English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
Having good luck or receiving something desirable by chance.
"She was fortunate to escape the accident without injuries."
A place, meeting, or medium where ideas and views can be exchanged.
"The online forum allows people to discuss a wide range of topics."
the remains or impression of a prehistoric plant or animal embedded in rock
"The fossil of a dinosaur was discovered in the mountains."
to encourage the development of something; to raise a child that is not one's own
"The program aims to foster creativity in young students."
The process of encouraging or promoting the development or growth of something; nurturing and caring for.
"Good teachers play a key role in fostering creativity in students."
offensive to the senses; dirty or unpleasant; in sports, an unfair or illegal act
"The player was penalized for committing a foul."
a person who establishes an institution or company; as a verb, to fail or sink
"She is the founder of a successful startup."
a natural spring of water; an artificial structure from which water flows
"The fountain in the park attracts many visitors."
a domesticated bird kept for meat or eggs; chicken or other poultry
"The farmer raised fowl in his backyard for fresh eggs and meat."
A small part of something; in mathematics, a number that represents part of a whole.
"Only a small fraction of the population attended the event."
Easily broken or damaged; delicate.
"Be careful with that vase, it's very fragile."
a small piece broken off something larger
"He found a fragment of ancient pottery near the river."
A pleasant, sweet smell.
"The fragrance of fresh flowers filled the room."
A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.
"The new policy provides a framework for decision-making."
Basic structures underlying systems, concepts, or texts
"Frameworks guide AI implementation."
open, honest, and direct in speech or expression
"She was frank about her feelings on the matter."
in an honest and direct way
"Frankly, I don’t think this plan will work."
Extremely anxious, hurried, or out of control due to fear or excitement.
"She made a frantic call to her family after the accident."
A wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
"The company collapsed due to massive accounting fraud."
a person who takes part in an armed or political struggle to achieve freedom or independence for their people or country
"The freedom fighter dedicated his life to the liberation of his homeland."
A person who works independently without being permanently employed by one organization.
"She works as a freelancer designing websites for different clients."
The rate at which something occurs or is repeated over a period of time
"The frequency of bus services has been increased during rush hours."
a first-year student at a high school, college, or university
"The freshman felt nervous on his first day at university."
The quality of being new, clean, and full of energy.
"The freshness of the morning air made everyone feel alive."
the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another; conflict or tension between people or groups
"There was friction between the two departments over resource allocation."
a sudden intense feeling of fear; a shock or surprise that causes fear
"The loud thunder gave her such a fright that she dropped her coffee cup."
causing fear or horror; very unpleasant
"The hikers faced frightful weather conditions on the mountain."
a woman's or girl's dress; a loose outer garment
"She wore a beautiful frock to the party."
A border between two countries; also a new area of knowledge or activity.
"The soldiers were stationed at the frontier to guard the border."
The extreme limit of settled land beyond which lies wilderness; the limits of knowledge or achievement in a particular field.
"The project pushes the frontiers of space exploration."
to make a serious or angry facial expression by wrinkling the forehead
"She frowned when she heard the bad news."
Producing good results or being productive.
"Their meeting was fruitful and led to many new ideas."
To prevent someone from accomplishing something; to cause feelings of annoyance or disappointment.
"The constant delays frustrated the team."
to complete or achieve something that was expected or promised; to satisfy a requirement or desire
"She worked hard to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor."
to complete or accomplish something, especially a task or promise
"He worked hard to fulfill his dreams."
designed to be practical and useful, rather than just decorative
"The design of the chair is simple but highly functional."
The quality of being functional; the ability to work or operate as intended.
"The new refrigerator has improved functionality."
forming a necessary base or core; of central importance
"Honesty is a fundamental principle of good leadership."
in a basic and important way; at the core
"The two theories are fundamentally different."
the process of collecting money for a cause or project
"The organization is organizing a fundraising event."
a ceremony held to honor and bury or cremate someone who has died
"The family attended the funeral of their grandfather."
the thick hair covering the skin of certain animals
"The cat’s fur is soft and shiny."
Extremely angry.
"She was furious when she heard the bad news."
an enclosed structure in which heat is produced for a building or for melting metal
"The factory's furnace melted the metal quickly."
to provide or supply with furniture or equipment
"They furnished the new house with modern furniture."
Used to introduce an additional point or idea; in addition.
"The plan is simple and, furthermore, it is affordable."
Wild or violent anger; extreme rage.
"She was trembling with fury after the insult."
To join or blend two or more things together into one.
"The two metals fused under high heat."
the process or result of joining two or more things together to form a single entity
"The restaurant offers a unique fusion of Asian and European cuisines."
a display of unnecessary or excessive concern about something
"She made a fuss about the delay in service."