English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
a position of leadership or the steering apparatus of a ship
"After years of service, she finally took the helm of the company."
the edge of a piece of cloth that is folded and sewn; to fold and sew the edge of cloth
"She hemmed the dress to make it shorter."
A significant loss of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, or to lose blood heavily.
"The patient suffered a severe brain hemorrhage."
A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of something; to announce or signal.
"The blooming flowers herald the arrival of spring."
A chemical substance used to kill unwanted plants, especially weeds.
"Farmers used herbicide to protect their crops from invasive weeds."
Feeding only on plants.
"Cows are herbivorous animals that eat only grass and plants."
from now on; in the future; also refers to life after death.
"Hereafter, all reports must be submitted electronically."
passed from parents to their children through genes or by inheritance.
"Diabetes can be a hereditary condition."
belief or opinion that goes against established religious doctrine or accepted beliefs.
"In medieval times, heresy was often punished severely."
a person who holds beliefs that go against established religious teachings or accepted beliefs.
"The church declared him a heretic for his radical ideas."
A person who lives alone and apart from society, often for religious or spiritual reasons.
"The old hermit lived in a cave for decades."
A medical condition where an organ pushes through the muscle or tissue holding it in place.
"The doctor diagnosed him with an inguinal hernia."
Great bravery; the qualities or attributes of a hero.
"The heroism of freedom fighters inspires the nation."
large wading bird with long legs and neck that feeds on fish
"The heron stood motionless by the water's edge, waiting for fish."
The quality or state of being reluctant or uncertain.
"Her hesitance to speak up delayed the decision."
The tendency to pause or delay due to uncertainty or fear.
"His hesitancy in answering made everyone doubt his confidence."
consisting of different kinds or diverse elements
"The classroom was filled with a heterogeneous group of students."
The period of greatest success, popularity, or power.
"In its heyday, the company dominated the market."
A pause or break in continuity of a process or activity.
"The show returned after a long hiatus."
To spend the winter in a dormant state, as some animals do.
"Bears hibernate in caves during the winter."
A place used as a retreat or a place to hide.
"The cabin in the woods was their secret hideaway."
extremely ugly or unpleasant
"The crime was so hideous that it shocked the whole town."
arranged in order of rank or authority
"The company has a strict hierarchical structure."
a system of writing using pictures or symbols, used especially by ancient Egyptians
"The tomb walls were covered with Egyptian hieroglyphics."
a title given to a person of royal rank; the quality or state of being high or elevated
"Your Highness, the royal carriage is ready to take you to the state banquet this evening."
to take control of a vehicle or situation illegally or by force
"The criminals attempted to hijack the airplane."
To create difficulties that delay or obstruct progress.
"Heavy traffic can hinder emergency services from arriving quickly."
Something that delays or obstructs progress or action.
"Lack of funds was a major hindrance to the project."
Understanding of a situation only after it has happened.
"With the benefit of hindsight, we realized the decision was a mistake."
The remote or less developed areas away from the coast or a city.
"The farmers came from the rural hinterland to sell their produce in the city."
Plural of hinterland; remote or less developed regions.
"Explorers traveled deep into the hinterlands of the country."
to accumulate and hide away a large supply of something, often secretly
"During the crisis, many people began to hoard food and water."
having a rough, harsh, or weak voice, often due to illness or shouting
"After shouting all day at the rally, his voice was hoarse."
a trick or false story meant to deceive people
"The news about aliens landing turned out to be a hoax."
A large-scale destruction, especially by fire; historically, the genocide of Jews during World War II.
"Millions of people perished during the Holocaust."
Special honor, respect, or tribute shown publicly.
"The statue was built as an homage to the national hero."
a system of alternative medicine based on treating diseases with highly diluted substances
"He believes in homeopathy for treating common colds."
the killing of one human being by another
"The police are investigating a case of homicide."
Consisting of parts or elements that are all the same kind; uniform in composition.
"The population of the village is fairly homogeneous in culture and tradition."
Similar or uniform in nature; often used interchangeably with 'homogeneous'.
"The class was made up of a homogenous group of students."
A word that is spelled and pronounced like another word but has a different meaning.
"The word 'bat' is a homonym because it can mean an animal or a sports tool."
A word that is pronounced the same as another word but differs in meaning, and often spelling.
"The words 'pair' and 'pear' are homophones."
To sharpen a blade or to improve a skill through practice.
"She honed her presentation skills before the big meeting."
the hard part covering the foot of horses, cattle, sheep, and other animals
"The horse's hoof was injured after stepping on a sharp rock."
A large group or crowd, especially one that is disorderly or difficult to control.
"A horde of fans gathered outside the stadium."
a large wasp that can sting and is often aggressive
"The hornet built its nest under the roof."
A forecast of a person's future based on the positions of the stars and planets at their birth.
"She read her horoscope every morning to see what the stars predicted."
to fill with horror; to shock or disgust greatly
"The violent scene horrified the audience."
Relating to the art or practice of garden cultivation and management.
"She studied horticultural science at the university."