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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129 words
detestation
C2
/ˌdiː.təˈsteɪ.ʃən/
intense hatred combined with disgust or moral revulsion
demoralization
C2
/dɪˌmɔrələˈzeɪʃən/
the destruction or serious weakening of a person's or group's confidence, discipline, or morale
shamefaced
C2
/ˈʃeɪmˌfeɪst/
showing shame, guilt, or embarrassment, often through an awkward or subdued expression
overawe
C2
/ˌoʊvɚˈɔ/
to subdue, restrain, or intimidate someone by inspiring overwhelming awe or fear
formidably
C2
/ˈfɔrmədəbli/
In a way that inspires fear, respect, or awe; impressively powerfully.
connote
C2
/kəˈnoʊt/
To suggest a meaning or feeling beyond the literal one.
repine
C2
/rɪˈpaɪn/
literary: to feel or express discontent by complaining or fretting about an unwanted situation
overstrung
C2
/ˌoʊ.vɚˈstrʌŋ/
excessively tense, nervous, or emotionally strained
unnervingly
C2
/ˈʌnˈnɜːvɪŋlɪ/
In a way that makes someone feel nervous or uneasy.
unman
C2
/ʌnˈmæn/
to deprive someone of courage, composure, or emotional strength
splenetic
C2
/spləˈnɛtɪk/
Related to the spleen.
consolatory
C2
/kənˈsoʊləˌtɔri/
intended or tending to comfort someone after grief, disappointment, or distress
disquietude
C2
/dɪˈskwaɪətuːd/
a state or feeling of anxiety, uneasiness, or disturbed calm
unappeased
C2
/ˌʌn.əˈpiːzd/
not calmed, satisfied, or made less angry
scunner
C2
/ˈskʌnɚ/
a strong dislike, aversion, or feeling of disgust; chiefly Scottish and northern British
pusillanimity
C2
/pjuːsɪləˈnɪmɪti/
the quality of being timid or cowardly, especially in avoiding risk or responsibility
mislike
C2
/ˌmɪsˈlaɪk/
an aversion to or dislike of someone or something; now archaic or dialectal
odium
C2
/ˈoʊ.di.əm/
widespread hatred, contempt, or disgust directed at a person or thing
inspiriting
C2
/ɪnˈspɪr.ɪ.tɪŋ/
giving courage, energy, or hope; encouraging and enlivening
inquietude
C2
/ɪnˈkwaɪ.ə.tuːd/
a state or feeling of uneasiness, anxiety, or restless concern
discomposure
C2
a temperament that is perturbed and lacking in composure
ebullition
C2
/ˌɛbəˈlɪʃən/
a sudden, forceful outburst or display of emotion
undismayed
C2
/ˌʌndɪsˈmeɪd/
not discouraged, alarmed, or intimidated; remaining resolute despite difficulty
cumbrous
C2
/ˈkʌmbɹəs/
Unwieldy because of size or weight; cumbersome.
despondence
C2
/dɪˈspɑndəns/
a state of deep dejection, discouragement, and loss of hope
despiser
C2
/dɪˈspaɪzɚ/
a person who regards someone or something with contempt
exaltedly
C2
In a way that shows great joy or a sense of high importance.
undemonstratively
C2
In a reserved way, without openly showing emotion.
animus
C2
/ˈæn.ɪ.məs/
strong hostility or ill feeling
unpitied
C2
/ʌnˈpɪt.id/
receiving no pity, sympathy, or compassionate concern
self-gratulation
C2
/ˌsɛlfˌɡrætʃ.əˈleɪ.ʃən/
pleased reflection on one's own success, good fortune, or supposed merit; self-congratulation, often with a suggestion of complacency
sportiveness
C2
/ˈspɔrtɪvnəs/
lively, high-spirited playfulness or a tendency to frolic
inspirit
C2
/ɪnˈspɪrɪt/
literary: to give someone renewed courage, energy, or vigor