
- reef: Line of rocks or sand at the surface of the ocean
- soldier: Person working in an army to fight
- navy: Very dark shade of blue
- superpower: State powerful enough to influence world events
- geopolitic: Study of relationship among politics and geography
- resupply: To provide someone with something you already have
Get the full experience in the app
Learn anywhere with detailed sentence and usage analysis
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
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
Try this speaking exercise.
Try practicing with this sentence.
80
Why the South China Sea is a time bomb
0
Kanta Mori posted on 2025/05/01Ever wondered what's really going on in the South China Sea? This video dives deep into the territorial disputes and recent clashes, like ship ramming incidents, that make it a geopolitical hotspot. You'll pick up advanced vocabulary related to exclusive economic zones and international relations, all explained with simple sentence structures!
Learn this video on the APP!
The VoiceTube App has more in-depth practice for videos!