English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
expressing praise or admiration; given or supplied free of charge as a courtesy
"The hotel offers complimentary breakfast for all guests."
to act in accordance with a rule, request, or law
"All companies must comply with safety regulations."
a part or element of a larger whole, especially a machine or system
"The engine is the most important component of the car."
to behave or conduct oneself in a particular way
"She comported herself with grace during the ceremony."
to create or write something, especially music, poetry, or a letter
"She likes to compose songs in her free time."
calm and in control of oneself; made up of or formed from
"He remained composed even under pressure."
a person who writes music, especially classical music
"The composer is working on a new symphony."
the act of creating a piece of writing, music, or art; the way parts are arranged
"Her composition won first prize in the contest."
a person who arranges type for printing or creates musical compositions
"The compositor carefully arranged the text for the newspaper."
decayed organic matter used as fertilizer
"The gardener added compost to enrich the soil."
The controlled decomposition of organic matter to produce fertilizer.
"Composting reduces waste and enhances soil fertility."
the state of being calm and in control of oneself
"She managed to keep her composure during the heated debate."
a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; an enclosed area with buildings
"The scientist studied the chemical compound in the lab."
The grounds and buildings of a university, college, or school.
"The university campus is filled with students during the fall semester."
to be able to; to have the ability or possibility to do something
"I can solve this problem easily."
a member of a people who lived in the ancient land of Canaan in the Middle East
"The Canaanites were known for their advanced trade networks."
Relating to Canada or its people.
"She enjoys Canadian culture and traditions."
an artificial waterway constructed for navigation, irrigation, or drainage
"The canal was built to help transport goods across the region."
a false or unfounded story or rumor
"The article turned out to be nothing more than a canard."
a small, usually yellow bird known for its singing; also used as a warning sign in dangerous conditions
"The canary sang beautifully in its cage."
to decide that something planned will not take place
"The flight was canceled due to heavy rain."
the act of stopping something that was planned or scheduled; the act of nullifying or invalidating something
"The airline announced the cancellation of several flights due to bad weather."
A disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue.
"Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer."
Truthful and straightforward; frank
"She gave a candid account of the challenges she faced."
A person who applies for a job or is nominated for election.
"The candidate gave a strong speech during the debate."
A person who applies for a job or is nominated for election; someone being considered for a position.
"Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process."
The quality of being open, honest, and straightforward
"Her candidness during the meeting impressed everyone."
a stick of wax with a wick that burns to give light
"She lit a candle during the power cut."
The quality of being open and honest in expression
"His candor in admitting mistakes earned him respect."
a sweet food made with sugar or chocolate, often in small pieces
"The children were excited to get candy on Halloween."
Relating to dogs; also refers to the pointed teeth in humans and animals
"The police trained a canine unit for search operations."
A fungal disease of plants; an ulcerous sore in the mouth; to corrupt or destroy slowly
"The tree was infected with a canker that damaged its bark."
a tropical flowering plant with large, colorful flowers and broad leaves
"The bright orange canna lilies grew tall beside the pond."
a person who eats the flesh of other human beings
"The explorer's journal described rumors of cannibals living on the remote island."
large heavy gun that fires cannonballs or shells
"The castle was defended by several large cannons."
Having good judgment, especially in business or practical matters; shrewd.
"She made a canny investment in real estate."
a narrow boat pointed at both ends and moved with a paddle
"They paddled their canoe down the peaceful stream."
A general law, rule, principle, or collection of sacred books accepted as genuine.
"The book is now considered part of the literary canon."
Conforming to a general rule or accepted standard; officially recognized.
"Shakespeare’s works are considered canonical in English literature."
To officially declare a dead person a saint; to regard as great or significant.
"The church canonized the martyr after years of investigation."
An overhead covering, such as a roof, tent, or natural cover like tree foliage.
"The couple got married under a beautiful floral canopy."
Hypocritical and insincere talk, especially about moral or religious principles.
"The politician's speech was filled with cant about honesty and integrity."
Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
"The cantankerous old man complained about everything."
A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir.
"The choir performed a beautiful cantata during the festival."
To ride a horse at a controlled, easy pace between a trot and a gallop.
"She cantered her horse across the field with ease."
A main division of a long poem, especially in epic poetry.
"The Divine Comedy is divided into several cantos."
A permanent military station or garrison town.
"The army established a new cantonment near the border."
A strong, coarse cloth used for tents, sails, or painting.
"The artist prepared a canvas for his new painting."
To solicit votes, orders, or support from people.
"Volunteers went door-to-door to canvass for the candidate."
A deep gorge, typically one with a river flowing through it.
"The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years."