English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
to cause oneself to consider or remember something
"He bethought himself of the promise he had made."
to happen or occur, usually of something that befalls someone
"Woe betide anyone who breaks the rules."
early; in good time
"She rose betimes to finish her work."
to be a sign or indication of something
"Dark clouds betoken an approaching storm."
To formally promise to marry someone; to engage.
"He was betrothed to the princess at a young age."
The formal engagement to be married.
"Their betrothal was announced to the whole village."
Engaged to be married; a person who is engaged.
"She introduced him as her betrothed."
A sloping edge or surface; to cut or shape an edge at an angle.
"The carpenter beveled the edges of the table."
A large group of people or things of a particular kind.
"A bevy of swans floated on the lake."
to express deep sorrow or regret over something; to mourn openly
"She bewailed the loss of her childhood home."
to enchant or fascinate someone as if by magic
"The dancer's performance bewitched the audience."
charming, enchanting, or captivating in a magical or irresistible way
"She wore a bewitching smile that captivated everyone in the room."
An extreme obsession with collecting or possessing books.
"His bibliomania led him to fill every room with books."
A person who loves or collects books.
"She is a true bibliophile who spends weekends at old bookstores."
Excessively fond of drinking alcohol.
"His bibulous habits worried his family."
Having two branches or chambers, especially in a legislature.
"The United States has a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives."
to wait patiently for the right time or opportunity
"He decided to bide his time before making a move."
happening every two years
"The biennial festival attracts thousands of visitors."
a frame or stand on which a coffin or body is placed before burial or cremation
"The coffin was placed on the bier during the funeral service."
to divide into two branches or parts
"The road bifurcates into two separate paths at the hill."
Divided into two branches or parts.
"The river became bifurcated as it flowed around the island."
A person who commits the crime of marrying someone while already married to another.
"The man was arrested for being a bigamist."
The act of marrying one person while still legally married to another.
"He was charged with bigamy after his second marriage was discovered."
A bend or curve in a geographical feature, especially a coastline, or a loop in a rope.
"The sailors anchored in the calm waters of the bight."
Relating to bile or an ill-tempered, irritable disposition.
"He became bilious after hearing the unfair criticism."
To cheat or defraud someone of money or rights.
"The scammer tried to bilk elderly people out of their savings."
Coarse or abusive language; vulgar or offensive speech.
"The heated argument quickly descended into billingsgate."
To swell or rise in large waves or surges; to flow outward in a rolling motion.
"Smoke billowed from the burning building."
Describing something that swells or surges outward in waves or large masses.
"She walked through the billowing curtains."
A period of two months.
"The academic program is divided into six bimesters."
The degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed or becomes available at the site of physiological activity.
"Vitamin C enhances the bioavailability of iron in the diet."
A chemical substance or microorganism intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism.
"Biocides help control pests and reduce the spread of diseases."
A written account of a person's life; an early motion-picture projector (historical use).
"The library holds an old biograph of the poet."
The use of living organisms to neutralize or remove environmental contaminants.
"Bioremediation helps remove toxins from polluted soil."
An animal that walks on two feet.
"Humans are examples of biped creatures."
A rich, creamy soup made from shellfish.
"We ordered lobster bisque at the restaurant."
a temporary camp without tents or cover, usually used by soldiers or mountaineers
"The climbers set up a bivouac on the mountainside."
to talk too much or reveal secrets carelessly; excessive or foolish talk
"He accidentally blabbed the surprise to everyone."
a large aromatic spice pod with a smoky flavor, commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking
"Add black cardamom to the curry for a rich, smoky flavor."
a large dark-colored bee that makes a loud buzzing sound
"The black-bee was buzzing around the flowers in the garden."
to exclude someone socially or vote against their membership in a group or club
"He was blackballed from the club after the controversy."
an inflammatory swelling or sore on the skin; a blister or pustule
"The doctor examined the blain on his arm."
to flatter or coax someone with kind words or praise in order to influence them
"He blandished the officials with compliments to gain their support."
flattering or pleasing statement or action used to persuade someone gently
"She used every blandishment to win his support."
unimpressed or indifferent to something because it has been experienced so often before
"After years of luxury travel, she felt blase about another trip to Paris."
to speak irreverently about God or sacred things
"He was accused of blaspheming during the heated argument."
showing disrespect or lack of reverence for God or sacred things
"The book was banned for its blasphemous content."
to display prominently or vividly
"The slogan was blazoned across the banner in bold letters."
Having a limited or narrow outlook; unable or unwilling to consider other perspectives.
"His blinkered attitude stopped him from seeing the bigger picture."
Showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered improper or carefree happiness.
"She had a blithe disregard for the rules."