English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
relating to appeals in a court of law
"The case was taken to an appellate court."
to relate to or be connected with something
"The rules only appertain to members of the club."
highly appropriate or relevant to what is being discussed
"Her remark was particularly apposite to the situation."
a grammatical construction in which two elements are placed side by side, with one explaining the other
"In the phrase 'my friend John,' the word 'John' is in apposition to 'my friend.'"
capable of being understood or grasped
"The concept was not easily apprehensible to the new students."
to inform or notify someone
"The manager will apprise the staff of the new policies."
expressing approval or praise
"The teacher gave an approbatory nod after reading the essay."
an accessory or supplementary part of something
"The garage is an appurtenance of the main house."
Additional items or accessories associated with something, often used in a legal or property context.
"The house was sold along with all its appurtenances, including the garage and garden."
Belonging to or associated with something, often used in legal/property contexts.
"The right of way is appurtenant to the landowner’s property."
Appropriate to the situation; relevant. As an adverb, it means 'with reference to' or 'regarding'.
"His comments were not apropos of the discussion."
A system of aquaculture in which the waste produced by farmed fish or other aquatic animals supplies nutrients for plants grown hydroponically.
"Aquaponics efficiently utilizes water by integrating fish and plant farming."
related to or containing water; watery
"The solution was in an aqueous form."
curved like an eagle's beak; hooked
"He had an aquiline nose that gave him a distinguished appearance."
a complex, ornate design featuring intertwined flowing lines, often used in architecture or ballet poses
"The ceiling was decorated with delicate arabesque patterns."
A fragrant white flower native to South and Southeast Asia, commonly used in perfumes and religious ceremonies
"The Arabian jasmine filled the garden with its sweet fragrance."
The quality of land being suitable for growing crops.
"The arability of land depends on soil quality and water availability."
a person who has the authority to settle a dispute or decide an issue
"The principal acted as the arbiter in the conflict between the students."
The simultaneous buying and selling of securities, currency, or commodities in different markets to take advantage of price differences.
"Investors use arbitrage strategies in financial markets."
a shady garden shelter formed by trees, climbing plants, or latticework
"They rested under the arbor covered with roses."
relating to or living in trees
"Monkeys are arboreal animals that spend most of their time in trees."
having the appearance or characteristics of a tree; tree-like
"The coral had an arborescent form that resembled a miniature forest."
a place where trees, shrubs, and plants are grown for scientific study or public display
"We visited the city’s arboretum to learn about exotic trees."
the cultivation and management of trees and shrubs
"He studied arboriculture to improve urban green spaces."
a word, expression, or style of language that is no longer in everyday use
"The poem is full of archaisms that give it an old-fashioned flavor."
A high-ranking angel, often considered a chief messenger or leader among angels.
"Michael is often depicted as the most powerful archangel."
A senior clergyman in the Christian Church ranking below a bishop.
"The archdeacon assisted the bishop in administrative duties."
the specialized vocabulary or jargon of a particular group, especially one with a common interest or occupation
"The thieves communicated in an argot that outsiders could not understand."
a solo vocal piece with instrumental accompaniment, typically in an opera
"The soprano performed a moving aria during the second act."
a band worn around the upper arm as an ornament
"The traditional dancer wore golden armlets that gleamed in the spotlight."
to formally accuse someone in a court of law and ask them to respond to the charges
"The suspect was arraigned before the judge this morning."
complete or utter (used negatively, e.g., 'arrant nonsense')
"His excuse was arrant nonsense."
Lacking a regular rhythm or beat.
"The patient had an arrhythmic heartbeat."
A person who has recently gained wealth or status but is considered arrogant or socially unsophisticated.
"The business world is full of ambitious arrivistes."
To claim or take something without justification.
"The dictator arrogated all powers to himself."
A dry creek or stream bed that temporarily fills with water after heavy rain.
"After the storm, the arroyo quickly filled with rushing water."
Relating to the legendary King Arthur and the stories surrounding him.
"The novel is set in an Arthurian world of knights and castles."
clever or cunning devices or tricks used to deceive others
"The politician's charm was nothing but artifice."
Without deception or pretentiousness; natural and simple.
"Her artless smile made everyone feel at ease."
The quality of being natural and simple without deceit or pretension.
"Her artlessness made her beloved by all."
a plant with large arrow-shaped leaves and a white spathe, also known as taro
"Arum leaves are commonly used in Bengali cuisine for cooking."
a pungent spice derived from the resin of a plant, commonly used in Indian cooking
"A pinch of asafoetida adds a distinctive flavor to the lentil curry."
Practicing strict self-denial and abstaining from worldly pleasures, often for religious reasons.
"He lived an ascetic life in the mountains, far from worldly comforts."
The practice of severe self-discipline and abstaining from indulgence, typically for religious or spiritual reasons.
"Asceticism has been a part of many religious traditions throughout history."
Free from contamination caused by harmful microorganisms; sterile.
"Surgeons must work in an aseptic environment to prevent infection."
a large predatory fish found in coastal waters and estuaries of the Indo-Pacific region, prized for its white meat
"Asian sea bass is highly valued in aquaculture for its fast growth."