Vocabulary practice · Episode 217

Review the useful expressions from the episode

Study the episode’s central expressions with English definitions, nuance and examples, plus reviewed support-language versions where available.

B1–B2Everyday EnglishAbout 6 min + dynamic ads5 PDF versions available
FREE TRANSLATED PDF PACKSStudy this episode with support in your language EspañolDeutschFrançaisفارسی Open the PDF library →

A short study session

Read here, or listen on the episode page

This reader does not play audio. The link above opens the episode with this support selected; press Play or Resume when you are ready.

  1. Choose one expression. Read its definition, nuance and examples.
  2. Make it yours. Write one true sentence from your own life.
  3. Return to the episode. Listen for the expression in its original context.

Readable web version

Vocabulary from the episode

English only. Choose one support language if you need it.

Your reading position will be saved on this browser.

Expression 1

contagious yawning

Yawning after seeing, hearing or thinking about someone else yawning.

Nuance: Here contagious describes a behaviour spreading between people, not an illness.

Seeing a friend yawn can trigger contagious yawning.

Researchers are still studying why contagious yawning happens.

Expression 2

feel the urge to do something

To feel a strong desire or need to do something.

Nuance: Having an urge does not necessarily mean that you act on it.

I felt the urge to laugh, but I stayed quiet.

She felt the urge to check her phone during the meeting.

Expression 3

resist the urge

To try not to do something that you strongly want to do.

Nuance: Usually followed by to and an infinitive when the action is specified.

Try to resist the urge to interrupt.

He resisted the urge to check his phone.

Expression 4

be susceptible to

To be likely to be affected by something.

Nuance: Often followed by a noun or an -ing form; susceptibility does not guarantee a response.

Some people are more susceptible to contagious yawning.

The plant is susceptible to cold weather.

Print or study offline

Choose a PDF version

Each button names the available language, format and file size. No email or account is required.

If a PDF does not open, use the complete web reader above and try the download again later. The episode audio remains available on its own page.

Put it back into context

Now listen for what you studied

The resource is support; the listening is the lesson. Return to the same episode and continue from your saved position.

Open episode 217 →