Vocabulary to help prepare for common IELTS topics
The IELTS test can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, you can conquer it! A strong vocabulary is key to success across all sections – Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Here, we’ll explore some essential vocabulary for common IELTS topics, equipping you to discuss them with confidence.
Here’s a list of vocabulary words for IELTS, organized alphabetically from A to Z:
Words | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
Abandon | To leave behind or give up completely | She felt compelled to abandon her career in favor of traveling the world. |
Abate | To become less intense or widespread; to diminish or subside | The storm began to abate, allowing residents to return to their homes. |
Abbreviate | To shorten or condense (a word or phrase) | “Doctor” is often abbreviated as “Dr.” |
Abdicate | To renounce or relinquish power, authority, or responsibility | The king was forced to abdicate the throne due to pressure from the people. |
Abhor | To regard with disgust or hatred | She abhorred the idea of eating insects. |
Abide | To accept or act in accordance with a rule, decision, or recommendation | He promised to abide by the terms of the contract. |
Ability | The capacity to do something; talent or skill | Her ability to speak multiple languages impressed her colleagues. |
Abrupt | Sudden and unexpected; brief to the point of rudeness | His abrupt departure left everyone surprised. |
Absolve | To free someone from blame, guilt, or responsibility | The court absolved him of all charges. |
Abstract | Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence; theoretical or conceptual | Love is an abstract concept that can be difficult to define. |
Absurd | Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate | The idea of flying without wings seemed absurd to her. |
Abundance | A very large quantity of something; plentifulness | The garden was filled with an abundance of colorful flowers. |
Accelerate | To increase in rate, amount, or extent; to move faster | The car began to accelerate as it approached the highway. |
Accentuate | To emphasize or make more noticeable | Her dress accentuated her figure beautifully. |
Accessible | Easy to approach, reach, or obtain; obtainable or available | The library is easily accessible from the main road. |
Accommodate | To fit in with the wishes or needs of someone; to provide with something desired or needed | The hotel was able to accommodate our request for a late checkout. |
Accomplish | To achieve or complete successfully; to carry out or finish | Despite the challenges, they were able to accomplish their goal. |
Accurate | Correct in all details; exact or precise | The map provided accurate directions to the destination. |
Accumulate | To gather or collect, often over time | Dust had accumulated on the old bookshelves. |
Acquire | To buy or obtain for oneself through effort or action | She acquired a new skill after months of practice. |
Adapt | To adjust or modify to fit a different purpose or situation | Living in a foreign country forced her to adapt to a new way of life. |
Adequate | Sufficient or satisfactory for a specific purpose or need | The supplies were deemed adequate for the upcoming project. |
Adhere | To stick fast to a surface or substance; to follow closely or faithfully | The tapestry adhered to the wall with ease. |
Adjacent | Next to or adjoining something; neighboring | The hotel room was located adjacent to the conference center. |
Adjust | To alter or adapt something in response to a new situation or need | She adjusted the thermostat to make the room warmer. |
Administer | To manage or supervise the execution, use, or conduct of something | The nurse administered the medication to the patient. |
Admire | To regard with respect, approval, or pleasure; to look at with pleasure | She admired his dedication to his work. |
Adorn | To decorate or add beauty to something | The walls of the room were adorned with colorful paintings. |
Advance | To move forward in a purposeful way; to promote or further a cause or enterprise | They advanced slowly through the dense forest. |
Advantage | A condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable or superior position | His height gave him an advantage in basketball. |
Adversary | An opponent or enemy | The two teams faced each other as adversaries on the field. |
Adversity | Difficulties or misfortune | She faced adversity with courage and determination. |
Advocate | A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy | She was an advocate for animal rights. |
Aesthetic | Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty; pleasing in appearance | The design of the building was both functional and aesthetic. |
Affable | Friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to | Despite his busy schedule, he always had time for an affable conversation. |
Affect | To produce a change or influence something | The economic downturn affected businesses across the country. |
Affluent | Wealthy or having an abundance of wealth | The neighborhood was home to many affluent families. |
Aggravate | To make a situation worse or more serious | His constant complaints only served to aggravate the problem. |
Aggregate | A whole formed by combining several separate elements; total | The aggregate value of the company’s assets was impressive. |
Agile | Able to move quickly and easily; nimble | The gymnast displayed agile movements on the balance beam. |
Agitate | To make someone feel anxious or troubled; to stir up or disturb | The loud noises from the construction site agitated the residents. |
Agony | Extreme physical or mental suffering or pain | She endured agonizing pain after the accident. |
Aid | Assistance or support given to someone in need | The Red Cross provided aid to the victims of the natural disaster. |
Aim | To intend or direct for a particular purpose or goal | He aimed the ball carefully before throwing it. |
Airy | Spacious and well-lit; having an open and light appearance | The apartment had an airy feel thanks to its large windows. |
Alert | Quick to notice any unusual or potentially dangerous situation | The lifeguard remained alert while on duty at the beach. |
Alleviate | To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe or serious | The medication helped alleviate the symptoms of the illness. |
Allocate | To distribute or apportion for a specific purpose or task | The company allocated funds for research and development. |
Allude | To suggest or call attention to indirectly or vaguely | The author’s speech alluded to themes of love and loss. |
Ally | A state formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose; a partner or friend | The two countries became allies in the fight against terrorism. |
Alter | To change or make different in some particular way | She decided to alter her appearance by dyeing her hair a different color. |
Alternative | One of two or more available possibilities; a choice | The committee considered alternative options before making a decision. |
Ambiguous | Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning | The instructions were ambiguous and left room for confusion. |
Ambition | A strong desire to achieve something or succeed | Her ambition was to become a successful entrepreneur. |
Ambivalence | The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something | She felt ambivalence about the decision to move to a new city. |
Amiable | Friendly and pleasant | She had an amiable personality that made her easy to get along with. |
Ample | Enough or more than enough; plentiful | The spacious kitchen had ample room for cooking and entertaining. |
Amplify | To increase the volume, amount, or strength of something | The microphone amplified her voice so that everyone could hear her clearly. |
Ancestor | A person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended | Genealogy enthusiasts often research their ancestors to learn about their family history. |
Anchor | A heavy object attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom; a source of stability | The ship dropped anchor in the harbor to wait out the storm. |
Ancient | Belonging to the very distant past; having been in existence for a very long time | The ancient ruins provided clues about the civilization that once thrived there. |
Animate | To give life or energy to something; to make lively or spirited | His passionate speech animated the audience. |
Announce | To make a formal or public statement about something | The mayor announced plans for a new community center. |
Anomaly | Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected | The scientist discovered an anomaly in the data that required further investigation. |
Anonymous | Without a name or other identifying information | The donation was made by an anonymous benefactor. |
Anticipate | To regard as probable; to expect or predict | She anticipated a busy day ahead and prepared accordingly. |
Anxiety | A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome | He felt a sense of anxiety before the job interview. |
Apparent | Clearly visible or understood; obvious | The apparent lack of progress concerned the project manager. |
Appeal | To make a serious or urgent request | The charity made an appeal for donations to support its humanitarian efforts. |
Applaud | To show approval or praise, typically by clapping hands together vigorously | The audience applauded loudly after the performance. |
Appoint | To assign a job or role to someone officially; to designate or nominate for a position | The company decided to appoint her as the new CEO. |
Appreciate | To recognize the value or significance of something; to be grateful for something | She appreciated the support her friends gave her during a difficult time. |
Approach | To come near or nearer to someone or something in distance or time; to begin to deal with or study | We decided to approach the problem from a different angle. |
Appropriate | Suitable or proper in the circumstances; to take something for one’s own use, typically without permission | She felt that the dress was appropriate for the occasion. |
Aptitude | A natural ability to do something well; talent or skill | She showed an aptitude for mathematics from a young age. |
Arbitrary | Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system | The decision seemed arbitrary and unfair to many people. |
Arid | Lacking in interest, excitement, or meaning; dry and barren (referring to land or climate) | The arid desert landscape stretched out before us. |
Arise | To emerge or become apparent; to get up from sitting, lying, or kneeling | He apologized for any problems that might arise during the meeting. |
Arrange | To organize or make plans for something; to set something in a particular position or order | She arranged the books on the shelf according to size. |
Array | An impressive display or range of a particular type of thing | The store had an array of options for customers to choose from. |
Arrogant | Having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities | His arrogant behavior alienated many of his coworkers. |
Articulate | Having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently | She was known for her articulate speeches on social issues. |
Artificial | Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally; fake or insincere | The flowers on the table looked artificial but still added a touch of color to the room. |
Ascend | To go up or climb; to rise through the air or through a medium | The hikers began to ascend the steep mountain trail. |
Ascent | An instance of rising or climbing; upward slope or movement | The plane began its ascent into the sky. |
Ascribe | To attribute something to a particular cause, source, or origin | Some ascribe the painting to a famous artist, while others believe it is a copy. |
Assert | To state a fact or belief confidently or forcefully; to demonstrate one’s power or authority | She asserted her innocence in the face of accusations. |
Assess | To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something | Teachers often use tests to assess their students’ progress. |
Assign | To allocate or designate something for a particular purpose or to a particular person | He assigned each team member a specific task to complete. |
Assimilate | To take in and understand fully; to absorb and integrate into a wider culture or society | Immigrants often go through a process of assimilating into their new country’s customs and traditions. |
Associate | To connect or bring into relation; to join in a common purpose or action | She was happy to associate with people who shared her interests. |
Assume | To take or begin to have (power or responsibility); to suppose to be the case, without proof | He assumed control of the company after the previous CEO resigned. |
Assure | To tell someone something positively or confidently to dispel any doubts they may have | He assured her that everything would be fine. |
Astonish | To fill with sudden wonder or amazement; to greatly surprise or impress | The magician’s tricks never failed to astonish the audience. |
Astound | To shock or greatly surprise someone by doing or saying something unexpected | The news of her sudden resignation astounded her colleagues. |
Astringent | Sharp or severe in manner or style; having a tightening effect on the skin | The astringent taste of the lemonade made her lips pucker. |
Asylum | The protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee | He sought asylum in a neighboring country after fleeing persecution in his homeland. |
Asymmetrical | Having parts that fail to correspond to one another in shape, size, or arrangement | The artist’s abstract painting featured asymmetrical shapes and bold colors. |
Athlete | A person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise | The athlete trained rigorously for the upcoming competition. |
Atmosphere | The pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or work of art | The cozy atmosphere of the café made it a popular spot for locals to relax and unwind. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
Backlash | A strong negative reaction by a large number of people against something recently introduced or changed | The new policy caused a backlash from employees who felt it was unfair. |
Backlog | A large amount of work that has accumulated and needs to be dealt with | The company had a backlog of orders to fulfill due to delays in production. |
Backtrack | To go back on a previous course of action or statement | The politician had to backtrack on his promises after facing criticism from the public. |
Baffle | To confuse or perplex someone thoroughly | The complex instructions baffled even the most experienced engineers. |
Balance | An even distribution of weight or force in order to enable someone or something to remain upright | The gymnast demonstrated remarkable balance during her routine. |
Banish | To send someone away from a country or place as an official punishment | The king banished the traitor from the kingdom. |
Barren | Not able to produce offspring; infertile; bleak and lifeless; lacking vegetation | The desert was barren, with no signs of life for miles around. |
Barrier | A fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access; a circumstance that prevents progress or communication | Language barriers can make it difficult for people from different cultures to understand each other. |
Bear | To carry the weight or responsibility of something; to endure or tolerate something unpleasant | She couldn’t bear the thought of losing her best friend. |
Beat | To strike repeatedly; to defeat someone in a game, competition, or argument | The drummer beat the drums rhythmically. |
Beckon | To make a gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage someone to come nearer or follow | The tour guide beckoned us to follow her into the ancient ruins. |
Beg | To ask someone earnestly or humbly for something | The beggar begged passersby for spare change. |
Behold | To see or observe (a thing or person, especially a remarkable or impressive one) | Behold! The majestic mountain stood before us in all its glory. |
Belief | An acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists; trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something | His belief in himself gave him the confidence to pursue his dreams. |
Beneficial | Favorable or advantageous; resulting in good | Regular exercise is beneficial for both physical and mental health. |
Benevolent | Well-meaning and kindly; charitable or generous | The wealthy philanthropist was known for his benevolent acts towards the less fortunate. |
Betray | To be disloyal to someone’s trust or confidence; to reveal secrets or information | She felt betrayed when she discovered her friend had been spreading rumors about her. |
Bias | Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair | The journalist’s bias was evident in the way she framed her questions during the interview. |
Bizarre | Very strange or unusual | The artist’s latest sculpture was a bizarre creation that left viewers puzzled. |
Blaze | A large or strong fire that spreads rapidly; a bright display of color or light | The firefighters worked tirelessly to control the blaze. |
Blend | To mix or combine different substances or elements together to form a coherent whole | The chef blended the ingredients together to create a delicious sauce. |
Blessing | A beneficial thing for which one is grateful; something that brings well-being or happiness | The rain was a blessing for the farmers after a long period of drought. |
Bliss | Perfect happiness or great joy | She experienced a moment of bliss as she watched the sunset over the ocean. |
Bloated | Swollen or distended; excessively large or inflated | The bloated bureaucracy was slow to respond to the needs of the citizens. |
Blossom | The state or period of flowering; a flower or group of flowers; to develop or come into existence; to flourish or thrive | The cherry trees blossomed in the spring, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. |
Blunder | A stupid or careless mistake; to make such a mistake | His blunder cost the team the game. |
Boast | To talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities | He boasted about his new car to anyone who would listen. |
Bold | Showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous; (of a color or design) having a strong or vivid appearance | She made a bold decision to quit her job and start her own business. |
Boost | To help or encourage something to increase or improve; to push or shove from below | The advertising campaign helped to boost sales for the company. |
Boundary | A line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line or border; a limit or restriction | There must be clear boundaries between work and personal life. |
Breeze | A gentle wind; an easy task or situation | We enjoyed a pleasant breeze as we sat on the beach. |
Brisk | Quick and active; characterized by speed or liveliness; pleasantly cool or invigorating | We took a brisk walk around the park to get some exercise. |
Brittle | Hard but liable to break or shatter easily; lacking warmth, depth, or generosity | The brittle branches snapped under the weight of the snow. |
Broadcast | To transmit (a program or some information) by radio or television; to spread widely | The radio station broadcast the news of the upcoming event to listeners across the country. |
Brochure | A small book or magazine containing pictures and information about a product or service | She picked up a brochure about the local tourist attractions. |
Bureaucracy | A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives | The bureaucracy slowed down the process of obtaining a permit. |
Burden | A heavy load, typically carried by people or animals; a duty or responsibility that causes worry or difficulty | The burden of caring for her aging parents weighed heavily on her shoulders. |
Burgeon | To begin to grow or increase rapidly; to flourish or expand | The city’s population burgeoned as people moved there in search of better opportunities. |
Buzz | A low, continuous humming or murmuring sound, made by or similar to that made by an insect; a feeling of excitement or energy | There was a buzz of excitement in the air as the concert was about to begin. |
Bypass | A road or passage that avoids or “bypasses” a built-up area, town, or congested area; to avoid or circumvent (a rule or restriction) | The new highway bypasses the city, allowing drivers to avoid heavy traffic. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
Calculate | To determine or ascertain (a quantity, amount, or degree) mathematically; to compute | She needed to calculate the total cost of the project before submitting the budget proposal. |
Calibrate | To adjust or standardize (a measuring instrument) to a known value to ensure accuracy | The technician had to calibrate the scale to ensure that it provided accurate measurements. |
Calm | Free from excitement or passion; peaceful; not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions | She took deep breaths to calm her nerves before the presentation. |
Candid | Truthful and straightforward; frank and honest; free from bias or malice | His candid remarks during the interview impressed the hiring committee. |
Capacity | The maximum amount that something can contain or produce; the ability to understand or learn something | The stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000 people. |
Capitalize | To take advantage of; to use (a situation or circumstance) to gain an advantage | The company capitalized on the popularity of the product by releasing a new version. |
Captivate | To attract and hold the interest and attention of someone by being interesting, exciting, or charming | The speaker captivated the audience with her inspiring words. |
Carefree | Free from anxiety or responsibility; not worried or troubled | The carefree attitude of the children as they played in the park was infectious. |
Caress | To touch or stroke gently or lovingly, especially in a manner that shows affection; to treat with tenderness or care | She caressed the puppy’s fur as it slept in her lap. |
Cautious | Careful to avoid potential problems or dangers; prudent; wary | The hiker was cautious when crossing the narrow bridge over the ravine. |
Cease | To bring or come to an end; to stop; to discontinue | The fighting ceased when the two sides reached a peace agreement. |
Celebrate | To mark (a significant event or occasion) with festivities or other special observances | We gathered to celebrate her graduation with a party. |
Censure | To express severe disapproval of (someone or something), typically in a formal statement | The board voted to censure the senator for his unethical behavior. |
Centralize | To bring something under centralized control or management; to concentrate power or authority | The company decided to centralize its operations to improve efficiency. |
Cerebral | Intellectual rather than emotional or physical; relating to the brain or intellect | His novels are known for their cerebral themes and complex characters. |
Challenge | A call to prove or justify something; a task or situation that tests someone’s abilities | The difficult math problem was a challenge for even the most advanced students. |
Champion | To support, defend, or promote the interests or cause of; to fight for or defend vigorously | She was determined to champion the rights of the marginalized communities. |
Chaos | Complete disorder and confusion; a state of total lack of organization or order | The scene descended into chaos as protesters clashed with police. |
Charitable | Generous in giving money or help to those in need; relating to the assistance of those in need | The charitable organization provides food and shelter to homeless individuals. |
Charismatic | Exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others; possessing an engaging personality | The charismatic leader had a loyal following among his supporters. |
Cherish | To protect and care for (someone) lovingly or affectionately; to hold something dear and deeply loved | She cherished the memories of her childhood spent with her grandparents. |
Choice | An act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities; the right or ability to make such a decision | She had to make a difficult choice between staying in her hometown or pursuing her career elsewhere. |
Circulate | To move or cause to move continuously or freely within a closed system or area | The air conditioning system circulated cool air throughout the building. |
Clarity | The quality of being clear, coherent, and intelligible; the quality of being easy to understand | The instructions were written with clarity so that everyone could follow them. |
Clash | A violent confrontation; a sharp disagreement or collision between people or groups; a loud, harsh noise | The clash between rival gangs resulted in several injuries. |
Cleanse | To make (something, especially the skin) thoroughly clean; to rid (someone or something) of something unpleasant or unwanted | She cleansed her face with a gentle soap to remove dirt and oil. |
Clever | Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent and able to think quickly | The clever detective solved the mystery in record time. |
Clumsy | Awkward in movement or action; lacking skill or dexterity; showing a lack of thought or consideration | He felt clumsy as he tried to dance at the wedding reception. |
Coalesce | To come together and form one mass or whole; to unite or blend into a single entity | The diverse cultures coalesced to create a vibrant and dynamic community. |
Coercion | The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats; the action or practice of coercing someone | The confession was obtained through coercion rather than genuine willingness. |
Coincide | To occur at or during the same time; to correspond in nature or position; to be identical or equivalent | His birthday coincides with the start of the new school year. |
Collapse | To fall down or give way suddenly; to fail suddenly and completely; to break down as a result of pressure or lack of support | The old building collapsed after years of neglect. |
Collaborate | To work jointly on an activity, especially to produce or create something | The scientists collaborated on a research project to find a cure for the disease. |
Colossal | Extremely large; enormous; gigantic; colossal in size, extent, or degree | The construction project required the removal of a colossal amount of earth. |
Combine | To join or merge to form a single unit or substance; to unite for a common purpose | The two companies decided to combine their resources to compete more effectively. |
Comfort | A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint; the easing or alleviation of grief or distress | The soft cushions provided comfort after a long day at work. |
Command | An authoritative order; to give an authoritative order; to be in control of; to have authority over | The general commanded his troops to advance. |
Commence | To begin or start (an event, process, or action) | The ceremony commenced with the national anthem. |
Comment | A verbal or written remark expressing an opinion or reaction; to express an opinion or reaction in speech or writing | She made a sarcastic comment about his fashion sense. |
Commit | To carry out or perpetrate (a mistake, crime, or immoral act); to pledge or bind (someone) to a certain course or policy | He committed a serious error by sharing confidential information with unauthorized persons. |
Commute | To travel some distance between one’s home and place of work on a regular basis; to reduce (a judicial sentence, especially a sentence of death) to another less severe one | She commutes to the city every day for work. |
Compact | Closely and neatly packed together; small in size or scale; having all the necessary components or features closely packed together | The apartment had a compact kitchen with modern appliances. |
Compassion | Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others; the feeling or emotion that one has when they suffer with another | His compassion for the homeless inspired him to volunteer at a local shelter. |
Compatible | Able to exist or occur together without conflict; able to be used together without conflict or disagreement | The new software is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. |
Compel | To force or oblige (someone) to do something; to make someone feel strongly that they must do something | The evidence was compelling, and he had no choice but to confess. |
Compete | To strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others; to take part in a contest or competition | She trained hard to compete in the marathon. |
Complement | A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else; to add to (something) in a way that enhances or improves it | The wine was a perfect complement to the meal. |
Complex | Consisting of many different and connected parts; complicated or intricate | The problem was too complex for me to solve on my own. |
Comprehend | To understand (something); to grasp the meaning or significance of something | It took her a while to comprehend the complexity of the situation. |
Compromise | An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions; to settle a dispute by mutual concession | They reached a compromise on the terms of the contract. |
Compute | To calculate or reckon (a figure or amount) | He computed the total cost of the project before submitting the budget proposal. |
Conceal | To keep from sight; to prevent from being known or noticed; to hide or keep secret | She concealed her surprise when she saw the unexpected guest. |
Concede | To admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it; to surrender or yield something | He conceded defeat and congratulated his opponent on a well-deserved victory. |
Conceive | To form or devise (a plan or idea) in the mind; to become pregnant with (a child) | She conceived the idea for the novel while traveling abroad. |
Concentrate | To focus one’s attention or mental effort on a particular object or activity; to bring or come to a single point or focus | He needed to concentrate on his studies in order to pass the exam. |
Concept | An abstract idea or general notion; a plan or intention; a mental impression or formulation | She presented a concept for a new advertising campaign. |
Concern | A matter of interest or importance to someone; something that causes worry or anxiety; a feeling of worry or anxiety about something | His main concern was the safety of his family. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Damage | Physical harm caused to something in such a way as to impair its value, usefulness, or normal function | The storm caused significant damage to the house, with several trees falling on the roof. |
Dampen | To make something slightly wet or moist; to lessen the force or intensity of something | The rain began to dampen the ground, making it difficult to walk without getting wet. |
Daring | Brave and courageous; willing to take risks or face danger without fear or hesitation | The daring explorer ventured into the unknown wilderness in search of rare treasures. |
Dazzle | To impress or astonish someone with brilliance, skill, or virtuosity; to blind temporarily with bright light | The magician’s performance never failed to dazzle the audience with its stunning illusions. |
Deadline | A time or date by which something must be completed or accomplished | The deadline for submitting the project proposal is next Friday. |
Deafening | Extremely loud or noisy; causing temporary or permanent deafness | The deafening roar of the crowd drowned out the referee’s whistle. |
Debatable | Open to discussion or argument; not clearly settled or decided; controversial | Whether or not to ban plastic bags is a debatable issue among environmentalists. |
Debris | Scattered fragments, typically of something that has been destroyed or discarded | After the explosion, debris littered the streets, making it difficult to navigate. |
Debt | Something that is owed or due, typically money, goods, or services; an obligation to repay or return something | He struggled to pay off his student debt after graduating from college. |
Deceive | To deliberately cause someone to believe something that is not true; to mislead or trick | The con artist deceived the elderly couple into giving him their life savings. |
Decipher | To convert (a text written in code, cipher, or obscure language) into normal language; to interpret or decode | The archaeologists worked tirelessly to decipher the ancient hieroglyphs inscribed on the tomb walls. |
Declare | To announce or state something publicly or officially; to formally assert or proclaim | The president declared a state of emergency in response to the natural disaster. |
Decline | To refuse to accept or do something; to decrease in strength, quality, or importance; to slope or lean downward | She politely declined the invitation to the party due to a prior commitment. |
Decorate | To make something more attractive by adding ornamentation or embellishments; to adorn or beautify | They decorated the room with colorful balloons and streamers for the birthday party. |
Dedicate | To devote (time, effort, or oneself) to a particular task or purpose; to set aside for a specific use or purpose | She dedicated her entire career to helping underprivileged children access education. |
Defame | To damage the reputation of (someone) by spreading false or malicious statements about them | The tabloid newspaper sought to defame the actor with scandalous rumors and accusations. |
Defect | A flaw or imperfection; a shortcoming or deficiency in a person’s character or behavior | The product was recalled due to a manufacturing defect that posed a safety risk to consumers. |
Defend | To protect or safeguard (someone or something) from harm, danger, or attack; to argue in favor of | The soldiers defended the fortress against enemy invaders. |
Define | To state or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of something; to determine or establish boundaries | The terms of the contract clearly define the rights and responsibilities of both parties. |
Defy | To openly resist or refuse to obey (a person, law, or convention); to challenge or confront boldly | The protesters defied the government’s ban on public gatherings by organizing a peaceful demonstration. |
Delegate | To entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person, typically one who is less senior or experienced | The manager delegated the task of organizing the event to her assistant. |
Deliberate | Done consciously and intentionally; carefully considered; to engage in discussion and consideration | After much deliberation, they reached a decision that satisfied everyone involved. |
Delicate | Easily broken, damaged, or destroyed; fragile or vulnerable; requiring careful handling | She handled the delicate china tea set with great care. |
Delight | A high degree of pleasure or enjoyment; something that gives great pleasure or satisfaction | The children squealed with delight when they saw the presents under the Christmas tree. |
Delinquent | Showing a tendency to commit crime, particularly minor crime; failing to fulfill a duty or obligation | The school suspended the delinquent student for repeatedly skipping classes. |
Deliver | To bring and hand over (a letter, goods, or services) to the proper recipient; to transport or convey | The courier will deliver the package to your doorstep by noon. |
Demanding | Requiring great effort, skill, or attention; difficult or challenging to satisfy or fulfill | The demanding nature of his job often required him to work long hours and weekends. |
Demise | The death of a person or the end of something; the time when something ceases to exist or function | The demise of the company was attributed to poor management and financial mismanagement. |
Demolish | To completely destroy or tear down (a building or structure); to abolish or bring to an end | The old factory was demolished to make way for a new housing development. |
Demonstrate | To show or prove something clearly and convincingly; to make a public show of support or opinion | The scientist demonstrated the effectiveness of the new vaccine through rigorous testing. |
Denial | The action of refusing to admit the truth or existence of something; a refusal to fulfill a request or demand | He shook his head in denial when asked about his involvement in the incident. |
Denounce | To publicly declare to be wrong or evil; to criticize or condemn vehemently | The activist denounced the government’s decision to cut funding for public education. |
Depart | To leave, especially in order to start a journey; to deviate or diverge from a particular course or standard | The train departed from the station precisely on time. |
Depict | To represent or show (someone or something) in a picture, painting, or other work of art; to describe or portray in words | The mural depicted scenes from the town’s rich history. |
Deplete | To use up or exhaust a resource or supply; to greatly reduce the number or quantity of something | The prolonged drought depleted the region’s water reserves. |
Deplore | To feel or express strong disapproval of something; to lament or regret deeply | The community deplored the senseless violence that had plagued their neighborhood. |
Deposit | A sum of money placed or kept in a bank account, usually to gain interest; to place or leave something (usually money or a valuable item) for safekeeping | She made a deposit of $500 into her savings account. |
Depreciate | To diminish in value over a period of time; to belittle or disparage | The value of the car depreciated significantly after it was involved in a major accident. |
Depress | To make someone feel utterly disheartened, dejected, or despondent; to reduce the level or strength of something | The constant criticism from his supervisor began to depress his morale and productivity. |
Deprive | To prevent (a person or place) from having or using something; to deny (someone) the possession or enjoyment of something | The pandemic deprived many families of their livelihoods. |
Derail | To cause (a train or tram) to leave its tracks accidentally; to cause (a process or plan) to fail or be disrupted | The project was derailed by unexpected budget cuts. |
Derive | To obtain or extract (something) from a specified source; to come from a particular source or origin | The word “chocolate” derives from the Aztec word “xocolātl.” |
Descend | To move or fall downward; to lower oneself in status or dignity; to be related by genetic descent | The plane began to descend toward the airport runway. |
Describe | To give a detailed account or representation of something in words; to characterize or outline | He described the suspect as a tall man with dark hair and a scar on his left cheek. |
Deserve | To have earned or be worthy of something, especially as a result of one’s actions or qualities | She deserves all the praise she receives for her hard work and dedication. |
Designate | To appoint or assign (someone) to a specific position or role; to specify or indicate something as selected or reserved | The sign designated the parking area for disabled visitors only. |
Desire | A strong feeling of wanting to have or achieve something; a longing or craving | Her desire for success motivated her to work harder than ever before. |
Desolate | Deserted and barren; bleak and empty; feeling or showing great unhappiness, loneliness, or sadness | The old, abandoned house looked desolate in the fading light of evening. |
Desperate | Feeling or showing a sense of hopelessness or despair; urgently needing or wanting something | The family made a desperate plea for help after losing everything in the fire. |
Despise | To feel contempt or a deep repugnance for; to regard with scorn, disgust, or intense dislike | She despised the way he treated his employees with disrespect and cruelty. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Earn | To receive money in return for work or services performed; to gain or acquire something through effort or action | He worked hard to earn enough money to support his family. |
Eager | Having or showing keen interest, enthusiasm, or readiness to do something; impatiently longing for something or to do something | The students were eager to start their summer vacation. |
Earnest | Serious and sincere in intention, purpose, or effort; showing deep sincerity or conviction | She made an earnest apology for her mistake. |
Ease | To make something less severe, painful, or difficult; to alleviate or reduce the intensity or severity of something | The medication helped ease his pain. |
Eccentric | Unconventional or peculiar in behavior, appearance, or style; departing from norms or conventions; odd, quirky, or whimsical | The eccentric artist lived in a house filled with bizarre sculptures and paintings. |
Eclectic | Deriving ideas, styles, or tastes from a broad and diverse range of sources or influences; diverse, varied, or multifaceted | Her taste in music was eclectic, ranging from classical to hip-hop. |
Economical | Using resources or money carefully and efficiently; avoiding waste or extravagance | The new car was both economical to run and environmentally friendly. |
Edge | The outer or furthest boundary or extremity of something; a sharp or pointed part along a surface or object; the brink or verge of something | The hiker cautiously approached the edge of the cliff. |
Edit | To prepare written material for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or condensing it; to make changes to a document or piece of text | She spent hours editing her essay to ensure it was error-free. |
Educate | To teach, instruct, or impart knowledge or skills to someone; to provide formal or systematic instruction or training | The organization’s primary mission is to educate disadvantaged children. |
Effect | A change that is a result or consequence of an action, process, or event; the power or ability to produce a desired outcome or result | The new law had a profound effect on reducing crime rates. |
Efficient | Performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time, effort, or resources; achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort | The company implemented new procedures to make its operations more efficient. |
Elaborate | Involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and intricate; to add more information or detail to something | She gave an elaborate explanation of the theory behind her research. |
Elapse | (Of time) to pass or go by; to slip away or be spent | Several hours had elapsed before they realized they had been waiting for the wrong train. |
Elastic | Able to stretch and return to its original shape and size; flexible, resilient, or adaptable | The elastic waistband on the pants made them comfortable to wear. |
Elate | To make someone ecstatically happy or joyful; to fill with high spirits or exultation | Winning the championship title elated the entire team. |
Elegance | Graceful and stylish in appearance or manner; refinement, beauty, or sophistication | The ballroom was decorated with an air of elegance for the grand gala. |
Eloquent | Fluent, persuasive, and articulate in speech or writing; expressing oneself with forceful or persuasive effectiveness | His eloquent speech moved the audience to tears. |
Elusive | Difficult to find, catch, achieve, or comprehend; evasive, elusive, or hard to pin down | The solution to the puzzle remained elusive despite their best efforts. |
Embrace | To hold someone closely in one’s arms, especially as a sign of affection or greeting; to accept or support something enthusiastically | She embraced her friend warmly when they were reunited. |
Emerge | To become visible or known; to come into existence or prominence; to rise or come forth from something or somewhere | The sun emerged from behind the clouds, casting a warm glow over the landscape. |
Emit | To produce and discharge (something, especially gas or radiation) from a source; to give off or release something | The factory emitted harmful pollutants into the air. |
Emotion | A strong feeling, such as joy, sadness, anger, or love, that arises subjectively rather than from conscious thought or logical reasoning | She struggled to control her emotions when she received the news. |
Emphasize | To give special importance or prominence to something; to stress or highlight a particular aspect or feature | The coach emphasized the importance of teamwork to the success of the team. |
Employ | To engage the services of someone or utilize something for a particular purpose; to make use of or apply | The company decided to employ new technology to streamline its operations. |
Empower | To give someone the authority, power, or confidence to do something; to enable or permit | The organization aims to empower women by providing them with education and economic opportunities. |
Emulate | To match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation; to strive to equal or excel | He hoped to emulate his father’s success in business. |
Enable | To give someone the means, opportunity, or authority to do something; to make something possible or feasible | The scholarship enabled him to pursue his dream of studying abroad. |
Enchant | To fill someone with great delight, wonder, or fascination; to captivate or bewitch with magic or charm | The beautiful music enchanted the audience and transported them to another world. |
Encourage | To give support, confidence, or hope to someone; to inspire or motivate someone to do something | His parents always encouraged him to pursue his dreams. |
Endeavor | To try hard to achieve or accomplish something; to make an effort or strive towards a goal or objective | Despite the challenges, they endeavored to complete the project on time. |
Endorse | To declare one’s public approval or support of something; to officially sign or validate a document, typically to indicate one’s agreement or authorization | The famous athlete endorsed the new sports drink in a television commercial. |
Endure | To suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently; to tolerate or withstand adverse conditions or treatment | The soldiers endured many hardships during their time at war. |
Energetic | Showing or involving great activity, vitality, or enthusiasm; having or showing a lot of energy | The children were energetic and full of life, running around the playground with boundless enthusiasm. |
Engage | To occupy or involve someone’s attention or interest; to attract and hold someone’s interest or involvement | The teacher used interactive activities to engage her students in the lesson. |
Enigma | A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand; something that is inexplicable or beyond comprehension | The disappearance of the famous magician remains an enigma to this day. |
Enhance | To increase or improve the quality, value, or attractiveness of something; to intensify or augment | The new software features are designed to enhance the user experience. |
Enrich | To improve or enhance the quality or value of something by adding desirable or valuable qualities; to make richer or more meaningful | The museum’s collection of artifacts enriches our understanding of ancient civilizations. |
Enroll | To officially register or sign up for membership or participation in a course, program, or organization; to enlist or recruit | She enrolled in the university’s graduate program to pursue a master’s degree. |
Ensure | To make certain that something will happen or be the case; to guarantee or secure something | We installed a security system to ensure the safety of our home. |
Entertain | To provide amusement or enjoyment to someone; to host or provide hospitality to guests | The magician entertained the audience with his amazing tricks and illusions. |
Enthusiasm | Intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval; great excitement or enthusiasm | Her enthusiasm for the project inspired others to get involved. |
Entice | To attract or tempt someone by offering pleasure or advantage; to lure or persuade someone to do something | The restaurant enticed customers with the promise of free appetizers. |
Entitle | To give someone a legal right or claim to do something; to qualify someone for or grant someone a specified benefit or privilege | The certificate entitled him to a discount at the store. |
Envision | To imagine or visualize something as a future possibility; to foresee or anticipate | She envisioned a world where everyone had access to clean water and education. |
Envy | A feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck | His success aroused envy among his peers. |
Equalize | To make or become equal or uniform in status, rights, or opportunities; to balance or level out | The new legislation aimed to equalize educational opportunities for all children. |
Equip | To supply someone or something with the necessary items or skills for a particular purpose or activity; to provide with the tools or equipment needed | The company equipped its employees with state-of-the-art technology to enhance their productivity. |
Eradicate | To completely destroy or eliminate something; to wipe out or exterminate something | Efforts to eradicate the disease have been largely successful. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Facilitate | To make an action or process easier or smoother; to assist or simplify a task or procedure | The new software was designed to facilitate communication between team members. |
Fade | To gradually lose brightness, color, or intensity; to become less distinct or vivid over time | The colors of the sunset began to fade as night fell. |
Faint | Lacking in strength or vigor; weak, feeble, or barely perceptible; to lose consciousness briefly due to a lack of oxygen or emotional distress | She felt faint after standing in the hot sun for hours. |
Faith | Complete trust or confidence in someone or something; belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something | He had faith in his friend’s ability to solve the problem. |
Faithful | Loyal, reliable, and steadfast in one’s allegiance or commitment; consistently true, accurate, or reliable | The dog remained faithful to its owner even in difficult times. |
Famine | Extreme scarcity of food in a particular geographical area or population; widespread hunger and starvation | The country experienced a severe famine due to drought and crop failure. |
Fancy | Elaborate or intricate in design, decoration, or structure; decorative or ornamental; to imagine or conceive of something in a whimsical or extravagant manner | She wore a fancy gown to the ball. |
Fascinate | To attract and hold the attention or interest of someone; to captivate or enthrall with charm, beauty, or novelty | The intricate patterns on the butterfly’s wings fascinated the children. |
Fatigue | Extreme tiredness or exhaustion resulting from physical or mental exertion; weariness or lethargy | After hiking for hours, they were overcome with fatigue. |
Favorable | Showing approval, support, or preference for something; advantageous, positive, or conducive to success | The favorable weather conditions made for an enjoyable day at the beach. |
Fearless | Lacking fear or apprehension; brave, courageous, or bold | Despite the danger, she approached the wild animal fearlessly. |
Feature | A distinctive or characteristic attribute or quality of something; a prominent or noticeable aspect or detail | The new smartphone boasts many advanced features, including facial recognition and wireless charging. |
Feasible | Possible to do or achieve within a reasonable amount of time, effort, or resources; practical or realistic | The proposed plan is feasible but will require careful planning and execution. |
Fetch | To go and bring back something from a particular place; to retrieve or obtain something | The dog was trained to fetch the newspaper every morning. |
Fickle | Likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly; capricious, erratic, or inconsistent | His fickle mood swings made it difficult to predict his behavior. |
Fierce | Having a violent, intense, or aggressive nature or demeanor; strong, forceful, or powerful | The fierce storm caused widespread damage to homes and buildings. |
Figure | A numerical symbol representing a quantity or amount; a shape or form, especially a human form; a person’s bodily shape or proportions | The financial report included several figures and charts to illustrate the company’s performance. |
Finite | Having limits or bounds; limited in size, extent, or duration | Our resources are finite, so we must use them wisely. |
Flawless | Without any imperfections or defects; perfect, impeccable, or faultless | Her performance was flawless, earning her praise from the judges. |
Fleeting | Lasting for a very short time; passing quickly; transient or ephemeral | The feeling of joy was fleeting, disappearing as quickly as it had come. |
Flexible | Capable of bending or adapting easily without breaking; able to change or be changed easily according to circumstances; adaptable, versatile, or pliable | The flexible schedule allowed employees to work from home when needed. |
Flourish | To grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way; to thrive, prosper, or be successful | The business began to flourish after implementing a new marketing strategy. |
Fluid | A substance that flows and is not solid; capable of flowing easily; smooth and graceful in motion | The artist created a fluid composition with watercolors. |
Focus | The center of interest, attention, or activity; the central or most important point or purpose; to concentrate attention or effort on a particular subject or activity | The team needs to focus on improving their communication skills. |
Fondness | Affection, liking, or sentimentality towards someone or something; a strong liking or preference | She had a fondness for classical music since childhood. |
Forbid | To command or order someone not to do something; to prohibit or prevent someone from doing something | The sign forbids visitors from entering the restricted area. |
Forceful | Strongly and assertively expressed or compelling in nature; characterized by physical strength or intensity; powerful or energetic | The speaker delivered a forceful argument in favor of stricter environmental regulations. |
Foremost | Most prominent, important, or distinguished; leading or principal in rank, position, or importance | She is one of the foremost experts in the field of neuroscience. |
Forfeit | To lose or be deprived of something as a penalty for wrongdoing or failure; to surrender or lose by failure to fulfill an obligation | He forfeited his deposit when he canceled the reservation at the last minute. |
Formulate | To create or develop a plan, proposal, or strategy, typically in a systematic or methodical way; to express in precise terms or language | The committee will need to formulate a response to the proposed changes. |
Foster | To encourage or promote the development or growth of something; to nurture or cultivate | The program aims to foster a sense of community among its members. |
Fragile | Easily broken, damaged, or destroyed; delicate or vulnerable | The antique vase was so fragile that it required careful handling. |
Frantic | Wildly excited or anxious, typically as a result of fear or worry; frenzied or panicked | She became frantic when she realized she had lost her wallet. |
Frequent | Occurring or appearing often; happening regularly or at short intervals | The neighborhood has frequent power outages during the summer storms. |
Frivolous | Not having any serious purpose or value; carefree, lighthearted, or superficial | His comments were dismissed as frivolous and irrelevant to the discussion. |
Frustrate | To prevent someone from accomplishing a purpose or fulfilling a desire; to hinder, thwart, or defeat someone’s efforts | The constant setbacks began to frustrate the team’s progress on the project. |
Fulfill | To satisfy or meet a need, requirement, or expectation; to carry out or perform (a duty or role) | The company strives to fulfill its commitment to customer satisfaction. |
Fundamental | Forming a necessary base or core; essential, basic, or foundational; of central importance or principle | Learning to read is a fundamental skill that lays the groundwork for future academic success. |
Furry | Covered with or resembling fur; having a dense growth of hair or fur | The furry caterpillar crawled along the tree branch. |
Fusion | The process or result of joining or blending things together, especially two or more distinct elements, to form a unified whole; a combination or mixture | The restaurant offers a fusion of Asian and European cuisine. |
Futile | Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless or ineffective; having no practical significance or value | Despite their efforts, the attempt to rescue the stranded hikers was futile. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Gain | To obtain or acquire something desired, typically through effort or work; to increase in amount, value, or importance | She hopes to gain valuable experience from her internship. |
Gallant | Brave, courageous, and noble in character; chivalrous or courteous towards others, especially women | The gallant knight rescued the princess from the dragon. |
Gap | An opening or space between two objects or points; a break, hole, or interval in something; a disparity or difference between two things | There is a small gap between the bookshelf and the wall. |
Gargantuan | Enormous, massive, or colossal in size, extent, or scale; gigantic or mammoth | The gargantuan cruise ship could be seen from miles away. |
Garish | Excessively bright, flashy, or showy, often to the point of being vulgar or tasteless; gaudy or ostentatious | She wore a garish outfit covered in sequins and feathers. |
Gather | To bring together or collect into one place; to assemble or accumulate; to harvest or pick; to infer or conclude from various sources | The family gathered around the dinner table for a meal. |
Generous | Showing kindness, magnanimity, or willingness to give freely; liberal in giving or sharing with others; abundant or ample | She is known for her generous contributions to charity. |
Genius | Exceptional intellectual or creative ability; brilliance or talent; an exceptionally intelligent or creative person; the spirit or guiding force of a person or place | Albert Einstein was a genius in the field of theoretical physics. |
Genuine | Authentic, real, or true; not counterfeit or fake; sincere, honest, or earnest; free from pretense or hypocrisy | The jeweler assured her that the diamond ring was genuine. |
Gesture | A movement or action of the body, especially the hands or arms, that expresses an idea, sentiment, or intention; a symbolic act or token of goodwill, friendship, or respect | He made a gesture of apology by sending her flowers. |
Gigantic | Extremely large, immense, or huge in size, extent, or scale; colossal or mammoth | The construction project involved moving gigantic boulders. |
Gimmick | A clever or novel device, method, or idea, especially one used to attract attention, advertise, or promote something; a trick or stratagem used to deceive or manipulate | The marketing campaign used a gimmick involving augmented reality to engage customers. |
Glamorous | Attractive, exciting, or alluring in a luxurious or stylish way; associated with wealth, fashion, or celebrity; having an aura of elegance or sophistication | The actress looked glamorous in her designer gown at the awards ceremony. |
Glance | To take a brief or hurried look at something; to cast a quick or cursory glance | She glanced at her watch to check the time. |
Gleam | To shine brightly with reflected light; to flash or sparkle; to appear briefly or faintly | The stars gleamed in the night sky. |
Glimpse | A brief or fleeting view or sight of something; a quick or incomplete look | She caught a glimpse of the sunrise from her window. |
Global | Relating to or encompassing the entire world; worldwide in scope, extent, or influence | The company has a global presence with offices in multiple countries. |
Glorious | Having or deserving great honor, distinction, or admiration; magnificent, splendid, or beautiful in appearance or achievement | The sunset painted the sky in glorious shades of orange and pink. |
Goal | The object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim, objective, or purpose to be achieved; the result or achievement toward which effort is directed | Her ultimate goal is to become a successful entrepreneur. |
Graceful | Possessing elegance, poise, or beauty of movement; characterized by smoothness and fluidity; pleasing or attractive in appearance or manner | The ballet dancer’s graceful movements captivated the audience. |
Grand | Impressive, magnificent, or majestic in appearance, size, or scope; noble, dignified, or imposing | They stayed in a grand hotel overlooking the ocean. |
Grasp | To seize or hold firmly with the hands; to understand, comprehend, or perceive clearly; to grip or clutch firmly | She struggled to grasp the concept of quantum physics. |
Gratify | To please or satisfy someone’s desires or needs; to indulge or fulfill someone’s wishes or expectations | Winning the championship gratified the team’s hard work and dedication. |
Gravity | The force that attracts objects towards the center of the Earth; seriousness or importance; solemnity or dignity; a situation or event of great importance or consequence | The gravity of the situation became apparent as the rescue efforts intensified. |
Greed | Intense or excessive desire for wealth, possessions, or power; avarice or covetousness; the selfish pursuit of material gain | His greed led him to exploit his employees for personal profit. |
Grievance | A real or imagined cause for complaint or protest; a feeling of resentment or injustice arising from a perceived wrong or unfair treatment | The workers filed a grievance against the company for failing to pay overtime wages. |
Grim | Stern, forbidding, or uninviting in appearance or nature; dismal, gloomy, or depressing; harsh or severe | The weather forecast predicted grim conditions for the weekend. |
Grind | To reduce something to small particles or powder by crushing, grinding, or pounding; to sharpen, smooth, or polish by friction; to work hard or labor persistently | She had to grind the coffee beans before brewing her morning cup of coffee. |
Grotesque | Comically or repulsively ugly or distorted in appearance; bizarre, outlandish, or fantastic; characterized by absurdity or exaggeration | The artist created a series of grotesque sculptures inspired by surrealist art. |
Groove | A long, narrow cut or depression, especially one made to guide the movement of a part or ensure proper alignment; a routine or pattern of behavior or activity | He found his groove while playing the guitar. |
Groundless | Without a basis in reason, evidence, or fact; unfounded or unjustified; lacking logical or factual support | The accusations against him were completely groundless. |
Group | A number of people or things that are located, gathered, or classed together; a collection, cluster, or set | The students formed a study group to prepare for the exam. |
Guarantee | A formal promise or assurance, especially one given in writing, that a product, service, or transaction will meet specified standards or expectations | The manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee on all its products. |
Guard | To protect or defend someone or something against harm, danger, or attack; to keep watch over or supervise; a person or group of people responsible for protecting or patrolling | The security guard stood watch outside the building. |
Guilt | A feeling of responsibility or remorse for having committed a wrongdoing or offense; the state of being culpable or blameworthy; a source of self-reproach or shame | She was consumed by guilt after lying to her friend. |
Gusto | Great enthusiasm, energy, or excitement, especially in pursuit of an enjoyable activity or undertaking; zest or relish | He tackled the project with gusto, eager to prove himself. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Habitual | Done or occurring regularly or repeatedly; customary, usual, or habitual | Her habitual morning routine includes jogging in the park. |
Halcyon | Denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful; calm, tranquil, or prosperous | The couple’s halcyon days were spent traveling the world together. |
Handsome | Attractive or pleasing in appearance; having a pleasing and impressive quality or character | He cut a handsome figure in his well-tailored suit. |
Harmony | Agreement, accord, or compatibility in feeling, opinion, or action; a state of peaceful coexistence or cooperation | The family lived in harmony with nature in their rural retreat. |
Haughty | Arrogantly superior or disdainful; showing an attitude of superiority and contempt for others | She was known for her haughty demeanor and snobbish attitude. |
Haven | A place of safety or refuge; a harbor or port where ships can seek shelter from storms; a peaceful or secluded place that offers safety or protection | The small town was a haven for artists seeking inspiration. |
Hazard | A danger or risk, especially one that is potential, unpredictable, or unavoidable; something that creates a risk of harm or injury | Driving in heavy rain can be a hazard for motorists. |
Headway | Progress or advancement, especially in spite of difficulties or obstacles; forward movement or development | The project made significant headway despite encountering logistical challenges. |
Heartfelt | Sincere, deeply felt, or earnest; expressing genuine or profound emotion | She wrote a heartfelt letter expressing her gratitude. |
Heed | To pay attention to, take notice of, or consider seriously; to give consideration or attention to someone’s advice, warning, or recommendation | It’s important to heed the signs of fatigue while driving long distances. |
Heighten | To make or become higher, more intense, or more extreme; to increase the degree or intensity of something | The intense music heightened the suspense of the scene. |
Heinous | Shockingly evil, abominable, or atrocious; morally reprehensible or utterly wicked | The perpetrator committed a heinous crime that shocked the community. |
Hesitate | To pause or hold back in uncertainty or indecision; to be reluctant or undecided about doing something | She hesitated before making a decision that would affect her future. |
Hidden | Concealed or obscured from view; not easily noticed or detected | The hidden treasure lay buried beneath the ancient ruins. |
Highlight | To emphasize or draw special attention to something; to make more prominent or conspicuous | The speaker used anecdotes to highlight key points in her presentation. |
Hilarious | Extremely amusing, funny, or entertaining; causing loud laughter or mirth | The comedian’s jokes were so hilarious that the audience couldn’t stop laughing. |
Hinder | To create difficulties for someone or something; to obstruct, impede, or interfere with progress or achievement | Heavy traffic can hinder the delivery of goods. |
Hindsight | Understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened; the perception of events or situations after they have occurred | In hindsight, she realized that she should have taken a different approach. |
Hoax | A humorous or malicious deception, trick, or practical joke; a false or misleading statement intended to deceive or mislead others | The email claiming that she had won a million dollars turned out to be a hoax. |
Holistic | Emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts; considering or treating something as a whole rather than as separate parts | Holistic medicine takes into account the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. |
Homogeneous | Of the same or similar kind or nature; uniform in structure or composition; consisting of parts or elements that are consistent or similar throughout | The population of the town was largely homogeneous, consisting mostly of elderly residents. |
Hopeful | Feeling or inspiring optimism or confidence about the future; characterized by a sense of hope or expectation | Despite facing setbacks, she remained hopeful about achieving her goals. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Iconic | Widely recognized and admired, especially as a symbol of particular quality or characteristic | The Eiffel Tower is considered one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. |
Identify | To recognize, distinguish, or classify someone or something; to establish the identity of someone or something | The witness was able to identify the suspect in a police lineup. |
Ignite | To catch fire or set on fire; to cause something to start burning; to begin to burn or to be set on fire | The spark from the lighter ignited the gasoline fumes. |
Illusion | A false idea or belief, especially one that is not consistent with reality; something that appears real or possible but is not | The magician created the illusion of making the rabbit disappear. |
Illustrate | To provide examples or visual aids in order to make something clearer or more understandable; to explain or clarify with examples or pictures | The teacher used diagrams to illustrate the process of photosynthesis. |
Immaculate | Perfectly clean, neat, or tidy; without any flaws, blemishes, or imperfections | The showroom was immaculate, with every car polished to perfection. |
Immense | Extremely large or great in size, amount, extent, or degree | The Grand Canyon is an immense natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year. |
Immerse | To involve deeply or completely in an activity or experience; to submerge or dip into a liquid | She immersed herself in her studies, spending countless hours in the library. |
Immense | Extremely large or great in size, amount, extent, or degree | The Grand Canyon is an immense natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year. |
Impact | The effect or influence of one person, thing, or action on another; a powerful or significant effect or influence | The new policy had a profound impact on the company’s profits. |
Imperative | Of vital importance or essential; crucial or necessary; expressing a command or instruction | It is imperative that we address climate change before it’s too late. |
Implement | To put a plan, decision, agreement, or system into effect or action; to carry out or accomplish; to apply or enforce | The company decided to implement new safety measures in response to the accident. |
Implicate | To show or suggest that someone is involved in a crime or wrongdoing; to incriminate or involve someone in a situation | The fingerprints found at the crime scene implicated him in the burglary. |
Implore | To beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something; to plead or entreat with someone | She implored him to reconsider his decision and stay. |
Imply | To indicate or suggest something indirectly or without explicitly stating it; to hint or insinuate | His silence seemed to imply that he disagreed with the decision. |
Impress | To make a strong, lasting, or favorable impression on someone; to have a significant impact or influence on someone | The candidate’s professionalism and confidence impressed the interviewers. |
Improve | To make or become better, more satisfactory, or more effective; to enhance or refine in quality or condition | Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help improve overall health and well-being. |
Impulse | A sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act; a spontaneous or instinctive inclination or tendency | She resisted the impulse to spend all her savings on a whim. |
Incite | To encourage or stir up violent, unlawful, or aggressive behavior; to provoke or urge someone to do something undesirable or harmful | The protestors tried to incite the crowd to violence. |
Include | To contain or embrace as part of a whole; to have as a part, element, or member; to encompass or comprise | The package includes a variety of features to meet different needs. |
Inclusive | Including or covering all the services, facilities, or items normally expected or required; broad in scope or content; comprehensive or embracing | The resort offers an all-inclusive package that covers meals, activities, and accommodations. |
Income | Money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments; earnings, revenue, or profit | His income increased significantly after he got a promotion. |
Inconclusive | Not leading to a firm conclusion or result; not decisive or definite | The investigation yielded inconclusive results, leaving many questions unanswered. |
Increase | To become greater or larger in size, amount, intensity, or degree; to make or become more numerous, extensive, or prevalent | The company plans to increase production to meet growing demand. |
Incredible | So extraordinary as to seem impossible; not credible; difficult or impossible to believe | The athlete’s incredible performance broke several world records. |
Indicate | To point out or show something; to be a sign or symptom of something; to suggest or imply something | The dark clouds indicate that a storm is approaching. |
Indifferent | Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned or apathetic; neither good nor bad; neither satisfactory nor unsatisfactory | She remained indifferent to the outcome of the game, as she wasn’t a fan of either team. |
Indulge | To allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something, especially something that is considered luxurious, excessive, or self-indulgent | After a long week of work, she decided to indulge in a relaxing spa day. |
Inevitable | Certain to happen; unavoidable or bound to occur; predictable or expected | Despite their efforts, conflict seemed inevitable between the two rival factions. |
Infer | To deduce or conclude information from evidence or reasoning rather than from explicit statements; to derive as a conclusion from facts or premises | From his facial expression, she inferred that he was disappointed with the outcome. |
Inflame | To provoke or intensify strong feelings of anger, passion, or hostility; to cause inflammation or swelling | His inflammatory remarks only served to inflame tensions between the two groups. |
Influence | The capacity or power to produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, or outcomes of others; the exertion of power to affect or alter something | Parents have a significant influence on their children’s development and upbringing. |
Inform | To give facts or information to someone; to impart knowledge or intelligence to someone; to provide with knowledge or information | The teacher informed the students about the upcoming test schedule. |
Infuse | To fill, pervade, or permeate with a quality or feeling; to instill or introduce gradually into someone’s mind or feelings; to imbue or inspire with | Her passion for music infused every aspect of her life. |
Ingenious | Clever, original, and inventive; marked by intelligence, creativity, or resourcefulness | The engineer came up with an ingenious solution to the problem. |
Inherit | To receive or be left with something as an inheritance or legacy; to come into possession of something as a result of being born into a particular family or situation | She inherited her grandmother’s antique jewelry collection. |
Inhibit | To hinder, restrain, or prevent someone or something from doing something; to limit or suppress the activity, growth, or development of something | Fear can inhibit creativity and prevent people from taking risks. |
Initial | Existing or occurring at the beginning; first or earliest; to mark or sign with one’s initials | They made an initial investment in the startup company. |
Initiate | To cause or facilitate the beginning or introduction of something; to start or commence; to admit or accept into a group or society | The company decided to initiate a new marketing campaign to attract more customers. |
Inject | To introduce or force something, such as a liquid, into something else; to administer a drug or vaccine by injection; to interpose or introduce an element or factor | The doctor will inject the vaccine into your arm. |
Injustice | Unfair treatment or behavior; the violation of someone’s rights or the denial of justice or fairness | The court’s decision was seen as an injustice by many people. |
Innovate | To make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products; to create or introduce something new or different | The company strives to innovate and stay ahead of its competitors. |
Inquire | To ask for information from someone; to seek or request information about something; to investigate or make an inquiry about something | He called to inquire about the availability of the product. |
Insight | The capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of a person or thing; the ability to perceive and understand the true nature of things; penetrating mental vision | Her insights into human behavior made her an excellent psychologist. |
Inspire | To fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative; to motivate or stimulate | His courage and determination inspired others to follow his lead. |
Install | To place or fix equipment or machinery into position ready for use; to set up or establish something; to officially put someone into a new position or role | They installed new security cameras to monitor the premises. |
Instill | To gradually but firmly establish an idea, attitude, or habit in someone’s mind or consciousness; to introduce gradually and persistently | Her parents instilled in her a love of reading from a young age. |
Institute | An organization having a particular purpose, especially one that is involved in education, research, or a similar activity | The institute conducts research on environmental sustainability. |
Instruct | To teach someone a skill or subject; to provide someone with authoritative information or direction; to give orders or commands to someone | The coach instructed the team on the proper techniques for shooting a basketball. |
Sure, here are the meanings and examples for the provided vocabulary words:
Words | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
Jeopardy | Danger of loss, harm, or failure | The company’s financial situation put it in jeopardy of bankruptcy. |
Jettison | To discard or cast off something that is no longer needed or deemed necessary | The ship’s crew decided to jettison some cargo to lighten the load during the storm. |
Jittery | Nervous, anxious, or uneasy | He felt jittery before his first public speaking engagement. |
Jovial | Cheerful, friendly, and good-humored | Despite the rainy weather, they remained jovial throughout the picnic. |
Jubilant | Feeling or expressing great happiness, triumph, or joy | The team was jubilant after winning the championship game. |
Justify | To prove or show something to be right or reasonable; to provide a valid reason or explanation for something | The lawyer tried to justify her client’s actions in court. |
Juvenile | Relating to young people; immature or childish; characteristic of or suitable for young people or children | The book’s juvenile humor appealed to younger readers. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Keen | Having or showing eagerness, enthusiasm, or interest; sharp or penetrating; finely tuned or sensitive | She was keen to learn more about the subject. |
Key | A small piece of shaped metal that is inserted into a lock and turned to open or close it; a crucial factor or element; to provide a solution or explanation for something | The key to success in this project is effective communication. |
Kinetic | Relating to or resulting from motion; dynamic or lively in nature | The artist’s kinetic sculptures were captivating to watch. |
Knack | A skill, talent, or aptitude for doing something well; a clever way of doing something | She has a knack for solving complex problems. |
Knowledge | Information, understanding, or awareness acquired through learning, experience, or study | He has extensive knowledge of ancient history. |
Know-how | Practical knowledge, expertise, or skill in doing something; the ability to do something competently | The technician has the necessary know-how to fix the machine. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
Lament | A passionate expression of grief or sorrow; to express regret or disappointment over something | She lamented the loss of her beloved pet. |
Landmark | An object or feature of a landscape or town that is easily seen and recognized from a distance; a significant event, discovery, or achievement | The Eiffel Tower is a landmark in Paris. |
Languid | Lacking in vigor or vitality; slow and relaxed in character or manner | She lay in a languid state on the beach, enjoying the warmth of the sun. |
Lapse | A temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment; an interval or passage of time | The student’s lapse in attention caused her to miss an important detail. |
Largesse | Generosity in bestowing money or gifts; the generous giving of gifts or money | The billionaire’s largesse helped fund several charitable projects. |
Lateral | Of, at, towards, or from the side; sideways movement or direction | The company implemented a lateral shift in its organizational structure. |
Laud | Praise (a person or their achievements) highly, especially in a public context | The critics lauded the actor’s performance in the new film. |
Lavish | Sumptuously rich, luxurious, or extravagant; given or produced in abundance | The wedding reception was a lavish affair, with exquisite decorations and gourmet food. |
Lax | Not sufficiently strict, severe, or careful; relaxed or loose in discipline or control | The lax security measures allowed unauthorized access to the building. |
Laze | Be idle or lazy; relax or idle lazily | They lazed by the poolside, enjoying the warm summer day. |
Lethal | Sufficient to cause death; harmful or destructive | The snake’s venom is lethal to small animals. |
Liberated | Freed from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression; released or set free | The activists worked tirelessly to ensure that all citizens were liberated from tyranny. |
Liberty | The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life or behavior | The constitution guarantees citizens certain fundamental liberties, such as freedom of speech. |
Lifeline | A line or rope used for life-saving purposes, especially one thrown to rescue someone in difficulties in water; a thing on which someone or something depends or which provides a means of escape or rescue | The lifeline tossed to the struggling swimmer helped bring him safely back to shore. |
Lighten | Make or become lighter in weight, pressure, or severity; make or become less serious or oppressive | Opening the windows will help lighten the room. |
Limber | (Of a person or their body) lithe or supple; (of a thing) flexible or supple | The gymnast’s limber body allowed her to perform complex maneuvers with ease. |
Limitless | Without end, limit, or boundary; infinitely great or extensive | The sky seemed limitless as we gazed at the stars on a clear night. |
Linger | Stay in a place longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leave; take a long time to leave or disappear | The scent of jasmine lingered in the air long after the flowers had been removed. |
Literate | Able to read and write; having knowledge or competence in a specified field | The literacy rate in the country has steadily increased over the past decade. |
Livelihood | A means of securing the necessities of life; a person’s trade or occupation | Fishing is the primary livelihood for many people in coastal communities. |
Lofty | Of imposing height; impressively high; (of an ambition or aspiration) grand or noble; exalted in rank, dignity, or character | The castle stood on a lofty hill overlooking the valley below. |
Longevity | Long existence or service; long life or long duration | Regular exercise and a healthy diet are believed to promote longevity. |
Loophole | An ambiguity or inadequacy in the law or a set of rules; a small or narrow opening, especially one in a wall or rock face through which a person may pass | The lawyer exploited a legal loophole to secure a favorable outcome for his client. |
Lucid | Expressed clearly; easy to understand; bright or luminous | Her explanation was so lucid that even a novice could grasp the concept. |
Luminous | Full of or shedding light; bright or shining, especially in the dark | The moon cast a luminous glow over the landscape. |
Lurk | (Of a person or animal) be or remain hidden so as to wait in ambush for someone or something; (of an unpleasant quality) be present, but not easily noticed | Danger lurks in the shadows of the forest. |
Lush | (Of vegetation) growing luxuriantly; (of living conditions) characterized by abundance or luxuriance | The lush greenery of the tropical rainforest was teeming with life. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
Magnanimous | Very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful than oneself | Despite being treated unfairly, she remained magnanimous and offered her assistance to those in need. |
Magnitude | The great size or extent of something; the importance or significance of something | The magnitude of the earthquake was felt across the entire region. |
Maintain | To keep something in existence or continue without changing; to provide the necessities of life for | He struggled to maintain his composure in the face of adversity. |
Majesty | Impressive stateliness, dignity, or beauty; the quality of being magnificent or imposing | The majesty of the mountains took our breath away. |
Malicious | Intending or intended to do harm; spiteful or malevolent | His malicious gossip caused unnecessary harm to her reputation. |
Manageable | Able to be controlled or dealt with; easy to handle or use | The project seemed daunting at first, but with proper planning, it became more manageable. |
Manifest | Clear or obvious to the eye or mind; display or show (a quality or feeling) by one’s acts or appearance | His manifest anger was evident in the way he slammed the door. |
Manipulate | Handle or control (a tool, mechanism, etc.), typically in a skillful manner; control or influence (a person or situation) cleverly, unfairly, or unscrupulously | The magician expertly manipulated the cards to perform his trick. |
Mantle | A loose sleeveless cloak or shawl, worn especially by women; something that covers, envelops, or conceals | The snow mantle covered the landscape, creating a serene winter scene. |
Manufacture | Make (something) on a large scale using machinery; produce something artificially | The company manufactures high-quality furniture using sustainable materials. |
Margin | The edge or border of something; an amount by which something is won or falls short; an amount of something that is allowed for but not used up | He won the race by a narrow margin of just a few seconds. |
Marinate | Soak (meat, fish, or other food) in a marinade; to steep or saturate something thoroughly | The chef recommended marinating the steak for at least two hours before grilling. |
Marvel | Be filled with wonder or astonishment; to be amazed or surprised by something | She marveled at the intricate details of the ancient architecture. |
Materialize | Become actual fact; happen; take on a tangible or concrete form | Her dream of becoming a successful writer began to materialize after years of hard work. |
Mature | Fully developed physically; ripe; fully grown or developed mentally or emotionally | Her mature response to the criticism impressed her colleagues. |
Meander | (Of a river or road) follow a winding course; wander at random | We spent the afternoon meandering through the narrow streets of the old town. |
Mediate | Intervene in a dispute to bring about an agreement or reconciliation; to act as a mediator or intermediary | The counselor mediated between the two parties to resolve their differences. |
Mellow | (Especially of sound, taste, and color) pleasantly smooth or soft; free from harshness; relaxed and unhurried | They enjoyed a mellow evening by the fireplace, sipping wine and listening to jazz music. |
Mend | Repair (something that is broken or damaged); improve or correct something that is wrong or unsatisfactory | He spent the weekend mending the fence that had been damaged in the storm. |
Merchandise | Goods to be bought and sold; commodities; trade or traffic in goods | The store stocked a wide variety of merchandise, ranging from clothing to electronics. |
Merge | Combine or cause to combine to form a single entity; blend or cause to blend gradually into something else | The two companies decided to merge their operations to increase efficiency. |
Methodical | Performed according to a systematic or established form of procedure; characterized by method or orderliness | His methodical approach to problem-solving helped him tackle complex issues with ease. |
Meticulous | Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise about small details | The artist was meticulous in his work, ensuring that every brushstroke was perfect. |
Militant | Combative and aggressive in support of a political or social cause, typically favoring extreme, violent, or confrontational methods | The militant group staged protests to demand political reform. |
Mimic | Imitate (someone or their actions or words), typically in order to entertain or ridicule | The comedian could mimic the voices of famous celebrities with uncanny accuracy. |
Minimize | Reduce (something, especially something unwanted or unpleasant) to the smallest possible amount or degree; make (something, especially something unwelcome or unpleasant) as small as possible | She tried to minimize the impact of her words by choosing them carefully. |
Mingle | Mix or cause to mix together; move freely around a place or at a social function, associating with others informally | Guests were encouraged to mingle and get to know each other at the party. |
Minute | Extremely small; tiny; a period of time equal to sixty seconds or a sixtieth of an hour | The tiny details on the painting were so intricate that they required a magnifying glass to see. |
Misery | A state or feeling of great physical or mental distress or discomfort; great unhappiness or discomfort | The refugee camp was a place of misery and suffering. |
Mismatch | A failure to correspond or match; something that does not correspond or match something else | There was a mismatch between the skills required for the job and the qualifications of the applicant. |
Mitigate | Make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful; lessen the gravity of (an offense or mistake) | Planting trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. |
Mock | Tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner; make (something) seem laughably unreal or impossible | The bullies would mock him for his unusual clothes and awkward mannerisms. |
Moderate | Average in amount, intensity, quality, or degree; kept or keeping within reasonable or proper limits; not extreme, excessive, or intense | She took a moderate approach to exercise, avoiding both overexertion and inactivity. |
Modify | Make partial or minor changes to (something), typically to improve it or to make it less extreme | She modified her diet to include more fruits and vegetables for better health. |
Momentum | The quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity; the impetus gained by a moving object | The campaign gained momentum as more people became aware of its cause. |
Monitor | Observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review | The teacher used a computer program to monitor the students’ progress in learning mathematics. |
Monopoly | The exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service | The company had a virtual monopoly on the production of a certain type of electronic component. |
Monumental | Great in importance, extent, or size; impressively large, extensive, or elaborate | The construction of the Great Wall of China was a monumental feat of engineering. |
Motivate | Provide (someone) with a motive for doing something; cause (someone) to have interest in or enthusiasm for something | The coach used positive reinforcement to motivate the team to perform at their best. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
Navigate | Plan and direct the route or course of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transportation | He learned how to navigate using the stars. |
Necessity | The state or fact of being required or indispensable | Clean water is a necessity for all living beings. |
Negate | Nullify; make ineffective; deny the existence or truth of (something) | The positive effects of the exercise were negated by his unhealthy diet. |
Negligent | Failing to take proper care in doing something | The company was found negligent in its handling of customer data. |
Negligible | So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering; insignificant | The difference in cost was negligible compared to the overall budget. |
Negotiate | Try to reach an agreement or compromise by discussion or debate | The two parties are negotiating a new trade deal. |
Niche | A comfortable or suitable position in life or employment; a shallow recess, especially one in a wall to display a statue or other ornament | He found his niche in the world of finance. |
Nimble | Quick and light in movement or action | The gymnast was nimble on the balance beam. |
Nostalgia | A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations | The old photographs filled him with nostalgia for his childhood. |
Notion | A conception of or belief about something | He had a notion that his neighbor was spying on him. |
Nurture | Care for and encourage the growth or development of (someone or something) | It’s important to nurture your relationships with friends and family. |
Niche | A comfortable or suitable position in life or employment; a shallow recess, especially one in a wall to display a statue or other ornament | He found his niche in the world of finance. |
Noble | Belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status; having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles | The knight was known for his noble deeds and honorable behavior. |
Notable | Worthy of attention or notice; remarkable; distinguished | The artist’s paintings are notable for their vibrant colors and unique style. |
Noticeable | Easily seen or noticed; clear or apparent | There was a noticeable improvement in her performance after she started practicing regularly. |
Novelty | The quality of being new, original, or unusual; a small and inexpensive toy or ornament | The novelty of the gadget wore off after a few weeks. |
Nuance | A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound | His music had a nuance of sadness that touched the hearts of his listeners. |
Nudge | A light touch or push; a gentle reminder or prompting | She gave him a nudge to remind him of their appointment. |
Nuisance | A person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance | The loud neighbors were a constant nuisance. |
Nullify | Make legally null and void; invalidate; cancel out | The contract was nullified due to a technicality. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
Objective | Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; based on facts | The company’s objective is to increase its market share. |
Obligation | An act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound | Paying taxes is an obligation of every citizen. |
Oblige | Make (someone) legally or morally bound to do something | She felt obliged to help her elderly neighbor. |
Obscure | Not discovered or known about; uncertain | The meaning of the ancient text remained obscure. |
Obsolete | No longer produced or used; out-of-date | Floppy disks are now obsolete in the age of USB drives. |
Obtain | Get, acquire, or secure (something) | He obtained his driver’s license after passing the test. |
Obvious | Easily perceived or understood; clear, self-evident, or apparent | The answer to the riddle was obvious once you thought about it. |
Occasion | A particular event, or the time at which it takes place | The wedding was a joyous occasion for the entire family. |
Occupy | To reside or have one’s place of business in (a building) | The company occupies the entire fifth floor of the building. |
Offend | Cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful | His remarks offended many people at the party. |
Offer | Present or proffer (something) for (someone) to accept or reject as so desired; make available or accessible; provide or supply | She offered him a piece of cake. |
Offset | Counteract (something) by having an equal and opposite force or effect | The benefits of the new policy offset its initial costs. |
Omit | Leave out or exclude (someone or something), either intentionally or forgetfully | Please do not omit any details from your report. |
Onerous | (Of a task, duty, or responsibility) involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty | The onerous task of cleaning the entire house fell on her shoulders. |
Onset | The beginning of something, especially something unpleasant or harmful | The onset of winter brought heavy snowfall. |
Ooze | (Of a fluid) flow slowly out of something; seep out | Water began to ooze from the crack in the dam. |
Opulent | Ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish | The opulent palace was adorned with gold and marble. |
Optimistic | Hopeful and confident about the future | Despite the setbacks, she remained optimistic about her chances of success. |
Optimum | Most conducive to a favorable outcome; best | The doctor recommended getting seven to eight hours of sleep for optimum health. |
Orchestrate | Arrange or direct the elements of (a situation) to produce a desired effect, especially surreptitiously or by meticulous planning | The CEO orchestrated a successful marketing campaign to launch the new product. |
Order | The arrangement or disposition of people or things in relation to each other according to a particular sequence, pattern, or method; command or instruction | The order of the books on the shelf was alphabetical. |
Ornament | A thing used to make something look more attractive but usually having no practical purpose | The Christmas tree was decorated with colorful ornaments. |
Outcome | The way a thing turns out; a consequence | The outcome of the election was unexpected. |
Outdated | No longer fashionable, useful, or suitable for modern needs | His smartphone was outdated and needed an upgrade. |
Outlandish | Looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar | His outlandish clothes attracted attention wherever he went. |
Outrage | An extremely strong reaction of anger, shock, or indignation | There was public outrage following the scandal. |
Outright | Openly; without reservation or concealment; without any delay or hesitation | She outright refused to participate in the project. |
Outset | The start or beginning of something | From the outset, it was clear that the project would be challenging. |
Outweigh | Be heavier, more significant, or more influential than | The benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks. |
Overcome | Succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty) | She overcame her fear of public speaking through practice and determination. |
Overwhelm | Bury or drown beneath a huge mass; defeat completely; give too much of a thing to (someone); inundate | He was overwhelmed by the amount of work he had to do. |
Overt | Done or shown openly; plainly or readily apparent, not secret or hidden | The company made overt attempts to improve its public image. |
Overturn | Tip (something) over so that it is on its side or upside down; reverse (a decision) | The strong winds overturned several trees in the park. |
Overture | An introduction to something more substantial | The meeting began with an overture from the CEO outlining the company’s goals for the upcoming year. |
Overuse | Use (something) too much or too often | Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance. |
Oversee | Supervise (a person or work), especially in an official capacity | She was hired to oversee the construction project. |
Owe | Have an obligation to pay or repay (something, especially money) in return for something received or given | He owes me $20 for the concert ticket. |
Oxygen | A colorless, odorless reactive gas, the chemical element of atomic number 8 and the life-supporting component of the air | Oxygen is essential for respiration in humans. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
Pace | The speed or rate at which something happens or develops | The pace of technological advancement is increasing rapidly. |
Pacify | To quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of (someone) | The mother pacified her crying baby by singing a lullaby. |
Painless | Not causing or attended by pain | The dentist assured her that the procedure would be painless. |
Palpable | Able to be touched or felt; clear to the mind or plain to see | The tension in the room was palpable as they awaited the verdict. |
Pamper | Indulge with every attention, comfort, and kindness; spoil | She pampered herself with a relaxing spa day. |
Paradox | A statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory | The paradox of youth is that it is wasted on the young. |
Paramount | More important than anything else; supreme | The safety of the passengers is paramount for the airline. |
Parody | An imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect; a spoof or send-up | The movie was a parody of classic detective films. |
Paralyze | To cause to become powerless or motionless | Fear paralyzed him, preventing him from taking action. |
Pardon | The action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offense | The governor granted a pardon to the convicted criminal. |
Partial | Biased in favor of a particular group, subject, or point of view; incomplete or limited in extent or scope | The judge declared a mistrial due to the partiality of the jury. |
Participate | Take part or become involved in an activity or event | Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities. |
Particle | A minute portion of matter | Dust particles danced in the sunlight streaming through the window. |
Partner | A person who takes part in an undertaking with another or others, especially in a business or company | She started a new business venture with her longtime partner. |
Passive | Accepting or allowing what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance | The company’s passive approach to marketing led to decreased sales. |
Passage | The act or process of moving through, under, over, or past something on the way from one place to another | The passage of time heals all wounds. |
Patent | A government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention | The inventor applied for a patent for his groundbreaking technology. |
Pathetic | Arousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness | The sight of the starving children was truly pathetic. |
Pathos | A quality that evokes pity or sadness | The film’s use of pathos left audiences reaching for tissues. |
Patronize | Treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority; frequent (a store, theater, restaurant, or other establishment) as a customer, especially out of habit | He didn’t appreciate being patronized by his coworkers. |
Pause | Interrupt action or speech briefly | She paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. |
Pave | To cover (a piece of ground) with concrete, asphalt, bricks, or other material suitable for travel | The city council decided to pave the road to improve traffic flow. |
Peak | The pointed top of a mountain; a high point or maximum value | The athlete’s performance reached its peak during the championship race. |
Peculiar | Strange or odd; unusual | His peculiar behavior attracted attention wherever he went. |
Pedestrian | Lacking inspiration or excitement; dull | The movie received poor reviews for its pedestrian plot and uninspired acting. |
Peer | Look keenly or with difficulty at someone or something | She peered through the fog, trying to make out the shapes ahead. |
Pensive | Engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought | She sat by the window, her pensive expression revealing her inner turmoil. |
Perceive | Become aware or conscious of (something); come to realize or understand | She perceived a change in his attitude towards her. |
Perish | Die, especially in a violent or sudden way | The flowers will perish if not watered regularly. |
Perplex | Cause (someone) to feel completely baffled | The instructions on the package perplexed him, so he asked for help. |
Persist | Continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty, opposition, or failure | Despite numerous setbacks, she persisted in her efforts to complete the project. |
Perspective | A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view | She tried to see the situation from her colleague’s perspective. |
Persuade | Cause (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument | She persuaded her parents to let her go to the concert. |
Pertinent | Relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite | The information provided was not pertinent to the discussion. |
Peruse | Read (something), typically in a thorough or careful way | He perused the contract before signing it. |
Pervasive | (Especially of an unwelcome influence or physical effect) spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people | The pervasive odor of the garbage filled the entire neighborhood. |
Phase | A distinct period or stage in a process of change or forming part of something’s development | The project is in the final phase of development. |
Phenomenal | Very remarkable; extraordinary | The success of their new product has been nothing short of phenomenal. |
Philanthropy | The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes | The billionaire’s philanthropy was well-known, as he donated millions to various charities. |
Pinnacle | The most successful point; the culmination | Winning the championship was the pinnacle of her athletic career. |
Pioneer | A person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area; a person who is among the first to develop or be the first to use or apply (a new method, area of knowledge, or activity) | He was a pioneer in the field of medical research. |
Pitfall | A hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty | One of the pitfalls of fame is the loss of privacy. |
Plausible | (Of an argument or statement) seeming reasonable or probable | His explanation for being late seemed plausible, but I still had my doubts. |
Plethora | A large or excessive amount of (something) | There was a plethora of options to choose from at the buffet. |
Pledge | A solemn promise or undertaking | He made a pledge to always be there for his best friend. |
Plight | A dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation | The refugees faced a plight of homelessness and hunger. |
Plot | A plan made in secret by a group of people to do something illegal or harmful | The detective uncovered a plot to rob the bank. |
Plunge | Jump or dive quickly and energetically | The diver plunged into the icy water. |
Ponder | Think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion | She spent hours pondering the meaning of life. |
Populace | The people living in a particular country or area | The government’s policies were unpopular among the populace. |
Portray | Depict (someone or something) in a work of art or literature | The artist portrayed her muse with great attention to detail. |
Pose | Present or constitute (a problem, danger, or difficulty) | The new regulations pose a challenge for small businesses. |
Positive | Consisting in or characterized by the presence or possession of features or qualities rather than their absence; marked by optimism or constructive attitude | She maintained a positive outlook despite facing many obstacles. |
Postpone | Arrange for (something) to take place at a time later than that first scheduled | They decided to postpone the meeting until next week. |
Potential | Having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future; latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success | The young athlete showed great potential in his first season. |
Praise | Express warm approval or admiration of (someone or something) | He praised her for her hard work and dedication. |
Pragmatic | Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations | She took a pragmatic approach to solving the problem. |
Precede | Come before (something) in time | The appetizers will precede the main course. |
Precious | Of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly | Time spent with loved ones is precious. |
Precise | Marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail | The instructions must be followed with precise attention to detail. |
Predict | Say or estimate that (a specified thing) will happen in the future or will be a consequence of something | The meteorologist predicts rain for tomorrow. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Qualify | To be entitled to a particular benefit or privilege by fulfilling certain conditions; to make (a statement or assertion) less absolute; to modify or restrict | He qualified for the scholarship based on his grades. |
Quandary | A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation | She found herself in a quandary over which job to choose. |
Quench | To satisfy (one’s thirst) by drinking; to extinguish (a fire, thirst, desire, etc.) | He quenched his thirst with a cold glass of water. |
Query | A question, especially one expressing doubt or requesting information | She had a query about the assignment. |
Quest | A long or arduous search for something; an expedition undertaken in medieval romance by a knight in order to perform a prescribed feat | They embarked on a quest to find the lost treasure. |
Question | A sentence worded or expressed so as to elicit information; to ask questions of (someone) | She questioned the validity of the results. |
Quick | Moving fast or doing something in a short time; prompt or rapid | He gave a quick response to the question. |
Quiet | Making little or no noise; free from disturbance or tumult; calm, peaceful | The library was quiet, with only the sound of turning pages. |
Quirk | A peculiar aspect of a person’s character or behavior; a strange habit or feature | One of his quirks was always wearing mismatched socks. |
Quiver | To tremble or shake with a slight rapid motion; a case for holding or carrying arrows | Her voice quivered with emotion. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Radiant | Emitting light or shining brightly; emanating great happiness or joy | The bride looked radiant on her wedding day. |
Raid | A sudden attack on an enemy by troops, aircraft, or other armed forces; a surprise visit | The police conducted a raid on the drug cartel. |
Rally | A mass meeting of people making a political protest or showing support for a cause; to recover strength or spirits after a setback | The community held a rally to protest the new law. |
Ransom | A sum of money demanded or paid for the release of a captive; to free from captivity in exchange for a sum of money | The kidnappers demanded a ransom for the safe return of the hostage. |
Rare | Not occurring very often; unusual or uncommon | Seeing a shooting star is a rare occurrence. |
Rash | Displaying or proceeding from a lack of careful consideration of the possible consequences; impetuous | His rash decision led to serious consequences. |
Rational | Based on or in accordance with reason or logic; sensible or reasonable | It’s rational to save money for emergencies. |
Rave | Speak or write about someone or something with great enthusiasm or admiration; to talk irrationally or incoherently | Critics raved about the author’s new book. |
React | Act in response to something; respond in a particular way | She reacted angrily to the news of her demotion. |
Realize | Become fully aware of (something) as a fact; understand clearly or suddenly | He didn’t realize his mistake until it was too late. |
Realm | A kingdom; a field or domain of activity or interest | She had little interest in the realm of politics. |
Reap | Cut or gather (a crop or harvest); obtain (a reward or benefit) as a consequence of one’s own actions | He reaped the rewards of his hard work. |
Reason | A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event; the power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic | The reason for the delay was bad weather. |
Rebel | A person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler; to resist or defy an authority, control, or tradition | He was considered a rebel for challenging the status quo. |
Recall | Bring (a fact, event, or situation) back into one’s mind; remember from the past | He struggled to recall the details of the accident. |
Recede | Go or move back or further away from a previous position | The floodwaters began to recede after days of rain. |
Reckless | Without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action; heedless | His reckless driving led to a serious accident. |
Reclaim | Retrieve or recover (something previously lost, given, or paid); to bring (wasteland or land) back into a condition for cultivation or other use | He reclaimed his lost dignity by standing up for himself. |
Recoil | Suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust; to react in horror or disgust | She recoiled at the sight of the snake. |
Recruit | Enlist (someone) in the armed forces; to persuade someone to join an organization or cause | The army is recruiting new soldiers. |
Rectify | Put (something) right; correct or amend | Steps were taken to rectify the error. |
Recycle | Convert (waste) into reusable material; to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse | They recycled the old newspapers into wrapping paper. |
Redefine | Define (something) again or differently | The company sought to redefine its brand identity. |
Reduce | Make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size; diminish or lessen | She reduced her carbon footprint by cycling to work. |
Refrain | Stop oneself from doing something; to abstain | He refrained from making any comments during the meeting. |
Refresh | Give new strength or energy to; reinvigorate or revive | A short break will refresh your mind. |
Refuge | A condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble; a place offering shelter or safety | The refugee found refuge in a neighboring country. |
Refute | Prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; to disprove or contradict | He refuted the accusations made against him. |
Regard | Consider or think of (someone or something) in a specified way; to have a high opinion of | He regarded her as a trusted friend. |
Regret | Feel sad, repentant, or disappointed over (something that has happened or been done, especially a loss or missed opportunity) | She regretted not taking the job offer. |
Rehearse | Practice (a play, piece of music, or other work) for later public performance | The actors rehearsed their lines for the play. |
Reign | Hold royal office; to be the ruler or monarch | Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for many years. |
Reiterate | Say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis | He reiterated his request for more time. |
Reject | Dismiss as inadequate, inappropriate, or not to one’s taste; refuse to accept | The company rejected his job application. |
Rejoice | Feel or show great joy or delight | The team rejoiced at their victory. |
Relapse | Suffer deterioration after a period of improvement; return to a previous less favorable or more severe condition | Her illness relapsed after a few months of remission. |
Relate | Make or show a connection between; to narrate or tell (a story or event) | He related his experiences during the war. |
Relax | Make or become less tense or anxious; to rest or engage in an enjoyable activity | She relaxed in the comfort of her own home. |
Relevant | Closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered; pertinent | Her comments were not relevant to the discussion. |
Relentless | Unceasingly intense; incessant or harsh | The relentless rain continued for hours. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Satisfy | Fulfill the desires, expectations, or needs of (someone) or something; to meet a need or desire | Eating a hearty meal can satisfy your hunger. |
Saunter | Walk in a slow, relaxed manner, without hurry or effort; to stroll leisurely | They sauntered along the beach, enjoying the sunset. |
Scarce | Insufficient for the demand; not plentiful or abundant | Fresh water became scarce during the drought. |
Scare | Cause great fear or nervousness in; frighten; to panic or terrify | The sudden noise scared the little child. |
Scatter | Throw in various random directions; disperse or distribute loosely | She scattered flower petals along the aisle. |
Scent | A distinctive smell, especially one that is pleasant; fragrance; odor | The scent of roses filled the room. |
Scope | The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant; range or breadth | The scope of the project was vast and challenging. |
Scorn | A feeling and expression of contempt or disdain for someone or something; to disregard or mock disdainfully | He treated her with scorn after she betrayed him. |
Scrutinize | Examine or inspect closely and thoroughly; to analyze or inspect in detail | The detectives scrutinized the evidence for clues. |
Seclude | Keep (someone) away from other people; isolate or hide away | The celebrity secluded himself in his mansion to avoid paparazzi. |
Secure | Fixed or fastened so as not to give way, become loose, or be lost; to obtain or achieve | He secured the door with a sturdy lock. |
Seduce | Entice someone into sexual activity; to persuade someone to do something wrong or undesirable | The cunning villain tried to seduce the hero’s wife. |
Seize | Take hold of suddenly and forcibly; grab or snatch; to take possession forcibly or suddenly | The police seized the contraband during the raid. |
Sensation | A physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body | The icy water sent a sensation of shock through his body. |
Sensible | Chosen in accordance with wisdom or prudence; practical; having, using, or showing good sense | It’s sensible to wear a helmet when riding a bike. |
Sensitivity | The quality or condition of being sensitive; the degree to which something is affected by external stimuli | His sensitivity to criticism made him avoid public speaking. |
Sequence | A particular order in which related events, movements, or things follow each other; arrangement or succession | The instructions must be followed in sequence. |
Serene | Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil; free from stress or disturbance | She felt serene as she watched the sunset over the lake. |
Sever | Divide by cutting or slicing, especially suddenly and forcibly; to separate or cut off completely | He severed the rope with a sharp knife. |
Shackle | A pair of fetters connected together by a chain, used to fasten a prisoner’s wrists or ankles together; to restrain or limit the freedom of someone or something | The prisoner was bound in shackles. |
Shame | A painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior; to make someone feel ashamed or embarrassed | He felt shame for his actions and apologized. |
Shatter | Break or cause to break suddenly and violently into pieces; to destroy or damage severely | The glass shattered into a thousand fragments. |
Shelter | A place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger; a shield or refuge; to provide cover or protection from danger or difficulty | The cave offered shelter from the storm. |
Shimmer | Shine with a soft, tremulous light; to glisten or sparkle faintly | The moonlight shimmered on the surface of the lake. |
Shiver | Shake slightly and uncontrollably as a result of being cold, frightened, or excited; to tremble or quiver | He shivered in the chilly wind. |
Shrewd | Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute; clever or cunning | She’s a shrewd negotiator who always gets the best deal. |
Sibling | Each of two or more children or offspring having one or both parents in common; a brother or sister | She has two siblings, an older brother and a younger sister. |
Significant | Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy or remarkable | The discovery of a new planet is a significant event. |
Silence | Complete absence of sound; to make or become silent or quiet | They enjoyed the silence of the countryside. |
Simulate | Imitate the appearance or character of; to mimic or reproduce the features or qualities of something | The flight simulator simulates the experience of flying. |
Sincere | Free from pretense or deceit; genuine; expressing or showing genuine feelings | His apology seemed sincere, and she forgave him. |
Sinister | Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen; threatening or ominous | The dark alley had a sinister atmosphere. |
Skeptical | Not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations; showing doubt or disbelief | She was skeptical about his claims. |
Slack | Not taut or held tightly in position; loose; lacking in activity; slow and sluggish | She pulled the slack rope, but it didn’t budge. |
Slam | Shut (a door, window, or lid) forcefully and loudly; to criticize harshly or dismissively | He slammed the door in anger. |
Slap | Hit or strike (someone or something) with the palm of one’s hand or a flat object; a sharp blow or hit with the palm of the hand | He slapped the mosquito that landed on his arm. |
Sleek | Smooth and glossy; having an elegant, streamlined shape or design; smooth and glossy in texture or appearance | The sleek sports car sped down the highway. |
Sleuth | A detective; an investigator; to carry out a systematic search for something or to investigate | The sleuth uncovered the truth behind the crime. |
Slide | Move along a smooth surface while maintaining continuous contact with it; to move smoothly and quietly in a particular direction | The children slid down the hill on their sleds. |
Slight | Small in degree; inconsiderable; to insult (someone) by treating or speaking of them without proper respect or attention | She felt a slight pang of disappointment. |
Slip | Slide unintentionally for a short distance; lose one’s footing or balance briefly; a sudden or careless mistake or blunder | He slipped on the wet floor and fell. |
Slippery | (Of a surface or object) difficult to hold firmly or stand on because it is smooth, wet, or slimy; liable to change or instability | The icy road was slippery, making driving hazardous. |
Sly | Having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature; stealthy or tricky; clever but dishonest | The sly fox outwitted the farmer’s traps. |
Smash | Break or cause to break violently into pieces; hit or collide violently and forcefully; to defeat decisively | He smashed the glass on the floor in a fit of rage. |
Smooth | Having an even and regular surface or consistency; free from lumps, bumps, or other irregularities; to make (something) flat, level, or even | She smoothed the wrinkles out of the fabric. |
Sneak | Move or go in a stealthy or furtive manner; to move quietly and secretly to avoid being noticed; a person who acts in a stealthy or deceitful way | He tried to sneak out of the house without waking his parents. |
Snug | Comfortably warm and cozy; fitting closely and comfortably; a small, comfortable or cozy place or position | They spent a snug evening by the fireplace. |
Soar | Fly or rise high in the air; ascend; increase rapidly above the usual level | Prices began to soar due to increased demand. |
Sober | Not affected by alcohol; not drunk; serious, sensible, and solemn in character | He looked sober and composed despite the tense situation. |
Sociable | Friendly and agreeable in social interaction; enjoying the company of others; inclined to or conducive to companionship | She’s a sociable person who enjoys spending time with friends. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Tackle | Make determined efforts to deal with (a problem or difficult task); to confront or deal with (a difficult situation or task) | The team must tackle these issues before the project can proceed. |
Tactile | Of or connected with the sense of touch; perceptible by touch; tangible; relating to or based on the sense of touch | The artist’s sculptures are not only visually appealing but also tactile, inviting viewers to touch them. |
Talent | Natural aptitude or skill; innate ability to do something well | She has a talent for playing the piano. |
Tangible | Perceptible by touch; clear and definite; capable of being touched or felt; real and substantial | The benefits of the new policy are not just theoretical; they are tangible and visible. |
Tangle | Twist together into a confused mass; to become twisted together in a confused mass; to involve in a complicated situation or conflict | The wires were tangled, making it difficult to unravel them. |
Tantalize | Torment or tease (someone) with the sight or promise of something that is unobtainable; to excite the senses or desires by presenting something desirable but keeping it out of reach | The aroma from the bakery tantalized her as she walked past. |
Tarnish | Lose or cause to lose luster, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture; to dull the brightness of; to stain or damage the reputation of | The silverware was tarnished from years of neglect. |
Taut | Stretched or pulled tight; not slack; under tension; emotionally or mentally strained or tense | The sail was taut in the wind. |
Tactic | An action or strategy carefully planned to achieve a specific end | The marketing team devised a new tactic to attract younger consumers. |
Tease | Make fun of or attempt to provoke (a person or animal) in a playful way; to annoy or provoke deliberately; to entice or allure | He would often tease his little sister, but it was all in good fun. |
Tedious | Too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous; causing weariness or boredom | The lecture was so tedious that many students struggled to stay awake. |
Tempt | Entice or try to entice (someone) to do something that they find attractive but know to be wrong or unwise; to attract or allure | The smell of freshly baked cookies tempted her to break her diet. |
Tenacity | The quality or fact of being very determined; persistence | Her tenacity in pursuing her dreams eventually paid off. |
Tend | Regularly or frequently behave in a particular way or have a certain characteristic; to take care of; to look after | She tends to become anxious in crowded places. |
Tense | Stretched tight or rigid; anxious or nervous; in a state of strain or suspense; expressing or referring to time in some languages | His muscles were tense from the stress of the situation. |
Terminate | Bring to an end; conclude; to come to an end or cease to exist | The contract will terminate automatically after three years. |
Terrific | Extremely good; excellent; causing terror or great fear | She did a terrific job on her presentation. |
Testify | Give evidence as a witness in a law court; make a solemn declaration or affirmation rather than swear an oath | The witness testified that he saw the defendant near the scene of the crime. |
Testimonial | A formal statement testifying to someone’s character and qualifications; an expression of appreciation or recommendation | The company received many positive testimonials from satisfied customers. |
Testimony | A formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law; evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something; witness | The defendant’s testimony was crucial in determining the outcome of the trial. |
Testament | A person’s will, especially the part relating to personal property; something that serves as a sign or evidence of a fact or event; a covenant or agreement | His success was a testament to years of hard work. |
Thorough | Complete with regard to every detail; exhaustive or comprehensive; careful and accurate | She conducted a thorough investigation into the matter. |
Threaten | State one’s intention to take hostile action against someone in retribution for something done or not done; to cause (someone or something) to be vulnerable or at risk | He threatened to sue if they didn’t return his property. |
Thwart | Prevent (someone) from accomplishing something; to oppose successfully; to hinder or prevent the efforts, plans, or desires of; to frustrate or foil | The security measures thwarted the attempted robbery. |
Tickle | Lightly touch or prod (a person or a part of the body) in a way that causes itching and often laughter; to excite or amuse in a light-hearted or playful way | The feathers tickled her nose, making her giggle. |
Tilt | Move or cause to move into a sloping position; to move or cause to move into a position where one side is higher than the other; to incline or slope | He tilted his head back to drink from the bottle. |
Timely | Done or occurring at a favorable or useful time; opportune; happening at the correct or most useful time | The timely intervention of the firefighters saved the building from burning down. |
Timid | Showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened; shy or hesitant | She was too timid to speak up in class. |
Tolerate | Allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one dislikes or disagrees with) without interference; to endure or put up with | I cannot tolerate such behavior in my classroom. |
Tone | A musical or vocal sound with reference to its pitch, quality, and strength; the general character or attitude of a place, piece of writing, situation, etc. | His voice took on a soothing tone as he spoke to the frightened child. |
Topple | Overbalance or become unsteady and fall slowly; cause to become unsteady and fall; to remove from power or authority; to overthrow or defeat | The strong winds toppled the trees in the forest. |
Torture | The action or practice of inflicting severe pain or suffering on someone as a punishment or in order to force them to do or say something; extreme physical or mental suffering inflicted on someone as a punishment or to extract information | He was subjected to horrific torture during his captivity. |
Tough | Strong enough to withstand adverse conditions or rough or careless handling; demonstrating a strict and uncompromising attitude or approach; difficult to endure or overcome | The mountain climbers faced tough conditions during their ascent. |
Trace | Find or discover by investigation; to track or mark the course or position of (something) | The detectives traced the missing person’s last known movements. |
Track | A rough path or road, typically one beaten by use rather than constructed; a continuous line of rails on a railroad, in which locomotives and cars move by means of their wheels | We followed the track through the forest. |
Trade | The action of buying and selling goods and services; a skilled job, typically one requiring manual skills and special training; the exchange of one thing for another, typically as a commercial transaction | The trade between the two countries has increased in recent years. |
Tragic | Causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow; disastrous or calamitous; of or relating to tragedy or tragedies | The fire was a tragic event that claimed many lives. |
Tranquil | Free from disturbance; calm; peaceful and quiet; without agitation or tumult | The lake was tranquil, reflecting the colors of the sunset. |
Transmit | Cause (something) to pass on from one place or person to another; to send or convey (an emotion, a power, or a signal) to a person, place, or thing | The radio transmitted the news of the victory to the entire nation. |
Transparent | Allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen; (of an organization or its activities) open to public scrutiny; easily understood or seen through | The glass was transparent, offering an unobstructed view of the garden. |
Trapped | Catch (someone or something) in or as in a trap; be caught in a trap; feeling confined or restricted | The mouse was trapped in the cage. |
Treasure | Accumulated or stored wealth in the form of money, jewels, or other valuables; a very valuable object, person, or resource; to value highly or cherish | The pirate treasure was buried on the deserted island. |
Trepidation | A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen; anxiety or apprehension | He felt a sense of trepidation before his first day of school. |
Trial | A formal examination of evidence before a judge, and typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings; a test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something | The defendant stood trial for the alleged crime. |
Trigger | Cause (an event or situation) to happen or exist; to set off; a small device that releases a spring or catch and so sets off a mechanism, especially in order to fire a gun | The sound of fireworks triggered his memories of the war. |
Triumph | A great victory or achievement; a state of joy or exultation resulting from victory or success; to be successful; to win | The team’s triumph in the championship was celebrated by the entire city. |
Trouble | Difficulty or problems; distress or affliction; to cause distress or agitation to; to disturb or inconvenience; to create problems or difficulties | He was in trouble for arriving late to work. |
Trust | Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something; confidence placed in a person by making that person the nominal owner of property to be held or used for the benefit of one or more others | The trust between them was built on years of friendship. |
Trustworthy | Able to be relied on as honest or truthful; deserving of trust or confidence | He is a trustworthy employee who always delivers on his promises. |
Try | Make an attempt or effort to do something; to subject to trial or test; to attempt to open (a door or window) in order to find out whether it is locked or not | She will try her best to complete the project on time. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Ultimate | Final; last in a progression or series | Winning the championship was the ultimate goal. |
Unanimous | Fully in agreement | The decision to proceed was unanimous. |
Unbearable | Intolerable; too difficult to endure | The heat in the room was unbearable. |
Uncover | To reveal; to make known | The investigation helped uncover the truth. |
Underestimate | To undervalue; to misjudge the importance or size | Never underestimate the power of kindness. |
Undermine | To weaken or damage from below | Gossip can undermine trust within a team. |
Understated | Subtle; not obvious or exaggerated | Her beauty was understated yet captivating. |
Unfamiliar | Not known or recognized; strange or foreign | The city’s streets were unfamiliar to me. |
Unify | To bring together into a single unit or entity | The treaty aimed to unify the two nations. |
Unique | One of a kind; having no equal | Each snowflake is unique in its design. |
Unison | Simultaneous action or utterance | The choir sang in perfect unison. |
Unity | The state of being united or joined as a whole | The community showed great unity in times of crisis. |
Universal | Applicable everywhere or to all | Love is a universal language. |
Unleash | To release; to set free or allow to happen freely | The company’s new product will unleash creativity. |
Unprecedented | Never done or known before; without precedent | The storm caused unprecedented damage. |
Unravel | To disentangle; to solve or explain | She managed to unravel the mystery. |
Unusual | Not typical; out of the ordinary | His behavior was unusual for him. |
Unveil | To reveal or disclose for the first time | The artist unveiled her latest masterpiece. |
Unwind | To relax; to become less tense or stressed | After work, he liked to unwind with music. |
Upbeat | Cheerful and optimistic in outlook or attitude | Her upbeat personality lifted everyone’s spirits. |
Upgrade | To improve or enhance the quality or functionality | They decided to upgrade their software. |
Uplift | To raise in position or condition; to elevate | His words of encouragement uplifted her spirits. |
Urgent | Requiring immediate action or attention | The situation was urgent and needed to be addressed. |
Usual | Typical; customary; habitual | She arrived at her usual time. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Vacant | Empty; not occupied | The hotel had many vacant rooms. |
Validate | To confirm the truth or accuracy of something | You need to validate your email address. |
Value | The importance, worth, or usefulness of something | He placed a high value on education. |
Vanish | To disappear suddenly or without explanation | The magician made the rabbit vanish. |
Vast | Extremely large in area, size, or quantity | The desert stretched out in vast expanse. |
Veil | A piece of fabric used to cover or conceal something | The bride wore a veil over her face. |
Vehicle | A means of transport or conveyance | They traveled by vehicle to the city. |
Veer | To change direction suddenly | The car veered off the road to avoid a collision. |
Venture | A risky or daring undertaking | Starting a business is a risky venture. |
Verbal | Relating to words or spoken language | He gave me verbal instructions. |
Verdict | A decision or judgment, especially in court | The jury reached a guilty verdict. |
Verify | To confirm the truth or accuracy of something | Please verify your identity with your ID card. |
Versatile | Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities | She’s a versatile actress who can play various roles. |
Version | A particular form or variation of something | This is the latest version of the software. |
Vertical | Upright; perpendicular to the horizon | The building had vertical stripes. |
Vestige | A trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists | The old ruins were the only vestige of the ancient city. |
Vibrant | Full of energy and life; bright and striking | The vibrant colors of the painting caught my eye. |
Vicinity | The area near or surrounding a particular place | There are many shops in the vicinity of the hotel. |
Victim | A person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event | He was a victim of identity theft. |
Victory | The defeat of an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or competition | Their victory in the championship was celebrated. |
Viewpoint | A particular way of thinking about or looking at something | From her viewpoint, the decision made sense. |
Vigilant | Watchful; alert to potential danger or trouble | The security guard was vigilant throughout the night. |
Vigorous | Strong, healthy, and full of energy | She took a vigorous approach to exercise. |
Vindicate | To clear someone of blame or suspicion | The evidence vindicated him of the crime. |
Vintage | Representing the best of a past time; classic | She collected vintage clothing from the 1950s. |
Vital | Absolutely necessary or essential | Water is vital for survival. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Wander | To move about aimlessly or without a fixed direction | They decided to wander through the forest. |
Wane | To decrease gradually in size, amount, or intensity | The moon’s brightness began to wane. |
Warily | Cautiously; with careful consideration | She walked warily through the dark alley. |
Warranty | A guarantee or promise regarding the quality or performance of a product or service | The laptop came with a one-year warranty. |
Wary | Cautious; watchful for danger or potential problems | He was wary of strangers approaching him. |
Waver | To hesitate or be indecisive in making a decision | She wavered between the two options. |
Weaken | To make or become weaker | The illness had weakened his immune system. |
Wealth | A large amount of money, possessions, or assets | The family amassed great wealth over the years. |
Weary | Tired or fatigued from exertion or strain | After the long hike, they were weary. |
Wedge | A piece of material, typically triangular, used to secure or separate objects | She used a wedge to prop open the door. |
Weigh | To determine the weight of something | She weighed the ingredients before cooking. |
Weighty | Significant; having great importance or influence | The decision to move was a weighty one. |
Whim | A sudden desire or impulse | On a whim, they decided to go to the beach. |
Whimsical | Playfully quaint or fanciful | She enjoyed decorating her room with whimsical items. |
Whirl | To move or spin rapidly in a circular motion | The leaves were caught up in a whirl of wind. |
Whisper | To speak very softly or quietly | She whispered the secret into his ear. |
Wholehearted | With complete sincerity and commitment | They gave their wholehearted support to the cause. |
Widespread | Distributed over a wide area or affecting many people | The flu became widespread in the community. |
Willing | Ready, eager, or prepared to do something | She was willing to help with the project. |
Windfall | An unexpected piece of good fortune or financial gain | Winning the lottery was a windfall for him. |
Wisdom | The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment | He shared his wisdom with the younger generation. |
Wistful | Longing or yearning tinged with sadness | She looked at the old photo with a wistful expression. |
Withdraw | To remove or take away something | She decided to withdraw her support from the project. |
Wither | To shrivel or fade away, typically due to lack of moisture or vitality | The flowers began to wither in the heat. |
Witty | Clever and amusing in manner or expression | His witty remarks always made everyone laugh. |
Wonder | To feel curiosity or admiration | They wondered at the beauty of the sunset. |
Worthy | Deserving of respect, attention, or consideration | His actions proved him to be a worthy leader. |
Wrestle | To struggle or fight with someone or something | They had to wrestle with the problem for hours. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Xenophobia | Fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers | Xenophobia can lead to discrimination and violence. |
X-ray | A form of electromagnetic radiation used for imaging | The doctor ordered an X-ray of the patient’s chest. |
Xenial | Hospitable or friendly, especially to strangers | The villagers were known for their xenial nature. |
Xenophile | Someone who is attracted to foreign cultures or people | As a xenophile, she loved traveling and learning about new cultures. |
Xenobiotic | A substance foreign to a living organism’s normal biochemistry | The researchers studied the effects of xenobiotics on human health. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Yearn | To have an intense longing or desire for something | She yearned for adventure and travel. |
Yield | To produce or provide a result, product, or outcome | The farm yielded a bountiful harvest this year. |
Yonder | In or at a distant place | They saw a beautiful mountain yonder in the distance. |
Yawn | To involuntarily open one’s mouth wide and breathe in, often due to tiredness or boredom | He couldn’t help but yawn during the boring lecture. |
Yell | To shout loudly, often in anger or excitement | The coach yelled instructions to the players. |
Youth | The time of life when one is young, or the qualities or characteristics associated with being young | Youth is often characterized by energy and curiosity. |
Yearning | A feeling of intense longing or desire | His yearning for her grew stronger every day. |
Words | Meaning | Example |
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Zeal | Enthusiastic and eager pursuit of something | She tackled her new project with great zeal. |
Zenith | The highest point or peak; the culmination | His career reached its zenith with the award. |
Zigzag | A pattern of sharp turns or angles resembling a zigzag | The path up the mountain was a series of zigzag trails. |
Zone | An area or region with a specific characteristic or purpose | The city center is a busy commercial zone. |
Zoom | To move rapidly or suddenly with a buzzing or humming sound | The car zoomed past us on the highway. |
Zest | Great enthusiasm or energy; excitement | She approached her work with zest and passion. |
Zany | Comical or ludicrously absurd; clownish | His zany antics always brought laughter to the room. |
Zillion | An extremely large, indefinite number | There are a zillion stars in the night sky. |
Zephyr | A gentle, mild breeze | The zephyr rustled through the leaves in the forest. |
General Topics:
- Describing People: Articulate (adj.) – fluent and clear, Gregarious (adj.) – sociable and outgoing, Stoic (adj.) – calm and unemotional.
- Places and Environments: Bustling (adj.) – full of activity and noise, Serene (adj.) – peaceful and calm, Picturesque (adj.) – beautiful and like a painting.
- Technology: Cutting-edge (adj.) – the latest and most advanced, Intuitive (adj.) – easy to understand and use, Ubiquitous (adj.) – being everywhere at the same time.
Education:
- Learning styles: Auditory (adj.) – learns best by hearing, Kinesthetic (adj.) – learns best by doing, Visual (adj.) – learns best by seeing.
- Challenges: Demanding (adj.) – requiring a lot of effort, Rigorous (adj.) – strict and thorough, Complicated (adj.) – difficult to understand.
- Benefits: Stimulating (adj.) – making you think in a new way, Enriching (adj.) – making something more valuable or fulfilling, Empowering (adj.) – giving someone confidence or control.
Environment:
- Problems: Pollution (n.) – harmful substances entering the environment, Deforestation (n.) – the destruction of forests, Climate change (n.) – long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns.
- Solutions: Sustainable (adj.) – able to be maintained at a steady level without being damaged, Renewable (adj.) – able to be replaced naturally, Conservation (n.) – the protection of natural resources.
By mastering essential vocabulary for common IELTS topics, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score and reaching your academic or professional goals. Now go out there and impress the examiners!