English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
The full name of the cello, a large string instrument played with a bow and held between the knees.
"He practiced the violoncello for hours each day."
a loud, overbearing woman; historically, a strong or courageous woman
"The play depicted the heroine as a fierce virago who defied tradition."
having traditionally masculine qualities, such as strength, energy, and sexual vigor
"The actor was admired for his virile appearance."
a love of or taste for fine art, antiques, or curiosities
"The collector’s house was filled with objects of virtu."
The severity or harmfulness of a disease or poison.
"Scientists studied the virulence of the new virus strain."
A person's face or facial expression.
"Her stern visage intimidated the children."
Having a thick, sticky consistency.
"The sap had a viscid texture that stuck to his hands."
A British nobleman ranking below an earl and above a baron.
"The viscount inherited the estate from his father."
Related to understanding the relationship between space and objects through vision.
"Good visuospatial skills are important for architecture and design."
To give life, energy, or strength to something.
"Fresh air and exercise can vitalize the body and mind."
to spoil, weaken, or make something less effective
"One careless remark can vitiate the entire argument."
having a glass-like appearance or quality
"The mineral has a vitreous shine."
to turn into glass or a glass-like substance by heat
"Sand can vitrify under intense heat."
filled with bitter criticism or malice
"His vitriolic remarks hurt everyone in the room."
Deserving of blame, censure, or harsh criticism.
"His reckless actions made him vituperable in the eyes of his colleagues."
To criticize harshly or abuse verbally.
"The politician was quick to vituperate his opponents during the debate."
Characterized by abusive or harsh language.
"The teacher’s vituperative remarks left the students in tears."
An oral examination, typically for an academic qualification.
"Viva Voce tests communication skills."
to give life or energy to something; to animate or enliven
"The teacher’s enthusiasm helped vivify the boring lecture."
the practice of performing operations on live animals for scientific research
"Vivisection has long been a controversial topic among scientists and animal rights activists."
a word, term, or sound that has meaning
"The dictionary contained thousands of vocables from different languages."
relating to a case in grammar used for directly addressing someone
"In Latin, the vocative case is used when directly calling someone by name."
the act of shouting or making a loud outcry
"The vociferance of the protesters filled the streets."
to shout, complain, or argue loudly or vehemently
"The protesters vociferated against the unfair law."
expressing feelings or opinions in a loud and forceful way
"The vociferous crowd demanded justice."
able to fly or moving swiftly
"The volant bird soared gracefully across the sky."
The power or faculty of using one's will; the act of making a conscious choice.
"She signed the agreement of her own volition."
Relating to the will or the exercise of the will.
"The treaty was signed under volitive agreement between both nations."
The quality of talking fluently, readily, or incessantly.
"His volubility made him a successful radio host."
Speaking or spoken incessantly and fluently.
"She became more voluble as the evening progressed."
Relating to or characterized by luxury and sensual pleasure; sexually attractive.
"The artist painted a voluptuous figure reclining on the couch."
A devoted follower or admirer of someone or something.
"He is a votary of classical music and attends every concert."
Offered or dedicated in fulfillment of a vow.
"She lit a votive candle in the church as a prayer."
to grant or give something in a gracious or condescending manner
"He vouchsafed them a rare smile."
a homeless, neglected, or abandoned person, often a child
"The young waif wandered the streets in search of food."
beads made by Native Americans from shells, used as money or decoration
"The tribe traded furs for wampum."
To achieve something by clever or sometimes dishonest persuasion or trickery.
"He wangled a free ticket to the concert."
The quality of being reckless, cruel, or deliberately malicious.
"His wantonness shocked everyone at the gathering."
To sing or whistle with a quavering voice or with trills.
"The bird warbled a sweet tune in the morning."
A person who advocates or promotes war or conflict.
"The leader was criticized as a warmonger by his opponents."
A network of interconnected rabbit burrows; also used metaphorically for a densely populated building or district.
"The old part of the city is a warren of narrow streets."
A person who wastes time, money, or resources; an idler or spendthrift.
"The young man was dismissed as a wastrel by his family."
a small wave or ripple on the surface of water or another medium
"The pond was disturbed only by the tiny wavelets caused by the breeze."
to stop or interrupt someone unexpectedly, often to attack or detain them
"He was waylaid by reporters as he left the courthouse."
Lacking determination or courage; easily frightened or yielding.
"The leader was criticized for being weak-kneed in the face of opposition."
A raised mark on the skin left after a blow; or general well-being and prosperity.
"The charity worked for the common weal of the community."
A raised mark on the skin, usually from a blow or allergic reaction.
"He had a red welt on his arm after the bee sting."