ESL Podcast 853 - Reading an Obituary

obituary - a short article printed in an newspaper after someone's death, summarizing that person's life and accomplishments, like a very short biography

According to the obituary, Janice had cancer for years before her death.

quite a life - an impressive life that one admires; a life filled with interesting, unusual, or exciting events and experiences

Uncle Gabe led quite a life, having lived in more than six countries.

to do (someone or something) justice - to be deserving of someone or something; to be good enough for someone or something that is admired

This scenery is so beautiful that it would be hard to do it justice in a painting.

tribute - something that is said or done as an honor to show respect or admiration for someone or something

They built this statue as a tribute to the people who died in the rebellion.

to touch a life - to affect someone in a positive or beneficial way

The best part of being a doctor is the ability to touch lives and make people feel better.

to be survived by - to be outlived by someone; for one or more members of one's family to live longer than oneself

Jona passed away last week, but he is survived by his two daughters.

a ripe old age - a very old age, especially when one is still in good health and able to think clearly

If you keep exercising and eating well like you do now, you'll live to a ripe old age.

memorial service - an event or ceremony where people speak about someone who recently died, sharing their memories and expressing their sadness

Marliss had many friends, so hundreds of people attended her memorial service.

funeral - an event or ceremony where the body is buried underground, usually while a religious leader prays and says things about the life of the person who has died

Is it really that important to wear black to a funeral?

personally - in person; as a friend or acquaintance; having met someone directly

Do you know any celebrities personally?

eulogy - a speech, usually delivered at a funeral, in which the speaker says nice things about the person who has died, sharing information about that person's life

I was surprised that the eulogy focused so much on his career and hardly mentioned his family.

if you say so - a phrase used to show that one does not fully believe what another person has said, but that one will not argue strongly against it

A: This is the best food I've ever tasted! B: If you say so. I'm glad you like it, but I don't think I'll come to this restaurant again.

cave - a large, covered open space in a mountain or another rocky area, possibly underground, often the home for an animal

Do any bears live in this cave?

to deprive - to not let someone have something that is necessary or very enjoyable

Blake was deprived of a normal, happy childhood because he grew up in a war zone.

marathon - a race of runners, traveling a long distance; something that happens for a long period of time, especially watching many episodes of a TV show

We spent most of the weekend on the couch for a movie marathon.

lucky me - a phrase used sarcastically, meaning that one does not feel fortunate in a particular situation and would prefer not to be in the current situation

Oh, lucky me, I get to spend the weekend cleaning out the garage.