CEFR Level
a reddish-brown dye made from the powdered leaves of a tropical shrub, used to color hair and decorate skin
"The bride's hands were beautifully decorated with intricate henna patterns for her wedding ceremony."
To continually criticize, nag, or dominate (especially a husband).
"He felt henpecked by his overly controlling wife."
A polygon with seven sides and seven angles.
"The math teacher drew a heptagon on the board."
A group of seven rulers or governments, especially the seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in early England.
"The history book described the heptarchy of Anglo-Saxon England."
Relating to or resembling herbs; plants with soft, non-woody stems.
"The garden was filled with herbaceous plants that thrived in the summer."
A collection of preserved plant specimens and associated data used for scientific study.
"The university maintains a large herbarium for research and education."
Requiring great strength or effort; very difficult to perform.
"It was a herculean task to rebuild the city after the disaster."
Relating to or characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards, especially in religion.
"The priest condemned the book as heretical."
Completely sealed, especially so that no air can enter or escape.
"The medicine was kept in a hermetic container."
In a way that is completely airtight or sealed off.
"The jars were hermetically sealed to preserve freshness."
A secluded residence or retreat, often for a hermit or religious recluse.
"The monk spent years in a hermitage deep in the forest."
A scientist who studies reptiles and amphibians.
"The herpetologist discovered a new species of frog in the rainforest."
a strong coarse fabric made from jute or hemp, used for sacks and wrapping
"The farmer stored grain in hessian sacks."
not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs
"The professor was known for his heterodox views on religion."
the quality or state of being diverse in character or content
"The cultural heterogeneity of the city makes it vibrant and unique."
Having different forms or shapes, especially in the same species or organism.
"Butterflies are heteromorphic during their life cycle, changing forms from larva to adult."
Enabling a person to discover or learn something for themselves; using practical experience rather than theory.
"The scientist used a heuristic approach to solve the problem."
To chop or cut something, especially wood or stone, with a tool.
"The workers hewed logs to build the cabin."
Having six angles or corners.
"The artist designed a hexangular frame for the mirror."
An insect or other organism with six legs.
"The scientist observed a hexapod crawling on the leaf."
the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor; prime time
"During her heyday as a singer, she performed in sold-out concerts around the world."
Relating to or occurring in winter.
"The hibernal season is often harsh in the mountains."
Relating to Ireland or the Irish.
"He enjoyed reading about Hibernian culture and history."
unsophisticated person from a rural area; country bumpkin
"He had a hick accent from growing up in a small town."
unwilling or unable to change because of tradition or convention
"He is too hidebound to accept new ideas."
to go quickly; hasten
"He hied to the station to catch the train."
A picture or symbol used in ancient writing systems, especially Egyptian writing.
"The walls of the temple were covered in hieroglyphs."
Relating to or written in hieroglyphs; symbols or writing that is difficult to understand.
"The archaeologists studied the hieroglyphic inscriptions carefully."
Using fancy or pretentious language; lofty in style but often overblown.
"The politician gave a high-flown speech full of promises."
intellectually superior or cultured; often describing art, literature, or activities appealing to intellectual tastes
"The museum is known for its highbrow exhibitions."
Extreme amusement, especially when expressed by laughter.
"The movie caused great hilarity among the audience."
A small hill or mound.
"The children climbed up the grassy hillock to watch the sunset."
a popular fish species found in South Asian rivers, especially prized in Bengali cuisine
"Hilsa fish is considered a delicacy in Bengali culture."
a female deer, especially a red deer
"The hind protected her fawn from predators."
Farthest back; last in position.
"The hindmost car in the convoy broke down first."
A person who works for payment only, often with little loyalty or principle.
"The mercenary was dismissed as just a hireling with no real loyalty."
Having a lot of hair, especially in an unusual place.
"The hirsute man stood out in the crowd with his long beard."
Overly dramatic or theatrical in behavior or style.
"Her histrionic reaction to the small problem surprised everyone."
gray or white with age; very old and respected
"The hoary oak tree stood as a witness to centuries of history."
to walk awkwardly with difficulty, usually due to injury
"He hobbled across the room after twisting his ankle."
A confusing mixture of different things; a jumble.
"The essay was a hodgepodge of unrelated ideas."
a gardening tool with a thin metal blade used for breaking up soil and removing weeds
"The farmer used a hoe to remove weeds from his vegetable garden."
tropical fruit with yellow skin and sour taste
"Hog plums are often used to make pickles and chutneys."
A large cask or barrel, traditionally used for storing liquids like wine or beer.
"The cellar was filled with hogsheads of ale."
A holder or case for carrying a gun, typically worn on a belt or shoulder.
"The sheriff kept his revolver in a leather holster."
The ability of a living system or organism to maintain internal stability despite changes in external conditions.
"Sweating helps the body maintain homeostasis in hot weather."
Simple and unsophisticated; made at home rather than in a factory.
"She wore a homespun dress to the village festival."
A religious or moral lecture; a sermon.
"The priest delivered a touching homily on kindness."
The quality or state of being all the same or all of the same kind.
"The cultural homogeneity of the village made it feel unified."
To make uniform or similar by blending or mixing different elements.
"The company tried to homogenize its products across global markets."
