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Tip: Speaking Task 5: pick one option and stay with it. Comparing both is fine, switching sides isn't.
Tip: Speaking Task 5: pick one option and stay with it. Comparing both is fine, switching sides isn't.
Words focused on apologizing, showing empathy, and tactfully resolving conflicts. Essential for breaking bad news softly.
/əˈpɒlədʒaɪz/
Express regret for something that one has done wrong.
The foundational word for Task 6. Always use it instead of just 'sorry'.
/sɪnˈsɪər/
Free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings.
Use to prove you actually feel bad. Replaces 'I really mean it'.
/rɪˈɡrɛt/
Feel sad, repentant, or disappointed over (something that has happened or been done, especially a loss or missed opportunity).
The most formal way to break bad news: 'I regret to tell you...'
/ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənət/
Having or marked by bad fortune; unlucky.
Replaces 'bad luck' or 'sad'.
/dɪˈlɛmə/
A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
Replaces 'I have a big problem/hard choice'.
/prɪˈdɪkəmənt/
A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
A massive CLB 9 synonym for dilemma.
/ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/
An agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.
Use to offer a solution where both people get a little bit of what they want.
/ˈrɛkənsaɪl/
Restore friendly relations between.
Replaces 'make up' or 'be friends again'.
/ˈɛmpəθaɪz/
Understand and share the feelings of another.
Replaces 'I know how you feel' or 'I understand'.
/ˈsɪmpəθaɪz/
Feel or express sympathy (sorrow or pity).
Slightly more formal than empathize. Replaces 'I feel bad for you'.
/ˈtæktfəl/
Having or showing tact (sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues).
Replaces 'polite and careful'.
/ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/
Having or showing an ability to deal with people in a sensitive and effective way.
Another excellent replacement for polite/careful in arguments.
/əˈliːvieɪt/
Make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe.
Replaces 'make you feel better' or 'fix the pain'.
/ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/
Make less severe, serious, or painful.
The formal equivalent of 'make it less bad'.
/ˈrɛktɪfaɪ/
Put right; correct.
The absolute best CLB 9 replacement for 'fix' or 'solve'.
/əˈmɛndz/
Reparation or compensation for a loss, damage, or injury of any kind.
Always used as 'make amends'. Replaces 'make it up to you'.
/ˈkɒmpənseɪt/
Give (someone) something, typically money, in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury incurred.
Replaces 'pay you back' or 'give you free stuff for your trouble'.
/ˌɪnkənˈviːniəns/
Trouble or difficulty caused to one's personal requirements or comfort.
Crucial for Task 6. Always apologize for the 'inconvenience'.
/ˌmɪsʌndərˈstændɪŋ/
A failure to understand something correctly.
The most polite way to say 'we made a mistake' without directly blaming anyone.
/ˈoʊvərsaɪt/
An unintentional failure to notice or do something.
A highly professional way to say 'I forgot' or 'I made a mistake'.