English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
an annual holiday in the US for giving thanks, celebrated with a meal
"We spent Thanksgiving dinner with our family."
to melt or cause to melt after being frozen
"The ice began to thaw in the sun."
Relating to the theater or exaggerated and dramatic in behavior or style.
"Her theatrical performance won the audience's applause."
the action or crime of stealing
"The theft of his wallet was reported to the police."
Concerned with or based on theory rather than practical application.
"The idea remains largely theoretical without real-world evidence."
A person who develops, studies, or explains theories in a particular field.
"The political theorist explained the impact of democracy on social structures."
Related to healing, treatment, or providing a beneficial effect on the body or mind.
"Yoga can have a therapeutic effect on stress and anxiety."
from that time on
"He moved to Canada and thereafter started a new life."
by that means; as a result of that
"She forgot to set the alarm, thereby missing her early flight."
Related to heat or temperature.
"She wore a thermal jacket to stay warm in winter."
A long piece of writing on a particular subject, usually for a degree at a university.
"She spent two years writing her doctoral thesis."
in a thick manner; densely; heavily
"The forest was thickly wooded with tall pine trees."
The measure of how thick or dense something is
"The thickness of the book made it hard to carry."
the part of the leg between the hip and the knee
"He felt pain in his right thigh after running for an hour."
a sharp pointed part of a plant; something that causes pain or annoyance
"Be careful of the thorns on the rose bush."
covered with thorns; causing difficulty or trouble
"They faced a thorny issue during the negotiation."
complete with regard to every detail; not superficial or partial
"The report was thorough and well-researched."
completely and carefully; in a detailed way
"Please clean the kitchen thoroughly before the guests arrive."
stimulating careful consideration or thought
"The movie was deeply thought-provoking and left a lasting impression."
showing careful consideration or attention
"She gave a thoughtful response to every question asked."
a long, thin strand of cotton, nylon, or other fibers used for sewing
"She used a red thread to sew the torn button back on."
A statement or action indicating intent to cause harm or danger.
"The letter contained a threat against the company."
expressing a threat; menacing; intimidating
"The dark clouds looked threatening before the storm."
A statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action.
"Threats to food security are rising globally."
the level or point at which something starts to happen or change
"The country is on the threshold of a major economic reform."
to grow, develop, or be successful
"Small businesses can thrive with proper support."
A small aromatic herb used in cooking and medicine.
"She sprinkled thyme on the roasted chicken."
To touch lightly in a way that causes laughter; a tingling sensation.
"The father tickled his child until she laughed."
the regular rise and fall of the sea caused by the moon and sun's gravity; a powerful flow or movement
"The fisherman waited for the tide to come in."
to make something become tighter or more firmly fixed
"He tightened the screw with a wrench."
in a way that is firm and difficult to move or open
"She held the baby tightly in her arms."
a freshwater fish native to Africa, widely farmed for food due to its mild taste and fast growth
"Tilapia fish is one of the most commonly farmed fish species worldwide."
wood prepared for use in building and carpentry
"The house was built entirely from local timber."
A time management method that involves dividing your day into blocks of time.
"Time blocking helps you stay focused."
Not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion.
"The timeless beauty of the painting has captivated art lovers for generations."
Done or occurring at a favorable or useful time; opportune.
"Her timely advice helped me avoid a big mistake."
lacking courage or confidence; easily frightened
"The timid child hid behind his mother when strangers approached."
Showing great effort or energy without becoming tired.
"She worked tirelessly to complete the project on time."
Causing one to feel bored, annoyed, or tired.
"The long meeting became very tiresome."
To work extremely hard and continuously, often with difficulty.
"He had to toil for years to achieve success."
A symbol or object that represents something, often given as a sign of appreciation or as a substitute for money.
"She gave him a small gift as a token of gratitude."
Able to be endured or put up with; fairly acceptable.
"The pain was tolerable after the medicine."
The ability or willingness to accept or endure differences, behaviors, or opinions without hostility.
"Her tolerance for different cultures impressed everyone."
Showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behaviors that one dislikes or disagrees with.
"He is very tolerant of other people's beliefs."
To allow or endure something unpleasant without interference.
"The teacher will not tolerate rude behavior."
A charge payable for using a road or bridge; also the extent of damage or suffering caused by something.
"The flood took a heavy toll on the village."
a tool consisting of two movable arms that are joined at one end, used for picking up and holding things
"Use the tongs to pick up the hot pieces of meat from the grill."
a medicine or drink that restores or refreshes health and energy
"A glass of lemonade was the perfect tonic on a hot day."
severe physical or mental suffering; to cause extreme suffering
"The prisoner was in constant torment."
a rapidly rotating column of air in contact with the ground and clouds, often destructive
"The tornado destroyed several houses in the village."