English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
to make air, water, or land dirty or harmful
"Factories pollute the river with toxic waste."
Contaminated with harmful or poisonous substances.
"Polluted air causes severe health problems."
a round fruit with thick red skin containing many small red seeds with juice
"The pomegranate seeds were sweet and refreshing."
a bright red flower with black seeds, often used as a symbol of remembrance
"The red poppy bloomed beautifully in the garden."
a covered area at the entrance of a building, often with a roof and open sides
"We sat on the porch and enjoyed the evening breeze."
A soft food made by boiling oats or other grains in milk or water.
"She had a bowl of porridge for breakfast."
A collection of financial investments, artworks, or documents presented as a body of work.
"The designer showcased her portfolio during the interview."
to describe or represent something or someone in a work of art or literature
"The novel portrays a vivid picture of life in the countryside."
To assume a particular position, especially for a photograph or display; to present a problem or question.
"She posed for a picture in front of the monument."
To have or own something; to hold a quality or characteristic.
"She possesses great talent in music."
The state of owning, controlling, or holding something.
"The ring was her most valuable possession."
Showing a desire to own or control; relating to possession.
"He became very possessive about his old books."
A student who has completed a first degree and is studying for a further degree.
"She is doing postgraduate research in physics."
the position in which someone holds their body; an attitude or approach
"Good posture helps prevent back pain."
occurring or existing after a war
"The postwar period saw significant economic growth."
with the possibility of becoming something in the future
"This project is potentially a huge success."
a small bag or pocket, often used to carry small items
"She kept her coins in a small leather pouch."
without ability, influence, or strength
"She felt powerless against the unfair system."
a person actively engaged in a profession, especially medicine or law
"She is a skilled medical practitioner."
deserving praise; commendable; admirable
"Her charitable work is truly praiseworthy."
A trick that is intended to be funny but not harmful.
"They played a harmless prank on their friend during the party."
a large marine crustacean similar to shrimp but typically bigger
"The chef prepared delicious prawn curry with coconut milk."
to deliver a religious or moral talk, often in a church setting
"The pastor preached about forgiveness and kindness."
a measure taken in advance to prevent harm or danger
"You should take precaution when crossing a busy road."
to come before something in time, order, or position
"A short introduction will precede the main lecture."
came before something in time, order, or position
"Dark clouds preceded the heavy rainfall."
An earlier event or decision that serves as a guide or example for future similar situations.
"The judge’s ruling set a new precedent for similar cases."
The quality of being exact, accurate, and careful.
"The surgeon operated with great precision."
An animal that hunts and kills other animals for food.
"Lions are powerful predators in the savannah."
A person who held a position or office before the current holder.
"The new CEO thanked her predecessor for his service."
able to be predicted or foreseen
"His reactions were predictable based on his past behavior."
A statement about what will happen in the future based on knowledge or evidence.
"Her prediction about the weather turned out to be accurate."
Having superior strength, influence, or authority; most common or noticeable.
"The predominant color in the painting is blue."
mainly; for the most part
"The population in the city is predominantly young."
an introduction to a book, speech, or other written work
"The author explained his motivation in the preface."
more desirable or suitable; better than something else
"It is preferable to take the train rather than drive in heavy traffic."
a greater liking for one alternative over another
"She has a preference for tea over coffee."
a word, letter, or number placed before another; as a verb, to add something in front of something else
"Developers often prefix variables with an underscore."
Belonging to the time before written records.
"The prehistoric era was marked by the rise of early humans."
An unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge.
"Prejudice often prevents people from seeing the truth about others."
having or showing a dislike or bias against a person or group without proper reason
"He was prejudiced against people from other regions."
happening before something that is more important; introductory or preparatory
"The team held a preliminary meeting to discuss the project."
Happening or done before the usual or proper time.
"His decision to quit the job was premature."
the head of government in some countries; first in importance or rank
"The French premier addressed the nation."
a statement or idea on which reasoning or an argument is based; also a building or property
"His argument was based on a false premise."
an amount of money paid regularly for an insurance policy; something of superior quality or value
"You need to pay your insurance premium every year."
Serving as preparation or preliminary before the main event.
"They held a preparatory meeting before the main conference."