Preparing usage notes, please check back later
across the pond
US
UK
- Phrase
- Referring to the Atlantic Ocean, especially when contrasting the UK and the US.
- From the UK to the US.
activate
US /ˈæktəˌvet/
UK /ˈæktɪveɪt/
- Transitive Verb
- To cause to happen; cause a chemical reaction
- To make something start working
B1Moreafternoon tea
US /ˌæftɚˈnun ti/
UK /ˌɑ:ftəˈnu:n ti:/
- Noun
- A light meal typically eaten between 3pm and 5pm, consisting of tea, sandwiches, cakes, and scones.
A1Moreall over the place
US
UK
- Phrase
- In a state of disorder; scattered everywhere.
- In many different locations; widely distributed.
- Adjective
- Mentally or emotionally disorganized; confused or erratic.
A1Morearrow
US /ˈæroʊ/
UK /ˈærəʊ/
- Noun
- Symbol used on road signs to show direction
- A long pointed piece of wood shot from a bow
B1Moreas long as
US /æz lɔŋ æz/
UK /æz lɔŋ æz/
- Conjunction
- For the period that; provided that.
- For the length of time that
- Preposition
- On the condition that; providing that.
- Having the same length as.
A1Moreat home
US /æt hom/
UK /æt həum/
- Phrase
- In one's own residence or country.
- Adjective
- Feeling comfortable and relaxed.
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.
C2Morebar
US /bɑ:r/
UK /bɑ:(r)/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Piece of (soap, chocolate etc.)
- Professional organization of lawyers and judges
- Transitive Verb
- To prevent entry, exit or an action
A2Morebarbecue
US /ˈbɑ:rbɪkju:/
UK /ˈbɑ:bɪkju:/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Grill used for cooking food over an open fire
- Outdoor gathering to cook and eat food on a grill
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To cook something on an outdoor grill
B2Morebland
US /blænd/
UK /blænd/
- Adjective
- Plain; flavorless; dull
B1TOEICMorebowl
US /bol/
UK /bəʊl/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Part of an object that has a rounded, inward curve
- Round container used for holding rice, soup etc.
- Intransitive Verb
- To roll a ball in the sport of bowling
A2Morebranch
US /bræntʃ/
UK /brɑ:ntʃ/
- Noun
- Part of a family related to the same members
- Part of organization with a specific function
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To separate away from the main part
- To extend in a new direction; diverge.
A2TOEICMorebreak off
US /brek ɔf/
UK /breik ɔf/
- Phrasal Verb
- To end a relationship, engagement etc.
- To cause something to be separated or broken
A1Moreby default
US /baɪ dɪˈfɔlt/
UK /bai diˈfɔ:lt/
- Adverb
- Automatically, unless the user specifies otherwise.
- Because of a lack of any other action or choice.
chili
US /ˈtʃɪli/
UK /ˈtʃɪli/
- Noun
- Hot-tasting spice used in curry, etc.
B2Morechili sauce
US
UK
- Uncountable Noun
- A sauce made from chili peppers and other ingredients, used as a condiment.
come back
US /kʌm bæk/
UK /kʌm bæk/
- Phrasal Verb
- To reply to someone, often forcefully
- To be remembered
A1Morecrisp
US /krɪsp/
UK /krɪsp/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To make or become dry and crisp, as with heat
- Adjective
- (Of weather) chilly; a little cold
B1Morecrispy
US /ˈkrɪspi/
UK /'krɪspɪ/
- Adjective
- Dry and breaking with a sharp sound
C1Morecrush
US /krʌʃ/
UK /krʌʃ/
- Noun
- Strong attraction to someone
- Transitive Verb
- To break something into small pieces by pressing
- To defeat someone or something (in a game)
B1TOEICMorecut into
US /kʌt ˈɪntu/
UK /kʌt ˈɪntuː/
- Phrasal Verb
- To divide something into pieces with a sharp tool.
- To interrupt someone who is speaking.
A1Moredessert
US /dɪˈzɜ:rt/
UK /dɪˈzɜ:t/
- Noun
- Sweet food usually eaten at the end of a meal
B2Moredew
US /du:/
UK /dju:/
- Uncountable Noun
- Drops of water forming on cool surfaces at night
B2Moreexclusive
US /ɪkˈsklusɪv/
UK /ɪk'sklu:sɪv/
- Adjective
- Being available only to people with a lot of money
- Available to only a particular person, group
B1TOEICMoreextra
US /'ekstrə/
UK /'ekstrə/
- Adjective
- More than necessary; additional
- Of especially good quality or grade.
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Items more than you need; additional items
- Person who has a small part in a movie
A2Morefascination
US /ˌfæsəˈneʃən/
UK /ˌfæsɪˈneɪʃn/
- Uncountable Noun
- Quality that attracts attention
- The state of being fascinated
- Countable Noun
- A thing that fascinates
B1Morefeel like
US
UK
- Intransitive Verb
- To have a desire or inclination for something.
- To have a particular quality or sensation; resemble.
A1Morefirst up
US /fɚst ʌp/
UK /fə:st ʌp/
- Phrase
- Firstly; to begin with; the first item on a list or agenda.
A1Moreflame
US /flem/
UK /fleɪm/
- Intransitive Verb
- To glow
- To burn or glow in a fire
- Noun
- The red part you can see in fire
A2Moreflavor
US /ˈflevɚ/
UK /'fleɪvə/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Quality giving something a particular character
- Taste of something, especially in food or drink
- Transitive Verb
- To add extra taste to a food
B1Morefor example
US
UK
- Phrase
- As an illustration or instance.
for some reason
US /fɔr sʌm ˈrizən/
UK /fɔ: sʌm ˈri:zən/
- Phrase
- For a reason that is not known or not easily explained.
A1Moregenerally
US /ˈdʒɛnərəli/
UK /ˈdʒenrəli/
- Adverb
- Usually; as a rule; by, to or for most people
A2Morego back to
US /ɡo bæk tu/
UK /ɡəu bæk tu:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To return to a starting point
A1Morego together
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To match well; to be harmonious or aesthetically pleasing.
- To date; to be in a romantic relationship.
A1Moregoing on
US /ˈɡoɪŋ ɑn/
UK /ˈgəʊɪŋ ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To continue doing something
- To happen (usually negative)
A1Moregot to
US /ɡɑt tu/
UK /gɔt tu:/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To arrive at some place
- To have the opportunity or permission to do something
- Phrasal Verb
- To appeal to the emotions of; move
- To finally begin to start something after a delay
A1Morehash
US /hæʃ/
UK /hæʃ/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- A mixture of meat, potatoes, and vegetables cut into small pieces and baked or fried
- The symbol # on a phone or computer keyboard
C1Morehave to
US /hæv tu/
UK /ˈhæv tə/
- Auxiliary Verb
- Must do
A1Morein general
US /ɪn ˈdʒɛnərəl/
UK /in ˈdʒenərəl/
- Phrase
- Typically; usually; on the whole.
- Not specific or detailed; broadly.
- Adjective
- Not detailed or specific; overall.
C2Morein half
US /ɪn hæf/
UK /in hɑ:f/
- Adverb
- Divided into two equal parts.
- Partially; to some extent.
A1Morein lieu of
US /ɪn lu ʌv/
UK /in lu: ɔv/
- Preposition
- Instead of.
in the mood
US /ɪn ði mud/
UK /in ðə mu:d/
- Adjective
- Wanting to do something
- Having a desire for sex
A1Moreinstead of
US /ɪnˈstɛd ʌv/
UK /inˈsted ɔv/
- Preposition
- When one thing is replaced by another
- Adverb
- As a substitute or alternative.
A1Moreitem
US /ˈaɪtəm/
UK /ˈaɪtəm/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Single, brief piece of news or reporting
- Distinct, individual thing, often part of a group
A2TOEICMorejust kind of
US
UK
- Phrase
- Used to express a feeling or state in a vague or hesitant way.
- Used to indicate something is approximately or generally similar to something else.
A2Morekeep your eyes peeled
US /kip jʊɚ aɪz pild/
UK /ki:p jɔ: ai:z pi:ld/
- other
- Be watchful and alert for something specific.
B2Morelast person
US
UK
- Noun
- The individual who is the final one in a sequence or group.
- The individual who is the least likely to do something or be in a particular situation.
A1Morelemonade
US /ˌlɛməˈned/
UK /ˌleməˈneɪd/
- Uncountable Noun
- Drink that has a lemon flavor
B2Morelieu
US /lu/
UK /lu:/
- Noun
- Function usually occupied or done by another
C1Morelieu of
US
UK
- Preposition
- Instead of
like a shot
US /laɪk ə ʃɑt/
UK /laɪk ə ʃɒt/
- other
- Doing something very quickly or immediately.
B1Morelook at
US /lʊk æt/
UK /luk æt/
- Phrasal Verb
- To use your eyes to focus on something
- To focus your eyes on something carefully
A1Moremustard
US /ˈmʌstərd/
UK /ˈmʌstəd/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Spicy yellow or brown condiment used to add flavor
B2Moreof course
US /ʌv kɔː(r)s/
UK /ɔv kɔː(r)s/
- Adverb
- Sure ; Certainly
- Phrase
- For sure; certainly
A2Moreoff of
US /ɔf ʌv/
UK /ɔf ɔv/
- Preposition
- From a position on something; down from.
A1Moreon a stick
US
UK
- Adjective
- Food that is served on a stick
- Noun
- An object attached to a stick, often for play or display
B1Moreon offer
US /ɑn ˈɔfɚ/
UK /ɔn ˈɔfə/
- Adjective
- Available at a reduced price or with special terms.
- Being presented or made available.
- Phrase
- Available for purchase.
A2Moreon point
US
UK
- Adjective
- Perfectly done; exactly right.
- Relevant and appropriate; pertinent.
A1Moreon the go
US /ɑn ði ɡo/
UK /ɔn ðə ɡəu/
- Adjective
- Very busy and active.
A1Moreon to
US /ɑn tu/
UK /ɔn tu:/
- Preposition
- Toward something; forward
- Aware of someone's activities.
- Adjective
- Aware of someone's deception or illegal activities.
A1Moreone of each
US
UK
- Determiner
- A single item from every available type or variety.
- Pronoun
- A selection including a single item from every option.
A1Moreoriginal
US /əˈrɪdʒənəl/
UK /ə'rɪdʒənl/
- Adjective
- Being first made, thought or performed; fresh
- Being unique or thinking differently from others
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- A work of art, writing, or music that is not a copy.
- A person of fresh initiative or inventiveness.
A2TOEICMorepastry
US /ˈpestri/
UK /ˈpeɪstri/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Dough making top/bottom of pie; cake made of dough
- A food item made of flour, fat, and water, often filled with sweet or savory ingredients and baked.
B2Morepineapple
US /ˈpaɪnˌæpəl/
UK /ˈpaɪnæpl/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- A sweet fruit with yellow flesh and green skin
- The tropical plant that produces the pineapple fruit.
- Adjective
- Having the flavor of pineapple.
C1Morepopcorn
US /ˈpɑ:pkɔ:rn/
UK /ˈpɒpkɔ:n/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Small-eared corn that burst in dry heat
C2Morepot
US /pɑt/
UK /pɒt/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Container designed to hold or store something
- Deep, round container that is used for cooking
- Transitive Verb
- To plant something in a container filled with soil
- To hit a ball into a table pocket in snooker
A2Morepucker
US /ˈpʌkɚ/
UK /'pʌkə(r)/
- Intransitive Verb
- To purse the lips, e.g. in preparation for a kiss
C1TOEICMorerecipe
US /ˈrɛsəˌpi/
UK /'resəpɪ/
- Noun
- Conditions likely to create a particular result
- Directions for making a dish, with the ingredients
B1Morered hot
US /rɛd hɑt/
UK /red hɔt/
- Adjective
- Extremely hot; heated to a point of glowing red.
- Very exciting, popular, or successful.
A1Moreregular
US /ˈrɛɡjəlɚ/
UK /ˈregjələ(r)/
- Adjective
- Having an equal amount of space or time in between
- Occurring or being done frequently
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Customers who frequently visit a place
- Soldier who has a permanent job in the army
A2TOEICMorerid
US /rɪd/
UK /rɪd/
- Transitive Verb
- To cause to no longer have (pest, problem)
- Adjective
- Freed or delivered from something.
A2Moresauce
US /sɔs/
UK /sɔ:s/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Food made from cooked fruit, e.g. apples or mangos
B1Moresavory
US / ˈseɪ.vɚ.i/
UK /ˈseɪ.vər.i/
- Adjective
- (Of taste) salty or spicy rather than sweet
- Noun
- Savoury food is salty or spicy and not sweet in taste
B2Morescone
US
UK
- Countable Noun
- Small cake in which fruit is generally added
B2Moreslightly
US /ˈslaɪtli/
UK /ˈslaɪtli/
- Adverb
- Only a little
B1Morespice
US /spaɪs/
UK /spaɪs/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Plant used for making food sweet or hot-tasting
- Transitive Verb
- To add chili, etc. to food to improve its taste
B1Moresprite
US /spraɪt/
UK /spraɪt/
- Noun
- Small magical creature, often mischievous
C1Morestick
US /stɪk/
UK /stɪk/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To push a sharp or pointed object into something
- To join together using glue or paste
- Countable Noun
- Long thin piece of wood from a tree
A2Moresticky
US /ˈstɪki/
UK /ˈstɪki/
- Adjective
- Easy to adhere or stick to other things
- (Of weather/a day) uncomfortably hot and humid
B1Moretake back
US /tek bæk/
UK /teik bæk/
- Phrasal Verb
- To say you no longer agree with an opinion you had
- To return something you bought to the store
- Transitive Verb
- To retract or withdraw a statement or claim.
- To regain possession of something.
A1Moretaste
US /test/
UK /teɪst/
- Uncountable Noun
- (Good) sense of style in clothes, art, or manners
- Flavor in your mouth from food or drink
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To experience something
- To experience the flavor of food, drink
A2TOEICMoretend
US /tɛnd/
UK /tend/
- Intransitive Verb
- To move or act in a certain manner
- Transitive Verb
- To take care of
A2Morethink 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
A1Moretie in
US /taɪ ɪn/
UK /tai in/
- Phrasal Verb
- To make a connection to bring two things together
A2Moretwist
US /twɪst/
UK /twɪst/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To turn something in a circular direction
- To turn in a curving direction e.g. road or path
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Turn or spiral curve in a path or road
- Bend or sudden change of direction
A2Moreused to
US /juzd tu/
UK /ˈju:st tə/
- Adjective
- Did regularly before, but don't do now
- Auxiliary Verb
- Have done before, but do not do now
A1Morevegan
US /ˈviɡən, ˈvɛdʒən/
UK /ˈvi:gən/
- Noun
- Vegetarian who eats no animal or dairy products
C1Morevie
US /vaɪ/
UK /vaɪ/
- Intransitive Verb
- To fight or compete against to win or get a thing
B2Morevisually
US /ˈvɪʒʊəlɪ/
UK /'vɪʒʊəlɪ/
- Adverb
- With respect to vision
- In a way that involves images or visual representation.
B1Moreway to go
US /we tu ɡo/
UK /wei tu: ɡəu/
- Interjection
- An expression of encouragement or approval.
- An expression of sarcasm after someone has made a mistake.
A1Morework together
US /wɚk təˈɡɛðɚ/
UK /wə:k təˈɡeðə/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To collaborate or cooperate with others to achieve a common goal.
A1Morewrap
US /ræp/
UK /ræp/
- Countable Noun
- Piece of clothing worn loosely on the shoulders
- Thin bread filled with food and rolled
- Transitive Verb
- To be or move around something
- To cover something with paper or a cloth e.g. gift
B1More
