Vocabularies

English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples

obstacles definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˈɒbstəkəlz/

Things that block one's way or prevent or hinder progress.

"Obstacles in life can often lead to valuable lessons."

Obstacle definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˈɒbstəkəl/

something that blocks your way or prevents progress

"Lack of money was the main obstacle to his success."

🗑️

obsolete

adjective
/ˌɒbsəˈliːt/

No longer in use or out of date.

"Floppy disks are now completely obsolete."

adjective
/ˌɒbsəˈlɛsnt/

Becoming outdated or on the way to becoming obsolete.

"The obsolescent technology could not compete with modern devices."

obsolescence definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˌɒbsəˈlɛsəns/

The state of being no longer useful or in fashion; becoming outdated.

"The rapid obsolescence of smartphones makes people upgrade frequently."

noun
/əbˈsɪdiən/

A hard, dark, glasslike volcanic rock formed by rapid solidification of lava.

"The knife was made from sharp obsidian."

adjective
/əbˈsɛsɪv/

Relating to or characterized by an obsession; thinking about something too much.

"He has an obsessive interest in cleanliness."

noun
/əbˈsɛʃən/

An idea, thought, or concern that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person's mind.

"His obsession with success drove him to work day and night."

verb
/əbˈsɛs/

To preoccupy or fill the mind of someone continually and to an excessive degree.

"She tends to obsess over small details."

noun
/əbˈzɜːvər/

a person who watches or notices something

"The observer took notes during the meeting."

observed definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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observed

verb
əbˈzɜːrvd

To celebrate or keep a religious or other festival.

"The day is observed annually to raise awareness."

verb
/əbˈzɜːv/

to watch carefully and attentively

"The teacher asked the students to observe the experiment."

noun
/əbˈzɜːrvətɔːri/

A building equipped for observing astronomical or meteorological events.

"The observatory is open to the public on weekends."

observations definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˌɒb.zəˈveɪ.ʃənz/

The action or process of observing something carefully.

"Observations of distant galaxies provide new insights."

noun
/ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃən/

the action or process of observing something carefully in order to gain information

"The scientist made an observation during the experiment."

adjective
/əbˈzɜːvənt/

Quick to notice details or attentive to rules and customs.

"She is very observant and rarely misses any detail."

noun
/əbˈzɜːvəns/

The practice of following a custom, rule, or religious law.

"The festival is held in observance of a centuries-old tradition."

obsequy definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
🕯️

obsequy

noun
/ˈɒbsɪkwi/

A funeral rite, usually used in plural form obsequies.

"The village gathered for the obsequy of their beloved teacher."

obsequious definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective
/əbˈsiːkwɪəs/

Excessively obedient or attentive in a servile way.

"The waiter gave an obsequious bow to every customer."

noun
/ˈɒbsɪkwiːz/

Funeral rites or ceremonies.

"The obsequies for the late leader drew thousands of mourners."

🌫️

obscure

adjective, verb
/əbˈskjʊr/

Not clearly expressed or understood; to make something difficult to see or understand.

"The meaning of the poem was obscure to most readers."

adjective
/əbˈnɒkʃəs/

Extremely unpleasant, offensive, or annoying.

"The obnoxious behavior of the guest ruined the party."

noun
/ˈɒbləkwɪ/

Strong public criticism or verbal abuse; disgrace or shame from public condemnation.

"The politician faced obloquy after the scandal was exposed."

oblivious definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective
/əˈblɪviəs/

Not aware of or concerned about what is happening around one.

"He was oblivious to the danger approaching him."

oblivion definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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oblivion

noun
/əˈblɪviən/

The state of being completely forgotten or unknown; the state of being unconscious or unaware.

"The ancient city fell into oblivion after the empire collapsed."

obliterate definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb
/əˈblɪtəreɪt/

To completely destroy, remove, or wipe out.

"The town was obliterated by the powerful earthquake."

noun
/əˈblɪkwɪti/

Deviation from moral or usual conduct; indirectness or lack of straightforwardness.

"The politician was criticized for the obliquity of his answers."

↗️

Oblique

adjective
/əˈbliːk/ or /oʊˈbliːk/

Not explicit or direct in addressing a point; slanting or indirect.

"She made an oblique reference to his past mistakes."

adjective
/əˈblaɪdʒɪŋ/

Willing to help or do favors; accommodating.

"The staff at the hotel were very obliging and friendly."

oblige definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb
/əˈblaɪdʒ/

to do something as a favor or kindness for someone

"She obliged by helping him with the task."

⚖️

obese

adjective
/oʊˈbiːs/

Extremely overweight; having an excessive amount of body fat.

"The doctor advised the obese patient to adopt a healthier lifestyle."

🧚‍♀️

Nymph

noun
/nɪmf/

a mythological spirit of nature; a beautiful young woman in classical mythology

"The water nymph appeared by the moonlit lake."

🤦

Oaf

noun
/oʊf/

a clumsy, stupid, or awkward person

"He acted like an oaf at the dinner party, spilling drinks everywhere."

🌳

oak

noun
/oʊk/

a large tree that produces acorns and has strong, hard wood

"The old oak tree provided shade for the entire yard."

🌳

oaken

adjective
/ˈoʊ.kən/

made of or resembling oak wood

"The villagers gathered around the oaken table in the hall."

🪢

oakum

noun
/ˈoʊ.kəm/

loose fibers obtained by untwisting old ropes, used for caulking ships

"The shipbuilders used oakum to seal the gaps in the wooden planks."

Oar definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
🚣

Oar

noun
/ɔːr/

a long pole with a flat blade used to row a boat

"He dipped the oar into the water and pulled the boat forward."

Oarsman definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˈɔːrzmən/

a person who rows a boat, especially as a member of a racing crew

"The experienced oarsman rowed the boat across the river."

Oasis definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
🏝️

Oasis

noun
/oʊˈeɪ.sɪs/

a fertile spot in a desert where water is found; a pleasant relief

"After hours in the desert, they finally reached an oasis."

📜

Oath

noun
/oʊθ/

a solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness

"She took an oath to tell the truth in court."

noun
/ˈoʊtˌmiːl/

A type of porridge made from ground oats, often eaten for breakfast.

"She eats a bowl of oatmeal every morning for breakfast."

obdurate definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective
/ˈɑːbdjʊrət/

Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.

"He remained obdurate despite everyone's pleas."

noun
/oʊˈbiː.di.əns/

compliance with an order, request, or law; submission to authority

"Children should show obedience to their parents."

adjective
/oʊˈbiːdiənt/

Willing to comply with rules or authority.

"The obedient child quickly followed her mother's instructions."

noun
/oʊˈbeɪsəns/

A gesture of respect such as a bow or curtsy.

"They bowed in obeisance to the king."

noun
/ˈɑːbəlɪsk/

A tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument with a pyramid-shaped top.

"The ancient Egyptians built obelisks to honor their gods."

noun
/əbˈdʒɛktər/

a person who expresses opposition or disapproval to something

"The objector raised his concerns during the town meeting."

verb
/ˈɑːbdʒərˌɡeɪt/

to scold or rebuke severely

"The teacher objurgated the student for being dishonest."

noun
/ˌɑːbdʒərˈɡeɪʃən/

a harsh scolding or strong rebuke

"His misconduct earned him a severe objurgation from the manager."

objective definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun, adjective
/əbˈdʒɛktɪv/

As a noun: a goal or aim. As an adjective: not influenced by personal feelings; unbiased.

"Her main objective is to finish the project on time."