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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29 words
presume
C1
/pɹɪˈz(j)um/
To suppose something is true without proof; to take for granted.
injustice
C1
/ɪnˈd͡ʒʌs.tɪs/
Lack of fairness; a situation in which people are treated wrongly or unfairly.
purity
C1
/ˈpjʊɹɪti/
the state of being clean and not mixed with anything else
ethical
C1
/ˈɛθɪkəl/
Morally right; following accepted principles of good behaviour.
insolent
C1
/ˈɪnsələnt/
Insulting in manner or words, particularly in an arrogant or insubordinate manner.
deceit
C1
/dɪˈsiːt/
Dishonest behaviour that is meant to trick or mislead someone.
commend
C1
/kəˈmɛnd/
To praise someone or something formally.
complimentary
C1
/ˌkɑmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/
Given free of charge.
candid
C1
/ˈkæn.dɪd/
Honest and open, saying what you really think even when it is uncomfortable.
upstanding
C1
/ˌʌpˈstændɪŋ/
honest, respectable, and deserving of trust or approval
revere
C1
/ɹə.viːɹ/
To respect and admire someone or something very deeply.
conscientious
C1
/ˌkɑn.ʃiˈɛn.ʃəs/
Careful to do your work thoroughly and well.
low-down
C1
/ˈloʊ.daʊn/
informal: dishonest, unfair, or contemptible
ethically
C1
/ˈɛθɪkəli/
In a way that follows accepted moral principles.
gluttony
C1
/ˈɡlʌtəni/
habitual or excessive eating and drinking
flagrant
C1
/ˈfleɪgrənt/
conspicuously and shockingly wrong, offensive, or unlawful
disservice
C1
/dɪsˈsɝːvɪs/
an action that harms someone or something instead of helping, often despite good intentions
goody-goody
C1
/ˌɡʊdiˈɡʊdi/
disapproving: excessively or affectedly virtuous, pious, or well behaved
underhand
C1
/ˈʌndɚˌhænd/
dishonest, secretive, or deceitfully indirect
unjustified
C1
/ʌnˈdʒʌs.tə.faɪd/
not supported by an adequate reason or sufficient evidence; unwarranted
inhumanity
C1
/ˌɪnhjuːˈmænəti/
lack of compassion or the quality of being cruel to other people
undeserving
C1
/ˌʌndɪˈzɝvɪŋ/
not worthy of a reward, benefit, punishment, or particular treatment
venerate
C1
/ˈvɛnəɹeɪt/
To deeply respect and honour someone or something.
egoism
C1
/ˈiːɡoʊˌɪzəm/
the practice of giving one's own interests and welfare priority over those of others
ungentlemanly
C1
/ʌnˈdʒɛntəlmənli/
discourteous, dishonorable, or otherwise contrary to the conduct traditionally expected of a gentleman
undervalue
C1
/ˌʌndɚˈvæljuː/
to regard a person, quality, or contribution as less important or worthy than it really is
unjustifiable
C1
/ˌʌndʒʌstəˈfaɪəbəl/
impossible to defend as right, reasonable, or warranted
maltreat
C1
/ˌmælˈtriːt/
to treat a person or animal cruelly, violently, or without proper care
moralist
C1
/ˈmɔrəlɪst/
a person who teaches, studies, or emphasizes moral principles