crises - Master This Word
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crises Word Meanings
- a time of intense difficulty or danger
- a turning point in a situation
- a moment when a decision must be made
crises Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
crises Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkraɪsɪs/
US
/ˈkraɪsɪs/
crises Word Etymology
crisis = from Greek 'krisis' (decision/judgment) → Latin 'crisis' → Old French 'crise' → English. Memory image: envision a critical moment, like being on a cliff's edge, where a decision can change your course.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I tighten my grip on the steering wheel and shift my weight in the seat as the storm hits. Rain drums on the glass and the road lights blur; I hold the wheel a little tighter and adjust my pace. A heavy breath rises in my chest as I decide whether to slow down, pull over, or keep going. The move I choose turns a moment of danger into a turning point I can carry into other choices too.
Real Context
crisis is a period of intense difficulty or danger that tests a person, organization, or society. It can feel overwhelming, but it also marks a turning point when urgent decisions must be made. The word carries a sense of pressure and potential consequence, rather than a simple problem. In many contexts you might hear about a financial crisis, an identity crisis, or a political crisis, each requiring swift assessment, clear priorities, and action. Learners often mix crisis with words like critical or crucial; remember that crisis emphasizes risk and rapid change, not just importance. Visualize a cliff edge where a choice will decide your next move.
Usage Reminders
- Use crisis for urgent turning points, not just any big problem.
- Pair with adjectives like financial, identity, political to specify type.
- Avoid translating crisis as merely 'important'; the sense is risk and speed.
- Think of a cliff-edge moment where a decision changes the path ahead.
- Use 'in a crisis' rather than 'on a crisis' and remember the plural 'crises'.
Common Misconceptions
- Crisis = just a big problem; it always means danger and urgency.
- Crisis only happens in public events, not in personal life.
- Crisis and cruci al/critical mean the same; they don’t.
- You can say 'a crisis' in any stressful situation without urgency.
- The plural is 'crises' but many learners say 'crisi' or 'crisess'.
Thinking Differences
Crisis in English often signals a turning point with urgent risk; avoid diluting with just 'big problem' and remember the sense of pressure and quick action.
Learning Tips
- Listen for collocations like financial crisis, identity crisis, political crisis.
- Practice describing a crisis with urgency (e. g., 'the crisis required immediate action').
- Differentiate crisis from critical and crucial by focusing on risk and speed.
- Use the metaphor of standing at the cliff edge to reinforce memory.
- Read news or case studies to see real-world crisis contexts.
- Practice plural form crises and common phrases like 'in a crisis'.
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