Vocabularies

English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples

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portent

noun
/ˈpɔːrtɛnt/

A sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen.

"The sudden drop in stock prices was seen as a portent of economic trouble."

adjective
/pɔːrˈtɛntəs/

Giving a sign or warning that something, often bad or serious, is going to happen; or overly solemn and pompous.

"His portentous tone made everyone nervous about the news."

portfolio definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/pɔːrtˈfoʊlioʊ/

A collection of financial investments, artworks, or documents presented as a body of work.

"The designer showcased her portfolio during the interview."

portion definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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portion

noun
/ˈpɔːrʃən/

A part or share of something.

"She ate only a small portion of the meal."

adjective
/ˈpɔːrtli/

Having a stout or somewhat fat body, often implying dignity or authority.

"The portly man entered the room with confidence."

portrait definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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portrait

noun
/ˈpɔːtrət/

a painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, especially one showing the face

"The artist painted a beautiful portrait of his wife."

portray definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb
/pɔːˈtreɪ/

to describe or represent something or someone in a work of art or literature

"The novel portrays a vivid picture of life in the countryside."

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pose

verb
/poʊz/

To assume a particular position, especially for a photograph or display; to present a problem or question.

"She posed for a picture in front of the monument."

noun
/poʊˈzɜːr/

A person who pretends to be something they are not, often to impress others.

"Many considered him a poseur because he exaggerated his accomplishments."

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posit

verb
/ˈpɑːzɪt/

To assume or suggest something as a fact or basis for reasoning.

"The scientist posited a new theory to explain the phenomenon."

position definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/pəˈzɪʃən/

A place, job, or status; the way in which someone or something is placed or arranged.

"She applied for a teaching position at the university."

positive definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective
/ˈpɒzɪtɪv/

Characterized by optimism, certainty, or something favorable.

"She always tries to maintain a positive attitude."

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posse

noun
/ˈpɒsi/

A group of people, often friends or a group organized to support or enforce the law.

"He arrived at the party with his posse of friends."

verb
/pəˈzɛs/

To have or own something; to hold a quality or characteristic.

"She possesses great talent in music."

noun
/pəˈzɛʃən/

The state of owning, controlling, or holding something.

"The ring was her most valuable possession."

adjective
/pəˈzɛsɪv/

Showing a desire to own or control; relating to possession.

"He became very possessive about his old books."

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possessor

noun
/pəˈzɛsər/

A person who owns or holds something.

"The possessor of the land built a new house."

noun
/ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti/

something that may happen or be the case; a chance that something exists or might occur

"There is a strong possibility of rain tomorrow."

Possible definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective
/ˈpɒsəbl̩/

Able to be done or achieved.

"Anything is possible if you work hard."

adverb
/ˈpɒsɪbli/

maybe, or in a way that is not certain

"It could possibly rain later today."

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post

noun, verb
/pəʊst/

a job or position, or to send something by mail

"She posted a letter to her friend yesterday."

noun
/ˈpoʊst ˌɒfɪs/

a public building or agency where mail is sent, received, and other postal services are provided

"I went to the post office to mail a package."

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post-war

adjective
/ˌpoʊstˈwɔːr/

relating to the period after a war has ended

"The country experienced rapid economic growth in the post-war years."

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postdate

verb
/ˌpoʊstˈdeɪt/

To assign a date later than the actual date to a document or event.

"She postdated the check to next month."

poster definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˈpoʊstər/

a large printed picture or notice that is put on a wall for decoration or to advertise something

"They put up a movie poster outside the theater."

adjective
/pɒˈstɪəriər/

Situated at or toward the back; later in time.

"The posterior part of the brain controls vision."

noun
/pɒˈstɛrɪti/

All future generations of people.

"The monument was built for the benefit of posterity."

noun, adjective
/ˌpəʊstˈɡrædʒuət/

A student who has completed a first degree and is studying for a further degree.

"She is doing postgraduate research in physics."

adjective
/ˈpɒstjʊməs/

Occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator.

"He received a posthumous award for his bravery."

noun, adjective
/ˌpəʊstˈmɔːtəm/

An examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.

"The doctor carried out a postmortem on the body."

verb
/pəʊs(t)ˈpəʊn/

to delay something to a later time

"The meeting was postponed until next week."

adjective
/ˌpəʊstˈprændɪəl/

Occurring after a meal.

"He went for a postprandial walk after dinner."

noun
/ˈpəʊstˌskrɪpt/

an additional remark at the end of a letter or text, after the signature

"She added a brief postscript to thank him again."

postulate definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb
/ˈpɒstjʊˌleɪt/

to suggest or assume the existence of something as a basis for reasoning

"The scientist postulated that life could exist on other planets."

noun
/ˈpɒstʃə/

the position in which someone holds their body; an attitude or approach

"Good posture helps prevent back pain."

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postwar

adjective
/ˈpəʊstwɔːr/

occurring or existing after a war

"The postwar period saw significant economic growth."

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Pot

noun
/pɒt/

a container, typically round and deep, used for cooking or holding plants

"She put the soup in a pot and set it on the stove."

adjective
/ˈpəʊtəbl/

safe to drink; drinkable

"The villagers did not have access to potable water."

noun
/pəˈteɪtoʊ/

a starchy plant tuber that is a staple food around the world

"We had mashed potato with our dinner."

noun
/ˈpɒtˌbɔɪlə/

a book, play, or film produced quickly to make money rather than for artistic value

"The novel was dismissed by critics as a mere potboiler."

noun
/ˈpoʊtənsi/

The power or ability of something to affect or influence; strength or effectiveness.

"The potency of the new medicine amazed the doctors."

adjective
/ˈpoʊtənt/

Having great power, influence, or effect.

"This is a very potent drug that should be used carefully."

adjective
/prɪˈhɛnsɪbəl/

capable of being grasped or seized

"The tool has a prehensible handle that improves safety."

noun
/ˈprɛdʒədɪs/

An unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge.

"Prejudice often prevents people from seeing the truth about others."

prehistoric definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective
ˌpriːhɪˈstɒrɪk

Belonging to the time before written records.

"The prehistoric era was marked by the rise of early humans."

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prehension

noun
/prɪˈhɛnʃən/

the act of grasping or seizing; the ability to take hold of something

"Therapists assessed the patient's prehension during hand therapy."

adjective
/prɪˈhɛnsaɪl/

adapted for seizing or grasping, especially by wrapping around an object

"The monkey used its prehensile tail to hang from the branch."

noun
/ˈprɛɡnənsi/

the condition of being pregnant; the period during which a woman carries a developing fetus

"Her pregnancy was carefully monitored by her doctor."

verb
/priːˈfɪɡjər/

to represent, show, or foreshadow something in advance

"The economic reforms prefigure major social changes."

noun/verb
/ˈpriːfɪks/

a word, letter, or number placed before another; as a verb, to add something in front of something else

"Developers often prefix variables with an underscore."