English Vocabulary
Pick a CEFR level (A1–C2) — A1 is the friendliest place to start — and browse its words grouped by topic: travel, food, the body, emotions, and more. Each word shows its meaning, example sentences, and US/UK pronunciation.
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155 words
sarcastically
C1
/sɑː(ɹ)ˈkæstɪkli/
In a mocking way, saying the opposite of what you really mean.
enclosure
C1
/ɛnˈkloʊʒəɹ/
an area surrounded by a fence, wall, or other barrier
aimlessly
C1
/ˈeɪmləsli/
Without purpose, goal, or direction.
dispensary
C1
/dɪˈspɛnsɝi/
A place where medicines are prepared and given out.
counterpart
C1
/ˈkaʊntɚˌpɑɹt/
A person or thing that has the same role or function as another in a different place or system.
roundup
C1
/ˈraʊnˌdəp/
A short summary of the main news or events.
sceptical
C1
Doubtful about whether something is true, right, or worthwhile.
consolidate
C1
/kənˈsɑ.lə.deɪt/
To combine several things into a single, more effective whole.
occupant
C1
/ˈɑ.kjə.pənt/
A person who lives in or uses a place such as a house, room, or vehicle.
wry
C1
/ɹaɪ/
Showing dry, slightly mocking humour.
advantageous
C1
/ˌædvənˈteɪd͡ʒ(i)əs/
Giving a benefit or putting one in a better position.
substitution
C1
/ˌsʌb.stɪˈtu.ʃən/
The act of putting one thing or person in place of another.
inclusive
C1
/ɪnˈkluːsɪv/
Welcoming and fair to everyone, especially people who are often left out.
wrangle
C1
/ˈɹæŋɡəl/
To argue or quarrel noisily and at length.
impede
C1
/ɪmˈpiːd/
To slow down or get in the way of something, making it harder.
eclectic
C1
/ɛkˈlɛk.tɪk/
Made up of a wide mixture of styles, ideas, or things chosen from many sources.
preside
C1
/pɹɪˈzaɪd/
To be in charge of a meeting, ceremony, or organization.
retention
C1
/ɹɪˈtɛnʃən/
The act of keeping something rather than losing or giving it up.
motley
C1
/ˈmɑtli/
Made up of many different and oddly mixed kinds of people or things.
thereabouts
C1
/ˈðer.ə.baʊts/
approximately; near the stated number, amount, or time
suburbia
C1
/səˈbɝ.bi.ə/
The suburbs of a city, considered as a place and way of life.
cranny
C1
/ˈkɹæni/
a small, narrow opening, crack, or crevice
aimless
C1
/ˈeɪm.ləs/
Without purpose, goal, or direction.
wayside
C1
/ˈweɪsaɪd/
The edge or side of a road or path.
conformity
C1
/kənˈfɔɹmɪti/
behaviour that follows the accepted rules or standards of a group or society
interject
C1
/ɪn.tɚˈd͡ʒɛkt/
To break into a conversation to say something.
dislodge
C1
/dɪˈslɑːdʒ/
To force or knock something out of its position
afield
C1
/əˈfiːld/
away from home, a starting point, or one's usual surroundings, often at some distance
medial
C1
/ˈmiːdiəl/
situated in or toward the middle, especially nearer the midline of the body
settee
C1
/sɛˈtiː/
A long padded seat with a back and arms for two or more people; a sofa.
crisscross
C1
/ˈkrɪsˌkrɔːs/
to cross an area repeatedly in different directions, or to form a pattern of intersecting lines
comprise
C1
/kəmˈpɹaɪz/
to consist of or be made up of
fragmentation
C1
/ˌfɹæɡmənˈtæɪt͡ʃən/
The act of breaking something into small, separate pieces, or the state of being broken up.
incisor
C1
/ɪnˈsaɪ.zə(ɹ)/
One of the sharp, flat front teeth used for cutting food.
sedentary
C1
/ˈsɛd.ən.tɛɹ.i/
Involving a lot of sitting and little physical activity.
verandah
C1
/vəˈɹændə/
A covered open area along the outside of a house, often partly enclosed.
recessive
C1
/ɹɪˈsɛsɪv/
Describing a gene whose effect only appears when both inherited copies carry it; the opposite of dominant.
anticlimactic
C1
/ˌæntiːklaɪˈmæktɪk/
Disappointing because it is far less exciting than expected.
staccato
C1
/stəˈkɑːtoʊ/
Made up of short, sharp, separated sounds or parts.
wryly
C1
/ˈɹaɪli/
In a way that shows dry, slightly mocking humour.
divergence
C1
/daɪˈvɜː(ɹ)d͡ʒəns/
A difference between opinions, facts, or claims.
induct
C1
/ɪnˈdʌkt/
to formally bring someone into an organization, position, or group, often in a ceremony
wizened
C1
/ˈwɪzənd/
Dried up and covered in wrinkles, usually because of old age.
folktale
C1
/ˈfoʊkteɪl/
A traditional story passed down by word of mouth among ordinary people.
sustainably
C1
/səˈsteɪ.nə.bli/
In a way that can continue for a long time without harming the environment or using up resources.
linearly
C1
/ˈlɪniːɝli/
In a straight line or single direction.
acoustically
C1
/əˈkuːstɪkli/
In relation to sound or how it is heard in a space.
engross
C1
/ɪnˈɡɹəʊs/
To take up all of someone's attention and interest.
overtop
C1
/ˌoʊ.vɚˈtɑp/
to rise or extend above the top of something
bulk up
C1
abdicate
C1
/ˈæb.dɪˌkeɪt/
to formally give up a position of power or responsibility, especially a throne
anoint
C1
/əˈnɔɪnt/
to ceremonially smear or rub with oil as part of a religious rite
centripetal
C1
/sɛnˈtrɪpətəl/
directed towards the center or axis of rotation
interstitial
C1
/ˌɪntərˈstɪʃəl/
relating to or situated in the small spaces between things or parts
purgatory
C1
/ˈpɜrɡəˌtɔri/
a state of suffering or purification for souls before entering heaven
revocation
C1
/ˌrɛvəˈkeɪʃən/
the official cancellation of a decree, decision, or promise
rove
C1
/ɹoʊv/
to wander or travel without a fixed destination
skanky
C1
/ˈskæŋki/
dirty or unpleasant, often used to describe a place or object
valance
C1
/ˈvæləns/
a decorative drapery hung along the edge of a bed, table, or shelf