English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
An unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment; a blunder.
"The politician's gaffe quickly spread on social media."
The state of being cheerful, lively, or full of fun.
"The festival was full of music, laughter, and gaiety."
Of or relating to a galaxy or galaxies.
"The galactic phenomena observed by the telescope were mesmerizing."
Brave, heroic, or chivalrous.
"The gallant firefighter saved the child from the burning building."
A structure used for hanging criminals who have been sentenced to death.
"The criminal was led to the gallows at dawn."
In large amounts; abundant or plentiful.
"There were books galore in the old library."
to shock or excite someone into taking action; to coat iron or steel with a protective layer of zinc
"The speech galvanized the crowd into action."
a calculated move or remark intended to gain an advantage, especially in chess or conversation
"His opening gambit in the debate caught everyone by surprise."
The complete range or scope of something.
"Her emotions ran the gamut from joy to sorrow in just a few minutes."
To stare with an open mouth in wonder or shock; to open wide.
"The tourists gaped at the towering skyscraper."
a wreath of flowers and leaves, worn on the head or hung as decoration
"The bride wore a beautiful floral garland during the traditional ceremony."
To gather or collect, especially information, support, or approval.
"The politician garnered support from young voters."
To decorate food with small items for added flavor or visual appeal.
"She garnished the dish with fresh coriander leaves."
A body of troops stationed in a particular location, usually to defend it.
"The garrison defended the fortress against the invaders."
Relating to or having the form of gas.
"Carbon dioxide is a gaseous substance."
A long, deep cut or wound; to cut deeply or violently.
"He had a deep gash on his leg after the accident."
Relating to the stomach.
"She was prescribed medicine for her gastric problems."
Relating to the stomach and intestines.
"Spicy food can cause gastrointestinal issues."
The art or science of good eating and fine cuisine.
"Paris is famous for its rich tradition of gastronomy."
to measure, estimate, or determine the magnitude, amount, or capacity of something
"The mechanic gauged the pressure in the car tires."
extremely thin, bony, and haggard in appearance, often due to hunger or illness
"After weeks of illness, he looked pale and gaunt."
An official journal, newspaper, or publication, especially one issued by a government.
"The law was published in the government gazette."
The study and tracing of lines of descent or family history.
"She spent years researching her family's genealogy."
A vague, non-specific statement or principle that applies broadly.
"The speech was full of generalities and lacked concrete details."
To make a broad statement by inferring from specific cases.
"It is wrong to generalize based on a few experiences."
characteristic of or relating to a whole group or class; not specific
"This medicine is available in generic form."
the origin or beginning of something
"The book explores the genesis of modern technology."
The process of altering the genetic code of plants or animals.
"Genetic modification enhances crop resistance to pests and diseases."
relating to the reproductive organs
"The doctor explained the importance of genital hygiene."
the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group
"The genocide in Rwanda led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands."
People of good social position, usually of high birth or wealthy landowners
"The gentry of the town gathered for the annual ball."
a category in biological classification ranking above species and below family
"The tiger belongs to the genus Panthera."
The arrangement and composition of rocks, minerals, and landforms in the Earth's crust.
"Scientists will study the Moon's geological structure."
A society or community where elderly people make up a large proportion of the population
"A geriatric society demands specialized healthcare systems."
the branch of medicine dealing with the health and care of old people
"He specialized in geriatrics to care for the elderly."
To begin to grow or develop, especially referring to a seed.
"The seeds germinate quickly in moist soil."
The scientific study of old age and the process of aging.
"She chose to specialize in gerontology after completing medical school."
the process of carrying or being carried in the womb between conception and birth; the development of an idea or plan
"The gestation period of an elephant is nearly two years."
A natural hot spring that intermittently ejects a column of water and steam into the air.
"The geyser erupted, shooting water high into the sky."
Causing great horror or fear; very unpleasant.
"The crime scene was a ghastly sight."
Feeling dizzy or light-headed; also overly excited and frivolous.
"She felt giddy after spinning around so many times."
the main or essential part of a matter; the central idea
"The gist of his speech was about unity and cooperation."
relating to ice or glaciers; extremely cold or unfriendly
"The mountains were covered in glacial ice."
A man trained to fight in public contests in ancient Rome.
"The gladiator fought bravely in the arena."
Extremely obvious or shining intensely.
"There was a glaring mistake in the report."