Lesson #176
I like what the American comedian Seth Meyers said about Trump’s victory. Even if you see things differently and take a more optimistic view, I’m sure you’ll still enjoy learning four new words in today’s lesson—they’re useful but also a bit challenging. Enjoy!
Our Word #1 is trenchant
US UK /ˈtrɛntʃənt/
adjective, formal
: sharp, clear, and effective:
a trenchant analysis/essay
His trenchant views on the subject are well known.
[Source]
Please take a look at this example and repeat it out loud:
(You have to reload the page if you want to watch the clip more than once.)
Our world #2 is to impart (something to someone)
verb [ T ] formal
UK /ɪmˈpɑːt/
US /ɪmˈpɑːrt/
: to communicate information to someone:
I was rather quiet as I didn’t feel I had much wisdom to impart.
[Source]
Please take a look at this example and repeat it out loud:
(You have to reload the page if you want to watch the clip more than once.)
I have nothing necessarily life-changing to …
Our world #3 is precipice
noun [ C ]
UK /ˈpres.ɪ.pɪs/
US /ˈpres.ə.pɪs/
: a very steep side of a cliff or a mountain:
The film opens with a shot of a climber dangling from a precipice.
: a dangerous situation that could lead to harm or failure:
This latest tax increase may push many small companies over the financial precipice.
[Source]
Please take a look at this example and repeat it out loud:
(You have to reload the page if you want to watch the clip more than once.)
“We are at a precipice which is an overused metaphor, but we’re on this precipice and things are about to get terrible.”
We are at a precipice which is an …
but we’re on this precipice and things are …
Our world #4 is uncharted
adjective
uk us /ʌnˈtʃɑː.tɪd/
An uncharted area has not had a map made of it and has not been described:
Most of the underground tunnels and cave networks are uncharted.
: completely new and not previously described or experienced, and therefore possibly difficult to deal with:
Nuclear fusion has taken physicists into previously uncharted territory.
[Source]
Please take a look at this example and repeat it out loud:
(You have to reload the page if you want to watch the clip more than once.)
We are going into …
Please fill in the blanks out loud with our word/phrase #1, 2, 3, or 4:
He stood on the edge of the …………. .
He stood on the edge of the precipice.
He stood …
He has clever ways of …………. knowledge to his students.
He has clever ways of imparting knowledge to his students.
[Source]
He has clever ways of …
She was in ………… territory, and the problems she faced were often completely unexpected.
She was in uncharted territory, and the problems she faced were often completely unexpected.
She was in …
and the problems she faced were often …
She became one of the president’s most ………… critics.
She became one of the president’s most trenchant critics.
She became …
Time for our final clip. Watch the clips first, and then fill in the blanks out loud.
(You have to reload the page if you want to watch the clip more than once.)
Source: “Donald Trump Has Won the 2024 Election. Now What?: A Closer Look.” Late Night with Seth Meyers. YouTube, Nov 7, 2024
I wish I had some ……….. words of wisdom to …………. .
I’m sad to say I don’t.
We’re about to step over the ………… into truly ……….. territory.
“I wish I had some trenchant words of wisdom to impart.
I’m sad to say I don’t.
We’re about to step over the precipice into truly uncharted territory.”
I wish I had some …
I’m sad to say …
We’re about to step over …
into …
Questions for a Coffee Session:
These questions can be helpful if you want to organize your own Coffee Session. Paste them in the Zoom chat, so you and your partner can see them. I strongly encourage you to organize your own Coffee Sessions. Contact other Club Members and schedule your own meetings on Zoom. The more you practice your English, the better 🙂
1. Ask your partner questions with the following words:
- trenchant (adjective)
- to impart (something to someone)
- precipice (noun, C)
- uncharted (adjective)
2. Discuss in pairs the following questions:
- Is there any wisdom or advice you’d like to impart to others?
- Can you think of a comedian or public figure known for their trenchant sense of humor?
- What advice would you give someone who feels they’re on the precipice of a tough decision?
- Can you recall a time when you felt like you were stepping into uncharted territory?.
- “We’re about to step over the precipice into truly uncharted territory.” – Do you agree with Seth Meyers? What are your biggest concerns when it comes to Trump as president?