English B2 Words: 2,415 Words (Upper Intermediate)
All 2,415 English B2 words, each with its meaning and an example sentence: words for work, argument, and nuance-heavy conversation. Practice them out loud with your AI language tutor to make them stick.
2,415 words
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- abandonedleft alone or deserted
- abnormallyin an unusual or irregular way
- abolishto officially end a law or practice
- aboriginalrelating to the earliest known inhabitants
- abruptlysuddenly and without warning
- absenteea person who is absent from a place
- absurdwildly unreasonable or ridiculous
- abusecruel treatment or wrong use of something
- accessibilitythe quality of being easy to reach or use
- accommodationa place where someone lives or stays
- accordinglyin a way that fits the situation
- accumulateto gather or increase gradually over time
- accusationa claim that someone has done wrong
- achievablepossible to achieve with effort
- acida chemical substance that can dissolve metals
- acquisitionthe act of obtaining or buying something
- activelyin an energetic or involved way
- actualexisting in reality, real
- acutevery serious or severe, sharp
- adaptableable to adjust to new conditions easily
- addicta person unable to stop using a substance
- addictedunable to stop using or doing something
- addictionthe state of being unable to stop
- additionallyused to add extra information
- adequateenough or good enough for a purpose
- adequatelyin a way that is good enough
- adjustmenta small change made to improve something
- administrativerelating to managing an organization
- admirabledeserving respect and approval
- admiringlyin a way that shows admiration
- admittedlyused to admit something is true
- adoptedtaken into a family or used as one's own
- adoptionlegally taking a child, or accepting a plan
- adoreto love or admire someone deeply
- adornto decorate something to make it more attractive
- advancementprogress or a move to a higher position
- adventthe arrival of an important new thing
- adventurouswilling to try new or risky things
- adverseharmful or unfavorable to someone
- adverselyin a harmful or negative way
- adversitya difficult or unfortunate situation
- affectionateshowing love and warmth toward someone
- affectionatelyin a warm and loving way
- affordablepriced reasonably, not too expensive
- agelessnever appearing old, timeless
- aggressivelyin a forceful or hostile manner
- agonizeto worry or think anxiously for a long time
- agonyextreme physical or mental pain
- aircrafta machine that can fly, like a plane
- aircrewthe people who operate an aircraft
- alcoholisma medical condition of alcohol addiction
- alertto warn someone of danger or a problem
- allegationa claim that has not been proven
- alliancea formal agreement between groups or countries
- allya person or country that helps another
- alongsidenext to or together with something
- alphabeticalarranged in the order of the alphabet
- altara table used for religious rituals
- alterto change something slightly
- alternateto switch back and forth between things
- alternativelyas another possible choice
- altitudethe height of something above sea level
- aluminuma lightweight silver colored metal
- amazeto surprise someone greatly
- amazementa feeling of great surprise
- amazinglyin a surprising or remarkable way
- ambassadoran official who represents their country abroad
- ambiguitythe quality of having more than one meaning
- ambiguoushaving more than one possible meaning
- ammoniaa strong smelling gas used in cleaning
- amongstin the middle of a group, among
- amplemore than enough, plentiful
- amplifiera device that makes sound louder
- amplifyto make a sound or effect stronger
- amuseto entertain someone or make them laugh
- analogya comparison between two similar things
- analysta person who studies data in detail
- anchora heavy object that holds a ship in place
- anchoragea place where ships can anchor safely
- anchormana man who presents a news broadcast
- anchorpersona person who presents a news broadcast
- anguishsevere mental or emotional suffering
- animateto give life or movement to something
- anonymouswith a name that is not known or given
- antiaircraftused for defense against enemy aircraft
- antibacterialable to destroy or stop bacteria
- anticancera substance used to treat or fight cancer
- anticipateto expect or foresee something happening
- anticipationa feeling of excitement about something coming
- antipollutionefforts or rules meant to reduce pollution
- antistaticdesigned to prevent static electricity
- antivirussoftware that protects a computer from viruses
- apostrophea punctuation mark showing possession or omission
- applicanta person who formally applies for something
- appreciativefeeling or showing gratitude
- appropriatelyin a way that is suitable
- approximateclose to a value but not exact
- archa curved structure over an opening
- archaeologista scientist who studies ancient human history
- arcticrelating to the region around the North Pole
- arenaa large venue for sports or shows
- aristocracythe highest social class, often nobility
- armfulas much as the arms can hold
- arouseto cause a feeling or reaction to start
- arroganthaving an exaggerated sense of self importance
- arterya major blood vessel carrying blood from the heart
- articulateto express an idea clearly in words
- artificiallyin a way that is not natural
- artistrygreat creative or artistic skill
- ashthe powder left after something burns
- aspirationa strong hope or ambition to achieve something
- aspireto have a strong desire to achieve something
- assaulta violent physical attack on someone
- assembleto gather people or put parts together
- assemblya group of people gathered together, or putting parts together
- assertto state something firmly and confidently
- assessto judge or evaluate the quality of something
- assessmentthe act of judging or evaluating something
- assumptionsomething believed to be true without proof
- assurancea confident promise or statement
- assureto tell someone confidently that something is true
- astonishto surprise someone very much
- astonishedfeeling great surprise
- astonishingextremely surprising or impressive
- astonishmenta feeling of great surprise
- astronomythe scientific study of stars and planets
- athleticssports involving running, jumping, and throwing
- attachedjoined to something, or feeling fond of someone
- attainableable to be reached or achieved
- attainmentthe act of achieving something
- attendancethe act of being present somewhere
- attentivepaying close attention to someone or something
- attentivelyin a way that pays close attention
- attractivenessthe quality of being pleasing or appealing
- attributea quality that is part of someone or something
- atypicalnot typical or usual
- auberginea purple vegetable, also called eggplant
- auditan official check of financial records
- auditiona short performance to test a performer's skill
- authoritativehaving authority and commanding respect
- authorizeto give official permission for something
- availabilitythe state of being available or ready to use
- awaitto wait for someone or something
- awea feeling of great wonder or respect
- axa tool used for chopping wood
- axisan imaginary line something rotates around
B
- backupa copy kept in case the original is lost
- backwardtoward the back, or in reverse
- backyardthe outdoor area behind a house
- bad-temperedeasily angered or irritable
- badgea small item worn to show identity or achievement
- balancedhaving different parts in the correct proportion
- balkystubbornly refusing to move or work
- ballada slow song, often about love
- balleta classical style of dance and performance
- ballota paper or system used to vote
- banan official rule that forbids something
- bankera person who works at a bank
- bankruptto cause someone to lose all their money
- bankruptcythe legal state of having no money to pay debts
- barbershopa shop where men get haircuts
- barleya type of grain used for food and drinks
- barna large farm building for animals or crops
- barometeran instrument that measures air pressure
- barrentoo poor in quality to produce plants or crops
- barriersomething that blocks movement or progress
- bartendera person who serves drinks at a bar
- bathhousea public building with baths or showers
- battlefielda place where a battle is fought
- beaglea small breed of hunting dog
- beakthe hard pointed mouth part of a bird
- beama line of light, or a long piece of wood or metal
- bearingthe way something relates to a situation, or one's posture
- beautifyto make something more attractive
- bellowto shout in a loud deep voice
- belongingsthe things a person owns
- beneficialproducing good results, helpful
- benevolencekindness and a desire to do good
- benevolentkind and wanting to help others
- berrya small round juicy fruit
- bestowto formally give something as an honor
- bestsellera book or product that sells extremely well
- betrayto be disloyal to someone who trusts you
- bewilderto confuse someone completely
- bewildermenta feeling of being confused
- bidto offer to pay a certain price
- biddingthe process of offering prices at an auction
- bikinia two piece swimsuit for women
- billionthe number one thousand million
- bindto tie things together or unite people
- bioa short written description of someone's life
- biologicalrelating to living things or biology
- biotechnologytechnology based on biology and living organisms
- birdcagea cage used to keep a bird
- birthplacethe place where someone was born
- bitterlyin a very intense or resentful way
- bizarrevery strange or unusual
- bladethe flat cutting part of a knife or tool
- blasta sudden explosion or strong gust of air
- blazea large and dangerous fire
- blindlywithout thinking carefully or without sight
- blindnessthe condition of being unable to see
- blinkto close and open the eyes quickly
- bloodstreamthe blood flowing through the body
- bloodycovered with or involving blood
- bloomingproducing flowers, or thriving
- blossoma flower, especially on a fruit tree
- blurto make something unclear or difficult to see
- blurta sudden thoughtless remark
- boilingextremely hot, or at the point of boiling
- bolta metal pin used to fasten things together
- bombardan early type of heavy cannon
- bomberan aircraft designed to drop bombs
- bombingan attack that uses bombs
- bonyvery thin, with bones showing
- bookishvery interested in books and studying
- bookleta small thin book, often with instructions
- bookmarksomething used to mark a page, or a saved web link
- boostsomething that increases or improves a thing
- bootha small enclosed stall or compartment
- bossyfond of telling others what to do
- botanythe scientific study of plants
- botheredfeeling annoyed or worried about something
- bothersomecausing annoyance or trouble
- bourbona type of American whiskey
- boxera person who fights in the sport of boxing
- bracketa support fixed to a wall, or a group category
- braga boastful statement about oneself
- braverycourage shown in a difficult situation
- breakableable to break easily
- breakdowna failure of a machine or system, or a detailed analysis
- breakupthe ending of a relationship or partnership
- breathtakingso beautiful or exciting it takes your breath away
- breezypleasantly windy, or cheerful and relaxed
- brewerya place where beer is made
- brilliantlyin an extremely skillful or bright way
- broadbanda high speed internet connection
- broadcastera person or company that sends out radio or TV programs
- broadento make something wider or more general
- broadlyin a general way, without specific detail
- brochurea small booklet with pictures and information
- brother-in-lawthe husband of one's sister, or a spouse's brother
- browseto look through something casually, or shop without buying
- browsera program used to view websites
- bruisea dark mark on skin caused by an injury
- buda small part of a plant that grows into a flower
- bulimiaan eating disorder involving overeating and purging
- bullyto hurt or frighten someone weaker
- buman informal word for a homeless or lazy person
- bumpera bar on the front or back of a car
- buna small round bread roll, or a hairstyle
- burdensomecausing difficulty or a heavy burden
- bureaucracyan administrative system with many rules
- burglarythe crime of breaking in to steal
- burgleto break into and steal from a place
- burialthe act of burying a dead body
- bustleto move busily and hurriedly
- bustlingfull of busy, energetic activity
- buzza low humming sound, or excitement
C
- cabineta cupboard, or a government's ministers
- cablea thick wire for carrying power or signals
- calmlyin a relaxed, unworried way
- campaignan organized effort to achieve a goal
- candidatea person seeking a job or election
- canea stick for support, or a plant stem
- cannonballa heavy round shot fired by a cannon
- canonan accepted body of important works
- capabilitythe ability to do something
- captiona short text describing an image
- captivea person kept prisoner
- caravana towed vehicle for living or traveling in
- carbona common chemical element
- carbon dioxidea gas produced by breathing and burning
- carbon footprintthe amount of carbon emissions a person causes
- carbon monoxidea poisonous gas with no smell or color
- cardboardthick, stiff paper used for boxes
- cardigana knitted sweater that opens at the front
- carefreefree from worry or responsibility
- caringkind and concerned about others
- carnivala festive public celebration with music and costumes
- carpoolan arrangement to share car rides
- carveto cut material into a shape
- cascadea small waterfall, or a falling series
- castthe actors in a play or film
- casuallyin a relaxed, informal way
- cataloga list of items for sale or display
- catalystsomething that speeds up change or a reaction
- catastrophea sudden, terrible disaster
- catastrophicextremely harmful or disastrous
- catchyeasy to remember and pleasant
- categorizationthe act of sorting things into groups
- cateringthe business of providing food for events
- cathedrala large, important church
- ceaseto stop or come to an end
- ceilingthe upper interior surface of a room
- cellaran underground room used for storage
- cellista person who plays the cello
- celloa large stringed musical instrument
- cemeterya place where the dead are buried
- centigradea temperature scale based on 100 degrees
- certificatean official document proving something
- certificationthe process of officially confirming qualification
- certifyto officially confirm as true or qualified
- chancellora senior government or university official
- chaoticin a state of total confusion
- charmingpleasant and attractive
- cheatto act dishonestly to gain an advantage
- checkpointa place where people or vehicles are checked
- cheekyrude in a playful, bold way
- cheerfullyin a happy, positive way
- cheerfulnessthe quality of being happy and positive
- chemotherapya drug treatment for cancer
- cherishedloved and valued deeply
- cherrya small round red fruit with a pit
- chewto crush food repeatedly with the teeth
- childishimmature and silly, like a child
- chimneya pipe that carries smoke from a building
- chipa small broken piece, or an electronic circuit
- chopto cut something into pieces with force
- chunka thick, solid piece of something
- circuita closed path for an electric current
- circuitrya system of electronic circuits
- circumstancea fact or condition affecting a situation
- citywideaffecting an entire city
- clama shellfish with a hinged shell
- clapto strike the hands together, applaud
- clarifyto make something clearer or easier to understand
- classificationthe arrangement of things into groups
- clausea legal document section, or a grammar unit
- clearnessthe quality of being clear
- clericalrelating to routine office work
- clienta person who uses a professional's services
- climate changelong-term shifts in global weather patterns
- clogto block a passage or pipe
- closurethe act of shutting something permanently
- clothingitems worn to cover the body
- clumsyawkward in movement or manner
- coachingtraining or guidance from an instructor
- coalitiona temporary alliance between groups
- coarserough in texture, not fine or smooth
- coastlinethe outline of a coast
- cocktaila mixed alcoholic drink
- cocoaa chocolate-flavored powder or drink
- coconuta large brown tropical fruit
- coherencethe quality of being logical and consistent
- coherentlogical and consistent, easy to follow
- coincideto happen at the same time
- coincidencea chance occurrence of two events together
- colleaguea person one works with
- collectora person who collects things as a hobby
- collocationa natural combination of words
- colona punctuation mark, or part of the intestine
- colonialrelating to a colony or colonialism
- comaa deep, prolonged state of unconsciousness
- comfortablyin a physically pleasant, easy way
- commandera person in charge of a military force
- commemorateto honor the memory of something
- commercethe buying and selling of goods
- commissiona fee for services, or an official group
- commonwealthan association of independent countries
- communicativewilling or able to communicate easily
- communitypeople living together in the same area
- commuteto travel regularly between home and work
- compassionsympathy and concern for others' suffering
- compassionateshowing sympathy for others' suffering
- compatibleable to work or exist together
- compensateto pay someone for loss or damage
- compensationmoney paid for loss, injury, or damage
- competencethe ability to do something well
- competenthaving the skill to do something well
- compileto gather information into one collection
- completionthe act of finishing something
- complexionthe natural color and texture of skin
- complexitythe state of being complicated
- componenta part of a larger whole
- comprehensionthe ability to understand something
- comprehensivecomplete and including everything necessary
- compressa pad pressed onto part of the body
- compressionthe act of pressing or squeezing tightly
- compulsoryrequired by law or rule
- computeto calculate a result using math
- concealto hide something from view or knowledge
- concedeto admit something reluctantly, or yield
- conceitexcessive pride in oneself
- conceivableable to be imagined or believed
- conceiveto form an idea in the mind
- conceptionan idea or general understanding of something
- concerningabout or regarding a particular subject
- concessionsomething given up to reach agreement
- concretespecific and real, not abstract
- condemnto strongly express disapproval of something
- conductora person who leads an orchestra
- conea shape that narrows to a point
- conferencea large meeting for discussion on a topic
- conferencingthe use of technology to hold meetings remotely
- confessto admit to doing something wrong
- confessiona statement admitting wrongdoing
- confidentlyin a self-assured, certain way
- confineto keep within limits, or restrict
- confrontto face a difficult situation directly
- conjunctiona word that connects clauses or words
- conquestthe act of taking control by force
- consciencean inner sense of right and wrong
- consciousnessthe state of being awake and aware
- consensusgeneral agreement among a group
- consentpermission for something to happen
- considerablyto a large or noticeable degree
- consideringtaking into account the fact that
- consistentstaying the same, not changing
- consolationcomfort given after disappointment
- consoleto comfort someone who is upset
- constanthappening all the time, unchanging
- consultto seek advice or information from someone
- consultanta person who gives expert advice
- contaminateto make impure or dirty
- contemporarybelonging to the present time
- contempta feeling that someone deserves no respect
- contracta legal agreement between parties
- contradictto say the opposite of, disagree with
- contradictiona statement that opposes another
- contradictoryopposing or inconsistent with something else
- controversya public disagreement about something
- convenientlyin a way that is easy or suitable
- conventionan accepted social custom, or a large meeting
- conventionalbased on what is normally done
- conversethe exact opposite of something stated
- converselyintroducing an opposite point
- conversionchanging something from one form to another
- convertto change something into a different form
- convincedcompletely certain about something
- cooperateto work together toward a shared goal
- cooperationthe act of working together
- cooperativewilling to work well with others
- copeto deal successfully with a difficulty
- coppera reddish brown metal
- corala hard substance built by sea creatures
- corethe central, most important part
- cornerstonea fundamental part something depends on
- corneta small brass instrument like a trumpet
- coronaa ring of light around the sun
- corporalrelating to the physical body
- corporaterelating to a large company
- corporationa large company or business
- correctnessthe quality of being right or accurate
- correspondto match or be equivalent to something
- correspondencecommunication by exchanging letters or messages
- correspondenta journalist who reports from a distant place
- correspondingmatching or related to something else
- corridora long passage inside a building
- corruptacting dishonestly for personal gain
- corruptiondishonest or illegal behavior for gain
- costlyexpensive, costing a lot
- costumeclothing worn to represent a character
- cottagea small house, often in the countryside
- countrymana person from one's own country
- countrywidehappening across an entire country
- courtesypolite behavior showing respect for others
- cowarda person who lacks courage
- cowardlylacking courage, afraid to act
- cozinessthe quality of being warm and comfortable
- cozywarm, comfortable, and pleasant
- craba sea creature with a shell and claws
- cracka thin line where something is broken
- craftsmana skilled worker who makes things by hand
- cratera large bowl-shaped hollow in the ground
- crawlto move slowly on hands and knees
- creasea line made by folding or crushing
- creationsomething that has been made or invented
- creativelyin an imaginative, original way
- creeka small stream or narrow waterway
- creepycausing an uneasy, frightened feeling
- crewpeople working together on a task
- cripplea dated, offensive term for a disabled person
- criticallyin a way that judges carefully, or severely
- criticismthe expression of disapproval or judgment
- crocodilea large reptile with a long snout
- crosslyin an annoyed or angry way
- crucialextremely important, essential
- cruellyin a way that causes pain or suffering
- crueltybehavior that causes pain or suffering
- crystallizeto become clear and definite
- cubea solid shape with six square sides
- cubisman art style using geometric shapes
- cuffthe end part of a sleeve
- culminationthe highest point or final result
- culturallyin a way relating to culture
- curla spiral twist of hair or shape
- cursora moving marker on a computer screen
- cyberaddicta person addicted to the internet
- cybercafea cafe offering internet access
- cybercrimecrime committed using computers or the internet
- cyberpeta virtual pet kept on a digital device
- cyberschoola school that teaches students online
- cyberspacethe virtual world of computer networks
- cyclista person who rides a bicycle
D
- daftsilly or foolish
- damnused to express annoyance, informal
- dandeliona common yellow wildflower
- darlingdearly loved, adorable
- dasha small amount, or a punctuation mark
- datafacts and statistics for analysis
- databaseorganized collection of data on a computer
- datedold-fashioned, no longer modern
- daughter-in-lawwife of one's son
- dawnthe first light of day
- daytimethe hours of daylight
- de factoexisting in fact, not officially recognized
- dearlyvery much, with great affection
- debitmoney taken from an account
- debit cardcard that takes money from your bank
- decadea period of ten years
- decayto rot or gradually decline
- deceiveto make someone believe something false
- decentsatisfactory or morally respectable
- deceptivegiving a false or misleading impression
- decisiveable to decide quickly and firmly
- decka flat outdoor platform, or ship's floor
- decompositionthe process of rotting or breaking down
- decorateto make something look more attractive
- decorationan ornament used to make something attractive
- decorativeserving to make something look attractive
- dedicationstrong commitment to a task or purpose
- deduceto reach a conclusion by reasoning
- deductiona conclusion by reasoning, or amount subtracted
- deemto consider or judge in a certain way
- deera wild grazing animal with antlers
- deficitamount by which spending exceeds income
- deforestationclearing of forests over a large area
- defyto openly resist or refuse to obey
- dehumanizeto deprive someone of human qualities
- delegatea person sent to represent others
- deliberatedone intentionally, on purpose
- deliberatelyon purpose, intentionally
- delicacya rare fine food, or quality of tact
- delicatelyin a fine, careful manner
- demandingrequiring a lot of effort or attention
- demolishto completely destroy a building
- denimsturdy cotton fabric used for jeans
- denseclosely packed together, thick
- denselyin a thick or crowded manner
- dentalrelating to the teeth
- dependablereliable and trustworthy
- deputya substitute or assistant to a leader
- descendto move downward
- descriptivedescribing something in detail
- desirableworth having, attractive
- desktopa desk computer, or its home screen
- desolationa state of complete emptiness or bleakness
- desperatelywith great urgency or need
- desperationa state of hopelessness leading to recklessness
- despiseto feel intense dislike or contempt for
- destinyone's inevitable fate
- detachto separate or disconnect something
- detachmentemotional distance, or the act of separating
- detailedhaving many specific facts or particulars
- detectto discover or notice something
- determinedfirmly decided to achieve something
- determinera grammar word like the or this
- developinggrowing economically, or still forming
- devila supreme evil spirit in religion
- devoteto give time or effort completely to something
- devotedvery loving or loyal to someone
- diarrheafrequent watery bowel movements
- dictatora ruler with total, often oppressive power
- digesta summary or condensed collection of information
- dignifyto give an air of dignity to something
- dignitya sense of self-respect and worth
- dilemmaa difficult choice between two options
- dimnot bright, giving little light
- dimea US coin worth ten cents
- dimensiona measurable extent, such as length or width
- dipto lower something briefly into liquid
- diphtheriaa serious bacterial throat infection
- diplomaa certificate awarded for completing a course
- diplomatan official who represents a country abroad
- disappearancethe act of vanishing or going missing
- disapprovala feeling of not approving of something
- disapproveto feel that something is wrong or bad
- dischargean official release, or emission of a substance
- disciplea follower of a leader or teacher
- disciplinetraining to obey rules, or a subject
- disconnectto break a connection between things
- discreditto damage the reputation of someone
- discriminateto treat unfairly based on a category
- disgraceloss of respect, shame
- disguisean appearance used to hide one's identity
- dishonestylack of honesty or truthfulness
- disillusionto disappoint by revealing an unpleasant truth
- dismissto reject an idea, or to fire someone
- disorderlack of order, or a medical condition
- disorderlyuntidy, or lacking discipline in behavior
- disorganizednot arranged in an orderly way
- dispensablenot essential, able to be done without
- displaceto force someone from their usual place
- displeasurea feeling of dissatisfaction or annoyance
- disposalthe act of getting rid of something
- dispositiona person's inherent qualities of mind, temperament
- disputea disagreement or argument
- disqualifyto officially exclude someone from a competition
- disregarda lack of respect or consideration
- disruptto interrupt or disturb the normal flow
- dissatisfactiona feeling of not being pleased or satisfied
- dissatisfiednot pleased or satisfied with something
- dissidenta person who opposes official policy
- distinguishedsuccessful and respected, dignified in appearance
- distortiona change that twists something out of shape
- distractto draw attention away from something
- distractionsomething that draws attention away
- distressingcausing anxiety or worry
- distributora company or person that supplies goods
- diversionsomething that distracts, or an alternate route
- divertto change the direction or course of something
- dividedsplit into parts, disagreeing
- divisionseparation into parts, or a department
- divorcethe legal ending of a marriage
- DNAthe molecule carrying genetic information
- docka platform where ships load or unload
- domesticrelating to the home or one's own country
- dominateto control or have power over something
- donateto give something, especially to charity
- donationsomething given, usually to charity
- donkeya domesticated animal related to the horse
- doomdeath or destruction that cannot be avoided
- doorkeepera person who guards or attends a door
- doorwayan entrance where a door is located
- dorma student residence building, short for dormitory
- dormitorya building with many bedrooms for students
- dosea measured amount of medicine
- doublyto twice the extent, in two ways
- doubtfuluncertain, unlikely to be true
- dovea bird symbolizing peace, related to the pigeon
- downfalla sudden loss of power or success
- downsizeto reduce a company's size or staff
- dowrymoney or property given by a bride's family
- drafta preliminary version, or compulsory military enlistment
- draina pipe that carries away waste liquid
- dramaticallyin a very noticeable or striking way
- draperycloth arranged in loose folds, as curtains
- dreadto fear something greatly
- dreadfulextremely bad or unpleasant
- dreamyhaving a vague, impractical, or gentle quality
- drinkablesafe or fit to drink
- droopa sagging or drooping position
- dropouta person who leaves school before finishing
- droughta long period without rain
- duela formal fight between two people
- dumbunable to speak, or informally, stupid
- duplicatean exact copy of something
- duplicationthe act of making an exact copy
- dwarfa being much smaller than usual
- dyea substance used to change color
- dynamicenergetic, constantly changing or active
E
- eagerlywith great enthusiasm or interest
- eaglea large bird of prey with sharp vision
- earningsmoney earned from work or investment
- easeabsence of difficulty or effort
- eastwardtoward the east
- ecologicallyin a way relating to ecology
- ecologista scientist who studies organisms and environment
- economicalgiving good value, not wasteful
- economistan expert in economics
- ecstaticfeeling or showing overwhelming happiness
- edita change made to a text
- editoriala newspaper article giving opinion
- educatedhaving received schooling or training
- educatora person who teaches
- effectivelyin a way that produces the intended result
- effectivenessthe quality of producing intended results
- electto choose someone by voting
- electivechosen freely rather than required
- electriciana person who repairs electrical systems
- electronicallyby electronic means
- electronicsdevices using electronic components
- elegancethe quality of being graceful
- elegantgraceful and stylish in appearance
- elegantlyin a graceful, stylish manner
- elementalbasic and fundamental in nature
- eligiblequalified or entitled to something
- elitethe most powerful or talented group
- eloquencefluent and persuasive speaking or writing
- eloquentfluent and persuasive in speech
- embassythe official residence of a diplomatic mission
- embracea hug, or willing acceptance
- emergencethe process of coming into existence
- emphaticallyin a forceful and definite way
- employto give someone paid work
- employeea person who works for pay
- employera person or company that hires workers
- endeavoran attempt to achieve a goal
- endlesslywithout ending, continuously
- endorseto publicly support something
- endurancethe ability to withstand hardship
- enduringlasting over a long time
- energythe power to do work
- enforceto make sure rules are obeyed
- engagementa promise to marry, or a commitment
- engulfto completely surround something
- enhanceto improve the quality of something
- enrollto register for a course
- enterprisea business or bold undertaking
- entertainingenjoyable and amusing to watch
- enthusiasticallywith great excitement or eagerness
- entitleto give someone a right
- entrepreneura person who starts businesses
- environmentthe natural world around us
- environmentallyrelating to the natural environment
- environmentally friendlynot harmful to nature
- equationa mathematical statement of equality
- equipto supply with necessary items
- equityfairness, or ownership value in something
- erectstanding straight up
- eruptto burst out suddenly
- eruptiona sudden violent outburst
- essayista person who writes essays
- essentiallyfundamentally, in basic terms
- estatea large property, or an inheritance
- estimatedroughly calculated or approximated
- eternallyforever, without end
- ethica moral principle guiding behavior
- ethnicrelating to a shared culture
- evacuateto move people away from danger
- evacuationmoving people away from danger
- evaluateto assess the value of something
- evaluationan assessment of value or quality
- everlastinglasting forever, eternal
- evidentlyclearly, as can be seen
- evilmorally wrong, wicked
- evolutiongradual development over time
- evolveto develop gradually over time
- exactnessprecision, freedom from error
- exaggerateto make something seem bigger
- exaggerationa statement making something seem bigger
- exaltto praise or elevate highly
- examineea person taking an examination
- exceedto go beyond a limit
- excelto be exceptionally good at something
- exceptionsomething excluded from a general rule
- exceptionalunusually good or unique
- exceptionallyunusually, to a remarkable degree
- excessivemore than necessary or reasonable
- exclaimto cry out suddenly
- exclamation markthe punctuation mark showing strong feeling
- excludeto leave out or not include
- exclusionthe act of leaving something out
- exclusivelyonly, not shared with others
- excursiona short trip for pleasure
- executeto carry out a plan
- executionthe carrying out of a plan
- executiverelating to management or high-level decisions
- exhaustwaste gases from an engine
- exhaustingvery tiring, draining all energy
- exhaustionstate of extreme tiredness
- exhibitto show or display publicly
- exileforced absence from one's country
- existingcurrently in existence, already present
- exoticunusual and from a distant place
- expansionact of becoming larger
- expectationbelief that something will happen
- expectedanticipated, thought likely to happen
- expeditionorganized journey for a purpose
- explodeto burst violently, blow up
- exploitto use unfairly for one's benefit
- explorerperson who travels to discover places
- explosiveable to explode, or highly volatile
- exportgoods sold to another country
- expressiveclearly showing feelings or meaning
- exquisiteextremely beautiful or finely made
- extensionpart added to make something longer
- extensivecovering a large area or amount
- externalcoming from or existing outside
- extractshort passage taken from a text
- extraordinarilyto an unusually great degree
- exultantextremely happy about a success
- eyebrowline of hair above the eye
- eyelashshort hair growing on the eyelid
- eyelidskin that covers and protects the eye
F
- fabriccloth made from woven material
- fabulousextremely good or impressive
- facilitateto make an action easier
- facilitiesbuildings or equipment for a purpose
- factorone cause among several
- facultymental ability, or university department
- faithstrong trust or religious belief
- falterto lose strength or hesitate
- famestate of being well known
- familiarizeto make someone know something well
- fantasticallyin an extremely good or extreme way
- fascinatedextremely interested in something
- fascinationstrong interest or attraction
- fatalcausing death, extremely serious
- fatepower believed to control events
- father-in-lawfather of one's spouse
- faultynot working correctly, defective
- fearsomefrightening because of appearance or power
- featimpressive act requiring skill
- fed upannoyed and tired of something
- federalrelating to a central national government
- feedbackopinions given about performance
- ferryboatboat that carries passengers regularly
- fiberthread-like strand, or dietary substance
- fictionalinvented, not real; from fiction
- fiercevery aggressive or intense
- fightingphysical combat between people
- figurativeused in a non literal, symbolic sense
- filialrelating to a son or daughter
- financiallyin relation to money matters
- finelyinto small pieces, or delicately
- fingernailhard covering on top of a finger
- fire brigadeorganization that fights fires
- firearmweapon that fires bullets
- fireplacestructure for a fire indoors
- firmnessquality of being solid or resolute
- first languagelanguage learned first, mother tongue
- first persongrammatical form referring to the speaker
- firstlyused to introduce the first point
- fiscalrelating to government revenue or taxes
- fixedset firmly, not changing
- flamevisible burning part of a fire
- flapto move up and down quickly
- flawfault or imperfection in something
- flawlesswithout any faults, perfect
- flaxplant used to make linen fiber
- fleeto run away from danger
- fleetgroup of ships or vehicles
- fleshsoft substance of a body
- flexibilityability to bend or adapt easily
- flexibleable to bend or change easily
- flexiblyin a way that can adapt easily
- flipto turn over quickly
- fluencyability to speak smoothly and easily
- fluidable to flow smoothly, changeable
- flutterquick light movement or feeling
- followerperson who supports or follows someone
- follyfoolish action or lack of sense
- fondlywith warm affection or tenderness
- foolishlyin a silly or unwise way
- footnotenote printed at the bottom of a page
- forcefullyin a strong, powerful way
- foremanworker who supervises other workers
- foreseeto predict something before it happens
- forestryscience of planting and managing forests
- formationprocess of forming, or an arrangement
- formerlyat an earlier time, in the past
- formidableimpressively strong or difficult to beat
- forthcomingabout to happen soon, or willing to share info
- foulextremely unpleasant, or unfair (in sport)
- foundto establish or set up something
- foxsmall wild animal with a bushy tail
- fragrancepleasant, sweet smell
- franklyspeaking honestly and directly
- franticallyin a wild, panicked, hurried way
- fraudcrime of deceiving someone for gain
- freakto become suddenly panicked or excited
- friendlykind and pleasant toward others
- frigatemedium sized warship
- frontierborder between two countries or areas
- frugalcareful and economical with money
- fulfillto achieve or complete something
- fumestrong smelling smoke or gas
- functionalpractical and working well
- functionalityrange of things a thing can do
- fundamentalbasic and essential, forming a base
- funkmusic style, or a low, gloomy mood
- funkystylish and unconventional, or funk styled
- furiousextremely angry
- furiouslyin an extremely angry manner
- furorsudden outbreak of public anger
G
- gaietycheerful and lively behavior
- gamblingact of betting money on an outcome
- gangorganized group of criminals or friends
- gangstermember of a violent criminal gang
- gardenerperson who takes care of a garden
- gaspsudden sharp intake of breath
- gatewayentrance point, or means of access
- gaudytoo bright and showy, tasteless
- gazelong steady look at someone
- gearequipment for an activity, or a mechanism
- generalizationbroad statement based on limited facts
- generalizeto make a broad statement from examples
- generosityquality of giving freely
- generouslyin a giving, kind hearted way
- geniusperson with exceptional intelligence
- genrecategory of art, music, or writing
- gentlyin a soft, careful manner
- genuinereal and authentic, not fake
- genuinelyin a real, honest way
- geographicrelating to the study of places
- germmicroorganism that causes disease
- getawayescape, or short relaxing trip
- ghettopoor, crowded area of a city
- giveawayfree gift, or a revealing sign
- glacissloped bank in front of a fort
- glamorousattractive in an exciting, luxurious way
- glareangry stare, or intense bright light
- gleamfaint or brief flash of light
- gleegreat delight or joyful excitement
- global warminglong term rise in Earth's temperature
- globallythroughout the whole world
- glocalreflecting both global and local concerns
- gloomydark and sad, lacking hope
- glorifyto make something seem more admirable
- glowsteady, soft light or warmth
- goathorned farm animal related to sheep
- godsupreme being worshipped in religion
- godlydevout, or relating to a deity
- goodwillfriendly, helpful feelings toward others
- gorgedeep, narrow valley with steep sides
- governmentalrelating to a government
- gracefulnessquality of moving in an elegant way
- gradualhappening slowly over time
- grainsmall hard seed of a cereal plant
- grandimpressive in size or style
- graphicallyin a vivid, clear, visual way
- graspfirm hold, or good understanding
- gravestonestone marker placed on a grave
- gravitationforce that pulls objects together
- greatnessquality of being truly excellent
- griefdeep sorrow, especially after a loss
- grieveto feel deep sorrow over a loss
- grimvery serious, gloomy, or unpleasant
- grinwide, happy smile
- gripfirm hold on something
- grossvery unpleasant, or total (before deductions)
- growingincreasing in size, number, or strength
- grown-upmature or fully developed, like an adult
- guerrillamember of an irregular fighting force
- guidelinerule or piece of advice for a task
- gulpact of swallowing quickly
- gumchewing substance, or tissue around teeth
- gunshotsound or firing of a gun
- gutscourage and determination, informal
- gymnasticrelating to physical exercises of gymnastics
H
- habitantperson who lives in a place, resident
- hailto greet enthusiastically, or fall as ice
- hairycovered with a lot of hair
- handicapdisadvantage that makes success harder
- handicraftskilled work made by hand
- handoutprinted sheet given to a group
- handrailrail for holding on to for support
- hard drivedevice that stores computer data
- hardwarephysical parts of a computer or tools
- harmlessnot able to cause harm
- harrowfarm tool used to break up soil
- hasteexcessive speed or urgency
- hastilydone too quickly, without care
- hatchingprocess of an egg breaking open
- hauntingunforgettable, often in an eerie way
- haydried grass used as animal feed
- hazardousdangerous, risky to health or safety
- headquartersmain office of an organization
- health careservices for maintaining health
- heapuntidy pile of things
- heartbreakingcausing intense sadness or grief
- heartwarmingcausing feelings of happiness or love
- hedgerow of bushes forming a boundary
- helicopteraircraft with rotating overhead blades
- hellplace of suffering after death, or misery
- helperperson who assists with a task
- hempplant fiber used for rope and cloth
- herbplant used for flavor or medicine
- heritagetraditions and history passed down
- hesitationpause caused by uncertainty
- high-techusing advanced modern technology
- hijackact of illegally seizing a vehicle
- hilariousextremely funny
- hintsmall clue or slight suggestion
- holderperson or thing that holds something
- hollowhaving an empty space inside
- holocaustmass destruction or slaughter
- homewarddirected or moving toward home
- honestone used for sharpening blades
- honorabledeserving respect, acting with honor
- hoodcovering for the head, or car's engine cover
- hookcurved device for catching or hanging
- hospicecare center for the terminally ill
- hospitablefriendly and welcoming to guests
- hospitalityfriendly treatment of guests or strangers
- hospitalizeto admit someone to a hospital
- hourlyhappening or paid every hour
- housekeeperperson employed to manage a household
- housemasterteacher in charge of a boarding house
- housewifewoman who manages her home full time
- hoverto remain suspended in one place
- hugelyto a very great extent
- human rightsbasic rights belonging to every person
- humaneshowing kindness and compassion
- humanistperson focused on human values and reason
- humanizeto make something more human or kind
- humblemodest, not proud about oneself
- humbugdeceptive nonsense, or a hard candy
- humiliateto make someone feel ashamed
- humiliatingcausing shame or loss of dignity
- humiliationfeeling of shame and loss of dignity
- huntingactivity of chasing and killing animals
- hushto make or become quiet
- hybridmade by combining two different things
- hygienepractices that keep things clean and healthy
- hyperboleexaggerated statement not meant literally
- hyphenshort line joining words or syllables
I
- icemana man who sells or delivers ice
- icona symbol, image, or greatly admired person
- icyvery cold, or covered with ice
- ideallyin a perfect situation, most preferably
- identicalexactly the same in every detail
- identificationofficial proof of who someone is
- identifyto recognize or name someone or something
- ideologya set of political or social beliefs
- idiota very stupid or foolish person
- idlenot working or being used
- idolizeto admire someone with intense devotion
- ignorancelack of knowledge or information
- ignorantlacking knowledge or awareness of something
- illustrateto explain or decorate with pictures or examples
- illustrationa picture, or an explanatory example
- imagerydescriptive language that creates mental pictures
- imitationa copy of something else, not genuine
- immerseto involve deeply or submerge completely
- immigranta person who moves to another country to live
- immoralnot following accepted standards of right conduct
- immortalliving or lasting forever, never dying
- immortalitythe state of living or lasting forever
- impartialnot favoring one side over another, fair
- impatientlyin a way that shows lack of patience
- imperativean urgent necessity, or the command form of a verb
- impermanentnot lasting forever, temporary
- implementa tool or instrument used for a task
- implicationa likely consequence, or an indirect suggestion
- implyto suggest something without stating it directly
- impolitenot having good manners, rude
- impolitelyin a rude or bad mannered way
- importto bring goods in from another country
- imposeto force a rule, tax, or opinion on others
- impossibilitysomething that cannot happen or be done
- impracticalnot sensible or realistic for actual use
- impressedfeeling admiration because of something excellent
- impressionisman art style focused on light and quick impressions
- impressionistan artist who paints in the impressionism style
- imprisonto put someone in prison or confine them
- imprisonmentthe state of being kept in prison
- improbablenot likely to be true or happen
- improperlynot in a correct or suitable way
- improvedmade better than before
- impulsea sudden strong urge to act
- impulsiveacting suddenly without thinking of consequences
- inaccuratenot correct or exact
- inadequatenot enough or not good enough
- inanimatenot alive, not having life
- inbornpresent from birth, natural not learned
- incensea substance burned to produce a sweet smell
- incentivesomething that encourages a person to act
- incurto bring a cost or penalty on oneself
- incurablenot able to be cured or fixed
- indebtedowing money or gratitude to someone
- indentto start a line of text further from the margin
- independentlywithout help or influence from others
- indescribabletoo extreme or unusual to describe in words
- indexan alphabetical list, or a measure of change
- indifferenthaving no interest or concern about something
- indignitytreatment that causes shame or a loss of respect
- indispensableabsolutely necessary, cannot be done without
- indulgeto allow oneself a pleasure without restraint
- indulgentallowing oneself or others too much pleasure
- industrializeto develop industry widely in a country
- ineffectivenot producing the intended result
- inertnot moving or reacting, chemically inactive
- inexperiencedlacking skill or knowledge from practice
- infanta very young child or baby
- infectto pass a disease or germ to something
- infectedaffected by a disease causing germ
- infectiousable to spread easily to others
- inferto work out something from evidence
- inferencea conclusion reached from evidence or reasoning
- inflammationswelling and redness caused by injury or illness
- inflammatorycausing inflammation, or intended to provoke anger
- inflateto fill with air, or to increase artificially
- inflationa general rise in prices over time
- influentialhaving great power to affect people or events
- influenzaa contagious viral illness, the flu
- informalcasual, not following strict rules or ceremony
- infringeto break a law or violate a right
- infringementan act that breaks a law or right
- inhabitto live in a place
- inheritto receive money or property after someone dies
- initiativea new plan, or the ability to act first
- injectiona shot of liquid put into the body
- injuredhurt physically as a result of an accident
- innateexisting naturally from birth, not learned
- innocentlywithout guilt or in a naive way
- innovationa new idea, method, or invention
- innovativeusing new ideas or methods creatively
- inputinformation or resources put into a system
- inquireto ask for information about something
- inseparableunable to be separated, very close
- inspectto look closely to check quality or safety
- inspectoran official who checks that rules are followed
- inspirationalencouraging strong feelings of hope or motivation
- instantlyimmediately, without any delay
- instillto gradually establish a feeling or idea in someone
- instincta natural tendency to act without thinking
- institutiona large organization with a public purpose
- instructto teach, or to give an official order
- insufficientnot enough for a particular purpose
- insulta rude remark meant to offend someone
- integrateto combine parts into a working whole
- intellectualrelating to deep thought or reasoning ability
- intentfirmly focused and determined on something
- interactiveallowing two way communication or response
- interfereto get involved in something without invitation
- interiorthe inside part of something
- interpersonalrelating to relationships between people
- interpretto explain the meaning of something
- interpretationan explanation of the meaning of something
- interpretera person who translates speech aloud
- interruptionsomething that stops an activity briefly
- intersectiona place where two roads meet
- intimatevery close and personal in relationship
- intransitivedescribing a verb with no direct object
- intravenousgiven directly into a vein
- intrudeto enter or interrupt without being welcome
- intrudera person who enters a place without permission
- intrusionan unwelcome entry into a place or situation
- invariablenever changing, always the same
- invariablyalways, in every single case
- inventora person who creates something new
- inverted commaspunctuation marks used to show quoted speech
- investigateto examine facts carefully to find the truth
- investigatora person who examines facts to find the truth
- investmentmoney put into something to gain profit
- investora person who puts money into a business
- invisiblenot able to be seen
- invitinglyin a way that attracts or tempts someone
- invoketo call on a law, right, or power
- involvementthe act of taking part in something
- ironicallyin a way that is oddly opposite to expected
- irrationalnot based on clear reason or logic
- irresistibletoo tempting or strong to resist
- irresistiblyin a way too strong to resist
- irresponsiblenot careful about the results of one's actions
- irritatedfeeling annoyed or slightly angry
- irritatingcausing annoyance or slight anger
- irritationa feeling of annoyance, or mild skin soreness
- islandera person who lives on an island
- italicizeto print text in slanted italic letters
- itchto have an uncomfortable feeling on the skin
J
- jawthe bone structure that forms the mouth
- jealouslyin a way that shows resentful envy
- jeopardizeto put something at serious risk
- jewelera person who makes or sells jewelry
- journalismthe work of collecting and reporting news
- judoa Japanese martial art and combat sport
- junk foodfood that is unhealthy but tastes good
- jurora member of a jury in a trial
- jurya group of people who decide a verdict
- justifyto give good reasons for an action
K
- kangarooa large hopping Australian marsupial
- karaokesinging along to recorded music for entertainment
- keenvery interested or enthusiastic about something
- keepera person who guards or looks after something
- kerosenea thin oil used as fuel
- keystrokea single press of a key on a keyboard
- kneelto go down onto one or both knees
- knota fastening made by tying rope or string
- knowinglydeliberately, with full awareness of the facts
- knownrecognized or familiar to many people
L
- labela small piece of paper with information
- laborera person who does hard physical work
- lameweak and unconvincing, or unable to walk normally
- lancea long pointed weapon used on horseback
- landingthe act of arriving on the ground, or a stair platform
- landladya woman who rents out property to tenants
- landslidea mass of earth sliding down a slope
- lapthe flat area formed by sitting legs, or one circuit of a track
- laptopa small portable computer
- larka small songbird, or a playful adventure
- lasera device producing a narrow intense beam of light
- last minutethe final moment before a deadline
- last-minutedone or happening just before a deadline
- lastlyused to introduce the final point
- laundryclothes that need washing, or the washing process
- lavahot melted rock flowing from a volcano
- lawmakera person who creates or passes laws
- lawnan area of short cut grass
- lawsuita legal case brought to a court
- layabouta lazy person who avoids work
- leafleta small printed sheet giving information
- leaka small hole letting liquid or gas escape
- learningthe process of gaining knowledge or skill
- leasea legal agreement to rent property
- leasha strap used to control an animal
- lecturera person who teaches at a university
- leeka long green and white vegetable
- legendan old traditional story, or a famous person
- legendaryfamous for a long time, or from legend
- legislateto make laws
- legislationa law or set of laws
- legislativerelating to the making of laws
- legislatora person who makes laws
- legislaturethe group of people who make laws
- legitimateallowed by law, or reasonable and fair
- leisurelyin a relaxed and unhurried way
- lengthento make something longer
- lengthytaking a long time, very long
- leoparda large wild cat with spotted fur
- lestused to express something to be avoided
- liberalopen to new ideas, or favoring individual freedom
- lickto pass the tongue over something
- lida cover for the top of a container
- lifelesswithout life, or lacking energy
- lifetimethe whole length of a person's life
- lightento make brighter or less heavy
- lightingthe equipment or effect of light in a space
- likewisein the same way, also
- limban arm, leg, or large tree branch
- linencloth made from flax fiber, or household sheets
- linera large passenger ship, or a lining layer
- linga purple flowered heather, or a sea fish
- lingerto stay somewhere longer than necessary
- listenera person who listens, especially to radio or others
- literalfollowing the exact or basic meaning of words
- literallyin the exact meaning of the words
- littertrash left in a public place, or baby animals born together
- loana sum of money lent, to be repaid
- lobbyan entrance hall, or a group pressuring policy
- lonelinessthe feeling of being sad and alone
- long-distancecovering or traveling a great distance
- long-termlasting or planned for a long time
- looselyin a way that is not tight or exact
- lousyvery bad or of poor quality
- lowerto move something to a less high position
- lowlandflat low lying land
- lucrativeproducing a large amount of profit
- lushgrowing thickly and healthily, richly green
- luxuriousextremely comfortable and expensive
- lyricsthe words of a song
M
- madama polite formal way to address a woman
- madamea French title used for a married woman
- madnessextremely foolish behavior, or mental illness
- maestroa highly skilled musician or conductor
- magnifyto make something appear larger
- maladyan illness or disease, often serious
- malariaa serious disease spread by mosquitoes
- mamaan informal word for mother
- mangoa sweet tropical fruit
- manipulateto control or influence something cleverly
- mansiona very large and impressive house
- manualdone by hand rather than machine
- manufacturethe process of making goods in large amounts
- manufacturera company that produces goods in large amounts
- manufacturingthe industry of producing goods in factories
- marathonlong distance running race, 26 miles
- marginamount by which something wins or differs
- marketingpromoting and selling products or services
- martial arta fighting or combat sport, like karate
- maskcovering worn over the face
- massacrebrutal killing of many people
- massagerubbing muscles to relax the body
- masseura man who gives massages professionally
- masterperson highly skilled at something
- masterpiecean outstanding work of art
- masterycomplete skill or knowledge of something
- matefriend, or an animal's breeding partner
- mathematicalrelating to mathematics
- maturefully grown or sensible for one's age
- mausoleuma large tomb, often for someone important
- meansa method or way of doing something
- mechanizeto make a process use machines
- medianewspapers, television, and internet news outlets
- medicationmedicine used to treat illness
- medievalrelating to the Middle Ages
- mediocreaverage, not very good
- melodya tune, sequence of musical notes
- memorialsomething built to remember a person or event
- mentoran experienced person who guides someone
- merchandisegoods bought and sold, products
- mercykindness shown when punishing someone
- mergeto combine or join together
- mergercombining of two companies into one
- messengera person who carries messages
- metaphora figure of speech comparing two things
- metricbased on the meter and decimal system
- microa very small unit prefix, one millionth
- microbea tiny living organism, like bacteria
- microcomputera small personal computer
- micrometera tool for measuring very small distances
- microorganisma tiny organism invisible to the naked eye
- microphonea device that records or amplifies sound
- microscopean instrument for viewing tiny objects
- microscopicextremely small, visible only with a microscope
- microscopythe use of microscopes to study small things
- microwavean appliance that heats food with radiation
- midstthe middle part of something
- mightyvery powerful or strong
- migrationmovement of people or animals to a new place
- milla building where grain is ground, or a factory
- millimetera unit of length, one thousandth of a meter
- millionairea person who has a million dollars or more
- mimica person or animal that imitates others
- miniaturevery small, a tiny version of something
- ministera senior government official
- minta fragrant herb, or a place that makes coins
- misconceptiona false or mistaken belief
- misfortunebad luck, an unlucky event
- misleadinggiving a false or wrong impression
- missilea weapon that is fired at a target
- mista light fog made of water droplets
- mistreatto treat someone or something badly
- mistrustfulnot trusting, suspicious of others
- misunderstandto understand something incorrectly
- mixturea combination of different things
- mobilitythe ability to move freely
- mockfake, made to imitate the real thing
- modernizationthe process of making something modern
- modernizeto make something more modern or up to date
- modestnot boastful, or small in amount
- modificationa change or alteration made to something
- mogula powerful and wealthy businessperson
- molda fungus, or a shaped container for casting
- momentarilyfor a very short time
- momentarylasting for only a moment
- monasterya building where monks live and pray
- moodychanging mood often, easily irritated or sad
- moonlightlight from the moon
- moonscapea landscape resembling the surface of the moon
- moralityprinciples of right and wrong behavior
- morallyin a way relating to right and wrong
- mortalsubject to death, not living forever
- mortara weapon that fires shells, or cement mix
- mortgagea loan used to buy property
- mortifyto embarrass someone deeply
- mother-in-lawthe mother of one's husband or wife
- motionmovement, or a formal proposal at a meeting
- motivatedhaving a strong reason or desire to act
- motorbikea two wheeled motor vehicle, motorcycle
- motorista person who drives a car
- mournfulexpressing deep sadness or grief
- movera person or company that moves belongings
- movingcausing strong emotion, touching
- muddycovered in or full of mud
- multiplemore than one, many
- multiplyto increase greatly, or times a number
- mumblea quiet, unclear way of speaking
- murmura low, soft, continuous sound
- museto think about something quietly and carefully
- mustachehair grown above the upper lip
- mutabilitythe quality of being likely to change
- mutablelikely to change, not fixed
- muttera low, quiet complaint spoken under one's breath
- muttonmeat from an adult sheep
- mystifyto confuse or puzzle someone completely
N
- nanoa prefix meaning one billionth of a unit
- narcissistichaving excessive love or admiration for oneself
- narratorperson who tells or reads a story aloud
- narrowlyby a very small margin, barely
- nationwidecovering or extending across an entire nation
- native speakersomeone who speaks a language from birth
- naughtybadly behaved, mischievous
- navalrelating to a navy or warships
- navigateto find one's way or direction
- navigationthe process of planning and directing a route
- navythe branch of military forces at sea
- neattidy and orderly, or clever
- necessarilyas a necessary result, inevitably
- necessitysomething that is essential or required
- needlessunnecessary, not required
- needylacking basic necessities, very poor
- negativelyin an unfavorable or harmful way
- neglectfailure to take proper care of something
- neighboringlocated nearby or adjacent
- neitheralso not, used to add a negative statement
- nervea fiber that sends signals in the body
- nervesfeelings of anxiety or fear
- nervouslyin a way showing anxiety or fear
- neurosisa mental disorder involving anxiety or distress
- newscastera person who presents the news on air
- newsworthyimportant or interesting enough to report as news
- nicelyin a pleasant or polite way
- nightcluba place open at night for music and dancing
- nightmarea frightening dream, or a very bad experience
- nobilitypeople of high social rank, or noble character
- noblehaving high moral qualities, or of high rank
- noblemana man of high social or hereditary rank
- nomada person who moves from place to place
- nominationthe act of proposing someone for an award or role
- nomineea person proposed for an award or position
- non-smokingwhere smoking is not allowed
- nonprofessionalnot belonging to a skilled trained profession
- northwardtoward the north
- nostrilone of the two openings of the nose
- noughtthe digit zero
- nourishto provide food or care needed to grow
- nourishmentfood or substances needed for growth and health
- noveltythe quality of being new and interesting
- nuisancea person or thing causing annoyance
- numericalrelating to or expressed as numbers
- nurserya room for a baby, or plant growing place
- nuta hard shelled seed, or a threaded metal fastener
- nutshellthe hard outer shell of a nut
O
- oatha formal promise or solemn declaration
- obediencewillingness to follow orders or rules
- obedientwilling to do what one is told
- obeyto do what one is told or commanded
- obituarya published notice of someone's death
- obligationa duty or responsibility to do something
- observera person who watches without taking part
- obsessto think about something constantly
- obsessionan idea that dominates a person's thoughts
- obsessiveshowing an excessive, uncontrollable focus
- oddstrange or unusual, or not divisible by two
- offendto cause someone to feel hurt or angry
- offendera person who commits an illegal act
- offensea crime or wrongdoing, or hurt feelings
- offhandwithout thinking or preparing beforehand
- offshorelocated at sea or in another country
- ointmenta smooth cream used on skin injuries
- olivea small oval fruit used in food and oil
- Olympiathe ancient Greek site of the original Olympic Games
- Olympiadthe Olympic Games, or a similar competition
- openlywithout hiding one's feelings or intentions
- operatora person who runs a machine or system
- opponenta person who competes against another
- optimismhopefulness about the future or outcomes
- optimista person who expects good outcomes
- optimistichopeful and confident about the future
- optionalavailable as a choice, not required
- oratora skilled and eloquent public speaker
- orchestralrelating to or written for an orchestra
- orchida flowering plant with showy blooms
- organizera person who arranges or plans an event
- originalitythe quality of being new and creative
- originallyat first, in the beginning
- originateto begin or come from a particular source
- ornamenta decorative object
- ouncea small unit of weight, about 28 grams
- outbackremote, sparsely populated inland countryside
- outbreaka sudden start of something harmful, like disease
- outcomethe result or effect of an action
- outdistanceto get far ahead of someone in a race
- outdoto do better than someone else
- outfita set of clothes worn together
- outgrowto grow too big for something
- outinga short trip taken for pleasure
- outleta socket for electricity, or a way to release energy
- outliveto live longer than someone or something
- outlooka general attitude toward life, or a forecast
- outpatienta patient who is treated without staying overnight
- outputthe amount produced by a person or machine
- outragestrong anger caused by something shocking
- outrageousshockingly unacceptable or excessive
- outshineto be much better than others
- outsidera person not part of a particular group
- outskirtsthe outer parts of a town or city
- outwardlyin appearance, as seen from the outside
- ovalshaped like an egg or ellipse
- overallconsidering everything, general
- overboardoff a boat and into the water
- overbookto accept more bookings than there is space for
- overcoata long, warm coat worn over other clothes
- overemphasizeto give too much importance to something
- overestimateto judge something as larger than it really is
- overhearto hear something without meaning to
- overlapa part shared by two things
- overlookto fail to notice, or to have a view over
- overlyexcessively, too much
- overshadowto make something seem less important
- oversizelarger than the usual or standard size
- overstepto go beyond an acceptable limit
- overtaketo pass by moving faster
- overthrowto remove a leader or government by force
- overtimebeyond the usual working hours
- overturnto reverse a decision, or to flip over
- owa cry of sudden pain
- owing tobecause of, as a result of
- owla nocturnal bird of prey
- oxa large domesticated bovine used for farm work
- ozonea form of oxygen found in the atmosphere
P
- paan informal word for father
- packedcompletely full of people or things
- packeta small package containing something
- pada block of paper, or a soft cushioned object
- paintbrusha brush used for applying paint
- pajamasloose clothing worn for sleeping
- palleta flat platform for stacking and moving goods
- pancakea thin, flat cake cooked in a pan
- pandemicoccurring over a very wide area, like across the world
- panela group of people chosen to discuss or judge something
- papayaa tropical fruit with orange flesh
- paperlessusing digital files instead of paper
- paperworkdocuments and written record keeping
- paradea public procession, often for celebration
- paradoxa statement that seems contradictory but may be true
- paralysisthe loss of ability to move a body part
- paramedica trained emergency medical worker
- paratroopera soldier trained to parachute into battle
- parliamentthe group that makes laws for a country
- participationthe act of taking part in something
- particlea very small piece of matter
- particularspecific, or fussy about details
- partisana strong supporter, or a guerrilla fighter
- partnershipcooperative relationship between two or more parties
- passionateshowing strong feelings or enthusiasm
- passionatelywith strong feeling or enthusiasm
- pastorleader of a Christian church
- pastoralrelating to the countryside or to pastors
- patchsmall piece covering a hole or area
- patientlywithout complaining while waiting
- patriotperson who loves and supports their country
- patrioticshowing love and support for one's country
- patriotismlove and devotion for one's country
- patronperson who supports or regularly uses a place
- pavecover a surface with a hard material
- pavementpaved path for walking beside a road
- pawfoot of an animal with claws
- pawnbrokerperson who lends money against valuable items
- pawnshopshop that lends money against goods left as security
- paymentact of paying, or the amount paid
- peacefullyin a calm way, without violence
- peachsoft round fruit with fuzzy skin
- peakhighest point of something, like a mountain
- pearlsmall round gem formed inside an oyster
- pebblesmall smooth stone
- pedallever pressed by foot to operate a machine
- pedanticoverly concerned with small details or rules
- pedestrianperson walking rather than driving
- peeurinate, informal
- peelouter skin of a fruit or vegetable
- peepquick or secret look
- peerperson of the same age or status
- pegsmall pin or hook used to fasten or hang things
- penalizepunish someone for breaking a rule
- penaltypunishment for breaking a law or rule
- penetratepass into or through something
- penguinflightless black and white seabird
- penicillinantibiotic drug made from mold
- pensionregular payment made to a retired person
- pentagonshape or building with five sides
- perceivebecome aware of something through the senses
- percentagea rate or proportion out of a hundred
- perceptionway something is understood or noticed
- permanencestate of lasting forever or a long time
- permeatespread through and fill every part
- perseverancecontinued effort despite difficulty
- persistcontinue firmly despite difficulty or opposition
- persistencequality of continuing firmly despite difficulty
- persistentcontinuing firmly despite difficulty or opposition
- personificationgiving human qualities to a thing or idea
- personifyrepresent a quality as a person, or embody it
- personnelpeople employed in an organization
- perspectivea particular way of viewing things
- perspirationsweat produced by the body
- persuasionact of convincing someone to do or believe something
- pessimistperson who expects the worst outcome
- pessimisticexpecting the worst outcome
- petrifiedextremely frightened
- pettysmall and unimportant, or narrow-minded
- pHmeasure of how acidic or basic something is
- pharmacistperson licensed to prepare and sell medicine
- phasea stage in a process of development
- philosophicalrelating to philosophy or calm acceptance of difficulty
- physicianmedical doctor
- pimathematical constant, about 3.14159
- picklevegetable preserved in vinegar or brine
- pickyvery fussy about choices, hard to satisfy
- picturesquevisually attractive, like a picture
- pillowcasefabric cover for a pillow
- pineevergreen tree with needle-shaped leaves
- pintunit of liquid measure, about half a liter
- piracyrobbery at sea, or illegal copying of works
- pirateperson who robs ships at sea
- pitchsports field, or the highness of a sound
- plaguedeadly infectious disease that spreads widely
- planningprocess of deciding how to do something in advance
- playmatechild's friend to play with
- playwrightperson who writes plays
- pleadask for something earnestly, or answer a legal charge
- plotstoryline of a book or film, or a secret plan
- pluckpull something out quickly with fingers
- plumsmall round purple or red fruit
- plumberperson who installs and repairs pipes
- pneumonialung infection causing fever and coughing
- point of viewa particular attitude or way of thinking about something
- pointlesshaving no purpose or meaning
- polar bearlarge white bear living in the Arctic
- polioviral disease that can cause paralysis
- polishsubstance used to make a surface shine
- politenessquality of having good manners
- politicallyin a way related to politics or government
- polityan organized political community or system of government
- polosport played on horseback with mallets and a ball
- ponderthink about something carefully
- popularitystate of being liked or admired by many
- popularizemake something widely known or liked
- porchcovered structure at a house's entrance
- portiona part or share of something
- poseparticular position of the body
- poshelegant and associated with the upper class
- possessedcontrolled by a strong feeling or spirit
- postalrelating to the mail delivery system
- postponedelay an event to a later time
- potentvery powerful or effective
- potentiallypossibly, in a way that could happen
- powerfullyin a strong or forceful way
- practicalityquality of being useful and sensible
- practicallyalmost, or in a practical way
- prancelively, high-stepping way of moving
- prawnsmall edible shellfish similar to shrimp
- precedecome before something in time or order
- preciselyexactly and accurately
- predicamentdifficult or embarrassing situation
- predicatebase or found something on a condition
- predicativeplaced after a linking verb, describing the subject
- predictableable to be known or expected in advance
- predictiveable to predict or forecast future events
- predictorsomething that indicates what will happen
- prefectstudent given authority to supervise others at school
- preferablemore desirable or suitable than another option
- preferablyideally, if a choice is possible
- prehistoricbelonging to a time before written history
- prehumanexisting before modern humans
- preindustrialexisting before industrialization began
- prejudgeform an opinion before knowing all the facts
- preliminarycoming before the main part, introductory
- preoccupyfill someone's mind so much they can't think of other things
- prescriberecommend a medicine or course of treatment
- presenterperson who introduces or hosts a show
- presidencyposition or term of a president
- presidentialrelating to a president or presidency
- prestigewidespread respect and admiration
- prestigiouswidely respected and admired
- presumablyprobably, as one might reasonably assume
- prevailwin or remain widespread despite difficulty
- preventionaction taken to stop something happening
- preventiveintended to stop something bad from happening
- previouslyat an earlier time, before now
- pricelessextremely valuable, beyond any price
- pricksmall puncture made by a sharp point
- primarymost important or basic
- primeof the best or most important quality
- prime ministerhead of government in many countries
- priorcoming before in time or order
- prioritysomething treated as more important than other things
- privatelyin a way not open to the public
- privilegespecial right or advantage available to few
- probablelikely to happen or be true
- probethorough investigation, or a device for exploring
- procedurean established way of doing something
- profilebrief description of a person, or side view
- profitfinancial gain after costs are covered
- profitableproducing financial gain
- programmerperson who writes computer programs
- programmingprocess of writing instructions for a computer
- prohibitformally forbid something by law or rule
- projecta planned piece of work with a goal
- projectionan estimate of future amounts, or an image cast on a surface
- promformal dance for high school students
- prominencestate of being important or noticeable
- promptdone quickly and without delay
- promptlyimmediately, without any delay
- proponentperson who supports an idea or cause
- proposedsuggested or put forward for consideration
- proseordinary written language, not poetry
- prosecutebring legal charges against someone in court
- prospectpossibility of something happening in the future
- prosperbecome successful, especially financially
- proudlyin a way that shows satisfaction or pride
- provenshown to be true or effective
- provinceadministrative division of a country
- provisionact of supplying something, or a condition in an agreement
- proximitynearness in space or time
- psychologicallyin a way relating to the mind or mental state
- psychologyscientific study of the mind and behavior
- publicationact of publishing, or a published work
- publicitypublic attention or promotion given to something
- publicizebring something to public attention
- puddingsoft sweet dessert, often milk-based
- pulseregular beating of blood through the body
- pumpkinlarge round orange vegetable
- punchhit with a closed fist, or a fruit drink
- punctualarriving or acting exactly on time
- punctualityquality of arriving or doing things on time
- purchaseact of buying something, or the thing bought
- purposefulhaving a clear aim or determination
- pursuitact of chasing or seeking something
- puzzledconfused, unable to understand something
Q
- qualificationskill or achievement that makes someone suitable
- quantifyexpress or measure something as a number
- quarantineperiod of isolation to prevent disease spreading
- quarrelangry argument between people
- quarrelsometending to argue often
- queerstrange or odd
- querya question, especially one asking for information
- quotableworth repeating as a quotation
- quotationwords repeated from another source
- quotewords repeated from someone else, or a price estimate
R
- racismunfair treatment based on race
- racistperson who discriminates based on race
- rackframework for holding or storing things
- radarsystem using radio waves to detect objects
- radiatesend out light, heat, or a strong quality
- radicalperson who supports extreme political or social change
- radicallyin a fundamental or extreme way
- radiumradioactive chemical element
- raftersloped beam supporting a roof
- ragold piece of cloth used for cleaning
- rainbowarc of colors seen in the sky after rain
- rainstormstorm with heavy rain
- rallylarge public meeting to support a cause
- ramadult male sheep
- rampsloped surface connecting different levels
- rangerperson who protects or patrols a park or forest
- rapecrime of forcing someone into sex
- rashacting too quickly without thinking of consequences
- rattlebaby's toy that makes a rattling sound
- ravagesevere damage caused by something destructive
- reactionresponse to something that happens
- readilywillingly and without hesitation, or easily
- real estateproperty consisting of land and buildings
- realizationmoment of understanding something clearly
- rearsituated at the back of something
- reasonablyto a fair or moderate degree
- rebelperson who fights against authority or rules
- rebelliousresisting authority or control
- recessionperiod of economic decline
- recipeset of instructions for cooking a dish
- reckonthink or believe something, or calculate
- recognitionact of identifying or acknowledging something
- recollectremember something from the past
- recollectionmemory of a past event
- recommendableworth recommending to others
- recommendationsuggestion about what should be done or chosen
- reconsiderthink again about a decision
- recreationactivity done for enjoyment in free time
- recruitfind and enlist people for a job or group
- rectangularshaped like a rectangle
- redodo something again, usually to fix or improve it
- redundantno longer needed, or unnecessarily repeated
- reedtall grass-like plant growing near water
- referencemention of something, or a source consulted for information
- referentthe thing a word refers to
- refineryfactory that purifies raw material, such as oil
- reflectivethoughtful, or able to reflect light
- reformchange made to improve a system
- refrainrepeated line or chorus in a song or poem
- refreshact of updating or making something new again
- refugeshelter or protection from danger
- refugeeperson forced to flee their country
- refuteprove that something is false or wrong
- regardlesswithout being affected by or considering something
- reggaestyle of music that originated in Jamaica
- regimea system of government or organized routine
- regrettablyunfortunately, in a regrettable way
- regulatecontrol or adjust something by rule
- rehearsala practice session before a performance
- reinforcemake something stronger or more solid
- reinforcementextra support or additional troops
- rejectionthe act of refusing or turning down
- rejoinjoin something again after leaving
- relatedconnected in some way to something else
- relativitythe quality of being relative, or Einstein's theory
- relaxationrest and freedom from stress or tension
- relaya race between teams, or a signal transmitter
- relevantclosely connected to the subject at hand
- relican object surviving from an earlier time
- reliefa feeling of reassurance after worry ends
- relievemake pain or worry less severe
- relievedfeeling reassured after worry has ended
- reluctantunwilling and hesitant to do something
- remainingstill left after the rest is used
- remainsthe parts left after most is gone
- remarkablyin a way that is surprisingly notable
- remindersomething that helps you remember
- rentalan item or service available for rent
- reorganizearrange something in a new, different way
- repaintan instance of painting something again
- repertoirethe range of pieces a performer knows
- repetitionthe act of doing something again
- replacementa person or thing that takes another's place
- replicaan exact copy of an original object
- represshold back or suppress a feeling or group
- repressionthe act of restraining by force
- reprinta new printed edition of a published work
- reprovecriticize or scold someone gently
- residencea house or place where someone lives
- resignformally give up a job or position
- resignationthe act of formally quitting a job
- resistanceopposition or force against something
- resolutiona firm decision, or a formal agreement
- resonanthaving a deep, rich, echoing sound
- respectablyin a way that deserves respect or approval
- respectedadmired and highly regarded by others
- respirationthe process of breathing air
- respiratoryrelating to the act of breathing
- restrictiona rule that limits what is allowed
- resumestart again after a pause or interruption
- retailera business that sells goods to the public
- retarddelay or slow down the progress of something
- retinathe eye's inner light-sensitive layer
- retirementthe state of having stopped working permanently
- retreata withdrawal, or a peaceful, quiet place
- retrieveget or bring back something from somewhere
- revelationa surprising fact that is revealed
- revengeharm done to someone as payback
- revenueincome generated by a business or government
- reverencedeep respect or admiration for something
- reverseturn something back or change its direction
- revivala return to popularity, activity, or health
- revivebring something back to life or activity
- revolutiona forcible overthrow of a government or system
- revolutionaryinvolving a great, radical change
- revolutionizechange something completely and dramatically
- revolvemove in a circle around a center point
- rhinocerosa large horned animal with thick skin
- rhymehave the same end sound as another word
- rhythmichaving a regular, repeated pattern of movement
- ribone of the curved bones around the chest
- ridera person who rides, or an added clause
- ridgea long, narrow raised strip of land
- righteousnessthe quality of being morally right or virtuous
- rightlycorrectly, or with good reason
- rimthe outer edge of something round
- riptear something suddenly and forcefully
- riskyinvolving danger or the possibility of loss
- ritea formal, often religious ceremony
- rituala series of actions performed regularly
- rivala person or thing competing with another
- roaman act of wandering freely without a destination
- roarmake a loud, deep sound, like a lion
- rocketa vehicle propelled by burning fuel into space
- rockyfull of rocks, or difficult and unstable
- roommatea person you share a room or home
- rosypink in color, or hopeful and optimistic
- routea way or path taken to reach somewhere
- royaltymembers of a royal family, or creator payments
- rubmove something back and forth against a surface
- rubblebroken pieces of stone or brick
- ruga piece of fabric used as floor covering
- ruinouscausing ruin or very great harm
- ruralrelating to the countryside rather than a city
- rush hourthe busy time of day with heavy traffic
- rustycovered with rust, or out of practice
S
- sackdismiss someone from their job
- saga downward droop or dip in something
- sagea wise person, or a fragrant herb
- sailtravel on water using a boat or ship
- salaryfixed regular payment made for doing a job
- salesmanshipskill and ability in selling things
- salespersona person whose job is selling goods
- saleswomana woman whose job is selling goods
- salona shop offering hair or beauty treatments
- salsaa spicy sauce, or a lively Latin dance
- saltytasting of or containing salt
- sandstonea rock formed mainly from grains of sand
- sanitaryclean and free of health hazards
- sanitationsystems for keeping places clean and healthy
- satisfactorygood enough to be acceptable
- savingmoney saved, or a reduction in cost
- scandalan action or event causing public outrage
- scara mark left after a wound heals
- scarcelyonly just, or almost not at all
- scarleta bright, deep red color
- scenta distinctive, often pleasant smell
- scheduledplanned to happen at a specific time
- schemea plan of action, often secretive or clever
- scholasticisma medieval system of philosophy and theology
- schoolgirla girl who attends school
- scientificallyin a way based on science or method
- scootera small motorbike, or a foot powered vehicle
- scramblemove hastily and awkwardly, or mix while cooking
- scribblecareless, hurried handwriting or drawing
- scroogea mean, stingy person who hates spending money
- scubaequipment for breathing while diving underwater
- scythea curved blade tool for cutting crops
- seala marine mammal, or a certifying device
- seasonalhappening only at certain times of year
- second personthe grammatical form referring to the listener
- secondaryless important, or coming after the first
- secondlyused to introduce a second point
- sectora distinct part of an economy or society
- seesawa playground plank that tips up and down
- segmenta distinct part or section of something
- seldomnot often, rarely happening
- self-confidencebelief and trust in one's own abilities
- self-confidenthaving confidence in one's own abilities
- selflessputting others' needs before your own
- sellera person or business that sells something
- semi-finalthe round of a competition before the final
- semicolonthe punctuation mark used as ;
- seminara class or meeting for discussion or training
- senatora member of a senate or legislative body
- sensibleshowing good, practical judgment
- sensitiveeasily affected, or emotionally quick to react
- separatelyapart from each other, not together
- serenecalm and peaceful in feeling or manner
- serialhappening repeatedly, one after another
- servanta person employed to do household tasks
- setbacka problem that delays or reverses progress
- sexismprejudice or discrimination based on someone's sex
- sexualrelating to sex or physical attraction
- sexysexually attractive or appealing
- shabbyworn out and untidy in appearance
- shakenupset or disturbed emotionally after a shock
- Shakespeareanrelating to William Shakespeare or his works
- shakytrembling, or unstable and unreliable
- sharplysuddenly and to a great degree
- shatterbreak suddenly into many small pieces
- sheda small outdoor structure used for storage
- shielda protective covering used for defense
- shippingthe transporting of goods, especially by sea
- shipwrecka ship destroyed at sea, or its wreckage
- shootingthe firing of a gun, or filming
- shopkeepera person who owns a small shop
- shopliftsteal goods from a shop secretly
- shopliftera person who steals goods from shops
- shopliftingthe act of stealing goods from a shop
- short-termlasting or planned for only a short time
- shortnessthe state of being short, or brevity
- showbizthe entertainment industry, especially film and music
- showcasean event or display that presents something well
- shrinka psychiatrist (informal term)
- shrugraise the shoulders to show indifference
- significantlyto a notable or important extent
- signifyindicate or represent a particular meaning
- silverwareeating utensils made of or resembling silver
- simplificationthe process of making something simpler
- simultaneoushappening or done at the same time
- sinceregenuine and honest in feeling
- sinceritythe quality of being genuine and honest
- sister-in-lawthe sister of your spouse or brother's wife
- skateboarda board with wheels ridden while standing
- skateboardera person who rides a skateboard
- sketchdraw something roughly and quickly
- skilledhaving ability and training to do something well
- skillfulhaving or showing great skill
- skillfullyin a way that shows great skill
- skimread quickly, or remove something from a surface
- skipmove with light jumps, or omit something
- skylarka small brown bird that sings while flying
- skywardtoward or up into the sky
- slamshut or hit something forcefully and loudly
- slangvery informal, casual vocabulary
- slapa quick hit with the open hand
- slasha diagonal line mark, or a forceful cut
- slaughterthe killing of animals for food, or massacre
- slivera small, thin piece cut or broken off
- sloppycareless and untidy in appearance or work
- smashbreak something violently into pieces
- smokestacka tall chimney on a factory or ship
- snapbreak suddenly with a sharp sound
- sneakmove somewhere quietly and secretly
- sneera scornful, contemptuous facial expression
- sniffinhale audibly through the nose to smell
- snorea loud, rough breathing sound made while sleeping
- snowballa ball made of packed snow
- so-calledcommonly named as such, often doubtfully
- soaka period spent immersed in liquid
- soakedcompletely wet through and through
- soakingextremely wet, drenched
- soarfly high in the air, or rise rapidly
- sobcry noisily while gasping for breath
- sociablefriendly and enjoying the company of others
- socializeinteract with others in a friendly, casual way
- softnessthe quality of being soft or gentle
- solarrelating to the sun or its energy
- soliditythe quality of being firm, solid, or dependable
- soliloquya speech a character gives alone on stage
- solodone alone, without other people
- solventa liquid that dissolves other substances
- somewhatto a moderate degree, slightly
- son-in-lawthe husband of one's daughter
- sonneta fourteen line poem with a fixed rhyme
- sophisticatedrefined and cultured, or highly complex
- soundtrackthe music accompanying a film or show
- southwardtoward the south direction
- Sovieta citizen of the former Soviet Union
- soybeana bean plant used for food and oil
- spaa place offering health and beauty treatments
- spanextend across a distance or period of time
- sparekept in reserve, extra and unused
- spareriba cut of pork ribs
- sparka small fiery particle, or a small trace
- sparklingshining with small flashes of light, or fizzy
- sparrowa small, common brown bird
- specialtya particular skill, or a signature dish
- speciesa group of similar living organisms
- specificallyin a way relating to one particular thing
- specifystate something clearly and precisely
- spectaclea visually striking public display or event
- speedera person who drives faster than allowed
- spellboundcompletely fascinated or captivated
- spinturn rapidly around a central point
- spitea desire to annoy or hurt someone
- splattera splash of liquid scattered irregularly
- spokesmana man speaking on behalf of a group
- spokeswomana woman speaking on behalf of a group
- sprayfine drops of liquid, or a spraying device
- spreadsheeta computer program for organizing tabular data
- sprinta short race run at top speed
- spursomething that encourages or urges action
- squada small group organized for a task
- squasha vegetable with hard skin
- squeezeto press something firmly together
- stabto wound with a pointed weapon
- stabilitythe state of being steady and unchanging
- stacka neat pile of things
- staggeran unsteady walk, or a staggered arrangement
- staina discolored mark on a surface
- stakea financial share, or a pointed post
- stammerto speak with involuntary pauses and repeats
- standbyready to be used if needed
- standstilla complete stop of movement or activity
- stanzaa group of lines in a poem
- startleto surprise or frighten suddenly
- starvationsuffering or death from lack of food
- starveto suffer or die from lack of food
- starvingextremely hungry from lack of food
- statesmanan experienced and respected political leader
- statewideacross an entire state
- statisticsnumerical data collected and analyzed
- steelyhard, cold, and determined
- steerto control the direction of a vehicle
- steering wheelthe wheel used to control a vehicle
- stepfathera mother's husband, not one's father
- stepmothera father's wife, not one's mother
- stereotypean oversimplified fixed idea about a group
- sternserious, strict, and unsmiling
- stewa dish of meat and vegetables cooked slowly
- stiffnot easily bent, hard to move
- stimulanta substance that increases activity in the body
- stimulateto encourage activity or growth
- stimulationthe act of encouraging activity or interest
- stingyunwilling to spend or give money
- stinkto have a strong unpleasant smell
- stitcha single loop made with thread
- stockgoods for sale, or a company share
- stock marketa market for buying and selling company shares
- stockpilea large stored supply for future use
- stoneworkparts of a building made of stone
- stoola seat without a back or arms
- stopovera short break in a journey
- stopwatcha watch used to time events precisely
- straightento make something straight or tidy
- straightforwardsimple and easy to understand
- straita narrow passage of water between two seas
- stranda single thin length of thread or hair
- strangleto kill by squeezing the throat
- strictlyin a strict manner, without exception
- strideto walk with long confident steps
- strikingvery noticeable or impressive
- striveto try very hard to achieve something
- strokea medical emergency from blocked brain blood flow
- stubbornlyrefusing to change one's mind
- stylista person who styles hair or fashion
- subcontinenta large landmass within a continent
- subculturea distinct cultural group within society
- subdivisiona smaller part into which something is divided
- subjunctivea grammatical mood expressing wishes or hypotheticals
- submitto hand in, or to yield to authority
- subplota secondary storyline in a book or film
- subsideto become less intense or settle down
- substancea particular type of matter or material
- subtitletranslated text shown on screen during a film
- subtlenot obvious, delicate or slight
- subtractto take one number away from another
- suburba residential area at a city's edge
- successivefollowing one after another without interruption
- suckto draw liquid or air into the mouth
- sueto take legal action against someone
- sufferingthe state of experiencing pain or hardship
- sufficientlyto a degree that is enough
- suitablyin a way that is appropriate
- sulfura yellow chemical element with a strong smell
- sunbeama ray of sunlight
- superbexcellent, of very high quality
- superintendenta person who manages or supervises an organization
- supernaturalbeyond what is explained by natural laws
- superviseto watch over and direct an activity
- supervisionthe act of overseeing or directing someone's work
- supervisora person who oversees others' work
- supplementsomething added to complete or improve something
- suppliera company that provides goods or materials
- suppressto forcibly stop or hold something back
- surgea sudden strong increase or movement forward
- surrenderto stop resisting and give up
- surroundingsthe area or conditions around someone
- surveillanceclose observation of a person or place
- suspendto temporarily stop or hang something
- suspiciousfeeling or causing distrust
- suspiciouslyin a way that suggests distrust
- sustainto keep something going over time
- swana large white long-necked water bird
- sweepto clean a surface using a broom
- swifthappening or moving very fast
- swinga hanging seat that moves back and forth
- syllablea unit of pronunciation within a word
- symbolicrepresenting something else, having symbolic meaning
- sympatheticshowing understanding and compassion for others
- sympathizeto feel or express understanding for someone's situation
- synonyma word with the same meaning as another
T
- tableclotha cloth used to cover a table
- tabloidrelating to small sensational newspapers
- tackto fasten with small nails, or change direction
- tackleto try to deal with a difficult problem
- tactilerelating to the sense of touch
- taga small label attached to an item
- tailthe rear part of an animal's body
- tamenot wild, gentle and used to humans
- tana brownish skin color from sun exposure
- tannedhaving skin darkened by the sun
- tattera torn and ragged piece of cloth
- tattooa permanent design drawn on the skin
- taunta remark made to mock or provoke someone
- teaspoona small spoon used for measuring or stirring
- technicalrelating to a particular skill, craft, or field
- technicallyaccording to strict facts or rules
- telescopean instrument for viewing distant objects
- temperatehaving mild temperatures, moderate in behavior
- temporarilyfor a limited period of time
- temptationa strong urge to do something unwise
- tendergentle and kind, or soft and easily chewed
- tenderlyin a gentle and caring manner
- tendernessgentle and caring feeling toward someone
- terracea flat outdoor area attached to a building
- terrifyingcausing intense fear
- territoryan area of land under someone's control
- testifyto give evidence as a witness in court
- testimonya formal statement given as evidence
- themethe main subject or idea of a work
- theorista person who develops theories about a subject
- therapista professional who treats physical or mental conditions
- therapytreatment intended to relieve illness or distress
- thereafterafter that, from that time on
- thermometeran instrument for measuring temperature
- thesisa long research paper for a degree
- thicklyin a thick manner or layer
- thicknessthe extent of something from side to side
- thighthe part of the leg above the knee
- thinkera person known for serious original thought
- third persongrammar for someone other than speaker or listener
- thirdlyused to introduce a third point
- thoroughlyin a complete and careful way
- thoughtfulshowing careful consideration or kindness
- thoughtlessshowing no care for others' feelings
- threada thin strand used for sewing
- threatento state an intention to harm or punish
- thrilla sudden feeling of excitement
- thrilledextremely happy and excited
- thrillingextremely exciting and enjoyable
- throatthe passage at the back of the mouth
- tickleto touch lightly to cause laughter
- tightropea tightly stretched rope for acrobats
- timelessnot affected by the passing of time
- timelinessthe quality of happening at the right time
- timesused to multiply numbers together
- timingthe choosing of when something should happen
- tiptoeto walk quietly on the toes
- tirednessthe state of feeling in need of rest
- tiresomecausing annoyance or boredom through length
- toenailthe nail at the tip of a toe
- toilto work very hard for a long time
- tolerantwilling to accept different views or behavior
- tolerateto accept or endure something unpleasant
- tolla road fee, or a serious loss
- tomba place where a dead body is buried
- tona unit of weight equal to 1,000 kilograms
- torcha portable light, or a burning stick
- tortoiseshellthe mottled shell material or its pattern
- tortureto inflict severe pain deliberately
- toughstrong and hard to break or handle
- toxicpoisonous or harmful
- tradera person who buys and sells goods or assets
- trailera film preview, or a towed vehicle
- traineea person being trained for a job
- trainera person who teaches or coaches skills
- traita distinguishing quality of someone's character
- traitora person who betrays their country or group
- trampa person who wanders with no fixed home
- tramplethe act of stepping heavily on something
- transcripta written copy of spoken or recorded material
- transfusionthe transfer of blood into a person's body
- transientlasting only for a short time
- transistora small electronic device that controls current
- transitiona gradual change from one state to another
- transitivedescribing a verb that takes a direct object
- translationtext converted from one language into another
- translatora person who converts text between languages
- transmissionthe sending of a signal or message
- transmitto send out a signal or message
- transparentallowing light through, or completely open and honest
- traversea route or movement across an area
- traya flat container for carrying items
- treadto walk or step on something
- treatya formal agreement between countries
- treka long and difficult journey, especially on foot
- tremendouslyto a very great extent
- tremora slight shaking movement
- triala court examination of evidence, or a test
- trianglea shape with three sides and three angles
- tribea social group united by shared ancestry or customs
- trickydifficult to handle or understand
- trioa group of three people or things
- trivialof little value or importance
- trolleya small cart pushed by hand, or a streetcar
- troopa group of soldiers
- trophyan award given for winning a competition
- tropicrelating to the hot regions near the equator
- troublesomecausing difficulty or annoyance
- trunka tree stem, or a car's storage area
- trustyreliable and able to be trusted
- truthfultelling or expressing the truth
- truthfulnessthe quality of being honest
- tuba large open container, or a bathtub
- tuberculosisa serious infectious disease affecting the lungs
- tuga sudden strong pull
- tuitionmoney paid for instruction, or teaching itself
- tulipa colorful spring flower with a cup shape
- tumoran abnormal growth of tissue in the body
- tunnelan underground passage
- turbulentfull of sudden change, disorder, or unrest
- tutora private teacher for one student
- twinklea brief sparkle of light
- twistedbent or turned out of natural shape
- typhoida disease spread by contaminated food or water
- tyrannycruel and unjust use of power
- tyranta cruel and unjust ruler
U
- ultimatefinal, or the greatest possible
- ultimatelyin the end, finally
- unacceptablenot satisfactory or allowed
- unashamedlywithout any feeling of guilt or embarrassment
- unattractivenot pleasing in appearance
- unauthorizedwithout official permission
- unavailablenot able to be obtained or reached
- unawarenot knowing or noticing something
- unbearabletoo painful or unpleasant to endure
- unbeatableimpossible to defeat or surpass
- unchangedremaining the same as before
- uncharacteristicnot typical of a person's usual behavior
- unclearlyin a confusing or unclear way
- uncomfortablycausing physical or mental unease
- uncommonnot happening or seen often
- unconcernednot worried or interested
- unconsciousnot awake or aware, having lost consciousness
- underestimateto undervalue how big or important something is
- undergraduatea college student without a degree yet
- undergroundlocated beneath the surface of the ground
- undersealocated below the surface of the sea
- understandablereasonable and easy to understand
- understandingsympathetic and willing to forgive
- undertaketo commit to and begin a task
- underwearclothing worn under other clothes
- undoubtedlycertainly, without doubt
- undreamednot previously imagined, extraordinary
- undressednot wearing clothes
- uneasea feeling of anxiety or discomfort
- uneasilyin an anxious or uncomfortable way
- unenthusiasticshowing little interest or excitement
- unevennot level, smooth, or consistent
- unfamiliarnot known or recognized
- unfashionablenot currently popular or stylish
- unforeseennot anticipated or expected
- ungodlywicked, or shockingly outrageous
- unhappinessthe state of feeling sad
- unhelpfulnot useful or willing to help
- unimaginableimpossible to imagine, extreme
- unimaginablyto an extreme degree, impossible to imagine
- unitedjoined together, in agreement
- universalrelating to or shared by everyone
- unjustlyin an unfair way
- unkindnot kind, harsh
- unlimitedwithout limit or restriction
- unloadto remove goods from a vehicle
- unlockto open something using a key
- unmistakableimpossible to mistake for anything else
- unmistakablyin a way that cannot be doubted
- unnaturalnot normal, expected, or artificial
- unofficialnot authorized or officially confirmed
- unpopularnot liked by many people
- unrealisticnot sensible, practical, or true to reality
- unreasonablenot fair or sensible, excessive
- unreliablenot able to be trusted or depended on
- unresta state of dissatisfaction and disturbance
- unsafedangerous, not secure
- unsatisfactorynot good enough, not acceptable
- unselfishputting others' needs before one's own
- unstoppableimpossible to stop or prevent
- unsuccessfulnot achieving the desired result
- unsuitablenot appropriate for a particular purpose
- unsurenot certain, lacking confidence
- untalentedlacking natural skill or ability
- unthinkablyto a degree that is hard to imagine
- untieto undo a knot or something tied
- untoto, toward (archaic or literary)
- untreatednot given medical or chemical treatment
- untrimmednot cut neat or shortened
- unusualnessthe quality of being unexpected or rare
- unwillingnot wanting to do something
- unwisenot sensible, showing poor judgment
- unworldlynot experienced in practical matters
- upbringingthe way a child is raised
- upgradean improvement or newer version of something
- uprightvertical, or honest and moral
- upside downwith the top part at the bottom
- urbanrelating to a city or town
- urgentlyin a way that requires immediate action
- usera person who uses something
- usherto escort or guide someone somewhere
- utilityusefulness, or a public service like electricity
- utilizeto make practical use of
- utterto say something aloud
- utterlyin a complete and total way
V
- vacantempty, not occupied
- vaccinea substance that triggers immunity to a disease
- valentinea card or gift sent to a sweetheart
- validlegally acceptable, or based on sound reasoning
- vanishto disappear suddenly and completely
- vanityexcessive pride in appearance, or a dressing table
- variationa change or difference in amount or level
- variedincluding many different types
- venturea risky or daring undertaking, especially in business
- venuethe place where an event happens
- verbalspoken rather than written
- verballyin spoken words
- versepoetic writing, or a section of a poem
- versiona particular form of something
- versusagainst, in contrast to
- veteranan experienced person, especially a former soldier
- vibrateto move with small rapid shaking movements
- vibrationa continuous rapid shaking movement
- viewera person who watches something, especially television
- vigorphysical strength and energy
- vigorousstrong, healthy, and full of energy
- vigorouslyin a strong and energetic way
- villaa large house, especially in a warm country
- villagera person who lives in a village
- vinegara sour liquid used in cooking and pickling
- violateto break a law, rule, or agreement
- virtual realitya computer-generated simulation of a 3D environment
- virtuallyalmost entirely, or through virtual reality
- virtuemoral excellence, or a good quality
- visiblyin a way that can be easily seen
- vitalabsolutely necessary, or full of energy
- vitamina substance essential for healthy nutrition
- vocalista singer, especially in a band
- vomitmatter brought up from the stomach
- votera person who votes in an election
- vowa solemn promise
W
- wagemoney paid regularly for work
- waistthe narrow middle part of the body
- waistcoata sleeveless garment worn over a shirt
- walkabouta casual public walk among crowds
- walkera person who walks, or a walking frame
- wallboarda manufactured board used to cover interior walls
- walnutan edible nut with a wrinkled shell
- warshipa ship built for use in war
- wartimethe period during which a war is happening
- waspa flying stinging insect similar to a bee
- waterproofpreventing water from entering
- weakento make or become less strong
- weaklyin a feeble or faint way
- wealthyhaving a great deal of money or assets
- wearisomecausing tiredness or boredom
- wearyvery tired, especially from effort
- weavea particular style or pattern of weaving
- wedto get married to someone
- weedan unwanted wild plant
- welfarewellbeing, or government financial aid
- well-balancedsensible, stable, or evenly proportioned
- well-builthaving a strong body, or solidly built
- well-organizedarranged or planned in an efficient way
- well-paidearning or providing a good salary
- westernrelating to the west, especially western culture
- wheata cereal plant used to make flour
- whereasin contrast, while on the other hand
- whipto strike with a whip, or beat rapidly
- whiskeya strong alcoholic drink distilled from grain
- widento make or become wider
- widowa woman whose husband has died
- widththe measurement of something from side to side
- wildernessa wild, uninhabited natural area
- willingready or prepared to do something
- willinglyin a way that shows readiness
- windinghaving many bends and turns
- windshieldthe front window of a vehicle
- winka quick closing and opening of one eye
- wipeto clean or dry by rubbing
- witthe ability to say clever, amusing things
- withdrawto take back, or to leave a place
- withdrawalthe act of taking something back, or leaving
- wittyshowing clever and quick humor
- wolfa wild animal related to the dog
- wondrousinspiring wonder, marvelous
- woodcarvingthe art or product of carving wood
- wordlesslywithout speaking, silently
- workaholica person who works far too much
- workbencha sturdy table for manual work
- workmana man who does manual labor
- worktablea table used for working, especially manual tasks
- worldlyexperienced in life, or focused on material things
- worldviewa particular way of viewing the world
- worma small, long, legless creature
- worn-outtoo old or damaged to use
- worryingcausing anxiety or concern
- worsento become or make worse
- worshipreverence and adoration for a deity
- worthlesshaving no real value or purpose
- wreckthe destroyed remains of a ship
- wronglyin an incorrect or mistaken way
X
- X-raya photographic image made using X-radiation
Y
Z
Exam equivalence: B2 corresponds to roughly Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS 5.5-6.5, TOEFL 72-94, or TOEIC ~785-940. Values are approximate and vary by exam session.
Levels come from the CEFR-J Vocabulary Profile v1.5 by Yukio Tono, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and the Octanove Vocabulary Profile C1/C2 by Octanove Labs, CC BY-SA 4.0 Meanings and example sentences are written by VocaFlare.
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English word lists by level: FAQ
Common questions about CEFR-level vocabulary lists.