English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
the fact or process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions
"The emancipation of slaves was a significant moment in American history."
An official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country.
"The government imposed an embargo on weapons exports."
to make something more attractive by adding decorative details or features
"She embellished her story with unnecessary details."
to steal or misuse money or property entrusted to one's care
"The accountant was arrested for embezzling company funds."
The act of dishonestly taking money or property entrusted to one's care.
"The accountant was arrested for embezzlement of company funds."
A symbolic object, design, or figure representing an idea, group, or identity.
"The dove is an emblem of peace."
to give someone the courage or confidence to do something
"Her success emboldened her to take more risks."
to decorate fabric with patterns using a needle and thread
"She embroidered flowers on the pillowcase."
to involve someone deeply in a conflict, argument, or difficult situation
"The politician was embroiled in a major corruption scandal."
being deeply involved in a difficult situation, conflict, or scandal
"She found herself embroiled in a heated family dispute."
in an early or undeveloped stage; relating to an embryo
"The project is still in its embryonic stage."
just coming into existence or becoming prominent
"The emergent startup quickly attracted investors."
Fame or recognized superiority, especially within a particular sphere.
"She rose to eminence as a leading scientist."
Famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession.
"He is an eminent professor of physics."
The quality of being driven by emotions rather than reason; emotional responsiveness.
"His emotionality often influenced his decisions."
expressed with emphasis; strongly expressive
"He gave an emphatic denial of the rumors."
based on observation or experience rather than theory
"The theory needs to be supported by empirical data."
to imitate someone or something with the intent to equal or surpass
"Young athletes often emulate their idols."
a hard, glossy substance used as a protective or decorative coating; the hard outer layer of teeth
"The dentist explained that enamel protects the teeth from decay."
filled with love or admiration
"He became enamored with classical music after attending the concert."
To express the essential features of something succinctly; to summarize or contain within.
"The introduction should encapsulate the main points of the article."
to delight or charm greatly; to cast a spell over
"The storyteller enchanted the children with his tales."
to form a circle around something
"The protesters encircled the building in a human chain."
a distinct area or group enclosed within a larger one
"The city has a small Italian enclave where traditions are preserved."
An additional performance demanded by an audience at the end of a show.
"The band returned to the stage for an encore."
to gradually take over or intrude on someone’s rights, territory, or space
"The buildings began to encroach on the protected forest land."
the act of gradually intruding or taking over someone’s rights, land, or space
"The villagers protested against the encroachment on their farmland."
Having comprehensive knowledge of many subjects; relating to or characteristic of an encyclopedia.
"Her encyclopedic knowledge of history amazed everyone at the conference."
To cause someone to be loved or liked.
"Her kindness and generosity endeared her to the community."
A word or phrase expressing affection or love.
"She whispered a gentle endearment to her child."
Regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.
"Malaria is endemic in some tropical countries."
Chemical compounds produced by the brain that reduce pain and create feelings of happiness.
"Exercise releases endorphins, reducing stress and pain."
To provide with a quality, ability, or gift; to donate funds for a purpose.
"The university was endowed with a generous donation."
An income or form of property given or bequeathed to someone.
"The university received a large endowment for research."
Able to be tolerated or endured; bearable.
"The pain was harsh but endurable."
To give energy or vitality to something or someone.
"The motivational speech helped energize the team."
to cause or give rise to a feeling, situation, or condition
"His policies engendered trust among the citizens."
Firmly fixed or established; difficult to change.
"Cultural practices are often deeply engrained in the fabric of society."
to cut or carve a design, letter, or pattern into a hard surface
"The craftsman engraved her name on the silver ring."
to absorb all the attention or interest of someone
"She was so engrossed in the book that she forgot the time."
completely absorbed or deeply involved in something
"She was so engrossed in the book that she forgot the time."
to completely surround or cover something or someone
"The village was engulfed by floodwaters."
a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand
"Her sudden disappearance remains an enigma."
mysterious and difficult to interpret or understand
"He gave me an enigmatic smile."
having or showing a rational, modern outlook; having spiritual knowledge or understanding
"The enlightened teacher shared wisdom with all her students."
to join or sign up, especially for military service; to secure someone's support or help
"He decided to enlist in the army after graduation."
to make something more lively, interesting, or cheerful
"Her jokes helped enliven the dull meeting."
a feeling of hostility, hatred, or opposition
"There was a long history of enmity between the two families."
The extreme scale, seriousness, or extent of something perceived as bad or morally wrong.
"The enormity of the crime shocked the entire community."
To make someone extremely angry.
"His unfair remarks enraged the audience."