Activities

Lesson 14

parkour

Title: parkour

Pronunciation: pahr-koor

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: an athletic discipline that involves moving rapidly and efficiently through obstacles in an urban environment; to practice the art of parkour

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: parkourist (noun), parkouring (present participle)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: pahr-koor

Synonym: free running, urban gymnastics, obstacle course training

Opposite: not practicing parkour, avoiding physical activity, not navigating through obstacles

 

Example

He’s been training in parkour for years and enjoys the challenge of navigating through different obstacles in the city

Example

To knit

Title: To knit

Pronunciation: nit

Part of speech: verb

Definition: to make fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with knitting needles or a machine; to create a piece of clothing or other item by knitting

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: knitted (past tense), knitting (present participle)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stressmarks: nit

Synonym: crocheting, needlework, weaving

Opposite: not knitting, buying pre-made clothing, not creating items by hand.

 

Example

She’s been knitting scarves and hats for her family and friends as holiday gifts

Example

Amateur

Title: Amateur

Pronunciation: am-uh-tur

Part of speech: noun

Definition: a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid basis and without formal training; a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: amateurish (adjective), amateurs (plural)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Stress marks: am-uh-tur

Synonym: novice, beginner, nonprofessional

Opposite: professional, expert, skilled

 

Example

He’s just an amateur photographer, but his pictures are amazing

Example

To snorkel

Title: To snorkel

Pronunciation: snork-ul

Part of speech: verb

Definition: to swim underwater using a snorkel (a tube for breathing) and usually fins for propulsion; to observe underwater life with the aid of a snorkel

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: snorkeled/snorkelled (past tense), snorkeling/snorkelling (present participle)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: snork-ul

Synonym: dive, swim, explore

Opposite: surface, exit, leave

 

Example

We went snorkeling in the coral reef and saw so many colorful fish

Example

To wade

Title: To wade

Pronunciation: wayd

Part of speech: verb

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: waded (past tense)

Definition: to walk through water that is not deep; to proceed slowly or laboriously

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: waded (past tense)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: wayd

Synonym: paddle, splash, trudge

Opposite: skip, jump, sprint

Example

We waded through the shallow stream to get to the other side

Example

Ballroom dancing

Title: Ballroom dancing

Pronunciation: bawl-room dan-sing

Part of speech: noun

Definition: a formal social dance, especially one in which couples perform set moves and steps; a style of dance typically performed at ballroom dance competitions

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: ballroom (adjective), ballrooms (plural)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: N/A

Stress marks: bawl-room dan-sing

Synonym: waltz, tango, foxtrot

Opposite: informal dance, freestyle, unchoreographed movement

 

Example

They took ballroom dancing lessons to prepare for their wedding reception

Example

Binge watching

Title: Binge watching

Pronunciation: binge watch-ing

Part of speech: verb

Definition: to watch multiple episodes of a TV show or series in rapid succession, often for an extended period of time

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: binge-watched (past tense), binge-watching (present participle)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: binge watch-ing

Synonym: marathon watching, excessive viewing, TV binging

Opposite: sporadic watching, limited viewing, controlled consumption

 

Example

They spent the whole weekend binge-watching their favorite show on Netflix

Example

Boating

Title: Boating

Pronunciation: boh-ting

Part of speech: noun/verb

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: boated (past tense)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: boh-ting

Synonym: sailing, cruising, yachting

Opposite: staying on land, walking, driving

 

The activity of traveling in a boat for pleasure; to travel in a boat for pleasure or leisure

They went boating on the lake and enjoyed the beautiful scenery

The activity of traveling in a boat for pleasure; to travel in a boat for pleasure or leisure

Bodybuilding

Title: Bodybuilding

Pronunciation: bod-ee-bil-ding

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the activity of building and developing muscles through exercise and diet; to engage in activities aimed at building and developing muscles

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: bodybuilder (noun), bodybuilding (adjective)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: bod-ee-bil-ding

Synonym: weightlifting, strength training, muscle building

Opposite: cardio exercises, endurance training, flexibility exercises

 

Example

He’s been bodybuilding for years and has won several competitions

Example

Brewing

Title: Brewing

Pronunciation: broo-ing

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the process of making beer or other alcoholic drinks by fermenting malted barley, hops, and other ingredients; to make beer or other alcoholic drinks by fermenting malted barley, hops, and other ingredients

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: brewed (past tense)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: broo-ing

Synonym: fermenting, distilling, brewing up

Opposite: not brewing, buying pre-made drinks, abstaining from alcohol

Example

He enjoys brewing his own beer and experimenting with different flavors

Example

Bungee jumping

Title: Bungee jumping

Pronunciation: bun-jee jump-ing

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the activity of jumping from a high place while attached to a bungee cord that stretches and recoils, allowing the jumper to bounce up and down; to jump from a high place while attached to a bungee cord

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: bungee jumped (past tense), bungee jumping (present participle)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: bun-jee jump-ing

Synonym: skydiving, base jumping, extreme sports

Opposite: staying on the ground, avoiding heights, not taking risks

 

Example

She was scared but excited to try bungee jumping for the first time

Example

Modeling

Title: Modeling

Pronunciation: mod-uh-ling

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the activity of posing for photographs or fashion shows; the act of representing something or someone in a particular way

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: modeled (past tense), modeling (present participle)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: mod-uh-ling

Synonym: posing, catwalk, fashion modeling

Opposite: not modeling, avoiding attention, not representing oneself or others

Example

She’s been modeling since she was a teenager and has appeared in many magazines and advertisements

Example

Palm reading

Title: Palm reading

Pronunciation: pahm ree-ding

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the practice of interpreting a person’s character or future by examining the lines and other features of the palm of their hand; to practice the art of palm reading

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: palm reader (noun), palmistry (adjective)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: pahm ree-ding

Synonym: chiromancy, fortune telling, divination

Opposite: not practicing palm reading, skepticism, disbelief

Example

She visited a palm reader to learn about her future and was surprised by how accurate the reading was

Example

parachuting

Title: parachuting

Pronunciation: par-uh-shoot-ing

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the activity of jumping from an aircraft and descending through the air using a parachute; to jump from an aircraft and descend through the air using a parachute

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: parachuted (past tense), parachuting (present participle)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: par-uh-shoot-ing

Synonym: skydiving, BASE jumping, extreme sports

Opposite: staying on the ground, avoiding heights, not taking risks

 

Example

He went parachuting for the first time and loved the feeling of freefalling through the air

Example

Sewing

Title: Sewing

Pronunciation: soh-ing

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the activity of sewing fabric together using a needle and thread; to join or repair something by sewing

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: sewed (past tense), sewing (present participle)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: soh-ing

Synonym: stitching, needlework, tailoring

Opposite: not sewing, buying pre-made clothes, not repairing items

 

Example

She enjoys sewing her own clothes and making unique designs

Example

wine tasting

Title: wine tasting

Pronunciation: wain tay-sting

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the activity of sampling and evaluating different wines, often with the goal of identifying their flavors and aromas; to taste and evaluate different wines

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: wine-tasted (past tense), wine-tasting (present participle)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: wain tay-sting

Synonym: wine sampling, wine appreciation, oenology

Opposite: not wine tasting, abstaining from alcohol, not evaluating flavors and aromas

 

Example

They went wine tasting in Napa Valley and tried a variety of different wines from local vineyards

Example

Acrobatics

Title: Acrobatics

Pronunciation: ak-ruh-bat-iks

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the performance of extraordinary feats of balance, agility, and coordination, often in a circus or other entertainment setting; to perform acrobatic stunts or maneuvers

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: acrobatic (adjective), acrobats (plural)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: ak-ruh-bat-iks

Synonym: gymnastics, tumbling, aerial arts

Opposite: not performing acrobatics, avoiding physical activity, not demonstrating balance and coordination

Example

The acrobatics in the Cirque du Soleil show were breathtaking and impressive

Example

Astrology

Title: Astrology

Pronunciation: uh-strol-uh-jee

Part of speech: noun

Definition: the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies and their supposed influence on human affairs and natural phenomena; a system of beliefs or practices based on the supposed influence of celestial bodies on human affairs

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: astrological (adjective), astrologer (noun)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: N/A

Stress marks: uh-strol-uh-jee

Synonym: horoscopy, zodiac, star divination

Opposite: not believing in astrology, skepticism, disbelief

 

Example

She’s interested in astrology and enjoys reading her horoscope every day

Example

Aromatherapy

Title: Aromatherapy

Pronunciation: uh-roh-muh-ther-uh-pee

Partof speech: noun

Definition: the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for healing and relaxation purposes; a form of alternative medicine that uses aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for therapeutic purposes

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: aromatherapist (noun), aromatherapeutic (adjective)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: N/A

Stress marks: uh-roh-muh-ther-uh-pee

Synonym: essential oil therapy, aroma massage, fragrant healing

Opposite: not practicing aromatherapy, skepticism, disbelief

 

Example

She enjoys using aromatherapy to help her relax and reduce stress

Example

Belly dance

Title: Belly dance

Pronunciation: bel-ee dans

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: a Middle Eastern dance characterized by fluid movements of the torso and hips; to perform a Middle Eastern dance characterized by fluid movements of the torso and hips

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: belly dancer (noun)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: bel-ee dans

Synonym: Middle Eastern dance, oriental dance, Raqs Sharqi

Opposite: not performing belly dance, avoiding physical activity, not demonstrating fluid movements

Example

She’s been taking belly dance classes and loves the way it makes her feel confident and empowered

Example

Bullfight

Title: Bullfight

Pronunciation: bool-fahyt

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: a traditional spectacle in which bulls are fought by humans on foot or horseback; to participate in or watch a bullfight

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: bullfighter (noun), bullfighting (adjective)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: bool-fahyt

Synonym: corrida, tauromachy, tauromachia

Opposite: not participating in bullfighting, animal rights activism, disapproval of animal cruelty

 

Example

Bullfighting is controversial and has been banned in some countries due to concerns about animal cruelty

Example

calligraphy

Title: calligraphy

Pronunciation: kuh-lig-ruh-fee

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush; to produce decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: calligrapher (noun), calligraphic (adjective)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: kuh-lig-ruh-fee

Synonym: decorative handwriting, penmanship, lettering

Opposite: not practicing calligraphy, using standard handwriting, not creating decorative designs

 

Example

She’s been practicing calligraphy and enjoys creating beautiful designs for wedding invitations and other special occasions

Example

Cosplay

Title: Cosplay

Pronunciation: kahs-play

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the practice of dressing up as a character from a book, movie, or video game and acting out scenes or participating in events; to dress up as a character from a book, movie, or video game and act out scenes or participate in events

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: cosplayer (noun)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: kahs-play

Synonym: costume play, role-playing, fandom

Opposite: not participating in cosplay, disinterest in pop culture, not dressing up as fictional characters

 

Example

She spent months creating her cosplay costume for the comic con and won first place in the competition

Example

DIY

Title: DIY

Pronunciation: dee-why

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the activity of creating or repairing things oneself, often using materials that are easily accessible; to create or repair things oneself, often using materials that are easily accessible

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: DIYer (noun), DIYing (present participle)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: dee-why

Synonym: do-it-yourself, crafting, home improvement

Opposite: not doing DIY projects, relying on professionals for repairs, not creating or repairing things oneself

 

Example

He enjoys DIY projects and has built his own furniture and home decor items

Example

Dressage

Title: Dressage

Pronunciation: dres-ahzh

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: a type of horseback riding that emphasizes precise movements and control; to practice the art of dressage

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: dressage rider (noun), dressage arena (noun)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: dres-ahzh

Synonym: equestrian ballet, horse dancing, haute ecole

Opposite: not practicing dressage, not interested in horseback riding, avoiding precision and control

 

Example

She’s been training in dressage for years and enjoys the challenge of mastering the precise movements

Example

Paintball

Title: Paintball

Pronunciation: peynt-bawl

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: a game in which players eliminate opponents by hitting them with pellets filled with paint, using air guns; to play a game in which players eliminate opponents by hitting them with pellets filled with paint, using air guns

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: paintballer (noun), paintballing (present participle)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: peynt-bawl

Synonym: war games, airsoft, laser tag

Opposite: not playing paintball, disliking competition, avoiding physical activity

 

Example

He went paintballing with his friends and had a great time strategizing and competing against each other

Example