Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech — Vocabulary
Winston Churchill
1946
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| Exemplary sample | Uses | Broad Use |
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| 11 | top 2000 | |
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communism
Under communism, the state owns factories and distributes goods to all citizens equally.more
Show sample from bookI do not believe we should all have slept so soundly had the positions been reversed and if some Communist or neo-Fascist State monopolized for the time being these dread agencies.† Show general definitionan economic system that abolishes private ownership of property with the goal of a classless society |
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| 7 | top 1000 | |
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democracy
The United States has a representative democracy.more
Show sample from bookIt is a solemn moment for the American Democracy.†
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| 4 | top 1000 | |
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tyranny
The U.S. constitution was designed with checks and balances and limited government to protect Americans from tyranny.more
Show sample from bookTo give security to these countless homes, they must be shielded from the two giant marauders, war and tyranny.† Show general definitionharsh and unjust rule |
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| 2 | top 100 | |
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nevertheless
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more
Show sample from bookIt would nevertheless be wrong and imprudent to entrust the secret knowledge or experience of the atomic bomb, which the United States, Great Britain, and Canada now share, to the world organization, while it is still in its infancy.†
Show general definitiondespite thatShow editor's word notesBased on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 was just stated, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but. |
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| 2 | top 1000 | |
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doctrine
She argues that the action is protected under the separation-of-powers doctrine that is fundamental to the US Constitution.more
Show sample from bookWhat they desire is the fruits of war and the indefinite expansion of their power and doctrines.† Show general definitiona belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some group |
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| 2 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookWe British have our twenty years Treaty of Collaboration and Mutual Assistance with Soviet Russia.† Show general definitionwork together on a common enterprise or projector more rarely and especially in the form collaborator: cooperate with the enemy as a traitor |
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| 2 | top 1000 | |
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peril
The mountaineers faced many perils on their ascent to the summit, including treacherous icefalls and avalanches.more
Show sample from bookExcept in the British Commonwealth and in the United States where Communism is in its infancy, the Communist parties or fifth columns constitute a growing challenge and peril to Christian civilization.† Show general definitiondanger |
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| 1 | top 10 | |
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imply
She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.more
Show sample from bookIf the population of the English-speaking Commonwealths be added to that of the United States with all that such co-operation implies in the air, on the sea, all over the globe and in science and in industry, and in moral force, there will be no quivering, precarious balance of power to offer its temptation to ambition or adventure.† Show general definitionto suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence |
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| 2 | top 2000 | |
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alliance
The Islamic governments formed an alliance to defeat Israel.more
Show sample from bookThis Agreement is more effective than many of those which have often been made under formal alliances.† Show general definitionan association formed to support common interests |
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| 1 | top 200 | |
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eminent
She studied under an eminent scientist who had won multiple international awards.more
Show sample from bookThe Communist parties, which were very small in all these Eastern States of Europe, have been raised to pre-eminence and power far beyond their numbers and are seeking everywhere to obtain totalitarian control.† Show general definitionfamous, respected, or important within a particular field or profession |
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| 1 | top 200 | |
Show sample from bookIt would nevertheless be wrong and imprudent to entrust the secret knowledge or experience of the atomic bomb, which the United States, Great Britain, and Canada now share, to the world organization, while it is still in its infancy.† Show context notesThe prefix "im-" in imprudent means not and reverses the meaning of prudent. This prefix is sometimes used before words beginning with "M" or "P" as seen in words like immoral, immature, and impossible. |
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| 1 | top 500 | |
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agitate
We are agitating public unrest, so there will be a cry for change.more
Show sample from bookIt would be criminal madness to cast it adrift in this still agitated and un-united world.† Show general definitionto stir up or shake -- emotionally (as when people are angered or upset) or physically (as when a washing machine cleans clothes) |
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| 1 | top 500 | |
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confide
She confided in me. I won't repeat what was said.more
Show sample from bookUltimately, when the essential brotherhood of man is truly embodied and expressed in a world organization with all the necessary practical safeguards to make it effective, these powers would naturally be confided to that world organization.†
Show general definitionto place trust (in someone) by talking about private things or telling secrets |
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| 1 | top 500 | |
Show sample from bookIf we adhere faithfully to the Charter of the United Nations and walk forward in sedate and sober strength seeking no one's land or treasure, seeking to lay no arbitrary control upon the thoughts of men; if all British moral and material forces and convictions are joined with your own in fraternal association, the high-roads of the future will be clear, not only for us but for all, not only for our time, but for a century to come.†
Show general definitionbased on chance or impulse (rather than upon reasoning, consistent rules, or a proper sense of fairness) |
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| 3 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookIn fact we have both been educated at the same, or similar, or, at any rate, kindred establishments.† Show general definitionsimilar in quality or characteror: closely related -- such as family or things with shared origin |
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| 2 | top 2000 | |
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persevere
Despite many setbacks, the scientist continued to persevere in her research.more
Show sample from bookAnyone can see with his eyes open that our path will be difficult and also long, but if we persevere together as we did in the two world wars — though not, alas, in the interval between them — I cannot doubt that we shall achieve our common purpose in the end.† Show general definitionto keep working at something -- especially despite difficulties |
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| 1 | top 200 | |
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inconsistent
Her play is inconsistent. Sometimes she's unbeatable and other times she beats herself.more
Show sample from bookWould a special relationship between the United States and the British Commonwealth be inconsistent with our over-riding loyalties to the World Organization?† Show general definitionnot the same in different parts or at different timesor: not in agreement [with something else] |
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| 1 | top 1000 | |
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crux
I see the crux as whether you trust people to make those kinds of decisions for themselves.more
Show sample from bookNow, while still pursuing the method of realizing our overall strategic concept, I come to the crux of what I have traveled here to say.† Show general definitionthe most important or difficult part of a problem, argument, or situation |
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| 1 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookThe United States stands at this time at the pinnacle of world power. Show general definitionthe highest point -- either literally, like the top of a mountain, or figuratively, like the peak of success or achievement |
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| 1 | ||
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deterrent
How effective is the death penalty as an additional deterrent?more
Show sample from bookGod has willed that this shall not be and we have at least a breathing space to set our house in order before this peril has to be encountered: and even then, if no effort is spared, we should still possess so formidable a superiority as to impose effective deterrents upon its employment, or threat of employment, by others.† |
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