Understand the word 'Addiction': Improve Your English with This B2 Noun

Word Info

Word: Addiction

Level: B2

Pronunciation: ə'dɪkʃən

Meaning: A strong and harmful need for something, like a substance

Video Script

Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of "Hello Word!" I’m Alex, your host, and today we’re diving into an important and powerful word: addiction. This word is a B2-level noun, and it refers to a strong and harmful need for something, like a substance. It’s a term that comes up often in discussions about health, behavior, and self-awareness, so understanding it can be very useful in your English journey. So, what exactly does addiction mean? It’s not just about liking or wanting something. Addiction describes a situation where someone feels a compulsive and often uncontrollable need for something, even if it’s causing harm to their health, relationships, or life in general. For example, you might hear about addiction to drugs, alcohol, or even activities like gambling. Now, let’s talk about some synonyms for addiction. Words like dependence, compulsion, or habit are often used in similar contexts. For example, you might say, "She developed a dependence on caffeine to stay awake", or "His gambling compulsion caused serious financial problems." These words emphasize the need or reliance on something, although habit can sometimes be less intense. On the other hand, antonyms help us understand the opposite of addiction. Words like freedom, independence, or self-control highlight situations where a person is not controlled by a strong and harmful need. For instance, you could say, "She enjoys her independence and doesn’t rely on social media for validation", or "He practices self-control when it comes to eating sweets." Let’s think about how we encounter addiction in everyday life. You might hear someone say, "I’m addicted to my phone", in a lighthearted way to express how much they use it. However, addiction can also carry a serious tone, like, "He’s seeking help for his addiction to alcohol." It’s important to notice the context to understand how the word is being used. Here are a few examples of addiction in sentences: "Her addiction to social media was affecting her sleep." "Many people struggle with addiction, but recovery is possible with the right support." "The documentary explored the science behind addiction and its impact on families." That’s all for today’s word, but let’s recap quickly. Addiction is a strong and harmful need for something, and it’s often used in discussions about health and habits. Synonyms like dependence and compulsion help express similar ideas, while antonyms like freedom and self-control highlight the opposite. Now it’s your turn! Try creating your own sentence using addiction and share it in the comments. Thanks for listening to "Hello Word!" If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review. Your support helps others discover the show and join our learning community. See you next time!

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