Academic Pressure Terminology

verb to cause someone to feel worried, troubled, or burdened

• The responsibilities of being a CEO can weigh upon a person heavily.
• I can see that the stress of the upcoming exams is weighing upon you.
• The pressure to perform well in the game really weighs upon me.
• The guilt of not visiting my grandparents more often weighs upon my conscience.

adjective a Singaporean term derived from a Hokkien dialect meaning afraid to lose or miss out, often used to describe someone who is overly competitive or eager to succeed

• The kiasu attitude among students in Singapore is evident in their relentless pursuit of academic excellence.
• My aunt is so kiasu, she always has to be the first in line for everything.
• Don't be so kiasu lah, just relax and enjoy the moment.
• His kiasu nature extends beyond just material possessions, he always wants to be ahead in every aspect of his life.