apologue
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C2 noun /ˈæpəˌlɔːɡ/

apologue

Meaning
a short moral story or fable intended to teach a lesson
Example
The teacher used an old apologue to explain honesty to the children.
C1 verb /kənˈstruː/

construe

Meaning
to interpret or understand the meaning of something in a particular way
Example
His words could be construed as a threat.
C2 noun /ˈɛpəlɛt/

epaulette

Meaning
A variant spelling of epaulet, also meaning a shoulder ornament, especially on military uniforms.
Example
The officer’s epaulette shone brightly under the sunlight.
C2 noun /dɪˈsɛnʃən/

dissension

Meaning
Strong disagreement or difference of opinion, especially leading to discord within a group.
Example
The meeting ended in dissension among the committee members.
C1 adjective /θiːˈmætɪk/

thematic

Meaning
Relating to or based on a theme.
Example
The book is organized into thematic chapters.
C1 verb /dɪˈflɛkt/

deflect

Meaning
to cause something to change direction; to avoid answering directly
Example
The shield deflected the incoming arrow.
C1 noun /pʌn/

pun

Meaning
A humorous use of words that suggests different meanings or words that sound alike.
Example
He made a clever pun about the bakery's bread rising.
C1 verb /ˈɡɑː.nɪʃ/

garnish

Meaning
To decorate food with small items for added flavor or visual appeal.
Example
She garnished the dish with fresh coriander leaves.
C1 noun /kəˈlɪɡrəfi/

calligraphy

Meaning
The art of beautiful and decorative handwriting.
Example
She took a course to improve her calligraphy skills.
C1 adjective /ˈlætərəl/

lateral

Meaning
Relating to the side or sideways movement.
Example
The football player made a quick lateral pass.
B2 adverb /ˈbɪt.ə.li/

Bitterly

Meaning
in an angry, hurt, or resentful way; extremely; severely
Example
She complained bitterly about the unfair treatment.
C1 noun /ˈædɪdʒ/

adage

Meaning
a short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice
Example
The old adage says that honesty is the best policy.
C1 noun /saɪð/

scythe

Meaning
A tool with a long curved blade used for cutting grass or grain.
Example
The farmer sharpened his scythe before harvesting the wheat.
C2 verb /kənˈvoʊk/

convoke

Meaning
to call together or summon a meeting or assembly
Example
The committee convoked an emergency session to discuss the crisis.
B2 noun /ˈdɪdʒɪt/

digit

Meaning
a numeral from 0 to 9; also a finger or toe
Example
You must enter a four-digit code to unlock the phone.
C2 adjective /ˈspiːʃəs/

specious

Meaning
Superficially plausible but actually false; misleading in appearance.
Example
The politician’s argument was specious, sounding convincing but lacking real evidence.
C1 noun sælˈveɪʃən

salvation

Meaning
Deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ.
Example
The story revolves around the theme of salvation.
C1 verb /ˈflʌtər/

flutter

Meaning
to move or flap quickly and lightly; to beat or wave with small rapid motions
Example
The butterfly began to flutter its wings in the sunlight.
B1 verb /əˈsuːm/

assume

Meaning
to think that something is true without proof
Example
I assume he will be late to the meeting.
B2 noun ˈɡrætɪtjuːd

gratitude

Meaning
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation.
Example
Gratitude towards the martyrs is a moral duty.
C2 adjective /ˈkoʊməˌtoʊs/

comatose

Meaning
In a state of deep unconsciousness, resembling or related to coma.
Example
The comatose patient was kept under constant observation.
C2 verb /ʌnˈkaʊtʃ/

uncouch

Meaning
to remove from a couch or to release from being laid down (rare/archaic usage)
Example
The surgeon attempted to uncouch the cataract.
C2 noun /ˌdɛspəˈrɑːdoʊ/

desperado

Meaning
A bold, reckless, or dangerous person, often a criminal.
Example
The sheriff was determined to capture the desperado who terrorized the town.
B1 noun /blæk ˈber.i/

Black berry

Meaning
a small dark purple or black fruit that grows on bushes
Example
We picked fresh blackberries from the garden for our pie.
C2 adjective /ˌvɪtriˈɑːlɪk/

vitriolic

Meaning
filled with bitter criticism or malice
Example
His vitriolic remarks hurt everyone in the room.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnstənsi/

constancy

Meaning
the quality of being faithful and dependable
Example
Her constancy in friendship is admirable.
A2 adverb /ˈnaʊədeɪz/

Now-a-days

Meaning
at the present time; in these times
Example
Now-a-days, people prefer online shopping.
B1 adjective /ˈdiː.teɪld/

detailed

Meaning
Having many details; very thorough.
Example
The report provided a detailed analysis of the situation.
C1 verb /dɪˈpoʊz/

depose

Meaning
to remove someone from office or power, especially suddenly and forcefully
Example
The rebels managed to depose the dictator after years of unrest.
C2 verb /ˈnɔːzieɪt/

nauseate

Meaning
To make someone feel sick, with an inclination to vomit.
Example
The spoiled food nauseated him quickly.
C1 adjective /ˈɑːtfəl/

Artful

Meaning
clever or skillful, especially in a cunning way
Example
She gave an artful answer that avoided the real question.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈkɛmpt/

unkempt

Meaning
Having an untidy or disheveled appearance.
Example
He looked unkempt after sleeping outdoors all night.
A2 adverb /əˈkrɒs/

Across

Meaning
from one side to the other side of something; in every part of a place
Example
The bridge stretches across the river.
C1 adjective /ɪˈniː.bri.eɪ.tɪd/

inebriated

Meaning
under the influence of alcohol; drunk
Example
He stumbled into the room completely inebriated.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈtækt/

intact

Meaning
Remaining whole, complete, and undamaged.
Example
Despite the storm, the old house remained intact.
A2 noun /ˈleɪ.di/

Lady

Meaning
a woman, especially one of refined or gentle manners; a polite term for any woman
Example
The elderly lady crossed the street with the help of her walking stick.
B1 adjective dəˈmes.tɪk

domestic

Meaning
Existing or occurring inside a particular country; not foreign or international.
Example
Domestic investments stabilize the economy.
C1 verb /skɔːrtʃ/

scorch

Meaning
to burn the surface of something slightly
Example
The fire scorched the walls of the building.
B2 noun /ˈkænjən/

canyon

Meaning
A deep gorge, typically one with a river flowing through it.
Example
The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years.
C1 noun /liˈeɪzɒn/

liaison

Meaning
communication or cooperation between people or groups for a smooth working relationship
Example
She works as a liaison between the company and its clients.
C1 noun /ˌrɛfjʊˈteɪʃən/

refutation

Meaning
The act of proving a statement or argument to be false or incorrect.
Example
Her essay was a strong refutation of the opposing theory.
B1 adjective /əˈmjuː.zɪŋ/

Amusing

Meaning
causing laughter or providing entertainment; funny; enjoyable
Example
The children found the clown's performance very amusing.
C2 verb /lɑːl/

loll

Meaning
To sit, lie, or stand in a lazy, relaxed way.
Example
He lolled on the sofa after a long day at work.
C1 noun/verb /ɡrʌdʒ/

grudge

Meaning
A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment from a past insult or injury.
Example
She still holds a grudge against him for what happened years ago.
A1 noun /waɪf/

wife

Meaning
a woman who is married to someone
Example
She is the wife of the famous author.
A2 adjective /wiːk/

Weak

Meaning
lacking physical strength; not strong; fragile
Example
After the illness, he felt weak and tired.
A2 adverb /ˈiːkwəli/

equally

Meaning
in an equal or fair way; to the same degree
Example
The prize money was equally divided among the winners.
C2 adjective /fækˈtɪʃəs/

factitious

Meaning
artificial or fabricated; not natural or genuine
Example
The excitement in his story seemed factitious and forced.
B1 adverb /ˈɡreɪtli/

greatly

Meaning
to a large extent or degree; very much
Example
She was greatly admired by her students.
C1 adjective /ˈsaɪt.ləs/

Sightless

Meaning
unable to see; blind; lacking vision
Example
The sightless man navigated the street with his guide dog.
B1 noun /ˈkɛmɪkəl/

chemical

Meaning
a substance produced by or used in a chemical process
Example
The factory releases harmful chemicals into the river.
C1 noun /ˈoʊ.mən/

Omen

Meaning
an event regarded as a sign of future good or bad luck
Example
Many people consider a black cat crossing your path a bad omen.
B2 noun /ˈɡæmblɪŋ/

gambling

Meaning
the activity of betting money or valuables on an outcome, often involving risk
Example
He got addicted to gambling at the casino.
C1 adjective /ˈpəʊtəbl/

potable

Meaning
safe to drink; drinkable
Example
The villagers did not have access to potable water.
B1 adjective, verb /əˈproʊpriət/ (adj), /əˈproʊprieɪt/ (verb)

appropriate

Meaning
suitable or proper in the circumstances (adj); to take something for one’s own use, often without permission (verb)
Example
Wearing formal clothes was appropriate for the ceremony.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈtaɪtəld/

entitled

Meaning
having the right to do or have something; feeling deserving of special treatment
Example
Employees are entitled to paid leave.
C1 noun /rɪˈmɔːrs/

Remorse

Meaning
deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed; bitter regret for something done
Example
He felt deep remorse for his actions.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrsɪkjuːt/

persecute

Meaning
to treat someone cruelly or unfairly, especially because of their religion, race, or beliefs
Example
Many people were persecuted for their faith during that time.
C1 noun /kɑːrˈtɒɡrəfi/

cartography

Meaning
The science or practice of drawing maps.
Example
She studied cartography at university to learn how to design maps.
B2 adjective /kənˈvɜːrtəbl/

convertible

Meaning
able to be changed into a different form or use; also a car with a roof that can be folded down
Example
She drove her new convertible along the coastal road.
B1 noun /ɪˈskeɪp/

Escape

Meaning
an act of breaking free from confinement or control; a way out
Example
The prisoner's escape from the jail shocked the authorities.
B1 noun /ˈæl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tər/

Alligator

Meaning
a large reptile similar to a crocodile but with a shorter, wider head
Example
The alligator basked in the sun on the riverbank.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəfɪˈzɪʃən/

metaphysician

Meaning
A person who studies or is an expert in metaphysics.
Example
The metaphysician debated the essence of reality with his peers.
C2 noun /ˈsɛntɔːr/

centaur

Meaning
A mythological creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse.
Example
The centaur is a well-known figure in Greek mythology.
C1 noun /vəˈræs.ə.ti/

veracity

Meaning
Conformity to facts; accuracy and truthfulness.
Example
The journalist checked the veracity of the report.
C2 adjective, noun /ˈænθrəpɔɪd/

anthropoid

Meaning
Resembling a human being in form; a primate such as apes and monkeys.
Example
The gorilla is considered an anthropoid ape.
C2 verb /ɪnˈtræp/

entrap

Meaning
To catch or trick someone into a difficult situation.
Example
The police tried to entrap the criminal with false evidence.
B1 adjective dɪˈleɪd

delayed

Meaning
Late or postponed; happening later than planned or expected.
Example
The Artemis mission was delayed due to technical challenges.
B2 adjective /ˈlɪt.ər.ət/

Literate

Meaning
able to read and write; educated; well-educated
Example
She is a very literate person who reads extensively.
C1 noun /ˈmʌltɪplaɪər/

multiplier

Meaning
a number or factor by which another number is multiplied; something that increases the effect or value of something else
Example
In economics, government spending can act as a multiplier for economic growth.
B2 verb /tʃænt/

chant

Meaning
to sing or recite in a rhythmic way
Example
The monks chant prayers in the temple.
B2 verb /dʒɑːɡ/

jog

Meaning
to run at a slow, steady pace for exercise
Example
She jogs every morning in the park.
C2 adjective /prəˈpʌlsɪv/

propulsive

Meaning
Having the power to drive or push something forward.
Example
The propulsive force of the rocket lifted it off the ground.
C2 verb /ˈæktʃueɪt/

actuate

Meaning
to put into action or motion; to motivate or activate
Example
The engineer actuated the machine with a simple switch.
C2 adjective /ˈmoʊtaɪl/

motile

Meaning
Capable of movement or locomotion.
Example
Certain bacteria are motile and can swim toward nutrients.
C1 noun/verb ˈpɪv.ət

pivot

Meaning
A significant change in business strategy or direction.
Example
The company decided to pivot its business strategy.
C2 noun /kəˈmɛstɪbəl/

comestible

Meaning
An item of food that can be eaten.
Example
The picnic basket was full of delicious comestibles.
B2 noun ˈmʌltiˌtɑːskɪŋ

multitasking

Meaning
The performance of more than one task at the same time
Example
Multitasking reduces efficiency.
C2 verb /əkˈsiːd/

accede

Meaning
to agree to a request, proposal, or demand; to assume an office or position
Example
The government finally acceded to the demands of the protesters.
B1 verb /bɜːrst/

burst

Meaning
to break open suddenly; to be full of something
Example
The balloon bursts with a loud pop.
C2 adverb /ɪnˈdjuːbɪtəbli/

indubitably

Meaning
Without a doubt; certainly.
Example
She is indubitably the best candidate for the job.
C1 verb /weɪn/

wane

Meaning
To decrease gradually in power, intensity, or size.
Example
The moon wanes after the full moon night.
B2 verb /nɪˈɡlekt/

neglect

Meaning
to fail to care for or give attention to something
Example
Don't neglect your health while studying.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdlər/

peddler

Meaning
a person who sells goods, often traveling from place to place
Example
The peddler walked through the village selling fresh fruits.
C2 noun /meɪndʒ/

mange

Meaning
a skin disease in animals caused by parasitic mites, leading to hair loss and sores
Example
The stray dog was suffering from mange.
C2 noun /məˈdæliən/

medallion

Meaning
a large medal or decorative piece, often worn as jewelry or used in architecture
Example
She wore a gold medallion around her neck.
A1 noun

Love

C1 adjective /ɪnˈvɪnsəbl/

invincible

Meaning
too powerful to be defeated or overcome
Example
The team seemed invincible after winning ten matches in a row.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪ.vər.i/

savory

Meaning
Having a pleasant salty or spicy taste; morally acceptable.
Example
The restaurant serves a variety of savory dishes.
B2 noun /ˈθɪk.nəs/

thickness

Meaning
The measure of how thick or dense something is
Example
The thickness of the book made it hard to carry.
C2 noun /floʊ/

floe

Meaning
a large sheet of floating ice
Example
The polar bears rested on the ice floe.
C1 adjective /smʌɡ/

smug

Meaning
having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements
Example
He wore a smug smile after winning the debate.
C1 adjective sɪˈlɛstʃəl

celestial

Meaning
Positioned in or relating to the sky, or outer space as observed in astronomy.
Example
The celestial bodies in the sky were clearly visible last night.
A1 noun /ˈpiːtsə/

pizza

Meaning
a flat round bread baked with toppings such as cheese, tomato, and other ingredients
Example
We ordered a large pepperoni pizza for dinner.
B2 noun /reɪk/

Rake

Meaning
a garden tool with a long handle and prongs for gathering leaves; to gather with a rake
Example
He used a rake to gather the fallen autumn leaves.
C1 verb /daɪˈvʌldʒ/

divulge

Meaning
to make known something private, secret, or previously unknown
Example
She refused to divulge the source of her information.
C2 noun /ˈbʌɡəˌbuː/

bugaboo

Meaning
An object of fear or worry; an imagined cause of anxiety.
Example
The threat of inflation became a political bugaboo.
B2 noun /trænzˈmɪʃən/

transmission

Meaning
the act of sending, passing, or spreading something such as information, energy, or disease
Example
The transmission of data over the internet is very fast.
B1 verb /ɪnˈkriːst/

increased

Meaning
became greater in size, amount, or degree
Example
The company's revenue increased last year.
C2 noun /ˈskʌl.i.ən/

scullion

Meaning
a servant assigned the most menial kitchen tasks
Example
In medieval times, a scullion was responsible for cleaning pots and pans.
B1 verb /pəʊs(t)ˈpəʊn/

postpone

Meaning
to delay something to a later time
Example
The meeting was postponed until next week.
C2 adjective /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪbd/

circumscribed

Meaning
restricted or limited in scope or freedom
Example
Her freedom of choice was circumscribed by social rules.
A1 noun wɜːrdz

words

Meaning
A single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others to form communication.
Example
Learning new words expands vocabulary.
C2 noun /ˌænɪˈmɒmɪtər/

anemometer

Meaning
An instrument used to measure the speed and direction of wind.
Example
The scientist used an anemometer to record the wind speed during the storm.
C2 noun /ˌklɛptəˈmeɪniæk/

kleptomaniac

Meaning
A person with an irresistible urge to steal, typically without need or profit.
Example
The kleptomaniac was caught shoplifting again.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvaɪələbl/

inviolable

Meaning
never to be broken, dishonored, or violated
Example
Human rights are considered inviolable in modern democracies.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪsənənt/

dissonant

Meaning
Harsh and lacking harmony; conflicting.
Example
The orchestra produced a dissonant sound during rehearsal.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪ.ə.nəs/

Lioness

Meaning
an adult female lion
Example
The fierce lioness protected her cubs from danger.
B2 verb /səbˈtrækt/

subtract

Meaning
to take away a number or amount from another number or amount
Example
If you subtract 5 from 10, you get 5.
B2 adjective /stiːp/

steep

Meaning
Having a sharp inclination or high slope; also can mean excessive (as in price).
Example
The hikers climbed a steep mountain trail.
B2 noun /bʌlk/

Bulk

Meaning
the mass or size of something large; the greater part or majority of something
Example
The bulk of the work was completed before the deadline.
C1 noun /kənˈveɪəns/

conveyance

Meaning
The action or process of transporting or carrying someone or something from one place to another.
Example
The conveyance of goods was delayed due to bad weather.
B2 verb /ˈʃʌfəl/

shuffle

Meaning
to walk by dragging one's feet along or without lifting them fully; to mix or rearrange
Example
He shuffled the cards before dealing them.
C2 verb əˈtɛn.ju.eɪt

attenuate

Meaning
To reduce the force, effect, or value of something; to make weak or thin.
Example
The medicine helps attenuate the pain.
C2 adjective /dʒərˈmeɪn/

germane

Meaning
Relevant and appropriate to the subject being considered.
Example
Her comments were not germane to the discussion.
C1 noun /ˈtɪt.bɪt/

Titbit

Meaning
a small piece of tasty food; a small interesting piece of information
Example
She served delicious titbits at the party.
C1 verb /ˈfɛdərət/

federate

Meaning
to unite in a league or federation; to form an alliance
Example
Several states federated to create a stronger union.
B2 verb /rɪˈkʌvərɪŋ/

recovering

Meaning
the process of getting better after illness, loss, or difficulty
Example
She is still recovering from the flu.
C2 noun /ˈænti/

ante

Meaning
a stake put up by a player in poker or similar games before receiving cards; also used figuratively to mean an initial investment or contribution
Example
Each player placed an ante before the game began.
B2 noun /ˈbæŋkrʌpt/

Bankrupt

Meaning
a person unable to pay debts; having no money; completely lacking in something
Example
The company went bankrupt after years of poor financial management.
C1 noun /ɡruːv/

groove

Meaning
a long narrow cut or depression, or a rhythmic pattern in music
Example
The DJ kept the crowd dancing to the groove.