CEFR Level
to walk with short steps and a clumsy swaying motion, like a duck
"The duck waddled across the yard."
to walk through water or another substance that impedes movement
"The children waded in the shallow river."
to move gently through the air, carried by a breeze
"The smell of fresh bread wafted through the kitchen."
to move or cause to move rapidly from side to side
"The dog wagged its tail happily."
a prolonged cry of pain, grief, or anger; to cry loudly
"The child's wail could be heard throughout the house."
a decorative chain worn around the waist as jewelry or ornamentation
"The traditional waist chain complemented her ethnic outfit perfectly."
a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt and under a jacket
"He wore a black waistcoat with his suit."
to refrain from insisting on or enforcing something, especially a right or claim
"She decided to waive her right to a lawyer."
a fish that can move on land using its fins and breathe air for extended periods
"The walking-fish can travel across dry land to find new water sources."
to roll about or indulge oneself in something excessively
"The buffalo likes to wallow in the mud on hot days."
looking pale or sickly; lacking color or vitality
"After the long illness, his face looked wan and tired."
A strong desire to travel and explore the world.
"Her wanderlust took her to every corner of the globe."
To decrease gradually in power, intensity, or size.
"The moon wanes after the full moon night."
Deliberate and unprovoked; reckless or cruel.
"The soldiers were accused of wanton destruction."
Having an aggressive or militant nature; inclined to fight or engage in war.
"The tribe was known for its warlike traditions."
To twist or bend out of shape, often due to heat or moisture.
"The wooden door warped in the summer heat."
As a noun: An official authorization or order. As a verb: To justify or make something necessary.
"The judge issued a warrant for his arrest."
Justified or authorized under the circumstances.
"Her anger was warranted after the unfair treatment."
Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.
"She was wary of trusting strangers."
the action of using or expending something carelessly or without purpose
"The company reduced food wastage by implementing better inventory management."
aquatic plant with edible white crisp tubers
"Water chestnuts add a nice crunch to stir-fry dishes."
a waterbird with dark plumage that lives near ponds and wetlands
"The water hen swam gracefully across the pond."
A semi-aquatic leafy vegetable with hollow stems, popular in Asian cuisine
"Water spinach grows well in wet soil."
a floating flower that grows on the surface of ponds and lakes
"The white water-lily floated gracefully on the pond."
An event or period marking a turning point in a situation; also refers to a ridge dividing two drainage areas.
"The independence movement was a watershed in the nation's history."
to become unsteady or indecisive; to hesitate or shake
"She began to waver in her decision to move abroad."
a large white or green gourd with waxy skin, commonly used in Asian cooking
"The wax gourd soup is very nutritious and helps with digestion."
Difficult to control or predict because of unusual or perverse behavior.
"The teacher struggled to manage the wayward students."
To gradually stop a child or animal from breastfeeding; to detach from a habit.
"Parents often wean their babies around six months old."
Causing one to feel tired or bored.
"The long and wearisome lecture put the students to sleep."
The practice of protecting a building and its interior from the elements.
"The house underwent weatherization to improve energy efficiency."
Able to resist or be unaffected by weather, especially rain and wind.
"The materials used are weatherproof, ensuring longevity."
a person who makes cloth by interlacing threads on a loom
"The skilled weaver created intricate patterns on the silk fabric."
a small bird that builds elaborate woven nests from grass and twigs
"The weaver bird skillfully constructs its intricate nest."
the state of being married; matrimony
"They have been happily united in wedlock for twenty years."
a triangular piece of wood or metal used for splitting or securing; a piece of cheese or cake
"He used a wooden wedge to split the log into smaller pieces."
Having or showing good manners; properly raised.
"She is a well-bred young lady with excellent manners."
A person who does good deeds; a benefactor.
"The community praised the well-doer for his charity."
Prosperous, wealthy, or financially comfortable.
"They belong to a well-to-do family in the city."
Immediately after which; as a result of which.
"He confessed his mistake, whereupon she forgave him."
To sharpen the blade of a tool or to stimulate interest or appetite.
"The smell of food whetted my appetite."
the watery part of milk that separates from the curds when making cheese
"Protein powder is often made from whey."
A brief, faint smell or puff of air; to get a quick smell of something.
"I caught a whiff of perfume as she passed by."
a sudden or unpredictable idea, desire, or decision
"She bought the dress on a whim."
playfully unusual or fanciful; unpredictable
"The whimsical painting delighted the children."
In a playful, fanciful, or capricious manner; with sudden changes of mind
"She decorated her room whimsically with colorful balloons."
playful or fanciful behavior or humor
"Her stories were full of whimsy and imagination."
Identifying specific users, software, or IP addresses as safe and trusted
"Only verified applications are allowed through whitelisting."
to cover up faults, errors, or unpleasant facts; to paint with white paint or lime
"The report was criticized for trying to whitewash the company's failures."
to carve or shape something by cutting off small pieces; to gradually reduce
"He spent the afternoon whittling a piece of wood into a toy."
