harbor
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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.
C2 noun /ˈhæŋ.kər.ɪŋ/

hankering

Meaning
a strong desire or craving for something.
Example
She had a hankering for chocolate late at night.
C1 adjective /haɪˈdrɔːlɪk/

hydraulic

Meaning
operated by the pressure of liquid, especially water or oil
Example
The mechanic repaired the hydraulic system of the machine.
C2 noun /ˈhɛʃ.ən/

Hessian

Meaning
a strong coarse fabric made from jute or hemp, used for sacks and wrapping
Example
The farmer stored grain in hessian sacks.
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 verb /hɔːnt/

haunt

Meaning
to trouble persistently; to visit as a ghost
Example
The old memories still haunt me.
B2 adjective /ˈhɑːrtˌbreɪkɪŋ/

Heartbreaking

Meaning
causing overwhelming distress; very sad or disappointing
Example
The documentary showed heartbreaking scenes of children in poverty.
C1 noun/verb /ˈhɛmərɪdʒ/

hemorrhage

Meaning
A significant loss of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, or to lose blood heavily.
Example
The patient suffered a severe brain hemorrhage.
B1 adjective /ˈhoʊli/

Holy

Meaning
sacred; dedicated to God or religious purposes; morally and spiritually excellent
Example
The holy shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
A1 noun, adjective /hæf/

half

Meaning
one of two equal parts of something
Example
He ate half of the cake.
C2 noun /ˌhaɪpəˈkɒndrɪæk/

hypochondriac

Meaning
a person who is excessively worried about having a serious illness
Example
She is a hypochondriac who visits the doctor every week.
A2 noun ˈhɪrəʊ

hero

Meaning
A person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
Example
Sydney Carton becomes the ultimate hero through his sacrifice.
A2 adjective /ˈhelp.fəl/

Helpful

Meaning
giving or providing assistance; useful; beneficial
Example
She was very helpful in organizing the event.
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.
C2 noun /ˈhoʊʒəri/

hosiery

Meaning
Stockings, socks, and other knitted clothing for the legs and feet.
Example
She bought new hosiery for the winter season.
A1 noun /hɔːrs/

Horse

Meaning
a large domesticated mammal used for riding and pulling loads
Example
The horse galloped across the field with great speed.
A2 noun /haɪt/

height

Meaning
the measurement of someone or something from base to top
Example
The height of the tower impressed the visitors.
A2 verb /haɪd/

hide

Meaning
to put or keep out of sight; to conceal from view
Example
Children like to hide during games.
A1 verb /hɪər/

hear

Meaning
to perceive sound; to listen to
Example
I can hear the birds singing.
C2 adjective /ˈhɛtərəˌdɒks/

heterodox

Meaning
not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs
Example
The professor was known for his heterodox views on religion.
C1 noun /ˈhɔːrtɪˌkʌltʃər/

horticulture

Meaning
The art or practice of garden cultivation and management.
Example
Horticulture plays a vital role in producing fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
C2 adjective /ˈhaɪdrəs/

hydrous

Meaning
Containing water, especially water of crystallization.
Example
The mineral is hydrous because it contains water molecules in its structure.
C2 noun /ˌhaɪdroʊˈfoʊbiə/

hydrophobia

Meaning
Extreme or irrational fear of water; historically, another name for rabies.
Example
After being bitten by a stray dog, the man was treated for hydrophobia.
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.
C2 noun /ˈhʌstɪŋz/

hustings

Meaning
the political campaigning and speeches before an election
Example
The candidate gained popularity during the hustings.
A2 adverb /ˈɒnɪstli/

honestly

Meaning
in a truthful, sincere, or fair way
Example
She spoke honestly about her mistakes.
C2 noun /ˈhæk.ni ˈkær.ɪdʒ/

Hackney carriage

Meaning
A taxi; a car licensed to carry passengers for hire
Example
I called a hackney carriage to get to the airport.
C1 adjective /ˈhæk.nid/

hackneyed

Meaning
Used too often and therefore lacking originality or freshness.
Example
The speech was filled with hackneyed phrases that failed to inspire the audience.
C2 adjective/noun /haɪˈbɜːrniən/

hibernian

Meaning
Relating to Ireland or the Irish.
Example
He enjoyed reading about Hibernian culture and history.
B1 noun /ˈhɔːlweɪ/

hallway

Meaning
a corridor in a building that connects rooms
Example
The kids left their shoes in the hallway.
C2 adjective /hɜːrˈbeɪʃəs/

herbaceous

Meaning
Relating to or resembling herbs; plants with soft, non-woody stems.
Example
The garden was filled with herbaceous plants that thrived in the summer.
C2 noun /ˈhɒɡz.hɛd/

hogshead

Meaning
A large cask or barrel, traditionally used for storing liquids like wine or beer.
Example
The cellar was filled with hogsheads of ale.
B2 adverb /ˈaʊər.li/

Hourly

Meaning
every hour; happening or done each hour; continuously
Example
The weather report is updated hourly.
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.
A2 pronoun /hɪmˈself/

himself

Meaning
Used to emphasize that a male person does something by his own effort.
Example
He fixed the car himself.
C2 verb /ˈhæroʊ/

harrow

Meaning
to cause distress or torment; also to break up and smooth soil with a farm tool
Example
The tragic news harrowed the entire family.
C1 noun/verb /hɛm/

hem

Meaning
the edge of a piece of cloth that is folded and sewn; to fold and sew the edge of cloth
Example
She hemmed the dress to make it shorter.
C1 noun /ˈheɪl.stɔːrm/

Hailstorm

Meaning
a violent storm with hail falling from the sky
Example
The hailstorm damaged many cars in the parking lot.
A2 adjective /ˈhɔːrəbəl/

Horrible

Meaning
causing or likely to cause horror; shocking; terrible; extremely unpleasant
Example
The accident was a horrible sight to witness.
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.
C2 noun /ˈhʌvəl/

hovel

Meaning
a small, poorly built, and dirty house
Example
The refugees lived in a makeshift hovel.
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.
C2 noun /ˈhæbɪtjuːd/

habitude

Meaning
a customary condition or mode of life; habitual practice
Example
He lived in a quiet habitude, avoiding the noise of the city.
A1 verb /hæv/

have

Meaning
to possess, own, or hold
Example
They have three children.
C2 verb /həˈræŋ/

harangue

Meaning
to deliver a long, passionate, and often angry speech
Example
The politician harangued the crowd for over an hour.
C1 noun /ˈhɛzɪtəns/

hesitance

Meaning
The quality or state of being reluctant or uncertain.
Example
Her hesitance to speak up delayed the decision.
C1 noun ˌhaɪ.drəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl ˈsaɪ.kəl

hydrological cycle

Meaning
The cycle of processes by which water circulates between the earth's oceans, atmosphere, and land.
Example
The hydrological cycle ensures continuous water movement in nature.
B1 adverb /ˈhaɪli/

highly

Meaning
to a great degree; very
Example
She is highly respected in her field.
C2 noun /hæɡ/

Hag

Meaning
an ugly old woman, especially a vicious or malicious one; a witch
Example
In the fairy tale, the wicked hag lived alone in a cottage deep in the forest.
B1 noun /ˈhaʊzɪŋ/

housing

Meaning
buildings or structures where people live; accommodation
Example
The government is working to provide affordable housing for everyone.
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.
C1 verb /ˈheɪsən/

hasten

Meaning
To move or act quickly; to cause something to happen sooner.
Example
He hastened to finish his work before the deadline.
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.
B1 noun /ˈɒnɪsti/

honesty

Meaning
the quality of being truthful and sincere
Example
Honesty is the best policy in all situations.
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.
C2 noun, verb /ˈhæmstrɪŋ/

hamstring

Meaning
a tendon at the back of the thigh; as a verb, to cripple or severely restrict the effectiveness of someone or something.
Example
Budget cuts hamstrung the organization’s plans.
B2 adjective /ˈhɜː.bəl/

herbal

Meaning
Made from or containing herbs, especially for medicinal purposes.
Example
Herbal remedies were widely used here.
C1 adverb /ˌhɛdˈfɜrst/

headfirst

Meaning
With the head leading; in a reckless or hasty manner.
Example
He dived headfirst into the pool.
C1 adjective /ˈhæloʊd/

hallowed

Meaning
regarded as holy or greatly respected
Example
They walked across the hallowed halls of the old university.
B2 adjective ˈhæzədəs

hazardous

Meaning
Dangerous, risky, or potentially harmful
Example
Hazardous pollutants increase health risks.
C2 noun /ˌhoʊmə.dʒəˈniːəti/

homogeneity

Meaning
The quality or state of being all the same or all of the same kind.
Example
The cultural homogeneity of the village made it feel unified.
C1 adverb /ˈhed ɑn/

Head-on

Meaning
directly facing; in direct confrontation or collision
Example
The two cars collided head-on at the intersection.
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.
C1 adverb /ˈhɛdˌlɔŋ/

headlong

Meaning
With the head leading; in a rush or without thinking.
Example
She rushed headlong into the new project.
A2 adjective /hjuːdʒ/

huge

Meaning
extremely large in size or amount
Example
The stadium was filled with a huge crowd.
A2 noun /hɪl/

Hill

Meaning
a naturally raised area of land, not as high or craggy as a mountain
Example
The children enjoyed rolling down the grassy hill behind their house during summer vacation.
A1 interjection /həˈloʊ/

hello

Meaning
a greeting or expression used when meeting someone or starting a conversation
Example
She answered the phone with a cheerful hello.
C1 adjective /ˌhɒməˈdʒiːniəs/

homogeneous

Meaning
Of the same kind; alike.
Example
The team was not homogeneous in their skills.
B1 noun /ˈhaʊswaɪf/

housewife

Meaning
a married woman who manages a household and whose main occupation is caring for her family and home
Example
She chose to work as a housewife while raising her children.
C1 noun /ˈhɪntərlænd/

hinterland

Meaning
The remote or less developed areas away from the coast or a city.
Example
The farmers came from the rural hinterland to sell their produce in the city.
C2 adjective /ˌhaɪ ˈfloʊn/

high-flown

Meaning
Using fancy or pretentious language; lofty in style but often overblown.
Example
The politician gave a high-flown speech full of promises.
C1 adjective /həˈmɑː.dʒə.nəs/

homogenous

Meaning
Similar or uniform in nature; often used interchangeably with 'homogeneous'.
Example
The class was made up of a homogenous group of students.
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.
C2 noun /ˈhɔɪdən/

hoyden

Meaning
a boisterous or tomboyish girl
Example
The hoyden preferred climbing trees to playing with dolls.
A1 adverb /haʊ/

how

Meaning
in what way or manner; by what means
Example
How do you solve this problem?
A2 noun /hɛlθ/

health

Meaning
The state of being free from illness or injury.
Example
Exercise is important for good health.
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 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.
A1 noun /help/

Help

Meaning
the action of helping someone to do something; assistance or support
Example
The volunteer offered his help to carry the elderly woman's groceries to her car.
C2 adjective /ˈhaɪˌbraʊ/

highbrow

Meaning
intellectually superior or cultured; often describing art, literature, or activities appealing to intellectual tastes
Example
The museum is known for its highbrow exhibitions.
C1 noun /hɒˈstɪləti/

hostility

Meaning
hostile behavior; unfriendliness or opposition
Example
The negotiations ended in an atmosphere of hostility.
C1 verb /hoʊn/

hone

Meaning
To sharpen a blade or to improve a skill through practice.
Example
She honed her presentation skills before the big meeting.
C2 noun /ˌhɛtərəʤəˈniːɪti/

heterogeneity

Meaning
the quality or state of being diverse in character or content
Example
The cultural heterogeneity of the city makes it vibrant and unique.
C2 noun /ˈhaʊsˌbreɪkɪŋ/

housebreaking

Meaning
the crime of breaking into a house with intent to steal
Example
The thief was arrested for housebreaking.
B1 adjective /ˈhɑːrmfəl/

Harmful

Meaning
causing or likely to cause harm; damaging
Example
Smoking is harmful to your health.
C2 noun /ˈhɛksəˌpɒd/

hexapod

Meaning
An insect or other organism with six legs.
Example
The scientist observed a hexapod crawling on the leaf.
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.
B1 adjective /ˈhoʊmləs/

homeless

Meaning
Without a home, and therefore typically living on the streets.
Example
The organization helps homeless people find shelter.
A2 noun /ˈhɑː.bi/

Hobby

Meaning
an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure; a pastime or recreation
Example
Photography became her favorite hobby after she received a camera for her birthday.
C2 noun /ˈhɛfər/

heifer

Meaning
a young cow that has not borne a calf
Example
The farmer raised a heifer for dairy production.
C1 adjective /ˈhæb.ɪ.tə.bəl/

Habitable

Meaning
suitable or good enough to live in
Example
The planet Mars may become habitable in the future.
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 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.
C1 noun /ˈherən/

Heron

Meaning
large wading bird with long legs and neck that feeds on fish
Example
The heron stood motionless by the water's edge, waiting for fish.
C1 noun /ˈɛər.luːm/

heirloom

Meaning
a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations
Example
The ring is a family heirloom passed down from her grandmother.
C1 adjective /hɜːrˈbɪv.ər.əs/

Herbivorous

Meaning
feeding on plants; plant-eating
Example
Cows are herbivorous animals that graze on grass.
C2 noun /ˈhænd ˌrɪŋɪŋ/

hand-wringing

Meaning
excessive worry or concern expressed in a visible or dramatic way.
Example
There was much hand-wringing over the political crisis.
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.
A1 noun, numeral /ˈhʌndrəd/

hundred

Meaning
the number 100
Example
There are a hundred students in the hall.
C2 noun /ˈhɔːzər/

hawser

Meaning
A thick rope or cable used in mooring or towing a ship.
Example
The sailors secured the ship to the dock with a heavy hawser.
C1 noun/verb /ˈhɛrəld/

herald

Meaning
A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of something; to announce or signal.
Example
The blooming flowers herald the arrival of spring.
C2 noun /hoʊ/

Hoe

Meaning
a gardening tool with a thin metal blade used for breaking up soil and removing weeds
Example
The farmer used a hoe to remove weeds from his vegetable garden.
B1 adverb /ˈhoʊpfəli/

hopefully

Meaning
in a hopeful manner; expressing hope or optimism
Example
Hopefully, the weather will be nice tomorrow.
C1 adjective /ˌhæpˈhæz.ɚd/

haphazard

Meaning
Lacking any obvious principle of organization; random.
Example
His haphazard approach led to project failure.
A2 verb /ˈhɜːri/

hurry

Meaning
to move or act with great speed; to rush
Example
We need to hurry or we'll be late.
C1 noun ˈhʌz.bən.dri

husbandry

Meaning
The care, cultivation, and breeding of crops and animals; farming and agriculture.
Example
Proper husbandry techniques improve livestock health.
C1 noun /ˈheɪˌdeɪ/

heyday

Meaning
The period of greatest success, popularity, or power.
Example
In its heyday, the company dominated the market.
A2 interjection /hʌ/

huh

Meaning
used to express confusion, surprise, or that you did not hear something
Example
Huh? What did you say?
C1 noun /ˈhɔːr.nət/

Hornet

Meaning
a large wasp that can sting and is often aggressive
Example
The hornet built its nest under the roof.
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.
B1 noun /ˈhɑːrdˌwɛr/

hardware

Meaning
the physical parts of a computer or electronic system, such as the monitor, keyboard, and processor
Example
The company upgraded its computer hardware to improve performance.
A1 noun /hænd/

Hand

Meaning
the end part of a person's arm beyond the wrist, including the palm, fingers, and thumb
Example
He raised his hand to ask a question.
A2 verb /hæŋ/

hang

Meaning
to suspend or be suspended from above; to attach from a higher point
Example
I hang my coat on the hook.
B1 verb /ˈɒnər/

honour

Meaning
to show respect; to keep a promise
Example
We honour our veterans for their service.
B1 noun /ˈhjuː.mər/

humor

Meaning
The quality of being amusing or entertaining.
Example
His sense of humor always lightens the mood.
A1 noun, verb /hɛd/

head

Meaning
The upper part of the human body or to lead or be in charge of something.
Example
She turned her head to look out the window.
C2 adjective /ˌhaɪpərˈbɔːriən/

hyperborean

Meaning
Relating to the extreme north; very cold or frigid.
Example
The explorers prepared for the hyperborean climate of the Arctic.
A1 adjective /hɒt/

Hot

Meaning
having high temperature; warm; heated;
Example
The coffee is too hot to drink.
C2 noun /hæˈʃiːʃ/

hashish

Meaning
a drug made from the resin of the cannabis plant
Example
The police arrested him for possessing hashish.
C1 noun /haɪˈeɪtəs/

hiatus

Meaning
A pause or break in continuity of a process or activity.
Example
The show returned after a long hiatus.
B1 noun /ˈhæŋ.kər.tʃɪf/

Handkerchief

Meaning
a small piece of cloth used for wiping the nose or face
Example
She always carries a clean handkerchief in her purse.