English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
A young eagle.
"The eaglet waited in the nest for its mother to return."
the range or distance within which a sound can be heard
"The children whispered secrets out of earshot of their parents."
extremely loud or piercing sound
"The earsplitting noise of the fire alarm startled everyone."
the movement of the tide out to sea; a time when the sea level is falling
"During ebb-tide, we could walk further out on the beach."
the quality of being cheerful, enthusiastic, and full of energy
"The teacher's ebullience inspired her students."
cheerful and full of energy
"She was ebullient after receiving the good news."
A member of the clergy or church official.
"The council was attended by several high-ranking ecclesiastics."
Brilliant success, acclaim, or great public approval.
"The artist's debut performance was met with great éclat."
A method or practice of deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
"The architect’s work shows eclecticism by blending modern and traditional elements."
The apparent path of the sun across the sky; relating to eclipses or this path.
"The ecliptic is the plane of Earth's orbit around the Sun."
The study of the effects of chemical pollution on the environment.
"Ecotoxicology studies the effects of pesticides on wildlife."
Promoting unity among different Christian churches or religions.
"The leaders gathered for an ecumenical conference to encourage dialogue."
A circular movement of water, air, or smoke, counter to the main current, causing a small whirlpool or turbulence.
"The canoe was caught in an eddy near the rocks."
To instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually.
"Good books can both entertain and edify the reader."
Providing moral or intellectual instruction or enlightenment.
"The documentary was both entertaining and edifying."
To draw out or bring forth something latent or hidden.
"The teacher tried to educe a response from the shy student."
To erase or wipe out something; to make oneself inconspicuous.
"Time had effaced the letters on the old gravestone."
erasing or making oneself inconspicuous; to remove or diminish in significance
"She kept effacing herself during the meeting so that others could shine."
producing a desired or intended effect, often used in formal contexts
"Her effectual efforts brought peace to the community."
to put into force or cause to happen; to bring about
"The manager effectuated the changes to improve efficiency."
The quality of showing traits traditionally associated with women, such as delicacy or softness.
"In ancient times, effeminacy was often criticized as a sign of weakness."
Having traits, tastes, or habits traditionally considered feminine, often used negatively for men.
"The critics described him as effeminate due to his gentle manner."
To give off bubbles of gas; to show excitement, liveliness, or enthusiasm.
"The soda began to effervesce as soon as it was opened."
The release of gas bubbles; vivacity or high-spiritedness.
"Her effervescence made her the life of the party."
Giving off bubbles; lively, enthusiastic, and full of energy.
"She had an effervescent personality that brightened every room."
Lacking vitality, strength, or effectiveness; weak and overrefined.
"The empire became effete after centuries of indulgence."
Effective in producing the desired result.
"The medicine proved efficacious in treating the disease."
the process of flowering or reaching an optimal stage of development
"The garden was at the peak of its efflorescence in spring."
in the process of blooming or flourishing
"The efflorescent trees made the park look beautiful."
an unpleasant or harmful odor, secretion, or discharge
"The effluvium from the factory spread across the neighborhood."
shameless or rude boldness
"He had the effrontery to lie even when caught red-handed."
Brilliant radiance or shining brightness.
"The effulgence of the sunrise lit up the entire valley."
Shining brilliantly; radiant.
"Her effulgent smile brightened everyone's mood."
To pour out or express feelings freely and openly.
"She effused gratitude for the help she received."
An unrestrained outpouring of words, feelings, or emotions.
"His letter was an effusion of love and longing."
Expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.
"She gave him an effusive welcome after his long journey."
The action of going out or leaving a place; an exit.
"The emergency door provided an egress for the trapped workers."
The action of suddenly saying something or the release of semen during sexual climax.
"His sudden ejaculation of joy surprised everyone in the room."
A chemical decomposition produced by passing an electric current through a liquid or solution.
"Electrolysis is used to separate hydrogen from water."
A duplicate printing plate made by electroplating a mold of the original.
"The printer used an electrotype to produce multiple copies of the page."
Relating to charity; dependent on or supported by charity.
"The hospital was founded as an eleemosynary institution."
Expressing sorrow, often for something past; resembling an elegy.
"The novel ends on an elegiac note, mourning the lost era."
A poem or song expressing sorrow, especially for someone who has died.
"The poet wrote an elegy for his late friend."
a tropical fruit with a hard shell and acidic flesh
"Elephant apple is used to make delicious jams and pickles."
Huge, clumsy, or resembling an elephant in size or movement.
"The man moved with an elephantine grace."
A magical or medicinal potion believed to cure illnesses or grant immortality.
"The old legend spoke of an elixir that could grant eternal youth."
The skill of clear and expressive speech, especially in public speaking.
"She improved her elocution through constant practice."
The act of escaping or avoiding something, especially by cleverness or trickery.
"His constant elusion of responsibility frustrated his colleagues."
Relating to or characteristic of paradise; delightful and heavenly.
"They spent an elysian week on the quiet island."
A place or state of perfect happiness; in Greek mythology, the afterlife paradise.
"For her, the garden was a personal elysium."