Speaker 0 | 00:00.040
Hey everyone and welcome back. You know I love diving deep into all sorts of language stuff and today we’re going to be talking about collocations.
Speaker 1 | 00:07.965
Collocations.
Speaker 0 | 00:09.266
Right those uh those words that just kind of go together naturally you know. Yeah. We’re gonna be exploring a whole bunch of interesting ones with uh with examples so you can start using them right away and uh I think it’s gonna be fun.
Speaker 1 | 00:20.934
It will be fun it’s gonna be great and these collocations are really powerful they’re yeah like secret pathways to fluency you know.
Speaker 0 | 00:28.660
Absolutely. It’s like you instantly sound more natural or fluent.
Speaker 1 | 00:33.541
Yeah. More sophisticated, too.
Speaker 0 | 00:35.281
Like you really know what you’re talking about.
Speaker 1 | 00:36.682
Exactly.
Speaker 0 | 00:38.122
All right. So let’s kick things off with mastery.
Speaker 1 | 00:40.823
Mastery. Okay.
Speaker 0 | 00:42.764
A word we all kind of get right, expertise, being really good at something. But I noticed this interesting thing with the prepositions you use with it.
Speaker 1 | 00:50.546
Oh, yeah. Prepositions are key.
Speaker 0 | 00:52.226
Like mastery of a skill versus mastery over something. Hmm.
Speaker 1 | 00:56.584
Interesting.
Speaker 0 | 00:57.364
There’s a subtle difference there, don’t you think?
Speaker 1 | 00:59.405
Yeah, there is. There’s a nuance there.
Speaker 0 | 01:02.086
So what’s that all about?
Speaker 1 | 01:03.486
Well, mastery of implies a really deep understanding, you know, like something you’ve earned through effort and practice.
Speaker 0 | 01:10.069
Okay, so it’s like…
Speaker 1 | 01:11.590
Imagine a musician who, after years of dedication, you know, they display a mastery of their instrument. Oh, yeah. It’s about honed skills and knowledge, you know, they’ve put in the time.
Speaker 0 | 01:22.054
Right, it’s that hard-earned expertise.
Speaker 1 | 01:23.815
Exactly. It’s not something that happens overnight.
Speaker 0 | 01:26.452
Okay, but then there’s mastery over? That feels different to me.
Speaker 1 | 01:29.273
It does feel different, right? It’s more about control. Even dominance. You know, like you said, mastery over one’s emotions. That’s huge.
Speaker 0 | 01:39.397
It is huge, right? Like, it’s not just about having emotions. It’s about being able to manage them. Right.
Speaker 1 | 01:44.699
You’re choosing how to respond rather than just reacting.
Speaker 0 | 01:47.440
You’re in the driver’s seat.
Speaker 1 | 01:48.340
Yeah. And that shift in preposition totally changes the image, doesn’t it?
Speaker 0 | 01:52.202
It does. I never really thought about it that way before. But those little words. Can pack a punch.
Speaker 1 | 01:57.324
They really can. They’re small but mighty.
Speaker 0 | 01:59.586
Okay, well, let’s move on to a word that’s all about taking action, implementing something.
Speaker 1 | 02:06.092
Implementing. All right.
Speaker 0 | 02:07.473
It suggests putting a plan into action, but it feels a bit more formal than just doing something.
Speaker 1 | 02:16.400
Yeah, it’s definitely more formal.
Speaker 0 | 02:18.261
You wouldn’t say I’m implementing my weekend plans. No,
Speaker 1 | 02:21.572
not really. You’d probably just say you’re planning your weekend or you’re going to do certain things.
Speaker 0 | 02:24.953
Right. But you might implement a new company policy.
Speaker 1 | 02:27.133
Exactly.
Speaker 0 | 02:27.954
It’s like it suggests a more structured approach.
Speaker 1 | 02:30.714
Yeah. It’s deliberate, strategic, organized.
Speaker 0 | 02:33.415
It’s like taking that leap from idea to reality, but on a bigger scale.
Speaker 1 | 02:37.796
Often on a larger scale. Yeah.
Speaker 0 | 02:39.657
OK, let’s shift gears a little bit and talk about something more traditional, customary.
Speaker 1 | 02:43.718
Customary. Hmm.
Speaker 0 | 02:45.118
It makes me think of those those practices that have been around forever. You know, the things we do almost without thinking because they’ve been passed down through generations.
Speaker 1 | 02:55.039
It’s about tradition, isn’t it? Like established norms.
Speaker 0 | 02:57.761
Yeah, it’s more than just what’s usual. Like it’s ingrained in a culture or a community. Oh, yeah. Think about customary greetings in different countries. Oh,
Speaker 1 | 03:05.805
that’s a perfect example.
Speaker 0 | 03:06.746
Like bowing in Japan.
Speaker 1 | 03:08.627
Yes, or the cheek kisses in some European cultures.
Speaker 0 | 03:12.449
It’s fascinating how those little actions can say so much.
Speaker 1 | 03:16.216
They really do. They reflect values, social structures, all sorts of things.
Speaker 0 | 03:20.198
Okay, let’s get a little more heartfelt now and talk about cherish.
Speaker 1 | 03:23.461
Cherish, that’s a beautiful word.
Speaker 0 | 03:25.842
It is, isn’t it? It’s full of emotion and appreciation.
Speaker 1 | 03:28.844
Yeah, it’s about going beyond just liking something.
Speaker 0 | 03:32.026
Right, like you cherish your childhood memory.
Speaker 1 | 03:34.148
Yes, or you cherish the time spent with loved ones.
Speaker 0 | 03:36.790
It suggests a much deeper connection.
Speaker 1 | 03:38.691
A profound emotional connection, definitely.
Speaker 0 | 03:40.772
Okay, now for a bit of contrast, let’s talk about superficial.
Speaker 1 | 03:44.375
Superficial. Okay.
Speaker 0 | 03:45.596
It often has a negative connotation. Right. Right? Like it’s shallow or lacking depth.
Speaker 1 | 03:50.899
Yeah. When you say someone’s knowledge of something is superficial, it’s like they haven’t really gone deep enough.
Speaker 0 | 03:56.243
It’s like they’ve just skimmed the surface.
Speaker 1 | 03:57.724
Right. Exactly. Like they’ve maybe read the headlines, but they haven’t really explored the complexities of the issue.
Speaker 0 | 04:03.708
Or someone who puts in a superficial effort.
Speaker 1 | 04:05.909
Oh, yeah. Just going through the motions.
Speaker 0 | 04:07.791
No real commitment.
Speaker 1 | 04:09.052
But it’s interesting how superficial can also be used in a neutral way sometimes. Oh, yeah. Like to describe a superficial wound.
Speaker 0 | 04:17.376
Oh, right. It’s there, but it’s not that serious.
Speaker 1 | 04:20.398
Yeah, it’s on the surface, literally.
Speaker 0 | 04:22.218
So context is key with this one. Absolutely. And you get ready for this next one. Jarring.
Speaker 1 | 04:26.620
Jarring.
Speaker 0 | 04:27.741
Oh, even the word itself sounds kind of.
Speaker 1 | 04:29.922
I know. It’s like.
Speaker 0 | 04:30.702
Unpleasant.
Speaker 1 | 04:31.242
It’s a great example of onomatopoeia.
Speaker 0 | 04:33.223
Yeah, like a jolt to the senses.
Speaker 1 | 04:35.084
It captures that sense of discordance, you know, whether it’s a jarring sound that makes you jump or a jarring transition in a film that feels really abrupt.
Speaker 0 | 04:44.828
Right, it throws you off balance.
Speaker 1 | 04:45.988
Exactly. And it doesn’t even have to be physical, you know?
Speaker 0 | 04:49.470
Oh, how so?
Speaker 1 | 04:50.891
Well, you could have a jarring piece of news.
Speaker 0 | 04:53.192
That shakes up your whole world.
Speaker 1 | 04:54.332
Yeah, or a jarring encounter that leaves you feeling unsettled.
Speaker 0 | 04:57.434
It’s like anything that clashes with our expectations.
Speaker 1 | 04:59.955
Yeah, or creates a sense of unease.
Speaker 0 | 05:02.436
Okay, let’s move to a word that I think adds a little bit of flair to just saying… Place locale.
Speaker 1 | 05:08.315
Locale. Oh, I like that word.
Speaker 0 | 05:10.356
Me too. It sounds kind of fancy.
Speaker 1 | 05:11.797
It does sound fancy.
Speaker 0 | 05:12.897
But it conjures up a specific setting, doesn’t it? Yeah,
Speaker 1 | 05:15.418
often with unique characteristics and atmosphere.
Speaker 0 | 05:17.659
Like a picturesque locale nestled in the mountains. Oh, I love… Or a bustling urban locale.
Speaker 1 | 05:23.842
Yeah, it paints a picture in your mind.
Speaker 0 | 05:25.603
It’s like the word itself transports you there.
Speaker 1 | 05:27.564
It does. It’s not just about geography. It’s about the feeling, the ambience.
Speaker 0 | 05:31.505
The stories a place holds.
Speaker 1 | 05:33.106
Exactly. Well, we’ve covered some great collocations so far.
Speaker 0 | 05:36.880
We have, but there’s so much more to explore.
Speaker 1 | 05:39.361
I know. I can’t wait. Welcome back. Ready for our collocation goodness.
Speaker 0 | 05:43.222
Absolutely. Let’s dive right in. All right. And I think this next one is particularly important to discuss. Discriminate.
Speaker 1 | 05:50.405
Yeah. Discriminate. That’s a powerful word.
Speaker 0 | 05:53.347
Carries a lot of weight. Yeah. And we got to be careful with it. Right.
Speaker 1 | 05:56.688
Absolutely. We need to understand the nuances.
Speaker 0 | 05:59.249
So how would you explain the core meaning of discriminate?
Speaker 1 | 06:04.595
Well, at its heart, it’s about treating someone unfairly. Right. Based on prejudice, you know, like denying them opportunities or being unjust because of their race, religion, gender, all those things.
Speaker 0 | 06:16.523
Yeah. It’s a huge problem in the world. And we need to keep fighting for equality.
Speaker 1 | 06:20.226
Couldn’t agree more.
Speaker 0 | 06:21.246
But I’ve also noticed that sometimes discriminant is used in a more neutral way.
Speaker 1 | 06:27.231
Yeah, you’re right.
Speaker 0 | 06:28.191
Like just to talk about making distinctions between things.
Speaker 1 | 06:30.692
Like a sommelier who can discriminate between different wines. Yeah. They’re not being prejudiced.
Speaker 0 | 06:36.714
Right. It’s just about their ability to perceive subtle differences.
Speaker 1 | 06:39.976
Exactly.
Speaker 0 | 06:40.676
But even so, given the seriousness of its main meaning. Yeah. I almost feel like it’s better to just choose a different word sometimes.
Speaker 1 | 06:48.199
You know, I think that’s a good rule of thumb.
Speaker 0 | 06:49.980
Just to avoid any confusion.
Speaker 1 | 06:51.641
Clarity is key.
Speaker 0 | 06:52.701
Okay, let’s move on to a word that evokes protection and guidance.
Speaker 1 | 06:56.487
Escort. Escort. All right.
Speaker 0 | 06:58.247
It always makes me think of someone being accompanied and looked after, you know?
Speaker 1 | 07:01.389
Yeah, like they’re in safe hands.
Speaker 0 | 07:02.869
Whether it’s for safety ceremonial purposes, even just being polite.
Speaker 1 | 07:06.331
Right. Like a police escort for a dignitary. Oh, yeah. Or a bride being escorted down the aisle by her father.
Speaker 0 | 07:12.873
It can be both practical and symbolic.
Speaker 1 | 07:15.374
Mm. Very true.
Speaker 0 | 07:17.675
And it’s interesting how escort can apply to so many different situations.
Speaker 1 | 07:21.677
Yeah, it can be formal or informal.
Speaker 0 | 07:23.718
Like you could have a casual walking escort. Through a dangerous area? Oh yeah,
Speaker 1 | 07:27.808
for safety.
Speaker 0 | 07:28.588
Or a very official military escort for a head of state?
Speaker 1 | 07:31.370
The context really shapes the meaning.
Speaker 0 | 07:33.651
Okay, let’s talk about a word that suggests things are calming down, subsiding.
Speaker 1 | 07:38.093
Subsiding.
Speaker 0 | 07:38.974
Okay, I think of it as a gradual decrease, like a storm subsiding.
Speaker 1 | 07:43.196
Oh yeah, that’s a good one.
Speaker 0 | 07:44.637
It implies a return to a state of calm.
Speaker 1 | 07:46.998
Yeah, a sense of normalcy returning.
Speaker 0 | 07:49.520
Like pain subsiding after taking medication?
Speaker 1 | 07:51.541
Exactly, or floodwaters subsiding after a heavy rain.
Speaker 0 | 07:54.583
And often it brings a sense of relief.
Speaker 1 | 07:56.444
Like the worst is over.
Speaker 0 | 07:57.765
Phew. Right. It can also apply to emotions though, right?
Speaker 1 | 08:00.948
Absolutely. Anger subsiding after an argument.
Speaker 0 | 08:03.770
Or anxiety subsiding after a stressful event.
Speaker 1 | 08:06.472
It’s that feeling of things settling down.
Speaker 0 | 08:08.814
Finding a balance together. Okay, this next one is kind of fun. Legend.
Speaker 1 | 08:13.838
Legend. Oh, I love legends.
Speaker 0 | 08:15.359
Me too. There’s always a sense of mystery and wonder surrounding them, right?
Speaker 1 | 08:18.862
Yeah. It’s like they… blur the lines between fact and fiction.
Speaker 0 | 08:22.144
Like those ancient legends of mythical creatures.
Speaker 1 | 08:24.465
Oh, yeah. Dragons and unicorns.
Speaker 0 | 08:26.226
Or those urban legends that spread like wildfire.
Speaker 1 | 08:28.948
Hey, like the story of the vanishing hitchhiker.
Speaker 0 | 08:31.469
And it’s interesting how legend can apply to both historical figures and fictional characters.
Speaker 1 | 08:36.011
Yeah, like the legend of King Arthur.
Speaker 0 | 08:38.072
Or a legendary musician like Jimi Hendrix.
Speaker 1 | 08:40.634
They become larger than life,
Speaker 0 | 08:42.635
you know? Yeah, it’s like they’re stories that become part of our culture.
Speaker 1 | 08:45.697
And sometimes the legend lives on even after the truth gets lost.
Speaker 0 | 08:49.139
Which just makes it even more intriguing.
Speaker 1 | 08:50.819
Exactly. Okay, let’s talk about giving in a significant way with the word endow.
Speaker 0 | 08:55.341
Endow. Hmm. It makes me think of big, generous contributions.
Speaker 1 | 09:00.843
Yeah, like leaving a legacy.
Speaker 0 | 09:02.324
Like a philanthropist endowing a scholarship fund. Oh, yeah. Or someone endowing a museum with a priceless art collection.
Speaker 1 | 09:08.947
It’s about giving something that has a lasting impact.
Speaker 0 | 09:12.008
A ripple effect. Hmm. Okay, here’s a word that’s all about getting to the truth. Ascertain.
Speaker 1 | 09:17.210
Ascertain. All right.
Speaker 0 | 09:18.295
It feels very detective-like, you know? It does. That determination to uncover the facts.
Speaker 1 | 09:23.436
It’s about being thorough and verifying information.
Speaker 0 | 09:26.197
Like a detective ascertaining the facts of a crime.
Speaker 1 | 09:28.537
Right. Or a scientist ascertaining the results of an experiment.
Speaker 0 | 09:31.618
It’s about replacing assumptions with knowledge.
Speaker 1 | 09:34.059
Yeah. Getting rid of that doubt.
Speaker 0 | 09:35.399
It’s like solving a puzzle. Okay, let’s end this part with a word that radiates warmth and sincerity. Cordial.
Speaker 1 | 09:42.601
Cordial. That’s a lovely word.
Speaker 0 | 09:44.682
It is. It evokes a welcoming. atmosphere.
Speaker 1 | 09:48.163
Yeah, genuine connection.
Speaker 0 | 09:49.504
Like a host extending a cordial invitation.
Speaker 1 | 09:51.646
Oh yeah, or diplomats engaging in cordial discussions.
Speaker 0 | 09:55.149
It’s about being respectful and open.
Speaker 1 | 09:57.191
Even in formal settings.
Speaker 0 | 09:58.552
It’s about making people feel comfortable and valued.
Speaker 1 | 10:00.714
Exactly. Well, that was another great set of collocations.
Speaker 0 | 10:03.997
I agree, and there’s still more to come.
Speaker 1 | 10:05.959
I know, I’m excited for the final part.
Speaker 0 | 10:08.401
And we’re back for our final round of collocations. I’m ready to soak up some more of these language gems.
Speaker 1 | 10:14.326
Me too. We’ve saved some good ones for last.
Speaker 0 | 10:18.149
So what have we got?
Speaker 1 | 10:19.330
Well, let’s start with subdue, a word that really captures that sense of control and suppression.
Speaker 0 | 10:25.115
Subdue. It always makes me think of bringing something under control.
Speaker 1 | 10:30.760
Yeah, like overcoming resistance.
Speaker 0 | 10:32.422
Like a firefighter subduing a raging inferno.
Speaker 1 | 10:35.817
Oh, that’s a good one. Or a therapist helping a client subdue their anxieties.
Speaker 0 | 10:39.780
It could be applied to external forces and internal struggles.
Speaker 1 | 10:42.983
Absolutely. It highlights that element of mastery.
Speaker 0 | 10:45.866
Oh yeah, it reminds me of mastery over that we talked about earlier.
Speaker 1 | 10:50.370
Good connection. Both words convey that sense of taking charge.
Speaker 0 | 10:53.833
But subdue feels a bit more forceful, right?
Speaker 1 | 10:56.195
Yeah, there’s definitely an implication of force or effort involved.
Speaker 0 | 10:59.058
Like you’re really having to work to gain control.
Speaker 1 | 11:01.300
Exactly. Okay, let’s move on to another powerful word, legend.
Speaker 0 | 11:05.301
A legend. It instantly adds a layer of importance and fascination.
Speaker 1 | 11:09.123
It does, doesn’t it? It suggests a legacy that endures.
Speaker 0 | 11:12.644
Like a legendary musician.
Speaker 1 | 11:14.444
Someone whose talent just captivates people across generations.
Speaker 0 | 11:17.665
Or a legendary athlete whose records remain unbroken.
Speaker 1 | 11:20.466
They become almost mythical figures.
Speaker 0 | 11:22.307
It’s like they’ve transcended time.
Speaker 1 | 11:23.707
But it doesn’t even have to be a person, you know? Oh, right. Like a place can become legendary too.
Speaker 0 | 11:29.181
Oh, like a legendary lost city?
Speaker 1 | 11:30.922
Yeah, or a legendary battlefield where some pivotal event took place.
Speaker 0 | 11:35.245
It’s fascinating how legend transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Speaker 1 | 11:40.248
It adds a touch of magic.
Speaker 0 | 11:41.910
Okay, let’s shift gears to a word that’s all about clarity.
Speaker 1 | 11:47.534
Ascertain.
Speaker 0 | 11:48.694
Ascertain, hmm, it’s a very precise word.
Speaker 1 | 11:51.516
It makes me think of detectives and scientists, you know?
Speaker 0 | 11:54.679
It does, doesn’t it? It’s about seeking the truth.
Speaker 1 | 11:57.609
Like a detective ascertaining the facts of a case.
Speaker 0 | 12:00.251
Right. Or a scientist ascertaining the results of an experiment.
Speaker 1 | 12:03.455
It’s about being thorough and leaving no room for doubt.
Speaker 0 | 12:06.618
Exactly. No stone unturned.
Speaker 1 | 12:09.180
Okay. And to wrap things up, let’s revisit cordial.
Speaker 0 | 12:12.083
Cordial. It’s a word that just makes you feel good.
Speaker 1 | 12:14.566
It does. It’s warm and sincere.
Speaker 0 | 12:16.588
It creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Speaker 1 | 12:18.630
Like a host extending a cordial invitation.
Speaker 0 | 12:20.932
Yeah. Or diplomats engaging in cordial discussions, even if they’re talking about tough issues.
Speaker 1 | 12:25.174
It’s about treating people with respect and making them feel valued.
Speaker 0 | 12:28.394
Absolutely. It’s about building bridges.
Speaker 1 | 12:30.735
Well, I think that’s a perfect note to end on.
Speaker 0 | 12:32.916
It’s been a fascinating deep dive into the world of collocations.
Speaker 1 | 12:36.737
They’re such a powerful tool for anyone who wants to improve their language skills.
Speaker 0 | 12:40.998
So pay attention to those word pairings you encounter and start using them yourself.
Speaker 1 | 12:45.479
You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Speaker 0 | 12:47.740
Until next time, happy language learning, everyone.