English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
having limits or bounds; not infinite
"Our resources are finite, so we must use them wisely."
the phenomenon of combustion, or to dismiss someone from a job
"The company decided to fire two employees last week."
a weapon capable of firing a projectile using gunpowder or other propellant
"The police found a hidden firearm during the investigation."
a person who is passionate about a cause, often inciting change or action
"The activist was a true firebrand, inspiring everyone around him to join the protest."
a person whose job is to put out fires
"The firefighter saved the family from the burning building."
a person whose job is to extinguish fires and rescue people
"The brave fireman rescued the family from the burning building."
A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
"A firewall protects networks from cyber-attacks."
a device that explodes or creates a display of lights and sounds, often used in celebrations
"The fireworks lit up the sky during the New Year's Eve celebration."
a business organization, or solid and steady
"She works at a law firm in the city."
in a strong, steady, or determined way
"She held his hand firmly as they crossed the road."
coming before all others in time, order, or importance
"She was the first to arrive at the meeting."
Immediate assistance given to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available
"He gave first aid to the injured cyclist before the ambulance arrived."
A collection of medical supplies for giving initial treatment in emergencies
"I always keep a first aid kit in my car for emergencies."
directly experienced or obtained; from the original source
"I experienced the earthquake first-hand."
used to introduce the first point or reason in a discussion or argument
"Firstly, we need to address the budget issue before proceeding."
relating to government revenue, taxes, or financial matters
"The government announced new fiscal policies to boost the economy."
an aquatic animal with gills, or to try to catch such animals
"He went to the lake to fish early in the morning."
a person who catches fish for a living or as a hobby
"The fisherman went out to sea early in the morning."
the activity of catching fish
"Fishing is a popular activity in coastal villages."
a person or store that sells fish
"I bought fresh salmon from the local fishmonger."
a long, narrow opening or crack in a surface or object
"The earthquake caused a deep fissure in the road."
a hand with the fingers clenched tightly into the palm
"He punched the wall with his fist in anger."
to be of the right size, shape, or type; suitable or healthy
"These shoes fit me perfectly."
occurring in irregular bursts; not continuous or steady
"He had a fitful sleep due to the storm."
the condition of being physically healthy and strong
"Regular exercise is important for good fitness."
The number 5; one more than four and one less than six.
"She bought five apples from the market."
To repair or make something work again.
"The mechanic fixed the broken car."
An obsessive interest in or feeling about someone or something.
"His fixation on perfectionism delayed project completion."
firmly in place; not changing or movable
"The schedule for the meeting is fixed for Monday morning."
Investment that provides a return in the form of fixed periodic payments.
"Fixed income investments provide reliable returns."
in a steady, unmoving manner; with intense concentration
"He stared fixedly at the painting."
a permanent or fixed object, often in a house or building
"The bathroom fixture was installed yesterday."
soft and loose; lacking firmness or muscle tone; weak
"His flabby arms showed he needed to exercise more."
soft, limp, or lacking firmness
"The fruit was overripe and flaccid."
a piece of fabric with a symbol or colors; or to mark or signal attention
"They raised the national flag during the ceremony."
a senior naval officer entitled to fly a flag to mark the command
"The flag-officer reviewed the fleet before the ceremony."
to whip or flog someone, either literally or as a form of punishment or self-discipline
"In history, some monks would flagellate themselves as penance."
becoming tired, weaker, or less enthusiastic
"After hours of work, his energy was flagging."
shockingly noticeable or evident; glaringly wrong
"It was a flagrant violation of the rules."
A piece of cloth or similar material, typically oblong or square, attachable by one edge to a pole or rope.
"The streets were decorated with national flags."
to wave or swing something about wildly; to thrash about
"He flailed his arms to keep afloat in the water."
a natural talent or ability; distinctive elegance or style
"She has a flair for painting that sets her apart."
showy, strikingly bold or colorful; confident and lively
"His flamboyant style drew everyone's attention at the party."
A hot glowing body of ignited gas that is generated by something on fire.
"The flame from the candle lit up the dark room."
a soft woven fabric, typically made of wool or cotton and slightly milled and raised
"He wore a warm flannel shirt in winter."
to shine or appear suddenly and brightly for a short time
"Lightning flashed across the night sky."
Cards containing small amounts of information, held up for students to see, as an aid to learning.
"Flashcards help in quick memorization."
ostentatious or showy in a way that attracts attention
"He drove a flashy sports car through the city streets."
Smooth and level, without raised areas or curves.
"The road ahead was completely flat."
a type of fish with a flattened body that lives on the sea floor
"Flat fish like sole and flounder are excellent for grilling."