English Listening: Tips on How to Politely Express Different Opinions

noun

1. rapid transport of goods

Synonym: expressage

2. public transport consisting of a fast train or bus that makes only a few scheduled stops

e.g. he caught the express to New York

Synonym: limited

3. mail that is distributed by a rapid and efficient system

Synonym: express mail

noun

1. something that can be done

e.g. politics is the art of the possible

2. an applicant who might be suitable

adj

1. not direct in spatial dimension
not leading by a straight line or course to a destination

e.g. sometimes taking an indirect path saves time
you must take an indirect course in sailing

2. extended senses
not direct in manner or language or behavior or action

e.g. making indirect but legitimate inquiries
an indirect insult
doubtless they had some indirect purpose in mind
though his methods are indirect they are not dishonest
known as a shady indirect fellow

3. having intervening factors or persons or influences

e.g. reflection from the ceiling provided a soft indirect light
indirect evidence
an indirect cause

4. descended from a common ancestor but through different lines

e.g. cousins are collateral relatives
an indirect descendant of the Stuarts

Synonym: collateral

5. not as a direct effect or consequence

e.g. indirect benefits
an indirect advantage

verb

1. become soft or softer

e.g. The bread will soften if you pour some liquid on it

2. make soft or softer

e.g. This liquid will soften your laundry

3. lessen in force or effect

e.g. soften a shock
break a fall

Synonym: dampendampweakenbreak

4. make less severe or harsh

e.g. He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears

Synonym: mincemoderate

5. protect from impact

e.g. cushion the blow

Synonym: cushionbuffer

6. make (images or sounds) soft or softer

7. give in, as to influence or pressure

Synonym: yieldrelent