Heartland English School – Word of the Day

Theme: BREATH SOUNDS

Word:  whisper (v.)

Meaning:  To speak very quietly, usually with little or no voice, so other people cannot hear what you’re saying.

Examples:

• Jane leaned in and whispered something into Fred’s ear.
• Hey! What are you two whispering about?

Theme: BREATH SOUNDS

Word:  gasp (v./n.)

Meaning:  To take in a quick breath with your mouth open. Usually it indicates surprise.

Examples:

• Mary gasped at the beautiful view of the lake.
• Our grandmother gasped when Harry told his terrible joke.

Theme: BREATH SOUNDS

Word:  sniffle (verb; noun form “the sniffles”)

Meaning:  To draw air quickly into your nose, usually to keep it from dripping (either because you are sick with a cold, or sad and crying).

Examples:

• Mary’s daughter was sniffling and sobbing for an hour after she was not allowed to have ice cream.
• I noticed you’re sniffling a lot! Do you have a cold?

Theme: BREATH SOUNDS

Word:  snort (v./n.)

Meaning:  To make a loud sound when breathing into or out of your nose. Often it shows anger or amusement; occasionally it is done accidentally while laughing suddenly.

Examples:

• Steven snorted with laughter at the hilarious joke.
• She snorted with contempt at the idea.

Theme: BREATH SOUNDS

Word:  sigh (v./n.)

Meaning:  To take in and let out a long, deep breath that can be heard. Usually it shows resignation or sadness, frustration, tiredness, or relief.

Examples:

• Mary sighed when the test was finally over.
• James realized he would have to work all day Sunday, and sighed deeply.

Theme: Most

Word:  mostly (adverb)

Meaning: almost all

Example: The people of Canada are mostly harmless, but a few are dangerous. I mostly use a black pen, but at times I use a red pen.

Theme: Most

Expression:  the most  (adverbial expression, superlative)

Meaning: the top amount, number 1

Example: I like Jaguars and Mini Coopers, but I like Rolls Royces the most. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.

Theme: Most

Expression: most of the time (adverbial expression)

Meaning: almost always

Example: She plays on her phone most of the time, but she should be studying. Most of the time, she plays on her phone, but she should be studying.

Theme: Most

Expression: for the most part

Meaning: a majority of something, time or feeling

Examples: The show was enjoyable, for the most part, but it was too long. Canada’s population is situated within 100 kilometres of the U.S. border, for the most part. When we’re at the gym, we’re on the treadmills for the most part.

Theme: Most

Most = a majority; 90-99%. It’s an adverb and an adjective.

Collocation: Most people (adjective + noun)

Meaning: a majority of people or things

Example: Most people like chocolate. I enjoy trying most food.