CEFR Level
to change direction suddenly, especially to avoid hitting something
"The car swerved to avoid the dog."
to cheat someone out of money or possessions by deceit
"The con artist tried to swindle the old man out of his savings."
a person who cheats or deceives others for money or gain
"The police finally caught the notorious swindler."
Enlarged or puffed up, usually due to injury, inflammation, or fluid accumulation
"Her ankle was swollen after she twisted it during the hike."
A large marine fish with an elongated bill resembling a sword
"The swordfish can swim at speeds up to 60 mph."
A unit of pronunciation having one vowel sound, with or without surrounding consonants, forming the whole or part of a word.
"The word 'computer' has three syllables."
A close and often long-term interaction between two different species that benefits both.
"The clownfish and sea anemone live in a symbiosis that protects both species."
Involving interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association.
"The relationship between the bee and the flower is symbiotic."
The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities; symbolic meaning.
"The dove is a symbol of peace in many cultures."
having parts on either side that match or are the same in shape, size, or arrangement
"The artist designed a symmetrical pattern on the floor."
the quality of having balanced proportions or identical parts facing each other
"The building’s symmetry impressed the visitors."
relating to or having the character of a symphony or symphony orchestra
"The concert featured a symphonic masterpiece."
To cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate; to coordinate in time.
"The dancers synchronized their movements perfectly."
Happening, existing, or arising at the same time.
"The students participated in a synchronous online class."
A group of individuals or organizations combined to promote a common interest or carry out a business venture.
"A syndicate of investors bought the struggling company."
Relating to the interaction of elements that when combined produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects.
"A synergistic effect occurs when nutrients work together."
To combine in such a way that the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects; to work together cooperatively.
"The two companies plan to synergize their efforts for greater success."
Combine in such a way that the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects.
"The teams were synergized to maximize productivity."
The increased effectiveness that results when two or more people or organizations work together.
"The merger created synergy between the two companies."
having the same or nearly the same meaning; closely associated with something
"For many people, her name is synonymous with generosity."
a brief summary of the main points of a text, film, or research
"The publisher asked the author to submit a one-page synopsis of the novel."
the rules for arranging words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language or code
"Clear syntax helps readers understand complex ideas quickly."
To combine different elements to form a new whole.
"The scientist synthesized a new compound in the lab."
Combine (a number of things) into a coherent whole.
"He excels in synthesizing ideas from different sources."
A structured and organized approach to regularly saving money according to a planned schedule
"Systematic savings can mitigate financial crises in old age."
A methodical and organized plan or approach to achieve specific objectives.
"A systematic strategy was employed to achieve objectives."
a striking or artistic scene or arrangement of people or objects, often presented on stage or in art
"The actors froze in a tableau that captured the final moment of the play."
a social or cultural prohibition against certain practices or discussions
"Talking about money is considered a taboo in some cultures."
understood or implied without being stated
"There was a tacit agreement to avoid the subject."
a small sharp nail; or to change direction in sailing or approach something differently
"She used a tack to pin the paper on the wall."
the ability to say or do the right thing without offending others
"She handled the situation with great tact."
showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with others
"He is always tactful when giving feedback."
relating to or involving tactics or strategy
"The team had a tactical plan for the final match."
a person who is skilled at planning and achieving goals, especially in military or business
"Napoleon was a brilliant tactician."
related to or involving the sense of touch
"The fabric had a pleasant tactile quality."
showing a lack of sensitivity in dealing with others
"His tactless remark embarrassed everyone at the meeting."
to damage or spoil something by adding an undesirable quality
"The scandal tainted his reputation."
spoiled, corrupted, or made impure
"The tainted food caused several people to fall ill."
a count or record of a number or amount; a score or total
"Keep a tally of how many books you read this month."
tropical fruit with a brown pod containing a sour pulp used in cooking
"The chef used tamarind paste to add tangy flavor to the curry."
A musical instrument with a circular frame, metal jingles, and a drumhead, played by shaking or striking.
"She played the tambourine during the festival parade."
To interfere with something in a harmful, unauthorized, or improper way.
"The evidence was tampered with before the trial."
Unauthorized alteration or interference with something without permission
"Evidence tampering can lead to serious legal consequences."
a bicycle built for two riders, one behind the other
"The couple enjoyed riding their tandem bicycle through the park."
a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point but does not cross it
"The teacher drew a tangent to the circle on the board."
relating to or along a tangent; slightly or indirectly related to something
"His remarks were tangential to the main topic of discussion."
Having a strong, sharp, and pleasantly biting flavor or taste.
"The sauce had a tangy flavor that brightened the dish."
A person whose job is to tan animal hides to make leather.
"The tanner worked long hours to produce fine leather."
A place where animal hides are processed into leather.
"The tannery produced high-quality leather for export."
To tease or torment someone with the promise of something desirable but unattainable.
"The aroma of the bakery tantalized the hungry children."