matriarch
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
C1 noun /ˈmeɪ.triˌɑːrk/

matriarch

Meaning
A woman who is the head of a family or community.
Example
The matriarch of the family made all important decisions.
C1 verb /ˈmæɡnɪfaɪ/

magnify

Meaning
to make something appear larger; to increase the importance or effect of something
Example
The microscope can magnify tiny objects for better observation.
B2 noun /ˈmʌs.tərd/

Mustard

Meaning
A pungent seed or condiment made from ground mustard seeds
Example
She added mustard seeds to the curry for extra flavor.
C2 verb /məˈlɪŋɡər/

malinger

Meaning
to exaggerate or fake illness in order to escape duty or work
Example
He tried to malinger to avoid going to school.
C1 noun /məˈtɜːrnəti/

Maternity

Meaning
The state of being a mother; motherhood
Example
The hospital has an excellent maternity ward for new mothers.
C2 noun ˌmæɡnəˈnɪmɪti

magnanimity

Meaning
Generosity in forgiving an insult or injury; forbearance.
Example
His magnanimity towards his competitors was admirable.
A2 noun /ˈmæŋ.ɡoʊ/

Mango

Meaning
a tropical fruit with yellow-orange skin and sweet juicy flesh
Example
The mango is known as the king of fruits.
B1 noun /ˈmiːtər/

meter

Meaning
A unit of length in the metric system equal to 100 centimeters; also, a device that measures quantity such as electricity or gas.
Example
The technician came to check the electricity meter.
C2 adjective /ˈmɔːdlɪn/

maudlin

Meaning
Overly sentimental, often tearfully or weakly emotional.
Example
He became maudlin after a few drinks.
B2 noun /ˈmærəθən/

marathon

Meaning
a long-distance running race, typically 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles)
Example
She completed the marathon in under four hours.
C2 noun /ˈmɛtrəˌnoʊm/

metronome

Meaning
A device that produces regular ticks or beats to help musicians maintain tempo.
Example
She practiced the piano with a metronome to keep steady timing.
A2 noun /miːl/

Meal

Meaning
food that is prepared and eaten at a specific time
Example
We enjoyed a delicious meal at the restaurant.
A2 adjective /ˈmɒdən/

modern

Meaning
relating to the present or recent times, not ancient or old-fashioned
Example
They live in a modern apartment with new facilities.
B2 noun /moʊd/

Mode

Meaning
a way or manner in which something occurs or is done; a setting
Example
The computer has a sleep mode to save energy.
A1 noun /maʊs/

Mouse

Meaning
a small rodent with a long tail and typically gray or brown fur
Example
The little mouse hid behind the cabinet.
B2 noun /ˌmɛdɪˈteɪʃən/

meditation

Meaning
The practice of focusing the mind to achieve calmness, clarity, or spiritual growth.
Example
She practices meditation every morning to start her day peacefully.
B1 noun məˈdʒɒrəti

majority

Meaning
The greater number; the larger part of something.
Example
The majority demanded their rights.
A2 noun ˈmuːv.mənt

movement

Meaning
A group of people working together to advance their shared political, social, or artistic ideas.
Example
The movement aimed to ensure equal rights.
A2 adverb /ˈmoʊstli/

Mostly

Meaning
mainly; for the most part; usually
Example
The students are mostly from local schools.
B2 adverb /ˈmɒdərətli/

moderately

Meaning
to a reasonable extent, not excessively
Example
She exercises moderately to stay healthy.
B1 noun /mʌd/

mud

Meaning
soft, wet earth or soil
Example
The children were playing in the mud after the rain.
C1 adjective /ˈməʊltən/

molten

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

moth-eaten

Meaning
Damaged or worn out, especially by moths or age.
Example
He wore a moth-eaten sweater on the cold day.
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.
B2 noun /ˈmɛmoʊ/

memo

Meaning
a written message, typically in a business setting
Example
He wrote a memo to the staff about the upcoming meeting.
C1 noun /ˈmænəˌrɪzəm/

Mannerism

Meaning
A habitual gesture or way of speaking or behaving; an idiosyncrasy
Example
His constant throat clearing had become an annoying mannerism.
C2 adjective /ˈmɛdəlsəm/

meddlesome

Meaning
fond of interfering in other people’s affairs
Example
She found her neighbor to be meddlesome and annoying.
A2 noun ˈmɛdɪsɪn

medicine

Meaning
A compound or preparation used for the treatment or prevention of disease.
Example
Modern medicine has made great strides in treating diseases.
C1 adjective /ˈmoʊmənˌteri/

momentary

Meaning
Lasting for only a short time.
Example
There was a momentary silence in the room.
C2 verb /ˌmɪskənˈsiːv/

misconceive

Meaning
To misunderstand or form an incorrect idea about something.
Example
He misconceived the purpose of the project.
C1 noun /mɪˈrɑːʒ/

Mirage

Meaning
An optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially in deserts
Example
The travelers saw a mirage of water in the desert.
C1 noun /ˌmælnuːˈtrɪʃən/

Malnutrition

Meaning
Lack of proper nutrition; poor nourishment
Example
Malnutrition among children is a serious public health concern.
C1 adjective /ˈmiːɡər/

meager

Meaning
Lacking in quantity or quality; inadequate.
Example
He could barely survive on his meager salary.
C1 verb /ˈmʌd.əl/

muddle

Meaning
to mix things up in a confused way or to make a mess of something
Example
He muddled the papers and couldn’t find the report.
C2 noun /mælˈfiːzəns/

malfeasance

Meaning
Wrongdoing or misconduct, especially by a public official.
Example
The mayor was accused of malfeasance in office.
C2 adjective /ˈmɪnətɔːri/

minatory

Meaning
Expressing a threat; menacing.
Example
The criminal gave the witness a minatory look.
C1 noun məˈnjʊər

manure

Meaning
Animal dung used for fertilizing land; organic matter used as fertilizer.
Example
Organic manure enhances soil fertility.
C2 adjective /mjuːˈnɪfɪsənt/

munificent

Meaning
extremely generous; giving freely and abundantly
Example
She made a munificent donation to the orphanage.
C1 adjective /ˈmæn.li/

Manly

Meaning
having qualities traditionally associated with men; brave; courageous
Example
He showed manly courage during the crisis.
B2 verb /ˌmænjʊˈfæktʃər/

manufacture

Meaning
to produce goods in large quantities using machinery; to make or create something
Example
The company manufactures electronic devices for global markets.
C1 noun /mjuːˈteɪʃn/

mutation

Meaning
A change in form, structure, or nature, especially in genetics.
Example
Scientists discovered a genetic mutation that caused the disorder.
C2 adjective /ˈmjuːlɪʃ/

mulish

Meaning
extremely stubborn or unwilling to change
Example
She remained mulish despite all the convincing arguments.
C2 verb /miːt/

mete

Meaning
To dispense or allot justice, punishment, or harsh treatment.
Example
The judge will mete out punishment according to the crime.
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 /moʊl/

Mole

Meaning
a small burrowing mammal with tiny eyes and soft fur
Example
The mole dug tunnels under the garden.
B2 noun ˈmɒn.ə.ki

monarchy

Meaning
A form of government with a monarch at the head, where supreme power is held by a single person such as a king or queen.
Example
The monarchy was abolished during the revolution.
A1 modal verb/noun /maɪt/

might

Meaning
used to express possibility; power or strength
Example
She might come to the party if she finishes work early.
B2 adjective /ˌmiː.diˈiː.vəl/

medieval

Meaning
Relating to the Middle Ages, the period in European history from about the 5th to the 15th century.
Example
The castle is a famous medieval monument.
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.
B1 noun /ˈmem.bə.ʃɪp/

membership

Meaning
The state of belonging to or being part of an organization or group.
Example
The country's membership in the organization marked 50 years.
A1 noun /ˈmʌni/

money

Meaning
A medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes; wealth or financial resources.
Example
He saved enough money to buy a new car.
C2 adjective /mɔːrˈdeɪʃəs/

mordacious

Meaning
Sharp or biting in style, tone, or remark; sarcastic.
Example
The critic’s mordacious review offended the author.
C2 verb /məʊlt/

molt

Meaning
To shed old feathers, skin, or hair to make way for new growth.
Example
Birds molt their feathers once a year.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈmæn.ju.əl/

Manual

Meaning
done by hand; operated by hand; not automatic
Example
This is a manual process that requires careful attention.
B1 noun ˈmɪlɪteri

military

Meaning
The armed forces of a country.
Example
The military was called for assistance.
C2 verb /ˈmæŋɡəl/

mangle

Meaning
to severely damage or mutilate something, often by tearing or crushing
Example
The car was mangled in the accident.
C1 adjective /məˈnɒtənəs/

Monotonous

Meaning
lacking in variety; tediously unvarying; boring and repetitive
Example
The monotonous sound of the rain made everyone feel sleepy.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌski/

musky

Meaning
having a strong, sweet, earthy smell like musk
Example
The perfume had a musky fragrance.
C2 noun /ˈmeɪdənˌhʊd/

maidenhood

Meaning
The state of being a maiden; girlhood or virginity.
Example
The poem celebrated the innocence of maidenhood.
C1 adjective /ˈmuː.və.bl̩/

Movable

Meaning
capable of being moved; not fixed in position
Example
The furniture is movable so we can rearrange the room easily.
B1 verb /ˈmɛʒər/

measure

Meaning
to determine the size, amount, or degree of something
Example
She measured the length of the table.
C2 noun mʌnˈdeɪ.nɪ.ti

mundanity

Meaning
The quality of being ordinary, routine, or lacking excitement.
Example
The mundanity of office life can be exhausting.
C2 noun mɒnəˈtɑːskɪŋ

monotasking

Meaning
The practice of dedicating oneself to a given task and minimizing potential interruptions until the task is completed or a significant period of time has elapsed.
Example
Monotasking can often lead to higher quality work.
B2 noun /ˈmɜːrdərər/

murderer

Meaning
a person who unlawfully kills another human being with intent
Example
The murderer was caught by the police within hours.
C1 noun /ˌmɪdˈsʌm.ər/

midsummer

Meaning
The middle of summer, often around the summer solstice in June.
Example
We had a festival to celebrate midsummer.
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.
C2 noun /ˈmænˌtræp/

man-trap

Meaning
A trap designed to catch or injure humans; informally, a woman considered dangerously attractive.
Example
The old castle had a man-trap at the entrance.
B1 noun /ˈmɪʃ.ən/

Mission

Meaning
An important task or assignment given to a person or group; a specific purpose or goal
Example
The astronauts completed their mission to the space station.
C1 noun /ˌmɔːrəˈtɔːriəm/

moratorium

Meaning
A temporary suspension or delay of an activity, law, or obligation.
Example
The government announced a moratorium on new mining licenses.
C2 verb /ˈmɒrəlaɪz/

moralize

Meaning
To comment on issues of right and wrong, often with an air of superiority.
Example
He tends to moralize about other people's choices.
A2 noun /məˈʃiːn/

machine

Meaning
A device with moving parts that uses energy to perform a particular task.
Example
This washing machine is very efficient.
C1 noun /mælˈpræktɪs/

Malpractice

Meaning
Improper, illegal, or negligent professional behavior
Example
The surgeon was sued for malpractice after the failed operation.
C2 noun /ˈmɛndɪkənt/

mendicant

Meaning
a beggar; a person who lives by asking for alms
Example
The mendicant asked for food at the monastery gate.
C1 noun /mɒnˈtɑːʒ/

montage

Meaning
A sequence of film editing or a composite image made by combining several separate pictures.
Example
The film opened with a montage of city life.
B2 verb /mɔːrn/

mourn

Meaning
To feel or express deep sadness or grief, especially because of someone's death.
Example
They gathered to mourn the loss of their friend.
C1 noun /mɜːrθ/

mirth

Meaning
Great joy, amusement, or laughter.
Example
The festival was full of mirth and laughter.
C1 noun /mɪˈsɑːdʒəni/

misogyny

Meaning
Hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against women.
Example
The novel has been criticized for promoting misogyny.
C1 noun ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪzd ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlz

marginalized individuals

Meaning
People who are treated as insignificant or peripheral to society, often excluded from mainstream social, economic, or political activities.
Example
Marginalized individuals often face severe challenges.
C2 noun /ˈmɪsənˌθroʊp/

misanthrope

Meaning
a person who dislikes or distrusts humankind
Example
The old man was considered a misanthrope who avoided all social gatherings.
B2 adjective /ˈmʌd.i/

muddy

Meaning
covered in or full of mud; unclear or confused
Example
The children came back with muddy shoes after playing outside.
C1 noun /ˈmeɪsən/

mason

Meaning
a person skilled in building with stone, brick, or concrete
Example
The mason carefully laid the bricks for the new house.
C2 adjective ˌmɛɡəˈlɪθɪk

megalithic

Meaning
Relating to or denoting prehistoric monuments made of or containing large stones.
Example
The megalithic structures in ancient civilizations are fascinating.
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.
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.
C1 noun /meɪl treɪn/

Mail train

Meaning
a train that carries mail and postal packages
Example
The mail train departs every evening to deliver letters across the country.
A2 noun /ˈmædʒɪk/

magic

Meaning
the use of mysterious or supernatural powers to influence events
Example
The magician amazed the crowd with his magic.
C2 noun /ˌmɪsˈruːl/

misrule

Meaning
bad or poor governance
Example
The kingdom suffered for decades under misrule.
C1 verb (past) /ˈmɛrɪtɪd/

merited

Meaning
Deserved or earned something.
Example
Her dedication merited recognition from the community.
B2 noun /ˈmɪd.deɪ/

Midday

Meaning
The middle of the day; twelve o'clock in the daytime; noon
Example
The sun is brightest at midday when it's directly overhead.
C1 noun /ˈmɔːr.ɡɪʤ/

Mortgage

Meaning
a legal agreement by which a bank lends money to buy property
Example
They took out a mortgage to buy their first house.
C1 noun /məˈnɒɡəmi/

monogamy

Meaning
The practice of being married to or in a relationship with only one person at a time.
Example
Many cultures encourage monogamy as the ideal form of marriage.
C2 verb /ˈmɒtl/

mottle

Meaning
To mark with spots or patches of color.
Example
The leaves were mottled with shades of yellow and brown.
B1 adverb /ˈmiːn.waɪl/

Meanwhile

Meaning
at the same time; during the same period
Example
She was cooking dinner, meanwhile he was setting the table.
A2 noun /mɔːl/ or /mæl/

mall

Meaning
a large building or series of connected buildings containing shops and restaurants
Example
They went to the mall to buy new clothes.
C2 noun /ˈmɪsəleɪni/

miscellany

Meaning
A collection or mixture of various things.
Example
The book is a miscellany of essays and poems.
C2 adjective /ˌmɛtəˈfɪzɪkəl/

metaphysical

Meaning
Relating to the branch of philosophy that deals with the fundamental nature of reality and existence.
Example
He spent years studying metaphysical questions about life and being.
B1 noun /ˈmænər/

manner

Meaning
a way in which something is done or happens
Example
He spoke in a polite manner.
B2 noun /ˈmɛntɔːr/

mentor

Meaning
an experienced person who advises and guides someone less experienced
Example
She acted as a mentor for the new employees.
C1 adjective /ˈmænɪfoʊld/

Manifold

Meaning
many and of several different types; multiple; various
Example
The project has manifold benefits for the community.
B2 adverb /ˈmɪərli/

merely

Meaning
Only; nothing more than.
Example
She was merely trying to help.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈmaɪnd.fəl/

Mindful

Meaning
being conscious or aware; paying attention to the present moment
Example
She is always mindful of her surroundings and pays attention to details.
B2 adjective /ˌmænˈmeɪd/

manmade

Meaning
something created or built by humans rather than occurring naturally
Example
This lake is manmade, not natural.
B2 verb /mɛnd/

mend

Meaning
To repair something that is broken or damaged.
Example
She learned to mend her torn dress.
B2 noun /ˈmʌtn/

Mutton

Meaning
meat from an adult sheep; lamb meat
Example
The restaurant serves delicious mutton curry with rice.
A2 noun, pronoun, verb /maɪn/

mine

Meaning
a place where minerals are dug from the ground; or something belonging to me
Example
The workers went deep into the mine to extract coal.
C1 noun /ˈmɑː.kɪt ˌpen.ɪˈtreɪ.ʃən/

Market Penetration

Meaning
A measure of the amount of sales or adoption of a product or service compared to the total theoretical market for that product or service.
Example
High market penetration ensures competitive dominance.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈmɪriəd/

myriad

Meaning
a countless or extremely great number
Example
There are myriad stars in the night sky.
C2 noun /ˈmɛtəl/

mettle

Meaning
A person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face demanding situations with courage.
Example
The young athlete showed his mettle in the final match.
C1 adjective /məˈlɪɡnənt/

malignant

Meaning
dangerous or harmful in influence or effect; medically, tending to invade and destroy tissue
Example
Doctors confirmed that the tumor was malignant.
C2 adjective /ˈmæn.laɪk/

manlike

Meaning
Having qualities or characteristics traditionally associated with a man; manly.
Example
His manlike courage impressed everyone in the village.
C2 noun /ˈmɒnəˌsɪləbəl/

monosyllable

Meaning
A word consisting of only one syllable.
Example
Words like 'yes' and 'no' are monosyllables.
B2 noun /məˈʃiː.nər.i/

machinery

Meaning
machines collectively, or the parts of a machine; also, the system or process by which something works
Example
The factory invested in new machinery to increase production.
B2 noun /ˌmænjəˈfæktʃərɪŋ/

manufacturing

Meaning
the process of making products on a large scale using machinery
Example
The country is investing heavily in the manufacturing sector.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt/

misrepresent

Meaning
to give a false or misleading account of something
Example
The lawyer accused the witness of trying to misrepresent the facts.
B2 adjective /ˌmʌltɪˈlɪŋɡwəl/

multilingual

Meaning
Able to speak or written in several languages.
Example
She grew up in a multilingual household.
C1 noun /ˈmɜːrdʒər/

merger

Meaning
The combination of two or more companies into a single entity.
Example
The merger of the two firms created the largest bank in the region.
C1 adverb /maɪˈnjuːtli/

Minutely

Meaning
in very small detail; extremely carefully
Example
The detective examined the evidence minutely.
C1 noun /moʊld/

Mould

Meaning
a hollow container used to give shape to molten material; fungus
Example
She poured chocolate into the mould to make candies.