pull

In contrast to 'push', the verb 'to pull', while equally vigorous, carries within it a different force and direction. And again, the verb can be used metaphorically.

Its simple meaning is 'to exert force on an object so that the object is drawn towards the force itself'.

Here are some applications:

• to pull a tooth is to extract a tooth
• to pull feathers is to pluck feathers from a bird
• to pull a muscle is to strain a muscle
• and, in recent food articles, 'pulled chicken' or 'pulled beef' means to tear into small, fine pieces once the flesh is cooked

Be aware that 'pull' is often partnered with prepositions that change the direction of the movement in the word.

Prepositions are often awkward for speakers to conquer when learning a new language. With this in mind, be aware of the direction that is built into the preposition when found in these common combinations:

• pull in
• pull away
• pull towards
• pull on
• pull off
• pull against
• pull through
• pull back
• pull down
• pull about
• pull up

Compare 'to pull' with 'to push' which was published last week.

push

Like verbs across multiple languages, this verb is full of action and vigor.

Its meaning is to apply a steady force in order to move an object (or person). From this simple concept, multiple applications of the word occur.

Consider these:
to push one's way through a crowd
to push on regardless of the difficulties
to push a point of view
to push for a political candidate
to push one's luck
to push out from the deck (in a boat)

Across these any many other applications of the verb 'to push', there is always a sense of applied force and movement. In broad uses of the verb the movement can be towards, away from or against.

Contrast this verb with the verb 'to pull'.

billabong

This indigenous Australian word refers to a body of water that has particular qualities attached to it.

A billabong is often a backwater channel connected with a stream or river. It rises and falls according to the water's flow. It often is the dead end of the river system.

The word arises in an Aboriginal language and was taken into English in the 19th Century. 'Billa' means river and 'bong' means dead.

impose

This verb carries within it varying degrees of expectation of compliance and enforcement.

For example, if new formats or systems are introduced at work and if these must be followed, then it can be said that these changes are imposed upon the people who are working with those formats or systems.

In this context the expectation of necessary compliance may outweigh the sense of enforcement that is implied in the word.

When something is imposed that is unwanted, disliked or feared, then the expectations of enforcement and compliance are increased and negative connotations of the word are enlarged. In these contexts there may be punitive outcomes attached to non compliance.

For example, when imposed traffic speeds are exceeded, individual drivers will be fined, or lose their licences.

pool

This is one of many words that are associated with 'a body of water'.

In this case, 'pool' is likely to be small, holding fresh water (as opposed to salt water or stagnant water) and possibly temporary as is the case where 'water collects in pools after rain'.

In some instances it is shallow, but can be deep, particularly in natural environments where water gathers between rocks.

Be aware that specific types of pools will be qualified. For example, swimming pool, rock pool, diving pool. In these examples each type of pool gains unique attributes and expands our understanding of them.

If you are stretching your use of English, test your creativity and clarity by writing a 4-sentence piece about any of the various pools mentioned in this post.

bungalow

With its origins in India, 'bungalow' applies to a single storey house that is surrounded by a veranda and possibly having a pitched roof with an attic space within it.

It is a relatively new word, arising from the Hindi 'bungla' during the 17 century.

How is it used where you come from?

For some of us living in Australia, it captures a simple, homely dwelling that is found in a rural or seaside setting.

burlap

A noun, this word carries the picture of thickly woven, rough fabric within it.

Most likely arising from leaves or stems of fibrous plants, the woven fabric is back in favour and used in the production of ecologically friendly sacks and carry-bags.

In previous times, well before plastic packaging, burlap served similarly as sacks and containers for dry goods like sugar, rice and even flour.

There remains a rustic, earthy flavour attached to the word which is sometimes used as an adjective as in 'burlap bag'.