English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
a group of things or people viewed as a whole, especially performers in music or theater
"The theater ensemble gave a spectacular performance."
to preserve or cherish something as sacred or important
"The constitution enshrines the right to freedom of speech."
to happen as a result or consequence
"After the argument, silence ensued."
to become twisted together or caught in something; to involve in difficulties
"The fish got entangled in the net."
showing initiative and resourcefulness; willing to take risks to achieve success
"She is an enterprising young entrepreneur."
to captivate or hold someone’s attention completely
"The magician’s tricks enthralled the children."
Captivating and holding one's attention completely; fascinating.
"The movie was enthralling, keeping the audience engaged till the end."
to express excitement or admiration
"She enthused about her trip to Italy."
to attract or tempt someone by offering something appealing
"The advertisement was designed to entice customers into the store."
the whole of something; the complete form
"He watched the movie in its entirety."
the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment; a right to benefits
"The program provides entitlement to health care."
A group of people attending or surrounding an important person.
"The celebrity arrived with her entourage of assistants and bodyguards."
The main course of a meal (US); the right to enter or access (formal).
"The restaurant’s signature steak was served as the main entree."
To establish something so firmly that it is difficult to change.
"The company entrenched its position in the market through innovation."
Firmly established and unlikely to change.
"Corruption is deeply entrenched in the system."
to mention things one by one; to list or count
"She enumerated the reasons for her decision."
to pronounce words clearly; to express an idea clearly
"The teacher asked him to enunciate each word."
causing envy; desirable
"Her success was enviable among her peers."
feeling or showing envy; jealous
"She felt envious of her friend's new car."
A significant change in environmental conditions or ecological systems.
"The city demonstrates environmental transformation."
Lasting for a very short time; fleeting.
"The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, fading within minutes."
A section at the end of a book, play, or speech that serves as a conclusion.
"The author included an epilogue to explain what happened to the characters later."
A sudden realization or insight into the essence of something.
"During meditation, she had an epiphany about her life purpose."
Happening occasionally or in separate parts; related to episodes.
"Her interest in art was episodic, coming and going over the years."
A descriptive phrase or word used to characterize someone or something, often as a nickname.
"He earned the epithet ‘The Great’ for his remarkable achievements."
A perfect example of a particular quality or type.
"She is the epitome of kindness."
A period of time in history or a person's life, typically one marked by notable events or characteristics.
"The invention of the internet marked a new epoch in human history."
To make equal or level in status, value, or amount.
"The team equalized the score in the last minute."
To consider as equal or equivalent.
"Many people equate wealth with success."
Relating to horse riding or horseback riders.
"She won several equestrian competitions."
A state of balance or stability between opposing forces.
"The economy is finally moving towards equilibrium."
The time or date when day and night are of equal length, occurring twice a year.
"The spring equinox marks the beginning of longer days."
Fair and impartial.
"The judge made an equitable decision."
To completely destroy or eliminate something harmful.
"Scientists are working hard to eradicate malaria."
The complete destruction or elimination of something unwanted.
"Carbon eradication is a key goal of the project."
Designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment.
"The office chairs are designed to be ergonomic."
to gradually wear away or destroy by natural forces such as water, wind, or chemical action
"The coastline has begun to erode due to constant waves."
relating to or tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement
"The novel contained several erotic scenes."
to make a mistake or be incorrect
"To err is human, to forgive divine."
not regular or consistent; unpredictable in behavior or movement
"His erratic driving scared the passengers."
containing or based on error; incorrect or mistaken
"The report was filled with erroneous assumptions."
former or in the past
"They were erstwhile friends but no longer speak."
A rapid increase; a rise.
"The escalation of production costs impacts profitability."
an adventurous, exciting, or reckless act
"Their summer escapade included camping and mountain climbing."
Particularly remarkable or significant; distinguished from others
"This is an especial opportunity you should not miss."
The practice of spying or using spies to gather secret information, usually for political or military purposes.
"The agent was arrested on charges of espionage against the state."
To adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of life.
"She espoused the philosophy of nonviolence throughout her career."
Respect and admiration, typically for a person.
"She is held in high esteem by her colleagues."
respected and admired; held in high regard
"He is an esteemed professor at the university."
Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
"The building’s esthetic design attracted many visitors."