Alastair Parvin: Architecture for the people by the people

Important Vocabulary Words From The Video

Counterintuitive is an adjective that is used to describe something that is not what you would expect. For example, you might say that the decision to go on the trip was counterintuitive, because it was very cold outside.

  • The decision to go on the trip was very counterintuitive, because it was so cold outside.
  • The counterintuitive decision was to fire all the employees.
resourceful

A resourceful person is able to find a way to solve problems or manage difficult situations. They are usually very creative and able to think outside the box.

  • She is very resourceful, and she was able to find a way to fix the broken window.
  • He is very resourceful, and he was able to find a way to fix the printer.
fixated

To be fixated on something is to be focused on it to the point where you can't think about anything else. You might be fixated on a problem that you're trying to solve, or you might be fixated on a person or object that you find attractive.

  • She was fixated on the idea of moving to a new city, and she spent hours thinking about it.
  • He was fixated on the wrong target, and he was killed because of it.
procuring

To procure something is to find or buy it. If you want to buy a new car, you need to procure one.

  • The store was unable to procure the model that they wanted.
  • The police are trying to procure the suspect.
mallets

A mallet is a tool that is used to hit something hard. It is usually made of wood or metal, and it is very heavy.

  • The mallet was too heavy for her to carry, so she threw it away.
  • He was using the mallet to smash the windows.
sociable

Sociable means friendly and hospitable. When someone is sociable, they are usually happy and friendly. They are usually willing to talk to anyone, and they are usually open to new people and new ideas.

  • The party was very sociable, and everyone was getting to know each other.
  • The restaurant is very sociable, and they always have a lot of people waiting in line.
reinvent

To reinvent something is to make it new again. This can be a difficult task, because often times the original version of the object is better than the new version.

  • The company is trying to reinvent the wheel by creating their own version of the product.
  • The company is trying to reinvent the sport by creating new rules and regulations.
raisings

To raise (something) is to increase its height or to push it upwards. You can raise a flag to show that you're in a flag (or war) zone, or you can raise (something) in a toast.

  • The company is raising prices every month, which is why the prices are so high.
  • Please raise your glasses to toast my new job.
favelas

Favelas are Brazilian towns or neighborhoods that are located in the midst of the urban jungle. They are often poor and dangerous, and they are home to a large number of people who are struggling to survive.

  • The favela is a dangerous place, and it's not safe to go outside.
  • The favela is a very poor area, and it's not easy to live there.