malapropism
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 /ˈmæləprɒˌpɪzəm/

malapropism

Meaning
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with amusing effect
Example
He is famous for his malapropism when speaking in public.
C1 noun /ˈmɒnəʊˌkʌltʃər/

monoculture

Meaning
The agricultural practice of growing only one type of crop over a large area and for many consecutive years, which can lead to increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
Example
Monoculture can lead to soil depletion and increased pest vulnerability.
C2 noun /mɪˈtɒnɪmi/

metonymy

Meaning
A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted with another closely related word or concept.
Example
In the phrase 'the crown will decide,' 'crown' is a metonymy for monarchy.
C1 adjective /ˈmænɪfoʊld/

Manifold

Meaning
many and of several different types; multiple; various
Example
The project has manifold benefits for the community.
A1 adjective /mʌm/

Mum

Meaning
silent; saying nothing; keeping quiet
Example
He kept mum about the surprise party plans.
C2 noun /ˈmeɪlstrəm/

maelstrom

Meaning
A powerful whirlpool in the sea or a situation of confused movement and turmoil.
Example
The ship was caught in a maelstrom of waves and wind.
A2 adjective /mæd/

Mad

Meaning
angry; mentally ill; insane
Example
He was mad at his friend for being late.
C1 noun /ˈmiːnnəs/

Meanness

Meaning
The quality of being unkind, spiteful, or unfair; stinginess
Example
His meanness towards the poor children shocked everyone in the neighborhood.
B2 noun /meɪz/

Maize

Meaning
a tall cereal plant bearing large grains on a cob; corn
Example
Farmers in the region grow maize as their primary crop for both food and animal feed.
C1 noun /ˈmɑːrtər/

Martyr

Meaning
A person who is killed because of their religious or political beliefs
Example
He became a martyr for the cause of freedom and democracy.
B2 noun /ˈmʌð.ər.hʊd/

Motherhood

Meaning
the state of being a mother; the qualities of a mother
Example
She embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood.
C1 adjective /ˈmɜː(r)dərəs/

Murderous

Meaning
having the intent to kill; extremely violent; bloodthirsty
Example
The murderous look in his eyes frightened everyone.
C2 adjective /ˈmeɪndʒi/

mangy

Meaning
in poor condition, shabby, dirty, or affected by mange
Example
The stray dog looked mangy and weak.
C1 adjective /ˈmɑːrʃəl/

martial

Meaning
Related to war, soldiers, or military life.
Example
The country imposed martial law during the crisis.
B2 noun /moʊˈmɛn.təm/

momentum

Meaning
The quantity of motion of a moving body; the impetus and driving force gained by the development of a process or course of events.
Example
The company gained momentum after launching a new product.
C2 verb /ˈmɔːndər/

maunder

Meaning
To speak or move aimlessly and incoherently.
Example
He maundered on about his old memories.
C2 adjective /ˈmɒtld/

mottled

Meaning
Marked with spots, streaks, or blotches of different shades or colors.
Example
The snake's mottled skin helped it blend into the forest floor.
C2 adjective /ˌmɔːrɡəˈnætɪk/

morganatic

Meaning
relating to a marriage in which one partner, usually of lower social rank, does not share the titles or privileges of the other
Example
The prince entered into a morganatic marriage with a commoner.
C2 verb /ˈmɔːrtɪfaɪ/

mortify

Meaning
to cause someone to feel great embarrassment or shame
Example
She was mortified when she tripped on stage.
C2 noun /məˈnɪʃən/

monition

Meaning
A warning or caution, often of a religious or moral nature.
Example
The priest gave a monition against dishonesty.
B2 adjective /ˈmɛtrɪk/

metric

Meaning
Relating to the metric system of measurement; also, a standard of measurement used to assess performance.
Example
The company tracks success using clear performance metrics.
C1 adverb /ˌmæθəˈmætɪkli/

mathematically

Meaning
in a way that relates to mathematics; using numbers, formulas, or logical calculation
Example
The problem can be solved mathematically rather than by guesswork.
C1 adjective /ˈməʊltən/

molten

Meaning
Made into liquid by heat; melted.
Example
The blacksmith poured molten metal into the mold.
C2 adjective /ˈmjuːtɪnəs/

mutinous

Meaning
refusing to obey authority; rebellious
Example
The soldiers grew mutinous after months without pay.
C2 adjective /ˈmɪnsɪŋ/

mincing

Meaning
affectedly delicate, dainty, or refined in manner or movement
Example
He walked with mincing steps across the stage.
A1 noun /mæn/

man

Meaning
an adult human male
Example
The man helped the child cross the street.
C2 noun /mɪˈsænθrəpi/

misanthropy

Meaning
a general dislike, distrust, or hatred of humankind
Example
His misanthropy was evident in the way he avoided people.
C2 noun /məˈʃiː.nɪst/

machinist

Meaning
a person who operates machine tools or makes and repairs machines
Example
The machinist carefully adjusted the gears on the lathe.
A1 noun /ˈmʌn.deɪ/

monday

Meaning
the first day of the working week following Sunday
Example
I start my new job on Monday.
A2 noun /ˈmæɡəziːn/

magazine

Meaning
A periodical publication containing articles, photographs, and advertisements.
Example
She bought a fashion magazine at the store.
C2 noun /ˈmɒdɪkəm/

modicum

Meaning
a small or moderate amount of something, especially something valuable or desirable
Example
She showed a modicum of patience during the long meeting.
B1 noun /ˈmæɡnət/

magnet

Meaning
An object that produces a magnetic field and attracts metals like iron.
Example
The magnet held the paper to the fridge door.
C1 adjective /ˌmɛtəˈfɔːrɪkəl/

metaphorical

Meaning
Characteristic of or relating to metaphor; figurative rather than literal.
Example
He used metaphorical language to describe his emotions.
A2 adjective ˈmed.ɪ.kəl

medical

Meaning
Relating to the practice of medicine or the treatment of illness and injuries.
Example
Medical education has improved significantly.
C1 noun /ˌmaʊntəˈnɪə/

mountaineer

Meaning
A person who climbs mountains as a sport or profession.
Example
The mountaineer reached the summit after a long climb.
C2 verb /ˈmæk.jʊˌleɪt/

maculate

Meaning
To stain, spot, or pollute something.
Example
The white cloth was maculated by ink stains.
C2 noun /ˈmoʊlər/

molar

Meaning
A large tooth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food.
Example
The dentist had to extract his wisdom molar.
B2 noun ˈmɪdl klæs

middle-class

Meaning
The social group between the upper and working classes, typically consisting of well-educated people.
Example
The middle-class was largely affected by the decision.
A2 noun /mæθ/

math

Meaning
The study of numbers, quantities, and shapes, also called mathematics.
Example
She is very good at math.
C1 noun /ˈmelənkəli/

Melancholy

Meaning
A feeling of pensive sadness; thoughtful or gentle sadness
Example
A deep melancholy settled over him after reading the old letters.
C1 noun ˌmiː.diˈɒk.rə.ti

mediocrity

Meaning
Being average or ordinary, not particularly good.
Example
He refused to settle for mediocrity and aimed for greatness.
A1 verb /mʌst/

must

Meaning
to be required or obligated to
Example
You must complete your homework before you go out.
B2 noun ˈmaɪl.stəʊn

milestone

Meaning
An important event or stage in the development, progress, or history of something.
Example
This discovery is a milestone in biotechnology.
C1 adjective /ˈmaɪndləs/

mindless

Meaning
without thought or intelligence; done without consideration
Example
He was bored by the mindless tasks at work.
C1 noun /ˈmɪd.waɪf/

midwife

Meaning
A person, typically a woman, trained to assist women during childbirth.
Example
The midwife stayed with the mother throughout her labor.
B2 verb /ˌmɪsbɪˈheɪv/

misbehave

Meaning
to behave badly or inappropriately; to act in an unacceptable way
Example
The children misbehaved during the school assembly.
C1 noun /ˈmiːknəs/

Meekness

Meaning
The quality of being quiet, gentle, and submissive
Example
His meekness was often mistaken for weakness by his colleagues.
C1 noun /ˈmætɪneɪ/

matinee

Meaning
A performance, especially a play or movie, that takes place in the afternoon.
Example
We bought tickets for the Sunday afternoon matinee.
C1 noun /ˈmɪʃ.ən.ɛr.i/

Missionary

Meaning
A person sent on a religious mission to promote their faith in a foreign country
Example
The missionary spent years teaching and helping people in remote villages.
C1 verb /ˈmæsəkər/

massacre

Meaning
to kill a large number of people brutally; to defeat decisively
Example
The army massacred the innocent civilians.
C1 verb, noun /mjuːz/

muse

Meaning
to think deeply about something; a source of inspiration, especially for an artist or writer
Example
She sat by the window to muse about her future.
C2 noun /ˈmʌstərd ɔɪl/

Mustard Oil

Meaning
oil extracted from mustard seeds, commonly used for cooking and medicinal purposes
Example
We use mustard oil for cooking vegetables in our kitchen.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌski/

musky

Meaning
having a strong, sweet, earthy smell like musk
Example
The perfume had a musky fragrance.
A1 pronoun /miː/

me

Meaning
Used by a speaker to refer to themselves as the object of a verb or preposition.
Example
She gave me a beautiful gift.
C1 verb, noun /mɛʃ/

mesh

Meaning
To fit or work together properly; or a material made of interlaced threads.
Example
The two gears mesh perfectly to keep the machine running smoothly.
C1 adjective /ˈmʌðərli/

Motherly

Meaning
having qualities characteristic of a mother; caring and protective
Example
She showed motherly care and affection towards all the children.
C1 adjective /ˈmɒsi/

Mossy

Meaning
covered with moss; having moss growing on it
Example
The old tree trunk was mossy and covered with green vegetation.
B2 adjective /ˈmaɪti/

mighty

Meaning
having great power or strength; very strong or impressive
Example
The mighty river flows through the heart of the country.
C1 noun /ˈmɔːrtər/

mortar

Meaning
a mixture used in building to bond bricks or stones together; also, a small cannon for firing shells
Example
The workers applied mortar between the bricks.
B2 noun /ˈmæm.əl/

mammal

Meaning
A warm-blooded animal with hair or fur, and females produce milk for their young.
Example
The whale is the largest mammal on Earth.
C1 noun /ˌmiːtiəˈrɒlədʒi/

meteorology

Meaning
The scientific study of the atmosphere and weather.
Example
He chose to specialize in meteorology to study weather patterns.
C1 noun, verb /ˈmæn.deɪt/

mandate

Meaning
an official order or command; to give someone authority to act in a certain way
Example
The government issued a mandate to reduce carbon emissions.
B1 noun /məˈdʒɪʃən/

magician

Meaning
A person who performs tricks and illusions for entertainment or one believed to have magical powers.
Example
The magician pulled a rabbit out of his hat.
B2 noun /məˈtʃʊrəti/

Maturity

Meaning
The state of being mature; full development physically or emotionally
Example
With age comes wisdom and emotional maturity.
A2 noun ˈmuːv.mənts

movements

Meaning
Organized efforts by groups of people working together to advance their shared political, social, or artistic ideas.
Example
Freedom movements paved the way for independence.
C2 noun /ˌmælˈoʊdər/

malodor

Meaning
An unpleasant smell; bad odor.
Example
The garbage bin gave off a terrible malodor.
C1 adjective /mɪˈrækjələs/

Miraculous

Meaning
supernatural; amazing; extraordinary
Example
Her miraculous recovery amazed all the doctors.
C2 noun ˌmɛtəkɒɡˈnɪʃən

metacognition

Meaning
Awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes
Example
Metacognition enhances problem-solving abilities.
A2 verb /ˈmɪsɪŋ/

missing

Meaning
Being without or lacking; failing to be present or included.
Example
Many youths are missing economic opportunities.
C2 noun/verb /ˈmæn.ə.kəl/

manacle

Meaning
A metal shackle for fastening someone's hands or ankles; also to restrain with such shackles.
Example
The prisoner was manacled before being taken to court.
A2 noun /maʊθ/

Mouth

Meaning
the opening in the face used for eating, drinking, speaking, and breathing
Example
Please open your mouth wide for the dentist to examine.
C2 adjective /mɛnˈdeɪʃəs/

mendacious

Meaning
not telling the truth; lying
Example
The politician was known for his mendacious statements.
A1 verb, noun /mɪs/

miss

Meaning
to fail to hit, reach, or meet; to feel the absence of someone or something
Example
I really miss my family when I travel abroad.
A2 noun /ˈmɛnjuː/

menu

Meaning
A list of food and drinks available at a restaurant or offered at a meal.
Example
The restaurant updated its menu with new dishes.
A2 noun /ˈmɛs.ɪdʒ/

Message

Meaning
A written, spoken, or electronic communication sent from one person to another
Example
I received your message and will reply soon.
C1 verb /mɔːrf/

morph

Meaning
to change smoothly from one form, shape, or character into another
Example
The caterpillar will morph into a butterfly.
C2 adjective /ˈmiː.di.eɪ.tɪv/

mediative

Meaning
Related to mediation, helping to resolve conflicts through diplomatic means.
Example
His mediative skills helped resolve the conflict.
C1 noun /ˈmɒŋ.ɡuːs/

Mongoose

Meaning
a small carnivorous mammal known for its ability to kill venomous snakes
Example
The mongoose quickly attacked the cobra to protect its young.
C2 noun /ˈmʌɡwʌmp/

mugwump

Meaning
a person who remains independent from party politics or remains aloof from disputes
Example
He was called a mugwump for refusing to join either political side.
C1 verb /ˈməʊbɪlaɪz/

mobilize

Meaning
to organize or prepare people or resources for action
Example
The leader worked hard to mobilize the community for the protest.
C2 adjective /ˈmɛtrɪkəl/

metrical

Meaning
Relating to or composed in a regular rhythmic pattern of beats or meter, especially in poetry.
Example
The poet carefully followed metrical rules in his verses.
B2 noun /mæt/

Mat

Meaning
a piece of coarse material placed on a floor for people to wipe their feet on
Example
Please wipe your feet on the mat before entering.
C2 noun /ˌmænjəˈmɪʃən/

manumission

Meaning
The act of a slave owner freeing their slaves.
Example
The manumission of the slaves marked a turning point in history.
C2 noun /ˈmæn.li.nəs/

manliness

Meaning
The quality of being manly; courage, strength, and honor associated with men.
Example
His manliness was admired by his peers.
A1 noun /ˈmjuːzɪk/

music

Meaning
vocal or instrumental sounds combined to produce harmony, melody, or rhythm
Example
She loves listening to classical music.
B2 noun /ˈmes.ɪn.dʒər/

Messenger

Meaning
a person who carries messages or communications between parties
Example
The messenger delivered important battle plans to the commander.
C1 noun /ˈmɛm.wɑːr/

memoir

Meaning
A historical account or autobiography written from personal experience.
Example
The author’s memoir details her journey through hardship and success.
B1 noun /ˌmoʊtɪˈveɪʃən/

motivation

Meaning
the reason or drive for acting or behaving in a particular way
Example
She lost her motivation to continue the project.
B1 adjective /ˈmɑːrvələs/

Marvellous

Meaning
extremely good; wonderful; causing great wonder
Example
The view from the mountain was marvellous.
C2 noun ˌmæɡnəˈnɪmɪti

magnanimity

Meaning
Generosity in forgiving an insult or injury; forbearance.
Example
His magnanimity towards his competitors was admirable.
C2 verb /ˈmɒtl/

mottle

Meaning
To mark with spots or patches of color.
Example
The leaves were mottled with shades of yellow and brown.
B2 noun /mɑːrz/

Mars

Meaning
The fourth planet from the Sun; the Roman god of war
Example
Scientists are planning a manned mission to Mars in the next decade.
C1 noun /ˌmɑːr.kɪ.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/

marketability

Meaning
The possibility of commercial success for a product or service
Example
The new product's marketability depends on consumer demand.
C1 noun /mɔːrˈfɑːlədʒi/

morphology

Meaning
the study of the form and structure of things, especially in language and biology
Example
Morphology studies the structure of words and how they are formed.
C1 noun /ˈmæroʊ/

Marrow

Meaning
A soft fatty substance in the cavities of bones; the essence of something
Example
The bone marrow produces blood cells in the human body.
C1 noun /moʊt/

moat

Meaning
A deep, wide ditch surrounding a castle or town, often filled with water, for defense.
Example
The castle was protected by a wide moat filled with water.
C2 noun /məˈlɪŋɡərər/

malingerer

Meaning
a person who pretends to be sick to avoid duty or work
Example
The manager suspected that John was a malingerer.
C1 noun /mɔːˈtæləti/

mortality

Meaning
the state of being subject to death; the death rate of a population
Example
Advancements in medicine have reduced child mortality significantly.
C2 noun /ˈmæl.kənˌtɛnt/

malcontent

Meaning
A person who is dissatisfied or rebellious; one who is not content.
Example
The malcontent voiced his grievances against the government.
C2 adjective /ˈmɜːrkəntaɪl/

mercantile

Meaning
related to trade or commerce
Example
The city grew rapidly due to its mercantile activities.
C1 noun /məˈnɒtəni/

monotony

Meaning
Lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine.
Example
Breaking the monotony of everyday life can improve mental health.
B1 noun /məˈkænɪk/

mechanic

Meaning
a person who repairs and maintains machines or vehicles
Example
The mechanic fixed the engine in less than an hour.
A2 adjective /mɪkst/

mixed

Meaning
consisting of different elements or having varied opinions or feelings
Example
The audience had mixed reactions to the film.
C1 noun /ˈmɛdli/

medley

Meaning
A mixture of different things, especially musical tunes combined together.
Example
The band played a medley of popular songs.
B1 verb /mɛlt/

melt

Meaning
to change from solid to liquid due to heat; to disappear gradually
Example
The ice melted in the sun.
C2 adjective /ˈmiː.di.əl/

medial

Meaning
Situated in or pertaining to the middle; located toward the midline of the body or structure.
Example
The medial side of the knee is more prone to injury.
B1 adjective /ˈmædʒɪkəl/

magical

Meaning
having or producing the charm, beauty, or power of magic
Example
The sunset over the mountains was a magical sight.
B1 adjective /ˈmiː.nɪŋ.fəl/

Meaningful

Meaning
having significance; purposeful; important
Example
She found meaningful work helping others.
C2 adjective /məˈnaɪəkəl/

maniacal

Meaning
behaving like a maniac; showing excessive enthusiasm or madness
Example
He gave a maniacal laugh during the movie.
C1 adjective /məˈdʒen.tə/

Magenta

Meaning
a bright purplish-red color
Example
She wore a beautiful magenta dress to the party.
C1 adjective /ˈmæn.əd/

mannered

Meaning
Having or showing a particular manner, especially an artificial or affected one.
Example
The actor’s performance was too mannered to feel natural.
B2 adjective /ˈmɪd.əl.eɪdʒd/

Middle-aged

Meaning
being of an age between young and old; typically between 40-60 years old
Example
The middle-aged man started a new career.
C1 noun /ˌmɪsˈkɒn.dʌkt/

Misconduct

Meaning
Unacceptable or improper behavior, especially by a professional person
Example
The officer was dismissed for professional misconduct.
B1 noun /ˈmʌs.əl/

Muscle

Meaning
a body tissue consisting of fibers that can contract to produce movement
Example
Regular exercise helps strengthen your muscle.
A2 noun /ˈmembər/

member

Meaning
a person or thing that belongs to a group or organization
Example
She is a member of the local sports club.
C1 noun /ˈmjʊr.əl/

Mural

Meaning
a painting or artwork applied directly on a wall or ceiling
Example
The artist painted a beautiful mural on the school wall.
B2 noun /ˈmɜːrtʃənt/

merchant

Meaning
a person or company involved in the trade of goods, especially in large quantities
Example
The merchant sold spices from distant lands.
C1 noun /ˈmɪlɪtəˌrɪzəm/

militarism

Meaning
The belief in maintaining a strong military and using it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.
Example
The rise of militarism in the region caused tension among neighboring countries.
C2 noun /ˈmæk.rəˌkɒz.əm/

macrocosm

Meaning
The whole universe considered as a large, complex system; a large-scale representation of something.
Example
The macrocosm of the universe reflects the microcosm of human life.
C2 noun /mɪlk raɪs/

Milk rice

Meaning
A sweet dessert made from rice cooked with milk and sugar
Example
My grandmother makes delicious milk rice for special occasions.
A1 noun /ˈmʌðər/

mother

Meaning
a female parent
Example
Her mother is a kind and caring person.