Family Communication

noun a petty argument or dispute

verb engage in a petty argument or dispute

• The board members were engaged in constant bickering over the budget allocation.
• Stop bickering and just get the work done!
• They were just bickering back and forth like a couple of kids.
• The storm clouds overhead seemed to be bickering with each other before the rain started pouring down.

verb To intrude or interrupt a conversation or situation without being invited or needed.

preposition To insert oneself into a conversation or situation in an intrusive or unwelcome manner.

• It is considered impolite to butt in on someone else's conversation.
• Hey, don't butt in when I'm talking to my friend!
• Stop butting in, you're being annoying.
• The new manager likes to butt in and micromanage everything.

noun a person who constantly complains or grumbles

• The grumbler in the office always has something negative to say about the company's policies.
• Don't be such a grumbler, just enjoy the party.
• The grumbler at the bar wouldn't stop complaining about the service.
• She was known as the grumbler of the family, always finding fault in everything.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun

• Please remember to put the phone down during important meetings.
• Hey, can you put the phone down for a minute and listen to me?
• Dude, just put the phone down and chill for a bit.
• Sometimes we need to put the phone down and focus on the present moment.

noun a small movement or adjustment, typically made to make more space or to get comfortable

• Could you please scooch over a bit so there's room for everyone at the table?
• Hey, scooch over and make some space for me on the couch.
• I had to scooch past the crowd to get to the front of the line.
• She had to scooch her way through the dense forest to find the hidden treasure.

noun a step or small platform used as a form of discipline for misbehaving children

• The child was placed on the naughty step as a form of discipline.
• I had to sit on the naughty step when I misbehaved.
• My mom always threatens to put me on the naughty step if I don't listen.
• Sometimes it feels like I'm on the naughty step at work when I make mistakes.

noun a person's relatives, typically consisting of parents, siblings, and children, connected through the video call service Skype

• The Skype family gathered online to celebrate their grandmother's birthday.
• I love catching up with my Skype family every weekend.
• My Skype fam is always there for me when I need to chat.
• Even though we're miles apart, we're still a close-knit Skype family.