# Communication

**Type:** Topic
**Words:** 418

## About

Speaking, listening, writing, and the art of being understood.

## Words by Level

### A1
- tell — To give someone information by speaking or writing.; frequency rank 91
- say — To speak words; to tell something in speech or writing.; frequency rank 95
- call — To telephone someone.; frequency rank 154
- talk — To say things; to speak to someone.; frequency rank 157
- name — The word or words used to identify a person, place, or thing.; frequency rank 181
- ask — To say something to someone in order to get an answer or information.; frequency rank 230
- word — A single unit of language that has meaning and can be spoken or written.; frequency rank 428
- read — To look at written or printed words and understand their meaning.; frequency rank 454
- speak — To say words using your voice.; frequency rank 464
- question — A sentence asking for information or an answer.; frequency rank 486
- answer — Something you say or write in reply to a question, letter, or request.; frequency rank 508
- write — To make letters, words, or symbols on a surface, usually with a pen or pencil.; frequency rank 634
- message — A short piece of information sent from one person to another, spoken or written.; frequency rank 801
- letter — A written or printed message that you send to someone, usually by mail.; frequency rank 831
- card — A piece of stiff paper, often folded, sent to someone with a message or picture.; frequency rank 951
- English — the West Germanic language that originated in England and is now spoken in many countries around the world; frequency rank 966
- mommy — Mother (an affectionate word used especially by children).; frequency rank 1319
- language — A system of words and grammar used by the people of a particular country or community to communicate.; frequency rank 1406
- conversation — A talk between two or more people in which they exchange news and ideas.; frequency rank 1426
- discuss — To talk about something with other people, often to share ideas or make a decision.; frequency rank 1571
- desk — A table where you sit to write, read or work, often with drawers.; frequency rank 1699
- describe — To say what someone or something is like using words.; frequency rank 3018
- email — A message sent from one person to another using computers and the internet.; frequency rank 5486
- grammar — The rules for how words are formed and combined into sentences in a language.; frequency rank 13306
- last name
- agree on — to reach a shared decision or consensus about something
- agree to — to accept or consent to a proposal or plan
- agree with — to share the same opinion as someone, or to think something is correct
- ask about — to inquire or seek information concerning something
- ask for — to request or seek something from someone
- check off — to mark an item on a list to show that it has been examined or completed
- come across — to communicate a message or impression so that other people understand it
- get across — to communicate an idea so that another person understands it
- hear about — to receive information or news about something
- hear back — to receive a reply or response from someone you contacted
- hear from — to receive contact, news, or communication from someone
- let out — to make a sound escape from the mouth
- put across — to communicate an idea so that other people understand it
- put over — to communicate an idea or message successfully
- spell out — to explain something clearly and in full detail
- talk over — to discuss something carefully before reaching a decision
- win over — to persuade someone to support you or accept your position

### A2
- voice — The sound a person makes when speaking or singing.; frequency rank 636
- explain — To make something clear or easy to understand by describing it.; frequency rank 684
- Spanish — the Romance language originating in Spain and spoken widely in Spain, Latin America, and elsewhere; frequency rank 1740
- speech — A formal talk given to an audience.; frequency rank 1772
- statement — Something you say or write to express a fact or opinion clearly.; frequency rank 1997
- text — The written words of a book, document, or other piece of writing.; frequency rank 2236
- clue — A piece of information that helps you find an answer or solve a problem.; frequency rank 2466
- explanation — A statement that makes something clear or easy to understand.; frequency rank 2753
- express — To show or make known your thoughts or feelings in words or actions.; frequency rank 2863
- response — A reply to a question, request, or message.; frequency rank 3125
- expression — A word or phrase that people use in a particular situation.; frequency rank 3934
- complaint — A statement that you are unhappy or annoyed about something.; frequency rank 4024
- description — A piece of writing or speech that says what someone or something is like.; frequency rank 4029
- passage — A short section of a book, speech, or piece of music.; frequency rank 5088
- reply — To answer, in speech or writing.; frequency rank 5428
- advertisement — A paid notice or message that promotes a product, service, or event.; frequency rank 12624
- prediction — A statement saying what you think will happen in the future.; frequency rank 14436
- summary — A short statement that gives the main points of something.; frequency rank 15803
- thank-you — an expression, message, gift, or other acknowledgment of gratitude; frequency rank 15809
- verb — A word that describes an action, event, or state, such as 'run' or 'be'.; frequency rank 20673
- pronunciation — The way in which a word or language is spoken.; frequency rank 25132
- adjective — a word that describes a noun, such as 'big' or 'happy'; frequency rank 30796
- noun — A word that names a person, place, thing, or idea.; frequency rank 31061
- punctuation — The marks used in writing, such as commas, full stops, and question marks, that make the meaning clear.; frequency rank 38716
- text message
- beg off — to ask to be excused from something you had agreed to do
- brush aside — to dismiss something without giving it proper attention or consideration
- brush off — to reject or dismiss a person or concern with little consideration
- clue in — to give someone information that helps them understand a situation
- disagree with — to hold a different opinion from someone or about something
- explain away — to give an explanation intended to make a troubling fact seem unimportant
- roll off — to recite a series of words or facts quickly and easily
- shout out — to say or cry something very loudly
- shut up — to stop talking, often expressed rudely when directed at someone
- skate over — to deal with a difficult subject briefly without examining it properly
- tear apart — to criticize something severely and in detail
- tip off — to give someone private information or an advance warning

### B1
- doc — An informal word for a doctor.; frequency rank 1525
- term — A word or phrase used to name a particular thing, often in a special field.; frequency rank 2938
- apology — A statement saying that you are sorry for something you have done.; frequency rank 3317
- objection — A reason or statement showing that you disagree with something.; frequency rank 3760
- announce — To tell people about something officially or publicly.; frequency rank 4477
- announcement — A public or official statement giving people information.; frequency rank 4589
- negotiate — To discuss something with others in order to reach an agreement.; frequency rank 5340
- persuade — To make someone agree to do or believe something by giving them good reasons.; frequency rank 5951
- translation — Words or text that have been changed from one language into another.; frequency rank 5997
- telegram — A short message sent quickly over long distances by telegraph, common before phones.; frequency rank 6038
- Arabic — a Semitic language spoken across North Africa and the Middle East and used as the liturgical language of Islam; frequency rank 6607
- definition — A statement that explains the meaning of a word or phrase.; frequency rank 7155
- translate — To change words from one language into another.; frequency rank 7228
- confirmation — A statement or proof that something is true or has happened.; frequency rank 7324
- inquiry — A question or request for information.; frequency rank 7437
- admission — A statement saying that something, often unpleasant, is true.; frequency rank 8578
- motto — A short phrase that expresses a person's or group's guiding belief or rule.; frequency rank 8743
- riddle — A puzzle or question that is hard to answer and often has a clever or tricky answer.; frequency rank 8883
- declaration — A formal or strong statement announcing something.; frequency rank 9677
- spelling — The way letters are put together to form a word.; frequency rank 9819
- convey — To communicate or make a feeling, idea, or message known.; frequency rank 9995
- gospel — the Christian message about Jesus Christ and salvation; frequency rank 10026
- slogan — A short, memorable phrase used in advertising.; frequency rank 11844
- alphabet — The complete set of letters used to write a language.; frequency rank 12501
- attachment — A file sent together with an email or message.; frequency rank 13467
- usage — The way that words in a language are normally used.; frequency rank 22448
- quotation — A group of words taken from a book, speech, or person and repeated by someone else.; frequency rank 25543
- vowel — A speech sound made with the mouth open and the air flowing freely, such as the sounds of a, e, i, o, and u.; frequency rank 32033
- telecommunications — The sending of information such as voice, text, and images over long distances by phone, radio, or the internet.; frequency rank 36643
- pronoun — A word used in place of a noun, such as 'he', 'she', or 'it'.; frequency rank 47244
- prefix — A group of letters added to the front of a word to change its meaning, such as "un-" in "unhappy."; frequency rank 50124
- consonant — A speech sound made by blocking the airflow, such as b, t, or s; also a letter representing it.; frequency rank 51075
- preposition — A word such as "in," "on," or "at" that shows the relationship between a noun and another word in a sentence.; frequency rank 61705
- adverb — A word that describes or adds meaning to a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, such as 'quickly' or 'very'.; frequency rank 75595
- suffix — A group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning.; frequency rank 86257
- antonym — A word that means the opposite of another word.; frequency rank 194931
- drown out — to make a sound impossible to hear by producing a louder sound
- interact with — to communicate with or respond to someone or something
- kick around — to discuss ideas informally without making a final decision
- respond to — to react or reply to something
- scratch off — to write something quickly and roughly
- set forth — to state or explain information in an orderly way
- twist around — to distort someone's words or an idea in order to mislead

### B2
- mama — An informal, affectionate word for mother.; frequency rank 968
- confession — A statement admitting that you have done something wrong.; frequency rank 3119
- testimony — A formal statement made by a witness in a court of law.; frequency rank 3868
- valentine — A card or message sent to someone you love on Saint Valentine's Day.; frequency rank 4135
- info — Information; facts or details about something.; frequency rank 6736
- reminder — A message or note that helps you remember something.; frequency rank 7746
- accusation — A statement that someone has done something wrong or illegal.; frequency rank 9930
- gibberish — speech or writing that is unintelligible, incoherent, or meaningless; frequency rank 10466
- subtitle — Words shown on screen that translate or write out the dialogue in a film or show.; frequency rank 11249
- assurance — A promise or statement meant to make someone feel confident.; frequency rank 15258
- slang — Very informal words and expressions used in everyday speech rather than formal language.; frequency rank 16865
- imagery — Vivid language that creates pictures in the reader's mind, especially in writing.; frequency rank 17996
- exaggeration — A statement that makes something seem larger, better, or worse than it really is.; frequency rank 19560
- conjunction — A word such as 'and', 'but', or 'because' that joins words, phrases, or clauses together.; frequency rank 22899
- prose — Ordinary written or spoken language, as opposed to poetry.; frequency rank 23760
- syllable — A single unit of sound in a word, usually one vowel sound with consonants around it.; frequency rank 24785
- caption — A short piece of text printed under a picture to explain it.; frequency rank 26082
- theorem — A mathematical statement that is expected to be true.; frequency rank 29066
- primer — a small introductory book, especially one used to teach children to read or to explain the basics of a subject; frequency rank 29864
- personification — A way of writing that gives human qualities to an object, animal, or idea.; frequency rank 47502
- coefficient — mathematics: a number or other constant that multiplies a variable or algebraic term; frequency rank 47969
- hyphen — The punctuation mark (-) used to join words in a compound or to split a word at the end of a line.; frequency rank 51149
- synonym — A word or phrase that means the same, or nearly the same, as another.; frequency rank 53073
- soliloquy — A speech in a play in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud, alone on stage.; frequency rank 56067
- generalization — A broad statement that is supposed to be true in most cases, based on only some examples.; frequency rank 60802
- referent — The thing in the world that a word or phrase refers to.; frequency rank 131115
- determiner — A word used before a noun to show which thing or how much is meant, such as 'the', 'this' or 'some'.; frequency rank 334555
- blurt out — to say something suddenly without first thinking about whether to say it
- buzz off — to go away immediately, especially as a rude informal command
- chew up — to criticize someone severely and angrily
- dash off — to write something quickly, with little time spent revising it
- hush up — to keep an embarrassing or damaging matter from becoming publicly known.
- leak out — to become known despite an intention to keep information secret
- quarrel with — to argue angrily or disagree with someone
- rattle off — to recite information quickly and easily
- reel off — to recite a sequence of facts or names quickly
- rip into — to attack or criticize someone or something very harshly
- slap down — to criticize someone sharply to stop behavior considered unacceptable

### C1
- passing — A polite word for someone's death.; frequency rank 2227
- meantime — The period of time between two events; used mainly in the phrase 'in the meantime'.; frequency rank 3344
- felony — A serious criminal offense, which, under United States federal law, is punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year or by the death penalty in the most serious offenses.; frequency rank 7794
- denial — A statement that something is not true.; frequency rank 8358
- memo — A short written message sent within an organization.; frequency rank 8363
- banner — A large sign or strip of cloth with a message, often hung up or carried.; frequency rank 8524
- puss — an informal or affectionate term for a cat; frequency rank 10070
- intercourse — Communication, conversation.; frequency rank 10158
- trademark — A name, symbol, or phrase legally registered to identify a company's product.; frequency rank 16070
- articulate — To express your thoughts or feelings clearly in words.; frequency rank 18603
- premise — A statement or idea that is accepted as true and used as the basis for an argument.; frequency rank 19655
- referendum — A direct vote by the public on a single political question or proposed law.; frequency rank 22575
- discourse — Serious discussion or the exchange of ideas about a subject, in speech or writing.; frequency rank 25024
- tater — a potato; an informal or dialectal term; frequency rank 25968
- cadence — the rhythmic flow or pattern of sounds in speech, writing, or movement; frequency rank 26595
- query — A question, especially one asking for information or expressing a doubt.; frequency rank 27106
- rebuttal — a statement or argument that contradicts or disproves a claim; frequency rank 28977
- retraction — a public withdrawal of a statement, accusation, claim, or published finding; frequency rank 29089
- profanity — offensive, obscene, or abusive language, especially swear words collectively; frequency rank 31441
- lisp — a speech pattern or disorder in which sibilant sounds such as s and z are articulated atypically; frequency rank 32693
- assertion — A confident statement that something is true.; frequency rank 36385
- linguistics — the scientific study of human language, including its sounds, structures, meanings, use, acquisition, history, and variation; frequency rank 40824
- grandpapa — an informal or old-fashioned term for one's grandfather; frequency rank 50428
- parenthesis — a word, phrase, or clause inserted into a sentence as an explanation or aside; frequency rank 60090
- interjection — A word or short phrase used to express sudden emotion, such as "wow" or "ouch."; frequency rank 103511
- monosyllable — a word or utterance consisting of one syllable; frequency rank 151949
- inroad — a noticeable advance, effect, or penetration, especially in the phrase make an inroad or make inroads; frequency rank 184014
- equivocation — the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself
- harangue — a lengthy and aggressive speech or lecture
- inflection — a change in the form of a word to show grammatical features
- affidavit — A written statement that someone swears to be true, used as evidence in a court of law
- wanker — A strongly offensive British and Commonwealth insult for a person regarded as stupid, annoying, or self-important.
- confer with — to consult someone for advice or discussion
- confide in — to tell someone private information because one trusts them

### C2
- dementia — a syndrome involving progressive decline in memory, reasoning, language, or other cognitive abilities; frequency rank 15160
- blasphemy — speech or conduct that shows contempt for God, a religion, or something held sacred; frequency rank 16283
- telepathy — the supposed direct communication of thoughts or feelings between minds without speech, writing, or other ordinary physical signals; frequency rank 19284
- eulogy — a speech or piece of writing praising a person who has died, usually delivered at a funeral; frequency rank 19473
- hunchback — a dated and potentially offensive term for a person with a markedly hunched back or kyphosis; frequency rank 20466
- hussy — old-fashioned, offensive: an insulting term for a woman or girl judged sexually immoral; frequency rank 20802
- rhetoric — Language used skillfully, especially in speeches, to persuade or impress people.; frequency rank 20850
- rheumatism — an older, nonspecific term for painful or stiff conditions affecting joints, muscles, or connective tissue; frequency rank 22290
- libel — a published false statement in a lasting form, such as writing or an image, that unjustly damages a person's reputation; also the legal wrong of publishing it; frequency rank 22556
- libido — a Freudian term for sexual urge or desire; frequency rank 23993
- euphemism — A mild or indirect word used in place of one that is harsh, blunt, or offensive.; frequency rank 24527
- Burmese — the principal language of Myanmar, belonging to the Sino-Tibetan language family; frequency rank 25009
- fabrication — A made-up story or statement; a lie; frequency rank 25721
- creole — a natural language that developed in a contact community from elements of two or more languages and became a community's first language; frequency rank 28228
- behest — An order or strong request, usually in the phrase "at the behest of".; frequency rank 31074
- trollop — old-fashioned and offensive: an insulting term for a woman regarded as sexually promiscuous or immoral; frequency rank 31367
- yore — a time long past, now used chiefly in the phrase 'of yore'; frequency rank 34625
- rhapsody — an intensely enthusiastic or emotional expression in speech or writing; frequency rank 35833
- spiel — a long, practiced speech intended to explain, promote, or persuade, especially a sales pitch; frequency rank 36247
- testimonial — A written or spoken statement praising someone's worth, character, or a product.; frequency rank 37848
- perpetuity — endless or indefinitely continuing duration, especially in the phrase in perpetuity; frequency rank 38819
- nonce — the present occasion or time, chiefly in the phrase for the nonce; frequency rank 42635
- caveat — a warning, reservation, or qualification attached to a statement or agreement; frequency rank 43395
- endearment — a word, name, gesture, or action that expresses affection; frequency rank 43885
- schlep — a Yiddish term for an awkward and stupid person; frequency rank 44591
- aphasia — a disorder caused by damage to language areas of the brain that impairs speaking, understanding, reading, or writing; frequency rank 46422
- abbreviation — a shortened form of a word or phrase used to represent the whole; frequency rank 46447
- frivolity — lack of seriousness or sensible purpose in behavior, thought, or speech; frequency rank 47240
- oratory — addressing an audience formally, usually a long and rhetorical address and often pompous; frequency rank 47250
- denunciation — A strong public statement criticizing someone or something.; frequency rank 51895
- vitriol — cruel and bitter criticism; savagely hostile or abusive language; frequency rank 54692
- tirade — A long, angry or violent speech.; frequency rank 55003
- annum — a year, used especially in the phrase per annum; frequency rank 56441
- alliteration — the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in nearby words, especially in a phrase or line of verse; frequency rank 57175
- axiom — A statement accepted as obviously true without needing proof.; frequency rank 58470
- misnomer — A term which is misleading, even if firmly established, technically correct, or both.; frequency rank 59131
- negress — an old-fashioned and now offensive term formerly used for a Black woman or girl; frequency rank 59670
- wrack — Destruction or ruin (especially in the phrase 'wrack and ruin').; frequency rank 63187
- snippet — A small piece or part of something, such as a song, text, or conversation.; frequency rank 69121
- pronouncement — a formal or authoritative statement, especially one made publicly; frequency rank 71711
- howdy-do — dated, especially US: an awkward, surprising, or troublesome situation, often in the phrase a pretty howdy-do; frequency rank 76591
- patois — a regional dialect of a language; frequency rank 76869
- falsification — the showing or proving that a claim, hypothesis, or statement is false; frequency rank 77571
- dustman — a person employed to collect household refuse; an old-fashioned British term for a refuse collector; frequency rank 79491
- freehold — ownership of land or a building for an indefinite period, rather than for a fixed lease term; frequency rank 81242
- philology — the scholarly study of historical texts through their language, transmission, literary context, and interpretation; frequency rank 82650
- inaccuracy — A statement, passage etc. that is inaccurate or false.; frequency rank 86178
- gabble — rapid and indistinct speech; frequency rank 89639
- syllogism — An argument whose conclusion is supported by two premises, of which one contains the term that is the predicate of the conclusion, and the other contains the term that is the subject of the conclusion; common to both premises is a term that is excluded from the conclusion.; frequency rank 91739
- grandsire — a grandfather, especially in old-fashioned or literary language; frequency rank 96454
- truism — A statement that is so obviously true it hardly needs saying.; frequency rank 99085
- aphorism — a concise, memorable statement expressing a general truth or principle; frequency rank 102250
- corpuscle — a blood cell, especially a red or white blood cell; now chiefly used in older or nontechnical language; frequency rank 108264
- roundelay — a song in which a line or phrase is repeated as the refrain; frequency rank 119760
- bombast — pompous, inflated language with little real meaning; frequency rank 121114
- screed — A piece of writing (such as an article, letter, or list) or a speech, especially if long.; frequency rank 124351
- rejoinder — a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one); frequency rank 135379
- disputation — formal argument or sustained verbal controversy about a question; frequency rank 137046
- indelicacy — lack of tact, propriety, or sensitivity in speech or behavior; frequency rank 143354
- scofflaw — One who habitually violates minor laws or fails to answer trivial court summonses (such as parking tickets).; frequency rank 145644
- précis — a concise summary of the essential facts or main points of a text, speech, or argument; frequency rank 152550
- ribaldry — coarse, vulgar, or sexually indecent humor, language, or behavior; frequency rank 165983
- declamation — the formal, forceful, or theatrical delivery of a speech; frequency rank 190080
- neologism — A word or phrase which has recently been coined; a new word or phrase.; frequency rank 202394
- debenture — a long-term debt instrument issued by a company or government; in US usage it is usually unsecured, while in UK usage it may be secured on assets; frequency rank 209792
- fustian — inflated, pompous, or pretentious speech or writing; frequency rank 229500
- panegyric — a formal speech or piece of writing that offers elaborate praise; frequency rank 230114
- wordage — The number of words in a piece of writing; word count.; frequency rank 249377
- lubra — dated and offensive Australian term for an Aboriginal Australian woman; frequency rank 261358
- signification — the message that is intended or expressed or signified; frequency rank 269776
- misstatement — an inaccurate or incorrect statement, especially one made unintentionally; frequency rank 333310
- behoof — advantage, benefit, or interest, chiefly in the formal phrase for someone's behoof; frequency rank 386419
- archaism — an old-fashioned word, expression, spelling, grammatical form, custom, or stylistic feature no longer in ordinary use; frequency rank 397783
- ophthalmia — inflammation of the conjunctiva or eyeball; an older general medical term for inflammatory eye disease; frequency rank 408880
- scurrility — coarse, abusive, obscene, or foul-mouthed language; frequency rank 450416
- solecism — a grammatical error or nonstandard construction in speech or writing; frequency rank 462561
- denotation — The direct, literal meaning of a word, as opposed to the feelings it suggests.; frequency rank 479334
- abbacy — the office, dignity, jurisdiction, estate, or term of service of an abbot or abbess; frequency rank 513700
- exordium — the introductory part of a speech, essay, or other formal discourse; frequency rank 638582
- unreserve — absence of restraint or concealment in speech or behavior; complete frankness or openness (formal or literary); frequency rank 681182
- malapropism — The blundering use of an absurdly inappropriate word or expression in place of a similar-sounding one.; frequency rank 1153855
- divagation — a departure from the main subject in speech or writing; a digression; frequency rank 1372771
- quine — a self-replicating program or statement that outputs its own source code
- illiberality — An illiberal word or action
- conferva — an obsolete or historical botanical term for threadlike freshwater algae, formerly grouped in the genus Conferva
- enclitic — a clitic that is phonologically dependent on and attaches to the preceding word
- Santali — an Austroasiatic language spoken chiefly by Santal communities in eastern India, Bangladesh, and Nepal
- bandy about — to mention or discuss something casually without careful consideration
- chime in — to join a conversation by adding a comment
- dredge up — to bring an unpleasant event or memory back into discussion
- harp on — to keep discussing or complaining about the same subject in an irritating way
- obtrude upon — to intrude on someone or something in an unwelcome way
- quibble over — to argue about small details that are not very important
- shove off — to leave, especially in an informal or rude expression
- compellation — archaic or rare: a name or title used to address or identify someone

### C2+
- rebus — An arrangement of pictures, symbols, or words representing phrases or words, especially as a word puzzle.; frequency rank 35100
- coda — The optional final sound of a syllable or word, occurring after its nucleus and usually composed of one or more consonants.; frequency rank 59314
- quantifier — a word or symbol expressing quantity, such as 'all' or 'some'
- gist — the central or essential meaning of a speech or text
- locution — a particular word, phrase, or style of expression
- monotone — a single unvaried tone or pitch in speech or sound
- attaintment — archaic word for the act of attainting or staining with dishonour
- baba — a small rum-soaked sponge cake; also a term for father or old man
- bugger — British vulgar term for a person or thing; to spoil or tire out
- dayspring — literary or archaic term for dawn or daybreak
- expletive — a profane or obscene exclamation; a meaningless filler word
- apothecary — an archaic term for a pharmacist who prepared and sold medicines
- arse — vulgar British term for the buttocks or a foolish person
- baragouin — unintelligible or jargon-like speech; gibberish
- lexicon — the vocabulary of a language, person, or field; a dictionary
- maxim — a short pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct
- mime — acting using gesture and movement without speech; to perform thus
- poser — a puzzling question or problem; one who poses or affects a persona
- rede — counsel or advice; an archaic word for guidance or a plan
- rep — an informal term for a representative, reputation, or a repetition
- richdom — an archaic word for the state of being rich; wealth or richness
- sawbones — a slang term for a surgeon or doctor
- spook — a ghost; also a slang term for a spy, or to frighten
- tummy — the stomach or belly, especially in informal or childish speech
- vocable — a word regarded as a unit of sound rather than meaning
- acceptation — the accepted or usual meaning of a word or expression
- bunny — a child's word for a rabbit
- chickabiddy — a term of endearment for a child or chicken
- civility — formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech
- creed — a formal statement of religious belief or a set of guiding principles
- derivation — the origin or source of something, especially a word's formation
- dialect — a regional or social variety of a language with distinctive features
- diction — the choice and use of words, or clarity of speech
- digression — a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing
- dimpsy — dialectal term for twilight or the dim half-light of dusk
- discommendation — archaic term for blame, censure, or expression of disapproval
- dismission — archaic term for dismissal or the act of sending away
- doomsman — archaic term for a judge or one who pronounces sentence
- edificator — archaic term for a builder, or one who edifies morally
- encomium — a speech or piece of writing that warmly praises someone or something
- falsehood — an untrue statement; a lie
- hubby — an informal or affectionate term for a husband
- incumbency — the holding of an office or position, or its term
- monologue — a long speech by one speaker, especially in a play or performance
- overstatement — an exaggerated or excessive statement of something
- presidentship — the office or term of a president
- prof — an informal term for a professor
- rescript — an official edict or written answer from an authority
- semivowel — a speech sound such as w or y that functions like both vowel and consonant
- simile — a figure of speech comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'
- stound — an archaic word for a moment, sharp pang, or time of trial
- verbiage — excessive or unnecessarily wordy language
- bim — dialectal or slang term for a woman, often derogatory; a bimbo
- biz — informal term for business or a particular trade or industry
- blackcoat — archaic term for a clergyman, from the black clerical garb
- blee — archaic word for complexion, color, or hue
- bouk — Scots and dialectal word for the body, bulk, or trunk
- bower — a leafy shelter or arbor; a poetic word for a lady's private chamber
- bub — an informal, often condescending term of address for a man or boy
- cablegram — a message sent by submarine telegraph cable
- catchword — a memorable word or phrase repeated as a slogan
- copter — an informal term for a helicopter
- counterjumper — a derogatory old term for a shop assistant or salesclerk
- credo — a statement of the beliefs or principles that guide one's actions
- culver — an archaic or dialectal word for a wood pigeon or dove
- dandiprat — an archaic term for an insignificant fellow or urchin
- definiendum — the term that is being defined in a definition
- distracter — a wrong but plausible answer option in a multiple-choice test
- elocution — the skill of clear and expressive speech
- epithet — a descriptive word or phrase characterizing a person or thing, often abusive
- ey — a dialectal or archaic word for an island, especially a small one
- fam — informal term for one's family or close friends
- filibuster — a prolonged speech used to obstruct a legislative vote
- footy — informal term for football (soccer or Australian rules)
- gal — informal term for a girl or woman
- generality — a general or vague statement; the quality of being general
- gloss — a brief explanation of a word, or a shine on a surface
- guaranty — a formal pledge to answer for another's debt or obligation
- hanky — an informal term for a handkerchief
- haw — the fruit of the hawthorn; to hesitate in speech with a drawling sound
- hon — an informal term of affection, short for honey
- icebox — an insulated cabinet cooled by ice; an early or informal term for a refrigerator
- inequation — a mathematical statement that two quantities are not equal; an inequality
- infix — an affix inserted within a word, or to fix something firmly inside
- insolence — rude and disrespectful behavior or speech
- interlocution — dialogue or conversation; an interchange of speech
- jabberwocky — meaningless or nonsensical language
- lingua — a tongue or tongue-like part; a language (as in lingua franca)
- mam — a familiar or dialectal word for one's mother
- mantra — a repeated word or phrase used in meditation or as a guiding principle
- meed — a deserved reward or recompense; an archaic term for due praise
- missive — a written message or letter, especially a formal one
- modifier — a word or element that qualifies or limits the meaning of another
- muttering — low, indistinct, often discontented speech
- numeral — a symbol or word denoting a number
- oxymoron — a figure of speech combining contradictory terms
- papa — an affectionate or childish term for one's father
- pard — an archaic word for a leopard or panther
- portmanteau — a large traveling bag; a word blending two others (e.g. smog)
- prescriptionist — one who advocates strict rules of correct usage, especially in language
- prosody — the patterns of rhythm, stress, and intonation in speech or verse
- qualifier — a word or thing that limits or modifies the meaning of another
- reremouse — an archaic or dialectal word for a bat (the flying mammal)
- retort — a sharp or witty reply; to answer back sharply
- roy — an archaic or dialectal word for a king
- sass — impudent or cheeky talk; to speak impertinently to someone
- sia — a dialectal or archaic spelling of "say" used in northern English speech
- slander — a false spoken statement that damages someone's reputation
- specs — informal term for spectacles or for technical specifications
- spud — an informal word for a potato
- suppletion — in linguistics, the use of an unrelated form to complete a word's paradigm
- sweetie — a term of endearment, or informally a piece of candy
- tosh — British informal term for nonsense or rubbish
- treacher — archaic term for a traitor or deceiver
- treacle — British term for molasses; cloying sentimentality
- trimester — a period of three months, especially of a pregnancy or academic term
- tum — an informal or childish word for the stomach
- twelvemonth — an archaic term for a period of one year
- undern — an archaic term for the forenoon or, later, the afternoon meal-time
- untruth — a statement that is not true; a lie or falsehood
- verity — a true statement or principle; the quality of being true
- watchword — a word or phrase serving as a guiding principle or as a password
- lameter — a dated Scottish and dialectal term for a person who has difficulty walking; now potentially offensive
- lipspeech — speech articulated with the lips and mouth, especially when contrasted with signing or with the visual interpretation of speech by lip-reading
- cadeau — a gift or present; a consciously French or literary term in English
- aliorelative — in logic, a relation that no term bears to itself; an irreflexive relation
- sockdolager — dated US informal: a decisive blow, overwhelming answer, or event that settles a matter
- laconism — extreme brevity in speech or writing
- bugger off — to go away, used as a rude British command