Is Your Phone Listening? The Surprising Truth About Smart Devices!

Here’s the converted version with numerical and financial data adjusted: In this issue, we are exploring some advanced vocabulary from our book, “Advanced Vocab.” Our goal is not merely to memorize these words, but to use them confidently in real-life situations!

Sharing the same root as “fabric,” this word originally meant “to create as if weaving.” Today, it is used both for manufacturing and for concocting stories.

The men
fabricated an elaborate tale to cover up their misadventures in Vegas from their unsuspecting partners.
They crafted a story to conceal their Sin City escapades from their significant others.

● His image as the perfect family man? Completely
fabricated nonsense.

2. feign [féin] – to pretend until it becomes real

Linked to the word “feint” in sports, it refers to putting on an act.

When I saw my ex with her new beau, I feigned indifference.

I performed an Oscar-worthy act of not caring when I encountered my ex with her new partner.

● I attempted to feign illness to skip school, but my mom saw straight through my act.

3. figment [fíɡmənt] – a product of your wild imagination

Think of it as the “figure” of your imagination; it pertains to creations of the mind.

Freud claims that God is a figment of our imagination; Nietzsche declared God dead; and the Bible maintains that “God works in mysterious ways.”

This presents a philosophical debate: Freud suggests we invented God, Nietzsche writes his obituary, and the Bible leaves the matter ambiguous.

● A father’s task: to convince his little girl that the monster under her bed was merely a figment of her overactive imagination.

4. refurbish [rìːfə́ːrbiʃ] – to give a makeover

Think of a “refurbished phone” – it means giving something a fresh new appearance.

The new hotel owners plan to refurbish the rooms to attract more stays worthy of being shared on Instagram.

The hotel is receiving a makeover to appeal to guests seeking a perfect selfie backdrop.

● For “Visit Korea Year,” museums across the nation are receiving a refurbish treatment. It’s time to dust off those artifacts!

5. revamp [rìːvǽmp] – to upgrade as if nothing else matters

Whether through minor repairs or a complete overhaul, it means to improve something significantly.

The advertising team is revamping their entire strategy to appeal to Millennials and Gen Z.

The marketing experts are completely overhauling their playbook to catch the attention of the avocado toast generation.

● City Hall is spending 2 million USD (approximately 2.67 billion KRW) to revamp the central park. Prepare for a significant transformation!

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1. pigeonhole [pídʒənhòul] – to confine someone to a specific category

Originally referring to pigeon houses, it now means restricting someone’s potential.

Most celebrities strive diligently to avoid being pigeonholed as merely a pretty face or an action hero.

Hollywood professionals are constantly working to avoid being typecast as having only one role.

● Unfortunately, Korean society still tends to pigeonhole women into outdated roles. It is time for change!

2. stigmatize [stíɡmətàiz] – to attach a negative label

From ancient marks of disgrace to contemporary prejudices, it involves making an unfair judgment.

Some worry that the government’s anti-terror policies might end up stigmatizing Muslim Americans.

There is concern that these new policies could unjustly label Muslim Americans with a broad, negative brush.

● Misinformation about AIDS can seriously stigmatize people living with HIV. Let us spread facts, not fear!

3. untethered [ʌ̀ntéðərd] – as free as a bird

Moving from literal ropes to metaphorical chains, it signifies breaking free.

As Louis spiraled into alcoholism, he became increasingly untethered from reality, alienating his last few friends.

Poor Louis — as he plunged deeper into drink, he lost touch with reality and distanced himself from his remaining friends.

● This project promises untethered Wi-Fi in all government buildings. No more searching for hotspots!