Entertainment Lexical Minimum: Comprehensive Study Guide

Theatre & Performance

A rehearsal ($n.$, $/rɪ'hɜ:rsəl/$) is defined as a practice for a play or performance before it is done in public. To rehearse ($v.$, $/rɪ'hɜ:rs/$) means to practise a play or performance before doing it in public. To practise ($v.$) is to do an activity repeatedly in order to improve your skill or prepare for something.

An audition ($n.$, $/ɔ:'dɪʃən/$) is a short performance to show whether somebody is suitable for a role or job. A performance ($n.$, $/pər'fɔ:rməns/$) is the act of performing a play or other show in public. To perform ($v.$, $/pər'fɔ:rm/$) is to act, sing, play music, or do something for an audience. To act ($v.$, $/ækt/$) means to perform a role in a play, film, or show.

A scene ($n.$, $/si:n/$) refers to a part of a play, film, or book in which events happen in one place or time. Scenery ($n.$, $/'si:nəri/$) describes the painted or built background and objects used on a theatre stage. The stage ($n.$, $/steɪdʒ/$) is the area in a theatre where actors or performers appear.

An orchestra ($n.$, $/'ɔ:rkɪstrə/$) is a large group of musicians who play classical music together. A conductor ($n.$, $/kən'daktər/$) is a person who directs an orchestra or choir. Contrastingly, a band ($n.$, $/bænd/$) is a group of musicians who play popular music together. A musical ($n.$, $/'mju:zɪkəl/$) is a play or film in which songs and music are an important part.

A comedian ($n.$, $/kə'mi:diən/$) is a person whose job is to make people laugh. To entertain ($v.$, $/entər'teɪn/$) is to amuse or interest people, especially by performing for them. Entertaining ($adj.$, $/entər'teɪnɪŋ/$) is an adjective describing something enjoyable or amusing to watch, listen to, or take part in. To amuse ($v.$, $/ə'mju:z/$) means to make someone laugh or feel entertained, while to bore ($v.$, $/bɔ:r/$) means to make someone feel tired and uninterested.

A ticket ($n.$, $/'tɪkɪt/$) is a printed or electronic document that allows you to enter a place or event. A fee ($n.$, $/fi/$) constitutes an amount of money paid for a service, course, or membership.

Cinema & Streaming

A cinema ($n.$, $/'sınəmə/$) is a place where people go to watch films. Related terms include cinema complex or multiplex ($n.$), which designate a large cinema with several screens in one building. A streaming service ($n.$) is an online service that lets people watch films other video content.

An episode ($n.$, $/'epɪsəʊd/$) is one part of a television or online series. A series ($n.$, $/'sɪəri:z/$) consists of a set of connected episodes of a television or online programme. A trailer ($n.$, $/'treɪlər/$) is a short video that advertises a film, series, or programme.

The box office ($n.$, $/'boks ɒfɪs/$) refers to the money earned by a film from ticket sales. A premiere ($n.$, $/'premieər/$) is the first public performance or showing of a film or play.

Subtitles ($n.$, plural) are words shown at the bottom of a screen that translate or repeat what is said. Dubbing ($n.$, $/'dabɪŋ/$) is the process of replacing the original speech in a film or programme with speech in another language. Special effects ($n.$, plural) are visual or sound effects used in films, television, or theatre to create things that are not real. A close-up ($n.$, $/'kləʊs ʌp/$) is a photograph or film shot that shows something from very near.

Film Genres

A horror film ($n.$, $/'hɒrər fɪlm/$) is a film that is intended to frighten people. A thriller ($n.$, $/'θrɪlər/$) is a film or book with an exciting story, often involving danger or crime. Sci-fi ($n.$, $/'saɪ faɪ/$) refers to stories, films, or books about science, technology, space, or the future. Fantasy ($n.$, $/'fæntəsi/$) involves a story, film, or book that includes magic or imaginary worlds.

A documentary ($n.$, $/ˌdɒkju'mentəri/$) is a film or programme that gives facts about real people, events, or situations. A biopic ($n.$, $/'baɪəʊpɪk/$) is a film about the life of a real person. An arthouse film ($n.$, $/'a:rthaʊs/$) is a serious or experimental film made for a smaller audience. A western ($n.$, $/'western/$) is a film or story about cowboys and life in the American West. A cult film ($n.$, $/'kʌlt/$) is a film that has a small but very enthusiastic group of fans.

Animation ($n.$, $/ˌænɪ'meɪʃən/$) refers to films or images made from drawings, models, or computer graphics that appear to move. A cartoon ($n.$, $/ka:r'tu:n/$) is a film or drawing made in a simple, often humorous style. A rom-com ($n.$, $/'rom kom/$) is a romantic comedy.

An action film ($n.$) is a film with many exciting events, such as fights, chases, or explosions. A crime film ($n.$, $/'kraɪm fɪlm/$) is about crimes, criminals, or the police. A detective film ($n.$, $/dɪ'tektɪv fɪlm/$) is about solving a crime or mystery. A historical drama ($n.$, $/hɪ'stɒrɪkəl 'dra:mə/$) is a serious story set in the past. Similarly, a period drama ($n.$, $/'pɪəriəd dra:mə/$) is set in a particular historical period, often with detailed costumes and settings. An indie film ($n.$, $/'ɪndi/$) is made outside the major studios, often with a smaller budget.

An adventure film ($n.$) is a film about exciting or dangerous journeys and experiences. A slasher film ($n.$, $/'slæʃər fɪlm/$) is a horror film in which a killer attacks several people, usually with a knife. A mockumentary ($n.$, $/'mɒkju'mentəri/$) is a fictional film or programme made to look like a documentary. Noir ($n./adj.$, $/nwa:r/$) is a style of film with crime, dark themes, and a pessimistic mood. A creature feature ($n.$) is a horror or science-fiction film about a monster or dangerous creature. A heist film ($n.$, $/'haɪst/$) is a film about planning and carrying out a robbery.

Filmmaking Process

The people involved in filmmaking include the director ($n.$, $/də'rektər/$), who is the person in charge of making a film, play, or television programme. The screenwriter ($n.$, $/'skri:n raɪtər/$) is the person who writes scripts for films or television. The editor ($n.$, $/'edɪtər/$) prepares filmed material into the final version. The cast ($n.$, $/ka:st/$) refers to all the actors in a film, play, or television programme, while the crew ($n.$, $/kru:/$) are the people who work together to make a film, programme, or performance, but do not usually act in it. Extras ($n.$, plural, $/'ekstrəz/$) are people who appear in the background of a film scene.

Regarding processes and elements, production ($n.$, $/prə'dʌkʃən/$) is the process of making a film, television programme, or show. Filming ($n.$) is the process of recording a film, scene, or programme with a camera, and shooting ($n.$, $/'ʃu:tɪŋ/$) specifically refers to filming scenes for a film or television programme.

A script ($n.$, $/skrɪpt/$) is the written text of a film or play including what people say and do. A screenplay ($n.$) is the written text of a film, including the dialogue and instructions for action. A stunt ($n.$, $/stʌnt/$) is a dangerous or difficult action performed in a film or show. To star in ($phr. v.$, $/sta:r ɪn/$) means to have one of the main roles in a film or play. Props ($n.$, plural, $/prɒps/$) are objects used by actors in a film, play, or show.

Narrative, Story & Characters

A narrative ($n.$, $/'nærətɪv/$) is the way a story is told or organized. The plot ($n.$, $/plɒt/$) involves the main events of a story, film, play, or book. Pacing ($n.$, $/'peɪsɪŋ/$) is the speed at which a story develops, while pace ($n.$, $/peɪs/$) more generally is the speed at which something happens or develops. A resolution ($n.$, $/ˌrezə'lu:ʃən/$) is the part of a story where the main problem is solved. A twist ($n.$, $/twɪst/$) is an unexpected change in a story or situation.

The protagonist ($n.$, $/prə'tægənɪst/$) is the main character in a story, film, play, or book. The antagonist ($n.$, $/æn'tægənɪst/$) is a character or force that opposes the protagonist. A hero ($n.$, $/'hɪərəʊ/$) is the main good character, and a villain ($n.$, $/'vɪlən/$) is a bad character. A victim ($n.$, $/'vɪktɪm/$) is a person who is harmed, injured, or killed by someone or something. Supporting characters ($n.$, plural) are characters who are not the main characters, and a supporting role ($n.$) is a role that is important but not the main role. A narrator ($n.$, $/nə'reɪtər/$) is the person or voice that tells a story.

To resonate with ($phr. v.$, $/'rezəneɪt/$) signifies having a strong emotional meaning for someone. To steal the show ($idiom$) means to attract more attention and praise than anyone or anything else. To address issues means to discuss or deal with some questions. A novel ($n.$, $/'nɒvəl/$) is a long fictional book. Fiction ($n.$, $/'fɪkʃən/$) refers to literature that describes imaginary people and events. An anecdote ($n.$, $/'ænɪkdəʊt/$) is a short, often amusing story about a real person or event.

A review ($n.$, $/rɪ'vju:/$) is a written or spoken opinion about a book, film, play, or other work. Criticism ($n.$, $/'krɪtɪsɪzəm/$) consists of comments that judge the qualities or faults of something. A classic ($n./adj.$, $/'klæsɪk/$) is a work considered important and of very high quality. A cult classic ($n.$) is a work that is very popular with a small, devoted group of fans. A backdrop ($n.$, $/'bækdrɒp/$) is the place, situation, or background in which events happen. To plunge the reader into ($phrase$, $/plʌndʒ/$) means to make the reader become involved in a story. To outstay one's welcome ($idiom$) means to continue for too long and become less enjoyable.

Review Adjectives

Positive review adjectives include: gripping ($adj.$, $/'grɪpɪŋ/$), meaning very exciting or interesting; haunting ($adj.$, $/'hɔ:ntɪŋ/$), which means beautiful, sad, or frightening in a way that stays in your mind; catchy ($adj.$, $/'kætʃi/$), meaning easy to remember; soulful ($adj.$, $/'səʊlfəl/$), showing deep feeling or emotion; and page-turning ($adj.$), very exciting to read and difficult to stop reading.

Other positive descriptors are: well-acted ($adj.$), performed skilfully by the actors; thought-provoking ($adj.$), making people think seriously about a subject; powerful ($adj.$, $/'paʊərfəl/$), having a strong effect on feelings; uplifting ($adj.$, $/ˌʌp'lɪftɪŋ/$), making people feel happier or more hopeful; immersive ($adj.$, $/ɪ'mɜ:rsɪv/$), making you feel completely involved in a story or film; moving ($adj.$, $/'mu:vɪŋ/$), causing strong feelings of sadness or sympathy; and memorable ($adj.$, $/'memərəbəl/$), worth remembering because it is special or impressive.

Further positive terms include: well-produced ($adj.$), made with good technical quality; heartbreaking ($adj.$), causing very strong feelings of sadness; original ($adj.$, $/ə'rɪdʒənəl/$), new, different, and not copied; nuanced ($adj.$, $/'nju:a:nst/$), showing small but important differences in meaning or feeling; visually stunning ($phrase$), extremely impressive or beautiful to look at; beautifully shot ($phrase$, $/'bju:tɪfəli ʃɒt/$), filmed in a very attractive or skilful way; hard to put down ($phrase$), so interesting or exciting that you do not want to stop reading it; atmospheric ($adj.$, $/ˌætməs'ferɪk/$), creating a strong mood; and suspenseful ($adj.$, $/sə'spensfəl/$), making you feel nervous about what will happen next.

Negative and mixed adjectives include: predictable ($adj.$), easy to guess before it happens; underwhelming ($adj.$, $/ˌʌndər'welmɪŋ/$), less impressive or exciting than expected; repetitive ($adj.$, $/rɪ'petətɪv/$), repeated too often and becoming boring; and dull ($adj.$, $/dʌl/$), not interesting or exciting.

Additional negative/mixed terms are: overrated ($adj.$), considered better than it really is; sentimental ($adj.$, $/ˌsentɪ'mentəl/$), expressing emotions in a way that may seem too strong or not sincere; disturbing ($adj.$), making people feel worried, upset, or uncomfortable; melodic ($adj.$, $/mə'lɒdɪk/$), pleasant to listen to because it has a clear and attractive tune; formulaic ($adj.$, $/fɔ:rmjə'leɪk/$), following a familiar pattern and lacking originality; overwritten ($adj.$), written with too many words or too much detail; overproduced ($adj.$), made with too many technical effects; clichéd ($adj.$, $/'kli:ʃeɪd/$), using ideas or expressions that have been used too often; forgettable ($adj.$, $/fər'getəbəl/$), not interesting or special enough to be remembered; and derivative ($adj.$, $/dɪ'rɪvətɪv/$), strongly based on something else and not very original.

Compound Adjectives for Reviews

Action-packed ($adj.$) describes a work full of exciting events, especially fights, chases, or danger. Thought-provoking ($adj.$) makes people think seriously about a subject. Fast-paced ($adj.$) means moving or developing quickly, whereas slow-paced ($adj.$) means moving or developing slowly. Nail-biting ($adj.$) is very exciting or tense because you do not know what will happen next.

Mind-boggling ($adj.$) is extremely surprising or difficult to understand. Star-studded ($adj.$) includes many famous actors, singers, or performers. Family-friendly ($adj.$) is suitable for children and adults to enjoy together. Far-fetched ($adj.$) is difficult to believe because it seems unlikely or unrealistic. Big-budget ($adj.$) is made with a large amount of money. Dog-eared ($adj.$) describes having pages with folded or damaged corners.

Books & Reading

Types of readers include the bookworm ($n.$), a person who loves reading and spends a lot of time with books. An avid reader ($n.$, $/ˌævɪd 'ri:dər/$) reads a lot and enjoys it very much. A casual reader ($n.$) reads sometimes, but not very often or seriously. A speed reader ($n.$) can read very quickly. A binge-reader ($n.$, $/'bɪndʒ ri:dər/$) reads a lot in a short period of time. A re-reader ($n.$) reads the same books again. A mood reader ($n.$) chooses books depending on their mood. A DNF-er ($n.$, $/di: en 'ef ər/$) often stops reading books before finishing them. A literary snob ($n.$, $/ˌlɪtərəri 'snɒb/$) thinks certain books are better than others and judges people by what they read.

Book formats and conditions involve paperback ($n.$), a book with a soft paper cover; hardcover or hardback ($n.$), a book with a stiff, hard cover; e-book ($n.$, $/'i: bʊk/$); audiobook ($n.$, $/'ɔ:diəʊ bʊk/$); illustrated edition ($n.$); and pocket edition ($n.$), a small edition easy to carry. Pristine ($adj.$, $/'prɪsti:n/$) means in perfect condition; battered ($adj.$, $/'bætərd/$) means old or damaged because of heavy use; falling apart ($phrase$) means in very bad condition; and well-thumbed ($adj.$) means used or read many times.

Book Genres & Literary Forms

Fiction and Non-fiction forms include the novel ($n.$, $/'nɒvəl/$), a long fictional book; short story ($n.$), a short work of fiction; biography ($n.$, $/baɪ'ɒgrəfi/$), the story of a real person's life written by someone else; autobiography ($n.$, $/ˌɔ:təbaɪ'ɒgrəfi/$), the story of a person's life written by that person; diary ($n.$, $/'daɪəri/$), a book or digital record of daily life; and memoir ($n.$, $/'memwa:r/$), a book about important life events.

Flash fiction ($n.$, $/'flæʃ fɪkʃən/$) is a very short work of fiction. A novella ($n.$, $/nə'velə/$) is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. A trilogy ($n.$, $/'trɪlədʒi/$) is a set of three connected books, films, or plays. An anthology ($n.$, $/æn'θɒlədʒi/$) is a collection of stories, poems, or other writings by different authors.

Traditional and Hybrid forms include myths ($n.$, $/mɪθ/$), ancient stories explaining natural events or cultural beliefs; legends ($n.$, $/'ledʒənd/$), old stories possibly based on real events; and folk tales ($n.$, $/'fəʊk teɪl/$), traditional stories passed down among ordinary people. Fairy tales ($n.$, $/'feəri teɪl/$) are stories for children including magic. A fable ($n.$, $/'feɪbəl/$) is a short story teaching a moral lesson. A ballad ($n.$, $/'bæləd/$) is a poem or song that tells a story, and a saga ($n.$, $/'sa:gə/$) is a long story about heroic events or a family. A sonnet ($n.$, $/'sɒnɪt/$) is a poem of fourteen lines with a fixed rhythm. Graphic novels ($n.$, $/ˌgræfɪk 'nɒvəl/$) and comic books ($n.$, $/'kɒmɪk bʊk/$) tell stories through pictures and words. Fan fiction ($n.$, $/'fæn fɪkʃən/$) involves stories written by fans using existing characters or worlds.

Music

Musical instruments include the violin ($n.$, $/ˌvaɪə'lɪn/$), cello ($n.$, $/'tʃeləʊ/$), harp ($n.$, $/ha:rp/$), and double bass ($n.$, $/ˌdabəl 'beɪs/$). Others include the piano ($n.$, $/pi'ænəʊ/$), guitar ($n.$, $/gɪ'ta:r/$), drums ($n.$, plural, $/dramz/$), flute ($n.$, $/flu:t/$), clarinet ($n.$, $/ˌklærə'net/$), saxophone ($n.$, $/'sæksəfəʊn/$), and trumpet ($n.$, $/'trʌmpɪt/$).

Instrument categories consist of wind instruments (played by blowing air), string instruments (producing sound from vibrating strings), and percussion instruments ($n.$, $/pər'kʌʃən/$), played by hitting, shaking, or scraping.

Music genres include jazz ($n.$, with improvisation and strong rhythms); classical ($n./adj.$, traditional Western music); blues ($n.$, slow rhythm expressing sadness); hip hop ($n.$, including rap and strong beats); rock & roll ($n.$, strong beat from blues and country); pop ($n./adj.$, simple and memorable); country ($n./adj.$, $/'kantri/$); hard rock ($n.$); heavy metal ($n.$); reggae ($n.$, $/'regeɪ/$); grunge ($n.$, $/grandʒ/$); techno ($n.$, $/'teknəʊ/$); house ($n.$); funk ($n.$, $/faŋk/$); salsa ($n.$, $/'sælsə/$); and gospel ($n.$, $/'gɒspəl/$).

To describe music, one uses terms like: upbeat ($adj.$, $/'ʌpbi:t/$), cheerful and lively; melancholic ($adj.$, $/ˌmelən'kɒlɪk/$), expressing sadness; nostalgic ($adj.$, $/nɒ'stældʒɪk/$), thinking fondly about the past; and cheesy ($adj.$, $/'tʃi:zi/$), too emotional or silly. A timeless classic ($n.$) remains popular for a long time, while a smash hit ($n.$) is extremely popular. A catchy melody ($n.$) is easy to remember. Other descriptors include jazzy ($adj.$, $/'dʒæzi/$), funky ($adj.$, $/'faŋki/$), and orchestral ($adj.$, $/ɔ:r'kestrəl/$).

Music Idioms

Music-related idioms include: change one's tune (to change your opinion or attitude), face the music (to accept unpleasant results of actions), and play it by ear (to decide what to do as a situation develops). Something music to my ears is pleasant or encouraging. To ring a bell means to sound familiar. To blow your own trumpet means to praise yourself. Fine-tuning ($n.$) refers to small careful changes made to improve something.

Confusable Words

Key vocabulary that is often confused includes: enjoy versus entertain; watch versus see versus look (at); listen (to) versus hear; and play versus act versus star (in). Other distinctions to note are: audition versus rehearsal; rehearse versus practise; scene versus scenery versus stage; and band versus orchestra versus group. Finally, recognize the differences between review and criticism, novel and fiction, comic versus cartoon versus comedian, and ticket and fee.