CEFR Level
Something that excites desire or interest, often by being just out of reach.
"She wore a tantalizing perfume that caught everyone's attention."
Equivalent in seriousness or effect; virtually the same as.
"His refusal to speak was tantamount to an admission of guilt."
An uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically in a young child.
"The child threw a tantrum when he didn’t get the toy."
To gradually decrease in width, thickness, or intensity.
"The road tapers off as it reaches the mountains."
A piece of thick textile fabric with pictures or designs woven into it, often hung on walls.
"The museum displayed an ancient tapestry from the 15th century."
A large hairy spider found in warm regions.
"The tarantula crawled across the desert floor."
Delayed; arriving or happening late.
"The student received a warning for being tardy to class."
A tax imposed by the government on imported or exported goods, also known as duty, customs tax, or levy.
"The new tariff increased the cost of imported goods."
To lose luster, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture; to damage reputation.
"The silver jewelry tarnished quickly when left in the open air."
A large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant material used for covering or protecting things.
"The workers used a tarpaulin to cover the construction materials from rain."
A torn piece of cloth or clothing; to become ragged or torn.
"The old flag hung in tatters after the storm."
Worn out, shabby, or in poor condition.
"The sofa looked old and tatty after years of use."
to provoke or challenge someone with insulting remarks
"The bully tried to taunt him with cruel words."
Requiring a lot of effort; physically or mentally demanding.
"Preparing for the exam was a taxing experience."
The science or practice of classifying things, especially organisms.
"Modern taxonomy helps scientists organize and study biodiversity."
a small perforated device used to strain tea leaves from brewed tea
"I always use a tea-strainer when pouring tea into cups."
expressing or showing sadness and sorrow; inclined to weep
"She gave a tearful goodbye to her friends at the airport."
Powered or guided by technology; dependent on technological advancement for operation.
"The agricultural sector is becoming more tech-driven for higher efficiency."
A method, skill, or art in a particular field, especially in the arts or sciences.
"The artist’s technic in watercolor impressed the judges."
A small detail of law, rule, or procedure; a minor point that affects an outcome.
"The case was dismissed on a technicality."
Relating to the structure of the earth's crust and the large-scale processes that take place within it.
"Tectonic movements cause earthquakes and mountain formation."
the state of being tedious; monotony or boredom
"The tedium of long meetings often drains motivation."
to be full of or swarming with
"The forest teems with wildlife."
full of or swarming with things or people
"The market was teeming with shoppers."
to move or balance unsteadily; to wobble
"The glass began to teeter on the edge of the table."
the supposed communication of thoughts or ideas by means other than the known senses
"The twins claimed to share telepathy with each other."
the technology and systems for transmitting voice over distances by telephone
"Modern telephony has evolved to include internet-based calls."
Revealing something that is usually hidden; giving away a secret or clue.
"The telltale signs of fatigue were visible on his face."
a person's characteristic mood, disposition, or nature.
"He has a calm temperament that makes him a good leader."
moderation in action, thought, or feeling; restraint, especially regarding alcohol.
"The monk practiced temperance in all aspects of his life."
showing moderation or self-restraint; also describing mild climate.
"He is known for his temperate behavior even in stressful situations."
having a specified temper or disposition; strengthened or moderated.
"She gave a tempered response to the criticism."
a violent storm with strong winds; a state of great disturbance or tumult
"The sailors struggled to navigate through the fierce tempest."
Characterized by strong and turbulent emotions or stormy conditions.
"Their tempestuous relationship often swung between love and anger."
Relating to worldly affairs or to time rather than spiritual matters.
"The monk gave up his temporal possessions to live a simple life."
a person or thing that entices someone into doing something wrong
"The tempter whispered false promises into his ear."
able to be defended or maintained against attack or objection
"His argument was strong and tenable in court."
holding firmly to something; persistent and determined
"She was tenacious in pursuing her goals."
the quality of being persistent, determined, and not easily giving up
"His tenacity helped him succeed despite many failures."
a large building divided into separate apartments, often in poor condition
"The family lived in a crowded tenement in the city."
a principle, belief, or doctrine held to be true
"Honesty is a central tenet of their philosophy."
the general meaning, drift, or character of something; a male singing voice between baritone and alto
"The overall tenor of his speech was hopeful and reassuring."
Not certain or fixed; done without confidence.
"She gave a tentative smile before agreeing."
Very weak, thin, or slight; lacking a strong basis.
"The evidence against him is quite tenuous."
The period of time during which someone holds a position, office, or land.
"His tenure as president lasted for five years."
Lukewarm; showing little enthusiasm or force.
"His speech received only a tepid response from the audience."
the final point or end of something, especially the final station on a railway line
"The train finally arrived at the terminus after a long journey."
Relating to the Earth or land as opposed to the sea or air; living or growing on land.
"Humans are terrestrial beings who live on land."
brief and to the point; sparing in the use of words
"His reply was terse and ended the conversation quickly."
