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.
Choose your level
All 27,237 words
4363 words
minimal
C1
/ˈmɪn.ə.məl/
As small as possible; very little in amount or degree.
canoe
C1
/kəˈnuː/
A long, narrow, open boat that is pointed at both ends and moved with paddles.
partially
C1
/ˈpɑɹʃəli/
Partly; not completely.
microscope
B2
/ˈmaɪ.kɹəˌskoʊp/
An instrument that makes very small objects look much bigger so they can be studied.
hardship
B1
/ˈhɑɹdˌʃɪp/
A situation that is difficult to live through, especially because of money or harsh conditions.
bleach
C2
/bliːt͡ʃ/
the whiteness that results from removing the color from something
cushion
B1
/ˈkʉʃən/
A soft bag filled with material, used to sit or lie on for comfort.
wisely
A2
/ˈwaɪzli/
in a wise manner
dramatically
B2
/drəˈmætɪkli/
Suddenly and to a large, noticeable degree.
penance
C1
/ˈpɛn.əns/
A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.
abusive
C2
/əˈbju.sɪv/
characterized by physical or psychological maltreatment
vermin
C2
/ˈvɝmɪn/
Small harmful animals or insects, such as rats, mice, or fleas, that are hard to control.
abstract
B1
/ˈæbˌstɹækt/
based on general ideas rather than real or practical things
pilgrimage
C2+
/ˈpɪlɡɹɪmɪd͡ʒ/
A journey made to a sacred place, or a religious journey.
rhythmic
B2
/ˈɹɪð.mɪk/
Having a regular, repeated pattern of sounds or movements.
primarily
B1
/pɹaɪˈmɛɹ.əli/
Mainly; for the most part.
preposterous
B2
/pɹəˈpɑstəɹəs/
Completely unreasonable; ridiculous.
hedgehog
C1
/ˈhɛd͡ʒ.hɒɡ/
A small spiny mammal that rolls into a ball when threatened and is active at night.
grin
B2
/ɡɹɪn/
A wide smile that shows the teeth.
postal
B2
/[ˈpoʊstl̩]/
Relating to the system of collecting and delivering mail.
cloudy
A1
/ˈklaʊ̯ɾiː/
Covered with clouds.
oriental
C1
/ˌɔriːˈɛntəl/
denoting or characteristic of countries of Asia
kangaroo
B2
/ˌkæŋ.ɡəˈɹʉː/
A large Australian animal with strong back legs that moves by jumping and carries its young in a pouch.
tsunami
B2
/(t)suˈnæmi/
A very large, destructive sea wave caused by an earthquake or volcanic eruption.
lark
B2
/lɑɹk/
A small brown bird known for its tuneful singing, often heard high in the sky.
basin
B1
/ˈbeɪsən/
A large round bowl used for holding water, especially for washing.
cassette
A2
/ˈkæˌsɛʈ/
A small flat case holding magnetic tape, used to record and play sound or video.
artifact
C2
/ˈɑɹtɪfækt/
An object made by people, especially an old or historically interesting one
enhance
B2
/ɪnˈhæns/
To improve the quality, value, or attractiveness of something.
majestic
C2
/məˈd͡ʒɛstɪk/
Having qualities of splendor or royalty.
giraffe
B1
/dʒɪˈɹaf/
A tall African animal with a very long neck and legs and spotted skin.
renew
B1
/ɹəˈnjuː/
To extend the period of something, such as a contract, license, or library loan.
apiece
C2
/əˈpis/
Each by itself; for or to each one.
flourish
C1
/ˈflɐɹ.ɪ̟ʃ/
To grow or develop strongly and successfully.
accuracy
B1
/ˈæk.jɚ.ə.si/
The quality of being correct and free from mistakes.
rumble
C1
/ˈrʌmbəl/
To make a low, heavy, continuous sound.
casually
B2
/ˈkæʒuəli/
In a relaxed way, without showing much concern.
reasonably
B2
/ˈɹiː.zən.ə.bli/
Fairly; to a fair or satisfactory degree.
mainstream
C1
/meɪn.stɹiːm/
Accepted by or appealing to most people, rather than a small group.
elusive
C1
/ɪˈl(j)u.sɪv/
Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.
thankfully
C1
/ˈθæŋkfəli/
Used to show you are glad or relieved about something.
valiant
C2
/ˈvæliənt/
having or showing valor
crave
C1
/kɹeɪv/
To have a very strong desire for something.
turmoil
C1
/ˈtɝːˌmɔɪl/
A state of great confusion, disorder, or trouble.
volleyball
A1
/ˈvɒlibɔ(ː)l/
A game in which two teams hit a large ball over a high net with their hands.
ferocious
C1
/fəˈɹoʊʃəs/
Very fierce, violent, or aggressive.
unusually
B1
/ʌnˈjuːʒuəli/
To a degree that is greater than normal; remarkably
trifle
C2
/ˈtɹaɪfəl/
Something of very little importance or value.
colon
B2
/ˈkoʊ.lən/
The punctuation mark ( : ), used before a list, example, or explanation.
snail
C1
/sneɪl/
A small slow-moving animal with a soft body and a spiral shell on its back.
uncommon
B2
/ʌnˈkɒmən/
Not happening or found very often; rare.
cello
B2
/ˈt͡ʃɛloʊ/
A large wooden string instrument played with a bow while seated.
orchid
B2
/ˈɔɹ.kɪd/
A plant with unusually shaped flowers in beautiful colours, popular as a houseplant.
premium
C1
/ˈpɹiː.miː.əm/
Of high quality and usually higher price.
pottery
B1
/ˈpɑtəɹi/
Objects such as bowls and pots made from clay and baked until hard.
continuously
B1
/kənˈtɪnjuəsli/
Without any pause or break.
narrative
B1
/ˈnæɹətɪv/
A story or an account of connected events.
excellence
B1
/ˈɛksələns/
The quality of being extremely good at something.
respiratory
B2
/ˈɹɛs.pəɹ.əˌtɔɹ.i/
Relating to breathing or the organs used for breathing.
staggering
C1
/ˈstæɡəɹɪŋ/
So surprising or large that it is hard to believe.
tedious
C1
/ˈti.di.əs/
Boring and tiring, especially because it is long or repetitive.
conceive
C1
/kənˈsiːv/
to think of an idea or plan; to imagine something
bravely
B1
/ˈbɹeɪvli/
In a way that shows courage.
steadily
B1
/ˈstɛdɪli/
At a regular, continuous rate without sudden changes.
plausible
C1
/ˈplɑ.zɪ.b(ə)l̩/
Seeming reasonable or likely to be true.
shatter
B2
/ˈʃæt.ɚ/
To break suddenly into many small pieces.
unforgettable
A2
/ˌʌnfə(ɹ)ˈɡɛtəbəl/
So special or strong that you can never forget it.
accurately
B1
/ˈæk.jə.ɹɪt.li/
In a correct way, with few or no mistakes.
theoretical
C1
/ˌθi.əˈɹɛt.ɪ.kəl/
Based on theory or ideas rather than practical experience.
potent
B2
/ˈpoʊt(ə)nt/
Having a strong and powerful effect.
hypothetical
C2
/ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkəl/
Based on a possible situation or idea rather than on real facts.
innovation
B2
/ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən/
A new idea, method, or invention.
desirable
B2
/dɪˈzaɪəɹəbəl/
Worth having or wanting; good to have.
considerably
B2
/kənˈsɪdəɹəbli/
By a large amount or to a great degree.
rehabilitation
C1
/ˌɹiː.əˌbɪl.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/
The process of helping someone recover health, skills, or a normal life after illness, injury, or addiction.
muscular
C1
/ˈmʌs.kjə.lɚ/
Having well-developed, strong muscles
imitation
B2
/ɪmɪˈteɪʃn̩/
A copy of something, often one that is not as good as the original.
mortar
B2
/ˈmɔrtɝ/
A paste of cement, sand and water that holds bricks or stones together as it dries.
sob
B2
/ˌɛs oʊ ˈbi/
To cry loudly with short, sharp breaths.
unhealthy
A2
/ʌnˈhɛl.θi/
Bad for your health.
prestigious
B2
/pɹɛˈstiːd͡ʒəs/
Respected and admired as being very important or of high quality.
unfit
B1
/ənˈfɪt/
Not good enough or not suitable for a particular purpose.
entrust
C2
/ɪnˈtɹʌst/
confer a trust upon
prosperous
B1
/ˈpɹɑs.pə.ɹəs/
Wealthy and successful.
inscription
B1
/ɪnˈskɹɪpʃən/
Words carved or engraved on something such as a stone, coin, or monument.
left-handed
B2
/ˌlɛftˈhændɪd/
using the left hand more naturally or skillfully than the right
luxurious
B2
/lʌɡˈʒʊɹ.i.əs/
Very comfortable and of the finest quality.
unimportant
A2
/ˌʌnɪmˈpɔɹtənt/
Not important; not worth worrying about.
wondrous
B2
/ˈwʌndɹəs/
Wonderful and amazing, inspiring awe.
trolley
B2
/ˈtrɑːli/
A metal cart on wheels used for carrying goods, especially shopping.
impeccable
C2
/ɪmˈpɛkəbəl/
Perfect, with no faults, flaws, or mistakes.
customary
C1
/ˈkʌs.təˌmɛɹ.i/
Usual or done according to custom or normal practice.
simplicity
C1
/sɪmˈplɪsɪti/
The quality of being easy to understand or do.
novelty
B2
/ˈnɑvəlti/
The quality of being new, unusual, and interesting.
doubtful
B2
/ˈdaʊtfəl/
Unlikely or uncertain to happen or be true.
evident
B1
/ˈɛv.ə.dənt/
Easy to see or understand; clearly true.