B2 verb /hæk/

hack

Meaning

to cut or chop roughly; to gain unauthorized access to a computer system

Example

The programmer managed to hack into the system.

B2 noun /heɪl/

Hail

Meaning

pellets of frozen rain that fall in showers from cumulonimbus clouds; a greeting or acclaim

Example

The sudden hailstorm damaged many cars in the parking lot with large ice pellets.

B2 noun /ˌhɪp.əˈpɒt.ə.məs/

Hippopotamus

Meaning

a large, mostly herbivorous mammal that lives in and around water in Africa

Example

The hippopotamus spends most of its day in the water.

B2 noun /hʌt/

hut

Meaning

a small simple shelter or house

Example

They lived in a small wooden hut near the river.

B2 adjective /hɪˈroʊɪk/

heroic

Meaning

showing great bravery or courage; relating to a hero or heroes

Example

The firefighter made a heroic effort to save the child.

B2 noun, adjective /hjuːˌmænɪˈtɛəriən/

humanitarian

Meaning

A person who seeks to promote human welfare, or something relating to human welfare and compassion.

Example

The organization provides humanitarian aid to disaster victims.

B2 noun /ˈhaɪdrədʒən/

hydrogen

Meaning

a colorless, odorless, highly flammable gas that is the lightest and most abundant chemical element in the universe

Example

Hydrogen is used as a clean fuel in many energy systems.

B2 noun /həˈræsmənt/

harassment

Meaning

aggressive pressure or intimidation; unwanted and repeated behavior causing discomfort

Example

The company has a strict policy against workplace harassment.

B2 adjective /ˌhaɪ ˈtɛk/

high-tech

Meaning

using or involving advanced technology.

Example

The company produces high-tech medical devices.

B2 noun /ˌhɑː.spɪˈtæl.ə.ti/

Hospitality

Meaning

the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests or strangers

Example

The hotel staff's exceptional hospitality made our vacation truly memorable and enjoyable.

B2 adverb /hɪˈstɒrɪkli/

historically

Meaning

in a way that relates to history or past events

Example

Historically, this city was a major trade center.

B2 noun /hɔrn/

Horn

Meaning

a hard pointed projection on the head of certain animals; a musical instrument

Example

The rhinoceros used its horn to defend itself.

B2 adjective /ˈhɑːrtˌbreɪkɪŋ/

Heartbreaking

Meaning

causing overwhelming distress; very sad or disappointing

Example

The documentary showed heartbreaking scenes of children in poverty.

B2 verb /ˈhʌvər/

hover

Meaning

to remain in the air in one place without moving forward or backward

Example

The helicopter hovered over the city.

B2 noun /ˈhɛdˌkwɔːrtərz/

headquarters

Meaning

The main office or center of operations of an organization.

Example

The company’s headquarters is located in New York.

B2 noun /hɪp/

hip

Meaning

The part of the body on either side of the pelvis, or informal: trendy and fashionable.

Example

She put her hands on her hips.

B2 adjective /hɪˈstɛrɪkəl/

hysterical

Meaning

Extremely funny or uncontrollably emotional.

Example

The comedian's jokes were absolutely hysterical.

B2 adjective /ˈhɑːrmləs/

Harmless

Meaning

not able or likely to cause harm; innocent; safe

Example

The snake looks dangerous but it's actually harmless.

B2 adjective /hɑːˈspɪtəbəl/

Hospitable

Meaning

friendly and welcoming to strangers or guests; generous in receiving guests

Example

The local people were very hospitable to the tourists.

B2 adjective /ˌhɒrɪˈzɒntəl/

horizontal

Meaning

parallel to the horizon; flat and level from side to side

Example

The table must be perfectly horizontal to keep the glass from sliding.

B2 noun /hɜːb/ (US) /hɜːb/ or /ɜːb/

herb

Meaning

a plant used for flavoring food, medicine, or perfume

Example

Basil is a popular herb used in Italian cuisine.

B2 noun /ˈhoʊmlænd/

homeland

Meaning

a person's native country or region

Example

She returned to her homeland after ten years abroad.

B2 verb /hɔːlt/

halt

Meaning

to stop or bring to a stop

Example

The train suddenly halted at the station.

B2 adjective /ˈhez.ɪ.tənt/

Hesitant

Meaning

uncertain or unwilling to act; showing doubt or reluctance

Example

She was hesitant to accept the job offer.

B2 noun /ˈhɑːrd.ʃɪp/

Hardship

Meaning

severe suffering or privation; difficulty or distress

Example

Despite facing many hardships during the war, the family remained united and hopeful.

B2 noun /ˈhændlɪŋ/

handling

Meaning

the act of managing or dealing with something or someone

Example

His handling of the situation was impressive.

B2 noun ˈhæbɪtæt lɒs

Habitat Loss

Meaning

The destruction or disappearance of natural environments where organisms live.

Example

Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to butterflies.

B2 noun /hɔːk/

Hawk

Meaning

a bird of prey with broad wings and strong talons used for hunting

Example

The hawk soared high above the field hunting for prey.

B2 noun /ˌhez.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

Hesitation

Meaning

the action of pausing or delaying; uncertainty or unwillingness to act

Example

After a moment of hesitation, she decided to accept the challenging job offer from the company.

B2 noun /hʌm/

Hum

Meaning

a low continuous sound; to make a low continuous droning sound

Example

The constant hum of the air conditioner helped her fall asleep peacefully.

B2 adjective /ˈhɪli/

hilly

Meaning

having many hills; characterized by hills or slopes

Example

The village is located in a beautiful hilly region.

B2 noun ˈhoʊmˌskuː.lɪŋ

homeschooling

Meaning

The practice of educating children at home rather than sending them to a school.

Example

Homeschooling allows parents to tailor education to their child's needs.

B2 noun /ˈhaɪəˌrɑːrki/

hierarchy

Meaning

A system in which people or things are arranged in levels of importance or authority.

Example

The corporate hierarchy determines who makes the final decision.

B2 adjective /ˈhjuː.mɪd/

Humid

Meaning

containing moisture; damp; moist;

Example

The humid climate makes it feel hotter than it actually is.

B2 noun /ˈhæz.ərd/

Hazard

Meaning

a danger or risk; something that poses a threat to safety

Example

Smoking is a serious health hazard that can lead to lung cancer and heart disease.

B2 adjective /ˈhɜː.bəl/

herbal

Meaning

Made from or containing herbs, especially for medicinal purposes.

Example

Herbal remedies were widely used here.

B2 noun /ˈhɔːr.ər/

Horror

Meaning

an intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust; something that causes such feelings

Example

The survivors described the horror of the earthquake that destroyed their entire village.

B2 noun ˈhɛr.ɪ.tɪdʒ

heritage

Meaning

Property that is or may be inherited; something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor; cultural traditions and practices that are passed down.

Example

Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage.

B2 adjective /hɑːrʃ/

Harsh

Meaning

unpleasantly hard or rough in texture; cruel or severe

Example

The teacher gave harsh criticism about my work.

B2 noun ˈhɑːrvɪstɪŋ

harvesting

Meaning

The process of gathering a ripe crop from the fields or collecting natural resources.

Example

Unregulated harvesting affects the biodiversity of oceans.

B2 noun /heə(r)/

Hare

Meaning

a fast-running long-eared mammal that resembles a large rabbit

Example

The hare quickly ran across the field.

B2 noun /hiːl/

Heel

Meaning

the back part of the human foot below the ankle

Example

She wore shoes with high heels to the party.

B2 noun /həˈraɪ.zənz/

horizons

Meaning

The limit of a person's mental perception, experience, or interest.

Example

The telescope opens new horizons for astronomy.

B2 noun hɛdʒ

hedge

Meaning

A way of protecting oneself against financial loss or other adverse circumstances.

Example

Investors use hedging strategies to protect against market volatility.

B2 adjective /ˈhevənli/

Heavenly

Meaning

relating to heaven; extremely pleasant or beautiful

Example

The chocolate cake had a heavenly taste that melted in my mouth.

B2 noun /ˈher ˌpɪn/

Hair pin

Meaning

a thin piece of metal or plastic used to hold hair in place

Example

She used several hair pins to secure her elegant updo.

B2 adjective /ˈhek.tɪk/

Hectic

Meaning

very busy and full of activity; frantic; characterized by intense activity or excitement

Example

My schedule has been hectic lately with back-to-back meetings.

B2 adjective; past participle /ˈɒnəd/

honoured

Meaning

treated with respect or distinction; feeling proud and privileged

Example

She felt deeply honoured to receive the award.

B2 noun /hʊd/

Hood

Meaning

the expandable neck region of certain snakes like cobras; a covering for the head

Example

The cobra spread its hood when it felt threatened.

B2 adjective /ˈhʌm.bəl/

Humble

Meaning

modest; not proud; unassuming;

Example

Despite his success, he remained humble and kind.

B2 adjective /hoʊˈlɪs.tɪk/

holistic

Meaning

Understanding or analyzing something through a comprehensive, integrated whole perspective.

Example

A holistic approach to health considers both body and mind.

B2 adjective /ˈhændi/

handy

Meaning

convenient to use or easily accessible; skillful with the hands

Example

This pocket knife is very handy when you go camping.

B2 verb /hætʃ/

hatch

Meaning

to emerge from an egg; to devise or create a plan

Example

The bird will hatch from its egg soon.

B2 noun /ˈhæb.ɪ.tæt/

habitat

Meaning

The natural environment where an organism lives and meets its needs.

Example

The polar bear's natural habitat is the Arctic region.

B2 noun ˈhæb.ɪ.tæts

habitats

Meaning

The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

Example

Scientists envision habitats on the Moon.

B2 noun, verb /ˈhɑːrbər/

harbor

Meaning

noun: a place on the coast where ships may find shelter; verb: to keep (a thought or feeling, often negative) in one's mind

Example

He continued to harbor resentment towards his former boss.

B2 noun /heɪst/

Haste

Meaning

swiftness of motion; urgent need of quick action; excessive speed or urgency

Example

In his haste to catch the train, he forgot to take his wallet from the table.

B2 adjective /ˈhelp.ləs/

Helpless

Meaning

unable to defend oneself or act without help; powerless; vulnerable

Example

The child felt helpless when lost in the crowded market.

B2 noun /haɪv/

Hive

Meaning

a structure in which bees live and produce honey; a place full of busy activity

Example

The garden was buzzing with activity as bees flew back and forth from their hive.

B2 adjective /ˈhaɪˌprəʊfaɪl/

high-profile

Meaning

having a lot of attention or public notice

Example

The CEO attended a high-profile conference in New York.

B2 noun /ˈhɑːr.bər/

Harbour

Meaning

a place on the coast where vessels may find shelter; a place of safety or refuge

Example

The fishing boats returned safely to the harbour before the storm hit the coastline.

B2 adverb /hɛns/

hence

Meaning

for this reason; as a result

Example

She was the best candidate, hence she was chosen for the job.

B2 adjective ˈhæzədəs

hazardous

Meaning

Dangerous, risky, or potentially harmful

Example

Hazardous pollutants increase health risks.

B2 noun /heɪ/

hay

Meaning

grass that has been cut, dried, and stored for use as animal feed

Example

The cows were eating hay in the barn.

B2 adjective /hɪˈspænɪk/

hispanic

Meaning

relating to Spain or Spanish-speaking countries, especially Latin America.

Example

She studies Hispanic culture and language.

B2 adjective /ˈɒnərəbəl/

honourable

Meaning

deserving respect or admiration because of moral integrity; showing honesty and fairness

Example

She is known as an honourable leader who always keeps her promises.

B2 noun /ˈhɑːr.mə.ni/

harmony

Meaning

A pleasing combination of different elements or a state of peaceful coexistence.

Example

A society thrives when there is harmony among its people.

B2 adjective /ˈheɪsti/

Hasty

Meaning

done or acting with excessive speed or urgency; hurried

Example

Don't make hasty decisions when you're angry.

B2 verb /ˈhɑːrnɪs/

harness

Meaning

To control and make use of natural resources, especially energy.

Example

Scientists are working to harness solar power effectively.

B2 noun /ˈhɑːrvɪst/

harvest

Meaning

the process or period of gathering crops

Example

Farmers are busy during the rice harvest season.

B2 noun /ˈheɪ.trəd/

Hatred

Meaning

intense dislike or ill will; a feeling of strong aversion

Example

His hatred for injustice motivated him to become a human rights lawyer.

B2 noun /ˈhænd.fʊl/

Handful

Meaning

a quantity that fills the hand; a small number or amount; something difficult to control

Example

She grabbed a handful of nuts from the bowl before heading out for her walk.

B2 adjective /hɪˈlɛəriəs/

hilarious

Meaning

Extremely funny or amusing.

Example

The comedian told a hilarious story that had everyone laughing.

B2 noun /ˈhæs.əl/

Hassle

Meaning

irritating inconvenience; trouble or difficulty; a situation causing problems

Example

Booking tickets online can save you the hassle of waiting in long queues at the theater.

B2 noun /hʌb/

hub

Meaning

the central part of a place or activity where things converge

Example

The city is the hub of the country's trade network.

B2 noun /ˈhedʒhɒɡ/

Hedge-hog

Meaning

a small mammal with a spiny coat that can roll into a ball for defense

Example

The hedgehog rolled into a ball when it felt threatened.

B2 noun /ˈhɔːrmoʊn/

hormone

Meaning

a chemical substance produced in the body that influences how the body grows or functions

Example

Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels.

B2 noun /er/

Heir

Meaning

a person legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death

Example

The young prince was the rightful heir to the throne and would become king someday.

B2 noun /ˈhʌrɪkən/

hurricane

Meaning

A violent tropical storm with very strong winds and heavy rain.

Example

The hurricane destroyed hundreds of homes along the coast.

B2 noun /hoʊm ˈdɪstrɪkt/

home district

Meaning

the district where a person was born or originally comes from

Example

He returned to his home district after many years abroad.

B2 adjective /ˈhɑːrti/

Hearty

Meaning

enthusiastic and friendly; substantial and nourishing

Example

He gave us a hearty welcome when we arrived at his home.

B2 adjective /ˈhoʊmli/

Homely

Meaning

simple and comfortable; unpretentious; plain in appearance; cozy and familiar

Example

She enjoyed the homely atmosphere of the small café.

B2 noun ˈhæb.ɪt fɔːrˌmeɪ.ʃən

habit formation

Meaning

The process of creating a habit through regular practice and repetition.

Example

Habit formation requires consistency and discipline.

B2 noun /haɪˈiː.nə/

Hyena

Meaning

a wild animal of Africa and Asia that looks like a dog and makes a sound like laughter

Example

The hyena laughed in the darkness of the night.

B2 noun /haɪˈdreɪʃən/

hydration

Meaning

The process of providing an adequate amount of liquid to bodily tissues.

Example

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining body functions.

B2 adjective /ˈhɒs.taɪl/

Hostile

Meaning

unfriendly; aggressive; antagonistic;

Example

The hostile environment made it difficult to work.

B2 noun/verb /hɜːrd/

herd

Meaning

a large group of animals of the same type that live and feed together; or to gather animals into a group.

Example

The shepherd herded the sheep into the pen.

B2 adjective /hɑːrˈmoʊ.ni.əs/

harmonious

Meaning

Characterized by agreement or concord; forming a pleasing or consistent whole.

Example

A harmonious work environment boosts productivity.

B2 verb /hɔːnt/

haunt

Meaning

to trouble persistently; to visit as a ghost

Example

The old memories still haunt me.

B2 adjective /ˈhɑlːoʊ/

Hollow

Meaning

having an empty space inside; lacking substance or meaning; insincere

Example

The hollow tree trunk provided shelter for small animals.

B2 noun /ˈhæn.di.krɑːft/

Handicraft

Meaning

an activity involving the making of decorative domestic or other objects with the hands; handmade artistic work

Example

The local market featured beautiful handicrafts made by skilled artisans from the region.

B2 noun helθ ˈhæzərdz

health hazards

Meaning

Risks or dangers to physical health and well-being that can cause illness or injury.

Example

Plastic usage leads to significant health hazards.

B2 noun /ˈɑːnər/

honor

Meaning

high respect; great esteem

Example

He received an award in honor of his achievements.

B2 adverb /ˈaʊər.li/

Hourly

Meaning

every hour; happening or done each hour; continuously

Example

The weather report is updated hourly.

B2 adjective /ˈhjuː.mər.əs/

Humorous

Meaning

funny; amusing; causing laughter;

Example

His humorous stories always make everyone laugh.

B2 verb /həˈræs/

harass

Meaning

to persistently annoy or torment someone

Example

The employees complained that their boss harassed them.

B2 adjective /ˈhoʊm.sɪk/

Homesick

Meaning

experiencing a longing for one's home during a period of absence from it; missing home

Example

After three months studying abroad, Maria felt increasingly homesick for her family.

B2 adjective haɪˈdʒiː.nɪk

hygienic

Meaning

Conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially by being clean.

Example

Maintaining hygienic conditions in hospitals is crucial.

B2 noun /ˈhɑːt.biːt/

heartbeat

Meaning

A pulsation of the heart, especially as perceptible to the touch or audible with a stethoscope.

Example

Rubbing the eyes helps normalize the heartbeat.

B2 noun /ˈhaʊs boʊt/

House boat

Meaning

a boat that has been designed or modified to be used primarily as a home

Example

They spent their vacation on a beautiful house boat in the lake.

B2 adverb /ˈhev.ɪ.li/

Heavily

Meaning

with great weight; to a great degree; intensely

Example

It rained heavily throughout the night.

B2 noun /həˈraɪ.zən/

horizon

Meaning

the line where the earth seems to meet the sky; the limit of one's knowledge, experience, or interest

Example

The sun disappeared below the horizon.

B2 verb /ˈhezɪteɪt/

hesitate

Meaning

to pause before acting; to be uncertain about what to do

Example

Don't hesitate to ask for help.

B2 noun /hɪˈstɔːriən/

historian

Meaning

a person who studies or writes about history

Example

The historian gave a lecture on ancient civilizations.