CEFR Level
to waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive
"He vacillated between studying law and becoming a writer."
The inability to decide between different opinions or actions; indecisiveness.
"His constant vacillation frustrated his colleagues during the meeting."
Having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless.
"She gave a vacuous smile during the serious discussion."
An unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or someone's behavior.
"The vagaries of the weather made planning difficult."
Excessively proud of oneself or one’s achievements; boastful.
"The vainglorious leader boasted about his minor achievements."
Excessive vanity or boastfulness about one's achievements.
"His speech was filled with vainglory and self-praise."
A decorative drapery hung across the top of a window or bed.
"She chose a floral valance to match the curtains in her bedroom."
The act of saying farewell; a formal goodbye.
"The professor gave a touching valediction at his retirement ceremony."
The student with the highest academic achievements in a graduating class, often chosen to give the farewell speech.
"She was honored as the valedictorian of her class."
Serving as a farewell or parting; relating to a valediction.
"He delivered a valedictory speech at the conference."
A person who is unduly anxious about their health or constantly concerned with minor ailments.
"He was regarded as a valetudinarian, always worrying about his health."
showing great courage and bravery
"The valorous soldier led his troop into battle without hesitation."
lacking liveliness, flavor, or interest; dull and uninspired
"The lecture was so vapid that half the audience fell asleep."
consisting of vapor; vague or insubstantial
"The morning air was filled with vaporous mist."
To diversify or mark with different colors or patterns.
"The artist used different shades to variegate the design."
Having different colors, especially in irregular patches or streaks.
"The garden was full of variegated plants."
The appearance of differently colored zones in the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants.
"Variegation makes the foliage look more attractive."
A person or country in a subordinate position to another, especially in feudal times under a lord.
"The king granted land to his vassal in return for loyalty and service."
A type of entertainment popular in the early 20th century, featuring a mixture of comedy, song, dance, and variety acts.
"The vaudeville show included comedians, magicians, and dancers."
to boast or brag about something, especially in an excessive way
"He would often vaunt his achievements in front of his colleagues."
praised or boasted about, especially excessively
"The vaunted technology failed to deliver the expected results."
relating to or consisting of plants or vegetation
"The soup had a distinct vegetal flavor."
to live in a dull, inactive, or unchallenging way, often with little physical or mental effort
"He spent his vacation vegetating on the couch in front of the TV."
A wish or inclination not strong enough to lead to action.
"His interest in painting never grew beyond a mere velleity."
a fine parchment made originally from the skin of a calf, used for writing or printing
"The ancient manuscript was written on vellum."
willing to do dishonest things in return for money; corrupt
"The politician was accused of being venal and corrupt."
the quality of being open to bribery or corruption
"The scandal revealed the venality of several senior officials."
Capable of being sold; marketable.
"Only vendible products were displayed at the trade fair."
The act of selling; sale.
"The auction was a formal vendition of the estate's assets."
relating to sexual intercourse or sexually transmitted diseases
"Doctors warn about the dangers of venereal diseases."
forgivable, not seriously wrong
"Forgetting to call was a venial fault."
relating to the underside or abdominal part of an animal or organ
"The fish has a white ventral surface."
Willing to take risks or try out new and exciting things; adventurous.
"The venturous explorers set out to cross the uncharted desert."
Truthful, honest; habitually speaking the truth.
"She gave a veracious account of what happened that day."
Excessive use of words, often with little content or meaning; wordiness.
"The contract was filled with unnecessary legal verbiage."
Green with grass or other rich vegetation; lush and fertile.
"The hills looked verdant after the monsoon rains."
A green or bluish deposit that forms on copper, brass, or bronze surfaces due to oxidation.
"The old statue was covered in verdigris after years of exposure to the rain."
truly; certainly; without a doubt
"Verily, I say unto you, this is the truth."
appearing to be true or real
"The story seemed verisimilar though it was entirely fictional."
the appearance of being true or real
"The movie was praised for its verisimilitude to actual events."
a true principle or belief; the state of being true
"The verity of his statement was confirmed by evidence."
having a shape or appearance like a worm; worm-like
"The artist used a vermicular design to decorate the border of the manuscript."
The cultivation of earthworms, especially for use in composting organic waste.
"Vermiculture enriches soil with natural nutrients."
a bright red-orange color; a pigment of this color
"The artist used vermillion paint for the sunset."
related to spring; fresh, youthful
"The garden was filled with vernal beauty after the long winter."
Causing dizziness due to great height or steepness.
"The tourists looked down from the vertiginous cliffs with awe."
Great enthusiasm, spirit, or energy in expression or performance.
"The actor performed his role with remarkable verve."
Relating to a small, undeveloped remnant of something that was once much larger or more functional.
"Humans have a vestigial tailbone that no longer serves its original purpose."
a garment, especially a ceremonial or official robe worn during religious services
"The priest wore a golden vestment during the ceremony."
the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried
"She could not hide her vexation after the repeated delays."