CEFR Level
A series of shots fired or missiles thrown all at the same time or in quick succession.
"The soldiers advanced under a fusillade of bullets."
pompous or pretentious speech or writing; originally a type of thick cloth
"The politician's speech was filled with fustian and empty promises."
smelling stale, damp, or stuffy; old-fashioned
"The room smelled fusty after being closed for months."
A person who annoys or criticizes others to stimulate change or provoke action.
"The journalist was a gadfly, constantly questioning the government's policies."
A social blunder or mistake; also a hook or device used in fishing or theater.
"He made a major gaff during the meeting by forgetting the client's name."
To deny, contradict, or speak against.
"No one could gainsay the evidence presented in court."
Annoyance, boldness, or to irritate.
"She had the gall to question his decision."
A large sailing ship used mainly by Europeans from the 16th to 18th centuries.
"The Spanish galleon carried treasures across the Atlantic."
A low, flat ship used in ancient times, often with sails and oars; also, a kitchen on a ship or aircraft.
"The galley was filled with the smell of freshly cooked food."
Relating to electricity produced by chemical action; sudden and dramatic.
"The news had a galvanic effect on the audience."
Electricity produced by chemical action, especially in a battery; the therapeutic use of electricity in medicine.
"Galvanism played a key role in early experiments with electricity."
to run or jump about playfully
"The lambs gamboled in the field under the sun."
in a brave, spirited, or determined manner
"She gamely accepted the challenge despite the difficulties."
A person who plays games, especially one who plays them skillfully or professionally.
"The old tavern was filled with gamesters competing in cards and dice."
male goose
"The gander protected his family from the approaching dog."
a small freshwater fish species found in the Ganges river system, known for its leaf-like appearance
"The Gangetic Leaf Fish is commonly found in the rivers of Bangladesh."
Tall, thin, and awkward in movement or appearance.
"The gangly teenager stumbled while trying to dance."
The death of body tissue due to lack of blood supply or infection.
"If untreated, the wound may lead to gangrene."
A narrow passage or walkway; also an exclamation used to clear the way.
"The sailors lowered the gangway for passengers to board."
To reproduce a message in a confused, distorted, or unclear way.
"The poor phone connection garbled his words."
Describes speech or text that is distorted or unclear.
"The radio broadcast was full of garbled messages."
a white or yellow fragrant flower with waxy petals
"The gardenia bush produced beautiful white flowers with a lovely scent."
Extremely large; enormous.
"They served a gargantuan meal at the feast."
A carved stone figure, often of a grotesque creature, on a building, typically used as a spout to carry water away.
"The ancient cathedral had gargoyles on every corner."
Excessively bright and showy, often in a tasteless or unattractive way.
"The room was decorated with garish neon lights."
A method of execution by strangulation, or to strangle someone with a cord or wire.
"The assassin attempted to garrote his target in the alley."
Excessive talkativeness, especially about trivial matters.
"His garrulity made it hard to focus during the meeting."
Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.
"The garrulous neighbor kept everyone awake with his stories."
Extravagant boasting or bragging.
"His endless gasconade made him unpopular among his peers."
The process of converting solid or liquid fuel into gas.
"Gasification is widely used to produce fuel gas from coal."
Inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
"The doctor diagnosed him with gastritis after his endoscopy."
lacking social grace, sensitivity, or tact; awkward
"His gauche remarks embarrassed everyone at the dinner party."
excessively showy or flashy, often in a tasteless way
"She wore a gaudy necklace that clashed with her elegant dress."
a protective glove; a challenge or trial; to 'throw down the gauntlet' means to issue a challenge
"The knight threw down his gauntlet as a sign of challenge."
A small ceremonial mallet used by a judge or an auctioneer to signal attention or mark a decision.
"The judge struck the gavel to call the court to order."
To stare openly and rudely.
"Tourists gawked at the celebrity walking down the street."
Awkward and clumsy in appearance or behavior.
"The teenager felt gawky in his oversized suit."
A French police officer, especially a member of a military-style police force.
"The gendarme stopped the car for a routine check."
A person who studies or traces the history of families and their lineages.
"The genealogist uncovered records dating back to the 18th century."
the quality of being friendly and cheerful
"His geniality made him popular among his colleagues."
relating to or denoting a case of nouns and pronouns indicating possession
"In English, the genitive case is often shown with an apostrophe and 's'."
Polite, refined, or respectable, often in an affected or exaggerated way
"She spoke in a genteel manner that impressed the guests."
A person who is not Jewish
"The synagogue welcomed both Jews and Gentiles."
Social superiority demonstrated by polite manners, refinement, or respectability
"His speech revealed an air of gentility."
to bend one or both knees as a sign of reverence or worship
"The worshippers genuflect before the altar."
Relevant and appropriate to the subject being considered.
"Her comments were not germane to the discussion."
Relating to the earliest stage of development.
"The idea was still in its germinal stage."
A system of government or control by old people.
"The country was seen as a gerontocracy, dominated by elderly leaders."
to manipulate the boundaries of an electoral constituency to favor one party or class
"The ruling party was accused of trying to gerrymander the districts to secure more seats."
to carry and develop in the womb during pregnancy; to develop an idea over a period of time
"The mother whale gestates her calf for over a year."
