CEFR Level
a striking or artistic scene or arrangement of people or objects, often presented on stage or in art
"The actors froze in a tableau that captured the final moment of the play."
a social or cultural prohibition against certain practices or discussions
"Talking about money is considered a taboo in some cultures."
understood or implied without being stated
"There was a tacit agreement to avoid the subject."
a small sharp nail; or to change direction in sailing or approach something differently
"She used a tack to pin the paper on the wall."
the ability to say or do the right thing without offending others
"She handled the situation with great tact."
showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with others
"He is always tactful when giving feedback."
relating to or involving tactics or strategy
"The team had a tactical plan for the final match."
a person who is skilled at planning and achieving goals, especially in military or business
"Napoleon was a brilliant tactician."
related to or involving the sense of touch
"The fabric had a pleasant tactile quality."
showing a lack of sensitivity in dealing with others
"His tactless remark embarrassed everyone at the meeting."
to damage or spoil something by adding an undesirable quality
"The scandal tainted his reputation."
spoiled, corrupted, or made impure
"The tainted food caused several people to fall ill."
a count or record of a number or amount; a score or total
"Keep a tally of how many books you read this month."
tropical fruit with a brown pod containing a sour pulp used in cooking
"The chef used tamarind paste to add tangy flavor to the curry."
A musical instrument with a circular frame, metal jingles, and a drumhead, played by shaking or striking.
"She played the tambourine during the festival parade."
To interfere with something in a harmful, unauthorized, or improper way.
"The evidence was tampered with before the trial."
Unauthorized alteration or interference with something without permission
"Evidence tampering can lead to serious legal consequences."
a bicycle built for two riders, one behind the other
"The couple enjoyed riding their tandem bicycle through the park."
a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point but does not cross it
"The teacher drew a tangent to the circle on the board."
relating to or along a tangent; slightly or indirectly related to something
"His remarks were tangential to the main topic of discussion."
Having a strong, sharp, and pleasantly biting flavor or taste.
"The sauce had a tangy flavor that brightened the dish."
A person whose job is to tan animal hides to make leather.
"The tanner worked long hours to produce fine leather."
A place where animal hides are processed into leather.
"The tannery produced high-quality leather for export."
To tease or torment someone with the promise of something desirable but unattainable.
"The aroma of the bakery tantalized the hungry children."
Something that excites desire or interest, often by being just out of reach.
"She wore a tantalizing perfume that caught everyone's attention."
Equivalent in seriousness or effect; virtually the same as.
"His refusal to speak was tantamount to an admission of guilt."
An uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically in a young child.
"The child threw a tantrum when he didn’t get the toy."
To gradually decrease in width, thickness, or intensity.
"The road tapers off as it reaches the mountains."
A piece of thick textile fabric with pictures or designs woven into it, often hung on walls.
"The museum displayed an ancient tapestry from the 15th century."
A large hairy spider found in warm regions.
"The tarantula crawled across the desert floor."
Delayed; arriving or happening late.
"The student received a warning for being tardy to class."
A tax imposed by the government on imported or exported goods, also known as duty, customs tax, or levy.
"The new tariff increased the cost of imported goods."
To lose luster, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture; to damage reputation.
"The silver jewelry tarnished quickly when left in the open air."
A large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant material used for covering or protecting things.
"The workers used a tarpaulin to cover the construction materials from rain."
A torn piece of cloth or clothing; to become ragged or torn.
"The old flag hung in tatters after the storm."
Worn out, shabby, or in poor condition.
"The sofa looked old and tatty after years of use."
to provoke or challenge someone with insulting remarks
"The bully tried to taunt him with cruel words."
stretched or pulled tight; tense
"The rope was pulled taut between the two poles."
Requiring a lot of effort; physically or mentally demanding.
"Preparing for the exam was a taxing experience."
The science or practice of classifying things, especially organisms.
"Modern taxonomy helps scientists organize and study biodiversity."
a small perforated device used to strain tea leaves from brewed tea
"I always use a tea-strainer when pouring tea into cups."
expressing or showing sadness and sorrow; inclined to weep
"She gave a tearful goodbye to her friends at the airport."
Powered or guided by technology; dependent on technological advancement for operation.
"The agricultural sector is becoming more tech-driven for higher efficiency."
A method, skill, or art in a particular field, especially in the arts or sciences.
"The artist’s technic in watercolor impressed the judges."
A small detail of law, rule, or procedure; a minor point that affects an outcome.
"The case was dismissed on a technicality."
Relating to the structure of the earth's crust and the large-scale processes that take place within it.
"Tectonic movements cause earthquakes and mountain formation."
the state of being tedious; monotony or boredom
"The tedium of long meetings often drains motivation."
to be full of or swarming with
"The forest teems with wildlife."
full of or swarming with things or people
"The market was teeming with shoppers."
to move or balance unsteadily; to wobble
"The glass began to teeter on the edge of the table."
