English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
a person who travels about selling goods, typically from door to door or on the street
"The hawker sold fresh fruits from his cart."
a slight obscuration of the lower atmosphere, typically caused by fine suspended particles; confusion
"The morning haze lifted gradually as the sun rose higher in the sky."
Unclear, misty, or not easy to see; also vague or uncertain.
"The mountains looked hazy in the morning light."
directly facing; in direct confrontation or collision
"The two cars collided head-on at the intersection."
With the head leading; in a reckless or hasty manner.
"He dived headfirst into the pool."
With the head leading; in a rush or without thinking.
"She rushed headlong into the new project."
Determined to do what one wants, even if it is not sensible.
"The headstrong child refused to listen to anyone."
forward movement or progress, especially when this is slow or difficult
"Despite the challenges, the research team made significant headway in developing the new vaccine."
Promoting good health; beneficial to health.
"A healthful diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables."
Information received from other people that cannot be substantiated; rumor.
"The decision was based on hearsay, not evidence."
in a sincere and enthusiastic manner; wholeheartedly
"She heartily welcomed her guests to the party."
Causing great sadness or distress; very moving emotionally.
"The documentary showed heartrending scenes of war victims."
The pursuit of pleasure and self-indulgence as the highest goal.
"The lifestyle of the rich is often criticized as pure hedonism."
A person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life.
"She was called a hedonist because she always prioritized enjoyment over duty."
to pay attention to; to take notice of
"You should heed the teacher's advice."
showing a reckless lack of care or attention
"He drove with heedless disregard for the rules."
to make or become greater in intensity or degree
"The announcement served to heighten the excitement in the room."
extremely wicked, deeply offensive, or shockingly evil
"The dictator was condemned for his heinous crimes against humanity."
a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations
"The ring is a family heirloom passed down from her grandmother."
a position of leadership or the steering apparatus of a ship
"After years of service, she finally took the helm of the company."
the edge of a piece of cloth that is folded and sewn; to fold and sew the edge of cloth
"She hemmed the dress to make it shorter."
A significant loss of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, or to lose blood heavily.
"The patient suffered a severe brain hemorrhage."
A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of something; to announce or signal.
"The blooming flowers herald the arrival of spring."
A chemical substance used to kill unwanted plants, especially weeds.
"Farmers used herbicide to protect their crops from invasive weeds."
Feeding only on plants.
"Cows are herbivorous animals that eat only grass and plants."
from now on; in the future; also refers to life after death.
"Hereafter, all reports must be submitted electronically."
passed from parents to their children through genes or by inheritance.
"Diabetes can be a hereditary condition."
belief or opinion that goes against established religious doctrine or accepted beliefs.
"In medieval times, heresy was often punished severely."
a person who holds beliefs that go against established religious teachings or accepted beliefs.
"The church declared him a heretic for his radical ideas."
A person who lives alone and apart from society, often for religious or spiritual reasons.
"The old hermit lived in a cave for decades."
A medical condition where an organ pushes through the muscle or tissue holding it in place.
"The doctor diagnosed him with an inguinal hernia."
Great bravery; the qualities or attributes of a hero.
"The heroism of freedom fighters inspires the nation."
large wading bird with long legs and neck that feeds on fish
"The heron stood motionless by the water's edge, waiting for fish."
The quality or state of being reluctant or uncertain.
"Her hesitance to speak up delayed the decision."
The tendency to pause or delay due to uncertainty or fear.
"His hesitancy in answering made everyone doubt his confidence."
consisting of different kinds or diverse elements
"The classroom was filled with a heterogeneous group of students."
A six-sided polygon.
"A honeycomb cell is shaped like a hexagon."
The period of greatest success, popularity, or power.
"In its heyday, the company dominated the market."
A pause or break in continuity of a process or activity.
"The show returned after a long hiatus."
To spend the winter in a dormant state, as some animals do.
"Bears hibernate in caves during the winter."
A place used as a retreat or a place to hide.
"The cabin in the woods was their secret hideaway."
extremely ugly or unpleasant
"The crime was so hideous that it shocked the whole town."
arranged in order of rank or authority
"The company has a strict hierarchical structure."
a system of writing using pictures or symbols, used especially by ancient Egyptians
"The tomb walls were covered with Egyptian hieroglyphics."
a title given to a person of royal rank; the quality or state of being high or elevated
"Your Highness, the royal carriage is ready to take you to the state banquet this evening."
to take control of a vehicle or situation illegally or by force
"The criminals attempted to hijack the airplane."
To create difficulties that delay or obstruct progress.
"Heavy traffic can hinder emergency services from arriving quickly."
Something that delays or obstructs progress or action.
"Lack of funds was a major hindrance to the project."
Understanding of a situation only after it has happened.
"With the benefit of hindsight, we realized the decision was a mistake."
The remote or less developed areas away from the coast or a city.
"The farmers came from the rural hinterland to sell their produce in the city."