American English With Brent

Today, we’re analyzing the explosive reports of the U.S. operation against Nicolás Maduro to help you master 20 advanced English terms used by top journalists and political analysts. From understanding what it means to 'give the green light' to the legal weight of an 'illegitimate regime,' this lesson will give you the vocabulary you need to discuss global breaking news with confidence.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. 💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinVocabulary List1. Authoritarian * Definition: Describes a government or leader that demands strict obedience and limits personal freedom. * Example: The citizens protested against the authoritarian government because they wanted free elections.2. Alleged ties * Definition: Connections or relationships that people suspect exist, but have not been officially proven yet. * Example: The reporter investigated the alleged ties between the mayor and the construction company.3. Negotiations * Definition: Formal discussions between people or groups to try to reach an agreement. * Example: After weeks of negotiations, the two countries finally signed a peace treaty.4. Correspondent * Definition: A journalist or reporter who sends news stories from a specific location or on a specific topic. * Example: Our foreign correspondent is reporting live from London tonight.5. Mar-a-Lago * Definition: A large resort and club in Florida owned by Donald Trump, often used for political meetings. * Example: The President met with his advisors at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend.6. Aware * Definition: Knowing that something exists, or having knowledge about a situation. * Example: Are you aware that the meeting time has changed to 3:00 PM?7. Immediate * Definition: Happening right away without waiting. * Example: The doctor said the patient needs immediate attention.8. Per (from) * Definition: A formal way to say "according to" or "based on what was said by." * Example: Per the manager's email, the office will be closed on Friday.9. Facilities * Definition: Buildings, equipment, or services provided for a particular purpose (like a gym, hospital, or factory). * Example: The hotel has excellent sports facilities, including a pool and a tennis court.10. Escalated * Definition: Became more serious, intense, or worse very quickly. * Example: The argument escalated quickly when they started shouting at each other.11. Regime * Definition: A government, especially one that is considered strict or unfair. * Example: The new regime made many strict laws that the people did not like.12. Illegitimate * Definition: Not allowed by law or rules; not valid or real. * Example: The court decided that the contract was illegitimate because it wasn't signed properly.13. Initial * Definition: Existing or happening at the beginning; first. * Example: My initial reaction to the news was surprise, but later I understood why it happened.14. Gather * Definition: To bring things or people together in one place; strictly in news contexts, it can also mean "to understand" or "to conclude." * Example (Group together): The teacher asked the students to gather around the desk. * Example (Understand): From what I can gather, the project is almost finished.15. Confirm * Definition: To state clearly that something is definitely true or correct. * Example: Can you confirm your flight reservation by clicking the link in the email?16. Several * Definition: More than two but not many; a few. * Example: I have visited that museum several times because I love art.17. Said out loud * Definition: To speak words so that others can hear them, rather than just thinking them. * Example: He accidentally said out loud what he was thinking, and everyone heard him.

Is Canada closing its doors to new immigrants in 2026? Join me to practice your English and learn essential vocabulary like "ambitious" and "influx" as we break down this difficult situation.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. 1. Ambitious * : Having a strong desire to succeed or do something difficult. * : She is very ambitious and plans to open her own restaurant next year.2. Hard Landing * : A difficult or rough end to a situation (often used when the economy suddenly slows down). * : After losing his job, he had a hard landing and had to move back in with his parents.3. Acknowledging * : Admitting that something is true or real. * : My boss is finally acknowledging that we need to hire more staff.4. Welcomed * : To accept someone or something with happiness/pleasure. * : We welcomed the cool weather after a very hot summer.5. Eventually * : In the end; after a long time. * : I didn’t like coffee at first, but I eventually started to love it.6. An About-Face * : A complete change of opinion or plan (turning 180 degrees). * : The company did an about-face and decided to let employees work from home again.7. Seismic * : Very big, powerful, or having a huge effect (like an earthquake). * : Moving to a new country was a seismic change for my family.8. Played Out * : How a situation developed or ended. * : We were nervous about the meeting, but it played out better than we expected.9. Influx * : The arrival of a large number of people or things at the same time. * : The hospital had an influx of patients during flu season.10. Slashed * : Reduced or cut by a large amount. * : The car dealership slashed prices to sell more cars before the end of the year.11. Sweeping * : Affecting many people or things; wide-ranging. * : The new mayor made sweeping changes to the city's parking rules.12. Layoffs * : When an employer ends a worker's job, usually because there is not enough work or money. * : The factory announced layoffs, so many workers are looking for new jobs.13. A Cap * : An upper limit on an amount or number. * : There is a cap on how much money you can transfer from the bank each day.14. Reduction * : The act of making something smaller or less. * : We noticed a reduction in our heating bill after we fixed the windows.15. Frosh * : A slang word for a first-year student (freshman) in high school or university. * : My son is a frosh in college, so he is still learning his way around campus.16. Quarter * : A period of three months (companies and schools often divide the year into four quarters). * : Our sales team tries to reach a new goal every quarter.17. Tuition * : The money you pay to be taught in a college or private school. * : They are saving money to pay for their daughter's college tuition.18. Burden * : Something heavy or difficult that you have to carry or deal with (like a difficult responsibility). * : Caring for a sick relative can be a heavy burden, but we do it with love.19. Infrastructure * : The basic systems a city needs to work, like roads, bridges, and power lines. * : The city needs to spend more money to fix the crumbling infrastructure like the old bridges.20. A Pipeline * : A system or plan where people or projects move from one stage to the next. * : The construction crew is digging up the street to fix the gas pipeline.21. Eligible * : Having the right to do or get something; qualified. * : You are eligible to vote in the election after you become a citizen.22. The Trades * : Skilled manual jobs that require special training, like plumbing, welding, or electrical work. * : Jobs in the trades are very popular right now because they pay well and are always needed.

This lesson covers the vocabulary from yesterday's meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where they discussed a proposed peace plan and the future of the Donbas region. We will define key terms like 'thorny issue,' 'demilitarized zone,' and 'pony up' to help you understand the complex negotiations reported in the news.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. 🎮 Link to Vocabulary Game: https://gemini.google.com/share/621d1628f1b7📺 Link to Newscast: https://youtu.be/0GRN3zBlcQ8?si=r2DtIrCIBW5aXJru1. Short and Sweet * Definition: Brief, simple, and to the point. * Example: "I kept my speech short and sweet so people wouldn't get bored."2. Takeaway * Definition: The main piece of information you learn from something. * Example: "The main takeaway from the meeting is that we need to work faster."3. Thorn * Definition: A small, sharp point on the stem of a plant. * Example: "Be careful holding that rose, it has a sharp thorn."4. Thorny Issue * Definition: A complicated problem that is difficult to handle. * Example: "Politics is often a thorny issue at family dinners."5. Tossed Out * Definition: To reject an idea or throw something away. * Example: "The judge tossed out the evidence because it was not clear."6. On Board With * Definition: To agree with a plan or be part of a team. * Example: "My boss is finally on board with letting us work from home."7. Donbas * Definition: An industrial region in Eastern Ukraine often mentioned in the news. * Example: "The reporter is traveling to the Donbas to report on the war."8. Cede * Definition: To give up power or land to someone else. * Example: "After losing the war, the country had to cede territory to the winner."9. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) * Definition: An area between two fighting countries where no soldiers or weapons are allowed. * Example: "It is strictly forbidden to cross the demilitarized zone."10. Buffer * Definition: Something that separates two things to prevent conflict or damage. * Example: "I use music as a buffer to block out the street noise."11. Stack up * Definition: To compare one thing against another. * Example: "This new burger doesn't stack up to the one at the other restaurant."12. Fortress * Definition: A building or place strictly protected from attack. * Example: "The bank is built like a fortress to protect the money."13. Blank Checks * Definition: Giving someone total freedom to spend money or do what they want. * Example: "The government cannot give blank checks to the military; they must have a budget."14. Dry Up * Definition: To slowly disappear or become unavailable (usually money or interest). * Example: "As soon as the money dried up, the workers left the project."15. What’s Your Take? * Definition: What is your opinion or perspective? * Example: "I think this is a bad idea, but what’s your take?"16. No Strings Attached * Definition: Without special conditions or hidden rules. * Example: "This is a free gift, no strings attached."17. Corrupt * Definition: Dishonest; using power to get money illegally. * Example: "The corrupt mayor was arrested for taking bribes."18. Auditing * Definition: An official inspection of an organization's accounts or records. * Example: "The IRS is auditing the company to make sure they paid their taxes."19. Hinted At It * Definition: To suggest something indirectly. * Example: "He didn't say he was angry, but his tone hinted at it."20. Step Up * Definition: To take action or responsibility when necessary. * Example: "We need more volunteers to step up and help clean the park."21. Pony Up * Definition: (Slang) To pay money that is required or owed. * Example: "You lost the bet, so now you have to pony up."

New York City is paralyzed by its worst snowstorm in three years, and in this lesson, you’ll learn the exact English vocabulary used to report on this historic weather event. Watch now to improve your listening skills while we analyze the chaos unfolding on the streets of NYC.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. Bonus English: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/usbrent/subscribe

Did the President just drag the US into a new conflict in West Africa without warning? Watch to uncover the shocking details behind the Nigeria strike and why critics are saying this move went too far.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. 💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Newscast: https://youtu.be/-n5MYIea8_A?si=lYkbLtKUYrU9D3tnVocabulary List: 1. Nigeria * : A large country located in West Africa. * : My neighbor moved to our city from Nigeria last year.2. Multiple * : More than one; many. * : I called you multiple times, but you didn't answer the phone.3. Claiming * : Saying that something is true (even if others might doubt it) or saying you own something. * : He is claiming that he finished his homework, but the teacher hasn't seen it yet.4. Previously * : Before now; in the past. * : I previously worked at a bank, but now I am a teacher.5. Slaughtering * : Killing many people or animals in a violent way. * : The farmer is responsible for slaughtering the chickens for the market.6. Hell To Pay * : A phrase used to say that there will be big trouble or severe punishment later. * : If I crash my dad’s car, there will be hell to pay.7. Capable * : Having the skill or ability to do something well. * : She is a very capable student; she always gets good grades.8. Coordinated * : Planned and organized well so that people work together effectively. * : The dance team looks great because their movements are perfectly coordinated.9. Underscores * : To emphasize or show that something is very important. * : The recent accident underscores the need for safer roads in our town.10. Lacking in Will * : Not having enough desire, determination, or motivation to do something. * : He wants to learn guitar, but he is lacking in will to practice every day.11. Commitment * : A promise to do something or to stay loyal to something. * : Adopting a dog is a big commitment because you have to take care of it for years.12. Picking up (in the context of understanding) * : Learning or understanding something new, usually without much effort. * : She is picking up English very quickly by watching American movies.13. Militants * : People who are aggressive and willing to use force or violence for a political cause. * : The news reported that militants attacked a village near the border.14. Took place * : Happened. * : The wedding took place on a beautiful beach in Florida.15. The impact * : The strong effect or influence that something has. * : My favorite teacher had a huge impact on my life.16. Carried out * : Completed or performed a task or plan. * : The scientists carried out the experiment in the laboratory.17. On the same page (Idiom) * : Thinking in a similar way; agreeing with each other. * : Before we start the group project, let's make sure we are all on the same page.18. Several * : More than two, but not a large number (usually between 3 and 5). * : I have visited that restaurant several times because the food is delicious.19. Ramping up * : Increasing the level, speed, or amount of something. * : The store is ramping up its security because of the busy holiday season.20. Deep-rooted * : Firmly established and difficult to change. * : He has a deep-rooted fear of spiders because one bit him when he was a child.21. First-hand * : Getting information or experience directly yourself, not from books or other people. * : I didn't just read about the storm; I experienced it first-hand.