

American English With Brent
Brent
If youβre looking to improve your English, this podcast is for you. An American who speaks English slowly, so you can understand.
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Feb 28, 2026 β’ 13min
The U.S. Just Bombed Iran: Speak Better English With the News
As extraordinary combat operations unfold as we speak, the global landscape is facing a significant and ongoing shift. In todayβs lesson, weβll analyze these headlines to help you master advanced English vocabulary, from understanding a regime's actions to the complex coordination required by their international counterparts.π Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2π OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinCombat OperationsDefinition: Military fighting or organized attacks.Example: "The news reported that combat operations have started near the border."The ObjectiveDefinition: The main goal or purpose of an action.Example: "Their main objective is to take control of the airport."DefendDefinition: To protect someone or something from being attacked.Example: "The soldiers stayed behind to defend the city from the invading army."EliminatingDefinition: Removing or destroying something completely.Example: "The government is focused on eliminating the threat to the public."ImminentDefinition: Happening very soon (usually something dangerous or bad).Example: "The dark clouds and high winds show that a terrible storm is imminent."RegimeDefinition: A government, usually one that is very strict and not elected by the people.Example: "The countryβs economy struggled for many years under the old regime."CalculationsDefinition: Careful thinking, planning, or math used to make a decision.Example: "Based on their calculations, the new bridge will take three years to build."It's Approaching NoonDefinition: It is almost 12:00 PM (midday). Reporters often use this to give a time update.Example: "We should finish this meeting soon because it's approaching noon."MassiveDefinition: Very large, heavy, or severe.Example: "There was a massive earthquake in the mountains yesterday."ThroughoutDefinition: In every part of a place, or during the whole time of an event.Example: "It rained heavily throughout the night."Let's get back to...Definition: A phrase used to return to an earlier topic of conversation.Example: "Let's get back to the main story we were discussing earlier."Pardon MeDefinition: A formal and polite way to say "excuse me" or to correct a mistake while speaking.Example: "Pardon me, I meant to say the meeting is on Tuesday, not Monday."ExtraordinaryDefinition: Very unusual, special, or surprising.Example: "The doctors made an extraordinary effort to save the patients."As We SpeakDefinition: Happening exactly at this moment.Example: "The rescue team is searching for survivors as we speak."OngoingDefinition: Continuing to happen or exist right now.Example: "The police have an ongoing investigation into the robbery."RespondingDefinition: Answering or reacting to something that has happened.Example: "Emergency workers are responding to the fire downtown."SignificantDefinition: Important, or large enough to be noticed.Example: "There was a significant change in the stock market this morning."CoordinationDefinition: Organizing people or groups so they work together successfully.Example: "The relief effort required careful coordination between several countries."SeveralDefinition: More than two, but not a very large number.Example: "I have visited several countries in Europe for work."CounterpartsDefinition: A person who has the same job or position as someone else, but in a different organization or country.Example: "The French President met with his German counterpart to discuss trade."

Feb 27, 2026 β’ 17min
Police Under Attack: Violent Crowd Pummels Officers With Snowballs.
Stop feeling lost when watching the news and start understanding every word of todayβs most "volatile" headlines. This lesson breaks down essential B1-B2 English vocabulary from real-world reports so you can follow breaking news like a native speaker.π Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Vocabulary List: NYC Snowball Fight1. OutrageDefinition: A strong feeling of shock and anger.Example: There was public outrage when the library closed down.2. PeltedDefinition: To throw things at someone many times.Example: The rain pelted the window during the storm.3. TenseDefinition: A nervous feeling; a situation where people might get angry.Example: The meeting was very tense because nobody agreed on the plan.4. TauntingDefinition: Trying to make someone angry or upset by saying unkind things.Example: The older brother was taunting his sister about losing the game.5. RestraintDefinition: Control over your own actions; holding back.Example: She showed great restraint by staying calm when the customer yelled.6. ChunksDefinition: Thick, solid pieces of something.Example: The soup had large chunks of potato and carrots in it.7. De-escalateDefinition: To make a difficult situation calmer or less dangerous.Example: The police officer tried to de-escalate the argument before it turned into a fight.8. MassiveDefinition: Extremely big.Example: A massive crowd of people gathered to watch the concert.9. WarnedDefinition: To tell someone about a possible danger.Example: The sign warned us that the floor was wet.10. Common SenseDefinition: Good judgment in practical matters; thinking clearly.Example: Use your common sense and donβt walk alone in the dark alley.11. VolatileDefinition: Likely to change suddenly and become dangerous.Example: The chemicals are volatile and can explode if they get too hot.12. CommissionerDefinition: A high-ranking official in charge of a department (like the police).Example: The Police Commissioner promised to keep the city safe.13. CondemnedDefinition: To say strongly that something is bad or wrong.Example: The principal condemned bullying during the school assembly.(Note: Your image notes "disagreed," which is similar, but "condemned" is much stronger).14. DisgracefulDefinition: Shameful; very bad behavior that makes people lose respect.Example: It is disgraceful to leave so much trash in the park.15. UnacceptableDefinition: Not allowed; not good enough.Example: His rude language in class was unacceptable.16. OutrageousDefinition: Shocking or very unreasonable.Example: It is outrageous to charge $20 for a bottle of water!17. AssaultDefinition: A physical attack on someone.Example: Hitting someone is a crime called assault.18. Speak UpDefinition: To give your opinion bravely.Example: Please speak up if you have a good idea for the project.19. DespicableDefinition: Very unpleasant or evil; deserving hate.Example: It was despicable of him to steal the old lady's purse.20. HarmlessDefinition: Safe; not able to hurt anyone.Example: The dog barks loudly, but he is actually harmless.21. DeliberateDefinition: Done on purpose; not an accident.Example: That was a deliberate lie; he knew the truth but didn't say it.

Feb 24, 2026 β’ 17min
BREAKING: Trump Targeted Again! Gunman Enters Trump's Florida Home
Stay up to date with the latest global headlines while expanding your news-related vocabulary in this interactive English lesson. Today, we dive into a breaking report regarding a security incident at Mar-a-Lago to define consequential terms like "consequential" in a real-world context.π Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2π OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinThe Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/jOpnJDIgpWQ?si=F-fCOk9E5mUNwofS1. Consequential * Definition: Very important; having big results. * Example: The president made a consequential decision that changed the country.2. Mar-a-Lago * Definition: A famous club and home in Florida owned by Donald Trump. * Example: The news reported that the meeting happened at Mar-a-Lago.3. Security breach * Definition: When someone breaks into a safe or protected place. * Example: The bank had a security breach when a hacker stole customer passwords.4. Perimeter * Definition: The outside edge or border of a place. * Example: The police put a fence around the perimeter of the building.5. Deputy * Definition: A police officer who assists the main leader (the sheriff). * Example: The sheriff asked his deputy to help look for the missing car.6. Secret Service * Definition: A special US police group that protects the president. * Example: The Secret Service walked next to the president's car to keep him safe.7. Opened Fire * Definition: Started shooting a gun. * Example: The soldiers opened fire when the enemy came too close.8. Affected * Definition: Changed or influenced by something. * Example: The heavy rain affected our travel plans, so we stayed home.9. Contemplating * Definition: Thinking deeply about something. * Example: She is contemplating moving to a new city for her new job.10. Mortality * Definition: The fact that all humans must eventually die. * Example: Surviving a dangerous car crash made him think about his own mortality.11. Honoring * Definition: Showing great respect for someone. * Example: The school is honoring the brave teachers at a special dinner tonight.12. Laken Riley * Definition: A person who was recently in the American news. * Example: The news reporter talked about the tragic story of Laken Riley.13. Gunning For Me * Definition: Trying to attack, defeat, or cause trouble for someone. * Example: He felt like his boss was gunning for him after he made a big mistake.14. Apparently * Definition: It seems to be true, based on what we see or hear. * Example: Apparently, it is going to snow tomorrow, so we should buy warm coats.15. Confronted * Definition: Faced someone directly to argue or ask a hard question. * Example: The teacher confronted the student about cheating on the math test.16. Gas Can * Definition: A container used to carry car fuel. * Example: We ran out of fuel, so we walked to the gas station with a gas can.17. Put Down (Drop) * Definition: To stop holding something and place it on a surface. * Example: The police officer told the man to put down the knife.18. Domestic * Definition: Happening inside your own country, or inside the home. * Example: The airport has a separate building for domestic flights within the United States.19. State of the Union * Definition: A big yearly speech given by the US President. * Example: Many families watch the State of the Union speech on television.20. Loaded Gun * Definition: A gun that has bullets inside and is ready to shoot. * Example: You should always treat a weapon as if it is a loaded gun.

Feb 20, 2026 β’ 16min
Shocking Royal Arrest! English Listening & Vocabulary Practice
The King of England's brother has just been arrested, and the story is making headlines all over the world. In this lesson, we'll talk about what happened and learn the essential English vocabulary you need to understand this breaking news. π Read the news more easily with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Vocabulary Definitions & Examples * 1. Suspicion * Definition: A feeling that someone has done something wrong, even if you don't have proof yet. * Example: The police have a strong suspicion that he stole the car. * 2. Misconduct * Definition: Unacceptable or bad behavior, usually by a professional person (like a doctor, lawyer, or police officer). * Example: The manager was fired for misconduct at the office. * 3. Confidential * Definition: Meant to be kept secret and not shared with other people. * Example: Your medical records are completely confidential. * 4. Late (meaning: dead) * Definition: Used to politely describe someone who has recently died. * Example: The late president was loved by many citizens. * 5. Stripped (meaning: taken away) * Definition: To have something important, like an award, title, or power, officially taken away from you as a punishment. * Example: He was stripped of his gold medal after they found out he cheated. * 6. Evicted * Definition: Legally forced to leave the house or apartment you are living in, usually for not paying rent. * Example: They were evicted from their apartment because they didn't pay rent for three months. * 7. Specifics * Definition: The exact details of something. * Example: We agreed to buy the house, but we still need to discuss the specifics of the contract. * 8. Allegations * Definition: Claims that someone has done something illegal or wrong, usually made without proof yet. * Example: He strongly denied the allegations of theft. * 9. Envoy * Definition: A messenger or representative sent by a government to deal with another country. * Example: The government sent a special envoy to help negotiate peace. * 10. Assessing * Definition: Carefully looking at or thinking about something to judge its value, quality, or condition. * Example: The insurance agent is assessing the damage to my car after the accident. * 11. Trove * Definition: A collection of valuable objects or very useful information. * Example: The internet is a treasure trove of information for students. * 12. Trigger (meaning: cause something to happen) * Definition: To make something start to happen very quickly. * Example: Eating peanuts can trigger a dangerous allergic reaction for her. * 13. Extraordinary * Definition: Very unusual, special, or surprising; much better than normal. * Example: The chef prepared an extraordinary meal for the guests. * 14. The Status * Definition: The current situation or state of something. * Example: Can you tell me the status of my job application? * 15. Interviewed Under Caution * Definition: A legal term (common in the UK) where the police ask you questions, but only after warning you that your answers might be used against you in court. * Example: The suspect was interviewed under caution at the police station. * 16. As of Yet * Definition: Up until this time; so far. (Often used with negative sentences). * Example: As of yet, we have not received any news about the delayed flight. * 17. A Watershed Moment * Definition: A very important event that completely changes the way things happen in the future. * Example: Getting my university degree was a watershed moment in my life.Would you like me to create a short fill-in-the-blank quiz using these sentences so your students can prac

Feb 18, 2026 β’ 17min
3 Dead at an American High School Hockey Game
Why did a simple high school hockey game end in a breaking news tragedy that has the whole country demanding answers? In this English lesson, weβll break down the shocking details while you learn the essential vocabulary used in American crime reporting.π Read the news more easily with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f21. Rhode Island * Definition: A very small state in the northeast United States. * Example: She lives in a small town in Rhode Island.2. Youth * Definition: The time when you are young. * Example: He played a lot of sports in his youth.3. Critical Condition * Definition: Being very sick or badly hurt. * Example: The driver is in critical condition at the hospital.4. Erupting * Definition: Exploding or starting suddenly and loudly. * Example: The volcano is erupting with smoke and fire.5. Echo * Definition: A sound that repeats because it hits a wall. * Example: I shouted "Hello!" and heard an echo.6. Running for Cover * Definition: Running to hide from rain or danger. * Example: It started raining, and we were running for cover.7. Ducking * Definition: Moving your head down quickly to avoid something. * Example: He was ducking so the ball wouldn't hit him.8. Walk You Through * Definition: To explain something step-by-step. * Example: I will walk you through how to use this app.9. Showed Up * Definition: Arrived at a place. * Example: He finally showed up to the party at 10 PM.10. Disputes * Definition: Arguments or strong disagreements. * Example: They had many disputes about money.11. Get Into Them * Definition: To join an argument or fight. * Example: I don't like arguments, so I try not to get into them.12. Gender Identity * Definition: How a person feels inside (male, female, or other). * Example: Schools should respect every student's gender identity.13. Gender Reassignment Surgery * Definition: An operation to change your body to match your gender. * Example: The doctor explained the process of gender reassignment surgery.14. Ex-Wife * Definition: A woman someone used to be married to. * Example: He is still friends with his ex-wife.15. Narcissistic * Definition: Caring only about yourself and thinking you are better than others. * Example: He is too narcissistic to listen to anyone else.16. Personality Disorder Traits * Definition: Patterns of thinking or acting that cause problems with other people. * Example: Her behavior showed some personality disorder traits.17. Point This Out * Definition: To show or tell someone a specific fact. * Example: I need to point this out: you made a small mistake here.18. Bashing * Definition: Saying very mean or bad things about someone. * Example: Stop bashing him; he is trying his best.19. Berserk * Definition: Going crazy or very angry. * Example: The dog went berserk when the mailman came to the door.20. A Good Samaritan * Definition: A stranger who helps someone in trouble. * Example: A good Samaritan helped me fix my car.21. Stepped In * Definition: Got involved to stop a problem or help. * Example: The teacher stepped in to stop the fight.22. Interjected * Definition: Interrupted to say something quickly. * Example: "Wait a minute," she interjected.23. Swift End * Definition: A very quick finish. * Example: The game came to a swift end when it started raining.

Feb 16, 2026 β’ 14min
Cuba is a Country in Crisis. Economy Could Collapse in Two Weeks. Trump Will Do Nothing to Help
In this lesson, you will learn the essential English vocabulary needed to understand the breaking news about Cuba's economic collapse and oil shortage. I explain difficult political terms with simple definitions and examples so you can follow this developing story with confidence.π Read the news more easily with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2π OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Newscast: https://youtu.be/czppbgUtxDM?si=75tWNnvEOWvrp-091. HaltingDefinition: (Adjective) Stopping Example: The baby halted when they saw the dog down the street. 2. Run OutDefinition: (Phrasal Verb) To use all of something so that there is none left.Example: We need to go to the store because we have run out of milk.3. Cut OffDefinition: (Phrasal Verb) To stop the supply of something, or to stop someone from speaking.Example: The electric company will cut off our power if we don't pay the bill.4. Humanitarian AidDefinition: (Noun) Help (like food, water, or medicine) given to people in trouble or danger.Example: The country sent humanitarian aid to the victims of the earthquake.5. EssentialDefinition: (Adjective) Completely necessary; very important.Example: Water is essential for life; we cannot live without it.6. ExporterDefinition: (Noun) A person, company, or country that sells goods to another country.Example: Brazil is a major exporter of coffee to the rest of the world.7. EscalatingDefinition: (Adjective/Verb) Becoming worse, higher, or more serious very quickly.Example: The argument is escalating, so we should leave before a fight starts.8. CrisisDefinition: (Noun) A time of great danger, difficulty, or confusion.Example: The economic crisis meant that many people lost their jobs.9. ContributorDefinition: (Noun) A person who gives something (like money or ideas) to help achieve a result.Example: She is a regular contributor to the school magazine and writes articles every month.10. AnalystDefinition: (Noun) Someone whose job is to study or examine something in detail.Example: The financial analyst said that the company is doing very well this year.11. More PerspectiveDefinition: (Phrase) A better or clearer way of looking at a situation to understand it.Example: Traveling gives you more perspective on how other people live.12. LoomingDefinition: (Adjective) Something bad or difficult that is about to happen soon.Example: The students were worried about the looming deadline for their big project.13. Keep the Lights OnDefinition: (Idiom) To have just enough money to continue operating or living (often used for businesses).Example: The shop isn't making a big profit, but they are making enough to keep the lights on.14. On the Rocks (danger)Definition: (Idiom) Likely to fail or having serious problems.Example: Their marriage has been on the rocks for a long time, and they might get divorced.15. On the Rocks (alcohol)Definition: (Idiom) Served in a glass with ice cubes.Example: He ordered a whiskey on the rocks at the bar.16. On the RopesDefinition: (Idiom) Being close to defeat or giving up; in a very bad situation.Example: The team was on the ropes near the end of the game, but they managed to win.17. SocietyDefinition: (Noun) A large group of people living together in an organized way.Example: Education is very important for a healthy and successful society.18. Tap IntoDefinition: (Phrasal Verb) To use or get something valuable from a source (like energy, money, or knowledge).Example: The company wants to tap into the new market of young buyers.

Feb 10, 2026 β’ 20min
"Utterly Despicable" Trump Posts Racist Video About Former President Obama
Learn English with the news as we break down the vocabulary surrounding the recent controversy involving Donald Trump and former President Obama. In this lesson, we will analyze key words like 'criticism' to help you understand complex headlines and improve your fluency.π Read the news more easily with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Vocabulary List1. Criticism * Definition: The act of saying that something or someone is bad or wrong. * Example: The chef listened to the customer's criticism about the cold soup.2. Racist * Definition: Believing that some groups of people are better than others based on their skin color or background. * Example: It is racist and hurtful to judge someone just because of their skin color.3. Meme * Definition: A funny image, video, or text that spreads very quickly on the internet. * Example: My friend sent me a funny meme about cats that made me laugh.4. Depicting * Definition: Showing or representing something in a picture, story, or movie. * Example: The painting is depicting a beautiful sunset over the ocean.5. Ape * Definition: A large animal like a monkey that has no tail (for example, a gorilla or chimpanzee). * Example: We saw a large ape eating fruit at the zoo.6. Calling out * Definition: To criticize someone publicly or ask them to explain their bad behavior. * Example: The teacher is calling out the student for talking during the test.7. Deleted * Definition: Removed or erased information. * Example: I accidentally deleted the photo, so I cannot show it to you.8. Chorus * Definition: The part of a song that is repeated several times. * Example: Everyone sang along loudly when the band played the chorus.9. Tim Scott * Definition: A specific person; a well-known politician (Senator) in the United States. * Example: We watched Tim Scott give a speech on the news last night.10. Debunk * Definition: To show that an idea or belief is false. * Example: The scientist did an experiment to debunk the idea that the earth is flat.11. Conspiracy Theories * Definition: Beliefs that a secret group is responsible for an event, usually without any proof. * Example: Some people believe conspiracy theories about aliens, but there is no evidence.12. Animated (drawing) * Definition: Made of drawings that seem to move, like a cartoon. * Example: My favorite Disney movie is animated and has talking animals.13. Animated (energy) * Definition: Full of excitement, life, and energy. * Example: She became very animated when talking about her holiday plans.14. NAACP * Definition: An organization in the US that works for the rights of African American people. (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). * Example: The NAACP works hard to ensure everyone is treated fairly at work.15. Blatantly * Definition: Doing something bad in an obvious way, without trying to hide it. * Example: He blatantly ignored the "No Smoking" sign and lit a cigarette.16. Utterly * Definition: Completely or totally. * Example: I was utterly exhausted after running for 10 kilometers.17. Despicable * Definition: Very unpleasant or bad; deserving no respect. * Example: Stealing money from an old person is a despicable act.18. Dehumanize * Definition: To treat people as if they are not human, taking away their dignity. * Example: It is wrong to dehumanize prisoners by refusing to give them names.19. Slave Traders * Definition: People who buy and sell other human beings as property. * Example: In history class, we learned about slave traders who took people from Africa.20. Segregationists * Definition: People who believe that different races should be kept apart (separated). * Example: Sixty years ago, segregationists did not want black and white children in the same schools.

Feb 7, 2026 β’ 21min
It's Raining Frozen Iguanas?! (This is NOT a Joke) π₯Ά
Did you know that in Florida, it can get so cold that frozen iguanas actually fall out of the trees? In today's lesson, we'll break down a real news report about this crazy phenomenon so you can learn 23 new English vocabulary words and phrases!π Read the news more easily with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2π OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Newscast: https://youtu.be/X-U-4EitYfg?si=MYRohQrLi2G40pTg1. Deep FreezeDefinition: A period of very cold weather where temperatures stay below freezing 32 degrees Fahrenheit Example: The garden vegetables did not survive the deep freeze last week.2. GrippingDefinition: Holding onto something very tightly; or having a powerful effect on an area.Example: A terrible winter storm is currently gripping the entire state.3. Historic Definition: Important in history; something very famous or significant that people will remember.Example: This is a historic day because it is the coldest temperature ever recorded here.4. Cold SnapDefinition: A sudden, short period of very cold weather.Example: We usually have warm winters, but this week we are having a cold snap.5. IguanasDefinition: Large lizards with a long tail that come from tropical areas like Central America.Example: In Florida, you can sometimes see green iguanas sitting in the trees.6. ApparentlyDefinition: Used to say that something seems to be true based on what you have heard or seen, but you are not 100% certain.Example: Apparently, it is going to rain tomorrow, so bring an umbrella.7. UnusuallyDefinition: In a way that is not common or normal; surprisingly.Example: It is unusually quiet in the classroom today.8. Cold-BloodedDefinition: An animal that cannot control its own body temperature; it becomes the same temperature as the air around it.Example: Snakes are cold-blooded, so they need the sun to get warm.9. HonestlyDefinition: Used to emphasize that you are telling the truth or your real opinion.Example: Honestly, I don't like cold weather at all.10. StunnedDefinition: Unable to move or react because of a shock (like a physical hit or extreme cold).Example: The lizard was stunned by the cold air and couldn't move its legs.11. Tropical ClimatesDefinition: Weather conditions that are generally hot and humid, usually found near the equator.Example: People who live in tropical climates are not used to wearing heavy winter coats.12. Freeze UpDefinition: To become stiff, solid, or unable to move because of the cold.Example: If you don't wear gloves, your fingers might freeze up.13. Thaw OutDefinition: To become warm again and stop being frozen.Example: We need to wait for the ice on the car window to thaw out.14. Spring BackDefinition: To quickly return to a normal active state after being pushed down or stopped.Example: The flowers looked dead in the winter, but they will spring back to life in May.15. Deal With ThisDefinition: To take action to solve a problem or handle a difficult situation.Example: My car is broken, and I don't have the money to deal with this right now.

Feb 5, 2026 β’ 18min
The Danger is Real: Why is the US Navy is Going to Iran? It Is Not for "Training"
Why are US warships suddenly moving to the Middle East, and could this be the start of a secret war? Watch this English lesson to learn the truth while mastering 24 important words like 'armada,' 'covert,' and 'unseat.'π Read the news more easily with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f21. WarshipDefinition: A big boat built just for fighting wars.Example: The warship left the port to protect the coast.2. Middle EastDefinition: A hot, sandy part of the world with countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Egypt.Example: The Middle East has a lot of history and deserts.3. Delbert BlackDefinition: Just the name of a specific US Navy ship.Example: The Delbert Black is out sailing in the ocean right now.4. Navy DestroyerDefinition: A fast ship that acts like a bodyguard for other ships, keeping them safe from submarines.Example: The Navy destroyer raced over to stop the enemy sub.5. Combat ShipsDefinition: Boats that are armed with weapons and ready to rumble.Example: They sent three combat ships to the danger zone.6. Aircraft CarrierDefinition: A floating airport; a giant ship with a flat top for planes to take off and land.Example: The jet landed right on the deck of the aircraft carrier.7. Abraham LincolnDefinition: A famous US President, but in this news story, itβs the name of a huge ship.Example: The USS Abraham Lincoln is one of the biggest ships out there.8. ArmadaDefinition: A whole bunch of warships sailing together like a gang.Example: An armada of ships showed up on the horizon.9. AlliesDefinition: Friends who stick together and help each other, especially in a fight.Example: France and the USA were allies in the big war.10. BrokerDefinition: To help two sides shake hands and make a deal.Example: The diplomat tried to broker a peace deal between the countries.11. DiplomaticDefinition: Being smooth and polite so you don't start an argument.Example: He tried to be diplomatic instead of starting a fight.12. RegionalDefinition: Just dealing with a local area, not the whole big country.Example: The rain was just a regional problem, not everywhere.13. Cabinet MeetingsDefinition: When the President sits down with his top helpers to talk shop.Example: The President talked about the new law during the Cabinet meetings.14. Pete HegsethDefinition: The name of a specific guy in the government who deals with the military.Example: Pete Hegseth was on TV talking about the army.15. Secretary of WarDefinition: The old-school name for the boss of the army.Example: The Secretary of War told the President the troops were ready.16. OptionsDefinition: The different choices you've got on the table.Example: We have two options: stay here or go home.17. PursueDefinition: To chase after something you really want.Example: She wants to pursue a job in science.18. InterpretedDefinition: How you understood what someone meant.Example: I interpreted his silence as a "no."19. ContingenciesDefinition: Backup plans for when things go wrong.Example: We have contingencies ready in case the power goes out.20. CurtailDefinition: To cut something short or put a lid on it.Example: We had to curtail the meeting because of the fire alarm.21. The ObjectiveDefinition: The main thing you are trying to get done.Example: The objective of soccer is to put the ball in the net.22. CurbDefinition: To keep something under control, sort of like putting a leash on it.Example: You should curb your spending if you want to save cash.23. UnseatDefinition: To kick someone out of their job or their "seat" of power.Example: The voters tried to unseat the mayor in the election.24. CovertDefinition: Hush-hush; done in secret so nobody catches you.Example: The spies went on a covert mission at night.

Feb 1, 2026 β’ 17min
Melania Trumpβs English is Just Not Good Enough
Is Melania Trump's English really "not good enough," as some people claim? Join me in this lesson as we analyze her speech patterns to learn important vocabulary and grammar from the news.π Read the news more easily with this Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Bonus English: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/usbrent/subscribeOriginal News: https://youtu.be/9OdWJe5lKk0?si=Xn-ExNDz0mNUQi161. PluggingDefinition: (Informal) To talk about a product, book, or movie publicly to encourage people to buy or watch it (promoting/advertising).Example: The actor was on the talk show plugging his new action movie.2. RiotsDefinition: A violent situation where a large crowd of people behaves badly in a public place.Example: The police stopped the riots in the city center after the angry protest.3. Monster (Big)Definition: Used as an adjective to describe something that is huge or very successful.Example: The hurricane was a monster storm that covered the whole state.4. PreciousDefinition: Very valuable, loved, or important.Example: Her grandmother gave her a precious gold ring for her birthday.5. Camp Mystic (Texas)Definition: The specific name of a summer camp (a place children go for activities during summer holiday).Example: She spent her summers swimming and hiking at Camp Mystic.6. Palisades Fire (California)Definition: The specific name of a large wildfire (forest fire) that happened in California.Example: The smoke from the Palisades Fire could be seen from miles away.7. CompassionDefinition: A strong feeling of sympathy for people who are suffering and a desire to help them.Example: The nurse showed great compassion for her sick patients.8. AssistanceDefinition: Help or support.Example: If you need assistance with your homework, please ask the teacher.9. Pull Back the CurtainDefinition: (Idiom) To reveal the truth or show what happens behind the scenes (secretly).Example: This documentary will pull back the curtain on how the government really works.10. Trailer (Movie)Definition: A short video advertisement for a new film.Example: The trailer was so exciting that I want to see the movie immediately.11. A Private PersonDefinition: Someone who likes to keep their personal life secret and does not talk much about their feelings.Example: Even though she is famous, she is a very private person and stays home often.12. First LadyDefinition: The wife of the President of the United States.Example: The First Lady gave a speech about education at the school.13. East WingDefinition: The part of the White House where the First Lady has her offices and staff.Example: The First Lady held a meeting with her team in the East Wing.14. InaugurationDefinition: A special ceremony to officially mark the beginning of a new leader's term of office.Example: Millions of people watched the President's inauguration on television in January.15. In One TakeDefinition: Filming a scene for a movie or video perfectly the first time, without stopping or repeating it.Example: The actor was so prepared that he filmed the difficult scene in one take.16. That Was A PlusDefinition: That was an advantage or a good thing.Example: The hotel was cheap, and it was near the beach, so that was a plus.17. The RotundaDefinition: A round building or room, often with a dome (rounded roof), usually found in government buildings like the U.S. Capitol.Example: The statue was placed in the center of the Rotunda for everyone to see.18. Air Force OneDefinition: The official airplane used by the President of the United States.Example: The President waved to the crowd before getting on Air Force One.19. CordialDefinition: Friendly, but polite and formal (not overly close).Example: The two leaders had a cordial meeting, even though they disagree on politics.


