English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
The lowest point of a situation or condition.
"The company reached its nadir during the financial crisis."
A flammable oil containing hydrocarbons, obtained from petroleum or coal tar, used as fuel or solvent.
"The factory stored barrels of naphtha for industrial use."
A type of flowering plant with yellow or white blooms, often associated with self-love from Greek mythology.
"A narcissus bloomed in the garden during spring."
Relating to birth or the place of birth.
"She returned to her natal village after many years."
The act or sport of swimming.
"She took lessons in natation to improve her swimming skills."
Neat, stylish, and fashionable in appearance.
"He looked very natty in his new suit."
To make someone feel sick, with an inclination to vomit.
"The spoiled food nauseated him quickly."
the central part of a church building intended to accommodate the congregation
"The choir sang beautifully in the church nave."
The act of expressing negative or pessimistic views.
"His constant naysaying discouraged the team."
a non-breaking space character in HTML used to prevent an automatic line break at its position
"Use in HTML to add a space that won't break into a new line."
A tide just after the first or third quarters of the moon when the difference between high and low tide is least.
"During a neap tide, the water level change is minimal."
Unclear, vague, or ill-defined; resembling a cloud or haze.
"His plan for the future was still nebulous and hard to understand."
An obituary notice or a list of people who have recently died.
"The newspaper published a necrology of notable figures who passed away that year."
a person who practices necromancy; a wizard or magician who claims to communicate with the dead
"The villagers feared the old necromancer who lived at the edge of the forest."
the practice of communicating with the dead, often to predict the future
"Ancient texts described rituals of necromancy performed by priests."
a large ancient cemetery with elaborate tombs
"The archaeologists discovered artifacts in the necropolis of the ancient city."
the death of body tissue due to disease, injury, or lack of blood supply
"The doctor explained that the patient’s wound showed signs of necrosis."
Wicked, criminal, or morally bad.
"The police uncovered a nefarious plot to cheat investors."
A woman's light dressing gown, often made of thin or silky material.
"She wore a silk negligee before going to bed."
A modern interpretation of Darwin's theory of evolution, integrating genetics and natural selection.
"Neo-Darwinism combines Darwin’s theory of natural selection with modern genetics."
The use of Latin language for scholarly, scientific, and literary purposes after the medieval period.
"Many scientific names are derived from Neo-Latin."
A government or leadership run by inexperienced or new officials.
"The sudden revolution led to a neocracy with inexperienced leaders."
A newly coined word or expression.
"The internet has given rise to many neologisms like 'selfie' and 'hashtag'."
The use of new words or the study of their origin.
"The professor specialized in neology, studying the creation of modern slang."
Modern religious movements influenced by or claiming to be derived from the various historical pagan beliefs of pre-modern Europe.
"Neopaganism has gained popularity as people seek spiritual alternatives to mainstream religions."
A beginner or novice in a subject, skill, or belief.
"As a neophyte in programming, she often asked for guidance from her mentor."
a young bird that has not yet left the nest
"The nestling waited for its parent to bring food."
a plant with stinging hairs that cause irritation when touched
"He accidentally brushed against the nettle and felt a sharp sting."
Causing irritation, annoyance, or difficulty.
"The nettlesome rules frustrated the workers."
intense, often intermittent pain along a nerve pathway
"The patient suffers from neuralgia in her face."
Related to brain information processing and memory power
"Neurocognitive functions decline due to lack of sleep."
A technique that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function.
"Neurofeedback enhances cognitive performance and relaxation."
The process of forming new nerve cells in the brain.
"Scientists are studying neurogenesis to understand brain health."
Having the ability to protect nerve cells from damage, degeneration, or impaired function.
"Omega-3 fatty acids have neuroprotective benefits."
Related to the scientific study of the brain and nervous system.
"Neuroscientific research helps understand memory retention."
a small amphibian with a long tail that lives both in water and on land
"The newt swam gracefully in the pond."
relating to the laws of motion and gravitation formulated by Sir Isaac Newton
"The scientist explained the Newtonian laws of motion."
the pointed end of a pen used for writing or drawing
"He dipped the nib into the ink before writing."
a fine or subtle detail, or a refined, delicate aspect of something
"The lawyer explained the legal niceties of the case."
small black seeds with a nutty, slightly bitter flavor, also known as black cumin or black seed
"Sprinkle nigella seeds on top of the bread before baking."
unwilling to spend or give; stingy or miserly
"He was too niggardly to leave a decent tip."
to cause slight but persistent annoyance, discomfort, or worry
"A small doubt niggled at her mind."
a fragrant white flower that blooms at night and releases strong sweet scent
"The night queen flowers filled the garden with their sweet fragrance."
a fragrant flowering tree that blooms at night with small white flowers
"The night-jasmine tree blooms only after sunset with its tiny white flowers."
The rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.
"The philosopher was criticized for promoting nihilism."
A person who rejects all religious and moral principles, often believing that life is meaningless.
"He was called a nihilist for rejecting all social norms."
a silly or foolish person; someone who lacks common sense
"Don't be such a ninny, use your brain!"
The egg or young form of a louse or other parasitic insect.
"The teacher noticed nits in the child’s hair."
To find and criticize small or unimportant faults in someone or something.
"She tends to nitpick about every little detail."