Daily Quick Fix – 10 (Phrases, words)
Big Tech
In an attempt to make sure that Artificial Intelligence is human-centric, the EU is proposing a new regulatory act. The AI Act will assign applications to different risk categories and ensure that they don’t infringe on personal rights. For example, social credit scoring is considered an unacceptable risk and is to be banned.
Applications in high-risk categories, such as facial recognition apps, will have to go through mandatory checks. Low-risk applications will not be regulated. There is no exact date for when the act is going to enter into force but many people agree that it’s high time we imposed some control on AI.
1. Landmark /ˈlændmɑːk/
An event or discovery marking an important stage or turning point.
[0:02] This is certainly a landmark when it comes to digital regulation around the world.
2. Giants (in the industry) /ˈʤaɪᵊnts ɪn ði ˈɪndəstri/
Very successful and powerful people or organisations.
[0:34] This new law will allow them to focus specifically on targeting big tech companies, some giants in the industry.
3. Long-winded process /lɒŋ ˈwɪndɪd ˈprəʊsɛs/
A procedure that continues for too long and becomes boring.
[1:10] The EU has long lamented that that is a long-winded process that doesn't always result in an effective remedy or fine.
4. Oversee /ˌəʊvəˈsiː/
Supervise a person or their work, especially in an official capacity.
[1:26] The EU now is going to have an ability to oversee when big tech companies take control of smaller innovations and businesses.
5. Voice concerns /vɔɪs kənˈsɜːnz/
Give an opinion or express a complaint, criticism, doubt.
[2:33] Big tech companies have voiced their concerns about this new proposal but then it's been approved.
Misophonia
People with misophonia are affected emotionally by common sounds, like breathing, yawning, or chewing. They experience a fight-or-flight response that triggers anger and an intense desire to escape. It affects some worse than others and can lead to isolation, since many people suffering from this condition try to avoid trigger sounds.
People who have misophonia often feel embarrassed and don’t mention it to healthcare providers — and often healthcare providers haven’t heard of it anyway. Misophonia usually appears around age 12, and likely affects more people than we realise.
1. Unbearable /ʌnˈbeərəbᵊl/
Uncomfortable or difficult, impossible to tolerate.
[0:09] ... to help those who are not just irritated by these sounds, but find them unbearable.
2. Trigger sounds /ˈtrɪɡə saʊndz/
Noises that create an immediate negative reaction.
[1:02] The most typical trigger sounds are mouth-related sounds, like chewing or lip-smacking.
3. Abnormality /ˌæbnɔːˈmæləti/
Something very different or unusual, that may indicate a problem.
[2:24] People with the condition have an abnormality in the emotional control mechanism in their brain.
4. Pet Peeves /pɛt piːvz/
Minor annoyance at certain behaviours or sounds that irritate us.
[3:22] All this time I thought these were just pet peeves, but I might have this condition.
5. Obnoxious /əbˈnɒkʃəs/
Extremely unpleasant, offensive, or annoying to others.
[3:43] It doesn't necessarily mean obnoxious behaviour, it can be something like blinking.
Adverbs with Adjectives
Adverbs used to emphasise / intensify an adjective:
- undeniably
- painfully
- highly
- completely
- extremely
- absolutely
- incredibly
- nearly
- almost
- quite
Examples of Collocations:
- That is undeniably true.
- It was painfully obvious that they didn't like the food.
- This new medication is highly effective.
- The girls are identical twins, but their personalities are completely different.
- It is extremely important to exercise and eat healthy.
- For this job, a university degree is absolutely necessary.
- The students said the exam was incredibly easy.
- I'm almost certain I gave you the keys.
- It's quite probable that Mark and Stacey will move to London.
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