murky
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 adjective /ˈmɜːki/

murky

Meaning
Dark, gloomy, and difficult to see through; obscure.
Example
We avoided swimming in the murky river.
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.
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.
C2 noun /meɪs/

mace

Meaning
a ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of authority or a weapon similar to a club
Example
The guard carried a mace as a symbol of authority.
C2 noun /ˌmɑːrtəˈnɛt/

martinet

Meaning
A strict disciplinarian who demands rigid adherence to rules.
Example
The new manager was such a martinet that even minor infractions were punished.
B1 noun /ˈmeɪkər/

maker

Meaning
a person or thing that makes or produces something
Example
He is a famous movie maker in Hollywood.
C2 verb /məˈrɔːd/

maraud

Meaning
to roam in search of things to steal or attack
Example
The bandits marauded through the village at night.
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.
B2 noun /ˌmɪsˈfɔːrtʃən/

misfortune

Meaning
Bad luck or an unfortunate event.
Example
He suffered the misfortune of losing his job during the recession.
C1 noun /ˈmɒn.ɑːk/

Monarch

Meaning
a sovereign ruler, especially a king or queen
Example
The monarch addressed the nation on television.
C2 adjective /ˌmɛrəˈtrɪʃəs/

meretricious

Meaning
apparently attractive but having no real value or integrity.
Example
The design was flashy but meretricious.
C1 adjective /ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft/

makeshift

Meaning
used as a temporary substitute; improvised
Example
They used boxes as a makeshift table.
A2 verb /ˈmɪsɪŋ/

missing

Meaning
Being without or lacking; failing to be present or included.
Example
Many youths are missing economic opportunities.
B2 verb /ˈmɒdənaɪz/

modernize

Meaning
To adapt something to modern needs or styles; to update or improve.
Example
The company plans to modernize its IT infrastructure.
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.
B2 verb /məˈnɪpjʊleɪt/

manipulate

Meaning
to handle or control skillfully; to influence someone in a clever way
Example
She can manipulate the software to create stunning graphics.
C1 adjective /məˈləʊ.di.əs/

Melodious

Meaning
having a pleasant musical sound; tuneful
Example
Her melodious voice captivated the entire audience.
B2 noun /maɪˈnɔːr.ɪ.ti/

minority

Meaning
A smaller number or part, especially a group differing from the majority.
Example
The law aims to protect the rights of ethnic minorities.
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.
C1 adjective ˌmæk.roʊ.iː.kəˈnɒm.ɪk

macroeconomic

Meaning
Relating to the large-scale or general economic factors, such as interest rates and national productivity.
Example
Government policies impact macroeconomic stability.
B1 verb /ˈmʌltɪplaɪ/

multiply

Meaning
to increase in number; to perform mathematical multiplication
Example
The bacteria multiply rapidly in warm conditions.
C2 noun /ˌmɪsæprɪˈhɛnʃən/

misapprehension

Meaning
a mistaken belief or misunderstanding
Example
There is a common misapprehension about the causes of the disease.
A2 noun /muːn/

Moon

Meaning
the natural satellite of the earth, visible at night by reflected light from the sun
Example
The full moon shines brightly in the night sky.
B2 adjective /ˈmɪnɪməl/

minimal

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

Mob

Meaning
a large crowd of people; a group that acts in a violent way
Example
An angry mob gathered outside the building.
C1 adjective /ˌmed.iˈiː.vəl/

Mediaeval

Meaning
relating to the Middle Ages; medieval
Example
The castle displayed mediaeval architecture and design.
C1 adjective, verb /muːt/

moot

Meaning
Adjective: subject to debate or irrelevant. Verb: to suggest an idea for discussion.
Example
The issue of funding became a moot point after the project was canceled.
C1 adverb /ˈmɪdweɪ/

Midway

Meaning
halfway; at or to the middle point
Example
The project is midway through completion.
C1 adjective /ˈməʊltən/

molten

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

metaphorm

Meaning
A coined or rare term sometimes used to describe a hybrid form of metaphor and form in literature or art.
Example
The poet introduced a metaphorm to blend imagery with structure.
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 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.
C2 noun /maɪˈkrɒmɪtər/

micrometer

Meaning
A device used for measuring small distances with great accuracy.
Example
The engineer used a micrometer to measure the thickness of the wire.
C2 noun /ˈmædrɪɡəl/

madrigal

Meaning
A short, lyrical poem set to music, typically from the Renaissance period.
Example
The choir performed a beautiful madrigal from the 16th century.
C1 verb /məˈlɛst/

molest

Meaning
to assault or abuse someone, especially in a sexual or physical way
Example
The criminal was arrested for attempting to molest a child.
C2 adjective /ˈmɛdəlsəm/

meddlesome

Meaning
fond of interfering in other people’s affairs
Example
She found her neighbor to be meddlesome and annoying.
C2 noun (plural) /maɪˈnjuːʃiiː/

minutiae

Meaning
the small, precise, or trivial details of something
Example
The lawyer focused on the minutiae of the contract.
A2 noun/adjective /ˈmɪdəl/

middle

Meaning
the central point, position, or part of something
Example
The park is in the middle of the city.
B1 adverb /ˈmeɪn.li/

Mainly

Meaning
for the most part; chiefly; primarily
Example
The conference was mainly about environmental protection and climate change.
C2 noun /ˌmɪn.ɪˈstreɪ.ʃən/

ministration

Meaning
The act of providing care, assistance, or religious service.
Example
She recovered thanks to the kind ministrations of the nurses.
B1 noun /ˈmeɪkʌp/

makeup

Meaning
cosmetics used to enhance or alter appearance
Example
She applied makeup before the party.
C1 adjective /ˌmiː.diˈoʊ.kər/

mediocre

Meaning
Of only average quality; not very good.
Example
The movie was entertaining but overall mediocre.
C1 adjective /mɪˈrækjələs/

Miraculous

Meaning
supernatural; amazing; extraordinary
Example
Her miraculous recovery amazed all the doctors.
C1 adjective /ˈmærɪtəl/

marital

Meaning
Relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife.
Example
They sought counseling to resolve their marital issues.
C1 noun /ˈmɒnəˌθiːɪzəm/

monotheism

Meaning
The belief in the existence of only one God.
Example
Islam and Christianity are religions based on monotheism.
C2 noun /meɪs/

Mase

Meaning
spice obtained from the reddish seed covering of the nutmeg seed
Example
A pinch of mace adds warmth to the dessert.
C2 adjective /ˈmjuːtɪnəs/

mutinous

Meaning
refusing to obey authority; rebellious
Example
The soldiers grew mutinous after months without pay.
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.
C1 adjective məˈθɒd.ɪ.kəl

methodical

Meaning
Done according to a systematic or established procedure; orderly and systematic.
Example
His methodical research produced reliable results.
C2 noun /ˈmækɪntɒʃ/

mackintosh

Meaning
a waterproof raincoat, originally made from rubberized fabric
Example
He wore a mackintosh to stay dry in the rain.
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.
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.
C1 adjective /məˈkɑː.brə/

Macabre

Meaning
disturbing because concerned with death; gruesome and horrifying
Example
The horror movie had a macabre atmosphere.
B2 adjective /mæɡˈnɛtɪk/

magnetic

Meaning
having the power to attract metal objects or to attract people or things in a strong way
Example
The magnetic field of the Earth protects us from harmful solar radiation.
B2 adverb /ˈmiːn.taɪm/

Meantime

Meaning
during the time between two events; in the period of time between now and when something else happens
Example
The food will be ready in an hour; in the meantime, we can watch TV.
A1 pronoun /maɪˈsɛlf/

myself

Meaning
used for emphasis or to refer to oneself
Example
I will do it myself.
B2 adjective /ˈmjuːtʃuəl/

Mutual

Meaning
shared by two or more parties; reciprocal
Example
They have a mutual respect for each other.
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 verb /ˌmɪskənˈstruː/

misconstrue

Meaning
To interpret something wrongly or misunderstand the meaning.
Example
She misconstrued his silence as anger.
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 /ˈmæn.ɪdʒ.mənt/

management

Meaning
The process of dealing with or controlling things or people.
Example
Proper management minimizes environmental damage.
B1 noun /meɪt/

mate

Meaning
a friend or companion; a partner in marriage or reproduction
Example
He went fishing with his old school mate.
B2 noun /ˈmæt.rəs/

Mattress

Meaning
a large rectangular pad for supporting the reclining body, used as or on a bed
Example
We bought a new mattress for our bedroom.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌski/

musky

Meaning
having a strong, sweet, earthy smell like musk
Example
The perfume had a musky fragrance.
C1 noun /ˈmɒn.ə.stər.i/

Monastery

Meaning
a building or group of buildings where monks live and worship
Example
The ancient monastery was built on a hilltop.
B2 noun /ˈmaɪnd.fʊl.nəs/

mindfulness

Meaning
The basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we're doing.
Example
Mindfulness practices improve focus and emotional balance.
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.
B2 verb /mɜːrdʒ/

merge

Meaning
to combine or join together; to blend into one
Example
The two companies decided to merge to increase their market share.
C1 noun mɪˈtɪkjʊləsnɪs

meticulousness

Meaning
Great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
Example
His meticulousness made the project successful.
A2 adverb /ˈmoʊstli/

Mostly

Meaning
mainly; for the most part; usually
Example
The students are mostly from local schools.
C1 adjective /məˈtɜːrnəl/

Maternal

Meaning
relating to a mother; motherly
Example
She showed maternal care towards the orphan child.
B1 noun /ˈmʌðər ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/

mother language

Meaning
the first language a person learns from childhood; native language
Example
Children learn best when they are taught in their mother language.
B1 adjective /ˈmɑːrvələs/

Marvellous

Meaning
extremely good; wonderful; causing great wonder
Example
The view from the mountain was marvellous.
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.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈmeɪdʒər/

major

Meaning
important, serious, or significant
Example
Climate change is a major concern for the world.
C1 adverb /maɪˈnjuːtli/

Minutely

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

mannequin

Meaning
a life-sized model of a human figure used by shops to display clothes
Example
The mannequin in the shop window was dressed in a red gown.
C1 adjective /ˌmel.ənˈkɒl.ɪk/

Melancholic

Meaning
sad and thoughtful; feeling or expressing sadness
Example
The melancholic music made everyone feel sad.
C1 noun /mɪsˈɡɪvɪŋz/

misgivings

Meaning
feelings of doubt or concern about the outcome or propriety of something
Example
She had serious misgivings about signing the contract.
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.
C2 adjective /mɜːrˈkjʊriəl/

mercurial

Meaning
subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.
Example
She is known for her mercurial temperament.
C1 adjective /məˈlɛvələnt/

malevolent

Meaning
Having or showing a wish to do evil or harm to others.
Example
The malevolent glare in his eyes frightened the children.
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.
C1 noun məˈriːn ˈsɜː.veɪ

marine survey

Meaning
A systematic examination of the sea, seabed, and underwater features for the purpose of making maps or gathering other information.
Example
The marine survey identified the ideal cable routes.
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 noun /ˌmɒnəˈmeɪniə/

monomania

Meaning
Excessive concentration or obsession with a single subject or idea.
Example
His monomania for collecting stamps worried his family.
B1 adjective /ˈmʌl.tɪ.pl̩/

Multiple

Meaning
having many parts, elements, or members; numerous
Example
She suffered multiple injuries in the accident.
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.
A1 adjective, adverb, pronoun /moʊst/

most

Meaning
the greatest in amount, degree, or number
Example
Most people like to relax on weekends.
B2 noun /ˈmɑːrkɪtˌpleɪs/

marketplace

Meaning
a place where goods and services are bought and sold; an open area for trade
Example
The town's marketplace is crowded every Friday morning.
A1 adverb /ˈmeɪbi/

maybe

Meaning
used to express possibility or uncertainty
Example
Maybe we will go to the park tomorrow.
B2 noun /ˈmɑːrbəl/

marble

Meaning
a hard, smooth stone used in building and sculpture, often white with colored lines
Example
The floor of the palace was made of white marble.
B1 noun /ˈmænər/

manner

Meaning
a way in which something is done or happens
Example
He spoke in a polite manner.
B1 adjective /ˈmiː.nɪŋ.fəl/

Meaningful

Meaning
having significance; purposeful; important
Example
She found meaningful work helping others.
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.
A1 noun/verb /maɪnd/

mind

Meaning
the part of a person that enables them to think, feel, and reason; to pay attention or take care
Example
Please mind the gap between the train and the platform.
A2 adjective /mɪkst/

mixed

Meaning
consisting of different elements or having varied opinions or feelings
Example
The audience had mixed reactions to the film.
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.
C2 verb /ˈmæsəˌreɪt/

macerate

Meaning
to soften or break up something, especially food, by soaking in liquid
Example
The chef macerated the fruit in wine before serving.
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 noun /ˈmɛləˌdrɑːmə/

melodrama

Meaning
A dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions.
Example
The movie was criticized for its excessive melodrama.
B2 adjective /mjuːt/

Mute

Meaning
silent; unable to speak; without sound
Example
He remained mute during the entire meeting.
B2 noun /ˈmɪn.ɪ.stri/

Ministry

Meaning
A government department responsible for a particular area of public administration
Example
The Ministry of Education announced new policies for schools.
C2 noun /məˈlæsɪz/

Molasses

Meaning
thick, dark, sweet syrup made from sugar cane
Example
The recipe calls for molasses to give the bread a rich flavor.
C2 noun /məˈnɒkrəsi/

monocracy

Meaning
A system of government by a single person; autocracy.
Example
The nation suffered under decades of monocracy.
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.
C2 noun /ˌmɑːhəˈrɑːdʒə/

maharaja

Meaning
A great king, especially a ruler of one of the principal states in India.
Example
The maharaja lived in a grand palace surrounded by gardens.
A1 verb /muːv/

move

Meaning
to change position; to go from one place to another; to relocate
Example
They decided to move to a bigger house.
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.
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 /ˌmɪsdɪˈmiːnər/

misdemeanor

Meaning
A minor wrongdoing or criminal offense that is less serious than a felony.
Example
He was fined for a misdemeanor involving public disturbance.
A1 noun /mɑːm/

mom

Meaning
an informal word for mother
Example
My mom makes the best homemade food.
C1 noun ˌmɑːr.dʒɪ.nəl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

marginalization

Meaning
The treatment of a person, group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral.
Example
Economic policies should address the marginalization of the poor.
C1 noun /ˈmæntl̩/

mantle

Meaning
A cloak or covering; also the layer of the earth between the crust and the core.
Example
The leader assumed the mantle of responsibility.
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.
A2 verb /ˈmɑːrkɪt/

market

Meaning
to promote and sell products or services; to advertise
Example
The company will market their new product through social media.
C2 noun /ˈmɛzməˌrɪzəm/

mesmerism

Meaning
A state of fascination or hypnotism.
Example
The magician held the audience in a state of mesmerism.
C1 noun /ˈmoʊldɪŋ/

molding

Meaning
A decorative strip or design, often used on walls, ceilings, or furniture.
Example
The wooden molding gave the room a classic look.
C2 noun /mʌsk/

Musk

Meaning
a strong-smelling substance secreted by certain animals, used in perfumes and traditional medicine
Example
The perfume contained natural musk that gave it an exotic fragrance.