CEFR Level
a railing supported by posts at the side of a staircase or balcony
"She held the banister tightly while going down the stairs."
playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks
"The colleagues enjoyed some light banter during the meeting."
characterized by good-humored teasing or joking
"They had a bantering conversation at the café."
a sharp projection such as on a fishhook; a cutting remark
"The fishhook has a small barb to keep the fish from escaping."
a person from an uncivilized group; someone who is cruel or brutal
"The ancient Romans considered anyone outside their empire to be barbarians."
the state of being bare or uncovered; lack of decoration, warmth, or concealment
"The bareness of the room made it feel cold and unwelcoming."
a male singing voice between tenor and bass
"The singer’s baritone voice impressed the audience."
an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure
"The barometer indicated a storm was approaching."
relating to a highly ornate and extravagant style of art, architecture, or music from the 17th and early 18th centuries; excessively elaborate or complex
"The church was decorated in a baroque style with intricate details."
a concentrated outpouring of questions, criticisms, or blows; a rapid, continuous attack
"The politician faced a barrage of tough questions from reporters."
too poor to produce much or any vegetation; unproductive or empty
"The land was barren and could not support crops."
except for; if not for
"Barring a miracle, the team will not win the championship."
A type of lawyer in certain legal systems who specializes in courtroom advocacy and litigation.
"The barrister argued the case passionately before the judge."
To exchange goods or services without using money.
"They bartered their crops for handmade tools."
A system of exchange where goods and services are traded directly without using money.
"Ancient civilizations used the barter system for trade."
A narrow board running along the bottom of an interior wall, covering the joint between wall and floor.
"The carpenter painted the baseboard white."
without foundation; groundless; unfounded
"The accusations against him were completely baseless."
shy, easily embarrassed, or reluctant to draw attention
"She gave a bashful smile when he complimented her."
small black seeds from the basil plant, often used in drinks and desserts
"I added basil seeds to my lemonade for a refreshing drink."
to lie in and enjoy warmth or to take great pleasure in something
"She basked in the sun on the beach."
a child born to unmarried parents (offensive); also used informally as an insult or to describe something unpleasant
"He called him a bastard in anger."
a stronghold or fortification; a place or institution strongly defending particular principles
"The castle stood as a bastion against enemy attacks."
A thin stick carried by a conductor to direct an orchestra, or used as a symbol of authority.
"The conductor raised his baton to begin the symphony."
A large body of soldiers ready for battle, typically consisting of several companies.
"The battalion was deployed to the front line."
to shout or cry loudly
"The baby bawled all night, keeping everyone awake."
to signal or call someone to come closer, often with a gesture; to attract or invite
"She beckoned him to come closer with a wave of her hand."
the framework of a bed; a bed frame without bedding
"The wooden bed stead was very sturdy."
confined to bed; unable to leave one's bed due to illness or infirmity
"The elderly man has been bedridden for several months."
the solid rock layer beneath the soil; the fundamental basis of something
"Trust is the bedrock of a healthy relationship."
appropriate; suitable; proper for a particular situation or person
"He wore formal attire befitting the important occasion."
to bring about or give rise to; to father or produce
"Violence begets more violence."
to resent someone for having something; to give reluctantly
"She did not begrudge him his success."
to cut off a person's or animal's head; to remove the leader or most important part
"The historical account describes how the traitor was beheaded as punishment."
to see or observe something, especially something remarkable or impressive
"She stood quietly to behold the sunrise over the hills."
coming or happening later than expected or usual
"She sent me a belated birthday card."
to expel air noisily from the stomach through the mouth; to emit or pour out suddenly and forcefully
"After drinking the soda, he belched loudly."
To make someone or something seem less important or less valuable.
"He often belittled his coworkers to feel superior."
Hostile and aggressive; eager to fight.
"She became belligerent when the waiter got her order wrong."
To express discontent or sorrow over something.
"Critics bemoaned the lack of diversity in the film."
confused, puzzled, or lost in thought
"She looked bemused when he asked the strange question."
Easily curved or flexible.
"The bendy straw made it easier to drink from the cup."
a person who gives money or help to a cause or individual
"The school received a large donation from an anonymous benefactor."
the quality of being kind and generous
"Her benevolence toward the poor inspired many others to help."
well-meaning and kindly; generous
"The benevolent teacher helped students beyond the classroom."
Gentle, kind, or not harmful (especially of a disease or tumor).
"The doctor assured her that the tumor was benign."
to leave something, especially property or money, to someone in a will
"He bequeathed his entire estate to his children."
to scold or criticize angrily
"The teacher berated the student for being late."
to deprive someone of a loved one through death
"She was bereaved of her husband last year."
suffering the loss of a loved one through death
"The bereaved mother wept silently at the funeral."
The state of having lost a loved one through death.
"She received many letters of sympathy during her time of bereavement."
