biological clock
pl. biological clocks
Commonality score: 2 (Common)
Translations
Arabic: الساعة البيولوجية
Chinese (Mandarin): 生物钟
French: horloge biologique
German: biologische Uhr
Hindi: जैविक घड़ी
Japanese: 生物時計
Korean: 생체 시계
Polish: zegar biologiczny
Portuguese: relógio biológico
Russian: биологические часы
Spanish: reloj biológico
Thai: นาฬิกาชีวภาพ
Turkish: biyolojik saat
Vietnamese: đồng hồ sinh học
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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, translations could be misleading. Check with your teacher if you are unsure.
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Noun type
Compound Noun (Abstract): ""Biological clock" is an abstract compound noun because it refers to an internal, naturally occurring system in organisms that regulates cycles of activity, such as sleep, fertility, or aging.
It is countable when referring to specific systems or metaphors:
“Her biological clock was a factor in her decision to have children.”
It is a compound noun, formed from the adjective biological + the concrete noun clock, creating a metaphorical phrase.
Definition/s
- The natural system that controls when you wake, sleep, eat, or feel alert (circadian rhythm).
- A metaphorical term used to describe a woman’s fertility timeline, especially the perceived urgency to have children before a certain age.
- Any internal timing mechanism in organisms governing periodic biological activities.
Examples
- Your biological clock adjusts gradually to changes in time zones.
- She felt the pressure of her biological clock ticking in her mid-30s.
- Animals rely on their biological clocks to migrate or hibernate seasonally.
What are Openers?
- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
1. Open Questions
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
2. Stories
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
3. Opinions
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
What are Openers?
- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
1. Open Questions
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
2. Stories
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
3. Opinions
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
The Skinny
You’ve been asked to brief a senior executive (the “boss”) on a key issue from a recent business news event. This person is busy and relies on you to give them insight, not headlines.
You have 60–90 seconds to deliver a concise, high-value update tailored to their concerns and communication preferences.
1. Read the boss profile carefully.
- Who are they?
- What do they care about?
- What do they not want to hear?
2. Stick to their focus.
- What part of the story matters most to them?
- Don’t explain everything—prioritise.
3. Use business English.
- Be clear, precise, and professional.
- Avoid informal or emotional language.
Two Papal Styles: Clerical vs. Pastoral
Not all popes lead the same way. Some focus more on rules and tradition, while others focus on care and connection. These two styles are often called clerical and pastoral.
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
🟣 Clerical Style
- Focuses on rules, tradition, and Church authority
- Speaks with clear, firm direction
- Keeps strong boundaries between Church leaders and members.
Example: A clerical pope might defend strict Church teachings on family or sacraments.
🟢 Pastoral Style
- Focuses on compassion, listening, and inclusion
- Tries to meet people where they are.
- Emphasises mercy over judgment.
Example: A pastoral pope might welcome divorced people or support migrants and the poor.
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