4000 Essential English Words 6 » Index

a
  • abide
    abide [əˈbaid] v.
    To abide by something, like a rule, means to obey it.
    →If you want to play the game with us, you must be willing to abide by our rules.
  • abolish
    abolish [əˈbɒliʃ] v.
    To abolish something means to put an end to it, such as a system or law.
    →President Lincoln abolished slavery in the US.
  • absurd
    absurd [əbˈsəːrd] adj.
    If something or someone is absurd, they are ridiculous.
    →That group of people making animal noises sounds completely absurd.
  • accelerate
    accelerate [ækˈseləreit] v.
    To accelerate means to increase in speed.
    →When he stepped on the gas pedal, the motorcycle accelerated.
  • accumulate
    accumulate [əˈkjuːmjəleit] v.
    To accumulate something is to collect a lot of it over time.
    →The mail accumulated in their mailbox while they were on vacation.
  • acrobat
    acrobat [ˈækrəbæt] n.
    An acrobat is a person who entertains people by doing amazing physical things.
    →There were acrobats at the circus that did impressive and complicated jumps.
  • adhere
    adhere [ədˈhiər] v.
    To adhere means to act in the way that a rule or agreement says is right.
    →If the new employees wish to succeed, they must adhere to the boss’s rules.
  • adhesive
    adhesive [ædˈhiːsiv] n.
    An adhesive is a substance used for sticking things together.
    →The carpenter used an adhesive to hold the two pieces of wood together.
  • adjoining
    adjoining [əˈdʒɔiniŋ] adj.
    If something is adjoining, it is next to or joined with a building, or room.
    →I couldn’t sleep because the people in the adjoining room were loud.
  • administer
    administer [ədˈministər] v.
    To administer means to take responsibility for organizing something.
    →The teacher’s assistant will administer the test.
  • adorn
    adorn [əˈdɔːrn] v.
    To adorn something means to make it more beautiful by decorating it.
    →Small glass beads adorned the vase.
  • advent
    advent [ˈædvənt] n.
    An advent is the arrival or beginning of an important person, thing, or event.
    →During the advent of radio, very few programs actually played music.
  • adverse
    adverse [ˈædvəːrs] adj.
    If something is adverse, then it is harmful.
    →Not eating healthy foods can have an adverse effect on your health.
  • advocacy
    advocacy [ˈædvəkəsi] n.
    Advocacy is the act of supporting or recommending something.
    →Janine’s strong advocacy for the event made people want to attend.
  • advocate
    advocate [ˈædvəkeit] v.
    To advocate a plan or idea is to support or suggest it in public.
    →The group advocated increased spending on education and schools.
  • aerial
    aerial [ˈɛəriəl] adj.
    When something is aerial, it relates to being in the air or flying.
    →The aerial photographer took pictures from the air balloon.
  • airway
    airway [ˈɛərwei] n.
    An airway is the passage by which air reaches a person’s lungs.
    →Since he was sick, mucus would occasionally get stuck in his airway.
  • allege
    allege [əˈledʒ] v.
    To allege something is to say that it is true without offering proof.
    →The little girl had alleged that her older brother hid her favorite doll.
  • alleviate
    alleviate [əˈliːvieit] v.
    To alleviate pain or suffering means to make it less intense or severe.
    →She needed something to alleviate the pain in her back.
  • allocate
    allocate [ˈæləkeit] v.
    To allocate something means to put it aside for a certain purpose or person.
    →The government allocated $100 million to aid the disaster relief effort.
  • Almighty
    Almighty [ɔːlˈmaiti] n.
    The Almighty is a name for a god in a religion.
    →Before eating, they thanked the Almighty for their food.
  • altar
    altar [ˈɔ:ltər] n.
    An altar is a table used in churches.
    →The altar had many lit candles on it.
  • alternate
    alternate [ˈɔ:ltərneit] v.
    To alternate means to switch back and forth between two things.
    →The best exercise alternates muscle and heart strengthening.
  • amber
    amber [ˈæmbər] n.
    Amber is a hard, yellowish material that comes from trees.
    →The necklace was made from pieces of amber.
  • amend
    amend [əˈmend] v.
    To amend something means to change it to improve or make it accurate.
    →The countries were in agreement that the treaty needed to be amended.
  • amid
    amid [əˈmid] prep.
    If something is amid something else, then it is in the middle of it.
    →The bee was busily flying amid the flowers in the garden.
  • analogous
    analogous [əˈnæləgəs] adj.
    If something is analogous to another thing, then it is like it in certain ways.
    →The relationship with his teacher was analogous to that of a son and mother.
  • analogy
    analogy [əˈnælədʒi] n.
    An analogy is a connection made between things to show that they are similar.
    →The doctor made an analogy between the human heart and a water pump.
  • ancestry
    ancestry [ˈænsestri] n.
    A person's ancestry is the series of people from whom a person descended.
    →We studied our ancestry and found out that we are related to royalty.
  • anemia
    anemia [əˈniːmiə] n.
    Anemia is a blood condition that causes a person to be pale and tired.
    →When she first developed anemia, she became tired often.
  • anew
    anew [əˈnjuː] adv.
    If you do something anew, you do it again and in a different way.
    →Though he had failed his driving test, he decided to try it anew.
  • apologetic
    apologetic [əˌpɒləˈdʒetik] adj.
    If someone is apologetic, they are sorry about something.
    →The boy felt apologetic after losing his sister’s favorite toy.
  • apparatus
    apparatus [ˌæpəˈræitəs] n.
    An apparatus is a device used for a particular purpose.
    →The campers had an apparatus that showed them their exact location.
  • appetizing
    appetizing [ˈæpitaiziŋ] adj.
    When food is appetizing, it looks and smells very good.
    →The appetizing plate of cookies was gone in half an hour.
  • arch
    arch [ɑːrtʃ] n.
    An arch is a curved opening formed under a structure such as a bridge or doorway.
    →The arch of the bridge was not high enough for the tall boat to pass underneath.
  • archer
    archer [ˈɑːrtʃər] n.
    An archer is a person who uses a bow and arrows.
    →The expert archer hit the target every time.
  • arduous
    arduous [ˈɑːrdjʊəs] adj.
    When something is arduous, it demands great effort or labor.
    →The explorers began their arduous hike up the steep mountain.
  • aristocracy
    aristocracy [ӕrəˈstokrəsi] n.
    The aristocracy is the highest class of people in certain societies.
    →Most members of the aristocracy were very well-fed.
  • aristocrat
    aristocrat [ˈæristəkræt] n.
    An aristocrat is a person who is of the highest class in certain societies.
    →The aristocrat did not need a job because his family was wealthy.
  • artery
    artery [ˈɑːrtəri] n.
    An artery is a tube that takes blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
    →Eating healthily keeps your arteries clean, so blood can flow with ease.
  • arthritis
    arthritis [ɑːrˈθraitis] n.
    Arthritis is an illness causing pain and swelling in a person’s joints.
    →Agatha couldn’t play the piano anymore because of her arthritis.
  • ashore
    ashore [əˈʃɔːr] adv.
    If something goes ashore, it goes from water to the land.
    →After a long day of fishing, Glen pulled his boat ashore, so it wouldn’t float away.
  • aspire
    aspire [əsˈpaiər] v.
    To aspire means to have a strong desire to achieve or do something.
    →George aspired to be a doctor from a young age.
  • assemble
    assemble [əˈsembəl] v.
    To assemble means to get together in one place.
    →The parents assembled to discuss ways to improve their children’s education.
  • astrology
    astrology [əsˈtrɒlədʒi] n.
    Astrology is the study of the stars in the belief that they influence people’s lives.
    →Jack, who studies astrology, believes that the stars can predict the future.
  • attain
    attain [əˈtein] v.
    To attain something means to gain or achieve it, often after a lot of effort.
    →In two more years, I will attain my high school diploma.
  • attic
    attic [ˈætik] n.
    An attic is a room just below a house’s roof.
    →There were two windows in their attic.
  • attire
    attire [əˈtaiər] n.
    Attire is nice or special clothing.
    →Everyone wore their best attire to the president’s daughter’s wedding.
  • authorize
    authorize [ˈɔːθəraiz] v.
    To authorize something means to give permission for it.
    →The mayor authorized the construction of a new statue in the park.
  • avalanche
    avalanche [ˈævəlæntʃ] n.
    An avalanche is a large amount of snow, ice, and rock falling off a mountain.
    →The avalanche destroyed the mountain village.
b
  • backstage
    backstage [ˈbækˈsteidʒ] adv.
    If something happens backstage, it occurs behind a theater’s stage.
    →After the show, the director went backstage and thanked the actors.
  • beforehand
    beforehand [biˈfɔːrhænd] adv.
    If something is done beforehand, then it is done in advance.
    →He packed his luggage beforehand, so he was able to leave right away.
  • benign
    benign [biˈnain] adj.
    If something or someone is benign, they do not hurt anyone.
    →Many spiders look scary, but most are actually benign.
  • billionaire
    billionaire [biljəˈnɛər] n.
    A billionaire is someone who has at least one billion dollars.
    →The sale of his inventions made the inventor a billionaire.
  • binoculars
    binoculars [bəˈnɒkjələrz] n.
    Binoculars are a device used for seeing things that are far away.
    →He could see the ship on the horizon only if he used his binoculars.
  • bliss
    bliss [blis] n.
    Bliss is a state of complete happiness.
    →Every time he sees his girlfriend, he feels a sense of bliss.
  • blizzard
    blizzard [ˈblizərd] n.
    A blizzard is a severe snow storm with strong winds.
    →We did not dare to go outside during the terrible blizzard.
  • botany
    botany [ˈbɒtəni] n.
    Botany is the study of plants.
    →Gardens are the best places for botany.
  • brute
    brute [bruːt] n.
    A brute is someone who behaves or looks like a violent animal.
    →My older brother can act like a brute when he doesn’t get his way.
  • bulk
    bulk [bʌlk] n.
    The bulk of something is its great size.
    →The large elephant moved its bulk with legs as strong as tree trunks.
  • butler
    butler [ˈbʌtlər] n.
    A butler is the most important male servant in a wealthy house.
    →Whenever he needed something, he rang a bell, and the butler appeared.
c
  • camouflage
    camouflage [ˈkæməflɑːʒ] n.
    Camouflage is something used to hide people and things.
    →The green and brown camouflage was best used for hiding in forests and jungles.
  • casualty
    casualty [ˈkæʒjuəlti] n.
    A casualty is a person killed or injured in a war or an accident.
    →The only casualty in the car accident was a woman who broke her arm.
  • cavity
    cavity [ˈkævəti] n.
    A cavity is a hole or space in something.
    →There was a small cavity in the wall of the cave where an animal lived.
  • censor
    censor [ˈsensər] v.
    To censor information means to remove it if it is rude or rebellious.
    →To protect innocent people, the location of the bomb was censored.
  • centigrade
    centigrade [ˈsentəgreid] n.
    If a temperature is centigrade, it is scaled, so water freezes at 0° and boils at 100°.
    →During the spring time, the temperature gets as warm as 26 degrees centigrade.
  • certify
    certify [ˈsəːrtəfai] v.
    To certify something means to confirm that its results are true.
    →The photograph on her passport certified that she was indeed Jolene Sawyer.
  • char
    char [tʃɑːr] v.
    To char means to burn something so that it turns black.
    →While Frank went inside to get the mustard, he accidentally charred the hotdogs.
  • charcoal
    charcoal [ˈtʃɑːrkoul] n.
    Charcoal is a black material that is used as fuel for fire.
    →There was burnt charcoal left on the ground from an old fire.
  • charter
    charter [ˈtʃɑːrtər] n.
    A charter is a document that describes the rights of an organization or group.
    →The company charter explained that all employees had to pay a tax.
  • chatter
    chatter [ˈtʃætər] v.
    To chatter means to talk quickly about unimportant things.
    →The children chattered in the back of the classroom.
  • chunk
    chunk [tʃʌŋk] n.
    A chunk is a thick, solid piece of something.
    →When they broke open the rock, they saw it was filled with chunks of gold.
  • civic
    civic [ˈsivik] adj.
    If something is civic, then it is related to a town or city, especially its government.
    →Most of the important civic buildings are located downtown.
  • civilian
    civilian [siˈviljən] n.
    A civilian is someone who is not in the military.
    →It was Todd’s job to keep civilians from entering the army facility.
  • clarify
    clarify [ˈklærəfai] v.
    To clarify means to make something easier to understand by explaining it.
    →Drew tried to clarify all the functions of Michelle’s new computer.
  • clockwise
    clockwise [ˈklɒkwaiz] adv.
    If something moves clockwise, it moves in a circle in the same direction as a clock.
    →Turn the screw clockwise to tighten it.
  • clumsy
    clumsy [ˈklʌmzi] adj.
    If someone is clumsy, then they are awkward in handling things.
    →The businessman was clumsy and dropped his work files.
  • coexist
    coexist [ˈkouigˈzist] v.
    To coexist with something means to exist with it in the same time and place.
    →Our pets coexist at our home with little or no problems.
  • collaborate
    collaborate [kəˈlæbəreit] v.
    To collaborate means to work together on something.
    →When they collaborated, they managed to finish their chores early.
  • collide
    collide [kəˈlaid] v.
    To collide with something means to hit into it while moving.
    →The two cars collided with each other because their drivers were not careful.
  • columnist
    columnist [ˈkɒləmnist] n.
    A columnist is a writer who creates articles about a particular subject.
    →The columnist won praise for his articles about life on the farm.
  • commodity
    commodity [kəˈmɒdəti] n.
    A commodity is something that can be bought or sold.
    →Fran’s uncle made most of his money trading commodities.
  • communal
    communal [ˈkəmjuːnl] adj.
    If something is communal, it involves a group of people.
    →On the weekends, Theo and his son picked up trash in the communal park.
  • compassionate
    compassionate [kəmˈpæʃənit] adj.
    When people are compassionate, they feel pity and sympathy for others.
    →The compassionate nurse tried to make the sick man feel comfortable.
  • compile
    compile [kəmˈpail] v.
    To compile things means to collect a variety of them into a group.
    →She compiled a list of people who she wanted to attend her birthday party.
  • comprise
    comprise [kəmˈpraiz] v.
    If something comprises something else, it consists of or is made up of it.
    →Our school’s football team is mostly comprised with seniors.
  • conceive
    conceive [kənˈsiːv] v.
    To conceive something means to be able to imagine or believe it.
    →The child could not conceive the actual size of the Earth.
  • concentric
    concentric [kənˈsentrik] adj.
    When circles or rings are concentric, they have the same center.
    →The target was a series of concentric circles.
  • concerto
    concerto [kənˈtʃərtou] n.
    A concerto is music for a solo instrument and played with an orchestra.
    →The piano concerto has a section in which only the piano plays.
  • condense
    condense [kənˈdens] v.
    To condense a gas means to make it a liquid.
    →The cool air made tiny drops of water condense on the tops of the grass.
  • congested
    congested [kənˈdʒestid] adj.
    If something is congested, it is full or blocked.
    →Tom didn’t get home until after dark because the road was so congested.
  • conquest
    conquest [ˈkɒŋkwest] n.
    A conquest is an event by which one country takes over another country.
    →After the conquest, the people of the small city had no freedom.
  • consistency
    consistency [kənˈsistənsi] n.
    Consistency is the state of always behaving in the same way.
    →Her consistency in archery meant that our team had a chance to win.
  • conspiracy
    conspiracy [kənˈspirəsi] n.
    A conspiracy is a secret plan made by a group of people to do something illegal.
    →Some people think that there was a conspiracy to kill American president John Kennedy.
  • constellation
    constellation [ˌkɒnstəˈleiʃən] n.
    A constellation is a group of stars with a recognizable shape.
    →That constellation in the shape of a square is named after a flying horse.
  • constitution
    constitution [ˌkɒnstəˈtjuːʃən] n.
    A constitution is a document of principles for a government.
    →The country’s constitution said a prime minister could only serve three terms.
  • constrain
    constrain [kənˈstrein] v.
    To constrain something means to limit its development.
    →Jim cannot join us because he is constrained by previous plans.
  • contaminate
    contaminate [kənˈtæməneit] v.
    To contaminate something means to put dirty or harmful chemicals into it.
    →The lake was contaminated when pollutants entered into the water.
  • contemplate
    contemplate [ˈkɒntəmpleit] v.
    To contemplate something means to think about it.
    →Mark took a moment to contemplate the math problem before solving it.
  • contend
    contend [kənˈtend] v.
    To contend with something means to struggle to overcome it.
    →Stacy had to contend with a learning disability throughout high school.
  • contradict
    contradict [ˌkɒntrəˈdikt] v.
    To contradict means to state the opposite of what someone else has.
    →Ken was always fighting with his little sister because she kept contradicting him.
  • convection
    convection [kənˈvekʃən] n.
    Convection is the flow of hot air through gas or liquid.
    →The weather changed because of convection in the atmosphere.
  • conversion
    conversion [kənˈvəːrʃən] n.
    Conversion is the act of changing something into a different state or form.
    →The city discussed the conversion of the parking lot into a skateboard park.
  • cosmopolitan
    cosmopolitan [ˌkɒzməˈpɒlətən] adj.
    When a place is cosmopolitan, it is full of people from many different places.
    →There are dozens of different types of restaurants in a cosmopolitan city.
  • cot
    cot [kɒt] n.
    A cot is a small portable bed.
    →At the camp, the boys’ cabin was lined with cots.
  • counteract
    counteract [kauntəˈrӕkt] v.
    To counteract something means to act against it in order to reduce or stop it.
    →Medicine is supposed to counteract illnesses.
  • counterpart
    counterpart [ˈkauntərpɑːrt] v.
    A counterpart is something that is very similar to something else in what it does.
    →Our manager will meet our rival company’s counterpart later today.
  • courier
    courier [ˈkuriər] n.
    A courier is someone who takes and delivers mail or packages.
    →Before trains, most couriers used horses to travel.
  • courteous
    courteous [ˈkəːrtiəs] adj.
    When someone is courteous, they are polite and respectful.
    →The mother asked her family to be courteous to their guests.
  • courtesy
    courtesy [ˈkɔːrtəsi] n.
    Courtesy is the excellence of manners or social conduct.
    →Jenna always behaves with great courtesy when people visit her home.
  • cove
    cove [kouv] n.
    A cove is a part of land where it curves inward around the sea.
    →They hid the boat in a small cove on the south side of the island.
  • coward
    coward [ˈkauərd] n.
    A coward is a person who lacks courage to do risky or dangerous things.
    →A firefighter cannot be a coward. They have to be able to act quickly.
  • cram
    cram [kræm] v.
    To cram things means to put them into a place that can barely contain them.
    →He crammed all of his shirts into the top drawer of the dresser.
  • cramp
    cramp [kræmp] n.
    A cramp is a strong pain caused by a muscle after a lot of physical use.
    →After the marathon, Jenny got a terrible cramp in her calf muscle.
  • craze
    craze [kreiz] n.
    A craze is a brief and popular activity or object.
    →Wearing bright red socks was a craze when I was in high school.
  • credentials
    credentials [kriˈdenʃəlz] n.
    Credentials are the proof of someone’s experience or ability to do something.
    →The mechanic hung his credentials on his office wall.
  • credible
    credible [ˈkredəbəl] adj.
    If something or someone is credible, they can be believed or trusted.
    →Dick gave a credible reason for being late and didn’t get in any trouble.
  • cricket
    cricket [ˈkrikit] n.
    A cricket is an insect that makes loud noises, usually at night.
    →In the country, we could see the stars and hear the crickets at night.
  • crisp
    crisp [krisp] adj.
    When food is crisp, it is hard or has a hard surface in a way that is pleasant.
    →My favorite snack is a bag of crisp, delicious potato chips.
  • culprit
    culprit [ˈkʌlprit] n.
    A culprit is someone who did a crime or other bad deed.
    →The police were still searching for the culprit from the robbery.
  • curb
    curb [kəːrb] v.
    To curb something means to prevent it from happening or increasing.
    →She curbed her anger by listening to a relaxing song.
d
  • deceased
    deceased [diˈsiːst] adj.
    If someone is deceased, they are dead.
    →We visited the graves of our deceased grandparents.
  • deception
    deception [diˈsepʃən] n.
    Deception is the act of lying or tricking someone.
    →The magic looked very real, but it was only deception.
  • decipher
    decipher [diˈsaifər] v.
    To decipher writing is to figure out what it says.
    →My teacher complained that she couldn’t decipher my essay.
  • defect
    defect [ˈdiːfekt] n.
    A defect is a part of something that is wrong or missing.
    →All these bottles have a defect and must be sent back to the warehouse.
  • defer
    defer [diˈfəːr] v.
    To defer means to arrange for an action to happen at a later time.
    →The girl was very sleepy, so she chose to defer her bath until morning.
  • deficiency
    deficiency [diˈfiʃənsi] n.
    A deficiency is a lack of something, especially something that is needed.
    →Your snack has a deficiency of any real nutrients.
  • definitive
    definitive [diˈfinətiv] adj.
    If something is definitive, then it is the most official.
    →This library has the definitive collection of books on ancient Egypt.
  • deform
    deform [diˈfɔːrm] v.
    To deform something means to change it from its correct or original shape.
    →The computer program deformed the building’s picture into an unreal sight.
  • delete
    delete [diˈliːt] v.
    To delete something means to remove or erase written material.
    →Several lines had been deleted from her speech.
  • delta
    delta [ˈdeltə] n.
    A delta is flat area where a river splits into smaller rivers that flow into the sea.
    →The archeologists found many ancient materials in the delta of the Nile River.
  • dependency
    dependency [diˈpendənsi] n.
    A dependency is a strong need for someone or something.
    →The child still has a dependency on her mother.
  • depict
    depict [diˈpikt] v.
    To depict something means to show or portray it, often using art.
    →The statue’s face depicted the general’s determination and courage.
  • depot
    depot [ˈdi:pou] n.
    A depot is a bus or train station.
    →He waited for his mother to arrive at the depot.
  • deputy
    deputy [ˈdepjəti] n.
    A deputy is the second-highest-ranking person in a business or government.
    →While the sheriff was ill, the deputy took over his duties.
  • descent
    descent [diˈsent] n.
    A descent is a movement downwards.
    →During the space shuttle’s descent, the Earth became larger and larger.
  • detergent
    detergent [diˈtəːrdʒənt] n.
    Detergent is soap that is used to clean clothes or dishes.
    →My brother added too much detergent to the wash, and bubbles got all over the floor.
  • deteriorate
    deteriorate [diˈtiəriəreit] v.
    To deteriorate means to become steadily worse.
    →The nation’s economy continued to deteriorate despite the politicians’ efforts.
  • deterioration
    deterioration [diˌtiəriəˈreiʃən] n.
    Deterioration is the act of becoming worse.
    →The lack of care led to the deterioration of the house.
  • devoid
    devoid [diˈvɔid] adj.
    When something or someone is devoid of a thing, they are missing it.
    →The movie was devoid of any violence, so it was a perfect movie for the family.
  • diagnose
    diagnose [ˈdaiəgnouz] v.
    To diagnose someone means to identify the medical condition they have.
    →Several of the children were diagnosed with the flu.
  • differentiate
    differentiate [difəˈrenʃieit] v.
    To differentiate things or people is to show the difference between them.
    →It was hard to differentiate between the identical twins.
  • dilapidated
    dilapidated [diˈlæpədeitid] adj.
    When a building is dilapidated, it is old and in bad condition.
    →Paint peeled off of the old dilapidated apartment building.
  • din
    din [din] n.
    A din is loud, unpleasant, and extended noise.
    →The din of the rusty machinery made the factory a horrible place to work.
  • discharge
    discharge [ˈdistʃɑːrdʒ] v.
    To discharge someone is to allow them to leave from a place, usually a hospital.
    →I was discharged from the hospital after three days.
  • disclose
    disclose [disˈklouz] v.
    To disclose something means to tell it to someone else.
    →John came home late, so he had to disclose his activities to his wife.
  • discord
    discord [ˈdiskɔːrd] n.
    Discord is disagreement or fighting between people.
    →There was much discord between the experts on the talk show.
  • disrupt
    disrupt [disˈrʌpt] v.
    To disrupt something or someone is to prevent them from working.
    →The loud crash disrupted the class lecture.
  • dissatisfy
    dissatisfy [dissӕtisfai] v.
    To dissatisfy someone means to fail to please them.
    →He was dissatisfied with his meal.
  • disseminate
    disseminate [diˈseməneit] v.
    To disseminate information or knowledge means to distribute it.
    →The organization disseminates information about the dangers of smoking.
  • distress
    distress [disˈtres] n.
    Distress is the feeling of being upset or worried.
    →Failing a class caused the student a lot of distress.
  • diverge
    diverge [diˈvəːrdʒ] v.
    To diverge is to become different or to follow a different direction.
    →The road diverged into two paths that led to our houses.
  • dogged
    dogged [ˈdɔ(:)gid] adj.
    When someone’s actions are dogged, they try hard to continue something.
    →Her dad bought her a new jacket after her dogged requests for one.
  • dreary
    dreary [ˈdriəri] adj.
    If something is dreary, then it is dull, dark, and lifeless.
    →After the fire, this section of forest is rather dreary.
  • dual
    dual [ˈdju:əl] adj.
    If something is dual, then it is made up of two parts.
    →The room had a dual function. It was a living room, but at night it was a bedroom.
  • dubious
    dubious [ˈdjuːbiəs] adj.
    When something or someone is dubious, they are not considered honest.
    →The police thought that the man’s description of the crime was dubious.
  • dump
    dump [dʌmp] v.
    To dump something means to throw it away or get rid of it.
    →She dumped the garbage into the trash can.
  • dung
    dung [dʌŋ] n.
    Dung is solid waste material produced by animals.
    →There was cow dung all over the field.
  • duplicate
    duplicate [ˈdjuːpləkeit] v.
    To duplicate something means to copy it.
    →She duplicated her friend’s movements like she was in front of a mirror.
  • dusk
    dusk [dʌsk] n.
    Dusk is the time in the evening when it begins to get dark.
    →After dusk, Hannah would catch fireflies in the park.
  • dynamics
    dynamics [daiˈnæmiks] n.
    The dynamics of a situation are the way that parts of it affect each other.
    →A good psychologist needs to know a lot about the dynamics of brain disorders.
e
  • earl
    earl [əːrl] n.
    An earl is a nobleman from Britain.
    →The Earl of Canterbury lived in a huge mansion.
  • earnest
    earnest [ˈəːrnist] adj.
    If someone is earnest, then they are honest.
    →The child was very earnest when she told her mother how she broke the dish.
  • ego
    ego [ˈiːgou] n.
    An ego is a person’s sense of their own worth.
    →Kelly’s ego made her think that she was some kind of a superhero.
  • elastic
    elastic [iˈlæstik] n.
    Elastic is a rubber that stretches when it is pulled.
    →He attached the elastic bungee to his legs before he jumped off the platform.
  • electromagnetic
    electromagnetic [iˈlektroumægˈnetik] adj.
    If something is electromagnetic, it is related to electricity and magnetic fields.
    →Different colors of light come from different levels of electromagnetic energy.
  • electron
    electron [iˈlektrɒn] n.
    An electron is a particle in all atoms that has a negative electric charge.
    →The number of electrons in an atom determines the substance the atoms make.
  • elude
    elude [iˈluːd] v.
    To elude means to avoid being caught by something.
    →The rabbit eluded the wolf by hiding in a bush.
  • elusive
    elusive [iˈluːsiv] adj.
    If something or someone is elusive, they are hard to find.
    →The elusive fish only came out at night.
  • embryo
    embryo [ˈembriou] n.
    An embryo is a human or animal that is still growing inside its mother.
    →Some doctors say that what a mother eats has a big effect on her embryo.
  • emulate
    emulate [ˈemjəleit] v.
    To emulate people means to imitate them because they are greatly admired.
    →As a small boy, he always tried to emulate his big brother.
  • enact
    enact [iˈnækt] v.
    To enact something means to make it into a law.
    →The council enacted a law that would only allow buses to drive downtown.
  • endeavor
    endeavor [enˈdevər] n.
    An endeavor is an attempt to do something, especially something new or original.
    →The company’s new advertising endeavor ended in a horrible failure.
  • engrave
    engrave [inˈgreiv] v.
    To engrave means to cut a design or words into the surface of something.
    →The couple engraved their names onto the old pine tree.
  • enlarge
    enlarge [enˈlaːrdʒ] v.
    To enlarge something means to make it bigger.
    →The classrooms were enlarged over the summer to make room for more students.
  • enlist
    enlist [enˈlist] v.
    To enlist means to join the military.
    →In their final year at school, the students were asked to enlist in the military.
  • enroll
    enroll [enˈroul] v.
    To enroll in something is to put one’s name on a list as a member of a group.
    →The students had to enroll in the class one semester in advance.
  • ensue
    ensue [inˈsuː] v.
    To ensue means to happen after something.
    →After a few minutes of lightening, thunder ensued.
  • envious
    envious [ˈenviəs] adj.
    When someone is envious, they want something that another person has.
    →They were envious of their neighbor’s front yard.
  • epidemic
    epidemic [ˌepəˈdemik] n.
    An epidemic is an outbreak of a disease that spreads quickly.
    →It was difficult to stop the flu epidemic.
  • equate
    equate [iˈkweit] v.
    To equate one thing with another is to compare them and consider them very similar.
    →She equated the man’s messy appearance with a lack of responsibility.
  • equation
    equation [iˈkweiʒən] n.
    An equation is a math operation to determine the value of something.
    →I used the Pythagorean theorem to solve the equation.
  • erect
    erect [iˈrekt] v.
    To erect something means to build it.
    →The king erected two towers on the north and south sides of his castle.
  • err
    err [əːr] v.
    To err means to make a mistake.
    →The pilot erred in his estimate of the time it would take to make the trip.
  • erroneous
    erroneous [iˈrouniəs] adj.
    When something is erroneous, it is incorrect or only partly correct.
    →The child held the erroneous belief that time machines were real.
  • eternal
    eternal [iˈtəːrnəl] adj.
    If something is eternal, then it lasts forever.
    →She said that her love for him was eternal.
  • ethnic
    ethnic [ˈeθnik] adj.
    If something is ethnic, then it is related to a group with a similar culture.
    →Many sections of the city are home to different ethnic communities.
  • etiquette
    etiquette [ˈetiket] n.
    Etiquette is the group of rules about how to be polite.
    →When in Asian countries, bowing is a form of etiquette.
  • euphemism
    euphemism [ˈjuːfəmizəm] n.
    A euphemism is a term that is used in place of a mean or unpleasant word.
    →“Window maintenance officer” is a euphemism for a window washer.
  • euphoria
    euphoria [juːˈfɔːriə] n.
    Euphoria is a feeling of extreme happiness.
    →The athlete felt euphoria after he won the important game.
  • evacuate
    evacuate [iˈvækjueit] v.
    To evacuate means to leave a place of danger to a place of safety.
    →During the flood, many families were evacuated to higher ground.
  • evoke
    evoke [iˈvouk] v.
    To evoke a memory or emotion means to make it occur.
    →The picture evoked memories of when grandmother was a girl.
  • excavate
    excavate [ˈekskəveit] v.
    To excavate means to dig on land and remove dirt to look for something.
    →The team wishes to excavate the site in hopes of finding fossils.
  • excess
    excess [ekˈses] n.
    An excess is an amount of something that is more than needed or wanted.
    →Because it never got cold that winter, many stores had an excess of coats.
  • exclude
    exclude [iksˈkluːd] v.
    To exclude someone means to not accept them into a group.
    →Carol was excluded from the contest because her friend was a judge.
  • exclusive
    exclusive [iksˈkluːsiv] adj.
    If something is exclusive, it is expensive and only for rich people.
    →The golf course was so exclusive that most people hadn’t even heard of it.
  • expire
    expire [iksˈpaiər] v.
    To expire is to no longer be effective because its use has come to an end.
    →The man’s driver’s license was going to expire in two days.
  • export
    export [ˈekspɔːrt] v.
    To export products means to sell them to other countries.
    →The United States exports many cereals and grains.
  • exterior
    exterior [iksˈtiəriər] n.
    An exterior is the outside surface of something.
    →The exterior of the nut was hard and woody, but the inside was soft and delicious.
f
  • Fahrenheit
    Fahrenheit [ˈfærənhait] n.
    Fahrenheit temperature is a scale where water freezes at 32° and boils at 212°.
    →When the temperature dropped to 32° Fahrenheit, it started snowing.
  • farewell
    farewell [fɛərˈwel] n.
    A farewell is an instance of saying goodbye or a way to say it.
    →She got on the plane after we said our farewells.
  • faucet
    faucet [ˈfɔːsit] n.
    A faucet is a device that controls the flow of a liquid or gas.
    →Turn off the faucet when you are done brushing your teeth.
  • federation
    federation [ˌfedəˈreiʃən] n.
    A federation is a group of states or businesses working for a common cause.
    →The United Nations is a federation designed to prevent war, disease, and famine.
  • feminine
    feminine [ˈfemənin] adj.
    If something is feminine, then it has qualities that are commonly related to women.
    →Many of the older people thought his long hair made him look too feminine.
  • fend
    fend [fend] v.
    To fend off something means to push it away and avoid it.
    →Dave spent all night fending off bugs instead of sleeping.
  • festive
    festive [ˈfestiv] adj.
    When something is festive, it is happy and related to a party or celebration.
    →Dean’s favorite part of Christmas is the festive clothing that people wear.
  • fictitious
    fictitious [fikˈtiʃəs] adj.
    When something is fictitious, it is made up and not real.
    →The author said that the characters in her book were completely fictitious.
  • filth
    filth [filθ] n.
    Filth is a large amount of dirt or dirty things that disgust you.
    →There was tons of filth and trash on the shore of the river.
  • firsthand
    firsthand [ˌfəːrstˈhænd] adj.
    If something is firsthand, then it is from an original source.
    →If you want firsthand knowledge, ask someone who saw it.
  • flammable
    flammable [ˈflæməbəl] adj.
    If something is flammable, then it is able to catch on fire.
    →Be careful with that blanket near the candle. It is extremely flammable.
  • flatter
    flatter [ˈflætər] v.
    To flatter people means to praise them in an effort to please them.
    →He was just flattering me when he said that my new dress looked gorgeous.
  • flaw
    flaw [flɔː] n.
    A flaw is a mistake in something that causes it to be less effective or correct.
    →We discovered a major flaw in the metal chain.
  • fluctuate
    fluctuate [ˈflʌktjueit] v.
    To fluctuate means to rise and fall in number or amount.
    →Prices for gasoline have been fluctuating all month.
  • fluent
    fluent [ˈfluːənt] adj.
    If someone is fluent in a language, then they are able to speak it very well.
    →She was so fluent in German that you’d have thought she was from Germany.
  • fluid
    fluid [ˈfluːid] adj.
    If something is fluid, it is smooth and moves gracefully.
    →Boris was a famous ballet dancer because people admired his fluid movements.
  • forage
    forage [ˈfɔ:ridʒ] v.
    To forage means to look around for food.
    →Many animals hide food in the fall since little can be foraged in winter.
  • forefinger
    forefinger [ˈfɔːrfiŋgər] n.
    The forefinger is the finger between one’s thumb and middle finger.
    →He shouted, “ There it is!” and pointed with his forefinger.
  • foul
    foul [faul] adj.
    If something is foul, then it is not pleasant or enjoyable.
    →He wouldn’t let his dog drink from the water because it had a foul smell.
  • fragrant
    fragrant [ˈfreigrənt] adj.
    When something is fragrant, it has a pleasant smell.
    →The girl picked delicious berries and fragrant flowers.
  • frantic
    frantic [ˈfræntik] adj.
    If people or things are frantic, they behave in a wild way because they are frightened.
    →The cat became frantic when I tried to give it a bath.
  • freeway
    freeway [ˈfriːwei] n.
    A freeway is a road with no stops where cars travel at high speeds.
    →Once you get on the freeway, it only takes an hour to drive to my parent’s farm.
  • freight
    freight [freit] n.
    Freight is a set of items carried on a train, boat, or airplane.
    →Trade ships only carried valuable freight like silk and spices.
  • frigid
    frigid [ˈfridʒid] adj.
    When something is frigid, it is extremely cold.
    →We decided not to go on the hike because the weather was too frigid.
  • fro
    fro [frou] adv.
    If something moves to and fro, it moves backward and forward or side to side.
    →Her long hair went to and fro as she swung on the swing.
  • frontier
    frontier [ˈfrʌntiə:r] n.
    A frontier is a border between two regions or countries.
    →A fence was built along the frontier where the river curved.
  • fulfill
    fulfill [fulˈfil] v.
    To fulfill something means to achieve or finish it.
    →The professor did not fulfill his promise not to miss a single class.
  • fume
    fume [fjuːm] n.
    Fumes are unhealthy smoke and gases that are made by fires or chemicals.
    →The engine put unpleasant, black fumes into the air.
  • funnel
    funnel [ˈfʌnl] n.
    A funnel is an object with a wide top and a narrow bottom for pouring liquids.
    →The worker used a funnel when he poured the oil into the engine.
  • fuss
    fuss [fʌs] n.
    A fuss is excited or annoyed behavior that is not useful in any way.
    →The child made an awful fuss because she didn’t want to go to bed.
g
  • garment
    garment [ˈgɑːrmənt] n.
    A garment is a piece of clothing.
    →The business man had all of his garments cleaned before the important meeting.
  • gasp
    gasp [gæsp] v.
    To gasp means to make a noise by quickly breathing in when surprised.
    →John always gasps when watching a scary movie.
  • gazette
    gazette [gəˈzet] n.
    A gazette is a newspaper.
    →Alice wants to write for a gazette when she’s older.
  • generate
    generate [ˈdʒenəreit] v.
    To generate something means to cause it to develop or begin.
    →The mayor promised to generate new jobs and programs to help the poor.
  • glacial
    glacial [ˈgleiʃəl] adj.
    When something is glacial, it relates to large masses of ice that move slowly.
    →Penguins thrive in the glacial regions of Antarctica.
  • glide
    glide [glaid] v.
    To glide means to fly on extended wings with little or no effort.
    →When the wind is blowing, birds can glide easily through the sky.
  • gourmet
    gourmet [ˈguərmei] adj.
    If food is gourmet, then it is nicer and more expensive than regular food.
    →In order to get a gourmet meal, you have to eat at an expensive restaurant.
  • granite
    granite [ˈgrænit] n.
    Granite is a very hard type of rock that is often black or pink.
    →The kitchen counter was made of granite.
  • gratify
    gratify [ˈgrætəfai] v.
    To gratify someone means to please them.
    →Bonnie was gratified after receiving her gift from her parents.
  • gravel
    gravel [ˈgrævəl] n.
    Gravel is a combination of small stones mixed with sand.
    →The ground around the swing set was covered with gravel.
  • grin
    grin [grin] v.
    To grin means to smile broadly.
    →That joke makes me grin every time I hear it.
  • gross
    gross [grous] adj.
    If something is gross, then it is disgusting.
    →The food was so gross that the dog couldn’t eat it without feeling sick.
  • grove
    grove [grouv] n.
    A grove is a small group of trees.
    →All the trees in this grove are apple trees.
  • guts
    guts [gʌts] n.
    The guts are all the organs inside a person or animal.
    →The doctor can tell you every process that happens in one’s guts.
h
  • habitual
    habitual [həˈbitjuəl] adj.
    When something is habitual, it is a behavior that a person usually does or has.
    →The man was a habitual liar who was incapable of being honest with the police.
  • hallmark
    hallmark [ˈhɔːlmɑːrk] n.
    A hallmark is a unique characteristic of something.
    →Different types of pasta and tomato sauces are hallmarks of Italian food.
  • handbook
    handbook [ˈhændbuk] n.
    A handbook is an item that gives specific information or instructions.
    →If you look at the handbook, it will tell you which wires to connect to the TV.
  • harmonize
    harmonize [ˈhɑːrmənaiz] v.
    To harmonize means to make different things go well together.
    →The sweet and sour flavors of the dish harmonized well and tasted great.
  • haunt
    haunt [hɔːnt] v.
    To haunt is to cause problems or negative thoughts over a long period of time.
    →His thoughts about his scary dream haunted him for weeks.
  • hazard
    hazard [ˈhæzərd] n.
    A hazard is something that could be dangerous to a person’s health or safety.
    →Smoking cigarettes poses many health hazards.
  • hearty
    hearty [ˈhɑːrti] adj.
    If someone or something is hearty, then they are loud and happy.
    →The grandmother ended her story with a hearty laugh that pleased her grandchild.
  • hectare
    hectare [ˈhektɛər] n.
    A hectare is a unit of measure equal to 10,000 square meters.
    →His family farm covered many hectares.
  • heighten
    heighten [ˈhaitn] v.
    To heighten an emotion means to increase the intensity of it.
    →The pleasant music heightened their enjoyment of the wonderful dinner.
  • hence
    hence [hens] adv.
    If something happens hence, then it happens as a result of something.
    →John forgot the key. Hence, we couldn’t open the door.
  • hereditary
    hereditary [hiˈredəˌteri] adj.
    If something is hereditary, it is a trait passed onto children from their parents.
    →The hereditary disease affected three generations of children.
  • hesitant
    hesitant [ˈhezətənt] adj.
    If someone is hesitant, then they are not sure or slow in acting or speaking.
    →Though he knew the answer, he was hesitant to say it because he might be wrong.
  • homogeneous
    homogeneous [ˌhouməˈdʒiːniəs] adj.
    If something is homogeneous, it is made up of things which are all the same.
    →All of the houses on Victor’s block were boring and homogenous.
  • hone
    hone [houn] v.
    To hone something is to improve it and make it very good.
    →Lisa honed her chess skills by hours and hours of practice.
  • hospitable
    hospitable [hɒsˈpitəbəl] adj.
    If someone is hospitable, they are friendly to strangers.
    →At dinner, Dad was very hospitable to my friends.
  • hospitality
    hospitality [ˌhɒspiˈtæləti] n.
    Hospitality is friendly behavior and entertainment given to guests or strangers.
    →The travelers were amazed at the hospitality given them by the hotel’s staff.
  • housekeeping
    housekeeping [ˈhausˌkiːpiŋ] n.
    Housekeeping is the maintenance of a house or an establishment like a hotel.
    →Housekeeping is not much fun, but it has to be done.
  • hull
    hull [hʌl] n.
    The hull of a boat or tank is the main body of it.
    →Afterthe wreckatsea, the ship’s hull was the last part to sink.
  • humane
    humane [hjuːˈmein] adj.
    If something is humane, then it is good and kind.
    →Helping build homes for poor people is very humane.
  • hymn
    hymn [him] n.
    A hymn is a religious song that often praises a god.
    →The book was filled with hymns that the worshippers sang.
i
  • impede
    impede [imˈpiːd] v.
    To impede something means to keep it from moving or going forward.
    →The barrier impeded our ability to get closer to the building.
  • imperative
    imperative [imˈperətiv] adj.
    When something is imperative, it is extremely important and must be done.
    →It was imperative for him to find a job.
  • imperial
    imperial [imˈpiəriəl] adj.
    If something is imperial, then it is of, or related to an empire.
    →These old imperial coins were once used in the Roman Empire.
  • improvise
    improvise [ˈimprəvaiz] v.
    To improvise something is to do it with whatever is available or without planning.
    →There was no meat for the pizza, so we improvised with what was in the fridge.
  • inadvertent
    inadvertent [inədˈvəːrtənt] adj.
    When an action is inadvertent, it is done without realizing what you are doing.
    →She made an inadvertent error when she knocked over the nail polish.
  • inclusion
    inclusion [inˈkluːʒən] n.
    Inclusion is the act of including someone or something in a group.
    →Her inclusion into the photo club was well received.
  • inclusive
    inclusive [inˈkluːsiv] adj.
    If something is inclusive, then it is open to all groups and people in society.
    →A more inclusive event would have allowed children to attend.
  • induce
    induce [inˈdjuːs] v.
    To induce something means to make it happen.
    →Running without good shoes may induce leg pain.
  • industrious
    industrious [inˈdʌstriəs] adj.
    If someone is industrious, they work hard.
    →Dennis was very industrious, so he never had problems finding a job.
  • infamous
    infamous [ˈinfəməs] adj.
    When someone is infamous, they are well known for something bad.
    →That news channel is infamous for presenting biased information.
  • ingenious
    ingenious [inˈdʒiːnjəs] adj.
    If someone is ingenious, then they are very smart.
    →Charles was the only person ingenious enough to repair the plane’s engines.
  • inhale
    inhale [inˈheil] v.
    To inhale means to take air or a smell into the lungs.
    →The camper inhaled the cool and fresh mountain air and felt relaxed.
  • inherent
    inherent [inˈhiərənt] adj.
    When something is inherent, it is a natural part of something else.
    →Sweating is an inherent bodily function when exercising.
  • innovation
    innovation [inouˈveiʃən] n.
    An innovation is a product or an idea that is new or very original.
    →Mrs. Johnson made a great innovation to the company’s business plan.
  • innovative
    innovative [inouˈveitiv] adj.
    If something or someone is innovative, they can think in creative ways.
    →Since Peter was so innovative, he was chosen to lead the science team.
  • inseparable
    inseparable [inˈsepərəbəl] adj.
    If two things are inseparable, they can’t be separated.
    →Denise and Diana have been inseparable since they first met.
  • insomnia
    insomnia [inˈsɒmniə] n.
    Insomnia is a condition in which a person has difficulty sleeping.
    →Nate’s insomnia prevented him from getting enough rest.
  • intact
    intact [inˈtækt] adj.
    When something is intact, it is complete and not damaged.
    →Despite being over ten years old, my father’s model ship is still intact.
  • interchange
    interchange [ˌintərˈtʃeindʒ] n.
    An interchange of ideas between people is a discussion of each person’s idea.
    →There was an interchange of ideas between the groups.
  • intermediate
    intermediate [ˌintərˈmiːdiit] adj.
    If something is intermediate, then it is in the middle of two levels, places, or times.
    →He selected the intermediate ski hill to begin his afternoon of skiing.
  • intermittent
    intermittent [ˌintərˈmitənt] adj.
    If something is intermittent, then it happens in a way that is not constant.
    →It was hard to focus because intermittent noises came from the workers outside.
  • intestines
    intestines [inˈtestinz] n.
    Intestines are tubes through which food passes after it leaves the stomach.
    →Whatever you eat goes into your intestines.
  • intimidate
    intimidate [inˈtimədeit] v.
    To intimidate means to frighten others.
    →My dad intimidates my friends whenever they visit.
  • intolerable
    intolerable [inˈtɒlərəbəl] adj.
    If something is intolerable, then it is so bad that people cannot bear it.
    →The weather was so intolerable that I had to put on my warmest clothes.
  • intrinsic
    intrinsic [inˈtrinsik] adj.
    If something is intrinsic, then it is related to the basic nature of that thing.
    →Paper money has no intrinsic value. It is useful simply because society says it is.
  • intuitive
    intuitive [inˈtjuːitiv] adj.
    Intuitive is knowing about something without naturally having support or proof.
    →Rhonda had an intuitive feeling that Shane wasn’t coming to school today.
  • invalid
    invalid [ˈinvælid] adj.
    If something is invalid, it is not correct.
    →The way to winning debates is to avoid invalid arguments.
  • inventive
    inventive [inˈventiv] adj.
    When someone is inventive, they are good at creating new things.
    →The inventive student built a robot to help her with her chores.
  • invert
    invert [inˈvəːrt] v.
    To invert something means to turn it upside down.
    →He inverted the bicycle to make repairs on the wheels.
  • invoke
    invoke [inˈvouk] v.
    To invoke something is to mention it to support an argument or ask for help.
    →Before going into battle, the soldier invoked the name of his god for protection.
j
  • jagged
    jagged [ˈdʒӕgid] adj.
    When something is jagged, it has a tough, uneven shape or edge.
    →The swimmer was hurt when he fell on the jagged rocks.
  • janitor
    janitor [ˈdʒænətər] n.
    A janitor is a person who makes repairs and takes care of a building.
    →The school janitor cleaned up the messy cafeteria.
  • jolly
    jolly [ˈdʒɒli] adj.
    When someone is jolly, they are cheerful and happy.
    →My grandmother’s jolly attitude always made me smile.
  • judicial
    judicial [dʒuːˈdiʃəl] adj.
    If something is judicial, it is related to judges or courts of law.
    →The laws changed the way the judicial system was structured.
  • justify
    justify [ˈdʒʌstəfai] v.
    To justify something means to show or prove that it is necessary.
    →The government tried to justify its decision to bring the country into a war.
k
  • kettle
    kettle [ˈketl] n.
    A kettle is a large metal pot used for boiling liquids or cooking food.
    →The soup was being cooked in a large kettle.
l
  • lame
    lame [leim] adj.
    If one is lame, they cannot walk properly due to an injury to the leg or foot.
    →The terrible accident left many people dead and several others lame.
  • latitude
    latitude [ˈlӕtətjuːd] n.
    The latitude of a place is its distance from the equator.
    →The device was able to tell the traveler his exact latitude.
  • launch
    launch [lɔːntʃ] v.
    To launch something means to make it go into motion.
    →The boat launched from the dock and floated down the river.
  • legislature
    legislature [ˈledʒisleitʃə:r] n.
    A legislature is the section of a government that makes laws.
    →The senator had served ten years in the national legislature.
  • lentil
    lentil [ˈlentil] n.
    Lentils are very small beans that people cook and eat.
    →Danni made her special soup with lentils when her husband was sick.
  • liable
    liable [ˈlaiəbəl] adj.
    If something is liable to happen, it is very likely that it will happen.
    →During the summer months, hikers in the forest are liable to see deer and elk.
  • liberal
    liberal [ˈlibərəl] adj.
    When someone is liberal, they accept different ideas and people.
    →My grandparents aren’t as liberal as my parents.
  • limp
    limp [imp] v.
    To limp means to walk with difficulty because someone’s leg or foot is hurt.
    →After the injury, the player limped off of the field.
  • linguistic
    linguistic [liŋˈgwistik] adj.
    If something is linguistic, then it is concerned with language.
    →A linguistic way of studying culture focuses on words within that culture.
  • locale
    locale [louˈkæl] n.
    A locale is a small area or place where something specific happens.
    →The spa was the perfect locale for my mother to relax and enjoy her vacation.
  • locker
    locker [ˈlɒkər] n.
    A locker is a small cabinet with a lock where people store their possessions.
    →I keep my school books in my locker.
  • lunar
    lunar [ˈluːnər] adj.
    If something is lunar, then it is related to the moon.
    →During a lunar eclipse, Earth’s shadow darkens the moon’s surface.
  • lush
    lush [lʌʃ] adj.
    If something is lush, then it is full of a variety of large, healthy plants.
    →The lush jungle was filled with plants, trees, and vines.
m
  • magnify
    magnify [ˈmægnəfai] v.
    To magnify something means to make it look bigger than it really is.
    →Astronomers use telescopes to magnify far-away stars.
  • mainstream
    mainstream [ˈmeinstriːm] n.
    The mainstream is a group of ideas that are considered normal and accepted.
    →Before punk rock music became part of the mainstream, only a few people liked it.
  • Mandarin
    Mandarin [ˈmændərin] n.
    Mandarin is one of the two main Chinese languages.
    →Although John’s parents both spoke Mandarin, he could only speak English.
  • manifest
    manifest [ˈmӕnəfest] v.
    To manifest means to make something visible or obvious.
    →The holiday season manifested joy in the children.
  • manor
    manor [ˈmænə:r] n.
    A manor is a large house with many rooms.
    →The manor had over forty rooms in addition to beautiful gardens.
  • mansion
    mansion [ˈmænʃən] n.
    A mansion is a large and expensive home.
    →The mansion had thirty bedrooms, two kitchens, and a pool.
  • mariner
    mariner [ˈmærənə:r] n.
    A mariner is a sailor.
    →The old mariner used his telescope to find the shore.
  • marrow
    marrow [ˈmærou] n.
    Marrow is the soft substance in the center of bones.
    →Dissolved marrow is a common ingredient in soups.
  • marshal
    marshal [ˈmɑːrʃəl] v.
    To marshal a group means to assemble them in order.
    →The students were marshaled outside and put into groups.
  • mash
    mash [mæʃ] v.
    To mash something is to crush it so that it is soft.
    →We mashed the hard potatoes and served them for dinner.
  • maze
    maze [meiz] n.
    A maze is a system of paths that is complicated and easy to get lost in.
    →We got lost in the maze in the garden.
  • mentor
    mentor [ˈmentɔːr] n.
    A mentor is a person with experience or knowledge who advises someone.
    →The students each chose a mentor to help them with the experiment.
  • metabolic
    metabolic [ˌmetəˈbɒlik] adj.
    When something is metabolic, it relates to a person’s or animal’s metabolism.
    →People who have a low metabolic rate will gain weight.
  • meteorological
    meteorological [ˌmiːtiərəˈlɒdʒikəl] adj.
    If something is meteorological, it is concerned with the science of weather.
    →The thunderstorm was so large that it became a great meteorological event.
  • meteorology
    meteorology [ˌmiːtiəˈrɒlədʒi] n.
    Meteorology is the science that studies the weather.
    →In order to understand the weather, you have to study meteorology.
  • metropolitan
    metropolitan [ˌmetrəˈpɒlitən] adj.
    If something is metropolitan, it relates to a large city.
    →All of the metropolitan excitement of New York City made Rufus nervous.
  • microbe
    microbe [ˈmaikroub] n.
    A microbe is a very small living thing that often makes people sick.
    →The first step in curing a disease is finding the microbe that causes the disease.
  • mimic
    mimic [ˈmimik] v.
    To mimic something means to copy the way it sounds or moves.
    →The hunter mimicked a duck’s call and shot the two ducks that called back.
  • ministry
    ministry [ˈministri] n.
    A ministry is a government department.
    →The Ministry of Trade is responsible for taxing imports and exports.
  • misguided
    misguided [ˌmisˈgaidid] adj.
    When something is misguided, it is based on bad judgment or wrong beliefs.
    →The snake bit Molly during her misguided attempt to grab it.
  • mob
    mob [mɒb] n.
    A mob is a large crowd of people that often wants to cause violence.
    →The copier was destroyed by a mob of angry workers.
  • moist
    moist [mɔist] adj.
    When something is moist, it is slightly wet.
    →The ground is still moist from the rain last night.
  • mold
    mold [mould] n.
    A mold is a hollow container that is used to make certain shapes.
    →Using a cupcake mold will ensure that they come out just right.
  • monastery
    monastery [ˈmɒnəsteri] n.
    A monastery is a building in which monks live.
    →The monks at this monastery are famous for their bread and music.
  • monolingual
    monolingual [ˌmɒnəˈliŋgwəl] adj.
    If someone is monolingual, then they speak only one language.
    →In today’s global economy, being monolingual limits your opportunities.
  • morale
    morale [mouˈræl] n.
    Morale is the amount of hope that people have during a difficult situation.
    →To improve our family’s morale, mom suggested going on a picnic.
  • mortal
    mortal [ˈmɔːrtl] adj.
    When a person is mortal, they cannot live forever.
    →All people are mortal.
  • moss
    moss [mɔ(:)s] n.
    Moss is a small green or yellow plant that grows on wet dirt, rocks, or tree trunks.
    →Be careful not to slip on the moss that’s covering those rocks.
  • mound
    mound [maund] n.
    A mound of something is a large pile of it.
    →There was a mound of clothes on the messy teenager’s floor.
  • multicultural
    multicultural [ˌmʌltiˈkʌltʃərəl] adj.
    When something is multicultural, it relates to many different cultures.
    →Everyone was welcomed to attend the multicultural celebration.
  • multitude
    multitude [ˈmʌltitjuːd] n.
    A multitude of things or people is a very large number of them.
    →A multitude of people were waiting at the airport.
n
  • nationality
    nationality [ˌnæʃəˈnæləti] n.
    Nationality is an identity based on the nation from which you come.
    →His nationality is German, but he speaks French, Spanish, and Korean.
  • needy
    needy [ˈniːdi] adj.
    If someone is needy, they are very poor.
    →After he lost his job, he became very needy.
  • negligible
    negligible [ˈneglidʒəbəl] adj.
    If something is negligible, it is extremely small and not important.
    →The amount she owed was negligible. It was less than ten cents.
  • negotiate
    negotiate [niˈgouʃieit] v.
    To negotiate means to try to make an agreement through discussion.
    →Mario and Joe took a long time negotiating the contract between the companies.
  • nope
    nope [noup] adv.
    Nope is an informal way of saying “ no.”
    →He asked if I had any money, and I had to say, “Nope. ”
  • novelty
    novelty [ˈnɒvəlti] n.
    A novelty is something that is new, original, or strange.
    →Ice cream was a novelty for him since he rarely had any.
  • nuisance
    nuisance [ˈnjuːsəns] n.
    A nuisance is a person or thing that is annoying or causes a lot of problems.
    →The teenager considered her noisy little brothers to be quite a nuisance.
  • numb
    numb [nʌm] adj.
    When a body part is numb, it does not have any feeling.
    →After holding my hand under the icy water, my fingers went numb.
  • nursery
    nursery [ˈnəːrsəri] n.
    A nursery is a room where babies and children sleep, play, or are cared for.
    →The children kissed their parents goodnight and went upstairs to the nursery.
o
  • obsess
    obsess [əbˈses] v.
    To obsess about something means to think about it all of the time.
    →After watching the Star Wars movies, Ike obsessed about becoming a Jedi.
  • obstruct
    obstruct [əbˈstrʌkt] v.
    To obstruct something means to get in its way.
    →The car broke down on the road and obstructed traffic for hours.
  • omen
    omen [ˈɑumən] n.
    An omen is a sign of what will happen in the future.
    →He thought that seeing a black cat in the street was an omen of bad luck.
  • omission
    omission [ouˈmiʃən] n.
    An omission is something that has been left out or not done.
    →Mike was upset because of the omission of his name during the ceremony.
  • onset
    onset [ˈɒnset] n.
    The onset of something unpleasant is the beginning of it.
    →At the onset of the battle, the enemy wasn’t prepared for such a large attack.
  • ordeal
    ordeal [ɔːrdiːəl] n.
    An ordeal is a bad experience.
    →Driving in the snowstorm was an ordeal she’d never forget.
  • ore
    ore [ɔːr] n.
    Ore is the raw form of rock or material from which a valuable metal is taken.
    →The factory melted the ore and used it to make iron products.
  • ornate
    ornate [ɔːrˈneit] adj.
    If something is ornate, it is decorated with a lot of fancy things.
    →Kim’s prom dress was very expensive since it was so ornate.
  • outback
    outback [ˈautbæk] n.
    The outback is the wild inland region of Australia where very few people live.
    →Many Australian farmers use the outback to raise cattle.
  • outburst
    outburst [ˈautbəːrst] n.
    An outburst is a sudden, strong expression of an emotion.
    →There was an outburst of cheers when the comedian took the stage.
  • outfit
    outfit [ˈautfit] n.
    An outfit is a set of clothes worn together, often for a certain job or event.
    →Kelly’s new outfit made her look so glamourous.
  • outmoded
    outmoded [ˌautˈmoudid] adj.
    If something is outmoded, then it is no longer in fashion or use.
    →Black and white television sets are outmoded.
  • outnumber
    outnumber [autˈnʌmbər] v.
    To outnumber a group means to have a greater number than it.
    →The girls outnumbered the boys at the school by four to one.
  • output
    output [ˈautput] n.
    Output is the amount of something that a person or thing produces.
    →The boss hired more workers to increase the factory’s output of products.
  • outright
    outright [autˈrait] adj.
    When something is outright, it is open and direct.
    →Everyone knew that the boy’s story was an outright lie.
  • outspoken
    outspoken [aʊtˈspoukkən] adj.
    If someone is outspoken, then they are not afraid to say what they think.
    →She was an outspoken critic about the new banking laws.
  • outstretched
    outstretched [ˈautstretʃt] adj.
    If something is outstretched, then it is extended to its full length.
    →The cat stood on its back legs with its front legs outstretched.
  • outweigh
    outweigh [autˈwei] v.
    To outweigh something means to exceed it in value, amount, or importance.
    →Finding a warm place to sleep outweighed the need to find something to eat.
  • overboard
    overboard [ˈouvərbɔːrd] adv.
    When something is overboard, it is over the side of a boat and in the water.
    →Tom and Gary slipped on the wet floor and fell overboard.
  • overcast
    overcast [ˈouvərˈkæst] adj.
    When the sky is overcast, it is full of clouds and is not sunny.
    →The sky was overcast in the morning, but by noon it was bright again.
  • overcrowded
    overcrowded [ˌouvərˈkraudid] adj.
    When a place is overcrowded, it has too many people or things in it.
    →The lobby was overcrowded with people.
  • overdose
    overdose [ˈouvərdous] n.
    An overdose is an instance of taking or having too much of something.
    →John’s skin was burned from an overdose of sunshine.
  • overjoyed
    overjoyed [ˌouvərˈdʒɔid] adj.
    If someone is overjoyed, then they are extremely happy.
    →He was overjoyed by the news of his promotion.
  • overpopulation
    overpopulation [ˌouvərpɒpjuˈleiʃən] n.
    Overpopulation is the state of having too many people in an area.
    →The organization is concerned with overpopulation of the world.
  • oversee
    oversee [ˌouvərˈsiː] v.
    To oversee something means to make sure that it is being done properly.
    →His job was to oversee the progress of the construction project.
  • overwork
    overwork [ouvərwəːrk] v.
    To overwork someone means to make them tired with too much work.
    →After working for three weeks with only one day of rest, Judy was overworked.
p
  • pad
    pad [pæd] n.
    A pad is a thick piece of soft material used to protect or clean things.
    →Football players wear shoulder pads to keep them safe.
  • paradox
    paradox [ˈpærədɒks] n.
    A paradox is a true statement or real event that seems illogical.
    →The paradox of her work was that the less she worked, the more she got done.
  • paralysis
    paralysis [pəˈræləsis] n.
    Paralysis is the loss of the ability to move all or part of your body.
    →His paralysis meant that he had to use a wheelchair to get around.
  • paramount
    paramount [ˈpærəmaunt] adj.
    When something is paramount, it is more important than anything else.
    →The safety of passengers must be paramount when designing a car.
  • parcel
    parcel [ˈpɑːrsəl] n.
    A parcel is a package of things to be carried or mailed somewhere.
    →The parcel looked like it had been stepped on by someone.
  • particular
    particular [pərtikjələr] adj.
    If something is particular, then it is a single, important part of a group of things.
    →The dress shop didn’t have the particular dress she was looking for.
  • pasture
    pasture [ˈpæstʃər] n.
    A pasture is an area of land covered with grass for animals to use as food.
    →The sheep were taken to a pasture where there was more grass.
  • patent
    patent [ˈpætənt] n.
    A patent is a right to be the only person allowed to make or sell a new product.
    →He quickly established a patent for his brilliant invention.
  • pathological
    pathological [ˌpæθəˈlɒdʒikəl] adj.
    When a behavior is pathological, it is extreme, unacceptable, and uncontrollable.
    →The pathological liar could not even tell the truth about unimportant matters.
  • patriot
    patriot [ˈpeitriət] n.
    A patriot is someone who loves, supports, and defends their country.
    →Every year young patriots join their countries’ militaries.
  • paw
    paw [pɔ:] n.
    A paw is an animal’s foot that has claws or soft bottoms.
    →The kitten cleaned its paws with its tongue.
  • pebble
    pebble [ˈpebəl] n.
    A pebble is a small, round stone.
    →We threw pebbles into the lake to make the water splash.
  • peck
    peck [pek] v.
    When a bird pecks, it bites or hits something with its beak.
    →The birds pecked at the seeds on the ground.
  • penalize
    penalize [ˈpiːnəlaiz] v.
    To penalize someone means to punish him or her.
    →The team was penalized when they broke the rules.
  • penetrate
    penetrate [ˈpenətreit] v.
    To penetrate something means to enter into it.
    →The knife easily penetrated the surface of the orange.
  • periphery
    periphery [pəˈrifəri] n.
    The periphery of an area, place, or thing is the edge of it.
    →A beautiful floral pattern is on the periphery of the stationery.
  • permanence
    permanence [ˈpəːrmənəns] n.
    The permanence of something is its ability to last forever.
    →Poor results will threaten the permanence of the new teaching system.
  • personalize
    personalize [ˈpəːrsənəlaiz] v.
    To personalize something means to design it to meet a person’s unique needs.
    →He personalized the woman’s exercises to give her a better workout.
  • persuasion
    persuasion [pərˈsweiʒən] n.
    Persuasion is the act of making someone do or believe something.
    →The persuasion of his argument convinced the customer to buy the laptop.
  • pertain
    pertain [pəːrˈtein] v.
    To pertain to something means to be related or connected to it.
    →All of the lawyer’s questions pertained to events around the night of the crime.
  • pest
    pest [pest] n.
    A pest is an animal or insect that hurts plants or food.
    →Many farmers put up scarecrows to keep pests off of their corn.
  • petition
    petition [piˈtiʃən] n.
    A petition is a written request asking an authority to do something.
    →The citizens all signed a petition asking the mayor to repair the sidewalks.
  • petroleum
    petroleum [piˈtrouliəm] n.
    Petroleum is a liquid natural resource from which many fuels are made.
    →The petroleum at that factory is used to make gasoline.
  • phenomenal
    phenomenal [fiˈnɒmənl] adj.
    When something is phenomenal, it is unusually great.
    →The child’s ability to play the piano is nothing short of phenomenal.
  • phoenix
    phoenix [ˈfiːniks] n.
    A phoenix is an imaginary bird that burned to ashes and was reborn.
    →Some believe the phoenix is a symbol for rebirth and a new beginning.
  • photosynthesis
    photosynthesis [ˌfoutouˈsinθəsis] n.
    Photosynthesis is the process in which plants change sunlight and air.
    →The chemical in plants that makes them green is used in photosynthesis.
  • pier
    pier [piər] n.
    A pier is a structure that extends into a body of water.
    →If you want to catch bigger fish, then go to the far end of the pier.
  • pierce
    pierce [piərs] v.
    To pierce something means to make a hole in it using a sharp object.
    →The arrow pierced the target in the very center.
  • plaster
    plaster [ˈplæstər] n.
    Plaster is a smooth paste that gets hard when it dries.
    →He used plaster to fill in the cracks in the old walls.
  • pledge
    pledge [pledʒ] v.
    To pledge means to make a promise to do something.
    →Her mother pledged that she would find her daughter’s lost kitten.
  • plunge
    plunge [plʌndʒ] v.
    To plunge means to move down into something very quickly.
    →The water in the pool was very cold, but the boy plunged in anyway.
  • pneumonia
    pneumonia [njuːˈmounjə] n.
    Pneumonia is a dangerous illness causing the lungs to fill with liquid.
    →Elaine got pneumonia after playing outside in the rain without a coat.
  • poignant
    poignant [ˈpɔinjənt] adj.
    When something is poignant, it causes a very strong feeling of sadness.
    →The girls cried at the end of the poignant movie.
  • poll
    poll [poul] n.
    A poll is a survey in which people give their opinions about important things.
    → The poll showed that many people support the plan to stop gang violence.
  • pollen
    pollen [ˈpɒlən] n.
    Pollen is the tiny yellow powder made in the flowers of plants.
    →During the spring, the pollen in the air makes some people become sick.
  • practitioner
    practitioner [prækˈtiʃənər] n.
    A practitioner is a doctor.
    →She made an appointment with the practitioner to treat her cough.
  • predominant
    predominant [priˈdɒmənənt] adj.
    If something is predominant, then it is the most important, common or strongest.
    →Before cars were invented, horses were the predominant method of travel.
  • premature
    premature [ˈprimətʃuər] adj.
    If something is premature, then it is done too early or before the proper time.
    →Mark’s celebration was premature because the ball hadn’t fallen in the hole.
  • premium
    premium [ˈpriːmiəm] n.
    A premium is a payment that is higher than average.
    →Tony paid for premium gas because it made his car run the best.
  • prevail
    prevail [priˈveil] v.
    To prevail means to be accepted or very common.
    →Unfortunately, injustice still prevails in the country’s court system.
  • prey
    prey [prei] n.
    Prey is the animals that are hunted and eaten by another creature.
    →The lion ran as fast as he could to catch his prey.
  • primal
    primal [ˈpraiməl] adj.
    If something is primal, then it is very basic or related to the origin of something.
    →Cooking the food over the camp fire felt like a primal way of making a meal.
  • privilege
    privilege [ˈprivəlidʒ] n.
    A privilege is a special right given to only a certain person or group of people.
    →Only the best employee had the privilege of parking in that spot.
  • procession
    procession [prəˈseʃən] n.
    A procession is a group of people who walk or drive in a line during a public event.
    →The procession all celebrated when they reached the end.
  • prod
    prod [prɒd] v.
    To prod means to push someone or something with a finger or pointed object.
    →The bully prodded me in the chest with his finger.
  • profile
    profile [ˈproufail] n.
    A profile is an outline of a face, usually as seen from the side.
    →The drawing of Olivia’s profile came out very well.
  • prohibit
    prohibit [prouhibit] v.
    To prohibit something means to not allow it.
    →She prohibited the students from speaking until their work was done.
  • prolong
    prolong [prouˈlɔ:ŋ] v.
    To prolong means to make something last for a longer time.
    →Sandy walked slowly across the beach, trying to prolong her lunch break.
  • propel
    propel [prəˈpel] v.
    To propel something means to push or move it somewhere.
    →The strong wind propelled the leaf through the air and across the street.
  • prophecy
    prophecy [ˈprɒfəsi] n.
    A prophecy is a prediction about what will happen in the future.
    →Some people believe that prophecies are actually true.
  • prophet
    prophet [ˈprɒfit] n.
    A prophet is a person chosen by a god to give the god’s message to people.
    →Harold believed that he was one of the prophets of his god.
  • propulsion
    propulsion [prəˈpʌlʃən] n.
    Propulsion is the force that moves something forward.
    →The propulsion lifted the rocket into the sky.
  • prosecute
    prosecute [ˈprɒsəkjuːt] v.
    To prosecute someone means to take legal action against them.
    →They were prosecuted for fishing in the river without a permit.
  • prototype
    prototype [ˈproutətaip] n.
    A prototype is a new machine that is not ready to be made in large quantities.
    →He introduced his prototype to the motorcycle company.
  • provision
    provision [prəˈviʒən] n.
    The provision of something is the act of giving it to people in need or want.
    →That department is responsible for the provision of emergency supplies.
  • psychiatric
    psychiatric [ˌsaikiˈætrik] adj.
    If something is psychiatric, then it is related to mental illness or its treatment.
    →The doctor said the patient might have a psychiatric problem.
  • psychiatry
    psychiatry [saiˈkaiətri] n.
    Psychiatry is the study and treatment of mental illness.
    →Studying psychiatry has taught me a lot about mental illness.
  • psychic
    psychic [ˈsaikik] adj.
    When someone is psychic, they know what will happen or what people think.
    →I think my grandmother has psychic abilities because she can predict anything.
  • psychotic
    psychotic [saiˈkɒtik] adj.
    If someone is psychotic, they have a very serious mental illness.
    →The psychotic patient believed he saw things that weren’t real.
  • publicize
    publicize [ˈpʌbləsaiz] v.
    To publicize is to make something get a lot of attention.
    →The company publicized the job positions in the newspaper.
  • pungent
    pungent [ˈpʌndʒənt] adj.
    If something is pungent, then it tastes or smells strong and sharp.
    →The garlic made the soup taste so pungent that the chef wouldn’t serve it.
q
  • quiver
    quiver [ˈkwivər] v.
    To quiver means to tremble or shake.
    →The flame on the candle quivered whenever someone opened or closed a door.
r
  • racial
    racial [ˈreiʃəl] adj.
    If something is racial, then it is related to a race or races.
    →The differences between racial groups are physical characteristics and culture.
  • ranger
    ranger [ˈreindʒə:r] n.
    A ranger is a person who protects the forest or parks.
    →Peter wanted to be a ranger because he liked spending time outside.
  • ransom
    ransom [ˈrænsəm] n.
    A ransom is a sum of money paid to a kidnapper to set the person free.
    →He kidnapped the prince and demanded $1 million as ransom.
  • rash
    rash [ræʃ] n.
    A rash is an infected area of the skin with redness, bumps, itching, or dryness.
    →The new perfume left a horrible rash on my skin.
  • reckless
    reckless [ˈreklis] adj.
    When people are reckless, they act in an unsafe way.
    →The reckless driver posed a threat to everyone else on the road.
  • reflex
    reflex [ˈriːfleks] n.
    A reflex is an unconscious action in which a body part responds to an event.
    →There was a reflex when the doctor hit his knee with a rubber hammer.
  • regain
    regain [riˈgein] v.
    To regain something means to get it back.
    →The battery regained its power after being recharged.
  • rehearse
    rehearse [riˈhəːrs] v.
    To rehearse means to practice and prepare for a performance in front of people.
    →Vick’s band rehearsed all week before their first show.
  • relay
    relay [ˈriːlei] n.
    A relay is a race in which teams of runners or swimmers race against each other.
    →Jerry was the fastest on his team, so he ran the last part of the relay.
  • reluctance
    reluctance [riˈlʌktəns] n.
    Reluctance is a feeling of not wanting to do something.
    →Jesse took out the trash with great reluctance.
  • remorse
    remorse [riˈmɔːrs] n.
    Remorse is a strong feeling of sadness and regret.
    →When I realized what I did, I felt remorse for my actions.
  • render
    render [ˈrendər] v.
    To render something means to make it become something else.
    →His report was rendered unimportant by the release of new information.
  • renovate
    renovate [ˈrenəveit] v.
    To renovate a building means to repair it or build new structures on it.
    →The old fire station was renovated into an apartment building.
  • replenish
    replenish [riˈpleniʃ] v.
    To replenish something means to make it full or complete again.
    →We planted nearly one hundred seeds to replenish the garden after the fire.
  • replicate
    replicate [ˈrepləˌkeit] v.
    To replicate something is to do it in the exact same way as someone before.
    →I would love to replicate my father’s achievements in school.
  • reputable
    reputable [repjəˈtəbəl] adj.
    If someone or something is reputable, then they have a good reputation.
    →The service from the less than reputable company made her angry.
  • resent
    resent [riˈzent] v.
    To resent something means to have bad feelings about it.
    →She resented the fact that she had never been able to play an instrument.
  • reservoir
    reservoir [ˈrezərvwɑːr] n.
    A reservoir is a place for storing water for a town to use.
    →If it doesn’t rain soon, the reservoir is going to dry up completely.
  • respiration
    respiration [ˌrespəˈreiʃən] n.
    Respiration is the act of breathing.
    →Artificial respiration is the best thing to do if someone stops breathing.
  • restate
    restate [riːˈsteit] v.
    To restate something means to say it again or in a different way.
    →Mrs. Jones restated the test question to the class.
  • restrain
    restrain [risˈtrein] v.
    To restrain someone or something means to use physical strength to stop them.
    →Mike restrained Allen from reaching the door.
  • reverse
    reverse [riˈvəːrs] v.
    To reverse means to change to the opposite direction.
    →They reversed their direction after seeing the sign.
  • revise
    revise [riˈvaiz] v.
    To revise something means to change or update it to make it better.
    →When the editor discovered certain facts were wrong, he revised the book.
  • revolve
    revolve [riˈvɒlv] v.
    To revolve around something is to keep it as the main feature or focus.
    →My life revolves around sports.
  • rouge
    rouge [ruːʒ] n.
    Rouge is a red powder or cream used as makeup on the cheeks or lips.
    →Even when she didn’t wear rouge, her cheeks appeared red.
  • rubble
    rubble [ˈrʌbəl] n.
    Rubble is piles of broken stone and wood created after a building is destroyed.
    →There was rubble all over the city after the earthquake.
  • rupture
    rupture [ˈrʌptʃə:r] v.
    To rupture means to tear or burst open.
    →Sarah put too much water into the balloon, and it ruptured.
s
  • sage
    sage [seidʒ] n.
    A sage is someone who is very wise.
    →Hal always visited the local sage for help with love.
  • saliva
    saliva [səˈlaivə] n.
    Saliva is the watery liquid in people’s mouths that helps in digestion.
    →The baby could not keep the saliva from dripping out of its mouth.
  • sarcastic
    sarcastic [sɑːrˈkæstik] adj.
    When something is sarcastic, it is the opposite of what is actually meant.
    →She hurt her mother’s feelings with her constant sarcastic remarks.
  • satire
    satire [ˈsætaiər] n.
    A satire is a work of art that uses humor and irony to make fun of something.
    →This book is a satire of what life was like in the army.
  • savage
    savage [ˈsævidʒ] adj.
    If something or someone is savage, they are very violent or cruel.
    →Wild animals are very savage when defending their babies.
  • scope
    scope [skoup] n.
    The scope of something is how many people or things it relates to.
    →Modern history has a wide scope.
  • scorn
    scorn [ˈskɔːrn] v.
    To scorn someone means to behave without respect toward them.
    →The criminal was scorned by everyone in the community.
  • scrap
    scrap [skræp] n.
    A scrap of something is a small amount of it.
    →Chris liked to use many scraps of paper when thinking up ideas.
  • scrutiny
    scrutiny [ˈskruːtəni] n.
    Scrutiny is the careful examination of something.
    →A scientist should always practice scrutiny with their work.
  • seasoning
    seasoning [ˈsiːzəniŋ] n.
    Seasoning is a mix of salt, herbs, and spices that improves the taste of food.
    →This steak tastes bland. Maybe I’ll add some seasoning to it.
  • seclude
    seclude [siˈklu:d] v.
    To seclude someone means to keep them away from other people.
    →She was secluded on an island for over a year.
  • secrecy
    secrecy [ˈsiːkrəsi] n.
    Secrecy is the behavior of keeping things secret.
    →The secrecy of the big organization made the government nervous.
  • sector
    sector [ˈsektə:r] n.
    A sector is a part of a country’s economy in a specific type of industry.
    →We learned about just a few of the factories within the manufacturing sector.
  • segregate
    segregate [ˈsegrigeit] v.
    To segregate something means to place it in a group apart from other things.
    →In gym class, the children were segregated into two groups: boys and girls.
  • seizure
    seizure [ˈsiːʒər] n.
    A seizure is sudden illness in which the body loses control and shakes.
    →Bright flashing lights can cause seizures in children.
  • senate
    senate [ˈsenət] n.
    A senate is a part of the government in some countries.
    →Everybody liked Caroline and chose her to speak for them in the senate.
  • sensory
    sensory [ˈsensəri] adj.
    If something is sensory, it is related to the senses.
    →Iris and Eric preferred the sensory thrill of watching movies in the theater.
  • sentiment
    sentiment [ˈsentəmənt] n.
    A sentiment is an opinion based on your feelings.
    →Tess told everyone at the table her sentiments about eating meat.
  • sesame
    sesame [ˈsesəmi] n.
    Sesame is an herb that is grown for its small seeds and its oil.
    →I used the buns with the sesame seeds on them.
  • session
    session [ˈseʃən] n.
    A session is a meeting at a regular time in order to discuss and solve an issue.
    →Every three months the managers met in a session to discuss regional sales.
  • shortcut
    shortcut [ˈʃɔːrtkʌt] n.
    A shortcut is a route that is shorter than the main route.
    →We got to the house first because we took a shortcut through the forest.
  • shovel
    shovel [ˈʃʌvəl] n.
    A shovel is a tool with a long handle that is used for digging.
    →The boy grabbed his shovel and got all of the snow off of the sidewalk.
  • sideways
    sideways [ˈsaidˌweiz] adv.
    If something moves sideways, then it moves to or from the side.
    →Jim turned sideways in order to slow down and stop his snowboard.
  • signify
    signify [ˈsignəfai] v.
    To signify means to be a symbol of something.
    →A red octagon is used to signify to stop.
  • simulate
    simulate [ˈsimjəleit] v.
    To simulate something means to copy its actions or characteristics.
    →The French language teacher could simulate the accent of a French citizen.
  • sinister
    sinister [ˈsinistə:r] adj.
    If something or someone is sinister, they are evil.
    →Bad guys in most movies have sinister laughs.
  • sip
    sip [sip] v.
    To sip something means to drink a small amount at a time.
    →Liza relaxed on the beach, sipping fruit juice through a straw.
  • skeletal
    skeletal [ˈskelətl] adj.
    When something is skeletal, it relates to bones in the body.
    →We studied the skeletal system in anatomy class.
  • slab
    slab [slæb] n.
    A slab is a large, thick, flat piece of stone, concrete, metal, or wood.
    →I looked at various slabs of stone to decorate my house.
  • slate
    slate [sleit] n.
    Slate is a dark grey rock that can easily be split into layers.
    →The roof of the church was made of slate.
  • smallpox
    smallpox [ˈsmɔːlpɒks] n.
    Smallpox is a disease that causes tiny bumps on the skin and high fevers.
    →When she saw the tiny bumps, she thought her son might have smallpox.
  • snore
    snore [snɔːr] v.
    To snore means to make a loud noise each time a sleeping person breathes.
    →It was impossible to get to sleep because my husband snored.
  • sob
    sob [sɒb] v.
    To sob is to cry loudly.
    →I sobbed when my youngest daughter got married.
  • sober
    sober [ˈsoubə:r] adj.
    When something or someone is sober, they are serious and calm.
    →After the funeral, everybody felt very sober.
  • socialize
    socialize [ˈsouʃəlaiz] v.
    To socialize is to have a good time with people.
    →I like to socialize with my classmates after school.
  • sodium
    sodium [ˈsoudiəm] n.
    Sodium is an element that can be used to make substances such as salt.
    →Sodium and chloride combine to make table salt.
  • solemn
    solemn [ˈsɒləm] adj.
    If something is solemn, then it is serious and honest.
    →The professor preferred a solemn relationship between him and his students.
  • solidarity
    solidarity [ˌsɒləˈdærəti] n.
    Solidarity is a union formed from common responsibilities or interests.
    →All the citizens came together in a show of solidarity to create change.
  • soothe
    soothe [suːð] v.
    To soothe means to calm someone who is angry or upset.
    →The mother soothed her crying baby by rocking him in her arms.
  • soundly
    soundly [ˈsaundli] adv.
    If something is done soundly, then it is done in the best or most complete way.
    →The nearest opponent was ten meters behind. She won the race soundly.
  • sparse
    sparse [spɑːrs] adj.
    If something is sparse, there is not very much of it in a big area.
    →Rob spent Saturday in his garden, clearing out the sparse weeds.
  • speck
    speck [spek] n.
    A speck is a very small mark or amount.
    →A speck of blood appeared where the mosquito bit him.
  • spit
    spit [spit] v.
    To spit means to force liquid from one’s mouth.
    →He emerged from the pool and spit water from his mouth.
  • splendid
    splendid [ˈsplendid] adj.
    If something or someone is splendid, then they are very good.
    →From his head down to his shoes, his clothes looked splendid.
  • sprint
    sprint [sprint] v.
    To sprint means to run very fast over a short distance.
    →The kids didn’t want to be late to class, so they sprinted to the bus stop.
  • spur
    spur [spəːr] v.
    To spur someone means to urge them into action.
    →The coach’s speech spurred her team into playing the best game of their lives.
  • staple
    staple [ˈsteipəl] adj.
    If something is staple, it is standard or basic.
    →Hamburgers, steaks and hotdogs are staple foods to cook on a grill.
  • statute
    statute [ˈstætjuːt] n.
    A statute is a law that is official and has been written down.
    →The new statute made it illegal to walk dogs in the park.
  • sterile
    sterile [ˈsteril] adj.
    When something is sterile, it is completely clean and free from germs.
    →The hospital room looked quite sterile.
  • stimulate
    stimulate [ˈstimjəleit] v.
    To stimulate something means to cause or to increase activity in it.
    →Doctors sometimes use electric shock to stimulate a patient’s heartbeat.
  • stool
    stool [stuːl] n.
    A stool is a seat with legs but no support for a person’s arms and back.
    →I don’t find stools very comfortable to sit on.
  • stranded
    stranded [ˈstrændid] adj.
    If someone is stranded, they are prevented from leaving a place.
    →When the plane left, my sister and I were stranded in China.
  • strap
    strap [stræp] n.
    A strap is a thin long piece of fabric used to fasten, carry, or hold something.
    →She put the strap of her purse over her shoulder and walked out of the door.
  • stray
    stray [strei] v.
    To stray means to go in a wrong direction and often become lost.
    →He found himself lost because he had strayed from the tour group.
  • streak
    streak [striːk] n.
    A streak is a long, thin mark that is easy to see.
    →Her hair was brown except for a streak which she dyed blonde.
  • strife
    strife [straif] n.
    Strife is disagreement or fighting between people or groups.
    →There was a lot of strife between Jim and Lisa about what TV show to watch.
  • stun
    stun [stʌn] v.
    To stun someone means to make them unable to speak due to surprise or shock.
    →Tim fell off the swing and was too stunned to cry.
  • stunt
    stunt [stʌnt] n.
    A stunt is something that is done in order to get attention or publicity.
    →The man jumped over the cars as a promotional stunt.
  • subject
    subject [səbˈdʒekt] v.
    To subject someone to something means to force them to do or experience it.
    →The officers subjected everyone to a careful search before they left the plane.
  • subscribe
    subscribe [səbˈskraib] v.
    To subscribe to something is to agree or to concur with it.
    →She subscribed to the view that musical education should be kept in schools.
  • subsist
    subsist [səbˈsist] v.
    To subsist means to have the food, water, and money needed to stay alive.
    →Some people are forced to subsist on only a few dollars a month.
  • substantial
    substantial [səbˈstænʃəl] adj.
    If something is substantial, then it is of great importance, size, or value.
    →The bank said that he owed it a substantial amount of money.
  • superintendent
    superintendent [suːpərinˈtendənt] n.
    A superintendent is a person who runs a certain department or building.
    →The superintendent decided to close the schools because of the weather.
  • suppress
    suppress [səˈpres] v.
    To suppress something means to prevent it from happening.
    →She suppressed her urge to scream because she didn’t want to be noticed.
  • surplus
    surplus [ˈsəːrplʌs] n.
    A surplus is an extra amount of something.
    →The store sold their surplus items on sale.
  • susceptible
    susceptible [səˈseptəbəl] adj.
    If one is susceptible to something like disease, they are easily harmed by it.
    →Not eating enough vegetables makes you more susceptible to getting sick.
  • suspend
    suspend [səsˈpend] v.
    To suspend something means to delay or stop it from happening for a while.
    →The oil company suspended production until it was sure the factory was safe.
  • swarm
    swarm [swɔrːm] n.
    A swarm is a group of flying insects.
    →A beautiful swarm of butterflies filled the summer sky.
  • synthesis
    synthesis [ˈsinθəsis] n.
    A synthesis is a combination of different ideas or styles.
    →The band’s music was a synthesis of many different musical genres.
t
  • tackle
    tackle [ˈtækəl] v.
    To tackle something means to deal with it in a determined and efficient way.
    →Such social problems need to be tackled right away.
  • tact
    tact [tækt] n.
    Tact is the ability to avoid offending people when dealing with problems.
    →Since both sides would not agree, it required someone with tact to make peace.
  • tangle
    tangle [ˈtæŋgəl] n.
    A tangle is something or many things twisted together.
    →The laces of his shoes were in such a tangle that he could not untie them.
  • tariff
    tariff [ˈtærif] n.
    A tariff is a tax or fee paid on certain imports or exports.
    →Our tariff on imported wool makes foreign wool more expensive.
  • tenacious
    tenacious [təˈneiʃəs] adj.
    If someone is tenacious, then they do not easily give up.
    →I’m sure that he’ll finish that difficult sale. He is very tenacious.
  • terrace
    terrace [ˈterəs] n.
    A terrace is an open area that is connected to a house or an apartment.
    →In the afternoons, she liked to sit on the terrace and check her email.
  • terrestrial
    terrestrial [təˈrestriəl] adj.
    If something is terrestrial, it relates to Earth.
    →There are billions of terrestrial life forms.
  • testament
    testament [ˈtestəmənt] n.
    A testament to something shows that it exists or is true.
    →The beautiful performance was a testament to the singer’s natural talents.
  • testify
    testify [ˈtestəfai] v.
    To testify means to give evidence as a witness.
    →The judge listened while the victim testified about the robbery.
  • texture
    texture [ˈtekstʃər] n.
    Texture is the quality of something that can be known by its touch.
    →The texture of her skin was very soft and smooth.
  • theorize
    theorize [ˈθi:əraiz] v.
    To theorize means to develop ideas about something.
    →They enjoyed theorizing about how things worked.
  • therapeutic
    therapeutic [ˌθerəˈpjuːtik] adj.
    If something is therapeutic, it helps to cure a disease or makes you healthier.
    →After a stressful day of working, Phoebe would take a therapeutic bath.
  • thermometer
    thermometer [θə:rˈmɒmitə:r] n.
    A thermometer is a device that measures temperature.
    →The thermometer outside the window indicated that it was a hot day today.
  • tickle
    tickle [ˈtikəl] v.
    To tickle someone is to touch them in a way that causes laughter.
    →The mother tickled the little boy’s foot, and he screamed with laughter.
  • tilt
    tilt [tilt] v.
    To tilt something means to tip it into a sloping position.
    →She tilted her glass and almost spilled some of the wine inside.
  • timber
    timber [ˈtimbə:r] n.
    Timber is wood that is used for building houses and making furniture.
    →Trees in this area are grown specifically to be used for timber.
  • tolerant
    tolerant [ˈtɒlərənt] adj.
    When people are tolerant, they are approved of because they accept others.
    →The tolerant leader thought that everyone was equal regardless of race.
  • torch
    torch [tɔːrtʃ] n.
    A torch is a stick with one end on fire that can be carried in order to give light.
    →He grabbed a piece of wood and stuck it in the fire in order to make a torch.
  • tract
    tract [trækt] n.
    A tract is a large area of land.
    →On the other side of the mountains was a long tract of forest.
  • tram
    tram [træm] n.
    A tram is a vehicle like a streetcar that runs on electricity above ground.
    →I took the tram to Eighth Avenue.
  • trance
    trance [træns] n.
    A trance is a a state where people seem asleep and have no control of themselves.
    →The woman’s powerful eyes often put men in a trance.
  • transmit
    transmit [trænsˈmit] v.
    To transmit something means to pass it from one person or place to another.
    →The radio tower transmits a signal to all the radios in a 20-kilometer radius.
  • tumult
    tumult [ˈtjuːmʌlt] n.
    A tumult is a loud and confused noise made by a large crowd of people.
    →She couldn’t hear her friend over the tumult of the other excited guests.
  • turf
    turf [təːrf] n.
    Turf is a section of grass and the dirt in which it grows.
    →After the game, the turf looked ragged.
  • tyranny
    tyranny [ˈtirəni] n.
    A tyranny is a cruel and unfair government in which one person has power.
    →His tyranny was impossible to live under.
  • tyrant
    tyrant [ˈtaiərənt] n.
    A tyrant is someone who treats people in a cruel, harsh, and unfair way.
    →Our boss is a tyrant. He makes us work long hours for little pay.
u
  • underestimate
    underestimate [ˈʌndərˈestəmeit] v.
    To underestimate something or someone means to think they are not important.
    →Ne lost the game because we underestimated the other team’s skill.
  • undermine
    undermine [ˌʌndərˈmain] v.
    To undermine someone means to betray or weaken their efforts or authority.
    →The documents helped to undermine the workers’ trust in their bosses’ honesty.
  • unrest
    unrest [ʌnˈrest] n.
    Unrest is a state of anger about something among the people in a place.
    →High taxes caused much of the unrest that led to the Revolutionary War.
  • unsettle
    unsettle [ˈʌnˈsetl] v.
    To unsettle someone means to make them anxious or worried.
    →The dark clouds in the sky unsettled Beth.
  • upbringing
    upbringing [ˈʌpˌbriŋiŋ] n.
    An upbringing is the way that someone is taught to behave by their parents.
    →He had a strict upbringing and was never allowed to watch television.
  • upgrade
    upgrade [ˈʌpgreid] v.
    To upgrade something means to improve it or make it more efficient.
    →He upgraded to a real fancy car.
  • uproar
    uproar [ˈʌprɔːr] n.
    Uproar is loud noise caused by people who are very angry or upset.
    →The fans made a great uproar when their team lost the game.
  • utensil
    utensil [juːˈtensəl] n.
    A utensil is a common tool or container.
    →It seemed that a fork was the wrong utensil for trying to eat the soup.
v
  • valve
    valve [vælv] n.
    A valve is a device attached to a pipe that controls the flow of liquid or air.
    →The mechanic removed the dirt to clear the engine valve.
  • vampire
    vampire [ˈvæmpaiər] n.
    A vampire is a fictional monster that sleeps in a coffin and sucks people’s blood.
    →The vampire snuck up on the woman and bit her in the neck.
  • vanity
    vanity [ˈvænəti] n.
    Vanity is excessive pride or love of one’s own appearance or things one has done.
    →Her vanity won’t allow her to pass a mirror without looking at herself.
  • verge
    verge [vəːrdʒ] n.
    The verge is the point at which something is about to happen.
    →Joan was on the verge of leaving her house when the phone rang.
  • verify
    verify [ˈverəfai] v.
    To verify means to find out if something is true.
    →Julian called the movie theater to verify that the movie started at nine.
  • veteran
    veteran [ˈvetərən] n.
    A veteran is someone who has a lot of experience doing something.
    →Hank was the team veteran and had played in more games than anyone else.
  • viable
    viable [ˈvaiəbəl] adj.
    When something is viable, it is capable of doing what it is intended to do.
    →Her method of solving the math problem seemed viable.
  • vibrant
    vibrant [ˈvaibrənt] adj.
    If something is vibrant, then it is bright and full of color.
    →Their new shirts were a vibrant shade of red.
  • vice versa
    vice versa [ˈvaisiˈvəːrsə] adv.
    If a statement is vice versa, then its two main ideas are switched with one another.
    →Students learn from their teachers, and vice versa.
  • vicious
    vicious [ˈviʃəs] adj.
    When something or someone is vicious, they are violent and cruel.
    →The vicious dog tried to bite the small child.
  • vie
    vie [vai] v.
    To vie for something means to compete against others for it.
    →The three boys vied for the prize in the chemistry contest.
  • vigil
    vigil [ˈvidʒəl] n.
    A vigil is a period of watchful attention at night fora specific purpose.
    →He had a vigil in front of the tomb for three days.
  • vigorous
    vigorous [ˈvigərəs] adj.
    If something or someone is vigorous, they use a lot of energy.
    →Henry uses vigorous exercise to keep himself in shape.
  • villain
    villain [ˈvilən] n.
    A villain is an evil person who breaks the law or hurts others.
    →The villain escaped with half of my family’s valuables.
  • vine
    vine [vain] n.
    A vine is a plant that has long, twisting stems and climbs upward.
    →The branches of the trees were covered with vines.
  • vinegar
    vinegar [ˈvinigər] n.
    Vinegar is a strong liquid made from sour wine that is used in cooking.
    →Be careful because too much vinegar will ruin the recipe.
  • vivacious
    vivacious [viˈveiʃəs] adj.
    If someone is vivacious, they are talkative and cheerful.
    →Everyone at the party was very vivacious and having a good time.
  • volatile
    volatile [ˈvɒlətil] adj.
    When something is volatile, it is likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly.
    →The volatile volcano might explode at any moment.
  • voluntary
    voluntary [ˈvɒləntəri] adj.
    When something is voluntary, it is done by choice but is not required.
    →Many people attended the voluntary boat safety class.
  • vow
    vow [vau] v.
    To vow means to make a promise to do something.
    →Before they are allowed to work, all senators must vow to never accept bribes.
  • vulgar
    vulgar [ˈvʌlgər] adj.
    If something or someone is vulgar, then they are rude or lacking in style.
    →Her vulgar behavior got her into trouble with her parents.
w
  • warp
    warp [wɔːrp] v.
    To warp means to become bent into the wrong shape.
    →The woman put the clock above the fireplace, and the heat warped it.
  • wary
    wary [ˈwɛəri] adj.
    If someone is wary, they are cautious or mistrusting.
    →She was wary of going to school because she hadn’t done her homework.
  • waver
    waver [ˈweivə:r] v.
    To waver is to be unable to decide between two choices.
    →I wavered between eating the apple or the cake for a snack.
  • wavy
    wavy [ˈweivi] adj.
    When something is wavy, it is not straight but has a series of curves.
    →The child drew wavy lines all over the piece of paper.
  • weary
    weary [ˈwiəri] adj.
    If someone is weary, then they are tired.
    →Jane was weary after a long day of work.
  • whereabouts
    whereabouts [ˌhwɛərəˈbauts] n.
    The whereabouts of someone or something is the place where they are.
    →The police looked for the lost dog, but its whereabouts were still unknown.
  • winding
    winding [ˈwaindiŋ] adj.
    If something is winding, then it follows a twisting course.
    →The winding river turned and looped around the bases of the hills.
y
  • yawn
    yawn [jɔːn] v.
    To yawn means to open one’s mouth wide and breathe in air.
    →The child yawned and stretched her arms before bed for the night.
z
  • zip
    zip [zip] v.
    To zip something means to close it with a zipper.
    →She zipped her backpack closed after putting her books inside it.
Answer Key
Favorite Books
4000 Essential English Words 1

The activities in "4000 Essential English Words" are specially designed to make use of important learning conditions. Firstly, the words are introduced using sentence definitions and an example sentence. 4000 Essential English Words 1: 600 words (Unit 1 - Unit 30).

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4000 Essential English Words 2

The activities in "4000 Essential English Words" are specially designed to make use of important learning conditions. Firstly, the words are introduced using sentence definitions and an example sentence. 4000 Essential English Words 2: 600 words (Unit 1 - Unit 30).

Read more
4000 Essential English Words 3

The activities in "4000 Essential English Words" are specially designed to make use of important learning conditions. Firstly, the words are introduced using sentence definitions and an example sentence. 4000 Essential English Words 3: 600 words (Unit 1 - Unit 30).

Read more
4000 Essential English Words 4

The activities in "4000 Essential English Words" are specially designed to make use of important learning conditions. Firstly, the words are introduced using sentence definitions and an example sentence. 4000 Essential English Words 4: 600 words (Unit 1 - Unit 30).

Read more
4000 Essential English Words 5

The activities in "4000 Essential English Words" are specially designed to make use of important learning conditions. Firstly, the words are introduced using sentence definitions and an example sentence. 4000 Essential English Words 5: 600 words (Unit 1 - Unit 30).

Read more