CEFR Level
A beginner or novice in a subject, skill, or belief.
"As a neophyte in programming, she often asked for guidance from her mentor."
a young bird that has not yet left the nest
"The nestling waited for its parent to bring food."
situated down or below; lower
"They explored the nether regions of the cave."
a plant with stinging hairs that cause irritation when touched
"He accidentally brushed against the nettle and felt a sharp sting."
Causing irritation, annoyance, or difficulty.
"The nettlesome rules frustrated the workers."
intense, often intermittent pain along a nerve pathway
"The patient suffers from neuralgia in her face."
Related to brain information processing and memory power
"Neurocognitive functions decline due to lack of sleep."
A technique that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function.
"Neurofeedback enhances cognitive performance and relaxation."
The process of forming new nerve cells in the brain.
"Scientists are studying neurogenesis to understand brain health."
Having the ability to protect nerve cells from damage, degeneration, or impaired function.
"Omega-3 fatty acids have neuroprotective benefits."
Related to the scientific study of the brain and nervous system.
"Neuroscientific research helps understand memory retention."
a small amphibian with a long tail that lives both in water and on land
"The newt swam gracefully in the pond."
relating to the laws of motion and gravitation formulated by Sir Isaac Newton
"The scientist explained the Newtonian laws of motion."
the pointed end of a pen used for writing or drawing
"He dipped the nib into the ink before writing."
a fine or subtle detail, or a refined, delicate aspect of something
"The lawyer explained the legal niceties of the case."
small black seeds with a nutty, slightly bitter flavor, also known as black cumin or black seed
"Sprinkle nigella seeds on top of the bread before baking."
unwilling to spend or give; stingy or miserly
"He was too niggardly to leave a decent tip."
to cause slight but persistent annoyance, discomfort, or worry
"A small doubt niggled at her mind."
a fragrant white flower that blooms at night and releases strong sweet scent
"The night queen flowers filled the garden with their sweet fragrance."
a fragrant flowering tree that blooms at night with small white flowers
"The night-jasmine tree blooms only after sunset with its tiny white flowers."
The rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.
"The philosopher was criticized for promoting nihilism."
A person who rejects all religious and moral principles, often believing that life is meaningless.
"He was called a nihilist for rejecting all social norms."
a silly or foolish person; someone who lacks common sense
"Don't be such a ninny, use your brain!"
The egg or young form of a louse or other parasitic insect.
"The teacher noticed nits in the child’s hair."
To find and criticize small or unimportant faults in someone or something.
"She tends to nitpick about every little detail."
Having an extremely unpleasant smell; offensive or harmful.
"The dump emitted a noisome odor that spread through the town."
A system of names or terms used in a particular science, art, or field.
"The chemical nomenclature can be difficult for beginners to understand."
Relating to laws, rules, or systems.
"The philosopher discussed the nomic necessity of natural laws."
a statement or conclusion that does not logically follow from the previous statement
"His comment about the weather was a complete non sequitur during the budget discussion."
a person not engaged in fighting during a war, such as civilians or medical staff
"The Red Cross workers were treated as non-combatants in the conflict."
the period of being under the legal age of majority; youth or immaturity
"During his nonage, all legal decisions were made by his guardian."
Not expressing or showing a clear opinion, decision, or commitment.
"She gave a noncommittal reply when asked about her future plans."
Lacking distinctive or interesting features; dull and unremarkable.
"He lives in a nondescript apartment building on the edge of town."
A person or thing of no importance or significance.
"Once a powerful leader, he is now treated as a political nonentity."
Having no equal; unrivaled or matchless.
"Her beauty was considered nonpareil in the region."
To surprise and confuse someone so much that they are unsure how to react.
"The unexpected question seemed to nonplus the speaker."
Past tense of nonplus; surprised and confused.
"She was completely nonplused by his sudden decision."
Past tense of nonplus; surprised and unsure how to react.
"He stood nonplussed at the strange remark."
Not simple or easy; requiring effort or significant thought.
"Solving the equation turned out to be a nontrivial task."
a small bunch of flowers, typically given as a gift or carried for decoration
"She carried a nosegay of fresh roses to the ceremony."
a medicine or remedy, especially one that is not considered effective; a questionable solution
"The politician’s plan was dismissed as a mere nostrum for a complex problem."
A short novel or long short story.
"The author published a novellette as a preview of her upcoming series."
of a young woman, sexually mature and suitable for marriage
"The village was celebrating the festival with its nubile maidens dancing."
to form into a nucleus or bring together into a central part
"The droplets began to nucleate around tiny particles in the air."
Of little or no value; worthless or insignificant.
"His efforts were nugatory and did not change the outcome."
capable of being counted; countable
"The stars in the sky are not numerable."
the action or process of counting or assigning numbers
"The teacher explained the basics of numeration to the students."
having a strong spiritual or mysterious quality
"The temple had a numinous atmosphere that inspired awe."
relating to the study or collection of coins, currency, and medals
"He has a numismatic collection of rare coins from around the world."
A person who studies or collects coins, paper currency, and medals.
"The numismatist displayed his rare coin collection at the exhibition."
