homophone
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C1 noun /ˈhɒməˌfoʊn/

homophone

Meaning
A word that is pronounced the same as another word but differs in meaning, and often spelling.
Example
The words 'pair' and 'pear' are homophones.
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.
C2 noun ˈhɑːrbərɪdʒ

harborage

Meaning
A place of shelter or refuge for pests or animals.
Example
Pests need a harborage site to survive and breed.
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.
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 /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.
C1 noun /ˈhaɪ.nəs/

Highness

Meaning
a title given to a person of royal rank; the quality or state of being high or elevated
Example
Your Highness, the royal carriage is ready to take you to the state banquet this evening.
C1 verb /hiːd/

heed

Meaning
to pay attention to; to take notice of
Example
You should heed the teacher's advice.
C2 verb /ˈhæri/

harry

Meaning
to constantly attack, harass, or annoy
Example
The army harried the enemy with sudden raids.
A2 adverb /ˈhæpɪli/

happily

Meaning
in a happy manner; with pleasure or satisfaction
Example
The children played happily in the garden.
C2 adjective /haɪˈbɜːrnəl/

hibernal

Meaning
Relating to or occurring in winter.
Example
The hibernal season is often harsh in the mountains.
A1 noun /ˈhʌzbənd/

husband

Meaning
A married man regarded in relation to his spouse.
Example
Her husband is very supportive of her career.
B1 noun /ˈhændˌraɪ.tɪŋ/

handwriting

Meaning
the style or manner of writing by hand.
Example
Her handwriting is very neat and easy to read.
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.
C1 verb /hɜːrl/

hurl

Meaning
To throw something with great force.
Example
The boy hurled a stone into the river.
C2 noun /ˈhaɪərəˌɡlɪf/

hieroglyph

Meaning
A picture or symbol used in ancient writing systems, especially Egyptian writing.
Example
The walls of the temple were covered in hieroglyphs.
C1 noun /hɔːrd/

horde

Meaning
A large group or crowd, especially one that is disorderly or difficult to control.
Example
A horde of fans gathered outside the stadium.
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.
C1 noun /haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/

hypothesis

Meaning
a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
Example
The scientist tested her hypothesis through multiple experiments.
C1 noun /ˈhɪr.seɪ/

Hearsay

Meaning
information received from other people that one cannot adequately substantiate; rumor
Example
The accusations were based on hearsay rather than concrete evidence or eyewitness testimony.
C2 noun /haɪˈdrɒl.ɪ.sɪs/

hydrolysis

Meaning
A chemical process that breaks down compounds by adding water, splitting complex molecules into simpler forms.
Example
Hydrolysis breaks down complex molecules into simpler forms.
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.
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.
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 adjective /ˌhæfˈbeɪkt/

half-baked

Meaning
poorly thought out or badly planned
Example
The manager quickly rejected his half-baked proposal.
B1 noun/verb /ˈhʌntɪŋ/

hunting

Meaning
the activity of chasing and killing wild animals
Example
Hunting is strictly regulated in many countries.
A2 adjective /ˈhɔːrəbəl/

Horrible

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

heteromorphic

Meaning
Having different forms or shapes, especially in the same species or organism.
Example
Butterflies are heteromorphic during their life cycle, changing forms from larva to adult.
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.
C1 phrase ˌhjuː.məˈnɪt.ər.i.kəˈtæs.trə.fi

humanitarian catastrophe

Meaning
A widespread disaster affecting human life, health, and well-being on a large scale.
Example
The war created a humanitarian catastrophe.
A2 adverb /ˈhɑːd.li/

Hardly

Meaning
scarcely; barely; almost not at all
Example
I could hardly believe what I was seeing.
C2 noun /ˈhɛptəˌɡɒn/

heptagon

Meaning
A polygon with seven sides and seven angles.
Example
The math teacher drew a heptagon on the board.
C2 adjective/noun /haɪˈbɜːrniən/

hibernian

Meaning
Relating to Ireland or the Irish.
Example
He enjoyed reading about Hibernian culture and history.
C2 noun /ˈhɑːr.bɪn.dʒər/

Harbinger

Meaning
a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another; a forerunner of something
Example
The first robin of spring is often considered a harbinger of warmer weather to come.
C1 adjective /ˈhiːdləs/

heedless

Meaning
showing a reckless lack of care or attention
Example
He drove with heedless disregard for the rules.
C2 noun /hʌsk/

husk

Meaning
the dry outer covering of some fruits or seeds
Example
The corn husk was peeled away before cooking.
C2 adjective /ˌhæɡ.i.əˈɡræf.ɪk/

hagiographic

Meaning
Excessively flattering or idealized, often in a biography or portrayal of someone.
Example
The documentary was criticized for its hagiographic portrayal of the leader.
C1 adjective /ˈhɔːltɪŋ/

halting

Meaning
slow and hesitant, especially due to lack of confidence
Example
She gave a halting reply during the interview.
C1 noun /ˈheɪˌdeɪ/

heyday

Meaning
The period of greatest success, popularity, or power.
Example
In its heyday, the company dominated the market.
C2 noun /ˌhæŋ.ki ˈpæŋ.ki/

Hanky-Panky

Meaning
dishonest or suspicious activity; unethical behavior; trickery or deception
Example
The audit revealed some hanky-panky in the company's financial records.
C2 noun /ˈhɑːstəlri/

hostelry

Meaning
An inn or lodging place, especially one for travelers.
Example
They stayed at a small hostelry near the mountains.
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 verb /ˈhɑːrnɪs/

harness

Meaning
To control and make use of natural resources, especially energy.
Example
Scientists are working to harness solar power effectively.
A2 verb /haɪd/

hide

Meaning
to put or keep out of sight; to conceal from view
Example
Children like to hide during games.
C1 noun /hɪˈstɪəriə/

hysteria

Meaning
An uncontrollable outburst of emotion or fear, often characterized by irrational behavior.
Example
The crowd was in a state of hysteria during the concert.
C1 noun /ˈhɑː.stɪdʒ/

Hostage

Meaning
a person seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition; captive
Example
The police negotiated carefully to secure the release of all hostages unharmed.
A1 interjection /hɑː/

ha

Meaning
used to express amusement, surprise, or triumph
Example
Ha! I knew you couldn’t resist joining us.
A2 noun /hɒt drɪŋk/

Hot-drink

Meaning
a warm or heated beverage consumed for refreshment or comfort
Example
I prefer a hot drink like tea or coffee in the morning.
B2 adjective ˈhæzədəs

hazardous

Meaning
Dangerous, risky, or potentially harmful
Example
Hazardous pollutants increase health risks.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌhɑːrdˈbɪtn̩/

hard-bitten

Meaning
tough and experienced, not easily affected by emotions or hardship
Example
The hard-bitten detective showed no sign of surprise at the crime scene.
A2 adjective /ˈɑːnɪst/

honest

Meaning
free of deceit and untruthfulness; sincere
Example
She is known as an honest and trustworthy person.
C1 verb /hɔːrd/

hoard

Meaning
to accumulate and hide away a large supply of something, often secretly
Example
During the crisis, many people began to hoard food and water.
B2 adjective /ˈhɑːrtˌbreɪkɪŋ/

Heartbreaking

Meaning
causing overwhelming distress; very sad or disappointing
Example
The documentary showed heartbreaking scenes of children in poverty.
B2 adjective /ˈhɒs.taɪl/

Hostile

Meaning
unfriendly; aggressive; antagonistic;
Example
The hostile environment made it difficult to work.
C1 noun /ˈhɒl.ə.kɔːst/

holocaust

Meaning
A large-scale destruction, especially by fire; historically, the genocide of Jews during World War II.
Example
Millions of people perished during the Holocaust.
C2 noun /hɪˈdʒɛməni/ or /ˈhɛdʒəmoʊni/

hegemony

Meaning
leadership or dominance, especially by one state or group over others
Example
The empire maintained its hegemony over neighboring states.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈhær.oʊ.ɪŋ/

harrowing

Meaning
extremely distressing or upsetting
Example
It was a harrowing experience to witness the accident.
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.
C2 noun /ˌhoʊ.mi.oʊˈsteɪ.sɪs/

homeostasis

Meaning
The tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.
Example
The human body maintains homeostasis through temperature regulation.
B1 adjective /ˈhoʊpləs/

Hopeless

Meaning
feeling or causing despair about something; without hope; desperate
Example
The situation seemed hopeless until help arrived.
C1 adjective /ˌhɒməˈdʒiːniəs/

homogeneous

Meaning
Of the same kind; alike.
Example
The team was not homogeneous in their skills.
C2 adjective/noun /ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪk/

hieroglyphic

Meaning
Relating to or written in hieroglyphs; symbols or writing that is difficult to understand.
Example
The archaeologists studied the hieroglyphic inscriptions carefully.
A1 noun /ˈhoʊmwɜːrk/

homework

Meaning
schoolwork that a student does at home
Example
I need to finish my math homework before dinner.
B1 adjective /ˈhæn.səm/

handsome

Meaning
attractive in appearance, usually referring to men; also can mean generous or impressive in size.
Example
He looked very handsome in his new suit.
C2 noun /ˌhaɪdroʊdaɪˈnæmɪks/

hydrodynamics

Meaning
The branch of science concerned with the motion of fluids, especially liquids, and the forces acting on solid bodies immersed in fluids.
Example
Hydrodynamics is essential in designing efficient ship hulls.
C1 adjective /ˌhæpˈhæz.ɚd/

haphazard

Meaning
Lacking any obvious principle of organization; random.
Example
His haphazard approach led to project failure.
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.
C2 noun /ˈhɑːdɪhʊd/

hardihood

Meaning
Courage, boldness, or daring behavior; also physical robustness.
Example
The mountaineer's hardihood impressed the entire team.
B2 noun /hʌt/

hut

Meaning
a small simple shelter or house
Example
They lived in a small wooden hut near the river.
B2 verb /ˈhezɪteɪt/

hesitate

Meaning
to pause before acting; to be uncertain about what to do
Example
Don't hesitate to ask for help.
A2 adjective ˈhjuː.mən

human

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of people or human beings; showing the better qualities of humankind, such as kindness.
Example
Human values shape social systems.
C1 noun ˌhaɪ.droʊˈpɒn.ɪks

hydroponics

Meaning
Growing plants using nutrient-rich water instead of soil.
Example
Hydroponics allows crops to grow without soil.
B2 adjective /hɪˈlɛəriəs/

hilarious

Meaning
Extremely funny or amusing.
Example
The comedian told a hilarious story that had everyone laughing.
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.
A2 verb /hɜːrt/

hurt

Meaning
to cause pain or injury; to feel pain physically or emotionally
Example
My back hurts from sitting too long.
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.
C2 verb /ˈhɑːrtən/

hearten

Meaning
To give courage, confidence, or hope.
Example
The teacher’s encouragement heartened the students.
C2 adjective /ˈhed.i/

Heady

Meaning
having a strong or exhilarating effect; intoxicating; exciting
Example
The heady perfume of jasmine filled the garden.
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.
A1 verb /hɪər/

hear

Meaning
to perceive sound; to listen to
Example
I can hear the birds singing.
C1 noun /ˈhaɪndsaɪt/

hindsight

Meaning
Understanding of a situation only after it has happened.
Example
With the benefit of hindsight, we realized the decision was a mistake.
C2 verb /ˈhɛktər/

hector

Meaning
To talk to someone in a bullying or intimidating way.
Example
The manager hectored the staff into working overtime.
A1 adverb /hɪr/

here

Meaning
in, at, or to this place
Example
Please come here quickly.
C2 adjective /ˈhɔːrtətɪv/

hortative

Meaning
Giving strong encouragement or urging.
Example
The teacher gave a hortative speech to motivate the students before the exam.
C2 verb /ˈhɑːrpɪŋ/

harping

Meaning
continuously talking or complaining about something in a tiresome way
Example
She kept harping on about the mistakes I made.
A2 verb /hɪt/

hit

Meaning
to strike; to reach a target
Example
He hit the ball with the bat.
C2 noun /ˈhʌmbʌɡ/

humbug

Meaning
Deceptive or false talk or behavior; nonsense.
Example
He dismissed the idea as humbug.
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.
B1 verb /ˈɒnər/

honour

Meaning
to show respect; to keep a promise
Example
We honour our veterans for their service.
B1 adverb /ˌhæfˈweɪ/

halfway

Meaning
at or to a point equal in distance between two points
Example
We met halfway between the two towns.
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.
B1 verb/noun /haɪk/

hike

Meaning
To take a long walk in the countryside or mountains; also to increase suddenly (prices, rates, etc.).
Example
We decided to hike in the hills this weekend.
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.
B1 noun /ˈhaʊzɪŋ/

housing

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

headstrong

Meaning
Determined to do what one wants, even if it is not sensible.
Example
The headstrong child refused to listen to anyone.
B1 noun /hel/

Hell

Meaning
a place regarded in various religions as a spiritual realm of evil and suffering; an extremely unpleasant experience
Example
Working in the factory during summer was absolute hell due to the extreme heat.
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.
A1 adjective /hɒt/

Hot

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

hackney

Meaning
a horse kept for ordinary riding or hire; also used for something overused or trite
Example
The old hackney was still pulling the carriage.
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.
C2 noun /hɪˈlærɪti/

hilarity

Meaning
Extreme amusement, especially when expressed by laughter.
Example
The movie caused great hilarity among the audience.
B1 noun hoʊm əˈplaɪ.ənsɪz

home appliances

Meaning
Electrical devices and machines used in households for daily tasks and convenience.
Example
Modern home appliances enhance convenience.
A2 noun /ˈheəkʌt/

haircut

Meaning
the act or style of cutting hair
Example
I got a haircut before the wedding.
C2 noun /ˈhaɪdrə/

hydra

Meaning
a many-headed serpent in Greek mythology; a problem that seems to grow worse when attempts are made to solve it
Example
Corruption is like a hydra, hard to defeat completely.
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 adjective /ˈheɪsti/

Hasty

Meaning
done or acting with excessive speed or urgency; hurried
Example
Don't make hasty decisions when you're angry.
A2 noun /hɛlθ/

health

Meaning
The state of being free from illness or injury.
Example
Exercise is important for good health.
B1 noun /ˈhɛlθˌkɛər/

healthcare

Meaning
the organized provision of medical care to people
Example
The country invested heavily in healthcare to improve public health.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌhaɪpərˈkrɪtɪkl/

hypercritical

Meaning
Excessively or unreasonably critical.
Example
The teacher was often hypercritical of small mistakes.
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.
C1 noun /ˈhæŋ.ər/

Hanger

Meaning
a shaped piece of wood, plastic, or metal with a hook at the top, used to hang up clothes
Example
She hung her dress on a wooden hanger to prevent it from getting wrinkled.
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.
C1 noun /ˈhæm.lət/

Hamlet

Meaning
a small rural settlement, smaller than a village; a small community
Example
The tiny hamlet nestled in the valley had only a dozen houses and one small church.
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.
C2 noun /ˌhjuː.mɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

humification

Meaning
The process of organic matter decomposition to form humus in soil.
Example
Humification enhances soil structure and fertility.
C2 noun /ˈhɔːtɪnəs/

haughtiness

Meaning
The appearance or quality of being arrogantly superior and disdainful.
Example
His haughtiness made him unpopular among his peers.
C1 verb /ˈhɪpnətaɪz/

hypnotize

Meaning
to put someone into a state of hypnosis; to influence someone's mind deeply
Example
The magician tried to hypnotize the audience.
C2 noun /ˈheɪ.deɪ/

Hey day

Meaning
the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor; prime time
Example
During her heyday as a singer, she performed in sold-out concerts around the world.