What does "breaking news" mean? In what circumstances could I use it?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Breaking news" is news that is newly received information about an event happening or that has just happened. It's not really used other in reference to news that is "breaking news." So reporters and news stations will use it a lot, but it's not said a lot other than then. Even when referencing the "breaking news," it's usually just called "news." Ex: You just missed the breaking news about the band performing live again! => less common = You just missed the news about the band performing live again! => more common Ex: The headline read "breaking news," but I had heard of it before.

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Popular Q&As

10/23

1
What is the difference between "bar" and "criteria"?
"Bar" refers to a more general level of qualification something has to have, where as "criteria" are specific elements something has to have.

2
Could you give some example for “societal convention”?
"Societal conventions" are unspoken rules that people follow and have agreed on that determine how you should behave in public. Societal conventions may be different in each country. Some examples of societal conventions are: table manners (Ex: not eating with your mouth open), getting in a line, not littering, etc.

3
Is "take any chances" have the same meaning as "take no chances"? What exactly does it mean?
Yes! Both of these phrases have similar meanings. These phrases mean to not do something that might be risky or dangerous. Ex: I will not take any chances when it comes to my health. Ex: She takes no chances with her children's safety. Ex: They did not take any chances and made sure their car was fixed before the road trip. Ex: Do not take any chances with that dog. He is very aggressive.

4
What does "NGO" stand for?
NGO stands for "non-governmental organization," which is an organization that is not run for profit (like businesses). They are usually run for the public good, and may involve things like healthcare, education, charity, human rights, climate change, reducing poverty, and so on. Ex: Some influential NGOs include International Rescue Committee, PATH, and OXFAM. Ex: I recently started volunteering at a human rights NGO.

5
What does "Get dunked on" mean?
"Get dunked on" means to be defeated by someone in a humiliating way. Ex: I won! Get dunked on!

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