English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
an unpleasant or harmful odor, secretion, or discharge
"The effluvium from the factory spread across the neighborhood."
shameless or rude boldness
"He had the effrontery to lie even when caught red-handed."
Brilliant radiance or shining brightness.
"The effulgence of the sunrise lit up the entire valley."
Shining brilliantly; radiant.
"Her effulgent smile brightened everyone's mood."
To pour out or express feelings freely and openly.
"She effused gratitude for the help she received."
An unrestrained outpouring of words, feelings, or emotions.
"His letter was an effusion of love and longing."
Expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.
"She gave him an effusive welcome after his long journey."
The action of going out or leaving a place; an exit.
"The emergency door provided an egress for the trapped workers."
The action of suddenly saying something or the release of semen during sexual climax.
"His sudden ejaculation of joy surprised everyone in the room."
A chemical decomposition produced by passing an electric current through a liquid or solution.
"Electrolysis is used to separate hydrogen from water."
A duplicate printing plate made by electroplating a mold of the original.
"The printer used an electrotype to produce multiple copies of the page."
Relating to charity; dependent on or supported by charity.
"The hospital was founded as an eleemosynary institution."
Expressing sorrow, often for something past; resembling an elegy.
"The novel ends on an elegiac note, mourning the lost era."
A poem or song expressing sorrow, especially for someone who has died.
"The poet wrote an elegy for his late friend."
a tropical fruit with a hard shell and acidic flesh
"Elephant apple is used to make delicious jams and pickles."
Huge, clumsy, or resembling an elephant in size or movement.
"The man moved with an elephantine grace."
A magical or medicinal potion believed to cure illnesses or grant immortality.
"The old legend spoke of an elixir that could grant eternal youth."
The skill of clear and expressive speech, especially in public speaking.
"She improved her elocution through constant practice."
The act of escaping or avoiding something, especially by cleverness or trickery.
"His constant elusion of responsibility frustrated his colleagues."
Relating to or characteristic of paradise; delightful and heavenly.
"They spent an elysian week on the quiet island."
A place or state of perfect happiness; in Greek mythology, the afterlife paradise.
"For her, the garden was a personal elysium."
To make abnormally thin or weak, usually because of illness or lack of food.
"The prisoners were emaciated after months without proper food."
To make someone weaker or less effective; to deprive of strength or vigor.
"The constant criticism emasculated his confidence."
To make someone resentful or angry; to cause bitterness.
"The unfair treatment embittered the employees."
To decorate or display something in a noticeable or impressive way.
"The team's logo was emblazoned on their uniforms."
the sudden blockage of a blood vessel by a clot or other foreign matter
"The patient suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism."
to decorate a surface with a raised design or pattern
"The invitation card was embossed with golden letters."
to correct or revise a text, especially for errors
"The editor emended the manuscript before publication."
a correction or improvement made to a text
"The article required several emendations before it was ready for print."
having retired but allowed to retain their title as an honor
"He is a professor emeritus at the university."
a substance that causes vomiting
"The doctor administered an emetic to remove the poison."
A person sent on a special mission, usually as a diplomatic representative.
"The king sent an emissary to negotiate peace."
an ant; a small insect
"The emmet carried food to its nest."
a substance that softens or soothes the skin
"She used an emollient cream to treat her dry skin."
payment for work or services; salary or fees
"The professor received his annual emolument from the university."
the theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience
"Empiricism argues that knowledge comes from experience and observation."
A large retail store selling a wide variety of goods.
"They visited the new emporium to buy furniture and home decor."
Heavenly, divine, or relating to the highest heavens.
"The poet described the empyreal beauty of the stars."
Reproducing something or following someone to achieve success.
"The software allows the emulation of old video games on modern devices."
to be filled with love or admiration for
"She was enamored with the beautiful scenery."
to set up or establish a camp
"The soldiers encamped near the river for the night."
to convert a message into code or cipher
"The agent enciphered the secret message before sending it."
Expressing praise; laudatory.
"The book was filled with encomiastic remarks about the author."
A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.
"He delivered an encomium to his retiring teacher."
to burden or weigh down something, making it difficult to move or progress
"She was encumbered by the heavy luggage during her journey."
a burden or obstacle that makes progress or movement difficult
"Debt can become a serious encumbrance in life."
a formal letter sent by the Pope to Catholic churches, usually addressing important issues
"The Pope issued an encyclical on climate change and moral responsibility."
A leafy vegetable belonging to the chicory family, often used in salads.
"She added fresh endive to the salad for a slightly bitter flavor."
Relating to or denoting glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various body functions.
"The endocrine system regulates metabolism and stress responses."
To provide or endow with a quality or ability.
"The leader was endued with wisdom and courage."