Learn English Vocabulary Daily #23.2 — British English Podcast

Summary

The English Like a Native Podcast, hosted by Anna, focuses on enhancing active vocabulary through daily deep dives into five English words or phrases. In this episode, Anna discusses the verb 'subside', meaning to decrease or become less intense, and the phrasal verb 'perk up', which encourages happiness or increased energy. She also covers the nouns 'routine', describing a regular sequence of actions, and 'semblance', referring to outward appearances, as well as the adjective 'standout', denoting exceptional quality. The podcast emphasizes the importance of vocabulary expansion for English learners and provides practical examples of how these words can be used in everyday contexts.

Takeaways

• 📈 The podcast 'Your English Five a Day' aims to enhance active vocabulary by focusing on five English words or phrases daily.
• 🌀 The verb 'subside' means to become less intense, violent, or severe, often used to describe the reduction of pain or the calming of a storm.
• 😊 The phrasal verb 'perk up' is used to describe making someone feel happier, more energetic, or brighter, often used in the context of improving mood or energy levels.
• 🏃 The noun 'routine' refers to a regular, fixed pattern of behavior or actions, such as a daily morning schedule.
• 🎭 The noun 'semblance' denotes the outward appearance or impression of something, which may not necessarily reflect the reality.
• 🌟 The adjective 'standout' is used to describe something or someone that is exceptional or notably better than others.
• 🍵 The host shares personal anecdotes, such as how a cup of tea can help perk her up when she's feeling down.
• 🎵 Music and sunshine are mentioned as common mood boosters that help the host perk up during gloomy days.
• 🏆 The story of Marcus, an events organizer, is used to illustrate the application of the day's vocabulary in a real-life scenario.
• 💪 The narrative of Marcus emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and maintaining a positive semblance in the face of challenges.
• 🚀 The podcast concludes with an encouragement for listeners to face their inhibitions and challenges head-on, drawing inspiration from Marcus's story.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the 'Your English Five a Day' series mentioned in the podcast?

The main goal of the 'Your English Five a Day' series is to increase listeners' active vocabulary by focusing on five pieces of vocabulary every working day of the week.

How can one become a Plus Member of the podcast?

To become a Plus Member, one can support the podcast through membership, which provides access to bonus material including additional episodes, transcripts, and vocabulary lists.

What does the verb 'subside' mean and how is it used in a sentence?

The verb 'subside' means to become less intense, violent, or severe. It is used to describe a decrease or diminishing of something, such as in the sentence 'The pain in my back has subsided.'

What is the definition of the phrasal verb 'perk up' and how can it be used?

The phrasal verb 'perk up' means to make someone feel happier, better, or more energetic. It can be used to describe an improvement in someone's mood or energy level, such as in the sentence 'After a cup of tea, she perked up significantly.'

Can you explain the meaning of the noun 'routine' with an example?

A 'routine' refers to a fixed or typical way of doing something on a regular basis. For example, a morning routine might involve waking up, brushing teeth, having breakfast, and going to work.

What is 'semblance' and how does it relate to 'resemblance'?

The noun 'semblance' refers to the outward appearance of something or the impression it gives. It is similar to 'resemblance' in that both words deal with how something looks or appears, but 'semblance' focuses more on the appearance or impression rather than actual similarity.

Define the adjective 'standout' and provide an example of its use.

The adjective 'standout' is used to describe something or someone that is exceptional or better than others. For example, 'She was a standout candidate during the job interview, demonstrating exceptional skills and experience.'

How does the podcast help improve pronunciation?

The podcast helps improve pronunciation by encouraging listeners to repeat after the speaker, providing clear pronunciation of new vocabulary, and offering practice through memory tests and recaps.

What is the story of Marcus, the events organizer, about?

The story of Marcus is about his journey of organizing a charity marathon in New York City dedicated to raising funds for childhood education. Despite challenges and stress, Marcus's leadership and adaptability result in a successful event that brings the community together and becomes a standout moment in his career.

How does the podcast episode conclude?

The podcast episode concludes with a reflection on the story of Marcus and a reminder of the importance of perseverance and support when facing personal or professional challenges. The host encourages listeners to take care and invites them to rate and review the podcast.

What is the significance of the podcast host's personal experience described in the episode?

The host's personal experience serves as an example of how one can overcome initial difficulties and challenges by using the vocabulary taught in the podcast. It demonstrates the practical application of the words 'subside' and 'perk up' in a real-life context and encourages listeners to apply what they learn to their own lives.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Vocabulary Learning

The paragraph introduces the podcast 'The English Like a Native Podcast' and the host, Anna. It explains the concept of 'Your English Five a Day', a series designed to enhance active vocabulary through daily lessons. Anna discusses the benefits of becoming a Plus Member, including access to additional content. The segment begins with the word 'subside', explaining its meaning, spelling, and usage in sentences. The concept is further illustrated with personal anecdotes and examples. The paragraph also introduces the phrasal verb 'perk up', its spelling, separability, and usage in various contexts to describe making someone feel happier or more energetic.

05:04

🛤️ Exploring Daily Routines and Appearances

This paragraph delves into the concept of 'routine', defining it as a regular pattern of actions and using the host's personal morning routine as an example. It also touches on the importance of routines and asks the listener about their own. The word 'semblance' is introduced next, describing it as the outward appearance of something, with an emphasis on its similarity to 'resemblance'. The paragraph provides an example sentence to illustrate the use of 'semblance' and concludes with a recap of the day's vocabulary, focusing on pronunciation.

10:05

🌟 Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success

The paragraph tells a narrative of Marcus, an events organizer, who faces the challenge of organizing a charity marathon in New York City. Despite the high stakes and pressure, Marcus experiences a decrease in stress as the event day approaches and the marathon begins. His team supports him, helping him to overcome various challenges that arise during the event. Marcus's leadership and ability to maintain order amidst unpredictability are highlighted as standout qualities. The marathon's success goes beyond fundraising, bringing the community together and leaving a lasting impact on all involved. The story concludes with a reflection on perseverance and the power of collective effort.

15:09

🎙️ Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action

In the final paragraph, the host, Anna, concludes the podcast episode by sharing her reflections on the story of Marcus and the charity marathon. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming challenges and the impact of collective efforts. Anna invites listeners to share their thoughts and experiences, and she encourages them to support the podcast through likes, ratings, or reviews. The host signs off with well-wishes for the listeners, reinforcing the message of resilience and determination.

Keywords

💡Subside

The verb 'subside' refers to a decrease in intensity, severity, or strength. In the context of the podcast, it is used to describe the reduction of pain or the calming of a storm. For example, 'The pain in my back has subsided' illustrates the application of the term to describe the lessening of physical discomfort. Similarly, 'The storm began to subside as the winds calmed and the rains stopped' uses 'subside' to depict the storm's gradual loss of power and danger.

💡Perk up

The phrasal verb 'perk up' means to make someone feel happier, more energetic, or more alert. In the podcast, it is used to describe the act of lifting someone's spirits or increasing their energy levels. For instance, 'I could perk you up if you're feeling down' suggests the speaker's ability to cheer someone up, while 'You've really perked up. That's good. Maybe you can go to school today.' indicates an improvement in someone's mood or energy, making them more capable of engaging in daily activities.

💡Routine

A 'routine' is a regular pattern of behavior or a sequence of actions that one follows consistently. In the podcast, the term is used to describe the speaker's daily habits, such as their morning and bedtime activities. The concept of routine is integral to understanding the structure and predictability of daily life, as well as the challenges of deviating from these patterns, as illustrated by the speaker's disruption of their morning routine due to not feeling well.

💡Semblance

The noun 'semblance' refers to the outward appearance or impression of something, often highlighting the difference between appearance and reality. In the podcast, 'semblance' is used to describe the false impression given by a politician's demeanor, which contrasts with his actual actions. This term is crucial for understanding the discrepancy between how things appear on the surface and their true nature.

💡Standout

The adjective 'standout' is used to describe something or someone that is exceptional or notable, often for being better or more impressive than others. In the podcast, it is applied to a runner who performed exceptionally well in a race and to an artwork that was the most outstanding piece in an exhibition. This term helps to identify and emphasize excellence or distinctiveness in various contexts.

💡Vocabulary

The term 'vocabulary' refers to a person's knowledge of words and phrases in a particular language, as well as the ability to use them effectively. In the podcast, the focus on expanding vocabulary is central to the educational mission of 'Your English Five a Day'. The script emphasizes the importance of learning and practicing new words to improve language proficiency, which is a key aspect of the learning process described in the series.

💡Memory Test

A 'memory test' is an exercise designed to assess or improve one's ability to recall information. In the podcast, the host uses a memory test to reinforce the listener's understanding and recollection of the key vocabulary discussed in the episode. This interactive element engages the audience and helps to solidify their grasp of the new terms.

💡Pronunciation

Pronunciation refers to the way in which words are spoken, specifically the sounds and intonation used when uttering them. The podcast emphasizes the importance of correct pronunciation for effective communication and language learning. The host encourages listeners to repeat words aloud to practice and improve their pronunciation skills, which is a fundamental aspect of mastering a language.

💡Storytelling

Storytelling is the art of narrating events, experiences, or fictional tales in a structured and engaging manner. In the podcast, storytelling is used as a pedagogical tool to illustrate the use of the discussed vocabulary in a real-life context. The story of Marcus, the events organizer, not only captivates the listener but also effectively demonstrates how the key terms can be applied in various situations, thereby enhancing comprehension and retention.

💡Support

The term 'support' refers to the assistance or encouragement provided to someone to help them cope with difficulties or to achieve their goals. In the podcast, the concept of support is highlighted through the team's role in helping Marcus overcome challenges and lift his spirits. Support is depicted as a vital element in personal and professional growth, as well as in fostering resilience and success.

💡Community

A 'community' is a group of people sharing common interests, values, or goals. In the podcast, the marathon event serves as a unifying force, bringing together diverse individuals for a shared cause. The term underscores the collective spirit and the power of unity in achieving significant outcomes, as well as the sense of belonging and togetherness that communities can inspire.

Highlights

The podcast introduces a series called 'Your English Five a Day' aimed at increasing active vocabulary.

Listeners can become Plus Members for bonus material and to support the podcast.

The verb 'subside' means to become less intense or to decrease.

Example usage of 'subside': 'The pain in my back has subsided.'

The phrasal verb 'perk up' is used to describe making someone feel happier or more energetic.

Personal anecdotes are used to illustrate vocabulary in a relatable way.

A routine is a fixed or typical way of doing something, such as a morning routine.

The word 'semblance' refers to the outward appearance of something.

The adjective 'standout' is used to describe something exceptional or the best example of something.

Pronunciation practice is encouraged by repeating words and phrases.

A memory test is conducted to reinforce the learned vocabulary.

The podcast uses a personal story to demonstrate the application of the day's vocabulary.

The story of Marcus, an events organizer, shows perseverance and leadership in challenging situations.

The marathon event in the story serves as a metaphor for overcoming personal and professional challenges.

The importance of community, collective effort, and the human spirit is emphasized.

The podcast concludes with a motivational message encouraging listeners to persevere and lean on support.

Transcripts

Hello, and welcome to The English Like a Native Podcast.

My name is Anna and you are listening to Week 23, Day 2 of Your English Five a Day.

This is the series that aims to increase your active vocabulary by deep-diving into

five pieces every day of the working week.

And you can get more from your listening experience by becoming a Plus Member,

which not only helps to support this podcast to continue and to grow,

but also gives you access to bonus material, including additional episodes,

transcripts, and vocabulary lists.

I'll put a link in the show notes.

We start today's episode with a verb, and it is subside.

Subside.

We spell this S U B S I D E.

Subside.

If something subsides, it becomes less — less intense, less violent, less severe.

It decreases or diminishes.

So, I might say,

"The pain in my back has subsided."

It has decreased.

Here's another example,

"The storm began to subside as the winds calmed and the rains stopped."

I often find that if I become hungry and I don't satisfy that hunger, I start to

get a really strong pain in my stomach and the hunger becomes a painful hunger.

But if I continue to ignore that need to eat, then the pain eventually

subsides and I move into this state where I don't feel hungry at

all — actually almost completely goes.

And then I can last for a little while longer without

the niggle of hunger saying,

"You've got to go and eat something."

Okay, next on the list is the phrasal verb perk up, perk up.

We spell this perk, P E R K.

Up, U P.

Perk up.

This is a separable phrasal verb, so we could say perk someone up.

So, I could perk you up if you're feeling down.

So, what does it mean exactly?

Well, to perk up or to perk someone up is to make them become happier

or feel better or more energetic.

This is a phrasal verb I often use when my sons or my friends are

looking or seeming a little unwell.

They are quiet.

They are, you know, not so much themselves.

They are less energetic.

They sit there looking pale and tired.

But then after a cup of tea or a glass of water or a little

bit of rest they may perk up.

They become brighter.

They become more talkative, more energetic, and they seem a little better.

So, I'd say,

"Oh, you've really perked up.

That's good.

Maybe you can go to school today."

Okay, so to perk up.

Here's another example sentence,

"You've had a tough few days studying for your exam, why don't

we go paintballing this weekend?

It might just perk you up!"

What helps you to perk up when you're feeling down or if you're feeling tired?

I always find the sunshine and more warmth in the air perks me up.

During the winter I really struggle with my mood, especially if it's a dark, grey

day or if we've had an entire week of bad weather and I haven't seen the sun

at all and it's just cold all the time.

A bit of warmth and a bit of light really helps to perk me up.

Music is another thing that perks me up.

If I'm feeling low on energy or maybe a little bit down in my mood putting on a

good song and having a sing-along and a bit of a boogie can really perk me up.

Most people say coffee perks them up in the morning.

Right, moving on, our next word today is a noun, and it is routine.

Routine.

We spell this R O U T I N E.

Routine.

Make sure that you're pronouncing that first vowel as /uː/ not

/raʊ/, /ruː/ — routine.

So, a routine is a fixed or typical way of doing something.

For example, in the morning, my routine is generally the same.

I wake up first, I open the curtains.

I wake up everybody else in the house.

We all get dressed.

Sometimes I will have a shower before getting dressed, it depends

on what I've done the night before.

But the children just have a wash, and they get dressed, and then we come

downstairs, and we have breakfast.

Then after breakfast, we brush our teeth, and we pack our bags.

And then we head out to do the school run.

So, that's our morning routine and our bedtime routine is

the same routine every night.

Do you have a set routine of getting up in the morning or

does it change from day to day?

Here's an example sentence,

"I love working in TV — there's no fixed routine.

Every day is different and brings new challenges."

Okay, next on the list is another noun and it is semblance.

Semblance.

We spell this S E M B L A N C E.

Semblance.

Semblance.

Semblance is the outward appearance of something, how something looks,

to have the look of something.

It's very similar to the word 'resemblance' — to resemble something.

So, it gives the impression of something.

Here's an example sentence,

"The politician's calm demeanour and confident smile gave a

semblance of sincerity, but his actions spoke otherwise."

So, in that example, we're saying that the politician, his whole way of being and his

confident smile, gave a semblance of, it looked like he was being sincere, he was

being honest, because of his smile and how confident he was and how calm he was.

But his actions, what he actually did suggested that he wasn't being honest.

He wasn't being sincere.

Okay, next and last on our list for today is an adjective and it is standout.

Standout.

We spell this S T A N D O U T.

Standout.

If something or someone is described as standout, then they are noticed for being

exceptional, for being better than others, for being the best example of something.

So, for example, if we are all running a race and of the 10 people who ran the

race, three people had very good times.

So, three people ran it in the fastest time, but one person in particular

was way ahead of everybody else.

You could say they are a standout runner.

They were the standout performance of the day.

Or they gave the standout performance of the day.

So, it was better than everyone else.

It was standout.

Here's another example,

"I think your painting of the flower garden was definitely the

standout piece in the art exhibition.

Would you consider selling it?"

Alright, that's our five for today.

Let's do a quick recap.

So, we started with the verb subside.

Subside, to become less or to decrease.

Then we had the phrasal verb perk up to become happier or

brighter or more energetic.

Then we had the noun routine, which is a fixed way of doing

things on a regular basis.

Then we had the noun semblance, a look of something.

So an outward appearance.

And then we had the adjective standout to be the best example of something,

to be noticed for being better than other things or other people.

Now let's do this for pronunciation purposes.

Please repeat after me.

Subside.

Subside.

Perk up.

Perk up.

Routine.

Routine

Semblance.

Semblance.

Standout.

Standout.

Fantastic.

Now, let's do a little test of your memory.

I'm not feeling very well today, but I'm much better than I was.

In fact, when I woke up, I looked like death.

I was very pale.

I had dark rings under my eyes.

My voice was really hoarse, and I couldn't function at all.

I just sat on the couch looking like a zombie.

However, my partner made me a lovely smoothie full of

all sorts of healthy goodies.

And after drinking that, I really improved.

I suddenly became much more energetic.

I looked like I had more colour in my face, my voice improved,

and I felt a lot happier.

What phrasal verb could we use to describe this improvement?

I perked up.

Absolutely.

And the groggy feeling I had in my head where I just couldn't think straight, that

decreased rapidly over the following hour.

What verb could I use instead of decrease?

If something diminishes and becomes less?

Subside.

Yes, my groggy mental fog subsided and I became much clearer over the day.

My head became clearer over the course of the day.

Now, I didn't follow my usual fixed way of doing things this morning

because I felt so bad when I woke up.

It really messed up the usual way that I do things.

What noun would we use to describe the usual way of doing things?

Routine.

Yes, it really messed up my routine.

But once I had perked up and once my headache and my brain fog had

subsided, I got back on top of things.

And actually, I had a day that was probably the best day I've had all month.

So, what adjective could I use to describe the best example of something?

This was the best day of the entire month.

It was a real what day?

What adjective?

It was a real standout day.

Lots of fantastic things happened.

It was a standout day.

And by the end of the day, I had a look of, I had an appearance of

being confident and in control.

On the underside, I wasn't very confident or in control, especially at work.

There was a lot of things going on, and I did feel quite nervous giving

my presentation, especially given how bad I felt first thing in the morning.

But to everybody else, I gave this performance that made me

look confident and in control.

I had a what?

What noun would you use to describe this outward appearance?

I had...

a semblance of a woman in control, even if that wasn't really the case.

I had a semblance of it.

So, despite feeling awful this morning, I was able to perk up quite quickly.

My brain fog and my headaches subsided.

And despite not following my usual routine, I had a standout day and

I gave a standout performance at work and even gave the semblance of

someone who is really in control.

So, it was a standout day for me.

Now let's bring all of these words together once again in today's story.

Marcus, a 42-year-old seasoned events organiser was looking at

a seemingly impossible challenge: organising a charity marathon in

the bustling heart of New York City.

The event was not just another entry on his CV; it was a labour of love, dedicated

to raising funds for childhood education.

With expectations sky-high and the city's eyes upon him, Marcus felt the weight

of responsibility on his shoulders.

As the event day loomed closer, Marcus's stress levels were obvious.

Every detail, from coordinating with city officials for permits to

arranging logistics for thousands of participants and spectators,

seemed like a huge and daunting task.

However, as the marathon's start neared, and he saw the sea of

eager faces, Marcus's anxiety began to subside, replaced by a

surge of adrenaline and excitement.

The marathon kicked off with a bang, runners of all ages and backgrounds

were taking to the streets, their feet pounding the pavement in harmony.

Marcus, from his command centre, monitored every aspect of the event with a keen eye.

Despite months of planning, unforeseen hiccups were inevitable.

A sudden downpour of rain tested the runners' spirits and the event's

resilience, minor logistical errors popped up like unwelcome surprises,

and an unexpected roadblock threatened to throw the marathon off course.

Yet, each time Marcus felt his spirit decrease, his team

was there to perk him up.

Their support and shared commitment to the cause reminded him why

he embarked on this journey.

They worked tirelessly, adapting on the spot, ensuring that every

participant was safe and every spectator felt the community's warmth.

Marcus's leadership shone brightest amidst the chaos.

His routine actions, from coordinating with emergency services to rallying

his volunteers, underscored a masterful control over the

organising of such a huge event.

His ability to maintain a semblance of order amid the unexpected was

truly a standout quality, turning potential crises into mere footnotes

in the marathon's success story.

As the day progressed, Marcus witnessed countless acts of kindness and

perseverance: participants helping each other across the finish line,

spectators cheering on strangers with enthusiasm, and everyone coming together

for a cause greater than themselves.

These moments, these snapshots of humanity at its best, filled Marcus

with a profound sense of pride and joy.

Finally, as the last runner crossed the finish line and the city began to reclaim

its streets, Marcus realised the event's impact was beyond just the fundraising.

It had brought a community together, showcasing the strength of collective

effort and the human spirit.

The marathon was not just a standout event in his career, but a standout

moment in the lives of all those involved.

Reflecting on the day, Marcus felt a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment.

The challenges he faced were routine in the grand scheme of things, yet

overcoming them with such grace and efficiency was anything but ordinary.

The marathon not only raised significant funds for the charity, but also proved

to Marcus that his ability to adapt, persevere, and lead under pressure

was a standout quality he possessed.

As the city returned to its semblance of normalcy, Marcus knew that this

experience would stay with him forever.

He had faced his fears, pushed through his inhibitions, and emerged victorious.

And so, as we draw the curtain on Marcus's story, let it serve as

a reminder of what we can achieve when we set our minds to it.

Whether facing personal inhibitions or professional challenges,

the key is to persevere.

Lean on those who support us and always, always go for it.

And that brings us to the end of today's episode.

If you found this podcast useful in any way, then I greatly appreciate

if you took a moment to leave a like, a rating, or review so that

others may find this podcast too.

Until next time, take very good care of yourself and goodbye.