The 2014 movie Whiplash is a gripping drama about ambition, passion, and the pursuit of perfection in music. Starring Miles Teller as Andrew Neiman and J.K. Simmons as the intense music instructor Terence Fletcher, this film is perfect for learning vocabulary related to music, education, and emotions. Watching the movie while reviewing these terms will enhance your English comprehension and appreciation for the dialogue.

➡️ IMDB Link to Whiplash
➡️ Watch the Trailer on YouTube

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Vocabulary List for Whiplash

🎵 Music and Instruments

1. Drum Kit /drʌm kɪt/
   • Definition: A collection of drums and cymbals set up for a single drummer.
   • Example Sentence: “Andrew practices on his drum kit for hours to perfect his technique.”
2. Tempo /ˈtɛm.poʊ/
   • Definition: The speed at which a piece of music is played.
   • Example Sentence: “Fletcher demands Andrew keep the tempo exactly as written.”
3. Cymbal /ˈsɪm.bəl/
   • Definition: A thin, round metal percussion instrument that produces a crashing sound.
   • Example Sentence: “The cymbals rang loudly during the climactic drum solo.”
4. Sheet Music /ʃiːt ˈmjuː.zɪk/
   • Definition: Printed music notation showing the notes and rhythms of a piece.
   • Example Sentence: “Andrew memorizes the sheet music to impress Fletcher.”
5. Metronome /ˈmɛt.rəˌnoʊm/
   • Definition: A device used to keep a steady beat during practice.
   • Example Sentence: “Using a metronome helps Andrew stay on tempo.”
6. Double Time /ˈdʌb.əl taɪm/
   • Definition: A faster tempo, often twice the original speed.
   • Example Sentence: “Fletcher yells at Andrew to play in double time.”
7. Chord /kɔːrd/
   • Definition: A group of notes played together to create harmony.
   • Example Sentence: “The band struggled to align their chords during rehearsal.”
8. Improvisation /ˌɪm.prə.vɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
   • Definition: Creating music spontaneously without prior preparation.
   • Example Sentence: “Jazz relies heavily on improvisation, challenging Andrew to think creatively.”

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🎭 Drama and Emotions

1. Tension /ˈtɛn.ʃən/
   • Definition: A feeling of nervousness or stress.
   • Example Sentence: “The tension between Andrew and Fletcher grows throughout the movie.”
2. Ambition /æmˈbɪʃ.ən/
   • Definition: A strong desire to achieve success.
   • Example Sentence: “Andrew’s ambition drives him to push his limits.”
3. Conflict /ˈkɑːn.flɪkt/
   • Definition: A serious disagreement or struggle.
   • Example Sentence: “The movie’s central conflict revolves around Fletcher’s harsh teaching methods.”
4. Obsession /əbˈsɛʃ.ən/
   • Definition: An intense and unhealthy focus on something.
   • Example Sentence: “Andrew’s obsession with becoming the best drummer affects his personal life.”
5. Resilience /rɪˈzɪl.jəns/
   • Definition: The ability to recover from difficulties.
   • Example Sentence: “Andrew shows resilience after being humiliated by Fletcher.”

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📚 Education and Practice

1. Instructor /ɪnˈstrʌk.tɚ/
   • Definition: A person who teaches a skill or subject.
   • Example Sentence: “Fletcher is an instructor who pushes his students to the edge.”
2. Practice /ˈpræk.tɪs/
   • Definition: Repeated exercise to improve a skill.
   • Example Sentence: “Andrew practices every day to perfect his drumming.”
3. Criticism /ˈkrɪt.ɪˌsɪz.əm/
   • Definition: The act of pointing out mistakes or offering feedback.
   • Example Sentence: “Fletcher’s harsh criticism often leaves Andrew discouraged.”
4. Perfectionism /pɚˈfɛk.ʃəˌnɪz.əm/
   • Definition: The refusal to accept any standard short of perfection.
   • Example Sentence: “Fletcher’s perfectionism creates a toxic learning environment.”

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😠 Anger and Intensity

1. Rage /reɪdʒ/
   • Definition: Extreme or violent anger.
   • Example Sentence: “Fletcher’s rage intimidates the students.”
2. Humiliation /hjuːˌmɪl.iˈeɪ.ʃən/
   • Definition: The feeling of being deeply embarrassed.
   • Example Sentence: “Andrew experiences humiliation when Fletcher throws a chair at him.”
3. Manipulation /məˌnɪp.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/
   • Definition: Controlling someone for your own benefit.
   • Example Sentence: “Fletcher’s manipulation tests Andrew’s limits.”

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✨ Inspiration and Achievement | Whiplash vocabulary list

1. Breakthrough /ˈbreɪk.θruː/
   • Definition: A significant achievement or moment of realization.
   • Example Sentence: “Andrew has a breakthrough during his final performance.”
2. Dedication /ˌdɛd.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/
   • Definition: Commitment to a task or purpose.
   • Example Sentence: “Andrew’s dedication to drumming is unwavering.”
3. Legacy /ˈlɛɡ.ə.si/
   • Definition: Something handed down or remembered after someone is gone.
   • Example Sentence: “Fletcher’s legacy as a teacher is both admired and feared.”