Social Situations — English Vocabulary
20 essential words about social situations in the live bank, with meanings and examples. Open any word for its full page.
anniversary /ˌænɪˈvɜːrsəri/ noun A2
The date each year when a special event happened in an earlier year — especially a wedding (their 25th anniversary) — and the celebration of it.
Example: They celebrated their tenth anniversary.
reunion /riːˈjuːnjən/ noun A2
A meeting of people who have not seen each other for a long time — old school friends, or family members from different places.
Example: Our class reunion is this summer.
gathering /ˈɡæðərɪŋ/ noun A2
A meeting of people coming together for a social, family, or official purpose; the act of collecting things together.
Example: A small gathering of friends met at the lake house.
festival /ˈfestɪvəl/ noun A2
A series of public celebrations, shows, or events (music, film, food) held regularly in a place over several days; also a religious or cultural holiday celebration.
Example: The town's music festival lasts three days.
celebrate /ˈselɪbreɪt/ verb A2
To do something special (a party, a meal, a ceremony) to mark an important day or success; also to praise publicly.
Example: We celebrated her graduation with a dinner.
invite /ɪnˈvaɪt/ verb A2
To ask someone to come to an event or place, or to do something with you; also to ask formally for something ('invite questions').
Example: Did they invite you to the wedding?
toast /təʊst/ noun / verb A2
Bread made brown and crisp by heat; also the act of raising glasses and drinking to wish someone health or success, and the short speech with it.
Example: I'd like to make a toast to the bride.
balloon /bəˈluːn/ noun A2
A small thin rubber bag filled with air or gas that floats, used as a decoration or toy; also a large one that carries people through the sky (hot-air balloon).
Example: Children love red balloons.
candle /ˈkændəl/ noun A2
A stick of wax with a string (wick) through the middle that you burn for light; used for birthdays, dinners, and ceremonies.
Example: She blew out the candles.
fireworks /ˈfaɪərwɜːrks/ noun A2
Small explosive devices that make bright colored lights, patterns, and loud noises in the sky for celebrations.
Example: Fireworks lit up the Fourth of July.
polite /pəˈlaɪt/ adjective B1
Behaving in a pleasant, respectful way toward others; showing good manners.
Example: It's polite to say thank you.
rude /ruːd/ adjective B1
Not polite; behaving in a way that offends or disrespects others.
Example: It's rude to interrupt people.
introduce /ˌɪntrəˈdjuːs/ verb B1
To tell people each other's names when they meet for the first time; also to present something new.
Example: Let me introduce you to my friend Emma.
greet /ɡriːt/ verb B1
To welcome someone or say hello when you meet them.
Example: She greeted us with a warm smile.
apologize /əˈpɒlədʒaɪz/ verb B1
To say you are sorry for something you did wrong.
Example: He apologized for being late.
conversation /ˌkɒnvərˈseɪʃən/ noun B1
A talk between two or more people where they exchange ideas and news.
Example: We had a long conversation about travel.
stranger /ˈstreɪndʒər/ noun B1
A person you do not know.
Example: Don't open the door to strangers.
guest /ɡest/ noun B1
A person invited to visit or stay at someone's home, or to attend an event; a hotel customer.
Example: We had guests for dinner on Saturday.
manners /ˈmænərz/ noun B1
Polite ways of behaving toward others, especially at meals and in public.
Example: Teach children good manners at the table.
interrupt /ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/ verb B1
To stop someone while they are speaking or doing something, by speaking yourself or making a noise.
Example: Sorry to interrupt, but the meeting moved to 3 p.m.