mm-hmm
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
A2 interjection /mˈhm/

mm-hmm

Meaning
A sound used to express agreement or acknowledgment in conversation.
Example
‘Do you understand?’ ‘Mm-hmm.’
C1 noun /ˈmoʊ.tər ˈlɔː.ri/

Motor lorry

Meaning
a large motor vehicle used for transporting goods; truck
Example
The motor lorry delivered fresh vegetables to the market.
C2 noun /ˌmæskəˈreɪd/

masquerade

Meaning
a party or gathering where people wear masks and costumes; a false outward show
Example
The charity event was held as a grand masquerade.
C1 noun /ˈmeɪ.trɪks/

matrix

Meaning
An environment or structure in which something develops; also a mathematical array of numbers.
Example
The cultural matrix shaped his worldview.
B2 noun /ˌmɪs.bɪˈheɪ.vjər/

Misbehaviour

Meaning
Bad or unacceptable behavior, especially by children or in formal situations
Example
The student was punished for his misbehaviour in class.
B1 noun, verb /ˈmɜːrdər/

murder

Meaning
the unlawful killing of a person; to kill someone unlawfully and intentionally
Example
The detective investigated the murder that shocked the town.
C1 noun məˈnjʊər

manure

Meaning
Animal dung used for fertilizing land; organic matter used as fertilizer.
Example
Organic manure enhances soil fertility.
C1 noun /mɔːrɡ/

morgue

Meaning
a place where dead bodies are kept, especially to be identified or claimed
Example
The police took the body to the morgue for identification.
C2 adjective /ˈmɪnsɪŋ/

mincing

Meaning
affectedly delicate, dainty, or refined in manner or movement
Example
He walked with mincing steps across the stage.
B2 verb /ˌmɪsˈjuːz/

misuse

Meaning
To use something incorrectly or for the wrong purpose.
Example
Misusing social media profiles can harm relationships.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A2 verb /ˈmæri/

marry

Meaning
to become husband and wife; to perform a wedding ceremony
Example
They plan to marry next summer.
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.
C2 noun /ˌmæləˈdɪkʃən/

Malediction

Meaning
A magical word used to invoke a curse; an evil spell
Example
The witch uttered a terrible malediction upon her enemies.
C1 adjective /məˈroʊs/

morose

Meaning
sullen, gloomy, or ill-tempered
Example
He became morose after losing his job.
B2 noun /mɒsk/

mosque

Meaning
A Muslim place of worship.
Example
They gathered at the mosque for the Friday prayer.
B1 verb /mɛlt/

melt

Meaning
to change from solid to liquid due to heat; to disappear gradually
Example
The ice melted in the sun.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈmɪnɪməl/

minimal

Meaning
the smallest or least amount possible
Example
The damage to the car was minimal after the accident.
C1 noun /mɜːrθ/

mirth

Meaning
Great joy, amusement, or laughter.
Example
The festival was full of mirth and laughter.
C2 noun /ˈmɪs.kri.ənt/

Miscreant

Meaning
A person who behaves badly or illegally; a villain or criminal
Example
The miscreant was caught stealing from the store.
B2 adjective /ˈmæn.dəˌtɔːr.i/

mandatory

Meaning
required by law or rules; compulsory
Example
Wearing seat belts is mandatory in most countries.
B2 adverb /mɔːrˈoʊvər/

moreover

Meaning
Used to add information that supports or emphasizes what has already been said.
Example
The job is challenging; moreover, it requires excellent communication skills.
C1 adjective /ˈmel.əʊ/

Mellow

Meaning
soft and pleasant; relaxed and gentle
Example
The mellow evening light created a peaceful atmosphere.
C1 verb /ˈmɛdəl/

meddle

Meaning
to interfere in something that is not one's concern
Example
He always tries to meddle in other people’s business.
C1 noun ˌmɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən

mitigation

Meaning
The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Example
Mitigation of climate change requires collective effort.
B2 verb ˈmɪnɪmaɪz

minimize

Meaning
Reduce (something, especially something unwanted or unpleasant) to the smallest possible amount or degree.
Example
Efforts should be made to minimize plastic usage.
B1 noun /mʌɡ/

Mug

Meaning
a large cup, typically cylindrical and having a handle and used without a saucer
Example
She drank her morning coffee from a ceramic mug.
B2 adjective /ˌmæθəˈmætɪkəl/

mathematical

Meaning
relating to mathematics or the use of mathematics
Example
The mathematical equation was difficult to solve.
A2 noun /mjuˈziːəm/

museum

Meaning
a building in which objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited
Example
We visited the art museum to see the new exhibition.
B2 adjective /məˈkænɪkəl/

mechanical

Meaning
relating to machines or the way they work
Example
She has a good understanding of mechanical systems.
B2 noun /ˌmɒd.ən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

modernization

Meaning
The process of adapting something to modern needs or habits.
Example
Modernization of industries reduces pollution.
C1 adjective /ˈmɔːrbɪd/

morbid

Meaning
Having an abnormal interest in disturbing or unpleasant subjects such as death or disease.
Example
She had a morbid fascination with crime stories.
C2 noun /ˌmjuːtəˈbɪləti/

mutability

Meaning
The quality of being changeable or capable of change.
Example
The mutability of fashion trends makes it hard to keep up.
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.
C1 noun /ˈmæk.rəʊˌnjuː.tri.ənts/

macronutrients

Meaning
Nutrients that are needed in large amounts to provide energy and building materials for the body, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Example
Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are vital macronutrients.
B1 noun /ˈmɪr.ɪ.kəl/

Miracle

Meaning
An extraordinary and welcome event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws
Example
The patient's recovery was called a miracle by the doctors.
A2 noun ˈmem.bərz

members

Meaning
A person, animal, or plant belonging to a particular group; an individual belonging to a group such as a society or team.
Example
Members collaborate to finalize recruitment decisions.
B2 noun ˈmɒnjʊmənt

monument

Meaning
A statue, building, or other structure erected to commemorate a notable person or event.
Example
A monument should honor his contributions.
C1 noun/verb mælˈfʌŋk.ʃən

malfunction

Meaning
A failure to function normally or satisfactorily; a defect or breakdown.
Example
The engine malfunctioned due to overheating.
B2 adjective məˈriːn

marine

Meaning
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the sea; living or growing in the sea.
Example
Marine ecosystems are highly sensitive to human activity.
C1 noun ˈmetəl kənˌtæməˈneɪʃən

metal contamination

Meaning
The presence of toxic metals in the environment that pose health and environmental risks.
Example
Metal contamination poses severe health risks.
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.
A2 verb /mætʃ/

match

Meaning
to be equal to something; to find something that corresponds to another
Example
The colors of her dress match perfectly with her shoes.
B2 noun /məˌnɪp.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/

manipulation

Meaning
The action of manipulating someone or something in a skillful manner; handling or controlling in a subtle, unfair, or unscrupulous way.
Example
Media manipulation influences public opinion.
C2 noun /ˌmɪsədˈvɛntʃər/

misadventure

Meaning
An unlucky accident, mishap, or unfortunate event.
Example
He broke his leg during a skiing misadventure.
C2 noun /məˈnɪʃən/

monition

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

memorize

Meaning
to learn something by heart; to commit to memory
Example
Students need to memorize important formulas for the exam.
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.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəfɪˈzɪʃən/

metaphysician

Meaning
A person who studies or is an expert in metaphysics.
Example
The metaphysician debated the essence of reality with his peers.
C1 noun /ˌmɒd.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/

modulation

Meaning
The process of varying or controlling something.
Example
Proper modulation of voice enhances communication skills.
C2 noun məˌnɒp.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

monopolization

Meaning
The process by which a company gains exclusive control over a commercial activity.
Example
The monopolization of industries can limit consumer choices.
C2 verb /ˈmɒlɪfaɪ/

mollify

Meaning
To calm or soothe someone's anger or anxiety.
Example
The manager tried to mollify the angry customers with discounts.
A2 adjective /ˈmuːvɪŋ/

moving

Meaning
causing strong feelings, especially of sympathy or sadness
Example
Her speech was so moving that everyone cried.
B2 adjective /mɑːrkt/

Marked

Meaning
clearly noticeable; distinct; obvious
Example
There was a marked improvement in her performance.
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.
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.
C2 noun /maɪˈnjuːʃə/

minutia

Meaning
a small or trivial detail of something
Example
He was bored by the minutia of office paperwork.
C1 adjective /məˈdʒen.tə/

Magenta

Meaning
a bright purplish-red color
Example
She wore a beautiful magenta dress to the party.
C1 noun /ˈmæɡnɪtuːd/

Magnitude

Meaning
The great size or extent of something; importance
Example
The magnitude of the earthquake was measured at 7.5 on the Richter scale.
B1 noun məˈdʒɒrəti

majority

Meaning
The greater number; the larger part of something.
Example
The majority demanded their rights.
B2 verb /ˈmɑːdɪfaɪ/

modify

Meaning
to change or alter something; to make partial changes
Example
We need to modify the plan to include more details.
B1 adjective /ˈmæsɪv/

Massive

Meaning
extremely large; huge in size or amount
Example
The company made a massive profit this year.
A2 noun /ˈmaʊn.tɪn/

Mountain

Meaning
a large natural elevation of earth and rock rising above the ground
Example
They climbed the highest mountain in the region.
B2 adjective /ˈmɪnɪməm/

minimum

Meaning
The least or smallest amount or quantity possible, attained, or required.
Example
This year saw a minimum unemployment rate.
C1 verb /ˈmɛzməˌraɪz/

mesmerize

Meaning
To capture complete attention; to hypnotize or fascinate.
Example
The dancer's graceful movements mesmerized the audience.
C2 noun /ˈmɔɪəti/

moiety

Meaning
One of two equal parts; a half or portion.
Example
The estate was divided into two moieties between the heirs.
C1 noun məˈnɒp.əl.i

monopoly

Meaning
The exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service.
Example
The company has a monopoly on electric car production.
B2 noun /meɪz/

Maze

Meaning
A network of paths designed as a puzzle; a confusing situation
Example
The children got lost in the corn maze at the harvest festival.
A2 noun ˈmɒd.əl

model

Meaning
A framework, prototype, or simulation used to represent or understand a system or process.
Example
Scientists use a model to simulate climate change.
C2 noun /ˌmɪstɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

mystification

Meaning
the act of making something unclear or confusing; a state of being puzzled or bewildered
Example
The audience watched in mystification as the magician performed his tricks.
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 /ˈmuːn.biːm/

moonbeam

Meaning
A ray of light from the moon.
Example
A moonbeam lit up the quiet forest clearing.
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.
C1 noun /ˈmætrəˌmoʊni/

matrimony

Meaning
The state of being married; marriage.
Example
They entered into matrimony after years of friendship.
A1 noun /mɑːrtʃ/

March

Meaning
An act of walking in a regular measured tread; a protest demonstration
Example
The soldiers performed a ceremonial march in front of the palace.
C2 noun ˌmæɡnəˈnɪmɪti

magnanimity

Meaning
Generosity in forgiving an insult or injury; forbearance.
Example
His magnanimity towards his competitors was admirable.
B1 verb /ˈmoʊtɪˌveɪt/

motivate

Meaning
to encourage or stimulate interest or enthusiasm for doing something
Example
The coach's speech motivated the team to win the championship.
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 ˌmɛtə ˈmɔːfəsɪs

metamorphosis

Meaning
A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.
Example
The company's metamorphosis from a small startup to a global leader was remarkable.
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.
A2 noun /mɪˈsteɪk/

Mistake

Meaning
An action or judgment that is misguided or wrong; an error
Example
Making mistakes is part of the learning process.
C2 verb /ˈmæɡnɪtaɪz/

magnetize

Meaning
to make something magnetic or to strongly attract
Example
The scientist managed to magnetize the iron rod.
B2 noun /ˌmɒdəˈreɪʃən/

moderation

Meaning
The avoidance of excess or extremes; keeping balance or within reasonable limits.
Example
He drinks wine in moderation.
B2 adverb /ˈmɪərli/

merely

Meaning
Only; nothing more than.
Example
She was merely trying to help.
A1 pronoun /maɪ/

my

Meaning
used to indicate possession or ownership
Example
This is my book.
A2 noun /miːl/

Meal

Meaning
food that is prepared and eaten at a specific time
Example
We enjoyed a delicious meal at the restaurant.
B2 noun /ˈmɒtəʊ/

motto

Meaning
A short sentence or phrase that expresses a guiding belief or principle.
Example
Her motto in life is 'never give up.'
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 verb /ˈmʌmbəl/

mumble

Meaning
To speak quietly and not clearly so that words are difficult to understand.
Example
He mumbled an apology before leaving.
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.
B1 noun /ˈmɒr.əl/

Moral

Meaning
a lesson about right and wrong conduct; principles of right behavior
Example
The moral of the story is to always tell the truth.
C2 verb /mʌlkt/

mulct

Meaning
to punish by a fine or to defraud someone of money
Example
The corrupt official was mulcted for his misconduct.
C1 noun /ˈmɛm.breɪn/

membrane

Meaning
A thin layer of tissue or material that covers, separates, or connects structures.
Example
The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
B1 noun ˈmeʒ.ərz

measures

Meaning
A plan or course of action taken to achieve a particular purpose.
Example
Mitigation measures focus on reducing emissions.
C2 verb /ˈmɒtl/

mottle

Meaning
To mark with spots or patches of color.
Example
The leaves were mottled with shades of yellow and brown.
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.
C1 verb /ˈmɒd.jʊ.leɪt/

modulate

Meaning
To change the strength, tone, or pitch of something; to adjust or regulate.
Example
A good speaker knows how to modulate their voice.
C1 noun /məˈtɜːrnəti/

Maternity

Meaning
The state of being a mother; motherhood
Example
The hospital has an excellent maternity ward for new mothers.
C1 noun ˈmæŋɡroʊv ˈfɒrɪst

Mangrove Forest

Meaning
A coastal forest ecosystem characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in intertidal zones.
Example
Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove forest.
B2 noun /ˌmɪs.ʌn.dəˈstæn.dɪŋ/

Misunderstanding

Meaning
A failure to understand something correctly; a disagreement or confusion between people
Example
The argument was caused by a simple misunderstanding.
C1 noun, verb /məˈnuː.vər/

maneuver

Meaning
a planned or skillful movement or action; to move skillfully or carefully
Example
The pilot maneuvered the plane through the storm.
C1 noun /ˈmɒnəˌlɒɡ/

monologue

Meaning
A long speech by one person, often in a play or performance.
Example
The actor delivered a powerful monologue on stage.
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 noun /ˈmɪd.əl.mæn/

Middleman

Meaning
A person who acts as an intermediary between two parties in a business transaction
Example
They decided to cut out the middleman and sell directly to customers.
A1 verb /miːt/

meet

Meaning
to come into the presence of; to encounter
Example
I will meet you at the café.
C1 noun /moʊl/

Mole

Meaning
a small burrowing mammal with tiny eyes and soft fur
Example
The mole dug tunnels under the garden.
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.
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 noun /ˌmæk.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

Machination

Meaning
a clever scheme or artful plot, usually with evil intent; crafty designing or plotting
Example
The villain's machinations were finally exposed.
B2 noun /ˈmɜːrsi/

Mercy

Meaning
Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is in one's power to punish
Example
The judge showed mercy and gave him a lighter sentence.
C2 noun /ˈmʌs.tərd liːf/

Mustard leaf

Meaning
green leafy vegetable from the mustard plant; edible leaves used in cooking
Example
We cooked mustard leaf with fish in a traditional Bengali curry.
B2 noun /məˈkænɪks/

mechanics

Meaning
the branch of physics concerned with the motion of objects and the forces acting on them; also refers to the practical details of how something works
Example
He studied the mechanics of the machine before fixing it.
C1 noun /ˈmɜːrsəˌnɛri/

mercenary

Meaning
a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army; also used to describe someone motivated solely by money.
Example
The mercenary fought for whoever paid the highest wage.
B1 noun /meɪt/

mate

Meaning
a friend or companion; a partner in marriage or reproduction
Example
He went fishing with his old school mate.
A1 noun /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

morning

Meaning
the early part of the day, typically from sunrise until noon
Example
I like to go for a run in the morning.
B1 adjective /ˈmɪzərəbəl/

Miserable

Meaning
very unhappy; wretched; causing suffering
Example
He felt miserable after losing his job.