Advanced Adjectives (C2) to Build Your Vocabulary

Summary

In this video, viewers are introduced to a range of advanced C2-level adjectives to enhance their English vocabulary. The presenter explains each word clearly with definitions and real-life examples, such as 'ambiguous' (having multiple meanings), 'indispensable' (essential and crucial), and 'carefree' (free from worries). Other adjectives explored include 'complementary', 'legitimate', 'grim', and 'compulsive', all used to describe various situations or people. The lesson not only expands vocabulary but also provides practical usage tips, helping learners master these sophisticated terms for more effective communication.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ambiguous: Something that has multiple meanings, often intentionally, like in contracts or unclear statements.
• 😀 Complementary: Can mean either praising someone or referring to something given for free by businesses (e.g., hotel or flight items).
• 😀 Handy: Describes something useful and convenient, especially in a variety of situations. 'Coming in handy' means being useful when needed.
• 😀 Indispensable: Something or someone so essential that you can't function without it. For example, a key team member or a necessary tool.
• 😀 Legitimate: Can refer to something allowed by law or something reasonable and acceptable, such as a legitimate complaint.
• 😀 Questionable: Implies uncertainty or doubt, and can describe something that is possibly wrong or ethically dubious.
• 😀 Grim: Describes a situation that is worrying, without hope, or bleak, such as grim weather or grim political outlooks.
• 😀 Coherent: Refers to an idea or argument that is logically connected and easy to understand, or describing someone’s ability to communicate clearly.
• 😀 Dubious: Something that is not entirely trustworthy or is suspicious, like a dubious email or offer.
• 😀 Compulsive: Describes someone who does something excessively and uncontrollably, such as a compulsive gambler or liar.
• 😀 Pushy: Describes someone who is overly aggressive in trying to make others do something, often in an unpleasant way, like a pushy salesperson.
• 😀 Carefree: Describes a person who is not concerned with problems or worries, often used to describe carefree times in one's life.
• 😀 Conceited: Refers to someone who is excessively proud of themselves and their achievements, often in a way that seems arrogant.
• 😀 Rigid: Describes something fixed, stiff, or unbending, like rigid rules or a rigid posture.
• 😀 Feeble: Describes something weak or lacking in strength, whether it’s a person or an institution.

Q & A

What does the adjective 'ambiguous' mean?

'Ambiguous' refers to something that has or expresses more than one possible meaning, often intentionally. For example, an unclear contract or image could be described as ambiguous.

Can you give an example of 'complementary' used in two different contexts?

'Complementary' can mean showing praise or admiration, like when someone is complementary about your work. It can also mean something given for free, such as a complimentary snack or bottle of water in a hotel.

What does 'handy' mean, and can it be used in an idiom?

'Handy' means useful or convenient, especially when something can be used in various situations. It is often used in the idiom 'come in handy,' meaning something is useful when needed.

How do you use the adjective 'indispensable' in a sentence?

'Indispensable' describes something so important or useful that you cannot manage without it. For example, 'She is an indispensable part of the team.'

What are the two meanings of the adjective 'legitimate'?

'Legitimate' can mean something that is allowed by law, like a legal ID. It can also mean something reasonable or acceptable, such as a legitimate claim or argument.

How would you use 'questionable' to describe a situation?

'Questionable' means something that is uncertain or ethically wrong. For instance, 'The hygiene practices at the restaurant were questionable,' or 'The source of the information is questionable.'

What does 'grim' mean, and in what contexts is it typically used?

'Grim' refers to something worrying or hopeless, often describing situations that appear bleak. For example, 'The weather today looks grim,' or 'The political future seems grim.'

What is the difference between 'coherent' and 'incoherent'?

'Coherent' refers to something logical, clear, and easy to understand, such as a coherent argument. 'Incoherent' is the opposite, meaning something is confusing or unclear, like an incoherent explanation.

What does 'dubious' mean, and how is it used in relation to trustworthiness?

'Dubious' means something that is not completely true or trustworthy. For example, 'That email looks dubious; I don’t trust it,' indicating that the email may be a scam.

Can 'compulsive' be used to describe behaviors, and can you provide an example?

'Compulsive' describes a person who cannot stop a behavior, especially excessive ones, like a compulsive gambler or compulsive shopper. For example, 'He is a compulsive liar.'

What does 'pushy' mean, and how is it commonly used in everyday language?

'Pushy' refers to someone who behaves aggressively to make others do something. It often describes an unpleasant salesperson or a person who pressures others into decisions. For example, 'The salesman was too pushy and kept trying to sell me things.'

In what contexts would you use 'carefree'?

'Carefree' is used to describe a person or time period where there are no worries. For example, 'He had a carefree attitude towards life' or 'Those were carefree days before we had jobs and responsibilities.'

How would you describe someone who is 'conceited'?

'Conceited' refers to someone who is too proud of themselves and their abilities. For example, 'He’s so conceited, always bragging about his accomplishments.'

What is the meaning of 'rigid', and in what situations would you use it?

'Rigid' means something that is stiff, fixed, or not flexible. You can describe a set of strict rules as rigid, or say a person was rigid in their chair because they were nervous. For example, 'The company’s rules were rigid and not open to change.'

How can you use 'feeble' to describe a person or a situation?

'Feeble' means weak or lacking strength. You can describe an old person who is physically weak as feeble, or a government that lacks power as feeble. For example, 'The old man became feeble with age,' or 'The new government was feeble and ineffective.'