Small Effort
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
B2 noun smɔːl ˈɛfərt

Small Effort

Meaning
Minor actions or initiatives that can collectively make a significant impact.
Example
Small efforts can bring big changes in butterfly conservation.
C1 verb /reɪz/

raze

Meaning
To completely destroy or demolish something, especially a building.
Example
The old factory was razed to make way for new apartments.
C2 noun /ˈrɛvəlri/

revelry

Meaning
Lively and noisy festivities, especially involving drinking and dancing.
Example
The sound of revelry could be heard throughout the night.
C2 verb /ɪnˈveɪ/

inveigh

Meaning
To speak or write about something with great hostility and criticism.
Example
He inveighed against the corruption in government.
A2 noun /ˈɒm.lət/

Omelet

Meaning
a dish made from beaten eggs cooked in a frying pan and often folded around a filling
Example
She made a cheese omelet for breakfast.
C1 verb /ˈfɜːr.tɪ.laɪz/

fertilize

Meaning
to make soil or land more fertile by adding substances
Example
Farmers fertilize the fields to increase crop yield.
B1 noun /ˈreɪn.dɪər/

Reindeer

Meaning
a large deer with branched horns that lives in cold northern areas
Example
Santa's reindeer pulled his sleigh across the sky.
B2 noun /ˈmɑːrkər/

marker

Meaning
an object used to indicate a position, place, or boundary; a pen with a thick tip used for writing or drawing
Example
He used a red marker to underline the important points.
A1 adjective /fɜːrst/

first

Meaning
coming before all others in time, order, or importance
Example
She was the first to arrive at the meeting.
C1 noun /ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsi/

meritocracy

Meaning
A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.
Example
In a true meritocracy, the most capable people rise to leadership positions.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪm.laɪt/

Limelight

Meaning
the focus of public attention; a bright light produced by heating a cylinder of lime
Example
The celebrity enjoyed being in the limelight.
B1 noun /piːtʃ/

Peach

Meaning
a soft round fruit with fuzzy skin, sweet flesh, and a large pit in the center
Example
The peach was perfectly ripe and juicy when I bit into it.
C2 adjective /ˈslɪpʃɒd/

slipshod

Meaning
done in a careless, sloppy, or untidy way
Example
The project failed due to slipshod planning.
C2 adjective /məˈlɛfɪsənt/

maleficent

Meaning
Causing harm or destruction, especially by supernatural means.
Example
The maleficent witch cursed the young princess.
B2 noun /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/

compound

Meaning
a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; an enclosed area with buildings
Example
The scientist studied the chemical compound in the lab.
C2 noun /ˈskæb.ərd/

scabbard

Meaning
A sheath for the blade of a sword or dagger, typically made of leather or metal.
Example
The knight drew his sword from the scabbard.
B2 adjective, verb /əbˈskjʊr/

obscure

Meaning
Not clearly expressed or understood; to make something difficult to see or understand.
Example
The meaning of the poem was obscure to most readers.
B2 verb /ɪtʃ/

itch

Meaning
to feel an urge to scratch; to have a restless desire
Example
My skin itches from the mosquito bites.
C1 noun /ɡæf/

gaffe

Meaning
An unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment; a blunder.
Example
The politician's gaffe quickly spread on social media.
B2 verb /ˈfrʌsˌtreɪt/

frustrate

Meaning
to prevent from accomplishing; to make someone feel annoyed
Example
The traffic jam frustrated all the commuters.
B2 verb, noun, adjective /ˈɔːltərnət/ (adj, noun), /ˈɔːltərˌneɪt/ (verb)

alternate

Meaning
to occur in turn repeatedly; to take turns; also, a substitute or replacement
Example
The students alternate between online and offline classes.
C1 verb /struː/

strew

Meaning
to scatter or spread things untidily over a surface or area
Example
Clothes were strewn across the floor.
A2 noun reɪndʒ

range

Meaning
The extent or scope of something; the distance that can be covered or the limits within which something operates.
Example
The new electric car has a range of 400 miles.
A1 noun /dɛsk/

desk

Meaning
a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for writing or working
Example
The books are on the desk.
B2 noun, verb /steɪk/

stake

Meaning
A share or interest in a business or venture; to risk or support something of value.
Example
He has a major stake in the new company.
B2 adverb /ˈblʌnt.li/

Bluntly

Meaning
in a direct way without trying to be polite; frankly
Example
He told her bluntly that she was wrong.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈendɪŋ/

Unending

Meaning
continuing forever; without end
Example
The unending rain made the day feel gloomy.
C2 verb /ˈpælieɪt/

palliate

Meaning
to make a disease, symptoms, or problem less severe without removing the cause
Example
The doctor prescribed medicine to palliate the patient's pain.
C2 adjective /vəˈreɪʃəs/

veracious

Meaning
Truthful, honest; habitually speaking the truth.
Example
She gave a veracious account of what happened that day.
B1 adjective /strɪkt/

Strict

Meaning
demanding exact conformity to rules; severe; rigorous
Example
The teacher is very strict about homework deadlines.
B2 verb /ˈtɛstəfaɪ/

testify

Meaning
to make a statement or declaration under oath or to give evidence
Example
She was called to testify in court about the accident.
B2 adjective ˌsɪm.əlˈteɪ.ni.əs

simultaneous

Meaning
Occurring, operating, or done at the same time.
Example
Simultaneous crop failures affect global food supply.
C2 noun /pæˈstiːʃ/

pastiche

Meaning
a work of art, literature, or music that imitates the style of another artist, period, or genre
Example
The film was a clever pastiche of 1950s detective movies.
C2 adjective /ˈvæpɪd/

vapid

Meaning
lacking liveliness, flavor, or interest; dull and uninspired
Example
The lecture was so vapid that half the audience fell asleep.
C2 verb /pərˈveɪ/

purvey

Meaning
to supply or provide goods, services, or information, often as a business
Example
The company purveys organic food to health-conscious customers.
C2 noun /oʊd/

ode

Meaning
a lyrical poem, often expressing praise or strong emotions
Example
The poet wrote an ode to the beauty of nature.
C1 noun ˈpær.ə.daɪm

paradigm

Meaning
A typical example or pattern of something; a model or framework for understanding or approaching something.
Example
The paradigm of education is changing with digital technology.
C2 noun /ˈɡlʌt.ən/

Glutton

Meaning
a person who regularly eats or drinks more than is necessary; someone who has an excessive appetite
Example
He was known as a glutton who could finish three large pizzas in one sitting.
C2 verb /kəˈvɔrt/

cavort

Meaning
to jump or dance around excitedly
Example
The children cavorted happily in the garden.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɪvəlrəs/

chivalrous

Meaning
Behaving in a courteous, gallant, and honorable way, especially toward women.
Example
He was chivalrous, always opening doors for others.
C2 verb /dɪˈræsɪˌneɪt/

deracinate

Meaning
To uproot something completely; to displace people from their native environment or culture.
Example
The conflict deracinated many families from their homeland.
B2 noun /trænˈzækʃən/

transaction

Meaning
an instance of buying or selling something; a business deal or exchange
Example
Every online transaction is recorded for security purposes.
B2 adjective /ˌfjuːtʃəˈrɪstɪk/

futuristic

Meaning
Having or involving very modern technology or design that is advanced beyond what is currently available
Example
Futuristic technologies are transforming industries worldwide.
C1 verb /ˈiːvzdrɒp/

eavesdrop

Meaning
to secretly listen to a conversation
Example
She stood near the door to eavesdrop on their conversation.
B1 noun /əˈkædəmi/

academy

Meaning
an institution of learning or training
Example
He enrolled in a military academy.
C2 noun /ˌvɛəriəˈɡeɪʃən/

variegation

Meaning
The appearance of differently colored zones in the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants.
Example
Variegation makes the foliage look more attractive.
C1 noun /ˈleɪ.dəl/

Ladle

Meaning
a large deep spoon with a long handle, used for serving soup or other liquids
Example
Use the ladle to serve the hot soup into bowls.
B2 verb ম্যানিফেস্ট

manifest

Meaning
To show or demonstrate clearly; to become evident or apparent.
Example
Symptoms of De Quervain's Syndrome may manifest after prolonged phone use.
A2 verb /ʃʌt/

shut

Meaning
to close something, especially a door or window
Example
Please shut the door before you leave.
C2 noun /ˈændaɪərn/

andiron

Meaning
a metal support used in a fireplace to hold logs
Example
The logs rested on the andirons in the old fireplace.
C2 noun /əˈluːviən/

alluvion

Meaning
The gradual increase of land by the deposit of soil from water; also, a flood or overflow of water.
Example
The river’s alluvion added new fertile land to the village fields.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/

incapable

Meaning
lacking the ability, skill, or capacity to do something
Example
He is incapable of understanding complex instructions.
C1 adjective /ˈrɛzənənt/

resonant

Meaning
Deep, clear, and continuing to sound or echo.
Example
The resonant voice of the speaker filled the hall.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkwɑːlɪfaɪ/

disqualify

Meaning
to officially prevent someone from participating or being eligible
Example
The referee decided to disqualify the player for cheating.
B1 noun /ˈvəʊtə/

voter

Meaning
a person who votes in an election
Example
Voters lined up outside the polling station to cast their ballots.
A2 verb /ˈmænɪdʒ/

manage

Meaning
to control or organize something; to succeed in doing something difficult
Example
He manages a team of twenty employees effectively.
C2 adjective /prɪˈpɒndərənt/

preponderant

Meaning
Having superior weight, force, influence, or importance.
Example
The preponderant influence of the media shapes public opinion.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛʃən/

intercession

Meaning
the act of intervening or pleading on behalf of another person
Example
The prisoner was released due to the intercession of influential leaders.
C2 verb /skʌlk/

skulk

Meaning
to move or hide secretly, often because you are planning something bad or are feeling guilty
Example
He tried to skulk in the shadows to avoid being seen.
B1 noun /skriːn/

Screen

Meaning
a flat surface on which pictures or words are shown; a movable partition used to divide a room
Example
The movie was displayed on a large screen in the theater.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃən/

disproportion

Meaning
a lack of balance or symmetry; an inequality
Example
There is a clear disproportion between rich and poor in many societies.
C2 noun /ˈkæriən/

carrion

Meaning
the decaying flesh of dead animals
Example
Vultures feed on carrion left in the fields.
A2 noun, verb /fuːl/

fool

Meaning
a silly or stupid person; to trick someone
Example
He felt like a fool after believing the prank.
C2 verb /ɪˈniː.bri.eɪt/

inebriate

Meaning
to intoxicate; to make someone drunk
Example
The strong wine was enough to inebriate even the most experienced drinker.
B2 noun /ˌriːprəˈdʌkʃən/

reproduction

Meaning
The process of producing offspring; the act of copying or duplicating.
Example
The textbook included a detailed diagram of human reproduction.
C1 adjective /ˈwaɪ.li/

Wily

Meaning
clever; cunning; sly
Example
The wily fox escaped from the trap using his cunning intelligence.
C1 verb /ˈbædʒər/

badger

Meaning
To repeatedly ask or annoy someone with demands or questions.
Example
The reporter kept badgering the politician with questions.
C2 adjective /ˌɛfləˈrɛsənt/

efflorescent

Meaning
in the process of blooming or flourishing
Example
The efflorescent trees made the park look beautiful.
C2 adjective /ˌɛlɪˈfæntaɪn/

elephantine

Meaning
Huge, clumsy, or resembling an elephant in size or movement.
Example
The man moved with an elephantine grace.
C2 verb /ˈpɛtɪˌfɒɡ/

pettifog

Meaning
to argue or quibble over trivial matters; to engage in petty, dishonest practices
Example
The lawyer was accused of trying to pettifog instead of addressing the real issue.
A2 noun /ˈdrɑː.mə/

drama

Meaning
a play for theater, radio, or television, or an exciting or emotional situation
Example
She loves watching historical drama series.
B2 noun /ˈoʊtˌmiːl/

oatmeal

Meaning
A type of porridge made from ground oats, often eaten for breakfast.
Example
She eats a bowl of oatmeal every morning for breakfast.
B2 adjective ˌæs.trəˈnɒm.ɪ.kəl

astronomical

Meaning
Relating to astronomy; extremely large in amount or extent.
Example
The astronomical price reflects its exclusivity.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpiːd/

impede

Meaning
To obstruct or hinder the progress or development of something.
Example
Lack of funds can impede business growth.
C2 adjective /ræpˈtɔːriəl/

raptorial

Meaning
Relating to birds of prey or predatory behavior.
Example
The eagle is a raptorial bird with sharp talons.
B2 verb /hætʃ/

hatch

Meaning
to emerge from an egg; to devise or create a plan
Example
The bird will hatch from its egg soon.
B2 verb /ˈælaɪ/

ally

Meaning
To unite or form a connection or partnership with another person, group, or nation.
Example
The two countries decided to ally against their common enemy.
C2 noun /ˈæl.mɪ.rə/

Almirah

Meaning
a large cupboard or wardrobe used for storing clothes and other items
Example
I keep all my clothes in the wooden almirah.
B2 noun /ˈɡræs.hɒp.ər/

Grass-hopper

Meaning
a jumping insect with long hind legs that feeds on grass and plants
Example
The grasshopper jumped from one leaf to another.
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.
B2 noun /koʊˈɪn.sɪ.dəns/

Coincidence

Meaning
a remarkable occurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection; chance happening
Example
It was a strange coincidence that they both wore the same dress to the party.
A1 pronoun /ˈsʌmwʌn/

someone

Meaning
a person, but not specifically known or named
Example
Someone left their umbrella in the hallway.
B1 noun /ˈkɑːr.pən.tər/

Carpenter

Meaning
a person who makes and repairs wooden objects and structures
Example
The carpenter built a beautiful wooden cabinet for the kitchen.
B2 verb /ɪnˈkɔːrpəreɪt/

incorporate

Meaning
to include something as part of a whole; to form a corporation
Example
The new design incorporates advanced technology.
A1 determiner /sʌtʃ/

such

Meaning
of the type previously mentioned or specified
Example
I have never seen such a beautiful painting.
C2 verb /əˈleɪ/

allay

Meaning
to reduce the intensity of fear, worry, or pain; to calm
Example
The teacher tried to allay the students’ fears before the exam.
B1 noun /əˈsɪstəns/

Assistance

Meaning
the action of helping someone with a job or task; support
Example
She offered her assistance with the project.
B1 adjective, adverb /ˈoʊvərɔːl/

overall

Meaning
in general or as a whole
Example
Overall, the project has been successful.
A1 adjective /red/

Red

Meaning
having the color of blood or fire; of the color red
Example
She wore a beautiful red dress to the party.
A2 noun fɔːrs

force

Meaning
A physical power or energy that can cause movement, change, or influence.
Example
Strong nuclear force binds particles.
B1 adjective /rʌf/

Rough

Meaning
having an uneven surface; not smooth; harsh
Example
The rough surface of the rock hurt my hands.
B1 verb /rɪd/

rid

Meaning
to remove or get rid of something
Example
I need to rid the house of all the clutter.
B1 noun /ˌpɒp.jəˈlær.ə.ti/

Popularity

Meaning
the state of being liked, admired, or supported by many people
Example
The singer's popularity has grown rapidly this year.
B1 noun /keɪv/

Cave

Meaning
a large underground chamber in a hill or cliff; a hollow space in rock
Example
The explorers discovered ancient paintings on the cave walls.
C2 verb /ˌmɪsæprɪˈhɛnd/

misapprehend

Meaning
to misunderstand or misinterpret something
Example
He misapprehended the teacher’s instructions and did the task incorrectly.
C2 noun /ˈtaɪroʊ/

tyro

Meaning
A beginner or novice in a field or activity.
Example
As a tyro in programming, she needed constant guidance.
C1 verb /rɪŋ/

wring

Meaning
to squeeze and twist something to force liquid out; to extract with effort
Example
She had to wring the towel after washing it.
B1 noun /ˈspɪr.ɪt/

Spirit

Meaning
the non-physical part of a person; enthusiasm or courage; the essential character of something
Example
The team showed great spirit despite losing the match.
C1 verb /rɪˈtælieɪt/

retaliate

Meaning
to make an attack in return for a similar attack
Example
The army retaliated after the enemy attack.
C1 adjective /fəˈnɛtɪk/

phonetic

Meaning
relating to the sounds of speech or pronunciation
Example
The teacher taught the students the phonetic spelling of difficult words.
B2 verb /skeər/

scare

Meaning
to frighten someone or make them feel afraid
Example
The loud noise scared the baby.
C2 verb /sɛkˈstuːpəl/

sextuple

Meaning
to make or become six times as great or as many
Example
Within two quarters, the campaign sextupled their daily sign-ups.
C2 adjective /ˈbɒni/

Bonny

Meaning
cheerful; pretty; attractive
Example
The bonny child played happily in the garden.
C1 noun /rɪˈspɒndənt/

respondent

Meaning
A person who replies to something, especially in a survey or legal case
Example
The survey had over 1,000 respondents.
A2 noun /ˈvɪzɪtər/

visitor

Meaning
a person who goes to see a place or someone for a short time
Example
The museum had many visitors last weekend.
C2 noun /eɪˈklɑː/

eclat

Meaning
Brilliant success, acclaim, or great public approval.
Example
The artist's debut performance was met with great éclat.
C2 adjective /ˌstætʃuˈɛsk/

statuesque

Meaning
Having the grace, beauty, or dignity of a statue; tall and attractively proportioned.
Example
She had a statuesque figure that turned heads wherever she went.
B1 noun, adjective, verb /tɛns/

tense

Meaning
a grammatical category showing time reference; stretched tight or anxious
Example
She felt tense before the interview.
B2 noun /ˈpleɪˌɔːf/

playoff

Meaning
a series of games played to determine a champion among top teams
Example
The team qualified for the playoffs after a strong season.
C2 noun /ʃiːf/

sheaf

Meaning
a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping; a bundle of objects tied together
Example
The farmer carried a sheaf of wheat on his shoulder.
B2 adjective /ˈʌpˌhɪl/

Uphill

Meaning
difficult; requiring great effort; sloping upward
Example
Learning a new language can be an uphill battle.
C1 adjective vəˈreɪ.ʃəs

voracious

Meaning
Having a very eager approach to an activity; wanting or devouring great quantities of food or having an insatiable appetite.
Example
He has a voracious appetite for knowledge.
C1 noun /roʊz ˈber.i/

Rose berry

Meaning
a type of berry with rose-like characteristics or flavor
Example
The rose berry has a delicate floral taste that reminds me of roses.
B1 noun /ˈdaɪəɡræm/

diagram

Meaning
a simplified drawing that shows the structure, relationship, or process of something
Example
The teacher explained the system using a clear diagram.
C1 noun /kɔːrs flaʊər/

Course flour

Meaning
coarsely ground flour with larger particles, typically used for baking bread
Example
She used course flour to make homemade bread with a rustic texture.
A2 noun /rɪˈlɪdʒ.ən/

religion

Meaning
a system of faith and worship involving belief in a higher power
Example
Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right.
C2 noun /hɔːɡ plʌm/

Hog plum

Meaning
tropical fruit with yellow skin and sour taste
Example
Hog plums are often used to make pickles and chutneys.
B2 adjective /ˈreɪʃəl/

racial

Meaning
relating to a race of people
Example
Racial equality is an important issue in many societies.
C1 verb /bæsk/

bask

Meaning
to lie in warmth and light; to enjoy something pleasurable
Example
The cat basks in the sunny window.
B2 verb /blʌʃ/

blush

Meaning
to become red in the face due to embarrassment or shyness
Example
She blushed when he complimented her.
C2 noun /ˈaʊtˌrɪɡər/

outrigger

Meaning
a projecting structure on a boat, used for stability, or a boat fitted with such support
Example
The fisherman paddled his outrigger canoe across the lagoon.