English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
having or showing great knowledge or learning
"The professor gave an erudite lecture on philosophy."
extensive knowledge acquired through reading and study
"Her erudition was evident in her detailed analysis of the text."
to deliberately avoid or abstain from something
"She chose to eschew junk food for a healthier diet."
a shield or emblem bearing a coat of arms
"The family crest was displayed on the escutcheon above the fireplace."
intended for or understood by only a small number of people with special knowledge
"The professor gave an esoteric lecture on ancient philosophy."
A feeling of pride, fellowship, and loyalty shared by members of a group.
"The team's esprit de corps was evident in their cooperative effort."
To catch sight of or notice something, especially from a distance.
"From the hilltop, she espied a small village in the valley."
A title of respect often used after a man's name, especially for lawyers in the United States.
"John Smith, Esquire, will be representing the client in court."
Worthy of great respect.
"Her estimable achievements inspired the whole community."
to cause someone to no longer be close or affectionate; to alienate
"His constant criticism began to estrange him from his friends."
evaluating other cultures according to the standards of one's own culture
"His ethnocentric attitude made it hard for him to appreciate foreign traditions."
the study of the characteristics of different peoples and the differences and relationships between them
"She specialized in ethnology to better understand cultural diversity."
the cause or origin of a disease or condition
"Doctors are studying the etiology of the new virus."
Relating to or aiming at improving the genetic quality of a population.
"In the early 20th century, some scientists supported eugenic policies."
the study or practice of improving the genetic quality of the human population
"Eugenics has been criticized for its unethical applications in history."
Expressing praise or admiration, often formally.
"The speaker gave a eulogistic account of the leader’s achievements."
To praise highly in speech or writing, especially in honor of someone who has died.
"They gathered to eulogize their beloved teacher."
Pleasing to the ear; having a sweet sound.
"The poet's euphonious language made the verse a delight to read."
The quality of being pleasing to the ear, especially through harmonious combination of words.
"The orator's speech was full of euphony and rhythm."
Excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water, frequently due to runoff from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen.
"Excess fertilizers lead to eutrophication in lakes."
To disappear gradually; to fade away.
"The mist began to evanesce as the sun rose higher."
Quickly fading or disappearing; lasting for only a very short time.
"The beauty of the sunset was evanescent, fading within minutes."
Fair and impartial; showing no bias or favoritism.
"The judge was praised for her evenhanded approach to the case."
To turn inside out or outward.
"The surgeon had to evert the eyelid during the procedure."
relating to or providing evidence
"The lawyer presented evidential support for her claims."
to show or demonstrate clearly
"She evinced her interest in the project through active participation."
to remove the internal organs of; to deprive of essential content
"The critics eviscerated the movie for its weak storyline."
a female sheep
"The ewe gave birth to two lambs in the spring."
a large jug with a wide mouth, especially used in the past for carrying water
"The servant filled the ewer with fresh water."
the act of demanding or obtaining something, especially unfairly
"The peasants suffered under the king's heavy exactions."
Open to objection; causing disapproval.
"His rude remarks were considered exceptionable by everyone present."
The treasury of a state or country.
"The government announced new measures to improve the exchequer."
the act of cutting something out, especially by surgical removal
"The excision of the infected tissue prevented further complications."
a state of great excitement or the process of stimulating activity
"The news created great excitation among the fans."
To strongly criticize someone; to denounce severely.
"The critic excoriated the film for its poor script."
An abnormal outgrowth or lump, often considered unattractive.
"The building was considered an excrescence on the landscape."
to cause intense pain or suffering
"The injury excruciated him with unbearable pain."
to show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing
"The lawyer worked hard to exculpate his client."
Tending to digress or wander; moving away from the main subject.
"His excursive lecture left the students confused about the main topic."
Extremely bad or unpleasant.
"The movie was so execrable that many people left the theater early."
To feel or express great loathing or hatred for something.
"The community execrated the corrupt politician."
An act of cursing or denouncing someone or something with hatred.
"The dictator’s name was spoken with execration after his fall."
A critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a religious scripture.
"The professor gave a detailed exegesis of the biblical passage."
A model or pattern to be copied or imitated.
"She is an exemplar of kindness and generosity."
able to be used up completely; not infinite
"Coal and oil are exhaustible resources."
To make someone feel very happy, animated, or excited.
"The mountain view exhilarated the travelers."
To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something.
"The teacher exhorted the students to study harder."
to dig out something buried, especially a body from the ground
"The archaeologists decided to exhume the ancient remains."
an urgent need or demand requiring immediate attention
"In times of war, the exigency of the situation requires quick decisions."
demanding immediate action or attention; urgent
"The patient’s exigent condition required immediate surgery."