Priyanka Chopra Jonas has built a career that stretches from Bollywood to Hollywood, but her impact is not limited to the screen. She is also known for speaking with confidence, clarity and an ability to put complicated thoughts into words.
For anyone trying to improve their English vocabulary, some of Priyanka’s interviews offer useful lessons. During a 2017 conversation at the Toronto International Film Festival, the actor discussed her journey, ambition, Hollywood, women and the decisions that shaped her career.
What makes the conversation particularly interesting is the vocabulary she uses while explaining her experiences. Some of the expressions are sophisticated enough to make everyday conversations sound more precise, while others can help you describe complicated ideas without relying on the same familiar words repeatedly.
Here are eight words and phrases worth adding to your English vocabulary.
1. Dichotomy
Meaning: A strong contrast or division between two opposing ideas, situations or experiences.
“Dichotomy” is useful when you are talking about two sides that are noticeably different from each other. It goes beyond simply saying that two things are different and suggests a deeper contrast.
Example:
There is a clear dichotomy between a celebrity’s public image and their private life.
When to use it:
Use “dichotomy” when you want to describe two contrasting realities, opinions or circumstances in a more precise way.
2. Skirting around
Meaning: Avoiding a topic instead of addressing it directly.
If someone keeps talking around an uncomfortable subject without actually confronting it, they are “skirting around” the issue.
It is particularly useful when describing evasive behaviour.
Example:
The spokesperson kept skirting around the question instead of giving a direct answer.
A simpler alternative:
Avoiding the issue.
3. Be on the nose about
Meaning: To be very direct, exact or precise about something.
The expression “on the nose” can be used when something is remarkably accurate or gets straight to the point.
Example:
Her explanation was completely on the nose about why the project failed.
It can be particularly effective when you want to emphasise that someone’s observation was unusually precise.
4. Make a big dent
Meaning: To have a significant effect, usually negative, on something.
A dent is normally a visible mark caused by an impact. In everyday English, however, the expression can describe a substantial effect on someone’s confidence, finances, reputation or progress.
Example:
The unexpected expenses made a big dent in his savings.
You can also say that something “made a dent in” a company’s reputation or affected someone’s confidence.
5. A crutch to lean on
Meaning: Something or someone that provides support during a difficult situation.
A “crutch” literally helps a person walk when they cannot rely fully on one leg. In figurative English, it can describe emotional, practical or professional support.
Example:
Having a supportive team gave her something to lean on during a difficult period.
The expression can be used for people, experiences, resources or systems that provide reassurance when circumstances become challenging.
6. Nudge someone towards
Meaning: To gradually influence someone towards a particular decision, action or direction.
Sometimes a person’s choices are not determined by one major event. Instead, several small experiences gradually influence the direction they take. “Nudge towards” captures that idea particularly well.
Example:
Her early experiences nudged her towards a career in journalism.
It is a softer expression than saying that something “forced” or “pushed” you into a particular choice.
7. Tenacity
Meaning: The ability to continue working towards something despite difficulties, setbacks or failure.
Tenacity is a powerful word for describing determination. A tenacious person does not give up easily, even when progress is slow.
Example:
Her tenacity helped her continue pursuing her goals despite several setbacks.
Tenacity vs persistence
The two words are closely related, but “tenacity” often carries a stronger sense of determination and resilience in the face of obstacles.
If you want to describe someone who continues trying when the odds are difficult, “tenacity” is an excellent word to use.
8. Butterfly effect
Meaning: The idea that a seemingly small action or decision can eventually produce much larger consequences.
The “butterfly effect” is often used to explain how a tiny change at one point can lead to significant consequences later.
Example:
One small decision can have a butterfly effect on the course of your career.
The phrase is especially useful when discussing life choices, unexpected outcomes and events whose consequences become apparent only much later.
Why these words can make your English stronger
Building a strong vocabulary is not simply about memorising complicated words. The real value comes from knowing when and how to use them naturally.
Words such as “dichotomy” and “tenacity” allow you to communicate ideas more precisely. Expressions such as “skirting around” and “nudge towards” can make everyday conversations more nuanced. Meanwhile, phrases such as “make a dent” and “butterfly effect” give you vivid ways to describe consequences and change.
The key is not to force sophisticated vocabulary into every conversation. A confident speaker chooses words according to the situation and uses them naturally.
