A Song of Ice and Fire
From the novels · 1,880 words
George R. R. Martin's fantasy novels of great houses at war for an iron throne. The English is the English of castles, armour, oaths and weather — grizzled, gaunt, hilt, holdfast — most of it B2 and above, and almost none of it reached by the everyday decks.
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1,880 words
- aback/əˈbæk/adverb · B2+Backwards, in the phrase taken by surprise.
- abase/əˈbeɪs/verb · C2To humble somebody, or to lower yourself.
- abashed/əˈbæʃt/adjective · C2Embarrassed and put out of countenance.
- abattoir/ˈæb.əˌtwɑː(ɹ)/noun · C1A building where animals are killed for meat.
- abide/əˈbaɪd/verb · B2To put up with something, or to remain.
- abode/əˈbəʊd/noun · C1The place where somebody lives.
- abominable/əˈbɑm.ə.nə.bl̩/adjective · B2Causing disgust and hatred.
- abomination/əˌbɒ.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/noun · C1Something that causes disgust and hatred.
- absently/ˈæb.sn̩t.li/adverb · B2Without paying attention to what you are doing.
- accommodating/əˈkɒm.əˌdeɪ.tɪŋ/adjective · B2+Willing to fit in with what others want.
- accursed/əˈkɜː.sɪd/adjective · C1Under a curse, or thoroughly detestable.
- acolyte/ˈæk.ə.laɪt/noun · C1An assistant at a religious service, or a devoted follower.
- acquaint/əˈkweɪnt/verb · B2+To make somebody familiar with something.
- actuate/ˈæktʃu.eɪt/verb · C1To set a mechanism working.
- addendum/əˈdɛn.dəm/noun · C1Something added at the end of a document.
- addle/ˈæ.dəl/verb · C2To muddle somebody's thinking.
- adjourn/əˈd͡ʒɝn/verb · B2+To break off a meeting until another time.
- adjudicate/əˈd͡ʒuː.dɪ.keɪt/verb · C1To act as judge and decide a dispute.
- admonition/ˌædməˈnɪʃən/noun · C1A firm warning about behaviour.
- adulterate/əˈdʌltəɹət/verb · C2To spoil something by adding an inferior substance.
- adulteressnoun · C1A married woman who is unfaithful.
- affirm/əˈfɝm/verb · B2+To state firmly that something is true.
- afflict/əˈflɪkt/verb · B2+To cause somebody lasting pain or trouble.
- affront/əˈfɹʌnt/noun · C1An open insult to somebody's dignity.
- afire/əˈfaɪɚ/adjective · C2Burning with real flames, or glowing as though flames were inside.
- afoot/əˈfʊt/adjective · C1Happening or being planned.
- afore/əˈfoɹ/preposition · C2Before, in dialect or old use.
- afoul/əˈfaʊl/adverb · C1Into conflict or entanglement with something.
- afterthought/ˈæft.ɚ.θɔt/noun · B2+Something added later, having not been planned.
- aggrieve/əˈɡɹiːv/verb · C2To make somebody feel unfairly treated.
- aggrievedadjective · C1Feeling that you have been treated unfairly.
- aghast/əˈɡæst/adjective · C2Struck with horror at what you see.
- aglitter/əˈɡlɪtɚ/adjective · C2Sparkling all over with light.
- aglow/əˈɡloʊ/adjective · C1Shining with a warm soft light.
- agonizing/ˈæɡ.ə.naɪ.zɪŋ/adjective · B2+Causing very great pain or anxiety.
- airy/ˈɛə.ɹi/adjective · B2+Full of fresh air, or light and unconcerned.
- akin/əˈkɪn/adjective · B2+Related, or similar in nature.
- alas/əˈlæs/adverb · B2+An old exclamation of sorrow or regret.
- albino/ælˈbiːnəʊ/noun · B2+A creature born with no colouring in skin or hair.
- alder/ˈɔːldə/noun · C1A tree that grows in wet ground.
- ale/eɪl/noun · B1+A strong beer brewed without hops.
- alehousenoun · C1A house where beer is sold and drunk.
- algae/ˈæl.d͡ʒi/noun · B1+Simple water plants with no true leaves or roots.
- allay/əˈleɪ/verb · C1To calm a fear or to ease a pain.
- almond/ˈɑː.mənd/noun · A2+An oval nut with a pale sweet kernel.
- alms/ɑːmz/noun · C1Money and food given to the poor.
- altruism/ˈæl.tɹu.ɪz.əm/noun · C1Concern for others put before yourself.
- amalgamate/əˈmælɡəˌmeɪt/verb · C1To merge separate bodies into one.
- amicable/ˈæ.mɪ.kə.bəl/adjective · C1Friendly, and without ill feeling.
- amidst/aˈmɪdst/preposition · B2+In the middle of, in formal use.
- amiss/əˈmɪs/adjective · B2+Not as it should be.
- amity/ˈæmɪti/noun · C2Friendly relations between people or nations.
- amorous/ˈæ.mə.ɹəs/adjective · C1Showing or feeling sexual love.
- anew/əˈnu/adverb · B2+Once more, and from the beginning.
- anise/ˈæn.ɪs/noun · C1A plant whose seed gives a liquorice flavour.
- annals/ˈæn.əlz/noun · C1A yearly record of events.
- annul/əˈnʌl/verb · C1To declare officially that something never held.
- anoint/əˈnɔɪnt/verb · C1To smear with oil in a sacred ceremony.
- anon/əˈnɑn/adverb · C2Soon, or in a little while, in old use.
- anteroom/ˈæn.ti.ɹʊm/noun · C2A small room leading into a larger one.
- antics/ˈæntɪks/noun · C1Silly and attention-seeking behaviour.
- antler/ˈænt.lə/noun · B2One of the branched horns a deer grows.
- apiece/əˈpiːs/adverb · B2For each one.
- appalledadjective · B2+Filled with horror and dismay.
- appalling/əˈpɔːlɪŋ/adjective · C1Shockingly bad or horrifying.
- append/ʌˈpɛnd/verb · C1To add something at the end.
- apprise/əˈpɹaɪz/verb · C1To inform somebody of something.
- aquiline/ˈæk.wɪˌlaɪn/adjective · C2Curved like an eagle's beak.
- arbitrate/ˈɑːbɪtɹeɪt/verb · C1To judge between two sides in a dispute.
- arbournoun · C1A shady shelter made of climbing plants.
- archon/ˈɑː(ɹ)kən/noun · C2A chief magistrate in an ancient or invented state.
- argot/ˈɑːɡəʊ/noun · C2The private slang of a particular group.
- aria/ˈɑː.ɹi.ə/noun · C1A song for one voice in an opera.
- armourernoun · C1A maker or keeper of weapons and armour.
- armpit/ˈɑɹmˌpɪt/noun · B1The hollow under the arm at the shoulder.
- arse/ɑːs/noun · B2The buttocks, in coarse British use.
- arsenal/ˈɑːsənəl/noun · B2+A store of weapons, or a range of resources.
- artless/ˈɑɹt.lɪs/adjective · C2Simple and natural, with no cunning at all.
- ascetic/əˈsɛ.tɪk/noun · C1Somebody who lives with severe self-denial.
- askance/əˈskæns/adverb · C2With a sideways look of doubt or disapproval.
- askew/əˈskju/adverb · C1Crooked, and not straight as it should be.
- aspen/ˈæspən/noun · B2+A poplar whose leaves tremble in the slightest wind.
- assailant/əˈseɪlənt/noun · C1Somebody who attacks another.
- assent/əˈsɛnt/noun · C1Agreement given to a proposal.
- astern/əˈstɝn/adverb · C2At or towards the back of a ship.
- astride/əˈstɹaɪ̯d/adverb · C1With one leg on each side of something.
- asunder/əˈsʌndə/adverb · C2Into separate pieces, in old use.
- at bayphrase · C1Cornered and forced to face the pursuers.
- athwart/əˈθwɔːt/preposition · C2Across from side to side.
- attaint/əˈteɪnt/verb · C2To strip somebody of rights after a conviction.
- attest/əˈtɛst/verb · C1To declare that something is true.
- atypical/eɪˈtɪp.ɪ.kəl/adjective · C1Not following the usual pattern.
- auburn/ˈɔ.bɚn/adjective · B2+Reddish brown, said of hair.
- aught/ɔːt/noun · C2Anything at all, in old use.
- aurochs/ˈaʊɹɒks/noun · C2A huge wild ox now extinct.
- auspicesnoun · C1The support and protection of a body or a person.
- avail/əˈveɪl/verb · C1To be of use or help to somebody.
- awash/əˈwɒʃ/adjective · C1Covered or flooded with water, or overflowing with something.
- awhile/əˈwaɪl/adverb · B2For a short time.
- azure/ˈæʒə/adjective · B2+Bright clear blue, like a cloudless sky.
- babe/beɪb/noun · B2A very young child, in older use.
- backwaternoun · C1Still water off the main current, or a place where nothing happens.
- bailey/ˈbeɪli/noun · C2The open courtyard inside a castle wall.
- bailiff/ˈbeɪlɪf/noun · C1An officer who serves writs and seizes goods.
- baldlyadverb · C1Plainly and without softening what is said.
- ballad/ˈbæləd/noun · B2+A song that tells a story in simple verses.
- bandy/ˈbændi/verb · C2To pass words or ideas back and forth carelessly.
- bantam/ˈbæntəm/noun · C1A very small breed of domestic fowl.
- banter/ˈbæntə/noun · B2+Light teasing talk between people who like each other.
- barb/bɑː(ɹ)b/noun · C1A backward point on a hook, or a wounding remark.
- barbarian/bɑː(ɹ)ˈbɛə.ɹi.ən/noun · B2Somebody seen as uncivilised and savage.
- barbican/ˈbɑːbɪkən/noun · C2The fortified gatehouse guarding a castle entrance.
- bard/bɑːd/noun · C1A poet who sings of heroes and of history.
- bareback/ˈbɛəbæk/adverb · B2+Riding a horse with no saddle.
- barricade/ˈbæɹɪkeɪd/noun · B2+A hasty barrier put up to block a way.
- basebornadjective · C2Born of low or illegitimate birth.
- basilisk/ˈbæzɪlɪsk/noun · C1A legendary reptile said to kill with a look.
- bask/bɑːsk/verb · B2+To lie comfortably in warmth or in praise.
- bastard/ˈbɑːs.təd/noun · B2A child born to parents who are not married.
- baste/beɪst/verb · C1To spoon fat over meat as it roasts.
- battlementsnoun · C1The notched wall along the top of a castle.
- bauble[ˈbɔːbəɫ]noun · C2A showy trinket of little value.
- bawdy/ˈbɔːdi/adjective · C1Humorously rude about sex.
- bawl/bɔːl/verb · B2+To cry or shout very loudly.
- bazaar/bəˈzɐː/noun · B2+A market of many small stalls.
- bead/ˈbiːd/noun · B1+A small ball threaded on a string, or a drop of liquid.
- beady/ˈbiː.di/adjective · C1Small, round and bright, said of eyes.
- bear witnessphrase · C1To state formally what you saw or know.
- becoming/bɪˈkʌm.ɪŋ/adjective · C1Suiting somebody well, or proper to do.
- bedeck/bɪˈdɛk/verb · C2To cover something with decorations.
- bedfellow/ˈbɛdˌfɛloʊ/noun · C1Somebody sharing a bed, or an unlikely partner.
- bedmaidnoun · C2A servant who makes and tends the beds.
- bedraggled/bɪˈdɹæɡl̩d/adjective · C1Wet, dirty and untidy.
- bedrollnoun · C1Bedding rolled up for carrying.
- befall/bɪˈfɔːl/verb · C1To happen to somebody, usually for the worse.
- befit/bɪˈfɪt/verb · C1To be suitable for somebody's rank or occasion.
- befoul/bɪˈfaʊl/verb · C2To make something filthy.
- befuddle/bɪˈfʌdl/verb · C2To muddle somebody's thinking.
- beget/biˈɡɛt/verb · C2To father a child, or to give rise to something.
- begrudge/bɪˈɡɹʌd͡ʒ/verb · C1To resent giving somebody what they have.
- beguilingadjective · C1Charming in a way that may mislead.
- behest/bɪˈhɛst/noun · C2A command or an urgent request.
- behold/bɪˈhəʊld/verb · B2To look at something, in old or formal use.
- beholden/bɪˈhəʊldən/adjective · C1Owing a debt of gratitude to somebody.
- behoove/bɪˈhuːv/verb · C2To be right and proper for somebody to do.
- belch/ˈbɛltʃ/verb · B2To let wind up noisily from the stomach.
- beleaguered/bɪˈliːɡəd/adjective · C1Under constant pressure from all sides.
- bellyfulnoun · C1As much as you can stand of something.
- bemused/bɪˈmjuːzd/adjective · C1Puzzled and unable to make sense of things.
- berserk/ˈbɜːsɜːk/adjective · B2+Wildly and violently out of control.
- beryl/ˈbɛɹ.əl/noun · C2A hard mineral that includes emerald and aquamarine.
- besmirch/bɪˈsmɜːtʃ/verb · C2To damage somebody's good name.
- bespeak/bɪˈspiːk/verb · C2To be a sign of something.
- bestial/ˈbɛs.ti.əl/adjective · C1Savagely cruel, like an animal.
- bestir/bɪˈstɜː/verb · C2To rouse yourself into activity.
- bestride/bɪˈstɹaɪd/verb · C2To stand or sit with a leg on each side of something.
- betide/bɪˈtaɪd/verb · C2To happen to somebody, in old use.
- betoken/bɪˈtoʊ.kən/verb · C2To be a sign of what is to come.
- betrothal/bɪˈtɹəʊ.ðəl/noun · C1A formal promise to marry.
- bicker/ˈbɪkɚ/verb · B2+To argue about small unimportant things.
- biddable/ˈbɪdəbəl/adjective · C2Willing to do as you are told.
- bidding/ˈbɪdɪŋ/noun · B2What somebody has ordered you to do.
- bier/bɪə/noun · C2The stand a coffin rests on before burial.
- bile/baɪl/noun · C1A bitter fluid made by the liver, or bitter anger.
- birthmark/ˈbɝθˌmɑɹk/noun · B2A coloured mark on the skin present from birth.
- bladder/ˈblædə/noun · B2The organ holding urine, or an inflatable bag.
- blanch/blɑːnt͡ʃ/verb · C1To go pale, or to plunge food briefly in boiling water.
- blatant/ˈbleɪtənt/adjective · B2+Done openly and without any shame.
- blather/ˈblæðə(ɹ)/verb · C1To talk foolishly at length.
- blazon/ˈbleɪzən/verb · C2To display or proclaim something very publicly.
- bleat/ˈbliːt/verb · B2+To make the thin wavering cry of a sheep.
- blight/blaɪt/noun · C2A disease that ruins plants, or anything that spoils.
- blighted/ˈblaɪtɪd/adjective · C1Spoiled or ruined by some harmful influence.
- blindfold/ˈblaɪndfəʊld/noun · B1+A cloth tied over the eyes so nothing can be seen.
- blindingly/ˈblaɪndɪŋli/adverb · C1So brightly or obviously that it overwhelms.
- bloat/bləʊt/verb · B2+To swell up with gas or liquid.
- blob/blɒb/noun · B1+A small round mass of something soft.
- blond/blɒnd/adjective · A2+Fair or light yellow in hair colour.
- bloodcurdlingadjective · C1So horrifying it makes you go cold.
- blot/blɒt/noun · B2A spot of spilled ink, or a stain on a reputation.
- blotch/blɒtʃ/noun · C1An irregular discoloured patch.
- bluish/ˈbluːɪʃ/adjective · B1+Slightly blue in colour.
- bluster/ˈblʌs.tə/verb · C1To talk loudly and aggressively with little behind it.
- boathouse/ˈboʊtˌhaʊs/noun · B1+A shed at the water's edge for keeping boats.
- bobbinnoun · C1A small spool that thread is wound on.
- bode/bəʊd/verb · C1To be a sign of what is to come.
- bodice/ˈbɒdɪs/noun · C1The upper part of a woman's dress.
- bodkin/ˈbɒdkɪn/noun · C2A blunt thick needle, or a small dagger.
- bole/bol/noun · C2The trunk of a tree.
- boltholenoun · C1A place you can escape to.
- bombard/ˌbɒmˈbɑːd/verb · B2+To attack continuously with fire or with questions.
- bondage/ˈbɒn.dɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2+The state of being somebody's slave.
- bony/ˈbəʊni/adjective · B2+So thin that the bones show.
- bosom/ˈbʊz(ə)m/noun · B2A woman's chest, or the heart as the seat of feeling.
- bountiful/ˈbaʊntɪfəl/adjective · C1Giving generously, or present in plenty.
- bout/ˈbaʊt/noun · B2A short spell of activity or illness, or a fight.
- bovine/ˈbəʊ.vaɪn/adjective · C1To do with cattle, or slow and placid.
- bowel/ˈbaʊ.əl/noun · B2The long tube in the body that food passes through after the stomach.
- bower/baʊ.əɹ/noun · C2A shady leafy shelter in a garden.
- brace/bɹeɪs/verb · B2To prepare yourself for something unpleasant.
- bracing/ˈbɹeɪsɪŋ/adjective · C1Cold and fresh in a way that revives you.
- bracken/ˈbɹækən/noun · C2A coarse fern that grows thickly on open ground.
- brackish/ˈbɹækɪʃ/adjective · C1Slightly salty and unpleasant to drink.
- braggart/ˈbɹæɡɑːt/noun · C1Somebody who boasts constantly.
- brandy/ˈbɹændi/noun · B1+A strong spirit distilled from wine.
- brat/bɹæt/noun · B2A badly behaved child.
- bravo/ˈbɹɑvoʊ/noun · C2A hired ruffian or assassin.
- brawl/bɹɔːl/noun · B2A rough noisy fight involving several people.
- brawn/bɹɔːn/noun · C1Physical strength as opposed to cleverness.
- brawny/bɹɔːni/adjective · C1Physically strong and muscular.
- bray/bɹeɪ/verb · C1To make the loud harsh cry of a donkey.
- brazier/ˈbɹeɪʒəɹ/noun · C1A metal basket for holding burning coals.
- breakwater/ˈbɹeɪkˌwɔːtə/noun · C1A barrier built to break the force of the waves.
- breastplate/ˈbɹɛstˌpleɪt/noun · B2+Armour worn across the chest.
- breeches/ˈbɹiː.t͡ʃɪz/noun · C1Trousers reaching just below the knee.
- brethren/ˈbɹɛðɹən/noun · C1Fellow members of a religious or close community.
- brewer/ˈbɹuː.ə(ɹ)/noun · B2+Somebody whose trade is making beer.
- briar/bɹaɪə/noun · C1A prickly wild shrub, especially a wild rose.
- bridle/ˈbɹaɪdəl/noun · B2+The straps and bit by which a horse is guided.
- brigand/ˈbɹɪɡ.ənd/noun · C2A robber who lives by raiding travellers.
- brigantine/ˈbɹɪɡ.ənˌtin/noun · C2A two-masted sailing ship.
- brim/bɹɪm/noun · C2The projecting edge of a hat, or the top rim of a cup.
- brimstone/ˈbɹɪmstəʊn/noun · C2Sulphur, especially as a torment in old religious use.
- brindleadjective · C2Brown with streaks of another colour.
- brink/ˈbɹɪŋk/noun · B2The very edge of a drop or of a great change.
- bristle/ˈbɹɪsəl/verb · C1To stiffen with anger, as hair does.
- broach/bɹəʊtʃ/verb · C1To raise a subject, or to pierce a cask.
- brocade/bɹəˈkeɪd/noun · C2A heavy fabric with a raised woven pattern.
- broil/bɹɔɪl/verb · B2+To cook by direct heat, or to be uncomfortably hot.
- brooding/ˈbɹuːdɪŋ/adjective · C1Heavy with dark unspoken thought.
- brothel/ˈbɹɔθəl/noun · B2+A house where prostitutes work.
- brow/bɹaʊ/noun · B2The forehead, or the top edge of a hill.
- brunt/bɹʌnt/noun · B2+The main force of a blow or an attack.
- brute/bɹuːt/noun · B2A cruel and violent person or beast.
- brutish/ˈbɹuːt.ɪʃ/adjective · C1Crude, violent and unthinking.
- budding/ˈbʌdiŋ/adjective · B2+Just beginning to develop.
- bulbous/ˈbʌlbəs/adjective · C1Fat and round in an ugly way.
- bulge/ˈbʌldʒ/verb · B2To swell out beyond the usual line.
- bullock/ˈbʊlək/noun · B2A young castrated bull.
- bungholenoun · C2The hole in a barrel through which it is filled.
- bungle/ˈbʌŋɡ(ə)l/verb · B2+To do a job clumsily and get it wrong.
- burly/ˈbɜːli/adjective · B2+Large, strong and heavily built.
- burnish/ˈbɜːnɪʃ/verb · C1To polish metal until it shines.
- burst inphrase · B2To enter suddenly and without warning.
- bushel/ˈbʊʃəl/noun · C1An old measure of volume for grain and fruit.
- bustle/ˈbʌsəl/verb · B2+To move about busily and noisily.
- buttock/ˈbʌtək/noun · B2+One of the two fleshy parts you sit on.
- buxom/ˈbʌksəm/adjective · C1Plump and full-figured, said of a woman.
- cackle/ˈkækəl/verb · B2+To laugh in a harsh broken way.
- cadaver/kəˈdæv.ə(ɹ)/noun · C1A dead body, especially one used for study.
- cage/keɪd͡ʒ/noun · B1A box of bars for keeping a creature in.
- calamity/kəˈlæmɪti/noun · C2A disaster that brings great distress.
- callousedadjective · C1Hardened by rubbing, as working hands become.
- callow/ˈkæləʊ/adjective · C2Young and lacking any experience.
- callus/ˈkæləs/noun · B2+A patch of skin hardened by rubbing.
- caltrop/ˈkæltɹəp/noun · C2A spiked device thrown down to lame horses.
- calumny/ˈkæləmni/noun · C2A false statement made to damage a reputation.
- cannibal/ˈkænɪbəl/noun · B2Somebody who eats the flesh of their own kind.
- canter/ˈkæn.tə/verb · B2+To ride at a gentle pace between trot and gallop.
- caparisonedadjective · C2Decked out in ornamental trappings.
- cape/keɪp/noun · B1A sleeveless cloak, or a headland jutting into the sea.
- caper/ˈkeɪpɚ/verb · C2To skip and leap about playfully.
- capon/ˈkeɪpən/noun · C2A cockerel fattened for the table.
- caprice/kəˈpɹiːs/noun · C2A sudden change of mind for no reason.
- captivate/ˈkæptɪveɪt/verb · B2+To hold somebody's attention completely by charm.
- captive/ˈkæptɪv/noun · B2Somebody who is being held prisoner.
- captor/ˈkæptɚ/noun · B2+Somebody who has taken another prisoner.
- carbuncle/ˈkɑː.bʌŋ.kl̩/noun · C2A large painful boil, or a red gemstone.
- carcass/ˈkɑɹkəs/noun · B2+The dead body of an animal.
- cardamom/ˈkɑː.də.məm/noun · B2+A fragrant spice used in cooking.
- caricature/ˈkɛɹɪkət͡ʃʊɚ/noun · B2+A drawing that exaggerates somebody's features.
- carnage/ˈkɑː.nɪdʒ/noun · B2+The killing of very many people.
- carnal/ˈkɑɹnəl/adjective · C1To do with the body and its appetites.
- carnelian/kɑɹˈnil.jən/noun · C2A reddish semi-precious stone.
- carrack/ˈkæɹək/noun · C2A broad, high-castled merchant sailing ship of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, forerunner of the galleon.
- carrion/ˈkæɹ.ɪ.ən/noun · C1The rotting flesh of dead animals.
- cartel/kɑːˈtɛl/noun · B2+A group of firms agreeing to fix prices between them.
- castellan/ˈkæstələn/noun · C2The governor in charge of a castle.
- castrate/kæsˈtɹeɪt/verb · C1To remove the male reproductive organs.
- catastrophe/kəˈtæstɹəfi/noun · B2A sudden disaster causing great damage.
- catgut/ˈkætˌɡʌt/noun · C2Tough cord made from animal gut, used for strings.
- catspawnoun · C2Somebody used by another to do their dirty work.
- caucus/ˈkɔːkəs/noun · C1A meeting of a party's members to decide policy.
- caul/kɔːl/noun · C2A membrane a baby is occasionally born wearing.
- causeway/ˈkɔːz.weɪ/noun · C1A raised road across wet ground or water.
- cautionary/ˈkɔːʃənəɹi/adjective · B2+Meant to serve as a warning.
- cavalier/ˌkævəˈlɪɚ/adjective · C1Offhand about matters that deserve care.
- cavernous/ˈkav.ən.əs/adjective · C1Very large, hollow and echoing.
- cavort/kəˈvɔːt/verb · C1To leap about in a lively excited way.
- caw/kɔː/verb · C1To make the harsh cry of a crow.
- cede/siːd/verb · C1To give up territory or a right to another.
- celibacy/ˈsɛləbəsi/noun · C1The state of living without sex or marriage.
- celibate/ˈsɛləbət/adjective · C1Choosing to live without sex or marriage.
- censer/ˈsɛn.sə/noun · C2A container in which incense is burnt.
- cerulean/səˈɹuːli.ən/adjective · C2Deep sky blue.
- cesspit/ˈsɛspɪt/noun · C1A pit for household waste and sewage.
- chalk upphrase · C1To record a win or a total to somebody's credit.
- chamfron/ˈt͡ʃam.fɹən/noun · C2Armour worn over a horse's face.
- chancy/ˈtʃænsi/adjective · C1Risky, and depending on luck.
- chandler/ˈt͡ʃændlɚ/noun · C2A dealer in candles, or in ships' supplies.
- chapped/t͡ʃæpt/adjective · B2+Cracked and sore from cold and wind.
- chaste/t͡ʃeɪst/adjective · C1Refraining from sex, or pure in style.
- chasten/ˈt͡ʃeɪ.sən/verb · C2To correct somebody so they behave more humbly.
- chastity/ˈt͡ʃastɪti/noun · C1The state of refraining from sex.
- cheesemongernoun · C1Somebody whose trade is selling cheese.
- chink/t͡ʃɪŋk/noun · C1A narrow slit that light gets through.
- chinlessadjective · C2Having a weak jaw, and thought feeble because of it.
- chipped/t͡ʃɪpt/adjective · B1+Having a small piece broken off the edge.
- chirrup/ˈt͡ʃɪɹəp/verb · C2To make a short repeated chirping sound.
- chitter/ˈtʃɪtə/verb · C2To make a rapid high chattering sound.
- chivalrous/ˈʃɪv.əl.ɹəs/adjective · C1Courteous and protective in an old-fashioned way.
- choker/ˈtʃəʊkə/noun · B2+A close-fitting necklace worn at the throat.
- choppy/ˈt͡ʃɒ.pi/adjective · B2+Rough with short broken waves.
- chord/kɔːd/noun · B1+Several musical notes sounded together.
- chortle/ˈt͡ʃɔɹtəl/verb · C1To laugh with a gleeful chuckle.
- chorus/ˈkɔːɹəs/noun · B1A group who sing together, or the repeated part of a song.
- chunky/ˈt͡ʃʌŋki/adjective · B1+Thick and solid in build.
- churl/tʃɜːl/noun · C2A rude ill-bred person, in old use.
- chute/ʃuːt/noun · B2A sloping channel that things slide down.
- cinch/sɪntʃ/noun · C2The strap that holds a saddle on.
- cinder/ˈsɪndəː/noun · B2+A piece of burnt matter that will not burn again.
- clack/klæk/verb · B2+To make a short sharp sound of hard things striking.
- clad/klæd/adjective · C1Dressed or covered in something.
- claimant/ˈkleɪ.mənt/noun · C1Somebody who says they have a right to something.
- clan/klæn/noun · B2A group of families claiming a common ancestor.
- clangour/ˈklæŋ(ɡ)ə/noun · C2A loud continuous ringing din.
- cleft/ˈklɛft/noun · C1A split or a deep narrow opening.
- climax/ˈklaɪ.mæks/noun · C1The most intense point of a story or an event.
- clime/klaɪm/noun · C2A region considered by its weather, in poetic use.
- clink/klɪŋk/verb · B2+To make a light ringing sound of glass or metal.
- clod/klɒd/noun · C1A lump of earth, or a slow-witted person.
- clop/klɒp/verb · C1To make the sound of a hoof striking hard ground.
- close-croppedadjective · C1Cut very short.
- clot/klɒt/noun · B2+A thick lump formed when blood sets.
- clove/kləʊv/noun · B2+A dried flower bud used as a spice.
- clovenadjective · C1Split into two parts, as some animals' hooves are.
- cloy/klɔɪ/verb · C2To become sickening through being too sweet.
- clubfootnoun · C1A foot twisted out of shape from birth.
- cluck/klʌk/verb · B2To make the short clicking sound a hen makes.
- clump/klʌmp/noun · B2+A tight group of plants or things growing together.
- clumsy/ˈklʌmzi/adjective · B2Awkward, and apt to knock things over.
- cobalt/ˈkəʊ.bɒlt/noun · B2+A hard silvery metal, or the deep blue made from it.
- cobble/ˈkɒb.əl/verb · C1To put something together roughly and quickly.
- cobblestonesnoun · B2+Rounded stones set into an old road surface.
- cobra/ˈkəʊbɹə/noun · B1+A venomous snake that spreads a hood.
- cobweb/ˈkɒbwɛb/noun · B1+The fine net a spider spins.
- cockatrice/ˈkɒkətɹaɪs/noun · C2A legendary beast said to kill with its glance.
- cockle/ˈkɒkl̩/noun · C1A small edible shellfish.
- cocksureadjective · C2Far too sure of yourself.
- codpiece/ˈkɒdˌpiːs/noun · C2A padded pouch worn at the front of old men's hose.
- coffer/ˈkɒfə/noun · C1A strong chest for keeping money and valuables.
- coffin/ˈkɒfɪn/noun · B1The box a body is buried in.
- cog/kɒɡ/noun · C2A broad medieval trading vessel.
- coif/kwɑf/noun · C2A close-fitting cloth head covering tied under the chin, worn by medieval women or beneath a helmet.
- coltishadjective · C2Awkward and frisky like a young horse.
- comb/kəʊm/verb · A2+To pull a toothed tool through your hair to make it neat.
- combatant/ˈkɒm.bə.tənt/noun · C1Somebody taking part in a fight.
- come byphrase · B2To obtain something, often by luck.
- comely/ˈkʌmli/adjective · C2Pleasant to look at, in old use.
- comical/ˈkɒmɪkəl/adjective · B2Funny, especially in a slightly ridiculous way.
- commendable/kəˈmɛndəbəl/adjective · B2+Deserving praise and approval.
- complaisant/kəmˈpleɪsənt/adjective · C2Eager to please and to go along with others.
- compliant/kəmˈplʌɪənt/adjective · C1Willing to do as you are told.
- complicit/kəmˈplɪs.ɪt/adjective · C1Involved with others in something wrong.
- comrade/ˈkɒmɹeɪd/noun · B2A companion who shares your work or your cause.
- conceit/kənˈsiːt/noun · B2+Too high an opinion of yourself, or a fanciful idea.
- concoct/kənˈkɒkt/verb · B2+To make something up out of mixed parts.
- concubine/ˈkɑŋkjəbaɪn/noun · C1A woman living with a man of higher rank without marriage.
- confection/kənˈfɛkʃən/noun · C2A sweet dish, or something elaborately put together.
- confectionernoun · B2+Somebody who makes and sells sweets.
- congeal/kənˈd͡ʒiːl/verb · C1To thicken and set as it cools.
- congenial/kənˈd͡ʒiːniəl/adjective · C1Pleasant, and suited to your own taste.
- conical/ˈkɒn.ɪ.kəl/adjective · B2+Shaped like a cone.
- connivance/kəˈnaɪvəns/noun · C2Willing co-operation in something wrong.
- consecrate/ˈkɒnsəkɹeɪt/verb · C1To set something apart as sacred.
- conservatory/kənˈsɜː.və.tɹi/noun · C1A glass room built onto a house for plants.
- consign/kənˈsaɪn/verb · C2To hand something over, often for good.
- consort/ˈkɒnsɔːt/noun · C1The husband or wife of a ruler.
- contingent/kənˈtɪn.d͡ʒənt/noun · C1A body of troops or people sent from a larger group.
- contrite/kənˈtɹaɪt/adjective · C1Deeply sorry for having done wrong.
- contrivance/kənˈtɹaɪ.vəns/noun · C1A clever device, or a plan that feels artificial.
- convalesce/ˌkɒn.vəˈlɛs/verb · C1To recover slowly after an illness.
- convulse/kənˈvʌls/verb · C1To shake violently with sudden uncontrolled movement.
- cooper/ˈkuːpə(ɹ)/noun · C1A craftsman who makes barrels.
- coracle/ˈkɒɹəkəl/noun · C2A small round boat of hide over a frame.
- cord/ˈkɔːd/noun · B1Thin rope, or a length of it.
- cordwainernoun · C2A shoemaker who works in fine leather.
- cornflower/ˈkɔɹnˌflaʊ.ɚ/noun · C1A bright blue wild flower of the fields.
- coronet/ˈkɒɹənɪt/noun · C1A small crown worn by a noble.
- corpse/kɔːps/noun · B2A dead human body.
- corsair/kɔːɹsɛəɹ/noun · C2A pirate, especially of the Mediterranean.
- costermongernoun · C2A street trader selling fruit and vegetables.
- cottonwoodnoun · C1A poplar whose seeds carry white fluffy tufts.
- counterchangenoun · C2A pattern where colours swap across a dividing line.
- countermand/ˌkaʊntəˈmɑːnd/verb · C2To cancel an order already given.
- counterpoint/ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪnt/noun · C1Two melodies sounded together, or a contrasting element.
- courser/ˈkɜːsə/noun · C2A swift horse used in war or hunting.
- courtesan/kɔːtɪˈzæn/noun · C1A prostitute with wealthy or noble clients.
- courtier/ˈkɔɹtiɚ/noun · C1Somebody who attends a royal court.
- courtly/ˈkɔːtli/adjective · C1Polished and dignified, as at a royal court.
- covetous/ˈkʌvətəs/adjective · C1Longing to possess what belongs to somebody else.
- cowardice/ˈkaʊədɪs/noun · B2+A lack of courage when courage is needed.
- cowherdnoun · C1Somebody whose job is looking after cattle.
- cowl/kaʊl/noun · C2A hood attached to a monk's robe.
- cowlick/ˈkaʊˌlɪk/noun · C1A tuft of hair that will not lie flat.
- coxcomb/ˈkɒks.koʊm/noun · C2A vain man who fusses over his appearance.
- cozen/ˈkəʊzən/verb · C2To cheat somebody by clever persuasion.
- crabbed/kɹæbd/adjective · C2Bad-tempered, or cramped and hard to read.
- crannog/ˈkɹænəɡ/noun · C2An ancient dwelling built on an island in a lake.
- cranny/ˈkɹæni/noun · C1A small narrow opening in a wall or rock.
- credence/ˈkɹiː.dəns/noun · C1Belief that something is true.
- creek/ˈkɹiːk/noun · B2A small stream, or a narrow inlet of the sea.
- crenel/ˈkɹɛnəl/noun · C2One of the gaps in a battlement.
- crenellate/ˈkɹɛnɛleɪt/verb · C2To build notches into the top of a wall.
- cretin/ˈkɹɛtɪn/noun · C1A stupid person, in offensive informal use.
- crevice/ˈkɹɛvɪs/noun · B2+A narrow crack in a rock or a wall.
- crewmannoun · B2+One of the sailors working a ship.
- crinkle/ˈkɹɪŋkəl/verb · B2+To form small folds and wrinkles.
- cripple/ˈkɹɪp(ə)l/verb · B2To leave a person or machine unable to move or work properly, without destroying it outright.
- crisscross/ˈkɹɪsˌkɹɒs/verb · B2+To cross back and forth over something.
- croak/kɹoʊk/verb · B2To make a deep hoarse sound.
- croft/kɹɒft/noun · C2A small rented farm in Scotland.
- crone/kɹoʊn/noun · C1An ugly old woman, in stories.
- crony/ˈkɹoʊni/noun · C2A close friend, especially one given unfair favours.
- crook/kɹʊk/noun · B2A staff with a hooked end, or a dishonest person.
- crotch/kɹɑt͡ʃ/noun · B2The place where the legs join the body.
- crowning/ˈkɹaʊnɪŋ/adjective · C1Standing at the very top of a person's achievements as the final glory that completes them.
- crumple/ˈkɹʌmpəl/verb · B2+To crush into folds and creases.
- cuckold/ˈkʌ.kəʊld/noun · C2A man whose wife has been unfaithful.
- cudgel/ˈkʌd͡ʒəl/noun · C2A short thick stick used as a weapon.
- cull/kʌl/verb · C2To reduce a group by killing or removing some.
- cur/kɜː/noun · C2A bad-tempered mongrel dog, or a contemptible man.
- curd/kɜː(ɹ)d/noun · B2+The solid part left when milk sours.
- curdle/ˈkɜː.dəl/verb · C1To separate into lumps, as sour milk does.
- cusp/kʌsp/noun · C1The point at which one state turns into another.
- cutpurse/ˈkʌtˌpɜːs/noun · C2A thief who cuts money bags from belts.
- dab/dæb/verb · B2+To touch lightly and repeatedly with something soft.
- dagger/ˈdæɡə/noun · B1+A short pointed knife used as a weapon.
- dainty/ˈdeɪnti/adjective · B2Small, delicate and pretty.
- dais/ˈdeɪ.ɪs/noun · C2A low platform for a throne or a high table.
- dale/deu/noun · C1A broad open valley.
- damask/ˈdæm.əsk/noun · C2A rich patterned cloth woven in one colour.
- dandle/ˈdændəl/verb · C2To bounce a small child gently on your knee.
- dank/ˈdæŋk/adjective · C1Unpleasantly damp and cold.
- daresay/ˌdɛəˈseɪ/verb · C1To suppose that something is probably so.
- dashing/ˈdæʃɪŋ(ɡ)/adjective · B2Stylish, spirited and attractive.
- dazed/deɪzd/adjective · B2+Stunned and unable to think clearly.
- debase/dɪˈbeɪs/verb · C1To lower the quality or the worth of something.
- debauchery/dɪˈbɔː.t͡ʃə.ɹi/noun · C1Excessive indulgence in drink and pleasure.
- decant/dəˈkænt/verb · C1To pour liquid gently from one vessel to another.
- decease/dɪˈsiːs/noun · C2A person's death, in legal use.
- deceptive/dɪˈsɛp.tɪv/adjective · B2+Giving an impression that is not the truth.
- deface/dɪˈfeɪs/verb · B2+To spoil the surface or appearance of something.
- defile/dɪˈfaɪl/verb · C1To make something sacred or clean unfit.
- deflower/diˈflaʊ.ɚ/verb · C2To take a woman's virginity, in old use.
- deform/dɪˈfɔːm/verb · B2+To spoil the natural shape of something.
- defray/dɪˈfɹeɪ/verb · C2To pay part or all of a cost.
- deject/dɪˈdʒɛkt/verb · C2To lower somebody's spirits.
- delicacy/ˈdɛlɪkəsi/noun · B2+A rare fine food, or great tact and care.
- delusion/dɪˈl(j)uːʒ(ə)n/noun · B2A false belief held firmly against the evidence.
- denizen/ˈdɛn.ɪ.zən/noun · C2An inhabitant of a particular place.
- depose/dɪˈpəʊz/verb · C1To remove a ruler from power.
- deprave/dɪˈpɹeɪv/verb · C1To corrupt somebody morally.
- depredation/ˌdɛpɹəˈdeɪʃən/noun · C2Damage done by plundering or by nature.
- derange/dɪˈɹeɪnd͡ʒ/verb · C2To drive somebody out of their right mind.
- derision/dɪˈɹɪʒən/noun · C2Contemptuous mockery.
- descend onphrase · C1To arrive somewhere suddenly and in numbers.
- descry/dɪˈskɹaɪ/verb · C2To catch sight of something far off.
- desiccated/ˈdɛsɪkeɪtəd/adjective · C1Completely dried out.
- desist/dɪˈsɪst/verb · C1To stop doing something.
- despicable/dɪˈspɪkəbəl/adjective · B2+Deserving nothing but contempt.
- despoil/dɪˈspɔɪl/verb · C2To strip a place of its goods by force.
- devolve/dɪˈvɒɫv/verb · C1To pass power or duty down to a lower level.
- devour/dɪˈvaʊə(ɹ)/verb · B2+To eat hungrily, or to consume completely.
- dictum/ˈdɪk.təm/noun · C2A short formal statement laid down as true.
- dignify/ˈdɪɡnɪfaɪ/verb · B2+To give something more worth than it deserves.
- dike/daɪk/noun · C1A bank built to hold back water.
- dim-witted/dɪmˈwɪtəd/adjective · C1Slow to understand things.
- diminutive/dɪˈmɪn.jə.tɪv/adjective · C1Extremely small.
- dine/daɪn/verb · B1+To eat dinner, especially formally.
- dint/dɪnt/noun · C2Force or means, in the phrase by hard work.
- dirk/dɜːk/noun · C2A short straight dagger.
- disabuse/dɪsəˈbjuːz/verb · C2To rid somebody of a mistaken belief.
- discomfit/dɪsˈkʌmfɪt/verb · C2To make somebody uneasy and put out.
- disconcert/ˌdɪskənˈsɜːt/verb · C1To throw somebody off their balance of mind.
- disconsolate/dɪsˈkɒnsəlɪt/adjective · C1Too unhappy to be comforted.
- discriminating/dɪsˈkɹɪmɪneɪtɪŋ(ɡ)/adjective · C1Showing fine judgement in taste.
- disentangle[ˌdɪsɪnˈtæŋɡəɫ]verb · C1To free something from a knot or a muddle.
- dishearten/dɪsˈhɑː.tən/verb · B2+To take away somebody's hope and courage.
- dislodge/dɪsˈlɒdʒ/verb · C1To force something out of its fixed place.
- dismember/ˌdɪsˈmɛmbə(ɹ)/verb · C1To cut a body into pieces.
- dismissive/dɪsˈmɪsɪv/adjective · B2+Treating something as not worth considering.
- disposed/dɪˈspoʊzd/adjective · C1Inclined or willing to do something.
- dispossess/dɪspəˈzəs/verb · C1To take somebody's property or land away.
- disquiet/dɪsˈkwaɪ.ɪt/noun · C1A vague, nagging sense that something is not right, often spreading quietly through a group of people.
- dissemble/dɪˈsɛmbəl/verb · C2To hide your true feelings behind a false show.
- dissimulate/dɪˈsɪmjʊˌleɪt/verb · C2To hide your real feelings by pretence.
- dissonant/ˈdɪsənənt/adjective · C2Clashing in sound or in feeling.
- distaste/(ˌ)dɪsˈteɪst/noun · B2+A mild dislike for something offensive.
- distend/dɪˈstɛnd/verb · C2To swell out from inside pressure.
- dither/ˈdɪðə/verb · C1To hesitate and fail to make up your mind.
- divertingadjective · C1Entertaining and taking your mind off things.
- do inphrase · C1To kill somebody, or to wear them out completely.
- dock/dɒk/noun · B1An enclosed area of water where ships are loaded.
- dodderingadjective · C2Shaky and feeble from old age.
- dodgy/ˈdɒd͡ʒ.i/adjective · B2+Not to be trusted, or in poor condition.
- doe/dəʊ/noun · B2A female deer or rabbit.
- doff/dɒf/verb · C2To take off a hat or a garment.
- dollop/ˈdɒləp/noun · B2+A shapeless lump of something soft.
- dolorous/ˈdɒləɹəs/adjective · C2Full of sorrow.
- dolt/dɒlt/<a:UK>noun · C2A stupid person.
- doom/duːm/noun · B2A terrible fate that cannot be avoided.
- doting/ˈdəʊtɪŋ/adjective · B2+Showing excessive fondness.
- doublet/ˈdʌblət/noun · C2A close-fitting jacket worn by men in past centuries.
- doughty/ˈdaʊti/adjective · C2Brave and persistent, in old use.
- dour/ˈdʊə/adjective · C1Stern, gloomy and unsmiling.
- dowager/ˈdaʊədʒə/noun · C2A widow holding a title from her late husband.
- drafty/ˈdɹɑːfti/adjective · B2+Letting cold air blow through.
- drape/dɹeɪp/verb · B2To hang cloth loosely over something.
- draper/ˈdɹeɪ.pə(ɹ)/noun · C2A trader who sells cloth.
- drawn/dɹɔːn/adjective · C1Looking tense and tired in the face.
- dray/dɹeɪ/noun · C2A low heavy cart for carrying barrels.
- drear/dɹɪə/adjective · C2Dismal and gloomy.
- dredge/dɹɛd͡ʒ/verb · C1To scoop material up from the bottom of water.
- dregs/dɹɛɡz/noun · C1The sediment at the bottom, or the worst of something.
- drench/dɹɛnt͡ʃ/verb · B2+To soak something completely through.
- drilling/ˈdɹɪlɪŋ/noun · B2Repeated practice of a movement until it is automatic.
- drivel/dɹɪv.əl/noun · C1Nonsense talked at length.
- droll/dɹəʊl/adjective · C1Amusing in a dry and unusual way.
- droop/ˈdɹuːp/verb · B2+To hang down limply through weakness.
- dross/dɹɒs/noun · C2Worthless matter left when something is refined.
- drumheadnoun · C2The tight skin stretched over a drum.
- dullard/ˈdʌlɚd/noun · C2Somebody slow-witted and boring.
- duly/ˈdʒuːli/adverb · C1As was proper and expected.
- dwelling/ˈdwɛl.ɪŋ/noun · B2A house or place where somebody lives.
- earmark/ˈɪəmɑːk/verb · C1To set something aside for a particular purpose.
- ebon/ˈɛbən/adjective · C2Deep black, in poetic use.
- ebony/ˈɛb.ən.i/noun · B2+A very hard black wood.
- ecstasy/ˈɛkstəsi/noun · B2+An overwhelming feeling of joy.
- eddy/ˈɛd.i/noun · C1A small whirling movement in water or air.
- effectual/iˈfɛkt͡ʃuəl/adjective · C2Producing the result that was intended.
- egress/ˈiːɡɹɛs/noun · C2A way out, or the act of going out.
- egret/ˈiːɡɹɪt/noun · C1A long-legged white wading bird.
- elk/ɛlk/noun · B1+A very large deer of northern forests.
- elongate/ɪˈlɒŋ.ɡeɪt/verb · C1To make something longer.
- embattled/ɛmˈbætl̩d/adjective · C1Under attack from all sides.
- ember/ˈɛm.bə/noun · B2+A glowing piece left when a fire dies down.
- emblazon/ɪmˈbleɪzən/verb · C1To display a design boldly on something.
- embolden/ɛmˈbəʊld(ə)n/verb · C1To give somebody the courage to act.
- emboss/ɪmˈbɒs/verb · C1To raise a design above a flat surface.
- embroider/ɪmˈbɹɔɪdɚ/verb · B2+To sew a design onto cloth, or to add invented detail.
- empress/ˈɛmpɹəs/noun · B1+A woman who rules an empire.
- enchant/ɪnˈt͡ʃænt/verb · B2To delight somebody, or to put them under a spell.
- enchanter/ɪnˈtʃɑːntə/noun · B2+Somebody who works magic spells.
- encrustedadjective · C1Covered with a hard or jewelled layer.
- encumber/ɪnˈkʌmbə(ɹ)/verb · C2To burden somebody so they cannot move freely.
- endearment/ɪnˈdɪəɹ.mənt/noun · C1A word or act showing affection.
- endue/ɪnˈdjuː/verb · C2To provide somebody with a quality or a power.
- enfoldverb · C1To wrap something round and hold it close.
- engross/ɪnˈɡɹəʊs/verb · C1To take up somebody's whole attention.
- enjoin/ɛnˈd͡ʒɔɪn/verb · C2To order somebody to do something.
- enlighten/ɪnˈlaɪtən/verb · B2+To give somebody understanding of something.
- enrapturedadjective · C2Filled with overwhelming delight.
- ensconce/ɛnˈskɒns/verb · C2To settle comfortably and securely in a place.
- enslave/ɪnˈsleɪv/verb · B2+To make somebody a slave.
- ensnare/ɛnˈsnɛə/verb · C1To catch somebody in a trap.
- entrails/ˈɛn.tɹeɪlz/noun · C1The inner organs of an animal or a person.
- entrancingadjective · C1So delightful that it holds you spellbound.
- entreaty/ɪnˈtɹiːti/noun · C1An earnest and humble request.
- entrust/ɪnˈtɹʌst/verb · B2+To hand something over to somebody's care.
- eon/ˈi.ɑn/noun · B2+An immensely long period of time.
- erect/ɪˈɹɛkt/verb · C1To build something upright, or to set it up.
- ermine/ˈɜːmɪn/noun · C2The white winter fur of a stoat, used to trim robes.
- escort/ˈɛs.kɔɹt/noun · B2People who go with somebody to guard or accompany them.
- escutcheon/ɪˈskʌt͡ʃən/noun · C2The shield on which a coat of arms is shown.
- espy/ɪˈspaɪ/verb · C2To catch sight of something at a distance.
- estrange/ɪˈstɹeɪnd͡ʒ/verb · C1To turn somebody who was close into a stranger.
- eunuch/ˈjuː.nək/noun · C1A castrated man, often a palace servant.
- evasion/ɪˈveɪʒən/noun · B2+The act of dodging a question or a duty.
- evenly/ˈiːvənli/adverb · B1+In equal amounts, or at a steady rate.
- eventide/ˈiːvənˌtaɪd/noun · C2The evening, in poetic use.
- evince/iˈvɪns/verb · C2To show a feeling or quality clearly.
- ewer/ˈjuː.ə/noun · C2A large jug for holding water.
- exalted/ɪɡˈzɔːltɪd/adjective · C2Raised to a very high rank or state.
- exasperate/ɪɡˈzæsp(ə)ɹeɪt/verb · C1To irritate somebody past all patience.
- exceptionally/ɪkˈsɛp(t)ʃənəli/adverb · B2+To an unusually great degree.
- exertion/ɪɡˈzɝʃən/noun · B2+Great physical or mental effort.
- exhilarate/ɪɡˈzɪləɹeɪt/verb · C1To fill somebody with excited high spirits.
- expanse/ɪkˈspæns/noun · B2+A wide continuous stretch of something.
- expiate/ˈɛk.spi.eɪt/verb · C2To make amends for a wrong you have done.
- exterior/ɪkˈstɪəɹɪə/noun · B2The outside surface of something.
- extort/ɪkˈstɔː(ɹ)t/verb · B2+To force money out of somebody by threats.
- extremity/ɪkˈstɹɛmɪti/noun · B2+The furthest point, or a state of great need.
- exult/ɪɡˈzʌlt/verb · C1To rejoice openly and triumphantly.
- eyrie/ˈɪə.ɹi/noun · C2An eagle's nest high on a crag.
- fabledadjective · C2Famous in stories, and perhaps not quite real.
- falsehood/ˈfɒlsˌhʊd/noun · B2+A lie, or the state of being untrue.
- famished/ˈfæmɪʃt/adjective · B2+Extremely hungry.
- fanatic/fəˈnæt.ɪk/noun · C1Somebody whose enthusiasm has passed all reason.
- fart/fɑːt/verb · B1To let wind out from the bowels.
- farthest/ˈfɑːðɪst/adjective · B1+At the greatest distance.
- fastness/ˈfɑːs(t)nəs/noun · C2A stronghold in country hard to reach.
- fawn/fɔːn/verb · C1To flatter somebody with excessive attention.
- fealty/ˈfiː.əlti/noun · C2The loyalty a vassal owes to their lord.
- fearsome/ˈfɪəsəm/adjective · B2Frightening in appearance or reputation.
- feint/feɪnt/noun · C1A move made to draw an opponent the wrong way.
- fell/fɛl/adjective · C2Fierce and cruel, in old use.
- fend/ˈfɛnd/verb · B2+To ward something off, or to look after yourself.
- fennel/ˈfɛnəl/noun · B2+A plant with feathery leaves and an aniseed flavour.
- ferocity/fəˈɹɑsɪti/noun · C2Savage fierceness.
- ferret/ˈfɛɹɪt/noun · B2+A small tame animal used to hunt rabbits.
- ferryman/ˈfɛɹ.i.mən/noun · B2+Somebody who takes people across water in a boat.
- fester/ˈfɛstə/verb · C1To grow infected, or to grow more bitter with time.
- festoon/fɛsˈtuːn/verb · C2To hang decorations all over something.
- fete/feɪt/noun · C2An outdoor entertainment held to raise money.
- fetter/ˈfet.ə/noun · C1A chain fastened round a prisoner's ankle.
- fief/fiːf/noun · C2Land held from a lord in return for service.
- filch/fɪlt͡ʃ/verb · C2To steal something small and of little value.
- filigree/ˈfɪl.ɪ.ɡɹiː/noun · C1Delicate ornamental work in fine wire.
- fillet/ˈfɪl.ɪt/noun · B1+A boneless strip of meat or fish.
- filly/ˈfɪli/noun · C1A young female horse.
- filth/fɪlθ/noun · B2Disgusting dirt, or obscene material.
- finery/ˈfaɪnəɹi/noun · C1Showy clothes and ornaments worn for display.
- firth/fɜːθ/noun · C2A narrow inlet of the sea, in Scotland.
- fitful/ˈfɪtf(ʊ)l/adjective · C1Stopping and starting, and never steady.
- flabby/ˈflæb.i/adjective · B2Soft and loose from lack of exercise.
- flagon/ˈflæɡ(ə)n/noun · C2A large vessel with a handle for holding drink.
- flagstone/ˈflæɡ.stəʊn/noun · B2+A flat slab of stone used for paving.
- flail/fleɪl/verb · C1To wave the arms about wildly.
- flamboyant/flamˈbɔɪ.ənt/adjective · B2+Showy and confident in an eye-catching way.
- flautist/ˈflaʊtɪst/noun · C1Somebody who plays the flute.
- flax/flaks/noun · B2+A plant whose fibre is spun into linen.
- flaxen/ˈflæk.sən/adjective · C2Pale yellow, said of hair.
- flay/fleɪ/verb · C1To strip the skin off, or to criticise savagely.
- fleck/flɛk/noun · C1A very small patch of colour.
- fletch/flɛt͡ʃ/verb · C2To fit feathers to an arrow.
- flick/flɪk/verb · B2To move something with a quick light stroke.
- flinty/ˈflɪnti/adjective · C2Hard and unyielding in character.
- flit/flɪt/verb · C2To move lightly and quickly from place to place.
- floppy/ˈflɒ.pi/adjective · B1+So soft and bendy that it wobbles and flaps about instead of holding its shape, like a sunhat brim or a puppy's ears.
- flotilla/floʊˈtɪlə/noun · C2A small fleet of boats.
- fluke/fluːk/noun · B2A piece of luck that could not be repeated.
- fluster/ˈflʌstə/verb · B2+To make somebody nervous and confused.
- flutedadjective · C1Marked with long rounded grooves.
- foe/fəʊ/noun · B2An enemy, in formal or literary use.
- foist/fɔɪst/verb · C1To force something unwanted on somebody.
- fondle/ˈfɒndəl/verb · B2+To stroke and handle affectionately.
- footpadnoun · C2A robber on foot who attacks travellers.
- forage/ˈfɒɹ.ɪd͡ʒ/verb · B2+To search widely for food or supplies.
- forbidding/fɚˈbɪdɪŋ/adjective · B2+Looking hostile and unwelcoming.
- forcibleadjective · C1Done by force, or carrying great force.
- forecastle/ˈfoʊk.səl/noun · C2The raised deck at the front of a ship.
- foretell/fɔɹˈtɛl/verb · B2+To say what will happen before it does.
- forget-me-not/fɚˈɡɛt.miˌnɑt/noun · B2A small plant with pale blue flowers.
- form upphrase · C1To arrange into an ordered line or block.
- fornicate/ˈfɔː.nɪ.kət/verb · C2To have sex outside marriage, in religious use.
- forswear/fə(ɹ)ˈswɛə(ɹ)/verb · C2To give something up by solemn promise.
- forthright/ˈfɔːθˌɹaɪt/adjective · C1Direct and outspoken.
- forthwith/fɔːθˈwɪð/adverb · C1Immediately and without delay.
- fortify/ˈfɔːtɪfaɪ/verb · B2+To strengthen a place against attack.
- fortress/ˈfoɹ.tɹɪs/noun · B2A large strongly defended building.
- foundlingnoun · C2An abandoned child found and taken in.
- fowl/faʊl/noun · B2A bird kept for its meat and eggs.
- frame/ˈfɹeɪ̯m/verb · B1To put a border round, or to make somebody look guilty.
- frankincense/ˈfɹæŋkənˌsɛns/noun · C1A fragrant resin burnt as incense.
- fratricidenoun · C2The killing of your own brother.
- freeholdnoun · C1Ownership of land outright and for ever.
- fresco/ˈfɹɛskoʊ/noun · B2+A painting done on wet plaster.
- fret/fɹɛt/verb · B2To worry continually over small things.
- frigid/ˈfɹɪd͡ʒɪd/adjective · B2Very cold, or cold in manner.
- frisky/ˈfɹɪski/adjective · B2+Lively and playful.
- fritter/ˈfɹɪtə(ɹ)/verb · B2+To waste money or time in small amounts.
- frolic/ˈfɹɒlɪk/verb · C2To play and jump about happily.
- frond/fɹɒnd/noun · C1The leaf of a fern or a palm.
- froth/ˈfɹɒθ/noun · B2+A mass of small bubbles on a liquid.
- fruitless/ˈfɹuːtləs/adjective · B2+Producing no result whatever.
- fuddle/ˈfʌdəl/verb · C2To confuse somebody, especially with drink.
- fuller/ˈfʊ.lə/noun · C2The groove running down the blade of a sword.
- fume/fjuːm/verb · B2+To give off smoke, or to seethe with anger.
- functionary/ˈfʌŋ(k).ʃn̩.(ə)ri/noun · C2An official who carries out routine duties.
- furnace/ˈfɝnɪs/noun · B2An enclosed chamber for making very great heat.
- furnish/ˈfɝnɪʃ/verb · B2+To fit out with furniture, or to supply something.
- furnishingsnoun · B2+The furniture and fittings of a room.
- fussy/ˈfʌ.si/adjective · B1+Hard to please over small details.
- fuzz/fʌz/noun · B2A mass of fine light fibres or hair.
- gag/ɡæɡ/verb · B2To choke or retch, or to stop somebody speaking.
- gage/ɡeɪd͡ʒ/noun · C2A pledge, or a glove thrown down as a challenge.
- gaggle/ˈɡæɡl̩/noun · C1A flock of geese, or a noisy disorderly group.
- gaily/ˈɡeɪli/adverb · C1Cheerfully and brightly.
- gainsay/ɡeɪnˈseɪ/verb · C2To deny or contradict something.
- gall/ɡɔːl/noun · B1+Bold cheek, or bitter resentment.
- gallantry/ˈɡæləntri/noun · C1Brave conduct, or polite attention to women.
- gallingadjective · C1Deeply annoying and humiliating.
- gallop/ˈɡæləp/verb · B1+To run at a horse's fastest pace.
- gallows/ˈɡæləʊz/noun · B2+The frame on which people were hanged.
- gamble/ˈɡæm.bəl/verb · B1To risk money or safety on an uncertain outcome.
- gammon/ˈɡæmən/noun · C1Cured meat from the hind leg of a pig.
- ganglingadjective · C1Tall, thin and loose-limbed.
- gangly/ˈɡæŋɡli/adjective · C1Awkwardly tall and thin.
- gangplank/ˈɡæŋˌplæŋk/noun · C1The board laid from a ship to the shore.
- gaol/d͡ʒeɪl/noun · C1A prison, in older British spelling.
- garb/ɡɑː(ɹ)b/noun · C1Clothing of a particular kind.
- garbledadjective · C1So confused in transmission that the sense is lost.
- gargantuan/ɡɑːˈɡæn.t͡ʃu.ən/adjective · C1Enormous beyond ordinary measure.
- gargle/ˈɡɑːɡəl/verb · B1+To wash the throat with liquid held by breath.
- garland/ˈɡɑː.lənd/noun · B2+A ring of flowers worn or hung as decoration.
- garret/ˈɡæɹɪt/noun · C2A small room right under the roof.
- gaudy/ˈɡɔːdi/adjective · B2+Brightly coloured in a showy tasteless way.
- gaunt/ɡɔːnt/adjective · C1Thin and hollow-looking from hunger or illness.
- gauze/ɡɔːz/noun · B2A thin transparent fabric used for dressings.
- gawky/ˈɡɔːki/adjective · C1Awkward and ungainly, especially in a young person.
- geld/ɡɛld/verb · C2To remove the reproductive organs of a male animal.
- gentry/ˈd͡ʒɛntɹi/noun · C1The class just below the nobility.
- ghastly/ˈɡɑːs(t).li/adjective · B2Horrifying, or very unwell in appearance.
- gibber/ˈd͡ʒɪbə(ɹ)/verb · C1To talk fast and unintelligibly from fear.
- gibbet/ˈd͡ʒɪbɪt/noun · C2A post where executed criminals were hung on display.
- gibenoun · C2A mocking remark aimed at somebody.
- gilded/ˈɡɪldɪd/adjective · C1Covered with a thin layer of gold.
- gilt/ɡɪlt/noun · C1A thin covering of gold.
- gimlet/ˈɡɪm.lət/noun · C2A small tool for boring holes in wood.
- gird/ɡɜːd/verb · C2To fasten a belt on, or to prepare for action.
- gird upphrase · C2To prepare yourself for hard effort.
- girdle/ˈɡɝdl̩/noun · C1A belt or cord worn round the waist.
- girth/ɡɜːθ/noun · C1The measurement round something thick.
- gladden/ˈɡlædən/verb · C1To make somebody happy.
- glamour/ˈɡlæmə/noun · B2An attractive and exciting charm.
- glancing/ˈɡlɑːn.sɪŋ/adjective · C1Striking at an angle rather than straight on.
- glassy/ˈɡlɑːsi/adjective · B2Smooth and shining like glass, or blank in expression.
- glee/ɡliː/noun · B2Great delight, often at somebody else's expense.
- gleeful/ˈɡliːfəl/adjective · C1Full of delight, often at another's cost.
- glen/ɡlɛn/noun · C1A narrow valley, especially in Scotland.
- gloaming/ˈɡləʊ.mɪŋ/noun · C2The dim light at the end of the day.
- glob/ɡlɑb/noun · B2+A soft rounded lump of something thick.
- glower/ˈɡlaʊə(ɹ)/verb · C1To stare angrily at somebody.
- glutton/ˈɡlʌtn̩/noun · B2+Somebody who eats far too much.
- glyph/ɡlɪf/noun · C1A carved symbol standing for a word or a sound.
- gnarled/nɑː(ɹ)ld/adjective · C1Twisted and knotted with age.
- gnash/ˈnæʃ/verb · C1To grind the teeth together in anger.
- goad/ɡəʊd/verb · C1To keep provoking somebody into acting.
- gobble/ˈɡɒbl̩/verb · B2To eat fast and greedily.
- godspeednoun · C1A wish of good fortune to somebody setting out.
- gore/ɡɔː/noun · B2+Thick blood from a wound.
- gorget/ˈɡɔːdʒɪt/noun · C2A piece of armour protecting the throat.
- gorse/ɡɔɹs/noun · C1A prickly evergreen shrub with yellow flowers.
- goshawk/ˈɡɒshɔːk/noun · C2A large short-winged hawk used in falconry.
- gossamer/ˈɡɒ.sə.mə/noun · C1Fine floating spider silk, or anything as delicate.
- gouge/ˈɡaʊ̯d͡ʒ/verb · B2+To cut a deep groove, or to force something out.
- gourd/ɡʊəd/noun · B2+A hard-skinned fruit dried and used as a vessel.
- gout/ɡaʊt/noun · C2A painful swelling of the joints, especially the toe.
- granary/ˈɡɹan(ə)ɹi/noun · C1A building where grain is stored.
- grapnel/ˈɡɹæpnəl/noun · C2A small anchor with several hooks.
- grasping/ˈɡɹæspɪŋ/adjective · B2Greedy and always wanting more.
- greave/ɡɹiːv/noun · C2Armour worn to protect the shin.
- greenery/ˈɡɹiːnəɹi/noun · B2+Green leaves and plants taken together.
- grind/ˈɡɹaɪnd/noun · B2Dull hard work that never lets up.
- gripe/ɡɹaɪp/verb · B2+To complain persistently about small things.
- grisly/ˈɡɹɪzli/adjective · C1Causing horror through blood and death.
- gristle/ˈɡɹɪsəl/noun · C1Tough springy tissue found in meat.
- grizzledadjective · C1Having hair turned grey with age.
- groggy/ˈɡɹɒ.ɡi/adjective · B2+Dazed and unsteady on your feet.
- groin/ˈɡɹoɪ̯n/noun · B2The hollow where the legs meet the trunk.
- grope/ɡɹəʊp/verb · B2+To feel about blindly with the hands.
- gross/ɡɹəʊs/adjective · B1Very obviously wrong, or disgusting.
- grotesque/ɡɹəʊˈtɛsk/adjective · B2+Ugly and distorted in a disturbing way.
- grub/ɡɹʌb/noun · B2The soft legless larva of an insect.
- grudging/ˈɡɹʌ.dʒɪŋ/adjective · C1Given unwillingly and without warmth.
- gruesome/ˈɡɹuːsəm/adjective · C1Horrifying because of blood and injury.
- gruff/ɡɹʌf/adjective · B2+Rough and abrupt in voice or manner.
- guise/ˈɡaɪz/noun · C1The outward appearance something is presented under.
- gullet/ˈɡʌl.ɪt/noun · C1The tube food passes down to the stomach.
- gunwale/ˈɡʌnəl/noun · C2The upper edge of a boat's side.
- gush/ˈɡʌʃ/verb · C1To pour out in a strong stream, or to praise excessively.
- gutlessadjective · C1Lacking courage.
- gutted/ˈɡʌtɪd/adjective · B2+Bitterly disappointed, or emptied out inside.
- guttural/ˈɡʌtəɹəl/adjective · C1Harsh and produced deep in the throat.
- gyrfalcon/ˈdʒɜːfɔːlkən/noun · C2The largest of the falcons, from the far north.
- hack/hæk/verb · B2To cut roughly with heavy blows.
- hackles/ˈhækəlz/noun · C1The hairs on an animal's neck that rise in anger.
- haft/hæft/noun · C2The handle of a knife or an axe.
- haggard/ˈhæɡ.əd/adjective · C1Looking exhausted and worn out.
- hairline/ˈhɛɹˌlaɪn/noun · B2The edge where the hair begins on the forehead.
- halberd/ˈhæl.bɚd/noun · C2A weapon that is part axe and part spear.
- hale/heɪl/adjective · C2Strong and healthy, especially in old age.
- halfheartedadjective · B2Done without real enthusiasm.
- halloo/həˈluː/verb · C2To shout to attract attention, especially in hunting.
- halter/ˈhɔltɚ/noun · C1A rope or strap put over an animal's head to lead it.
- haltingadjective · C1Stopping and starting, and lacking fluency.
- hamstring/ˈhæmstɹɪŋ/verb · C1To cripple somebody, or to destroy their ability to act.
- handmaidennoun · C1A female personal servant.
- hanger-onnoun · C1Somebody who stays close to the important for gain.
- hank/ˈhæŋk/noun · C2A coil of wool or rope.
- happenstance/ˈhap(ə)nˌstɑːns/noun · C2A chance occurrence with no plan behind it.
- harass/həˈɹæs/verb · C1To keep troubling somebody with unwanted pressure.
- hard-bittenadjective · C2Toughened and unsentimental from hard experience.
- hardy/ˈhɑɹdi/adjective · B2+Able to survive hard conditions.
- hare/hɛə/noun · B1+A long-eared animal like a large fast rabbit.
- harlot/ˈhɑːlət/noun · C1A prostitute, in old use.
- harpy/ˈhɑɹpi/noun · C1A greedy cruel woman, or a monster of legend.
- harridan/ˈhæɹ.ɪ.dən/noun · C2A bad-tempered scolding old woman.
- harrowing/ˈhæɹəʊ.ɪŋ/adjective · C1Deeply distressing to go through or to hear.
- harrumphverb · C2To clear the throat noisily in disapproval.
- harry/ˈhæɹi/verb · C1To keep attacking or pestering somebody.
- hart/hɑːt/noun · C2An adult male deer, in old use.
- hasp/hɑːsp/noun · C2A hinged metal fastening for a door or a chest.
- haste/heɪst/noun · B2Excessive speed in doing something.
- hatchway/ˈhæt͡ʃweɪ/noun · C1An opening in a deck or a floor.
- hauberk/ˈhɔːbɜː(ɹ)k/noun · C2A long shirt of chain mail.
- haunch/hɔːn(t)ʃ/noun · C1The upper leg and hip of an animal.
- haven/ˈheɪvən/noun · B1A place of shelter and safety.
- hawthorn/ˈhɔː.θɔːn/noun · C1A thorny shrub with white blossom and red berries.
- hazel/ˈheɪzəl/noun · B2A shrub bearing edible nuts, or a light brown colour.
- headlong/ˈhɛd.lɒŋ/adverb · C1Rushing forward without stopping to think.
- headstrongadjective · C1Determined to have your own way whatever the advice.
- headwaternoun · C2The stream at the very source of a river.
- hear outphrase · B2To listen to somebody until they have finished.
- hector/ˈhɛktə/verb · C2To bully somebody with loud talk.
- heedless/ˈhiːdləs/adjective · C1Taking no notice of danger or advice.
- heft/hɛft/verb · C1To lift something to judge how heavy it is.
- hefty/ˈhɛfti/adjective · B2+Large, heavy and substantial.
- hell-bent/ˈhɛlˌbɛnt/adjective · C1Absolutely determined, whatever the cost.
- hemlock/ˈhɛmˌlɒk/noun · C1A poisonous plant, or a tree of the same name.
- hemp/hɛmp/noun · B2+A tough plant fibre used for rope and cloth.
- hempen/ˈhɛmpən/adjective · C2Made from the tough fibre of a plant.
- heraldry/ˈhɛɹ.əl.dɹi/noun · C1The system of coats of arms and their designs.
- hereafter/hɪɹˈæftɚ/adverb · C1From this point onward.
- hereditary/həˈɹɛdɪt(ə)ɹi/adjective · B2+Passed down from parent to child.
- herein/hɪɹˈɪn/adverb · C1In this document or place.
- hermit/ˈhɝmɪt/noun · B2Somebody who lives entirely apart from other people.
- hermitage/ˈhɜːmɪtɪd͡ʒ/noun · C2The dwelling of somebody who lives apart from the world.
- hew/hjuː/verb · C2To chop or cut with heavy blows.
- heyday/ˈheɪdeɪ/noun · C1The period when somebody was at their best.
- hilt/hɪlt/noun · C1The handle of a sword or a dagger.
- hireling/ˈhaɪ.ə.lɪŋ/noun · C2Somebody who works only for the money.
- hirsute/həːˈsjuːt/adjective · C2Very hairy.
- hitch/hɪt͡ʃ/verb · B2To fasten with a knot, or to raise with a jerk.
- hoarse/hɔːs/adjective · B2+Rough and harsh in voice from strain.
- hoary/hɔː.ɹi/adjective · C2White with age, or very old and stale.
- hold swayphrase · C1To have controlling influence over something.
- holdfastnoun · C2A small walled refuge in old tales, less grand than a castle, where a minor lord's people shelter from attack.
- homely/ˈhəʊmli/adjective · C1Simple and comfortable, or plain in looks.
- honeycomb/ˈhʌnikəʊm/noun · B1+The wax grid of six-sided cells bees store honey in.
- honorific/ˌɒnəˈɹɪfɪk/noun · C1A title or word used to show respect.
- hooded/ˈhʊdɪd/adjective · B2+Wearing or fitted with a covering for the head.
- hoodwink/ˈhʊdwɪŋk/verb · C1To deceive somebody by a trick.
- hoop/huːp/noun · B1A large ring of wood or metal.
- horde/hɔːd/noun · B2+A great crowd, often an unwelcome one.
- hornet/ˈhɔː.nɪt/noun · B2A large wasp with a very painful sting.
- horrid/ˈhɒ.ɹɪd/adjective · B2Extremely unpleasant.
- hostelry/ˈhɒstəlɹi/noun · C2An inn, in old use.
- hotlyadverb · C1With strong and angry feeling.
- hound/haʊnd/noun · B2A dog bred for hunting by scent.
- hovel/ˈhɒvəl/noun · C1A small wretched dwelling.
- howling/ˈhaʊlɪŋ/adjective · B2Filled with a long wailing sound, as a gale is.
- huddle/ˈhʌdəl/verb · B2To crowd together closely for warmth or safety.
- huff/hʌf/noun · B2A fit of bad temper over a slight.
- hulk/hʌlk/noun · C1The body of an old ship, or a large clumsy person.
- hulking/ˈhʌlkɪŋ/adjective · C1Very large and heavy-looking.
- hullo/hʌˈləʊ/noun · C2A greeting or call for attention, written in the older British way with a u where the usual spelling has an e.
- humility/hjuːˈmɪlɪti/noun · B2A modest view of your own importance.
- hummock/ˈhʌmək/noun · C2A small rounded hill.
- humpback/ˈhʌmpbæk/noun · B2A hunched back, or the whale that has one.
- humus/ˈhjuːməs/noun · C1The dark rich matter in soil made of rotted plants.
- hunk/hʌŋk/noun · B2A thick clumsy piece broken off something.
- hunker/ˈhʌŋkə/verb · B2+To crouch down low on your heels.
- hurtle/ˈhɜːtl̩/verb · C1To move very fast and out of control.
- hurtle downphrase · C1To rush downward with great and uncontrolled speed.
- hushed/hʌʃt/adjective · B2Quiet, as when people lower their voices.
- husky/ˈhʌs.ki/adjective · B2Low and slightly hoarse in voice.
- hymn/hɪm/noun · B1+A song of praise sung in worship.
- idly/ˈaɪd(ə)lɪ/adverb · B2+Without purpose or effort.
- ignoble/ɪɡˈnəʊbəl/adjective · C1Shameful and unworthy of a decent person.
- ill-bredadjective · C1Badly brought up and lacking manners.
- ill-timedadjective · C1Happening at exactly the wrong moment.
- imbibe/ɪmˈbaɪb/verb · C2To drink, or to take in ideas.
- impale/ɪmˈpeɪl/verb · C1To pierce right through with something sharp.
- impend/ɪmˈpɛnd/verb · C2To be about to happen, usually something bad.
- impenetrable/ɪmˈpɛnətɹəbəl/adjective · C1Impossible to get through or to understand.
- impietynoun · C2A lack of proper reverence for what is sacred.
- impish/ˈɪmpɪʃ/adjective · C1Mischievous in a playful way.
- importune/ɪmpɔːˈtjuːn/verb · C2To pester somebody with persistent requests.
- imposing/ɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/adjective · B2+Grand and impressive in size or appearance.
- imposition/ˌɪm.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/noun · C2An unfair demand placed on somebody.
- impotent/ˈɪm.pə.tənt/adjective · C1Without the power to act or to affect anything.
- impoverished/ɪmˈpɑvəɹɪʃt/adjective · C1Made very poor, or drained of richness.
- impudent/ˈɪmpjʊdənt/adjective · C1Boldly disrespectful.
- inaction/ɪnˈækʃən/noun · B2+A failure to do anything at all.
- incest/ˈɪn.sɛst/noun · B2+Sexual relations between close relatives.
- incestuous/ɪnˈsɛstjuəs/adjective · C1Involving sex between close relatives.
- incidental/ɪnsɪˈdɛntəl/adjective · B2Happening as a minor side effect of something else.
- incise/ɪnˈsaɪz/verb · C2To cut a design into a hard surface.
- incline/ɪnˈklaɪn/noun · B2+A slope, or a leaning towards something.
- incorruptibleadjective · C1Impossible to bribe or to corrupt.
- inculcate/ˈɪn.kʌl.keɪt/verb · C2To fix an idea in somebody's mind by repetition.
- indebted/ɪnˈdɛtɪd/adjective · B2+Owing money, or owing gratitude.
- indisposedadjective · C1Slightly unwell, or unwilling to do something.
- indulgence/ɪnˈdʌl.d͡ʒəns/noun · C2Letting yourself have what you want, or a pardon granted.
- inflame/ɪnˈfleɪm/verb · B2+To make a feeling or a wound worse.
- infuse/ɪnˈfjuz/verb · B2+To soak in liquid to draw out flavour, or to fill with a quality.
- ingrate/ˈɪnɡɹeɪt/noun · C2Somebody who shows no thanks for kindness.
- ingratiate/ɪnˈɡɹeɪ.ʃi.eɪt/verb · C1To work your way into somebody's favour.
- ingratitude/ɪnˈɡɹætɪtud/noun · C1A failure to show thanks for kindness.
- inimitable/ɪnˈɪmɪtəbl̩/adjective · C2So distinctive that nobody can copy it.
- inky/ˈɪŋki/adjective · C1As black as writing fluid.
- inlaidadjective · C1Decorated with pieces set flush into the surface.
- insistent/ɪnˈsɪstənt/adjective · B2+Demanding attention and refusing to be put off.
- insolence/ˈɪn.sə.ləns/noun · C1Rude disrespect towards somebody who deserves better.
- instep/ˈɪnˌstɛp/noun · C1The arched upper part of the foot.
- inter/ɪnˈtɚ/verb · C1To bury a body in the ground.
- intercede/ɪntə(ɹ)ˈsiːd/verb · C1To speak up on somebody's behalf.
- intercession/ˌɪn.təɹˈsɛ.ʃən/noun · C1Pleading with somebody on another's behalf.
- interdict/ˈɪntɚdɪkt/noun · C2An official order forbidding something.
- interpose/ˌɪn.təˈpəʊz/verb · C1To put something between, or to intervene.
- intersperse/ˌɪntəˈspɜːs/verb · C2To scatter things at intervals among others.
- intone/ɪnˈtoʊn/verb · C1To speak or chant on a level note.
- intrigue/ˈɪntɹiːɡ/noun · B2+Secret plotting to gain an advantage.
- intrude/ɪnˈtɹuːd/verb · B2To come in where you are not wanted.
- intruder/ənˈtɹudɚ/noun · B2Somebody who enters where they have no right to be.
- investiture/ɪnˈvɛstɪt͡ʃə/noun · C2The ceremony of granting somebody an office or honour.
- irksome/ˈɜɹksəm/adjective · C1Annoying in a tiresome and persistent way.
- irresolute/ɪˈrɛz.əˌl(j)uːt/adjective · C1Unable to make up your mind.
- irritated/ˈɪɹɪteɪtɪd/adjective · B2Annoyed, or sore and inflamed.
- isle/aɪ̯l/noun · B2+An island, in poetic or place-name use.
- issue forthphrase · C2To stream or pour outward from an opening, said in a formal, old-fashioned way.
- jabber/ˈd͡ʒæbə(ɹ)/verb · C1To talk fast and unintelligibly.
- jackal/ˈd͡ʒækəl/noun · B2+A wild dog that hunts and scavenges.
- jackanapes/ˈd͡ʒækəneɪps/noun · C2A cheeky and impertinent young man.
- jangle/ˈd͡ʒæŋɡəl/verb · C1To make a harsh ringing clatter.
- jape/d͡ʒeɪp/noun · C2A practical joke or a bit of mockery.
- japerynoun · C2Joking and playing tricks.
- jaunty/ˈd͡ʒɔːn.ti/adjective · C1Lively and pleased with yourself.
- jeer/d͡ʒɪə/verb · B2+To shout mocking remarks at somebody.
- jerkin/ˈd͡ʒɜː.kɪn/noun · C2A close-fitting sleeveless jacket.
- jerky/ˈd͡ʒɜːki/adjective · B2Moving in sudden uneven starts.
- jet-black/ˈd͡ʒɛtblæk/adjective · B2As deeply black as it is possible to be.
- jiggle/ˈd͡ʒɪɡəl/verb · B2To move something up and down or side to side with quick little jerks, as when working a stuck key in a lock.
- jounce/d͡ʒaʊn(t)s/verb · C2To bump and jolt up and down.
- jovial/ˈd͡ʒəʊ.vɪ.əl/adjective · C1Cheerful and full of good humour.
- jowl/d͡ʒaʊl/noun · C2The loose flesh under the jaw.
- jumble/ˈd͡ʒʌmbəl/noun · B2An untidy mixture of unrelated things.
- jut/d͡ʒʌt/verb · B2+To stick out beyond the surrounding surface.
- keep outphrase · B1To stop somebody or something entering.
- keepsake/ˈkiːp.seɪk/noun · C1A small object kept in memory of somebody.
- ketch/kɛt͡ʃ/noun · C2A two-masted sailing boat.
- kin/kɪn/noun · B2Your family and relations.
- kirtle/ˈkəːt(ə)l/noun · C2A long gown worn in earlier centuries.
- kith/kɪθ/noun · C2Friends and acquaintances, in the phrase with kin.
- knack/næk/noun · B2A trick of doing something easily and well.
- knell/nɛl/noun · C2The slow tolling of a bell for a death.
- knobby/ˈnɒbi/adjective · C1Covered with small hard lumps.
- laborious/ləˈbɔːɹiəs/adjective · C1Needing long hard effort.
- laden/ˈleɪdən/adjective · B2Heavily loaded with something.
- lamprey/ˈlæm.pɹi/noun · C2An eel-like fish that fastens onto other fish.
- languor/ˈlæŋɡə/noun · C2A pleasant heavy tiredness with no wish to move.
- lank/ˈlæŋk/adjective · C2Long, limp and without body.
- lanky/ˈlæŋk.i/adjective · B2+Awkwardly tall and thin.
- larch/ˈlɑːtʃ/noun · C1A conifer that sheds its needles in winter.
- lard/lɑːd/noun · B2Soft white fat from a pig used in cooking.
- lascivious/ləˈsɪvɪ.əs/adjective · C2Openly and crudely full of sexual desire.
- lath/lɑːθ/noun · C2A thin narrow strip of wood used in building.
- latrine/ləˈtɹiːn/noun · C1A simple toilet in a camp or a barracks.
- laughingstocknoun · B2+Somebody everybody laughs at.
- laurel/ˈlɒɹ.əl/noun · C1An evergreen whose leaves crowned victors.
- leach/liːt͡ʃ/verb · C1To drain a substance away by water passing through.
- leash/liːʃ/noun · B2A strap for holding a dog.
- leaven/ˈlɛv.ən/verb · C2To lighten dough, or to relieve something dull.
- leavingsnoun · C2The scraps and unwanted bits remaining once everything worth having has been taken.
- lecherous/ˈlɛtʃ.ə.ɹəs/adjective · C1Showing crude and open sexual desire.
- leftovernoun · B1+Food or material remaining after the rest is used.
- legion/ˈliː.d͡ʒən/noun · C2A large body of soldiers, or a great number.
- leisure/ˈlɛʒə(ɹ)/noun · B1+Time free from work, to use as you please.
- lemur/ˈliːmə(ɹ)/noun · B1+A long-tailed tree-dwelling animal of Madagascar.
- leonine/ˈliːənaɪn/adjective · C2Resembling a lion in look or bearing.
- lest/lɛst/preposition · B2In case something unwanted should happen.
- leviathan/lɪˈvaɪəθn̩/noun · C1A sea monster, or anything enormously large.
- lewd/ljuːd/adjective · C1Crudely and offensively sexual.
- lice/laɪs/noun · B2+More than one of the small insects that live on skin.
- lickspittle/ˈlɪkspɪtl/noun · C2A contemptible flatterer of the powerful.
- licorice/ˈlɪ.k(ə).ɹɪʃ/noun · B1+A black sweet made from a plant root.
- liege/liːd͡ʒ/noun · C2A lord owed loyalty, or the vassal who owes it.
- lilt/lɪlt/noun · C2A pleasant rise and fall in a voice or a tune.
- limber/ˈlɪmbə(ɹ)/adjective · C1Supple and easily bent.
- limn/lɪm/verb · C2To paint or describe something in outline.
- linchpin/ˈlɪnt͡ʃˌpɪn/noun · C1The pin that holds a wheel on, or the vital element.
- linden/ˈlɪn.dən/noun · C1A broad-leaved tree with fragrant flowers.
- liquefy/ˈlɪ.kwɪ.faɪ/verb · C1To turn something into a liquid.
- liqueur/lɪˈkjɔː(ɹ)/noun · B2+A strong sweet flavoured spirit.
- lisp/lɪsp/noun · B2+A speech habit of sounding an s like a th.
- listless/ˈlɪstlɪs/adjective · C1Without energy or interest in anything.
- lithe/laɪð/adjective · C1Slim, supple and moving easily.
- loath/ləʊθ/adjective · C1Very unwilling to do something.
- loath tophrase · C1Very unwilling to do a particular thing.
- loathing/ˈləʊðɪŋ/noun · C1Intense hatred and disgust.
- lodger/ˈlɑd͡ʒɚ/noun · B2+Somebody who pays to live in a room in another's house.
- loin/ˈloɪn/noun · C1The part of the body between the ribs and the hips.
- loll/lɒl/verb · C1To sit or lie in a lazy relaxed sprawl.
- loon/ˈluːn/noun · C1A foolish person, or a diving water bird.
- loot/luːt/noun · B1+Goods taken by force in war or riot.
- lope/ləʊp/verb · C1To run with long easy strides.
- lopsided/ˈlɒp.saɪ.dəd/adjective · B2+Heavier or lower on one side than the other.
- lordling/ˈlɔːdlɪŋ/noun · C2A young or minor nobleman.
- louse/laʊs/noun · B2+A small wingless insect that lives on skin and hair.
- low-bornadjective · C1Born into a family of no rank.
- lullaby/ˈlʌləbaɪ/noun · B1A gentle song sung to send a child to sleep.
- lunge/lʌnd͡ʒ/verb · B2+To make a sudden forward thrust.
- lustrous/ˈlʌ.stɹəs/adjective · C1Shining with a soft gleam.
- lusty/ˈlʌsti/adjective · C1Full of vigour and healthy strength.
- lye/laɪ/noun · C1A strong alkaline solution used in making soap.
- mace/meɪs/noun · B2A heavy club with a spiked head.
- mage/meɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1A magician, in stories.
- magister/ˈmæd͡ʒɪstə(ɹ)/noun · C2A master or a person of learning and authority.
- maidenheadnoun · C2A woman's virginity, in old use.
- maim/meɪm/verb · B2+To wound somebody so badly they are permanently damaged.
- malediction/ˌmæl.əˈdɪk.ʃən/noun · C2A curse spoken against somebody.
- malformed/ˌmælˈfɔːmd/adjective · C1Badly shaped from birth or growth.
- malignant/məˈlɪɡnənt/adjective · B2+Of a tumour: cancerous and able to invade the rest of the body, the opposite of benign.
- mammoth/ˈmæməθ/adjective · B2Enormous in size.
- manacle/ˈmænək(ə)l/noun · C1A metal ring locked round the wrist.
- manfullyadverb · C1With determined courage.
- mangonelnoun · C2A medieval engine for hurling stones.
- manhandle/ˈmænˌhæn.dəl/verb · B2+To move somebody roughly by force.
- manse/mæns/noun · C2A large house, especially a minister's.
- manticore/ˈmæntɪˌkɔɹ/noun · C2A legendary beast with a lion's body and a man's face.
- maraud/məˈɹɔːd/verb · C2To roam about raiding and plundering.
- mare/mɛə/noun · B1+A fully grown female horse.
- marrow/ˈmæɹəʊ/noun · B2The soft fatty tissue inside a bone.
- marshal/ˈmɑːʃəl/verb · C1To gather and arrange people or facts in order.
- mart/mɑɹt/noun · C1A market or a trading centre.
- marvel/ˈmɑːvəl/noun · B2Something that fills you with wonder.
- marvelous/ˈmɑːvələs/adjective · B1Wonderful and causing astonishment.
- masque/mæsk/noun · C2A courtly entertainment of music and disguise.
- mastiff/ˈmæstɪf/noun · C1A very large powerful guard dog.
- matronly/ˈmeɪtɹənli/adjective · C2Dignified and rather stout, said of an older woman.
- mattedadjective · C1Tangled into a thick dirty mass.
- maul/mɔːl/verb · C1To attack and tear at somebody savagely.
- mead/miːd/noun · C1An old alcoholic drink made from honey.
- mealy/ˈmiːli/adjective · C2Dry and crumbly like ground grain.
- medallion/məˈdæljən/noun · B2+A large flat piece of metal worn on a chain.
- meek/miːk/adjective · B2+Quiet, gentle and unwilling to argue.
- meld/mɛld/verb · C1To blend two things into one.
- membrane/ˈmɛm.bɹeɪn/noun · B2+A thin flexible sheet of tissue.
- menace/ˈmɛnɪs/noun · B2A threat, or something that causes danger.
- menagerie/məˈnæd͡ʒəɹɪ/noun · C1A collection of wild animals kept for show.
- mermannoun · B2+A legendary man with a fish's tail.
- merry/ˈmɛ.ɹi/adjective · A1Cheerful and full of good spirits.
- mete/miːt/verb · C2To deal out punishment or reward.
- methinks/mɪˈθɪŋks/verb · C2It seems to me, in old use.
- methodical/mɪˈθɑdɪkəl/adjective · C1Doing things in a careful orderly way.
- mewl/ˈmjuːl/verb · C2To cry feebly, as a baby or a kitten does.
- mews/mjuːz/noun · C2A row of former stables converted into houses.
- miasma/mɪˈæzmə/noun · C2An unpleasant heavy vapour, or an oppressive atmosphere.
- midden/ˈmɪdən/noun · C2A heap of household rubbish and dung.
- mien/miːn/noun · C2Somebody's bearing and manner.
- milady/mɪˈleɪdi/noun · C2A form of address to a noblewoman.
- milepost/ˈmaɪlˌpoʊst/noun · C1A post by a road showing the distance.
- milkmaid/ˈmɪlkmeɪd/noun · B2+A woman who milks cows.
- mill aboutphrase · C1To move around aimlessly in a crowd.
- mincingadjective · C2Walking with short affected steps.
- mingle/ˈmɪŋ.ɡəl/verb · C1To mix together, or to move about among guests.
- miniature/ˈmɪn.ɪ.tʃə/noun · B2A very small painting or a very small copy.
- minstrel/ˈmɪnstɹ(ə)l/noun · C1A travelling singer of the middle ages.
- mirth/mɜɹθ/noun · C1Laughter and high spirits.
- misadventurenoun · C1An unlucky accident.
- misbegotten/ˌmɪsbɪˈɡɒtn̩/adjective · C2Badly conceived, or born out of wedlock.
- miscarry/ˌmɪsˈkæɹi/verb · B2+To lose a pregnancy, or for a plan to go wrong.
- mischance/mɪsˈtʃɑːns/noun · C1A piece of bad luck.
- mischief/ˈmɪsˌt͡ʃiːf/noun · B1+Playful behaviour that causes small trouble.
- miser/ˈmaɪzə(ɹ)/noun · B2+Somebody who hoards money and will not spend it.
- mishap/ˈmɪshæp/noun · B2+An unlucky accident, usually a small one.
- mislay/mɪsˈleɪ/verb · B2+To put something down and forget where.
- missive/ˈmɪsɪv/noun · C2A letter, especially a long or official one.
- mistletoe/ˈmɪs(ə)ltəʊ/noun · B2An evergreen with white berries that grows on trees.
- mistress/ˈmɪs.tɹɪs/noun · B2A woman in authority, or a man's secret lover.
- mite/maɪt/noun · B2+A tiny amount, or a very small creature.
- mockery/ˈmɒkəɹi/noun · B2+Ridicule, or a poor imitation of something.
- modesty/ˈmɒd.ə.sti/noun · B2+A quiet unwillingness to boast about yourself.
- molasses/məˈlæsɪz/noun · B2+A thick dark syrup left when sugar is refined.
- molderverb · C1To crumble slowly away through decay.
- moleskin/ˈmoʊlˌskɪn/noun · C2A tough cotton cloth with a soft brushed surface.
- molest/məˈlɛst/verb · B2+To interfere with somebody, especially sexually.
- moor/mʊə/verb · C2To tie a vessel up so it cannot drift.
- moose/muːs/noun · B1A very large deer of North America.
- moot/muːt/adjective · C1Open to argument, and perhaps not worth settling.
- morass/məˈɹæs/noun · C2Boggy ground, or a situation you cannot get free of.
- morn/mɔːn/noun · C1The early part of the day, in poetic use.
- morrow/ˈmɒɹəʊ/noun · C2The following day, in old use.
- morsel/ˈmɔːsəl/noun · C1A small piece of food.
- mortify/ˈmɔːtɪfaɪ/verb · B2+To make somebody feel deeply ashamed.
- mote/moʊt/noun · C2A tiny speck of dust in the air.
- moth/mɒθ/noun · A2+A night-flying insect drawn to lights.
- motley/ˈmɒtli/adjective · C1Made up of oddly assorted parts.
- motte/ˈmɒt/noun · C2The earth mound an early castle keep stood on.
- mound/maʊnd/noun · B2A raised heap of earth or of anything else.
- muck/mʌk/noun · B2Dirt, mud and animal waste.
- mulberry/ˈmʌlˌbɛɹi/noun · B2+A dark purple fruit, or the tree it grows on.
- mule/mjuːl/noun · B1The offspring of a donkey and a horse.
- mull/mʌl/verb · C1To turn something over slowly in your mind.
- mullet/ˈmʌlɪt/noun · B2+A common sea fish, or a distinctive haircut.
- multiplicity/ˌmʌltɪˈplɪsɪti/noun · C1A great number and variety.
- mummer/ˈmʌm.ə(ɹ)/noun · C2A masked player in a traditional folk performance.
- murky/ˈmɜː(ɹ)ki/adjective · B2+Dark and dirty, or hard to see the truth of.
- muse/mjuːz/verb · B2+To think about something quietly and at length.
- muss/mʌs/verb · C2To make something untidy by ruffling it.
- mustachionoun · C2A large elaborate moustache.
- muster/ˈmʌstə/verb · C1To gather people or courage together.
- mutilate/ˈmjuː.tɪˌleɪt/verb · C1To damage a body or a thing by cutting parts away.
- mutton/ˈmʌt(ə)n/noun · B2+The meat of a fully grown sheep.
- myriad/ˈmɪɹi.æd/noun · C2An extremely great number.
- myrrh/mɜːɹ/noun · C1A fragrant gum used in perfume and incense.
- nary/ˈnɛə.ɹi/adjective · C2Not one, in dialect or old use.
- nasal/ˈneɪ.zəl/adjective · B2Sounding as if the voice came through the nose.
- natter/ˈnætɚ/verb · C1To chat idly and at length.
- nautical/ˈnɔːtɪ.kəl/adjective · B2+To do with ships and the sea.
- necromancy/ˈnɛkɹəˌmænsi/noun · C1Magic worked by calling on the dead.
- neigh/neɪ̯/verb · B2+To make the long high call a horse makes.
- nerveless/ˈnɜː(ɹ)vləs/adjective · C2Limp and without strength, or showing no fear.
- nestle/ˈnɛsəl/verb · B2+To settle comfortably into a warm safe place.
- nether/nɛð.ə/adjective · C1Lower, or belonging to the world below.
- newt/ˈnjuːt/noun · B2+A small amphibian with a long tail.
- nicety/ˈnaɪsɪti/noun · C2A fine point of detail or of manners.
- nick/nɪk/verb · B2To cut a small notch in something.
- niggardly/ˈnɪɡədli/adjective · C2Mean and grudging in what is given.
- niggle/ˈnɪɡəl/verb · C1To keep bothering somebody in a small way.
- nigglingadjective · C1Small but persistently troubling.
- nigh/naɪ/adverb · C2Near, in old or poetic use.
- nightshade/ˈnaɪt.ʃeɪd/noun · C1A poisonous plant with dark berries.
- nimbus/ˈnɪmbəs/noun · C2A dark rain cloud, or a halo of light.
- nip/nɪp/verb · B2To pinch or bite sharply.
- nitrenoun · C2A white salt used in gunpowder and curing.
- nonce/nɒns/noun · C2The present occasion, in the phrase for the moment.
- nondescript/ˈnɒndɪskɹɪpt/adjective · C1So ordinary that there is nothing to describe.
- nonplussed/nɒnˈplʌst/adjective · C1So surprised that you do not know what to do.
- nook/nʊk/noun · B2+A small sheltered corner.
- noose/nuːs/noun · B2A loop of rope that tightens when pulled.
- notch/nɒtʃ/noun · B2A small V-shaped cut in a surface.
- nubile/ˈnubaɪl/adjective · C2Young and old enough to marry, said of a woman.
- nuisance/ˈnjuː.səns/noun · B2Somebody or something that keeps causing annoyance.
- nuptial/ˈnʌp.ʃəl/adjective · C1To do with marriage and its ceremony.
- nuzzle/ˈnʌzl̩/verb · C1To rub gently with the nose.
- oar/ɔː/noun · B1+A long pole with a flat blade for rowing.
- oarlocknoun · C2The fitting an oar pivots in.
- obeisance/əˈbiː.səns/noun · C2A bow or gesture of deep respect.
- obelisk/ˈɒbəlɪsk/noun · C1A tall four-sided stone pillar tapering to a point.
- obese/oʊˈbis/adjective · B1+Very much overweight, to the point of harm.
- obscene/əbˈsiːn/adjective · B2+Offensive, especially about sex.
- obstinacy/ˈɑbstɪnəsi/noun · C1Stubborn refusal to change your mind.
- obtrude/əbˈtɹuːd/verb · C2To push yourself forward where you are not wanted.
- obtrusive/əbˈtɹuːsɪv/adjective · C1Noticeable in an unwelcome way.
- occupant/ˈɒk.jʊ.pənt/noun · C1Somebody living in or using a place.
- oddmentsnoun · C2Small leftover items of various kinds.
- odds/ɑdz/noun · B2The likelihood of something happening.
- odious/ˈəʊ.di.əs/adjective · C1Extremely unpleasant and hateful.
- offing/ˈɒfɪŋ/noun · C2The near future, in the phrase about to happen.
- offshoot/ˈɔf.ʃuːt/noun · C1A branch growing from a main stem or organisation.
- oink/ɔɪŋk/verb · B1+To make the grunting sound a pig makes.
- oldsternoun · C2A person well on in years, of either sex, spoken of informally but without mockery.
- onset/ˈɒnˌsɛt/noun · B2+The first shock of an assault.
- ooze/uːz/verb · B2To flow out very slowly and thickly.
- opine/ə(ʊ)ˈpaɪn/verb · C1To state an opinion.
- orchestrate/ˈɔː(ɹ).kə.stɹeɪt/verb · B2+To arrange the parts of something so it works as a whole.
- ordain/ɔɹˈdeɪn/verb · C2To make somebody a priest, or to decree by authority.
- oubliette/uːbliˈɛt/noun · C2A dungeon reached only through a hole above.
- out-and-outadjective · C1Complete and thorough, with nothing held back.
- outlandish/ˌaʊtˈlændɪʃ/adjective · B2+Strange and unfamiliar to the point of absurdity.
- outnumber/aʊtˈnʌmbə(ɹ)/verb · B2To be greater in number than another group.
- outstretched/aʊtˈstɹɛt͡ʃt/adjective · B2+Reached out to full length.
- overblown/ˌəʊ.vəˈbləʊn/adjective · C1Made far more of than it deserves.
- overhandadjective · B2+Thrown with the arm raised above the shoulder.
- overreach/ˌəʊvəˈɹiːt͡ʃ/verb · B2+To try for more than you can manage and fail.
- overseer/ˈəʊvəˌsiːə(ɹ)/noun · C1Somebody who supervises workers.
- overwrought/əʊ.vəˈɹɔːt/adjective · C1Too tense and excited to think clearly.
- pad/pæd/verb · C1To walk with soft quiet steps.
- paean/ˈpiː.ən/noun · C2A song or speech of enthusiastic praise.
- palanquin/ˌpælənˈkin/noun · C2A covered seat carried on poles by bearers.
- palfrey/ˈpɔːl.fɹi/noun · C2A gentle riding horse for ordinary travel.
- palisade/ˈpæl.ɪˌseɪ̯d/noun · C2A fence of strong pointed stakes.
- pall/pɔːl/noun · C1A cloth over a coffin, or a gloom that settles over things.
- palpitate/ˈpælpɪteɪt/verb · C2To beat fast and irregularly.
- palsy/ˈpɔːlzi/noun · C1A trembling or paralysis of part of the body.
- pander/ˈpændə/verb · C1To give people exactly what they want, however low.
- panel/ˈpænəl/noun · B2A flat section in a door or wall, or a group chosen to judge.
- panther/ˈpænθəɹ/noun · B1+A large wild cat, especially a black leopard.
- paperyadjective · C1Thin and dry to the touch.
- paramour/ˈpæɹəmʊə/noun · C2A lover, especially a secret one.
- parch/pɑɹt͡ʃ/verb · B2+To dry something out completely with heat.
- pare/pɛə/verb · C1To trim the outer layer off something.
- parley/ˈpɑːli/noun · C1A talk between enemies to discuss terms.
- partake/pɑɹˈteɪk/verb · C1To take a share of food or of an activity.
- partiality/pɑɹʃiˈælɪti/noun · C1Unfair favouring of one side, or a special liking.
- passable/ˈpæsəbəl/adjective · B2+Good enough, or able to be travelled along.
- pasty/ˈpeɪsti/adjective · C1Unhealthily pale, or like uncooked dough.
- patchworknoun · B2+Work made of small pieces of different cloth.
- patchy/ˈpæt͡ʃi/adjective · C2Uneven, and good in some parts but not others.
- pate/peɪt/noun · C2The top of the head, especially a bald one.
- patrician/pəˈtɹɪʃən/noun · C1A member of an old aristocratic family.
- paunch/pɔːnt͡ʃ/noun · C1A fat protruding belly.
- peal/piːl/noun · C1A loud ringing of bells, or a burst of laughter.
- pearl/pɜːl/noun · B1A smooth round gem formed inside an oyster.
- peckish/ˈpɛk.ɪʃ/adjective · B2+Slightly hungry.
- peddler/ˈpɛdlə/noun · B2A trader who travels about selling small goods.
- peerlessadjective · C2Having no equal anywhere.
- peeved/piːvd/adjective · B2+Mildly annoyed.
- pellet/ˈpɛl.ɪt/noun · B2+A small hard rounded ball of something.
- pelt/pɛlt/verb · B2+To throw things hard at somebody, or to rain heavily.
- pendulous/ˈpɛndjʊləs/adjective · C1Hanging down loosely.
- pennant/ˈpɛnənt/noun · C1A long narrow flag, often tapering to a point.
- pennon/ˈpɛnən/noun · C2A long narrow flag flown from a lance.
- penurious/pəˈnjʊə.ɹi.əs/adjective · C2Very poor, or extremely mean with money.
- perchance/ˌpɜːˈtʃɑːns/adverb · C2Perhaps, in old or poetic use.
- peregrine/ˈpɛɹəɡɹin/noun · C1A fast falcon that hunts by stooping from a height.
- perforce/pəˈfɔːs/adverb · C2Because there was no other choice.
- perpetuity/ˌpɜː(ɹ)pɪˈtjuːɪti/noun · C1A state of lasting for ever.
- perplexed/pɚˈplɛkst/adjective · B2+Puzzled and unable to see the way through.
- persimmon/pɜːˈsɪmən/noun · B2+A sweet orange fruit that must be fully ripe.
- perspiration/ˌpɜːspəˈɹeɪʃən/noun · B2+The moisture the skin gives off when hot.
- pert/pɜːt/adjective · C2Cheeky in a lively and rather attractive way.
- perverse/pɚˈvɝs/adjective · C2Deliberately doing the opposite of what is wanted.
- pester/ˈpɛstə(ɹ)/verb · B2To keep bothering somebody with requests.
- pestilence/ˈpɛstələn(t)s/noun · C1A deadly disease that sweeps through a population.
- pestilential/ˌpɛstɪˈlɛnʃi.əl/adjective · C2Carrying disease, or extremely annoying.
- pewter/ˈpjuːtə/noun · C1A dull grey metal used for old plates and mugs.
- philology/fɪˈlɒl.ə.d͡ʒɪ/noun · C2The study of language in its written history.
- phlegm/flɛm/noun · C1The thick mucus brought up from the chest.
- pick atphrase · B2To eat only a little, or to keep touching something.
- pidgin/ˈpɪ.d͡ʒɪn/noun · C1A simplified language used between groups with no common tongue.
- piebald/ˈpaɪ.bɔːld/adjective · C2Marked in patches of black and white.
- piecemeal/ˈpiːs.miːl/adverb · C1A bit at a time rather than all at once.
- pigsty/ˈpɪɡˌstaɪ̯/noun · B2+A pen where pigs are kept, or a very untidy room.
- pillion/ˈpɪljən/noun · C2A seat behind the rider for a passenger.
- pincer/ˈpɪnsəɹ/noun · C1A gripping claw, or one arm of a tool that grips.
- pinchedadjective · C1Drawn and thin from cold, hunger or worry.
- pinecone/ˈpaɪnˌkoʊn/noun · B1+The woody seed case of a conifer.
- pinion/ˈpɪnjən/verb · C2To bind somebody's arms so they cannot move.
- pinpricknoun · C1A tiny puncture, or a small irritation.
- piper/ˈpaɪ.pə/noun · B2Somebody who plays a pipe or the bagpipes.
- pitch-darkadjective · B2So dark that nothing at all can be seen.
- piteous/ˈpɪ.ti.əs/adjective · C1So sad that it moves you to pity.
- pittedadjective · C1Marked with small hollows.
- pivot/ˈpɪv.ɪt/verb · B2+To turn about a fixed central point.
- plaintive/ˈpleɪntɪv/adjective · C1Sounding sad and full of complaint.
- plaitedadjective · B2Woven into three interlacing strands.
- plank/ˈplæŋk/noun · B1+A long flat piece of sawn timber.
- plaything/ˈpleɪ.θɪŋ/noun · B2+A toy, or somebody treated as one.
- pleading/ˈpliːdɪŋ/adjective · B2Begging earnestly for something.
- pledge/plɛd͡ʒ/noun · B2A solemn promise, or something given as security.
- pliant/ˈplaɪənt/adjective · C1Easily bent, or easily influenced.
- plinth/plɪnθ/noun · C1The block a column or a statue stands on.
- plop/plɒp/verb · B2To fall into liquid with a soft dull sound.
- plumb/plʌm/verb · C1To measure the depth of, or to get to the bottom of.
- plume/ˈpluːm/noun · C2A long showy feather, or a rising column of smoke.
- ply/plaɪ/verb · C2To travel a route regularly, or to work at a trade.
- pock-markedadjective · C1Covered with small hollow scars.
- pockedadjective · C2Marked with small hollows or scars.
- pod/ˈpɒd/noun · B1+The long case holding the seeds of a plant.
- poised/pɔɪzd/adjective · B2+Calm and composed, or ready to act at any moment.
- poke aroundphrase · C1To search casually through somebody's things.
- poleaxe/ˈpoʊlˌæks/verb · C2To knock somebody down with one blow.
- pommel/ˈpɒ.məl/noun · C2The knob at the end of a sword hilt.
- porcupine/ˈpɔː(ɹ)kjʊˌpaɪn/noun · B1+A rodent covered in long defensive quills.
- portly/ˈpɔːtli/adjective · C1Rather fat, said politely of a man.
- postern/ˈpɒst(ə)n/noun · C2A small back gate in a castle wall.
- potency/ˈpəʊtənsi/noun · C1Strength and power to have an effect.
- poultice/ˈpoʊltɪs/noun · C2A soft moist dressing put on a sore place.
- pounce/paʊns/verb · C1To spring suddenly on something.
- pounding/ˈpaʊn.dɪŋ/noun · B2A heavy repeated beating.
- pout/paʊt/verb · B2+To push the lips out to show displeasure.
- pox/pɑks/noun · C1A disease that leaves the skin marked with spots.
- poxy/ˈpɒk.si/adjective · C2Wretched and worthless, in coarse use.
- prance/ˈpɹɑːns/verb · B2+To move with high springing steps.
- prate/pɹeɪt/verb · C2To talk on foolishly and at length.
- prattle/ˈpɹætəl/verb · C1To chatter on about nothing in particular.
- prelude/ˈpɹɛljuːd/noun · B2+Something that comes before and leads into the main event.
- prenticenoun · C2A young learner bound to a master of a trade.
- pretensionnoun · C1A claim to importance that is not deserved.
- prick/pɹɪk/verb · B1To make a tiny hole with something sharp.
- prim/pɹɪm/adjective · C1Stiffly correct and easily shocked.
- primp/pɹɪmp/verb · C2To fuss over your appearance.
- privily/ˈpɹɪvɪli/adverb · C2Secretly, in old use.
- privy/ˈpɹɪvi/adjective · C1Sharing in a secret with a few others.
- profuse/pɹəˈfjuːs/adjective · C1Pouring or flowing out so freely that it seems more than enough, as with apologies, thanks, sweat, or blood.
- projection/pɹəˈd͡ʒɛkʃən/noun · C1Something that sticks out, or an estimate of the future.
- promiscuous/pɹəˈmɪs.kju.əs/adjective · C1Casual and indiscriminate, especially about sex.
- promontory/ˈpɹɒm.ən.tɹi/noun · C2A high point of land jutting into the sea.
- prong/pɹɒŋ/noun · B2+One of the points of a fork or a spear.
- propitiate/ˌpɹəˈpɪʃieɪt/verb · C2To win back the goodwill of somebody offended.
- prostitute/ˈpɹɒstɪˌtjuːt/noun · B2Somebody who sells sexual services.
- provender/ˈpɹɒvɪndə/noun · C2Food, especially dry fodder for animals.
- provide forphrase · B2To supply somebody with what they need to live.
- provision/pɹəˈvɪʒ.ən/noun · C1The supplying of something, or a term in an agreement.
- provocation/ˌpɹɑvəˈkeɪʃən/noun · C1Something done deliberately to make somebody angry.
- prow/pɹaʊ/noun · C1The pointed front of a ship.
- pucker/ˈpʌkə(ɹ)/verb · C1To draw into small tight folds.
- pudgy/ˈpʌd͡ʒi/adjective · C1Short and rather fat.
- puff/pʌf/noun · B1A short burst of air, smoke or breath.
- puff upphrase · C1To swell out, or to make somebody conceited.
- puffy/ˈpʌfi/adjective · B1+Swollen and soft-looking.
- puissance/ˈpjuːɪ.s(ə)ns/noun · C2Great power or influence, in old use.
- puissant/ˈpwɪs(ə)nt/adjective · C2Powerful and mighty, in old use.
- pulp/pʌlp/noun · B2Soft wet mass, especially of crushed fruit or wood.
- punctuate/ˈpʰʌŋktjuːeɪt/verb · C1To break something up at intervals.
- puny/ˈpjuːni/adjective · B2+Small and weak.
- pup/pʌp/noun · B1A young dog, seal or wolf.
- puppeteer/ˌpʌpɪˈtɪə/noun · B2+Somebody who works puppets.
- purblind/ˈpɜːblaɪnd/adjective · C2Half blind, or slow to see the point.
- pursuit/pəˈsjuːt/noun · B2The chasing of somebody, or an activity you follow.
- pyre/ˈpaɪɚ/noun · C2A pile of wood built to burn a body on.
- quaff/kwɒf/verb · C2To drink deeply and with enjoyment.
- quake/kweɪk/verb · B1+To shake, from fear or from movement of the ground.
- quartermaster/ˈk(w)ɔɹtɚˌmæstɚ/noun · C1The officer in charge of supplies.
- quarterstaff/ˈkwɔɹtəɹˌstæf/noun · C2A long stout pole used as a weapon.
- queasy/ˈkwiː.zi/adjective · B2+Feeling slightly sick, or uneasy about something.
- queer/kwɪə/adjective · B2Strange or odd, in older use.
- quench/kwɛnt͡ʃ/verb · B2+To satisfy a thirst, or to put a fire out.
- quilt/ˈkwɪlt/noun · B1+A thick padded bed covering.
- quiltedadjective · B2+Padded with a layer of stuffing held by stitching.
- quintain/ˈkwɪntɪn/noun · C2A target set up for knights to charge at in practice.
- quizzical/ˈkwɪzɪkəl/adjective · C1Showing mild puzzled amusement.
- rabid/ˈɹæbɪd/adjective · B2+Carrying the disease of madness, or fanatical.
- raft/ɹɑːft/noun · B1A flat floating platform of logs or planks.
- raging/ˈɹeɪd͡ʒɪŋ/adjective · B2Violently strong, or furious with anger.
- raiment/ˈɹeɪ.mənt/noun · C2Clothing, in poetic or old use.
- rambling/ˈɹæm.blɪŋ/adjective · B2+Wandering on with no clear direction.
- ramp/ɹæmp/noun · B2A slope joining two different levels.
- ramshackle/ˈɹæmˌʃæk.əl/adjective · C1Badly made and ready to fall down.
- rangy/ˈɹeɪnd͡ʒi/adjective · C1Tall, thin and long-limbed.
- rankle/ˈɹæŋ.kəl/verb · C2To keep causing bitter resentment.
- rapine/ˈɹæpaɪn/noun · C2The violent seizing of property in war.
- rapt/ˈɹæpt/adjective · C1So absorbed that nothing else reaches you.
- rasher/ˈɹæʃə(ɹ)/noun · C1A thin slice of bacon.
- ratternoun · C2A dog or cat kept for killing vermin.
- raving/ˈɹeɪvɪŋ/adjective · C1Talking wildly, as in delirium.
- ravish/ˈɹæ.vɪʃ/verb · C2To fill with delight, or to carry off by force.
- raze/ɹeɪz/verb · C1To level a building or a town to the ground.
- reactionary/ɹiˈækʃən(ə)ɹi/adjective · C1Opposed to change and wanting the old ways back.
- reap/ˈɹiːp/verb · C1To cut and gather a crop, or to receive what you earned.
- reaper/ˈɹiːpɚ/noun · C1Somebody or something that cuts and gathers grain.
- rearguard/ˈɹɪəɹˌɡɑɹd/noun · C2The troops who protect the back of an army.
- reave/ɹiːv/verb · C2To carry off by force, in old use.
- recede/ɹɪˈsiːd/verb · B2+To move back and grow more distant.
- reckless abandonphrase · C1Behaviour with no thought for the danger at all.
- reckoning/ˈɹɛkənɪŋ/noun · B2+A calculation, or the settling of accounts.
- recompense/ˈɹɛkəmˌpɛns/noun · C1Payment made for trouble or loss.
- redolent/ˈrɛdəʊlənt/adjective · C2Strongly smelling of something, or bringing it to mind.
- redoubt/ɹɪˈdaʊt/noun · C2A small fort built to hold one position.
- redoubtable/ɹɪˈdaʊtəbl̩/adjective · C2Formidable, and to be treated with respect.
- reedy/ˈɹiː.di/adjective · C1Thin and high in tone.
- reel/ˈɹiːl/verb · B2To stagger about as if about to fall.
- regal/ˈɹiːɡəl/adjective · B2+Fit for a monarch, and grand in bearing.
- regale/ɹɪˈɡeɪl/verb · C1To entertain somebody lavishly with food or stories.
- regicide/ˈɹɛ.d͡ʒə.saɪd/noun · C2The killing of a king.
- rein/ɹeɪn/noun · B2+The strap by which a rider guides a horse.
- reindeer/ˈɹeɪndɪə/noun · A2+A deer of the far north with branching antlers.
- rejoinder/ɹɪˈd͡ʒɔɪndɚ/noun · C2A quick sharp reply.
- relent/ɹɪˈlɛnt/verb · B2+To soften and give way at last.
- remission/ɹɪˈmɪʃ(ə)n/noun · C2The cancelling of a debt or a punishment.
- rend/ɹɛnd/verb · C2To tear something violently apart.
- rend asunderphrase · C2To wrench something violently apart, splitting it into large separate pieces rather than small shreds.
- repast/ɹɪˈpɑːst/noun · C2A meal, in formal or old use.
- repose/ɹɪˈpəʊz/noun · C2Rest and peaceful stillness.
- reptilian/ɹɛpˈtɪliən/adjective · C2Like a reptile, or cold and unfeeling.
- resound/ɹɪˈzaʊnd/verb · C2To ring loudly through a place.
- retainer/ɹɪˈteɪn.ə/noun · C2A servant kept on by a family for many years.
- retch/ɹɛt͡ʃ/verb · C1To heave as if about to be sick.
- retinue/ˈɹɛ.tɪ.njuː/noun · C1The attendants who travel with an important person.
- revel/ˈɹɛv.əl/verb · C1To take great delight in something.
- revenant/ˈɹɛvənənt/noun · C2Somebody who returns, especially from the dead.
- revile/ɹəˈvaɪl/verb · C2To abuse somebody in bitter language.
- rheumy/ˈɹuːmi/adjective · C2Watery and dull, said of old eyes.
- ribald/ˈɹɪb.əld/adjective · C2Coarsely humorous about sex.
- ribbedadjective · B2+Marked with raised parallel bands.
- ribbon/ˈɹɪbən/noun · A2+A narrow strip of fabric used for tying or trimming.
- rickety/ˈɹɪk.ɪ.ti/adjective · C1Shaky and likely to collapse.
- rife/ɹaɪf/adjective · C2Widespread, and usually unwelcome.
- riffle/ˈɹɪfəl/verb · C1To turn pages quickly with the thumb.
- righteous/ˈɹaɪt͡ʃəs/adjective · B2Morally right, or angry at what is wrong.
- rill/ɹɪl/noun · C2A small brook.
- rime/ɹaɪm/noun · C2A white frost that coats surfaces.
- ringlet/ˈɹɪŋ.lət/noun · C1A long curl of hair.
- riven/ˈɹɪvən/adjective · C2Split violently apart.
- rivulet/ˈɹɪv.jʊ.lɪt/noun · C1A very small stream.
- roach/ɹəʊtʃ/noun · B2A cockroach, or a small freshwater fish.
- rodent/ˈɹəʊdənt/noun · B1+A gnawing animal such as a rat or a squirrel.
- roil/ˈɹɔɪl/verb · C2To churn and stir up violently.
- rondelnoun · C2A small round plate of armour or a round shield.
- rookerynoun · C2A colony of nests high in the trees.
- rosy/ˈɹəʊzi/adjective · B2Pink and healthy, or promising well.
- rotund/ɹəʊ̯ˈtʌnd/adjective · C1Round and plump.
- round onphrase · C1To turn suddenly and attack somebody with words.
- roundlyadverb · C1Firmly and thoroughly, said of criticism.
- rouse/ɹaʊz/verb · B2+To wake somebody, or to stir them into action.
- roust/ɹaʊst/verb · C2To rouse somebody out of a place roughly.
- rove/ɹəʊv/verb · C1To wander from place to place with no fixed course.
- row/ɹəʊ/noun · B1Things or people arranged in a straight line, side by side.
- rubbery/ˈɹʌbəɹi/adjective · B2+Springy and tough to chew.
- rubble/ˈɹʌb.əl/noun · B2Broken stone and brick from a ruined building.
- ruddy/ˈɹʌdi/adjective · C1Healthily red in the face.
- rudimentsnoun · C1The first and simplest parts of a subject.
- rueful/ˈɹuːfl̩/adjective · C1Showing regret in a wry good-humoured way.
- ruff/ɹʌf/noun · C2A stiff frilled collar worn in earlier centuries.
- ruffian/ˈɹʌfi.ən/noun · C1A violent lawless man.
- rummage/ˈɹʌm.ɪd͡ʒ/verb · B2+To search untidily through a mass of things.
- rump/ˈɹʌmp/noun · B2The hind part of an animal.
- rumple/ˈɹʌmpəl/verb · C1To crease and disorder something smooth.
- rung/ˈɹʌŋ/noun · B2One of the crossbars of a ladder.
- runnel/ˈɹʌnəl/noun · C2A trickle of water finding its own small course over ground, or the shallow groove such a trickle wears.
- runoffnoun · B2+Water that flows off the land instead of soaking in.
- runt/ɹʌnt/noun · C1The smallest and weakest of a litter.
- russet/ˈɹʌsɪt/adjective · C1Reddish brown.
- rutted/ˈɹʌtɪd/adjective · C1Marked with deep grooves made by wheels.
- ruttingadjective · C2In the season when male deer fight and mate.
- sable/ˈseɪbəl/noun · C2A small dark fur-bearing animal, or the colour black.
- saddle/ˈsædl̩/noun · B1The leather seat a rider sits on.
- sag/sæɡ/verb · B2+To sink or bend under weight.
- sallow/ˈsæloʊ/adjective · C1Yellowish and unhealthy in complexion.
- sally/ˈsæli/noun · C2A sudden rush out from a defended position.
- salutary/ˈsaljʊtəɹi/adjective · C2Producing a good effect, though unpleasant at the time.
- salve/sɑːv/noun · C1An ointment that soothes a wound.
- samite/ˈsæmaɪt/noun · C2A rich silk cloth interwoven with gold.
- sanctum/ˈsæŋktəm/noun · C1A sacred or very private place.
- sandalwood/ˈsandəlwʊd/noun · C1A fragrant wood used for carving and perfume.
- sandbar/ˈsændˌbɑɹ/noun · B2+A ridge of sand built up in shallow water.
- sate/seɪt/verb · C2To satisfy an appetite fully.
- satin/ˈsæt.ɪn/noun · B2A smooth glossy cloth.
- saucy/ˈsɔːsi/adjective · B2+Cheeky, or mildly rude about sex.
- sawyer/ˈsɔːjə/noun · C2Somebody whose trade is sawing timber.
- scab/skæb/noun · B2The hard crust that forms over a healing wound.
- scabrous/ˈskeɪbɹəs/adjective · C2Rough to the touch, or indecent in subject.
- scarab/ˈskæɹəb/noun · C1A beetle carved as a charm in ancient Egypt.
- scathe/skeɪð/verb · C2To injure or to wither with criticism.
- scavenge/ˈskæv.ɪndʒ/verb · B2+To search through waste for anything useful.
- sconce/skɒns/noun · C2A bracket on a wall for holding a light.
- scorch/skɔːtʃ/verb · B2+To burn a surface so it browns or blackens.
- scrabble/ˈskɹæbəl/verb · B2To scratch and grope about hurriedly.
- scraggly/ˈskɹæɡ(ə)li/adjective · C1Thin, ragged and growing unevenly.
- scratchy/ˈskɹæt͡ʃi/adjective · B2Rough enough to irritate the skin.
- scrawl/skɹɔːl/verb · C1To write hastily and untidily.
- scrawny/ˈskɹɔːni/adjective · C1Unhealthily thin and bony.
- scribe/skɹaɪb/noun · B2+Somebody who copied documents by hand.
- scruff/skɹʌf/noun · C1The loose skin at the back of the neck.
- scuffle/ˈskʌfəl/noun · B2+A short confused fight at close quarters.
- scufflingnoun · B2+Brief, untidy grappling and shoving between a few people at close quarters.
- scullion/ˈskʌl.i.ən/noun · C2A kitchen servant who does the meanest work.
- scum/skʌm/noun · B2A dirty film on a liquid, or people held in contempt.
- seafarer/ˈsiˌfɛɹɚ/noun · C1Somebody who travels the sea for a living.
- sect/sɛkt/noun · B2+A group holding beliefs at odds with the main body.
- sedate/sɪˈdeɪt/adjective · C1Calm, unhurried and dignified.
- sedge/sɛd͡ʒ/noun · C2A grassy plant that grows in wet ground.
- seemly/ˈsiːmli/adjective · C1Proper and fitting for the occasion.
- seep/siːp/verb · B2+To pass slowly through small openings.
- seethe/siːð/verb · C1To boil, or to be filled with barely hidden rage.
- selfsame/ˈsɛlfseɪm/adjective · C1Exactly the same one.
- seneschal/ˈsɛnəʃəl/noun · C2The steward who ran a great household.
- sentinel/ˈsɛn.tɪ.nəl/noun · C1A guard posted to keep watch.
- sept/sɛpt/noun · C2A branch of a family, or a small place of worship.
- septanoun · C2A priestess of a faith in the novels.
- septonnoun · C2A priest of a faith in the novels.
- sepulchre/ˈsɛpəlkə/noun · C2A tomb cut in rock or built of stone.
- sere/sɪə/adjective · C2Dry and withered, in poetic use.
- sergeant/ˈsɑː.d͡ʒənt/noun · B1A non-commissioned officer above a corporal.
- serpentine/ˈsɜː.pənˌtaɪn/adjective · C1Winding in curves like a snake.
- set forthphrase · C1To begin a journey, or to state something in order.
- shaggy/ˈʃæɡi/adjective · B2+Covered in long rough untidy hair.
- sham/ˈʃæm/noun · B2+Something pretending to be what it is not.
- shamble/ˈʃæmbəl/verb · C2To walk awkwardly, dragging the feet.
- shank/ˈʃæŋk/noun · C1The lower part of the leg, or the straight part of a tool.
- shattered/ˈʃætɚd/adjective · B2Broken into many pieces, or utterly exhausted.
- sheaf/ʃiːf/noun · C2A bundle of cut stalks tied together.
- sheepfold/ˈʃiːp.fəʊld/noun · C1An enclosure where sheep are kept at night.
- shimmy/ˈʃɪ.mi/verb · C1To move the body with a shaking sideways motion.
- shinny/ˈʃɪni/verb · C2To climb a pole or a rope using arms and legs.
- shipwright/ˈʃɪpɹaɪt/noun · C1A craftsman who builds and repairs ships.
- shire/ʃaɪə/noun · C1A county, in older British usage.
- shod/ʃɒd/adjective · C1Wearing shoes, or fitted with metal shoes.
- shoo/ʃuː/verb · B2To wave a creature away.
- shoot upphrase · B2To grow very fast, or to rise sharply.
- shrew/ʃɹuː/noun · C1A small mouse-like animal, or a scolding woman.
- shrike/ʃɹaɪk/noun · C2A songbird that impales its prey on thorns.
- shrivel/ˈʃɹɪvəl/verb · B2+To dry up and wrinkle into something smaller.
- shrubbery/ˈʃɹʌbəɹi/noun · B2+An area planted with bushes.
- shrunken/ˈʃɹʌŋkən/adjective · B2+Made smaller by drying or by age.
- shush/ʃʊʃ/verb · B1+To tell somebody to be quiet.
- sideboardnoun · B2+A long low cupboard for dishes in a dining room.
- sidelong/ˈsaɪd.lɑŋ/adjective · C1Directed to one side rather than straight ahead.
- sidle/ˈsaɪdl/verb · C1To move sideways in a shy or furtive way.
- sigil/ˈsɪd͡ʒɪl/noun · C2A device or emblem standing for a house or a person.
- signet/ˈsɪɡ.nɪt/noun · C2A ring bearing a seal used to stamp letters.
- simper/ˈsɪmpə/verb · C2To smile in a silly self-conscious way.
- sinew/ˈsɪnjuː/noun · C1The tough cord joining muscle to bone.
- sinewy/ˈsɪnjuːi/adjective · C1Lean and strong, with the muscles showing.
- singe/sɪnd͡ʒ/verb · C2To burn something lightly at the surface.
- single-mindedadjective · B2Fixed on one purpose to the exclusion of all else.
- singularly/ˈsɪŋɡjəlɚli/adverb · C1To a remarkable and unusual degree.
- sinuous/ˈsɪn.ju.əs/adjective · C1Winding in smooth supple curves.
- sire/saɪə(ɹ)/noun · C1A male parent of an animal, or a form of address to a king.
- situate/ˈsɪt͡ʃ.u.eɪt/verb · B2+To place something in a particular position.
- skeletal/ˈskɛl.ɪ.təl/adjective · B2+Reduced to skin and bone, or barely sketched out.
- skiff/skɪf/noun · C1A small light boat for one or two people.
- skimp/ˈskɪmp/verb · C1To spend or use less than is really needed.
- skirl/skɜːl/noun · C2The shrill wailing sound of bagpipes.
- skitter/ˈskɪtə(ɹ)/verb · C1To move lightly and quickly with small steps.
- slab/slæb/noun · B2A thick flat piece of stone or other material.
- slag/ˈslæɡ/noun · C1The waste left when metal is smelted from ore.
- slake/sleɪk/verb · C2To satisfy a thirst or a craving.
- slanting/ˈslæntɪŋ/adjective · B2+Sloping rather than upright or level.
- slantwiseadverb · C2At a slope rather than straight.
- slat/slæt/noun · C1One of the thin narrow strips in a blind or a fence.
- slattern/ˈslætɚn/noun · C2A woman thought dirty and untidy, in old use.
- slaver/ˈslævə/verb · C2To let saliva run from the mouth.
- slay/sleɪ/verb · B2To kill, especially in battle.
- sled/ˈslɛd/noun · A2+A small vehicle on runners for sliding over snow.
- sledge/slɛd͡ʒ/noun · B1+A vehicle on runners for travelling over snow.
- slime/slaɪm/noun · B2A soft unpleasant slippery substance.
- slobber/ˈslɒbə(ɹ)/verb · B2To let saliva drip from the mouth.
- sloe/ˈsləʊ/noun · C2The small sharp black fruit of the blackthorn.
- slog/slɒɡ/noun · B2+A long hard piece of work or walking.
- sloop/sluːp/noun · C2A small sailing boat with one mast.
- slop/slɒp/verb · C1To spill liquid over the edge in moving it.
- sloppy/ˈslɒ.pi/adjective · B2Careless and untidy, or too wet and loose.
- slough/slʌf/verb · C2To shed a layer of skin.
- slugabed/ˈslʌɡəbɛd/noun · C2Somebody who stays in bed far too long.
- sluice/sluːs/noun · C1A gate that controls the flow of water.
- slur/slɜː/verb · C1To run words together unclearly.
- sly/slaɪ/adjective · B2Cunning, and keeping its purpose hidden.
- smallfolk/ˈsmɔːlfəʊk/noun · C2The ordinary common people of a land.
- smear/smɪə(ɹ)/verb · B2To spread something greasy, or to damage a reputation.
- smidge/ˈsmɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1A very small amount.
- smite/smaɪt/verb · C1To strike somebody a heavy blow.
- smitten/ˈsmɪ.tn̩/adjective · C1Suddenly and helplessly in love.
- smock/smɒk/noun · C1A loose garment worn over clothes to protect them.
- snag/snæɡ/noun · B2A hidden difficulty, or a tear caught on something sharp.
- snaky/ˈsneɪki/adjective · C2Winding, or sly and treacherous.
- snarky/ˈsnɑɹ.ki/adjective · B2+Sharply and sarcastically critical.
- sneer/snɪə̯/verb · B2+To smile in a way that shows contempt.
- snick/snɪk/verb · C2To cut a small notch, or to make a light clicking sound.
- snitch/snɪt͡ʃ/verb · B2To report somebody's wrongdoing to those in charge.
- snivel/ˈsnɪvəl/verb · C1To cry and sniff in a weak self-pitying way.
- snot/snɒt/noun · B1Mucus from the nose.
- snuff/snʌf/verb · C1To put a candle out.
- snuffle/ˈsnʌfəl/verb · C2To breathe noisily through a blocked nose.
- snuggle/ˈsnʌ.ɡəl/verb · B1To press close to somebody for warmth and comfort.
- solicitude/səˈlɪsɪˌt(j)uːd/noun · C2Anxious care for somebody's welfare.
- sonorous/ˈsɒn.əɹ.əs/adjective · C2Deep, full and resonant in sound.
- soothe/suːð/verb · B1+To calm somebody, or to ease a pain.
- sooty/ˈsʊti/adjective · B2+Blackened with the powder left by smoke.
- soppingadjective · C1Soaked completely through.
- sorcerer/ˈsɔːsəɹə(ɹ)/noun · B2+Somebody who works magic through spirits.
- sorrel/ˈsɒɹəl/noun · C2A sharp-tasting leaf, or a light reddish-brown horse.
- sortie/ˈsɔːti/noun · C2A brief attack out from a defended place.
- sot/sɒt/noun · C2A habitual drunkard.
- spank/ˈspæŋk/verb · B2To smack somebody on the bottom as punishment.
- spar/spɑː/noun · C2A stout pole used to carry a sail.
- sparinglyadverb · B2+Using only a little at a time.
- spat/spæt/noun · C1A short petty quarrel.
- spatter/ˈspætɚ/verb · C1To scatter drops over a surface.
- spectral/ˈspɛktɹəɫ/adjective · C1Ghostly in appearance.
- spew/spjuː/verb · C1To pour out in a violent stream.
- sphinx/ˈsfɪŋks/noun · B2+A stone figure with a lion's body and a human head.
- spike/spaɪk/noun · B1A long sharp piece of metal or wood.
- spindly/ˈspɪnd.li/adjective · B2+Long, thin and looking too weak.
- spiny/ˈspaɪni/adjective · B2+Covered with sharp points.
- spittle/ˈspɪ.t(ə)l/noun · C1Saliva, especially when spat out.
- splay/spleɪ/verb · C1To spread wide apart.
- splodge/ˈsplɒd͡ʒ/noun · C2An irregular blot of colour.
- spook/spuːk/verb · B2To frighten somebody suddenly.
- spoor/spʊə/noun · C2The track and scent an animal leaves behind.
- spout/spaʊt/noun · B1+The lip a liquid is poured out through.
- sprig/spɹɪɡ/noun · C1A small shoot with leaves on it.
- sprightly/ˈspɹaɪtli/adjective · C1Lively and full of energy, especially when old.
- spry/spɹaɪ/adjective · C1Lively and quick, especially in an older person.
- spurt/spɜːt/noun · B2+A sudden short gush, or a burst of speed.
- sputter/ˈspʌtɚ/verb · C1To make a series of soft spitting sounds.
- sputum/ˈspjutəm/noun · C2Matter coughed up from the chest.
- squabble/ˈskwɒbəl/verb · B2+To quarrel noisily about something petty.
- squeamish/ˈskwiːmɪʃ/adjective · C1Easily sickened or shocked.
- squire/ˈskwaɪə/noun · C1A knight's young attendant, or a country landowner.
- squirt/skwɝt/verb · B1To send liquid out in a thin fast jet.
- squish/skwɪʃ/verb · B2+To squeeze something soft with a wet sound.
- stag/stæɡ/noun · B2+A fully grown male deer.
- stallion/ˈstæljən/noun · B2A fully grown male horse kept for breeding.
- stanch/stɑːn(t)ʃ/verb · C2To stop a flow of blood.
- stanchion/ˈstanʃən/noun · C2An upright bar or post that supports something.
- standard-bearernoun · C1The one who carries the flag, or leads a cause.
- statecraftnoun · C2Skill in governing a country.
- statuary/ˈstæ.t͡ʃʊə.ɹi/noun · C2Carved figures taken together.
- stature/ˈstæt͡ʃ.ə/noun · C1Somebody's height, or their standing in the world.
- stead/stɛd/noun · C1The place of somebody else, in the phrase in their place.
- steaming/ˈstiː.mɪŋ/adjective · B1+Giving off hot vapour.
- steed/stiːd/noun · C1A horse for riding, in poetic use.
- stern/stɜːn/adjective · B2Strict and serious, with no softness in the face.
- stiletto/stɪˈlɛtoʊ/noun · B2+A slender dagger, or a very thin heel.
- stillbirthnoun · C1The birth of a baby that has already died.
- stilt/stɪlt/noun · B2+A pole used to raise a walker or a building above ground.
- stink/stɪŋk/verb · B1To give off a very bad smell.
- stirrup/ˈstɪ.ɹəp/noun · C1The foot support hanging from a saddle.
- stoat/ˈstəʊt/noun · C1A small fierce hunting animal related to the weasel.
- stockade/ˌstɒˈkeɪd/noun · C1A fence of upright posts built for defence.
- stoke/stəʊk/verb · C1To feed and stir a fire, or to build up a feeling.
- stonemason/ˈstoʊnˌmeɪsən/noun · B2+A craftsman who cuts and builds with stone.
- stooped/stuːpt/adjective · B2+Bent forward at the shoulders.
- straddle/ˈstɹædəl/verb · B2+To sit or stand with a leg on either side.
- straggle/ˈstɹæɡl̩/verb · C1To trail along behind in a scattered line.
- straightaway/ˈstɹeɪtəˌweɪ/adverb · B2+At once, without any delay.
- strangle/ˈstɹæŋɡəl/verb · B2To kill by squeezing the throat.
- strew/stɹuː/verb · C1To scatter things loosely over a surface.
- string upphrase · C1To hang somebody, or to hang something between two points.
- stringy/ˈstɹɪŋi/adjective · B2Tough and full of fibres.
- stripling/ˈstɹɪplɪŋ/noun · C2A boy just beginning to grow into a man.
- strumpet/ˈstɹʌm.pɪt/noun · C2A prostitute, in old use.
- stub/stʌb/noun · B2The short piece left when the rest is used up.
- stubby/ˈstʌbi/adjective · B2+Short and thick.
- stucconoun · C1Fine plaster used to coat and decorate walls.
- studded/ˈstʌdɪd/adjective · B2+Set all over with small raised pieces.
- stuffy/ˈstʌfi/adjective · C1Airless and close, or dull and formal.
- stuntedadjective · C1Kept from growing to full size.
- stupendous/stuˈpɛndəs/adjective · B2+Astonishingly great.
- stygian/ˈstɪd͡ʒ.i.ən/adjective · C2Very dark and gloomy.
- stylus/ˈstaɪ.ləs/noun · B2+A pointed instrument for writing or engraving.
- stymie/ˈstaɪmi/verb · C2To block somebody from making progress.
- subaltern/ˈsʌb.əltən/noun · C2A junior officer in the army.
- subterranean/ˌsʌbtəˈɹeɪniən/adjective · C1Lying or happening below the ground.
- succornoun · C1Help given to somebody in difficulty.
- suckle/ˈsʌk.əl/verb · C1To feed a young one at the breast.
- sucklingnoun · C1A young animal still feeding on its mother's milk.
- suet/ˈs(j)uːɪt/noun · C2Hard white fat used in old-fashioned cooking.
- sufferance/ˈsʌf(ə)ɹəns/noun · C2Being allowed only because nobody objects.
- suffice/səˈfaɪs/verb · C1To be enough for the purpose.
- suffocate/ˈsʌfəkeɪt/verb · B2To die or to kill by being unable to breathe.
- suffuse/səˈfjuːz/verb · C2To spread through and fill with colour or feeling.
- suitor/ˈsutɚ/noun · C1A man courting a woman with a view to marriage.
- sully/ˈsʌli/verb · C2To spoil the cleanness of something, or a good name.
- sundry/ˈsʌnd.ɹi/adjective · C1Various, and of several kinds.
- sunken/ˈsʌŋkən/adjective · B2Fallen below the surrounding level.
- supplicant/ˈsʌplɪkənt/noun · C2Somebody who begs humbly for something.
- surcoat/ˈsɜːˌkəʊt/noun · C2A loose robe worn over armour.
- sustain/səˈsteɪn/verb · C1To keep something going, or to suffer an injury.
- swaddle/ˈswɒdəl/verb · B2+To wrap a baby tightly in cloth.
- swaddlingnoun · C1Cloth wrapped tightly round a newborn baby.
- sward/swɔːd/noun · C2An expanse of short grass.
- swarthy/ˈswɔɹði/adjective · C1Having a dark complexion.
- sweepingsnoun · C1The dust and rubbish gathered by a broom.
- swelter/ˈswɛl.tə/verb · C1To suffer in oppressive heat.
- swig/swɪɡ/noun · B2+A large mouthful of drink taken quickly.
- swill/swɪl/verb · C1To drink greedily, or to rinse with water.
- swine/swaɪn/noun · B2Pigs, or a contemptible person.
- swineherd/ˈswaɪnˌhɜːd/noun · C1Somebody whose job is looking after pigs.
- swirl/swɜːl/verb · B2To move round and round in a twisting flow.
- swish/swɪʃ/verb · B2To move with a soft hissing sound.
- swivel/ˈswɪvəl/verb · C2To turn about a fixed point.
- tabard/ˈtæbɑː(ɹ)d/noun · C2A short sleeveless coat bearing a coat of arms.
- tadpole/ˈtædpoʊl/noun · B1+The young of a frog, with a tail and no legs.
- tallow/ˈtæləʊ/noun · C2Hard animal fat used to make candles and soap.
- tamper/ˈtæm.pə(ɹ)/verb · B2+To interfere with something you should leave alone.
- tang/ˈtæŋ/noun · C1A strong sharp taste or smell.
- tangle/ˈtæŋ.ɡəl/noun · B2A confused twisted mass that is hard to undo.
- tangled/ˈtæŋ.ɡəld/adjective · B2Twisted together into a knot that is hard to undo.
- tankard/ˈtæŋkɚd/noun · C1A large mug with a handle for drinking beer.
- taper/ˈteɪpə/verb · C1To grow gradually narrower towards one end.
- tapestry/ˈtæpəstɹi/noun · B2+A heavy cloth with a picture woven into it.
- tardy/ˈtɑːdi/adjective · B2Later than it should be.
- tarry/ˈtæ.ɹi/verb · C1To linger and delay setting off.
- tassel/ˈtæsəl/noun · B2+A hanging bunch of threads used as a trimming.
- tatter/ˈtætə(ɹ)/noun · B2A torn hanging strip of cloth.
- tawny/ˈtɔːni/adjective · C1Warm golden brown.
- teak/tiːk/noun · C1A hard durable timber from a tropical tree.
- teamster/ˈtim.stɚ/noun · C1Somebody who drives a team of animals or a lorry.
- teat/tiːt/noun · B2+The part of a female animal a young one sucks from.
- teem/tiːm/verb · C2To be full to overflowing with living things.
- teeming/ˈtiːmɪŋ/adjective · C1Swarming with a great many living things.
- tempest/ˈtɛm.pəst/noun · B2+A violent storm.
- tenable/ˈtɛn.ə.bəl/adjective · C2Able to be defended or maintained.
- tendril/ˈtɛn.dɹəl/noun · C1A thin curling shoot a climbing plant grips with.
- tenfold/ˈtɛnfoʊld/adverb · B2+By ten times as much.
- tepid/ˈtɛpɪd/adjective · C1Only slightly warm, or lacking enthusiasm.
- testy/ˈtɛsti/adjective · C1Easily irritated.
- thatch/θæt͡ʃ/noun · B2+A roof covering made of straw or reeds.
- thence/ðɛns/adverb · C2From that place or that fact, in old use.
- thickset/ˈθɪkˌsɛt/adjective · C1Heavily and solidly built.
- thimble/ˈθɪmb(ə)l/noun · B2A cap worn on the finger when sewing.
- thong/θɒŋ/noun · B2+A narrow strip of leather used as a fastening.
- thrash/θɹæʃ/verb · B2+To beat somebody hard, or to move about wildly.
- thrice/θɹaɪs/adverb · C1Three times, in old use.
- throes/θɹəʊz/noun · C1Violent pangs, especially at the end of something.
- throng/θɹɒŋ/noun · C1A great crowd pressed close together.
- thrum/θɹʌm/verb · C2To make a low steady vibrating sound.
- thug/θʌɡ/noun · B2A violent criminal.
- thunderhead/ˈθʌndɚˌhɛd/noun · C2The towering cloud that comes before a storm.
- thunk/θʌŋk/noun · C2A dull heavy sound of something landing.
- thwack/θwæk/verb · C1To hit something with a sharp heavy blow.
- tiara/tiˈɑːɹə/noun · B2+A jewelled band worn on the head by a woman.
- tickle/ˈtɪkl̩/verb · A2To touch lightly so as to cause laughter.
- ticklish/ˈtɪk(ə)lɪʃ/adjective · B2Sensitive to touch, or awkward to handle.
- tidbit/ˈtɪd.bɪt/noun · B2+A small tasty piece of food or news.
- tidings/ˈtaɪdɪŋz/noun · C1News, in old or formal use.
- timberedadjective · C1Built with a visible wooden frame.
- tincture/ˈtɪŋ(k)tʃə/noun · C1A medicine dissolved in alcohol, or a slight trace.
- tinderboxnoun · C2A box of materials for starting a fire.
- tine/taɪn/noun · C2One of the sharp points of a fork or an antler.
- tinge/tɪnd͡ʒ/noun · C1A faint trace of a colour or a feeling.
- tingle/ˈtɪŋɡəl/verb · B2To feel a slight prickling in the skin.
- tiresome/ˈtaɪɚsəm/adjective · B2Annoying because it goes on too long.
- titter/ˈtɪtə(ɹ)/verb · C1To laugh quietly in a nervous or silly way.
- toad/toʊd/noun · A2+A squat rough-skinned relative of the frog.
- toady/ˈtəʊ.di/noun · C2Somebody who flatters the powerful for favour.
- toehold/ˈtəʊhəʊld/noun · C1A small foothold, or a first slight advantage.
- toil/tɔɪl/noun · B2+Long hard exhausting work.
- tomcatnoun · B2A male cat.
- tonsure/ˈtɒn.ʃə(ɹ)/noun · C2The shaven crown of a monk's head.
- tourmaline/ˈtʊɚ.mə.lɪn/noun · C2A crystal that comes in many colours.
- tousle/ˈtaʊ.zəl/verb · C1To make hair untidy by rubbing it.
- tout/taʊt/verb · C1To try noisily to sell something.
- tracery/ˈtɹeɪsəɹi/noun · C2Fine ornamental stonework in a window.
- tract/tɹækt/noun · C1A large stretch of land, or a short pamphlet.
- trail offphrase · C1To grow gradually fainter and stop.
- trailing/ˈtɹeɪ.lɪŋ/adjective · B2Hanging down and dragging along.
- transept/ˈtɹænsɛpt/noun · C2The arm that crosses the nave of a church.
- transfixverb · C1To hold somebody motionless with amazement.
- transmute/tɹænzˈmjuːt/verb · C1To change something into a different substance.
- trappingsnoun · C1The outward signs that go with a position.
- travail/tɹəˈveɪl/noun · C2Painful and laborious effort.
- tread/tɹɛd/verb · B2To walk or to press down with the feet.
- trebuchet/ˈtɹɛbəʃɛt/noun · C2A great counterweighted engine for flinging rocks.
- trellis/ˈtɹɛlɪs/noun · B2+A light frame of crossed strips for climbing plants.
- tremulous/ˈtɹɛmjʊləs/adjective · C1Trembling slightly with nerves or weakness.
- trencher/ˈtɹɛnt͡ʃə(ɹ)/noun · C2A wooden board or plate for serving food.
- tressesnoun · C1Long flowing hair.
- trident/ˈtɹaɪ̯dənt/noun · B2+A spear with three prongs.
- trifling/ˈtɹaɪfliŋ/adjective · C1Too small or unimportant to bother about.
- trill/tɹɪl/verb · C1To sing with a rapid quivering of notes.
- trot/tɹɑt/verb · B2To move at a steady pace between walking and running.
- trotternoun · C1A pig's foot used as food.
- truffle/ˈtɹʌf.l̩/noun · B2+A rare underground fungus prized in cooking.
- trundle/ˈtɹʌndəl/verb · C1To roll along heavily and slowly.
- tryst/tɹɪst/noun · C1A secret meeting between lovers.
- tuft/tʌft/noun · B2+A small bunch of hairs or grass growing together.
- tumbledownadjective · C1Falling into ruin through neglect.
- tunic/ˈtjuːnɪk/noun · B2+A loose garment reaching to the knees.
- turf/tɝf/noun · B2The surface layer of grass and its roots.
- turgid/ˈtɜːd͡ʒɪd/adjective · C2Swollen, or pompous and tedious in style.
- turnpike/ˈtɜː(ɹ)npaɪk/noun · C1A road on which a toll is charged.
- tussle/ˈtʌsəl/noun · C1A rough struggle at close quarters.
- twang/ˈtwæŋ/noun · C1The sharp ringing sound of a plucked string.
- twinge/twɪnd͡ʒ/noun · C1A sudden brief sharp pain or feeling.
- twinkling/ˈtwɪŋklɪŋ/noun · C1An instant, or a flickering of light.
- twitter/ˈtwɪtə/verb · B2+To make a series of light chirping sounds.
- twixt/twɪkst/preposition · C2Between, in poetic use.
- ululate/ˈjuːljuleɪt/verb · C2To make a long wavering wailing cry.
- unabashed/ˌʌnəˈbæʃt/adjective · C1Not embarrassed in the slightest.
- unaccountable/ˌʌnəˈkaʊntəbl̩/adjective · C1Impossible to explain.
- unadorned/ʌˌnəˈdɔːnd/adjective · C1Plain, with no decoration at all.
- unbidden/ʌnˈbɪd.ən/adjective · C1Coming without having been asked or invited.
- unblemishedadjective · C1Without any mark or fault.
- unceremoniouslyadverb · C1Abruptly, and with no courtesy at all.
- unchecked/ʌnˈt͡ʃɛkt/adjective · B2+Growing or spreading with nothing to stop it.
- uncouth/ʌnˈkuːθ/adjective · C1Rough and lacking any polish of manner.
- undercroftnoun · C2The vaulted cellar storey beneath a church or great hall, used for storage or meetings rather than for burials.
- underdoneadjective · B2+Not cooked as long as it should have been.
- ungainly/ʌnˈɡeɪnli/adjective · C1Awkward and clumsy in movement.
- unintelligible/ˌʌnɪnˈtɛlɪd͡ʒɪbəl/adjective · B2+Impossible to understand.
- unleash/ʌnˈliʃ/verb · B2To let something powerful loose.
- unlimberverb · C2To get a gun ready for firing.
- unmolestedadjective · C1Left alone and not interfered with.
- unnerve/ʌnˈnɜː(ɹ)v/verb · C2To take away somebody's confidence and steadiness.
- unopposedadjective · B2+With nobody standing against you.
- unperturbedadjective · C1Not worried by what is going on.
- unseeingadjective · C2Looking without taking anything in.
- unseemlyadjective · C1Not proper for the occasion.
- unsettling/ənˈsɛtəlɪŋ/adjective · C1Making you uneasy without quite knowing why.
- unsung/ˌʌnˈsʌŋ/adjective · C1Deserving praise but never given it.
- untimely/ʌnˈtaɪmli/adjective · B2+Happening earlier than it should have.
- unto/ˈʌntʊ/preposition · B2To, in old or biblical use.
- unyieldingadjective · C1Refusing to bend or to give way.
- updraftnoun · C1A current of air rising upward.
- upend/ʌpˈɛnd/verb · C1To turn something on its end, or to overturn a plan.
- upwind/ʌpˈwɪnd/adverb · C1Into the wind, or on the side it blows from.
- urchin/ˈɜːtʃɪn/noun · B2+A ragged mischievous child, or a spiny sea creature.
- usury/ˈjuːʒəɹi/noun · C1Lending money at an unfairly high rate.
- vacate/veɪˈkeɪt/verb · B2+To leave a place empty.
- vagabond/ˈvæ.ɡə.bɒnd/noun · C1A wanderer with no home and no settled work.
- vainglorious/ˌveɪnˈɡlɔː.ɹi.əs/adjective · C2Boastfully and excessively proud.
- vale/veɪl/noun · C2A valley, in poetic use.
- valiant/ˈvæliənt/adjective · B2+Showing great courage in danger.
- vantage/ˈvɑːntɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1A position of advantage.
- vantage point/ˈvɑːn.tɪd͡ʒ ˌpɔɪnt/noun · C1A position that gives a good view of things.
- vaultingnoun · C2The arched stonework forming a roof.
- veritable/ˈvɛ.ɹɪ.tə.bl/adjective · C2Genuinely deserving the name given.
- vermilion/vəˈmɪl.jən/noun · C1A brilliant red pigment.
- vestment/ˈvɛstmənt/noun · C2A robe worn by a priest at a service.
- vex/vɛks/verb · B2+To annoy or worry somebody.
- vie/vaɪ/verb · C1To compete eagerly for something.
- virile/ˈvɪɹ.əl/adjective · C1Strong and full of manly vigour.
- visage/ˈvɪz.ɪd͡ʒ/noun · C2A person's face and its expression.
- viscera/ˈvɪsəɹə/noun · C2The internal organs of the body.
- vixen/ˈvɪk.sən/noun · C1A female fox, or a fierce quarrelsome woman.
- vole/vəʊl/noun · C1A small rodent with a short tail.
- voluble/ˈvɒl.jʊ.bəl/adjective · C2Speaking easily and at great length.
- voluminous/vəˈl(j)uː.mɪ.nəs/adjective · C1Very large and loose, or very long in writing.
- vouch/ˈvaʊt͡ʃ/verb · B2To state that you can answer for somebody's honesty.
- vouchsafe/ˌvaʊt͡ʃˈseɪf/verb · C2To grant something as a favour.
- vulgar/ˈvʌl.ɡə/adjective · B2Coarse and lacking good taste.
- vulpine/ˈvʌlpaɪn/adjective · C2Fox-like, especially in cunning.
- wade/weɪd/verb · B2To walk through water or something that slows you.
- waft/wɑft/verb · C1To drift gently through the air.
- waggle/ˈwaɡəl/verb · C1To move rapidly from side to side.
- wagon/ˈwæɡən/noun · B1A four-wheeled vehicle for carrying goods.
- waif/weɪf/noun · C2A homeless neglected child.
- waive/weɪv/verb · B2To give up a right or a claim.
- wallow/ˈwɒ.ləʊ/verb · C2To roll about in mud, or to indulge a feeling.
- walrus/ˈwɔːl.ɹəs/noun · B1A large sea mammal with long tusks.
- ware/ˈwɛə/noun · C1Goods of a particular kind offered for sale.
- warren/ˈwɒɹən/noun · C1A network of rabbit burrows, or a maze of passages.
- wart/wɔːt/noun · B1+A small hard growth on the skin.
- wasp/wɒsp/noun · B2A stinging insect with a narrow black and yellow body.
- waterfowlnoun · C1Birds that live on or near water.
- waterfrontnoun · C1The part of a town along the edge of the water.
- wattle/ˈwɒtl̩/noun · C2Woven sticks used as a building material.
- waylay/ˌweɪˈleɪ/verb · C1To lie in wait and stop somebody on their way.
- weasel/ˈwiːz(ə)l/noun · B2A small slender fierce hunting animal.
- weedy/ˈwiːdi/adjective · C1Thin and feeble, or overgrown with weeds.
- weir/wɪə̯/noun · C1A low dam built across a river.
- welt/wɛlt/noun · C1A raised mark left on the skin by a blow.
- welter/ˈwɛltə/noun · C2A confused and disordered mass of things.
- wen/wɛn/noun · C2A harmless swelling under the skin.
- wench/wɛnt͡ʃ/noun · C1A young woman, in old or joking use.
- wend/wɛnd/verb · C2To make your way slowly along.
- whang/ˈwæŋ/verb · C2To strike something with a resounding blow.
- wheedle/ˈʍiː.dəl/verb · C2To coax somebody by flattery into giving way.
- whelp/wɛlp/noun · C2A young dog or wolf.
- whence/ʍɛns/adverb · C1From where, in old use.
- whet/ˈwɛt/verb · C1To sharpen a blade, or to sharpen an appetite.
- whey/hweɪ/noun · B2+The watery part left when milk curdles.
- whicker/ˈwɪkə/verb · C2To make a soft neighing sound.
- whilst/waɪlst/preposition · C1During the time that, in formal British use.
- whinny/ˈwɪni/verb · C1To give a soft gentle neigh.
- whistle/ˈwɪs(ə)l/noun · B1The small metal thing the referee blows to stop play.
- whit/wɪt/noun · C2The very smallest amount imaginable.
- whoop/wuːp/verb · B2To shout out loudly in excitement.
- whoosh/ʍʊʃ/verb · B2+To move fast with a rushing sound.
- whop/wɒp/verb · C2To strike somebody with a heavy blow.
- whore/hɔː/noun · B2A prostitute, in coarse or old use.
- whoremonger/ˈhɔːˌmʌŋ.ɡə/noun · C2A man who consorts with prostitutes.
- whorl/(h)wɔː(ɹ)l/noun · C2A pattern of coils turning round a centre.
- wick/ˈwɪk/noun · B2The cord in a candle that carries the flame.
- wiggle/ˈwɪɡəl/verb · B1To move from side to side in small quick jerks.
- wight/waɪt/noun · C2A living creature, or a restless spirit.
- wiles/waɪlz/noun · C1Cunning tricks used to get your way.
- willowy/ˈwɪləʊi/adjective · C1Tall, slim and graceful.
- windburn/ˈwɪndbɜː(ɹ)n/noun · C1Sore reddened skin caused by cold wind.
- windpipe/ˈwɪndpaɪp/noun · B2+The tube carrying air down to the lungs.
- winkle/ˈwɪŋkəl/verb · C2To get something out with difficulty and patience.
- wiry/ˈwaɪ(ə)ɹi/adjective · B2+Thin but strong and tough.
- withering/ˈwɪðəɹɪŋ/adjective · C1Scornful enough to make somebody shrink.
- wobbly/ˈwɒb(ə)li/adjective · B1+Unsteady and likely to fall over.
- wolverine/ˈwʊlvəˌɹiːn/noun · B2+A fierce heavily built animal of northern forests.
- womb/wuːm/noun · B2The organ in which a baby grows before birth.
- wondrous/ˈwʌndɹəs/adjective · B2+Filling you with wonder.
- wont/wʌnt/noun · C2Somebody's usual habit or custom.
- worldly/ˈwɜː(ɹ)ldli/adjective · B2+Concerned with material life, or experienced in it.
- wrack/ɹæk/noun · C2Seaweed thrown up on the shore, or ruin.
- wrangle/ˈɹæŋɡəl/verb · C1To argue long and noisily.
- wreak/ɹiːk/verb · C1To cause great damage or to take revenge.
- wreath/ɹiːθ/noun · B2A ring of flowers or leaves.
- wrest/ɹɛst/verb · C2To pull something away by force.
- wretch/ɹɛt͡ʃ/noun · B2+A miserable or contemptible person.
- wring/ɹɪŋ/verb · B2+To twist something to squeeze the water out.
- writ/ɹɪt/noun · C1A formal written order from a court.
- wroth/ɹəʊθ/adjective · C2Very angry, in old use.
- wrought/ɹɔːt/adjective · C1Shaped by hammering, as iron is.
- wynd/waɪnd/noun · C2A narrow lane between houses.
- wyvern/ˈwaɪvən/noun · C2A legendary two-legged winged dragon.
- yammer/ˈjæm.ə/verb · C2To talk on loudly and complainingly.
- yap/jæp/verb · B2+To bark in short shrill bursts.
- yearling/ˈjɜː.lɪŋ/noun · C1An animal in its second year of life.
- yelp/jɛlp/verb · B2+To give a short sharp cry of pain or excitement.
- yeoman/ˈjəʊ.mən/noun · C1A farmer who owned his own small holding.
- yolk/jəʊk/noun · B1+The yellow part inside an egg.
- yore/jɔː/noun · C2Long ago, in the phrase about times past.
- yowl/jaʊl/verb · C1To give a long loud wailing cry.