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19,795 words · page 3 of 7
- excerpt/ˈɛɡzɜː(p)t/noun · B2+A short passage taken out of a longer text.
- excess/ˈɛksɛs/noun · B2An amount beyond what is proper or needed.
- excess baggagenoun · B2Luggage over the allowance, charged extra.
- excessive/ɪkˈsɛsɪv/adjective · B2Far more than is reasonable.
- exchange/ɛksˈt͡ʃeɪnd͡ʒ/verb · B1To give one thing and receive another — money, gifts, or words.
- exchange ratenoun · B1How much of one country's money another's is worth.
- exchequer/ɛksˈt͡ʃɛ.kɚ/noun · C2The national treasury that holds public money.
- excitable/ɪkˈsaɪtəbəl/adjective · B2+Easily roused into strong feeling.
- excite/ɪkˈsaɪt/verb · B1To stir strong feeling or activity.
- excited/ɪkˈsaɪ.tɪd/adjective · A1Full of happy energy about something that is coming.
- excitement/ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/noun · B1The bubbling energy you feel when something great is coming.
- exciting/ɪkˈsʌɪtɪŋ/adjective · A1Making you feel thrilled and full of energy.
- exclaim/ɛkˈskleɪm/verb · B2+To say something loudly and suddenly out of strong feeling.
- exclamation/ˌɛkskləˈmeɪʃn̩/noun · C1A sudden cry of surprise, anger, or delight — with its own mark.
- exclude/ɪksˈkluːd/verb · B2To shut someone or something out of the group.
- exclusion/ɪksˈkluːʒən/noun · B2+The shutting out of somebody or something.
- excoriate/ɪkˈskɔɹ.iˌeɪt/verb · C2To criticise savagely, or to strip the skin off.
- excruciating/ɪkˈskɹuːʃi.eɪtɪŋ/adjective · B2+Causing unbearable pain or embarrassment.
- excursion/ɪkˈskɜː.ʃən/noun · B2+A short organized trip made for pleasure, back by evening.
- excuse/ɪkˈskjuːz/noun · B1The reason you give for not doing what you should have done.
- excuse me/ɛksˈkjuːz mi/phrase · A1The polite phrase for getting attention or passing through a crowd.
- excuse me for a momentphrase · B1A polite way of leaving briefly.
- execrable/ˈɛksɪkɹəbl/adjective · C2Extremely bad, and deserving to be cursed.
- execute/ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/verb · B2To carry out a plan step by step, exactly as designed.
- execution/ˌɛk.sɪˈkjuː.ʃən/noun · B2The putting of somebody to death by law, or the carrying out of a plan.
- executive/ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv/noun · B2A senior manager who makes decisions in a company.
- executor/ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɚ/noun · C1The person who carries out the wishes in a will.
- exemplary/ɪɡˈzɛmpləɹi/adjective · C1So good it should be the model for everyone else.
- exemplify/ɛɡˈzɛmplɪfaɪ/verb · C1To be a clear example of something.
- exempt/ɪɡˈzɛmpt/adjective · B2+Freed from a duty that others must meet.
- exemption/ɪɡˈzɛm(p).ʃən/noun · B2+Official release from a duty others must meet.
- exercise/ˈɛk.sə.saɪz/noun · A1Body movement you do on purpose to stay strong and healthy.
- exert/ɪɡˈzɝt/verb · C1To apply force, effort, or influence.
- exertion/ɪɡˈzɝʃən/noun · B2+Great physical or mental effort.
- exfoliate/ɛksˈfoʊlieɪt/verb · B2+To rub away dead skin from the surface.
- exhalation/ˌɛkshəˈleɪ̯ʃən/noun · C1A long breath let out of the lungs.
- exhale/ˌɛksˈheɪ̯l/verb · B2To push air out of your lungs.
- exhaust/ɪɡˈzɔːst/noun · B2The pipe that carries burnt gases away.
- exhausted/ɪɡˈzɔːstɪd/adjective · B1So tired that nothing is left.
- exhaustion/ɪɡˈzɔːs.t͡ʃən/noun · B2The state of being completely worn out.
- exhaustive/ɪɡˈzɔːstɪv/adjective · C1Leaving nothing out, however small.
- exhibition/ɛksɪˈbɪʃən/noun · B1+A public showing of art in a gallery for some weeks.
- exhibitionist/ɛksɪˈbɪʃənɪst/noun · C1Somebody who behaves so as to be noticed.
- exhilarate/ɪɡˈzɪləɹeɪt/verb · C1To fill somebody with excited high spirits.
- exhilaratingadjective · C1Making you feel thrillingly, breathlessly alive.
- exhilarationnoun · C1A rush of excited high spirits.
- exhort/ɛɡˈzɔːt/verb · C1To urge somebody strongly to act.
- exhortation/ˌɛɡzɔːˈteɪʃən/noun · C2An earnest appeal to do something.
- exigency/ˈɛksɪd͡ʒənsi/noun · C2An urgent demand created by the situation.
- exigent/ˈɛk.sɪ.d͡ʒənt/adjective · C2Pressing, and allowing no delay.
- exile/ˈɛɡˌzaɪl/noun · C1Being forced to live away from your own country.
- exile/ˈɛɡˌzaɪl/noun · B2+The years a person spent banished from home.
- exist/ɪɡˈzɪst/verb · A2+To be real; to actually be in the world.
- existence/ɛɡˈzɪs.təns/noun · B2The state of being real at all.
- exit/ˈɛksɪt/noun · A2The way out of a building, marked with a green sign.
- exit interviewnoun · C1The conversation held with somebody who is leaving.
- exodus/ˈɛksədəs/noun · C1A mass departure of people from a place.
- exonerate/ɪɡˈzɒnəɹeɪt/verb · C1To clear somebody of blame.
- exorbitant/ɪɡˈzɔːbɪtənt/adjective · C1Far higher in price than is reasonable.
- exorcism/ˈɛk.sɔː.sɪ.zəm/noun · C2A ceremony to drive an evil spirit out.
- exorcist/ˈɛk.sɔː.sɪst/noun · C2Somebody who drives out evil spirits by ritual.
- exoskeletonnoun · C1The hard outer shell that supports a creature from outside.
- exothermicadjective · C1Giving out heat as it reacts.
- exotic/ɪɡˈzɒtɪk/adjective · B2Excitingly foreign and unfamiliar.
- expand/ɪkˈspænd/verb · B1+To grow larger or spread wider.
- expanse/ɪkˈspæns/noun · B2+A wide continuous stretch of something.
- expansion/ɪkˈspænʃən/noun · B2+A growing larger in size or in reach.
- expat/ˈɛksˌpæt/noun · B2+A person living long-term in a country not their own.
- expect/ɪkˈspɛkt/verb · A2To believe something is going to happen.
- expectation/ˌɛk.spɛkˈteɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+What you believe is going to happen or be delivered.
- expediency/ɛkˈspiː.dɪ.ən.si/noun · C2Doing what suits you now rather than what is right.
- expedient/ɪkˈspiːdi.ənt/adjective · C1Useful for the moment, whatever the principle.
- expedite/ˈɛk.spəˌdaɪt/verb · C1To make a process happen faster.
- expedition/ɛkspəˈdɪʃən/noun · B1+An organized journey with a serious purpose — to a pole, a peak, or a jungle.
- expel/ɪkˈspɛl/verb · B2+To officially force someone out of a school or country.
- expendable/ɪkˈspɛndəbəl/adjective · C1Able to be given up or used up without great loss.
- expenditure/ɛkˈspɛndɪt͡ʃə/noun · C1The money that is spent.
- expense/ɪkˈspɛns/noun · B2One of the things your money regularly goes out on.
- expense claimnoun · B2A request to be paid back for money you spent at work.
- expenses/ɪkˈspɛnsɪz/noun · B1+Money spent for work that the employer pays back.
- expensive/ɪkˈspɛn.sɪv/adjective · A1Costing a lot of money.
- experience/ɪkˈspɪə.ɹi.əns/noun · A2The knowledge you have because you have done something for years.
- experiment/ɪkˈspɛɹ.ɪ.mənt/noun · A2+A careful test done to find out if an idea is true.
- experimental/ɪkspɛɹəˈmɛntəl/adjective · C1Based on trying something new to see what happens.
- experimentation/ɪkˌspɛɹ.ɪ.mənˈteɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+The trying out of new methods to see what works.
- expert/ˈɛk.spɜːt/noun · A2+Somebody who knows a great deal about one subject.
- expertise/ˌɛkspɜːˈtiːz/noun · B2Deep skill and knowledge in one field.
- expiate/ˈɛk.spi.eɪt/verb · C2To make amends for a wrong you have done.
- expiration/ˌɛk.spəˈɹeɪ̯.ʃən/noun · B2The coming to an end of a period of validity.
- expire/ɪkˈspaɪə(ɹ)/verb · C1To come to the end of the period for which it was valid.
- explain/ɪkˈspleɪn/verb · A1To make something clear so another person understands it.
- explanation/ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/noun · A2+Words that make a confusing thing clear.
- explanatory/ɪkˈsplæn.ə.t(ə)ɹi/adjective · C1Meant to make something clear.
- expletive/ɪkˈspliːtɪv/noun · C2A rude word blurted out in anger or pain.
- explicit/ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/adjective · C1Spelled out fully and directly, nothing left to guess.
- explicitlyadverb · C1Stated openly and in so many words.
- explode/ɪkˈspləʊd/verb · B1To burst apart with great force.
- exploit/ˈɛksplɔɪt/verb · B2+To use something fully — or use someone unfairly.
- exploitation/ˌɛksplɔɪˈteɪʃn̩/noun · C1Using people or resources unfairly for gain.
- exploration/ˌɛkspləˈɹeɪʃən/noun · B2The searching out of unknown places or ideas.
- explore/ɪkˈsplɔː/verb · B1To travel through a new place to find out what is there.
- explorer/ɛkˈsplɔːɹə(ɹ)/noun · B2Somebody who travels into unknown places.
- explosion/ɪkˈspləʊ.ʒən/noun · B1A violent bursting that sends everything outward.
- explosive/ɛkˈspləʊsɪv/adjective · C1Able to burst violently, or likely to cause an outburst.
- exponent/ɛkˈspəʊ.nənt/noun · C1Somebody who explains or champions a method.
- export/ˈɛks.pɔːt/verb · B1+To send goods out to another country.
- expose/ɪkˈspəʊz/verb · B2To pull the cover off something hidden so all can see it.
- exposed/ɪkˈspoʊzd/adjective · B2Left open where anybody can see.
- exposition/ɛkspəˈzɪʃən/noun · C1A clear full explanation, or a large public show.
- exposure/ɪkˈspəʊ.ʒə(ɹ)/noun · B2Dangerous loss of body heat in cold, wet weather.
- expound/ɪkˈspaʊnd/verb · C1To set out an idea in careful detail.
- express/ɪkˈspɹɛs/verb · A2+To put your thoughts or feelings into words or art.
- express trainnoun · B1A fast train that stops at few stations.
- expression/əkˈspɹɛʃ.n̩/noun · A2+The look on a face that shows what a person feels.
- expressive/ɪkˈspɹɛsɪv/adjective · B2Showing feeling clearly.
- expulsion/ɪkˈspʌlʃən/noun · B2+The forcing of somebody out of a school or a country.
- expunge/ɪkˈspʌnd͡ʒ/verb · C2To wipe something off the record entirely.
- exquisite/ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/adjective · B2+Beautiful in a fine, delicate, perfect way.
- extant/ˈɛk.stənt/adjective · C2Still in existence, said of something old.
- extend/ɛkˈstɛnd/verb · B2To make something longer or reach it further out.
- extended familynoun · B2All the relatives beyond parents and children.
- extension/ɪkˈstɛnʃən/noun · B2A new part built onto an existing building.
- extension cordnoun · B1The long cable that brings power to plugs far from the wall.
- extension numbernoun · B2The short internal number that reaches one desk.
- extensionsnoun · B1+Lengths of hair added to make your own longer.
- extensive/ɪkˈstɛn.sɪv/adjective · B2Covering a large area or a wide range.
- extensively/ɪkˈstɛn.sɪv.li/adverb · B2+Over a wide area or in great depth.
- extent/ɪkˈstɛnt/noun · B2How large or how far something goes.
- exterior/ɪkˈstɪəɹɪə/noun · B2The outside surface of something.
- exterminator/ɪkˈstɝmɪˌneɪtɚ/noun · B2+Somebody employed to destroy pests.
- external/ɪkˈstɜː.nəl/adjective · B2On or from the outside.
- extinct/ɪkˈstɪŋkt/adjective · B1+Having no living members left anywhere.
- extinction/ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/noun · B1+The forever disappearance of a whole kind of creature.
- extinguish/ɪkˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/verb · B2To put out a fire or a light.
- extinguisher/ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃə(ɹ)/noun · B1+The cylinder that puts out a small fire.
- extol/ɪkˈstəʊl/verb · C2To praise something very highly.
- extort/ɪkˈstɔː(ɹ)t/verb · B2+To force money out of somebody by threats.
- extra/ˈɛkstɹə/noun · A1A person in the background of a scene with no lines.
- extra timephrase · B1The added minutes played when the match ends level.
- extract/ˈɛkstɹækt/verb · B2To pull something out with effort — teeth, oil, or secrets.
- extraction/ɪkˈstɹækʃən/noun · C1Getting an agent out of a dangerous place.
- extractor/ɪkˈstɹæktɚ/noun · B2+The fan above a stove that pulls away steam and smells.
- extracurricular/ˌɛkstɹəkəˈɹɪkjʊlə(ɹ)/adjective · C2Happening at school but outside the lessons — clubs, teams, choirs.
- extradite/ˈɛk.stɹəˌdaɪt/verb · C1To send an accused person back to face trial abroad.
- extraditionnoun · C1Sending an accused person back to face trial abroad.
- extraneous/ɛkˈstɹeɪ.ni.əs/adjective · C1Not belonging to the matter in hand.
- extraordinary/ɪkˈstɹɔːdɪn(ə)ɹi/adjective · B1Far beyond the ordinary; astonishing.
- extrapolate/ɛkˈstɹæp.əˌleɪt/verb · C1To extend a known trend past the data you have.
- extravagance/ɪkˈstɹævəɡən(t)s/noun · C1Spending far more than is needed.
- extravagant/ɪkˈstɹævəɡənt/adjective · B2Spending or showing off far beyond what is sensible.
- extreme/ɪkˈstɹiːm/adjective · B2At the very highest degree possible — heat, cold, or opinion.
- extreme sportsnoun · B1Sports that carry a high risk of injury.
- extremely/ɪksˈtɹimli/adverb · A2To a very great degree.
- extremist/ɪkˈstɹiːmɪst/noun · C1Somebody who holds and acts on views far from the centre.
- extremity/ɪkˈstɹɛmɪti/noun · B2+The furthest point, or a state of great need.
- extricate/ˈɛk.stɹɪ.keɪt/verb · C1To free somebody from a tangle or a difficulty.
- extrovert/ˈɛkstɹəvəːt/noun · B2+Someone who gains energy from being with people.
- extroverted/ˈɛkstɹəvəːtɪd/adjective · B2+Recharging among people; drained by solitude.
- extrusionnoun · C2Material pushed through a shaped opening to form a length.
- exuberance/ɪɡˈzjuːbəɹəns/noun · C1Lively and overflowing high spirits.
- exuberant/ɪɡˈzuːbəɹənt/adjective · C1Full of lively high spirits, or growing lushly.
- exude/ɪɡˈzjuːd/verb · C2To give off a quality or a liquid steadily.
- exult/ɪɡˈzʌlt/verb · C1To rejoice openly and triumphantly.
- exultant/ɪɡˈzʌl.tənt/adjective · C1Filled with triumphant joy.
- exultation/ˌɛɡzʌlˈteɪʃən/noun · C2Triumphant delight.
- eye/ˈaɪ̯/noun · A1You see the world with this part of your body.
- eye contactnoun · B2Looking straight into someone's eyes while you talk.
- eye upphrase · C1To look at something with interest or desire.
- eyeball/ˈaɪ.bɔːl/noun · B1The round body of the eye inside its socket.
- eyebrow/ˈaɪˌbɹaʊ/noun · B2The line of hair above each eye; you raise them when surprised.
- eyebrow pencilnoun · B1A pencil used to darken and shape the brows.
- eyelash/ˈaɪlæʃ/noun · B2One of the short hairs along the edge of an eyelid.
- eyelet/ˈaɪ.lət/noun · B2A small reinforced hole for a lace to pass through.
- eyelid/ˈaɪ.lɪd/noun · B2The fold of skin that closes over your eye.
- eyeliner/ˈaɪˌlaɪnɚ/noun · B2+A line drawn along the edge of the eyelid.
- eyeshadow/ˈaɪˌʃæd.əʊ/noun · B1Colour brushed onto the lid above the eye.
- eyesight/ˈaɪˌsaɪt/noun · B1+How well a person can see.
- eyrie/ˈɪə.ɹi/noun · C2An eagle's nest high on a crag.
- fable/ˈfeɪbəl/noun · B2A short tale with talking animals and a moral at the end.
- fabledadjective · C2Famous in stories, and perhaps not quite real.
- fabric/ˈfæb.ɹɪk/noun · B2Any material that clothes are made from.
- fabric softener/ˈfæbrɪk ˈsɒfənər/noun · B1A liquid that makes washed cloth feel soft.
- fabricate/ˈfæb.ɹɪ.keɪt/verb · C2To invent a false story; also, to manufacture parts.
- fabrication/fæbɹɪˈkeɪʃən/noun · C2Something invented to deceive, or the making of a thing.
- fabulous/ˈfæbjʊləs/adjective · B2Wonderful, or belonging to legend.
- facade/fəˈsɑ(ː)d/noun · C1The false front someone shows the world; also, a building's face.
- face/ˈfeɪ̯s/noun · A1The front of your head, with your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- face/ˈfeɪ̯s/noun · B2One of the flat surfaces of a solid.
- face a challengephrase · B2To have to deal with something difficult.
- face mask/ˈfeɪs.mæsk/noun · B1A treatment spread on the face and left to work.
- face the factsphrase · B2To accept the truth of a situation.
- face the music/ˌfeɪs ðə ˈmjuːzɪk/phrase · C1To accept the punishment for what you did.
- face to facephrase · B1Directly facing one another.
- face up tophrase · B2To accept a difficult truth and deal with it.
- face-to-faceadjective · B1Happening with both people present in person.
- facelessadjective · C1Without individual character or identity.
- facet/ˈfæs.ɪt/noun · B2+One of the flat cut faces of a gem.
- facetious/fəˈsiːʃəs/adjective · C1Joking about something that calls for seriousness.
- facial/ˈfeɪ.ʃəl/noun · B2A professional treatment for the face.
- facile/ˈfæs.aɪl/adjective · C2Too easy, and shallow because of it.
- facilitate/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/verb · C1A formal word for making a process easier.
- facilitation/fəˌsɪlɪˈteɪʃən/noun · C1The making of a process easier for those involved.
- facility/fəˈsɪlɪti/noun · B1A building or service provided for a purpose.
- facing/ˈfeɪsɪŋ/noun · C2A piece sewn on to finish an edge neatly.
- facsimile/fækˈsɪm.ə.li/noun · C2An exact copy of a document or an image.
- facsimile editionnoun · C1An exact copy of an old book or document.
- fact/fækt/noun · A1A piece of information that is definitely true.
- fact-checkverb · B2To test whether a claim is actually true before printing it.
- faction/ˈfæk.ʃən/noun · C1A small group inside a larger one, pulling its own way.
- factor/ˈfæk.tə/noun · B2One of the things that shapes a result.
- factory/ˈfæk.tə.ɹi/noun · A2+The big building where machines and people make products.
- factory floornoun · B2The open working level where things are made.
- faculty/ˈfæk.əl.ti/noun · C1The teaching staff of a university, or one of its departments.
- fade/feɪd/verb · B1To slowly lose color, strength, or sound.
- fade/feɪd/verb · B1To grow gradually fainter until gone.
- fade awayphrase · B2To grow gradually weaker until gone.
- faded/ˈfeɪdɪd/adjective · B1+Having lost its colour through washing or sun.
- fahrenheitnoun · B1+The temperature scale where water freezes at thirty-two.
- fail/feɪl/verb · A2To try something and not succeed.
- failure/ˈfeɪ.ljə/noun · B1Not reaching the goal, despite trying.
- faint/feɪnt/verb · B1To lose consciousness for a short time.
- faint/feɪnt/adjective · B1So slight it is barely detectable.
- fair/ˈfɛə/adjective · A2Treating everyone the same way, by the rules.
- fair enough/fɛəɹ‿ɪˈnʌf/phrase · B2I accept your point, even if I would not have made it.
- fair playnoun · B2Following both the rules and their spirit.
- fair pointphrase · B2An admission that your opponent is right.
- fair-minded/ˌfɛːˈmaɪndɪd/adjective · C1Willing to judge everybody by the same standard.
- fairground/ˈfɛə(ɹ)ɡɹaʊnd/noun · B1+The open ground where rides and stalls are set up.
- fairness/ˈfɛə.nəs/noun · B2Treating everyone by the same honest rules.
- fairy/ˈfɛəɹi/noun · A1A tiny winged magical being.
- fairy tale/ˈfɛɹi ˌteɪl/phrase · B1An old magic story for children, ending happily ever after.
- faith/feɪθ/noun · B2Complete trust held even without proof.
- faithlessadjective · C1Not keeping faith or promises.
- fake/feɪ̯k/adjective · A2Made to look real in order to trick people.
- fake newsnoun · B1Invented stories dressed up to look like reporting.
- fake tannoun · B2A browning treatment applied rather than earned.
- falafel/fəˈlɑːfəl/noun · B1+The fried Middle Eastern balls made of ground chickpeas.
- falcon/ˈfɔː(l)kən/noun · B1+A fast hunting bird that kills in a steep dive.
- fall/fɔːl/verb · A1To drop down to the ground without wanting to.
- fall apartphrase · B2To break into pieces — objects, plans, or people under stress.
- fall behindphrase · B2To fail to keep up with the pace of others or payments.
- fall down/fɔːl ˈdaʊn/phrase · A2To drop from standing to the ground.
- fall forphrase · B2To be tricked by a lie; also, to fall in love with someone.
- fall short/fɔl ʃoɹt/phrase · B2To fail to reach the standard needed.
- fall throughphrase · C1To fail to happen after being planned.
- fallacious/fəˈleɪ.ʃəs/adjective · C2Resting on faulty reasoning.
- fallacy/ˈfæl.ə.si/noun · C2A piece of reasoning that looks good and is not.
- fallibility/fæləˈbɪləti/noun · C1The fact that anybody can get things wrong.
- falling-outnoun · C1A quarrel that ends a friendship for a while.
- fallout/ˈfɔːlaʊt/noun · B2Radioactive dust after an explosion, or the bad consequences of an act.
- fallow/ˈfæləʊ/adjective · C1Left unplanted for a season so the soil can rest.
- false/fɔːls/adjective · A1Not matching the facts; invented.
- false dilemmanoun · C1Pretending there are only two options when there are more.
- false flagnoun · C2An action made to look as though somebody else did it.
- false lashesnoun · B2Artificial lashes stuck on to lengthen your own.
- falsehood/ˈfɒlsˌhʊd/noun · B2+A lie, or the state of being untrue.
- falsetto/fɔːlˈsɛt.əʊ/noun · C1A man's voice singing far above its natural range.
- falsify/ˈfɒlsɪfaɪ/verb · C1To show something false, or to fake evidence.
- falter/ˈfɒltə/verb · C1To lose strength or confidence and begin to stumble.
- fame/feɪm/noun · B2The state of being known by millions.
- familial/fəˈmɪljəl/adjective · C1To do with a family, or running in one.
- familiar/fəˈmɪl.i.ə/adjective · B1Known to you already; you have seen it many times before.
- familiarity/fəmɪliˈæɹɪti/noun · B2+Close knowledge of somebody or something.
- family/ˈfæm(ɪ)li/noun · A1The group you are related to, especially parents and their children.
- family gatheringnoun · B1An occasion bringing relatives together.
- family resemblancenoun · B2The likeness that runs through relatives.
- family roomnoun · B1A room with beds for parents and children together.
- family treenoun · B1A chart showing how relatives connect.
- famine/ˈfæm.ɪn/noun · B2+A time when a whole region has almost nothing to eat.
- famine yearnoun · B2A year when the harvest failed and people starved.
- famished/ˈfæmɪʃt/adjective · B2+Extremely hungry.
- famous/ˈfeɪ.məs/adjective · A1Known by very many people.
- fan/fæn/noun · A2The machine with turning blades that blows air at you.
- fan/fæn/noun · B1A person who loves one team and cheers for it through everything.
- fan basenoun · B2The body of people devoted to something.
- fanatic/fəˈnæt.ɪk/noun · C1Somebody whose enthusiasm has passed all reason.
- fanatically/fəˈnæt.ɪk(.ə)li/adverb · C1With devotion so extreme it allows no other view.
- fanaticism/fəˈnæt.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/noun · C1Belief so extreme it allows no other view.
- fanciful/ˈfænsɪfl̩/adjective · C1Imaginative rather than founded on fact.
- fancy/ˈfæn.si/adjective · B1Decorated and expensive-looking, not simple.
- fanfare/ˈfænfɛə/noun · B2+A short loud flourish of trumpets.
- fang/ˈfæŋ/noun · B1+One of the long sharp teeth of a snake or wolf.
- fantasiseverb · B2+To imagine things that will not happen.
- fantasy/ˈfæntəsi/noun · B1An imagined situation that could not really happen.
- far/fɑː/adjective · A1A long distance away.
- far-fetched/fɑɹˈfɛt͡ʃt/adjective · B2So unlikely that it is hard to believe.
- faraway/ˈfɑɹəweɪ/adjective · B1+At a great distance.
- farce/fɑːs/noun · C1A wildly silly comedy, or an absurd sham.
- farcical/ˈfɑː(ɹ)sɪkəl/adjective · C2So ridiculous that it cannot be taken seriously.
- fare/ˈfɛə/noun · B2The price you pay to ride a bus, train, or taxi.
- farewell/fɛəˈwɛl/noun · B1A parting, and the good wishes said at one.
- farm/ˈfɑːm/noun · A1The land where a family grows food and keeps animals.
- farmer/ˈfɑɹ.mɚ/noun · A1The person who grows crops and keeps cows and sheep.
- farmhouse/ˈfɑːmhaus/noun · A2+The house the farmer lives in.
- farmland/ˈfɑːmlænd/noun · B1+Land used for growing crops or keeping animals.
- farmyard/ˈfɑɹmˌjɑɹd/noun · B1+The open area surrounded by farm buildings.
- farrier/ˈfæɹi.ə/noun · C1Somebody who fits iron shoes to horses.
- fart/fɑːt/verb · B1To let wind out from the bowels.
- farthest/ˈfɑːðɪst/adjective · B1+At the greatest distance.
- fascinate/ˈfæsɪneɪt/verb · B2+To charm and attract somebody so strongly that they cannot look away.
- fascinated/ˈfæsɪneɪtɪd/adjective · B2Held completely by interest in something.
- fascinating/ˈfæsɪˌneɪtɪŋ/adjective · B1So interesting you cannot pull your attention away.
- fascination/fæsɪˈneɪʃən/noun · B2A powerful interest that holds your attention.
- fashion/ˈfæʃ.ən/noun · A2+The style of clothes that is popular right now.
- fast/fɑːst/adjective · A1Moving with great speed.
- fast food/ˈfæst ˈfuːd/phrase · A2Cheap hot food served in minutes over a counter.
- fastidious/fæsˈtɪdi.əs/adjective · C1Very hard to please about detail and cleanliness.
- fasting/ˈfæstɪŋ/noun · B2+Going without food for a religious reason.
- fastness/ˈfɑːs(t)nəs/noun · C2A stronghold in country hard to reach.
- fat/ˈfæt/adjective · A1Having a heavy, round body.
- fat chancephrase · C1Sarcastically, there is no chance whatever.
- fatalism/ˈfeɪ.təl.ɪz.əm/noun · C1The belief that nothing you do can change what happens.
- fatality/feɪˈtælɪti/noun · C1A death caused by an accident or a disaster.
- fate/feɪt/noun · B1The future that some believe is already written for each of us.
- fateful/ˈfeɪtfəl/adjective · C1Having important and usually bad consequences.
- father/ˈfɑː.ðə/noun · A1Your male parent.
- father-in-law/ˈfɑːðəɹɪnˌlɔː/noun · B2The father of the person you married.
- fatherhood/ˈfɑːðəːˌhʊd/noun · B2The state of being a father.
- fatherlessadjective · B2Having no father alive or present.
- fathom/ˈfað(ə)m/verb · C1To understand something deep and puzzling.
- fathom outphrase · C1To finally understand something deep or puzzling.
- fatigue/fəˈtiːɡ/noun · C1Weakness in metal caused by being flexed too often.
- fatigue/fəˈtiːɡ/noun · B2Deep tiredness that rest does not lift.
- fatigues/fəˈtiːɡz/noun · C1The working uniform soldiers wear day to day.
- fatuous/ˈfæt.ju.əs/adjective · C2Silly and self-satisfied.
- faucet/ˈfɔːsɪt/noun · A2+The metal fitting you turn to make water flow.
- fault/fɔːlt/noun · A2Something wrong inside a machine or a system.
- fault linenoun · C1A crack where blocks of rock have slipped past each other.
- faulty/ˈfɒlti/adjective · B2Having something wrong with it.
- faulty goodsnoun · B2Products that do not work as they should.
- fauna/ˈfɔːnə/noun · B2+The animals of a region taken together.
- favorite/ˈfeɪv.ɹɪt/adjective · A1Liked more than all the others.
- favournoun · B1A kind act done for somebody, or approval given.
- favourable/ˈfeɪv(ə)ɹəbəl/adjective · C1Giving approval, or working in your favour.
- fawn/fɔːn/verb · C1To flatter somebody with excessive attention.
- fawn overphrase · C1To flatter somebody shamelessly to win their favour.
- fealty/ˈfiː.əlti/noun · C2The loyalty a vassal owes to their lord.
- fear/fɪə/noun · A2The cold feeling that danger is near.
- fearful/ˈfɪəfəl/adjective · B2Full of fear, or causing it.
- fearless/ˈfɪɹləs/adjective · B1+Showing no fear at all.
- fearsome/ˈfɪəsəm/adjective · B2Frightening in appearance or reputation.
- feasible/ˈfiː.zɪ.bəl/adjective · B2+Actually possible to do with what you have.
- feast/ˈfiːst/noun · B1A huge celebratory meal with far too much food.
- feast daynoun · B2A day set aside to celebrate a saint or an event.
- feat/fiːt/noun · C1A deed needing great skill or courage.
- feather/ˈfɛðə/noun · A2One of the light soft pieces a bird's coat is made of.
- feather duster/ˈfɛð.ə(ɹ) ˈdʌstə/noun · B1A handle tipped with soft feathers for dusting.
- feature/ˈfiː.t͡ʃəː/noun · B1A noticeable part or quality of something.
- feature filmnoun · B2A full-length film made to be shown in cinemas.
- februarynoun · A1The shortest month — only 28 days, sometimes 29.
- feckless/ˈfɛkləs/adjective · C2Useless, and unable to take responsibility.
- federal/ˈfɛdəɹəl/adjective · B2Belonging to the central government of a union of states.
- federalismnoun · C1A system where power is shared between central and local governments.
- fee/fiː/noun · B2The fixed price charged for a service or membership.
- feeble/ˈfiːbəl/adjective · B2Pitifully weak.
- feed/fiːd/verb · A2To give food to a person or an animal.
- feed sacknoun · B1The heavy bag animal food comes in.
- feedback/ˈfiːdˌbæk/noun · B2Honest comments on your work that help you improve it.
- feeding bowlnoun · A2The dish an animal eats from.
- feel/ˈfiːl/verb · A1To experience something inside — cold, joy, or pain.
- feeling/ˈfiː.lɪŋ/noun · A1What happens inside you — joy, fear, hunger, or hope.
- feign/feɪn/verb · C2To pretend to have a feeling or a condition.
- feint/feɪnt/noun · C1A move made to draw an opponent the wrong way.
- feisty/ˈfaɪsti/adjective · C1Spirited and ready to stand your ground.
- feline/ˈfiːlaɪn/adjective · C2Of cats, or moving with their sleek grace.
- fell/fɛl/adjective · C2Fierce and cruel, in old use.
- fellow/ˈfɛ.ləʊ/noun · B1A man, or somebody in the same situation as you.
- fellowship/ˈfɛl.ə(ʊ).ʃɪp/noun · C1Funded status given to a researcher at a university.
- felony/ˈfɛləni/noun · B2A serious crime carrying a heavy punishment.
- female/ˈfiː.meɪl/adjective · A2Of the sex that gives birth.
- feminine/ˈfɛmɪnɪn/adjective · B2Having the qualities people traditionally link with women.
- feminist/ˈfɛmənɪst/adjective · C1Working for equal rights and standing for women.
- femur/ˈfiːmə(ɹ)/noun · B2+The long bone of the thigh.
- fence/fɛns/noun · B1The wooden wall around a garden.
- fencing/ˈfɛnsɪŋ/noun · B2+The sport of fighting with slim blunted swords.
- fend/ˈfɛnd/verb · B2+To ward something off, or to look after yourself.
- fender/ˈfɛnd.ə(ɹ)/noun · B2The panel over a wheel that keeps mud off.
- fennel/ˈfɛnəl/noun · B2+A plant with feathery leaves and an aniseed flavour.
- feral/ˈfɛɹəl/adjective · B2+Wild, though descended from tame animals.
- ferment/fəˈmɛnt/verb · B2+To let food change and sour through tiny living cultures.
- fermentation/ˌfɜːmənˈteɪʃən/noun · B2+The change sugar undergoes to make alcohol or bread rise.
- fermented/fɹ̩ˈmɛntʰəd/adjective · B2+Changed and soured by tiny living cultures.
- fern/fɜːn/noun · B1+The ancient feathery green plant of shady forest floors.
- ferocious/fəˈɹəʊʃəs/adjective · C1Frighteningly fierce and violent.
- ferocity/fəˈɹɑsɪti/noun · C2Savage fierceness.
- ferret/ˈfɛɹɪt/noun · B2+A small tame animal used to hunt rabbits.
- ferret outphrase · C1To search persistently until you find something hidden.
- ferris wheelnoun · B1The giant slow wheel of cabins that lifts you above the fair.
- ferry/ˈfɛɹi/noun · B1+The boat that carries people and cars back and forth across the same water.
- ferry/ˈfɛɹi/verb · B2To carry people or things back and forth.
- ferryboat/ˈfɛɹiˌboʊt/noun · B2+The vessel itself that shuttles back and forth on one short fixed crossing, named with the word for a small craft attached.
- ferryman/ˈfɛɹ.i.mən/noun · B2+Somebody who takes people across water in a boat.
- fertile/ˈfɜːtaɪl/adjective · B2Rich enough to grow abundant life — soil or imagination.
- fertilisernoun · B1+Something added to soil to make plants grow faster.
- fertility/fə(ɹ)ˈtɪlɪti/noun · B2+The ability to produce young or good crops.
- fervent/ˈfɜːv(ə)nt/adjective · C1Feeling and showing very strong belief.
- fervid/ˈfɝ.vɪd/adjective · C2Burning with intense feeling.
- fervournoun · C1Passionate intensity of feeling.
- fester/ˈfɛstə/verb · C1To grow infected, or to grow more bitter with time.
- festival/ˈfɛstɪvəl/noun · B1A big public celebration with music, food, and crowds.
- festival/ˈfɛstɪvəl/noun · B1A yearly celebration of a sacred event.
- festive/ˈfɛstɪv/adjective · B1+Cheerful and suited to a celebration.
- festivity/fɛˈstɪvəti/noun · B2+Joyful activity that marks a special occasion.
- festoon/fɛsˈtuːn/verb · C2To hang decorations all over something.
- feta/ˈfɛtə/noun · B1+A salty white Greek cheese crumbled over salad.
- fetal/ˈfitl̩/adjective · C1Curled up tight like a baby before birth.
- fetch/fɛt͡ʃ/verb · B1To go after something thrown and bring it back.
- fete/feɪt/noun · C2An outdoor entertainment held to raise money.
- fetid/ˈfɛtɪd/adjective · C2Smelling strongly of rot.
- fetish/ˈfɛt.ɪʃ/noun · C1An object thought to hold power, or an obsessive fixation.
- fetlocknoun · C2The joint just above a horse's hoof.
- fetter/ˈfet.ə/noun · C1A chain fastened round a prisoner's ankle.
- fetus/ˈfiːtəs/noun · B2+An unborn young in the later stages of development.
- feud/fjuːd/noun · B2+A long bitter quarrel between families or groups.
- feudal/ˈfjuːdəl/adjective · C1Describing a system where land was held in return for service.
- fever/ˈfiːvə/noun · B1When your body gets too hot because you are ill.
- feverish/ˈfiː.və.ɹɪʃ/adjective · B2Hot with fever, or restlessly excited.
- few/fjuː/adjective · A1A small number of something.
- fewer/ˈfjuː.ɚ/adjective · A2+A smaller number of things.
- fiance/fiˈɒ̃seɪ/noun · B1+The person you have promised to marry but haven't yet.
- fiasco/fiˈæs.kəʊ/noun · C1A complete, embarrassing failure.
- fiat/ˈfaɪæt/noun · C1An order that takes effect purely because whoever holds power wills it so, as with paper money worth something only because a state says so.
- fibre/ˈfaɪ.bə(ɹ)/noun · C1The rough part of plants that keeps digestion moving.
- fibreglass/ˈfaɪbəɡlɑːs/noun · B2+Plastic strengthened with fine threads of glass.
- fickle/ˈfɪk.əl/adjective · C1Changing loyalties and moods without warning.
- fiction/ˈfɪkʃən/noun · A2+Stories from imagination, not fact.
- fictional/ˈfɪkʃənəl/adjective · B2Invented for a story rather than real.
- fictitious/fɪkˈtɪʃəs/adjective · C2Made up and passed off as real.
- fiddle/ˈfɪd(ə)l/verb · B2To fuss with something small using your fingers, often pointlessly.
- fiddly/ˈfɪdli/adjective · C1Awkward to do because the parts are small.
- fidelity/fɪˈdɛlɪti/noun · C1Faithfulness, or exactness in reproducing something.
- fidget/ˈfɪd͡ʒ.ɪt/verb · B2+To move restlessly because you cannot settle.
- fidgety/ˈfɪd͡ʒɪti/adjective · B2Unable to keep still.
- fief/fiːf/noun · C2Land held from a lord in return for service.
- field/ˈfi(ː)ld/noun · A2A wide open piece of farm land where crops or grass grow.
- field tripphrase · B1A day when the whole class travels somewhere to learn outside school.
- fieldwork/ˈfiːldwɜːk/noun · B2+Research done out in the real world, not the library or lab.
- fiend/ˈfiːnd/noun · C1A cruel or wicked person, or a keen enthusiast.
- fiendish/ˈfiːndɪʃ/adjective · C1Extremely cruel, or extremely clever and difficult.
- fierce/fɪəs/adjective · B2Wild, angry, and frightening, like a tiger defending its young.
- fiery/ˈfaɪəɹi/adjective · B2+So hot with spice that it burns.
- fiesta/fɪˈestə/noun · B1+A lively outdoor festival, in the Spanish tradition.
- fifteen/ˈfɪf.tiːn/noun · A1The number that comes after fourteen.
- fifty/ˈfɪfti/noun · A1Five times ten — half of one hundred.
- fifty-fiftyphrase · B1Shared equally, or as likely one way as the other.
- fig/fɪɡ/noun · B1+A soft purple fruit full of tiny seeds.
- fight/faɪt/verb · A1To use force or hard words against someone.
- fighter/ˈfaɪ.tə(ɹ)/noun · A2+Somebody who fights, by trade or by nature.
- figment/ˈfɪɡ.mənt/noun · C1Something invented that has no reality.
- figurative/ˈfɪɡəɹətɪv/adjective · C1Meant as an image rather than in the plain sense.
- figurativelyadverb · C2In an imaginative sense rather than a literal one.
- figure/ˈfɪɡə/noun · A2A written number, or the shape of a person's body.
- figure outphrase · B1To finally understand or solve something after thinking.
- figure skatingnoun · B1Skating routines of jumps, spins and dance.
- figurehead/ˈfɪɡjəɹˌhɛd/noun · C1The carved figure once fixed under a ship's bow.
- fijinoun · B1+South Pacific island nation of 300 isles and rugby lovers.
- filch/fɪlt͡ʃ/verb · C2To steal something small and of little value.
- file/faɪl/noun · B1One saved document, photo, or song on a computer.
- file/faɪl/noun · C1A column of squares running up the board.
- filial/ˈfɪl.i.əl/adjective · B2+To do with the duty a child owes a parent.
- filibuster/ˈfɪlɪbʌstə(ɹ)/noun · C1Talking on and on to stop a vote being taken.
- filigree/ˈfɪl.ɪ.ɡɹiː/noun · C1Delicate ornamental work in fine wire.
- filing cabinetnoun · B1A tall set of deep drawers for storing documents.
- fill/fɪl/verb · A1To put so much in that no empty space is left.
- fill a gapphrase · B2To supply what was missing.
- fill inphrase · B1To write your answers into the empty spaces of a form.
- filler/ˈfɪləː/noun · B2A paste that fills a hole before painting over it.
- fillet/ˈfɪl.ɪt/noun · B1+A boneless strip of meat or fish.
- filling/ˈfɪlɪŋ/adjective · B1Making you feel full quickly.
- filly/ˈfɪli/noun · C1A young female horse.
- film/fɪlm/noun · A1A story told in moving pictures, about two hours long.
- film-makernoun · C1Somebody who directs or produces motion pictures.
- filmmakernoun · B1+Somebody who makes motion pictures.
- filter/ˈfɪltə/noun · C1A piece of glass over the lens that changes the light.
- filter/ˈfɪltə/noun · B1A device that liquid or air passes through so unwanted parts are held back.
- filter/ˈfɪltə/verb · B1To let only part of the light through.
- filter bubblenoun · C1The narrow world a recommendation system shows you.
- filter effectnoun · B2A ready-made look applied over a whole picture.
- filth/fɪlθ/noun · B2Disgusting dirt, or obscene material.
- filthy/ˈfɪlθi/adjective · A2Extremely dirty.
- filtration/fɪlˈtɹeɪʃən/noun · B2+Separating solids from a liquid by passing it through a mesh.
- filtration systemnoun · C1The equipment that cleans the water.
- fin/fɪn/noun · B1+The thin flap a fish steers and pushes with.
- final/ˈfaɪnl̩/noun · A1The last match of a tournament, where the trophy is decided.
- final versionnoun · B1The version that is agreed and will be used.
- finale/fɪˈnɑːli, fə-/noun · B2The last and biggest movement of a work.
- finale/fɪˈnɑːli, fə-/noun · B2The last and biggest episode of a run.
- finaliseverb · B2+To settle the last details.
- finalistnoun · B2Somebody who has reached the last round.
- finance/fɪˈnæns/noun · B2The management of money.
- financial/faɪˈnæn.ʃəl/adjective · B1To do with money and how it is managed.
- finch/fɪnt͡ʃ/noun · B2+A small seed-eating bird with a stubby strong beak.
- find/ˈfɑjnd/verb · A1To discover the thing you were looking for.
- find outphrase · A2To get the information you did not have before.
- finder/ˈfaɪndə/noun · B2Somebody or something that locates what was lost.
- fine/ˈfaɪ̯n/noun · B1Money you must pay as punishment for breaking a rule.
- fine/ˈfaɪ̯n/adjective · A1Good enough; nothing wrong at all.
- fine artnoun · B2Painting and sculpture made for their beauty alone.
- fine-tuneverb · B2To make tiny adjustments until it works perfectly.
- finery/ˈfaɪnəɹi/noun · C1Showy clothes and ornaments worn for display.
- finesse/fɪˈnɛs/noun · C1Delicate skill in handling a tricky matter.
- finger/ˈfɪŋɡəː/noun · A2One of the five long parts of your hand.
- fingernail/ˈfɪŋɡɚˌneɪl/noun · B2The hard covering at the end of a finger.
- fingerprint/ˈfɪŋɡɚˌpɹɪnt/noun · B1+The unique pattern of ridges left by a fingertip.
- fingers crossed[fɪŋɡɚz kʰɹɔst]phrase · B2Said when you are hoping hard for a good outcome.
- fingertip/ˈfɪŋɡɚˌtɪp/noun · B2The very end of a finger, where the print is.
- finish/ˈfɪnɪʃ/verb · A2To reach the last step of what you were doing.
- finite/ˈfaɪ.naɪt/adjective · B2+Having a limit that can be reached.
- fink/fɪŋk/noun · C2American slang for a low, treacherous character, especially a worker who crosses a picket line during a strike.
- finlandnoun · A2+The Nordic country of a thousand lakes and hot saunas.
- fir/fɜː/noun · B1+A tall straight evergreen, the usual Christmas tree.
- fire/ˈfaɪ.ə/verb · B1To tell an employee they must leave their job.
- fire/ˈfaɪ.ə/noun · A1The hot bright burning thing that gives heat and eats wood.
- fire alarmnoun · B1The bell or siren that warns a building of fire.
- fire blanketnoun · B2A sheet thrown over flames to smother them.
- fire brigade/ˈfaɪə(ɹ)bɹɪˌɡeɪd/noun · B2The service that puts out fires.
- fire engine/faɪə(ɹ).ɛn.dʒɪn/noun · A2The vehicle that carries firefighters and their pumps.
- fire escapenoun · B2The outside stairs for fleeing a burning building.
- fire stationnoun · B1The building where firefighters and their trucks wait for calls.
- fire-eaternoun · B2A performer who puts flame into the mouth.
- firearm/ˈfaɪəɹˌɑː(ɹ)m/noun · B2A weapon that shoots bullets.
- fireball/ˈfaɪəbɔːl/noun · B2A bright ball of flame, or a person of great energy.
- firecracker/ˈfaɪəˌkɹækə/noun · B2A small firework that goes off with a bang.
- firefighter/ˈfaɪə(ɹ)ˌfaɪ.tə(ɹ)/noun · B2+The brave worker who rides a red truck and puts out flames.
- firefly/ˈfaɪ.əˌflaɪ/noun · B1+A beetle that glows in the dark to attract a mate.
- firehousenoun · B2+The station where fire engines and crews are based.
- firelighternoun · B2A small block that burns long enough to start a fire.
- fireman/ˈfaɪɹmən/noun · B2The one who shovelled coal on a steam engine.
- fireplace/ˈfaɪəpleɪs/noun · B2The open place in a wall where a warm fire burns in winter.
- fireproofadjective · B2+Able to survive flame without burning.
- firewall/ˈfaɪə.wɔəl/noun · C1The digital wall that blocks intruders from a network.
- firewood/ˈfaɪ.ə(ɹ).wʊd/noun · B1+The logs cut and stored for burning.
- firework/ˈfaɪɚˌwɚk/noun · A2+A device that explodes into coloured light for a display.
- fireworks/ˈfaɪ̯.ə.wɜːks/noun · A2+Explosions of colored light in the night sky.
- firm/fɜːm/adjective · B1Solid to press, but not hard.
- firmly/ˈfɝmli/adverb · B2In a way that will not be shifted.
- firmness/ˈfɝmnəs/noun · B2+Steadiness that will not be shifted.
- firmwarenoun · C1The low-level software built into a device.
- first/fɜːst/adjective · A1Coming before all the others.
- first aidphrase · B1Simple quick help for a hurt person before the doctor comes.
- first aid kitnoun · B1The box of dressings carried for emergencies.
- first classnoun · B1The most luxurious cabin on a flight.
- first class postnoun · B1The faster and dearer way of sending mail.
- first editionnoun · B2The earliest printing of a book.
- first ladynoun · B1The wife of a head of state.
- first matenoun · B2The officer second in command.
- first namenoun · A2The name your parents chose for you.
- first personnoun · B2The form of a verb or pronoun used for the speaker.
- first respondernoun · C1The first trained person to reach an emergency.
- first wordnoun · A2The first thing a child manages to say.
- first-classadjective · B1Of the very best standard, or in the best travel class.
- first-rateadjective · B2Of the very best quality.
- firstborn/ˈfɜː(ɹ)stˌbɔː(ɹ)n/noun · B2The eldest child of a family.
- firth/fɜːθ/noun · C2A narrow inlet of the sea, in Scotland.
- fiscal/ˈfɪskəl/adjective · C1Having to do with public money and taxation.
- fish/fɪʃ/noun · A1An animal that lives in water and swims; healthy to eat.
- fish fingernoun · B1A breaded rectangle of white fish for children.
- fisherman/ˈfɪʃ.ə.mən/noun · A2+A person who catches fish for a living.
- fishmonger/ˈfɪʃˌmʌŋɡ.ə/noun · B2+A trader who sells fish.
- fishy/ˈfɪʃi/adjective · B1Smelling or tasting strongly of fish.
- fission/ˈfɪʃən/noun · C1Splitting a heavy nucleus to release energy.
- fissure/ˈfɪʃ.ə/noun · C1A long narrow crack.
- fist/fɪst/noun · B1Your hand closed tight into a ball.
- fist bumpnoun · B1A light knock of closed hands in greeting.
- fistful/ˈfɪstˌfʊl/noun · B2+As much as a closed hand can hold.
- fisticuffs/ˈfɪs.tɪ.kʌfs/noun · C2Old-fashioned fighting with the bare hands.
- fit/fɪt/verb · A2To be the right size and shape for your body.
- fit as a fiddle/ˈfɪt æz ə ˈfɪdl̩/phrase · C1In excellent health.
- fitful/ˈfɪtf(ʊ)l/adjective · C1Stopping and starting, and never steady.
- fitness/ˈfɪt.nəs/noun · B1+The condition of being strong and healthy from regular movement.
- fitting/ˈfɪtɪŋ/noun · B2A small part that joins or attaches something.
- five/ˈfaɪ̯v/noun · A1The number of fingers on a hand.
- fix/fɪks/verb · A2To make a broken thing work again.
- fix upphrase · B2To arrange something, or to put it back in order.
- fixation/fɪksˈeɪʃən/noun · B2+An obsession that somebody cannot let go of.
- fixed-termadjective · B2Lasting only for an agreed period.
- fixer/ˈfɪksɚ/noun · C1Somebody who quietly arranges difficult things.
- fixture/ˈfɪks.t͡ʃə/noun · C1Something fixed in place as part of a building.
- fizz/fɪz/verb · B2To make the soft hissing of escaping bubbles.
- fizzy/ˈfɪzi/adjective · B1+Full of gas bubbles that prickle the tongue.
- fjord/ˈfiːɔːd/noun · B2+A deep narrow sea inlet between steep Norwegian cliffs.
- flabby/ˈflæb.i/adjective · B2Soft and loose from lack of exercise.
- flag/flæɡ/noun · B1A piece of cloth with a country's colors on a pole.
- flagon/ˈflæɡ(ə)n/noun · C2A large vessel with a handle for holding drink.
- flagrant/ˈfleɪ.ɡɹənt/adjective · C1Openly and shockingly wrong.
- flagship/ˈflæɡʃɪp/noun · B2+The leading ship, shop or product of a group.
- flagstone/ˈflæɡ.stəʊn/noun · B2+A flat slab of stone used for paving.
- flail/fleɪl/verb · C1To wave the arms about wildly.
- flake/fleɪk/verb · B2To come away in thin small pieces.
- flaky/ˈfleɪki/adjective · B2+Breaking into thin light layers.
- flamboyant/flamˈbɔɪ.ənt/adjective · B2+Showy and confident in an eye-catching way.
- flame/fleɪm/noun · B1The bright burning part of a fire.
- flamenco/fləˈmɛŋkəʊ/noun · B1+A Spanish dance of stamping feet and clapping hands.
- flamingo/fləˈmɪŋɡoʊ/noun · A2+A tall pink bird that often stands on one leg.
- flammable/ˈflæməbl̩/adjective · B2+Catching fire easily.
- flange/ˈflænd͡ʒ/noun · C2The lip on a wheel that keeps it on the rail.
- flank/flænk/noun · B2+The side of a formation, and its weak point.
- flannel/ˈflænəl/noun · B1+A small cloth used for washing the face.
- flap/flæp/verb · B2To beat the wings up and down.
- flare/flɛə̯/noun · B2A bright light fired to show where you are.
- flash/flæʃ/noun · A2A burst of light that comes and goes in an instant.
- flash/flæʃ/verb · B1To shine very brightly for an instant.
- flashback/ˈflæʃ.bæk/noun · C1A sudden vivid return of a past moment.
- flashcard/ˈflæʃˌkɑɹd/noun · B1A small card with the word on one side and its meaning on the other.
- flashing/ˈflæʃɪŋ/noun · C1The metal strip that seals a joint on a roof.
- flashlight/ˈflæʃˌlaɪt/noun · A2+The small electric light you hold in your hand in the dark.
- flask/ˈflɑːsk/noun · B1+A narrow bottle that keeps a drink hot or cold.
- flask/ˈflɑːsk/noun · B1+A narrow-necked bottle, in a lab or a pocket.
- flask/ˈflɑːsk/noun · B1+A round-bottomed glass vessel with a narrow neck.
- flat/ˈflæt/noun · A2A home that is one floor inside a bigger building.
- flat/ˈflæt/adjective · A2Completely smooth and horizontal, with no bumps or hills.
- flat/ˈflæt/adjective · B1Having lost all its bubbles.
- flat/ˈflæt/noun · B2A level face with no rise or hollow.
- flatbed wagonnoun · C1A wagon with a flat floor and no sides.
- flatten/ˈflæ.tən/verb · B1+To make something level or squash it down.
- flatter/ˈflætɚ/verb · C1To praise someone too sweetly, usually to win favor.
- flattery/ˈflæt.ə.ɹi/noun · C1Praise laid on more thickly than is sincere.
- flaunt/flɔːnt/verb · C1To show something off to make others notice.
- flautist/ˈflaʊtɪst/noun · C1Somebody who plays the flute.
- flavor/ˈfleɪvə/noun · B1The particular way a food tastes.
- flavour profilenoun · C1The whole set of tastes a thing carries.
- flavourfuladjective · B2Full of strong pleasant taste.
- flaw/flɔː/noun · C1A small fault that spoils something otherwise good.
- flawed/flɔːd/adjective · C1Spoiled by a fault.
- flawless/ˈflɔːləs/adjective · B2Without a single visible fault.
- 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.
- flea/ˈfliː/noun · B1+A tiny jumping insect that bites and itches.
- flea marketphrase · B2The open market of old and used treasures at tiny prices.
- fleck/flɛk/noun · C1A very small patch of colour.
- fledgling/ˈflɛd͡ʒ.lɪŋ/noun · B2+A young bird just grown enough to leave the nest.
- fleece/fliːs/noun · B1+The whole woolly coat of a sheep.
- fleet/ˈfliːt/noun · B2A group of ships or vehicles under one control.
- fleet managementnoun · B2Running and maintaining a company's vehicles.
- fleeting/ˈfliːtɪŋ/adjective · C1Gone almost as soon as it is noticed.
- flesh/flɛʃ/noun · B1The soft part of a body between the skin and the bones.
- fletch/flɛt͡ʃ/verb · C2To fit feathers to an arrow.
- flex/flɛks/verb · B2To bend and tighten a joint or muscle, testing that it still moves.
- flexibility/ˌflɛksɪˈbɪlɪti/noun · C1How far a body can bend without hurting.
- flexible/ˈflɛk.sɪ.bəl/adjective · B2Bending easily without breaking — materials, plans, or people.
- flexiblyadverb · B2+In a way that bends easily to what is needed.
- flexitimenoun · C1A system letting staff choose their own start and finish.
- flick/flɪk/verb · B2To move something with a quick light stroke.
- flicker/ˈflɪkə/verb · C1To burn or shine unsteadily.
- flight/ˈflaɪ̯t/noun · A1One plane journey, with its own number like AB123.
- flight attendantnoun · B1The crew member who looks after passengers in the air.
- flight numbernoun · B1The code identifying one particular service.
- flight pathnoun · B2The route an aircraft follows through the sky.
- flighty/ˈflaɪti/adjective · C2Changeable and not to be relied on.
- flimsy/ˈflɪmzi/adjective · B2So thin and weak it could fall apart at a touch.
- flinch/ˈflɪnt͡ʃ/verb · B2To make a quick small movement away from something.
- fling/ˈflɪŋ/verb · B2To throw something carelessly and hard.
- flint/flɪnt/noun · B2+A very hard stone that strikes sparks and flakes to an edge.
- flint strikernoun · C1A tool that makes sparks when scraped.
- flint toolnoun · C1A blade flaked from very hard stone.
- flinty/ˈflɪnti/adjective · C2Hard and unyielding in character.
- flip-flopsnoun · B1Flat rubber sandals held on by a strap between the toes.
- flipchartnoun · B2A big pad on a stand, used in presentations.
- flipper/ˈflɪpə/noun · B1+The flat limb a sea mammal swims with.
- flit/flɪt/verb · C2To move lightly and quickly from place to place.
- float/fləʊt/verb · A2To rest on top of water or drift in the air without sinking.
- flock/flɒk/noun · B1A traveling group of birds or sheep.
- floe/fləʊ/noun · C2A large sheet of ice floating on the sea.
- flog/flɒɡ/verb · C1To beat somebody as a punishment.
- flood/flʌd/noun · B1When a river rises and water covers streets and fields.
- floodgatesnoun · C2Gates that hold back water, and the phrase for releasing a rush.
- floodlit/ˈflʌdlɪt/adjective · C1Lit brightly all over by powerful lamps.
- floodwaternoun · B2+Water covering land it does not usually reach.
- floor/flɔː/noun · A1The surface you stand on inside a room.
- floor plannoun · B2A drawing of a building seen from above.
- floorboardnoun · B2+One of the long planks that make up a wooden floor.
- flop/flɒp/noun · B2A film that fails badly with the public.
- 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.
- flora/ˈflɔː.ɹə/noun · B2+The plants of a region taken together.
- floral/ˈfloɹəl/adjective · B1+Patterned with flowers.
- floral/ˈfloɹəl/adjective · B2Tasting or smelling of flowers.
- floral scentnoun · B2A perfume built around the smell of flowers.
- florist/ˈflɒɹɪst/noun · B1+The shopkeeper who sells and arranges flowers.
- floss/flɒs/noun · B1The thin thread pulled between teeth to clean the gaps.
- flotation devicenoun · C1Anything that keeps a person afloat.
- flotilla/floʊˈtɪlə/noun · C2A small fleet of boats.
- flotsam/ˈflɒtsəm/noun · C2Wreckage and goods found floating on the sea.
- flounce/flaʊns/noun · C2A wide strip sewn on to hang loose.
- flounder/ˈflaʊ̯ndəː/verb · C1To struggle clumsily without making progress.
- flour/ˈflaʊ.ə/noun · B1The fine white powder from grain that bread and cakes start as.
- flourish/ˈflʌɹ.ɪʃ/verb · C1To grow strong and successful, in full bloom.
- flout/flaʊt/verb · C1To break a rule openly and without shame.
- flow/ˈfləʊ̯/noun · B1A steady movement of liquid or of anything in one direction.
- flower/ˈflaʊ̯.ə/noun · A1The colorful part of a plant that smells sweet and attracts bees.
- flowerbednoun · B1+A patch of soil planted with flowers.
- flu/fluː/noun · A2+An illness with fever and aching body, worse than a simple cold.
- fluctuate/ˈflʌkt͡ʃu.eɪt/verb · C2To keep rising and falling unpredictably.
- fluctuation/flʌkt͡ʃuːˈeɪʃən/noun · C2An up-and-down movement around an average.
- fluency/ˈfluːənsi/noun · B2Speaking a language smoothly, without hunting for words.
- fluent/ˈfluːənt/adjective · B2+Speaking a language smoothly and easily, like a native.
- fluentlyadverb · B1+Speaking a language smoothly, without struggling for words.
- fluff/flʌf/verb · B2To shake something soft so it fills out again.
- fluffy/ˈflʌfi/adjective · B1Light and full of air.
- fluffy/ˈflʌfi/adjective · B1Soft and light, standing up in tufts.
- fluid/ˈfluːɪd/noun · B2A substance that flows, whether liquid or gas.
- fluidity/fluːˈɪd.ə.ti/noun · C1Smoothness with no break between movements.
- fluke/fluːk/noun · B2A piece of luck that could not be repeated.
- flume/fluːm/noun · C1An enclosed water slide.
- flunk/flʌŋk/verb · B1+To fail a test or a course.
- fluorescent/ˌflʊəˈɹɛsənt/adjective · B2+Glowing brightly under certain light.
- flurry/ˈflʌ.ɹi/noun · B2+A brief light fall of snow blown about by wind.
- flush/ˈflʌʃ/adjective · B2Perfectly level with the surrounding surface.
- fluster/ˈflʌstə/verb · B2+To make somebody nervous and confused.
- flusteredadjective · B2+Hot, confused, and rattled under sudden pressure.
- flute/flu(ː)t/noun · B1+The thin silver instrument you hold sideways and blow across.
- flutedadjective · C1Marked with long rounded grooves.
- flutter/ˈflʌtə/verb · B2To move the wings in quick light beats.
- flux/flʌks/noun · C1Continuous change, or a flowing.
- fly/flaɪ/verb · A1To move through the air like a bird or a plane.
- fly off the handlephrase · B2To lose your temper very suddenly.
- flyer/ˈflaɪə(ɹ)/noun · B1+A printed sheet handed out in the street.
- flyover/ˈflaɪˌəʊvə/noun · B2+A road carried on a bridge over another road.
- flysheetnoun · C1The outer waterproof skin over a tent.
- foal/fəʊl/noun · B1+A young horse.
- foam/ˈfəʊ̯m/noun · B1The white mass of tiny bubbles on top of waves.
- fob/fɒb/noun · B2The small plastic tag you press to unlock a car.
- focal/ˈfəʊ.kl̩/adjective · C1Central, and drawing everything towards it.
- focus/ˈfəʊ̯.kəs/verb · A2+To adjust the lens until the subject is sharp.
- focus groupnoun · B2A small group asked what they think of something.
- fodder/ˈfɒdə/noun · B2+Food grown and stored for farm animals.
- foe/fəʊ/noun · B2An enemy, in formal or literary use.
- fog/fɒɡ/noun · A2+Thick low cloud at ground level that hides everything around you.
- foggy/ˈfɒɡi/adjective · B1+With thick low cloud hiding everything around you.
- foghornnoun · B2+The deep horn sounded when visibility is bad.
- foible/ˈfɔɪbəl/noun · C2A small odd habit that does no harm.
- foil/fɔɪl/noun · B1+The shiny thin metal sheet used to wrap food.
- foist/fɔɪst/verb · C1To force something unwanted on somebody.
- fold/ˈfəʊld/verb · A2To bend paper or cloth so one part lies on the other.
- fold/ˈfəʊld/noun · C1A bend pressed into layers of rock.
- fold your armsphrase · B1To cross the arms over the chest, often defensively.
- folder/ˈfoʊldɚ/noun · A2+The cover that keeps your loose papers together.
- foliage/ˈfəʊliɪdʒ/noun · B2+The leaves of a plant taken all together.
- folio/ˈfəʊlɪəʊ/noun · C1A large book made of sheets folded once.
- folk/fəʊk/noun · B1Ordinary people, said warmly and plainly.
- folk dancenoun · B1A traditional dance handed down in a community.
- folklore/ˈfəʊk.lɔː/noun · B2+The old stories, songs, and beliefs a people hands down.
- folktale/ˈfoʊkteɪl/noun · C1A story handed down by ordinary people, not written by one author.
- follow/ˈfɒləʊ/verb · A1To go behind someone, the same way they go.
- follow suitphrase · C1To do the same as somebody else has just done.
- follow upphrase · B2To take a further step after a first one.
- follow your nosephrase · B2To go straight on, or to trust your instinct.
- follow-upnoun · B2A later piece returning to an earlier story.
- follow-up emailnoun · B2The message sent afterwards to confirm what was agreed.
- follower/ˈfɒləʊə(ɹ)/noun · B2A person who has chosen to see everything you post.
- folly/ˈfɒli/noun · B2+Foolishness, or a costly foolish act.
- foment/fəʊˈmɛnt/verb · C2To stir up trouble deliberately.
- fond/fɒnd/adjective · B2Holding a warm, lasting liking for someone or something.
- fondle/ˈfɒndəl/verb · B2+To stroke and handle affectionately.
- fondness/ˈfɑndnəs/noun · B2+A quiet, steady liking built over time.
- fondue/ˈfɒndjuː/noun · B2+The Swiss pot of melted cheese you dip bread into.
- font/fɒnt/noun · B1+The style and shape of the letters on a screen or page.
- food/fuːd/noun · A1Anything people or animals eat to stay alive.
- food chainnoun · B2The order in which living things eat one another.
- food criticnoun · B2A writer who judges restaurants in public.
- food for thoughtphrase · C1An idea worth chewing over in your mind.
- food trucknoun · B1A kitchen on wheels selling food in the street.
- fool/fuːl/noun · B1Somebody who behaves without any sense.
- foolhardiness/ˈfulˌhɑɹ.di.nəs/noun · C2Bold action taken without weighing the danger.
- foolish/ˈfuː.lɪʃ/adjective · B1Showing bad judgment; unwise.
- foolishness/ˈfuːlɪʃnəs/noun · B2Behaviour that shows no sense.
- foolproof/ˈfuːl ˌpɹuːf/adjective · B2So simple that nobody could get it wrong.
- foot/fʊt/noun · A1The body part at the end of your leg that you stand on.
- foot in mouthphrase · C2The habit of saying exactly the wrong thing.
- footage/ˈfʊtɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2Recorded moving pictures, before anyone edits them.
- football/ˈfʊt.bɔːl/noun · A1The world's favorite game — eleven players a side and one round thing to kick.
- footbridge/ˈfʊtˌbɹɪd͡ʒ/noun · B1+A narrow bridge for people on foot.
- foothold/ˈfʊthoʊld/noun · B2+The small ledge a climber puts a foot on.
- footing/ˈfʊtɪŋ/noun · C1The widened base of a wall, spreading its weight.
- footnote/ˈfʊtˌnəʊt/noun · B2+A small note at the bottom of the page, marked by a tiny number.
- footpadnoun · C2A robber on foot who attacks travellers.
- footpath/ˈfʊtˌpɑːθ/noun · A2+A narrow way kept open for walkers.
- footprint/ˈfʊtpɹɪnt/noun · B1The mark a foot leaves in soft ground.
- fop/fɒp/noun · C2A man far too devoted to his clothes and his mirror.
- for good/fə ˈɡʊd/phrase · B1Permanently, and with no going back.
- for the time beingphrase · B2For now, until something changes.
- for what it's worthphrase · C1Offering an opinion while admitting it may not help.
- forage/ˈfɒɹ.ɪd͡ʒ/verb · B2+To search widely for food or supplies.
- foragingnoun · B2+Gathering wild food from the countryside.
- foray/ˈfɒɹ.eɪ/noun · C1A brief venture into new territory or a new field.
- forbearance/fəˈbɛːɹ(ə)n(t)s/noun · C2Patient self-control when you could hit back.
- forbid/fəˈbɪd/verb · B2To order that something must not be done.
- forbidding/fɚˈbɪdɪŋ/adjective · B2+Looking hostile and unwelcoming.
- force/fɔːs/verb · B1To make someone do something against their will.
- forceful/ˈfɔːsfəl/adjective · B2Strong and confident in manner.
- forcibleadjective · C1Done by force, or carrying great force.
- forcibly/ˈfɔːsəbli/adverb · B2+By the use of physical force.
- ford/fɔːd/verb · C1To cross a stream by wading.
- forearm/ˈfɔːˌɹɑːm/noun · B1+The part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist.
- forebear/ˈfɔːˌbɛə/noun · C2An ancestor from an earlier generation.
- foreboding/fɔɹˈbɔʊdɪŋ/noun · C1A feeling that something bad is coming.
- forecast/ˈfɔːkɑːst/noun · B2A statement of what the weather is expected to do.
- forecastle/ˈfoʊk.səl/noun · C2The raised deck at the front of a ship.
- foreclose/fɔːˈkləʊz/verb · C1To take back a property when the loan is not repaid.
- forefinger/ˈfɔːˌfɪŋ.ɡə/noun · C1The pointing digit next to the thumb.
- forefront/ˈfɔːfɹʌnt/noun · B2+The most important or advanced position.
- foreground/ˈfɔː(ɹ)ˌɡɹaʊnd/noun · B2+The part of the scene nearest the viewer.
- forehead/ˈfɔːhɛd/noun · B1The part of your face above your eyebrows.
- foreign/ˈfɒɹɪn/adjective · A2+Belonging to another country, not yours.
- foreign exchangenoun · B2The business of turning one currency into another.
- foreign language/fɔːɹɪn lɛŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/noun · B1A language other than your own, studied at school.
- foreigner/ˈfɒɹ.ɪ.nə(ɹ)/noun · B2Somebody from another country.
- forelocknoun · C2The lock of hair falling over a horse's forehead.
- foreman/ˈfɔː(ɹ).mən/noun · B2The worker in charge of the others on a building site.
- foremost/ˈfɔː.məʊst/adjective · B2+In front of all the others.
- forensic/fəˈɹɛn.zɪk/adjective · C1Using science to investigate crime.
- forensics/fəˈɹɛn.zɪks/noun · B2The science of examining traces left at a crime.
- forerunner/ˈfɔɹˌɹʌnɚ/noun · C1Somebody or something that came before and prepared the way.
- foresee/fɔɹˈsi/verb · B2+To know in advance that something will happen.
- foreseeable/fɔɹˈsi.ə.bəl/adjective · B2+Able to be expected within the near future.
- foresight/ˈfɔɹsaɪt/noun · B2+The wisdom to prepare for what is coming.
- forest/ˈfɒɹɪst/noun · A2A large area covered with trees growing close together.
- forestall/fɔː(ɹ)ˈstɔːl/verb · C1To act first so as to prevent something.
- foresternoun · B2+A person who manages woodland.
- forestry/ˈfɒɹ.ɪst.ɹi/noun · B2+The care and management of woodland.
- foretell/fɔɹˈtɛl/verb · B2+To say what will happen before it does.
- forever/fəˈɹɛvə(ɹ)/adverb · A2For all time, without ever ending.
- foreword/ˈfɔːwɜːd/noun · B2+An introduction written by somebody other than the author.
- forfeit/ˈfɔː.fɪt/verb · C1To lose something as a penalty.
- forfeiture/ˈfɔːfɪtʃə/noun · C2The loss of property or a right as a penalty.
- forge/fɔːd͡ʒ/noun · C1The hearth where metal is heated until it can be beaten.
- forgery/ˈfɔː.dʒəɹ.ɪ/noun · B2+The crime of making fake documents, money, or signatures.
- forget/fəˈɡɛt/verb · A1To lose something from your mind that you once knew.
- forget-me-not/fɚˈɡɛt.miˌnɑt/noun · B2A small plant with pale blue flowers.
- forgetful/fərˈɡɛtfəl/adjective · B2Often failing to remember things.
- forgingnoun · C1Metal shaped by hammering while hot.
- forgive/fə(ɹ)ˈɡɪv/verb · A2To let go of your anger at someone who wronged you.
- forgiveness/fəˈɡɪvnəs/noun · B2Letting go of the right to stay angry.
- forgo/fɔːˈɡəʊ/verb · C1To go without something you could have had.
- fork/fɔːk/noun · A2A tool with sharp points, used for picking up food.
- fork/fɔːk/noun · B2One piece attacking two enemy pieces at once.
- forklift/ˈfɔɹklɪft/noun · B2A small truck with prongs that lifts pallets.
- forlorn/fəˈlɔːn/adjective · C2Lonely and without hope.
- form/fɔːm/noun · A1The shape something takes, or a printed sheet to fill in.
- form upphrase · C1To arrange into an ordered line or block.
- formal/ˈfɔɹməl/adjective · B1Serious and official — the style of weddings and job interviews.
- formality/fɔːrˈmælɪti/noun · C1Strict attention to correct form and manners.
- format/ˈfɔː(ɹ).mæt/noun · B2+The shape, size and arrangement something is presented in.
- formation/fɔːˈmeɪʃ(ə)n/noun · B2The making of something, or an ordered arrangement.
- formative/ˈfɔːmətɪv/adjective · C1Having a lasting effect on how somebody develops.
- formerly/ˈfɔɹmɚli/adverb · B2At an earlier time than now.
- formidable/fɔːˈmɪdəbəl/adjective · B2+So strong or skilled it inspires respect and a little fear.
- formidably/ˈfɔːɹ.mɪ.dəb.li/adverb · C2To a degree that inspires respect and some fear.
- formula/ˈfɔː.mjʊ.lə/noun · B1+A rule written in symbols and numbers, like E=mc².
- formula/ˈfɔː.mjʊ.lə/noun · B1+The symbols showing what a substance is made of.
- formulate/ˈfɔː(ɹ)mjʊleɪt/verb · C1To work an idea out into a precise, careful form.
- fornicate/ˈfɔː.nɪ.kət/verb · C2To have sex outside marriage, in religious use.
- fornication/ˌfɔɹnɪˈkeɪʃən/noun · C2Sex outside marriage, in religious use.
- forsake/fɔːˈseɪk/verb · C1To abandon somebody or something for good.
- forswear/fə(ɹ)ˈswɛə(ɹ)/verb · C2To give something up by solemn promise.
- forte/ˈfɔːteɪ/noun · C1The thing a person does especially well.
- forth/fɔːθ/adverb · B2Onward and out, in older or formal use.
- forthcoming/fɔːθˈkʌmɪŋ/adjective · C1Coming soon; also, willingly open with information.
- forthright/ˈfɔːθˌɹaɪt/adjective · C1Direct and outspoken.
- forthwith/fɔːθˈwɪð/adverb · C1Immediately and without delay.
- fortification/ˌfɔː(ɹ)tɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/noun · C1Walls and works built to make a place defensible.
- fortify/ˈfɔːtɪfaɪ/verb · B2+To strengthen a place against attack.
- fortitude/ˈfɔː.tɪˌtjuːd/noun · C1Courage in bearing pain or trouble.
- fortnight/ˈfɔːt.naɪt/noun · B2+A period of two weeks, in British English.
- fortnightly/ˈfɔːɹtˌnaɪt.li/adjective · B2+Happening once every two weeks.
- fortress/ˈfoɹ.tɹɪs/noun · B2A large strongly defended building.
- fortuitous/fɔːˈtjuːɪtəs/adjective · C1Happening by chance, and often luckily.
- fortunate/ˈfɔː.t͡ʃə.nɪt/adjective · B2A formal word for having good luck.
- fortunately/ˈfɔː.t͡ʃə.nɪt.li/adverb · A2+By good luck.
- forty/ˈfɔːti/noun · A1Four times ten.
- forum/ˈfɔːɹəm/noun · B2+A place or meeting where matters are openly discussed.
- forward/ˈfɔːwəd/adjective · A2Directed towards the front.
- fossil/ˈfɒsl̩/noun · B1+The stone remains of a creature that lived millions of years ago.
- fossil fuelphrase · B2Coal, oil, and gas — energy dug up from ancient buried life.
- fossil recordnoun · C1The evidence of past life preserved in rock.
- fossiliseverb · B2To be turned to stone and preserved over ages.
- foster/ˈfɒstə/verb · B2To raise a child in your home for a time without adopting them.
- foster/ˈfɒstə/verb · B2To care for an animal temporarily.
- foster parentnoun · B2Somebody who raises a child not born to them, for a time.
- foul/faʊl/noun · B2A move against the rules that the whistle stops at once.
- found/ˈfaʊ̯nd/verb · B2To set up an institution and provide for its beginning.
- foundation/ˌfaʊ̯nˈdeɪ̯ʃən/noun · B2The solid base a building stands on, below ground.
- foundation/ˌfaʊ̯nˈdeɪ̯ʃən/noun · B2The base that everything above depends on.
- foundlingnoun · C2An abandoned child found and taken in.
- foundry/ˈfaʊn.dɹi/noun · C1A works where metal is melted and poured into moulds.
- fountain/ˈfaʊn.tɪn/noun · B1The decoration in a square that shoots water into the air.
- four/foɹ/noun · A1The number of legs a dog has.
- fourteen/ˈfɔː.tiːn/noun · A1The number that comes after thirteen.
- fowl/faʊl/noun · B2A bird kept for its meat and eggs.
- fox/fɒks/noun · A2A clever wild animal with red fur and a bushy tail.
- foxholenoun · C1A small pit one or two soldiers fight from.
- foxingnoun · C2The brown spots that age brings to old paper.
- foxtrot/ˈfɒkstɹɒt/noun · B2+A smooth partner dance of long and short steps.
- foxy/ˈfɑksi/adjective · C1Slang for strikingly sexy and good-looking, said of a person with a knowing sharpness.
- foyer/ˈfɔɪ.eɪ/noun · B2+The entrance hall of a public building.
- fraction/ˈfɹæk.ʃən/noun · B2A number written as one value over another, like one half.
- fractious/ˈfɹæk.ʃəs/adjective · C2Irritable and quick to quarrel.
- fracture/ˈfɹæk.t͡ʃʰəː/noun · B2A crack or break in a bone.
- fracture/ˈfɹæk.t͡ʃʰəː/noun · C1The way a mineral breaks where it has no cleavage.
- fragile/ˈfɹæd͡ʒaɪl/adjective · B1Breaking easily — handle the box with care.
- fragment/ˈfɹæɡmənt/<q:noun>noun · B2+A small piece broken off a whole.
- fragmentation/ˌfɹæɡmənˈteɪ̯ʃən/noun · C1The breaking of a whole into scattered pieces.
- fragrance notenoun · C1One of the smells that make up a scent.
- fragrance-freeadjective · B2Made without any added scent.
- fragrant/ˈfɹeɪ.ɡɹənt/adjective · B2+Smelling sweetly pleasant.
- frail/fɹeɪl/adjective · B2Weak and easily hurt, often through age.
- frailty/ˈfɹeɪlti/noun · C1Weakness of body or of character.
- frame/ˈfɹeɪ̯m/verb · B1To put a border round, or to make somebody look guilty.
- frame of mind/fɹɛɪːm ʌv maɪːnd/noun · B2The mood you happen to be thinking in.
- framework/ˈfɹeɪm.wɜːk/noun · B2The supporting structure of ideas a piece of work is built inside.
- framework/ˈfɹeɪm.wɜːk/noun · B2The structure of ideas a thing is organised by.
- framing/ˈfɹeɪmɪŋ/noun · B2Deciding what goes in the picture and what stays out.
- francenoun · A1The country of Paris, fine cheese, and the Eiffel Tower.
- franchise/ˈfɹænt͡ʃaɪ̯z/noun · C1The right to run your own branch of a famous brand.
- franchise/ˈfɹænt͡ʃaɪ̯z/noun · B2+A whole family of works built on one property.
- frankincense/ˈfɹæŋkənˌsɛns/noun · C1A fragrant resin burnt as incense.
- frankingnoun · C2Printing postage directly onto an envelope.
- frankly/fɹæŋkli/adverb · B2Speaking openly, even if it is unwelcome.
- frantic/ˈfɹæn.tɪk/adjective · B2Wild with hurry, worry, or fear.
- frantically/ˈfɹæn.tɪk.li/adverb · B2+In a wild hurried way driven by anxiety.
- fratricidenoun · C2The killing of your own brother.
- fraud/ˈfɹɔːd/noun · B2The crime of tricking people out of their money.
- fraud alertnoun · B2A warning that suspicious spending was seen.
- fraudster/ˈfɹɔdstɚ/noun · B2Someone who cheats people out of money by lying.
- fraudulent/ˈfɹɔːdjʊ.lənt/adjective · B2+Done to cheat people out of money or rights.
- fraught/fɹɔːt/adjective · C1Full of anxiety, or loaded with danger.
- fray/fɹeɪ/verb · C1To come apart in loose threads at the edge.
- frayed/fɹeɪd/adjective · B2+Coming apart in loose threads at the edge.
- frazzledadjective · C1Frayed and worn out by too much at once.
- freak/fɹiːk/noun · B2Something wildly abnormal, or a keen enthusiast.
- freakish/ˈfɹiːkɪʃ/adjective · C1Wildly abnormal and unpredictable, as of weather or an accident that departs from what nature usually does.
- freckle/ˈfɹɛkl̩/noun · B1+A small brown spot the sun brings out on skin.
- free/fɹiː/adjective · A1Costing nothing; also, not busy or not locked up.
- free trialnoun · B1A period of using something without paying.
- free willnoun · C1The power to choose your own actions for yourself.
- free-rangeadjective · B2Kept with room to roam outdoors.
- freedom/ˈfɹiːdəm/noun · A2Being able to do, say, and go as you choose.
- freeholdnoun · C1Ownership of land outright and for ever.
- freelance/ˈfɹiːlɑːns/adjective · B2+Working for many different clients instead of one fixed employer.
- freelancer/ˈfɹiː.lɑːn.sə/noun · B1+A worker who sells their skills job by job, with no single employer.
- freelancingnoun · B2+Working for many clients rather than one employer.
- freely/ˈfɹiːli/adverb · B2Without restriction, or without being forced.
- freemium/ˈfɹiː.miː.əm/noun · C1Free to use, with the good parts charged for.
- freestyle/ˈfɹiːˌstaɪl/noun · B2+A race where any stroke may be used, usually the fastest.
- freestyle/ˈfɹiːˌstaɪl/noun · B2+Dancing without a set routine.
- freewheelverb · B2To coast along without pedalling.
- freeze/ˈfɹiːz/verb · B1To turn hard and solid from extreme cold.
- freeze/ˈfɹiːz/verb · B1To stop moving completely from shock.
- freeze framenoun · B2A single moment held still on screen.
- freezer/ˈfɹiːzə/noun · B1The coldest part of the fridge, where the ice cream lives.
- freezing/ˈfɹiːz.ɪŋ/adjective · B1Cold enough to turn water to ice.
- freight/fɹeɪt/noun · B2Goods carried in bulk by road, rail, sea or air.
- freight forwardernoun · C1A firm that arranges transport on a shipper's behalf.
- freight trainnoun · B2A train that carries goods, not people.
- freight yardnoun · B2Where goods are loaded and unloaded.
- french/fɹɛnt͡ʃ/adjective · A2The language and people of the country of Paris.
- french hornnoun · B2A brass instrument of coiled tubing with a wide bell.
- frenetic/fɹəˈnɛt.ɪk/adjective · C1Wildly fast and disordered.
- frenzy/ˈfɹɛnzi/noun · B2A state of wild uncontrolled excitement.
- frequency/ˈfɹiːkwənsi/noun · B2How many times per second a wave repeats.
- frequency/ˈfɹiːkwənsi/noun · B2How often something happens.
- frequent/ˈfɹiː.kwənt/adjective · B2Happening many times, again and again.
- frequent flyernoun · B2A traveller who collects points from an airline.
- fresco/ˈfɹɛskoʊ/noun · B2+A painting done on wet plaster.
- fresh/fɹɛʃ/adjective · A2Just made, picked, or caught — not old at all.
- freshen/ˈfɹɛʃən/verb · B2To make something smell and feel new again.
- freshen upphrase · B2To wash quickly and tidy yourself.
- freshman/ˈfɹɛʃ.mən/noun · B1+A first-year student, in American English.
- freshness/ˈfɹɛʃnəs/noun · B2+The quality of being newly made or newly picked.
- fret/fɹɛt/verb · B2To worry continually over small things.
- fretful/ˈfɹɛtfəl/adjective · C1Restless and inclined to complain.
- friction/ˈfɹɪkʃən/noun · B2The rubbing force that slows sliding things and warms your hands.
- fridaynoun · A1The last working day — the weekend starts tonight!
- fridge/fɹɪd͡ʒ/noun · A2A large cold cupboard that keeps your food and drinks fresh.
- fried/fɹaɪd/adjective · A2+Cooked in hot fat.
- friend/fɹɛnd/noun · A1A person you like, trust, and spend time with.
- friendliness/ˈfɹɛndlinəs/noun · B1+A warm and welcoming manner.
- friendly/ˈfɹɛnd.li/adjective · A1Warm and open toward people; easy to talk to.
- friendship/ˈfɹɛn(d)ʃɪp/noun · B1The bond between friends.
- fries/fɹaɪz/noun · A2+Thin golden potato sticks, salty and hot.
- frieze/ˈfɹiːz/noun · C1A decorated band running along the top of a wall.
- frigate/ˈfɹɪɡ.ət/noun · B2+A fast warship of medium size.
- fright/fɹaɪt/noun · B1A sudden feeling of fear.
- frighten/ˈfɹaɪ.tən/verb · B1To make somebody afraid.
- frightful/ˈfɹaɪtfəl/adjective · B2Shockingly bad or alarming, said of a mess, a storm, or a nasty surprise rather than of something that insults people.
- frigid/ˈfɹɪd͡ʒɪd/adjective · B2Very cold, or cold in manner.
- frill/fɹɪl/noun · B2+A gathered strip of cloth sewn on for decoration.
- fringe/fɹɪnd͡ʒ/noun · B1+Hair cut straight across the forehead.
- frisbeenoun · B1The flying plastic disc friends throw in the park.
- frisk/fɹɪsk/verb · B2To run the hands over somebody in search of weapons.
- frisky/ˈfɹɪski/adjective · B2+Lively and playful.
- fritter/ˈfɹɪtə(ɹ)/verb · B2+To waste money or time in small amounts.
- frivolous/ˈfɹɪv.ə.ləs/adjective · C1Not serious when seriousness is called for.
- frizz/fɹɪz/noun · B2+Hair standing out in fine unruly wisps.
- frock/fɹɒk/noun · B2+A dress, in older use.
- frog/fɹɒɡ/noun · A2A small green animal that jumps and lives near water.
- frolic/ˈfɹɒlɪk/verb · C2To play and jump about happily.
- from time to timephrase · B1Occasionally, without any pattern.
- frond/fɹɒnd/noun · C1The leaf of a fern or a palm.
- front/fɹʌnt/noun · A1The boundary where two masses of air meet.
- front crawl/ˌfɹʌntˈkɹɑːl/noun · B2A fast stroke of alternate overarm reaches.
- front desknoun · B1The counter where guests deal with the hotel.
- front of housenoun · C1Everything the customer sees, and the staff who work there.
- front pagenoun · B1The first page of a newspaper, where the biggest story lives.
- front-runnernoun · C1The one most likely to win.
- frontal/ˈfɹʌn.təl/adjective · B2+At or towards the front.
- frontier/ˈfɹʌntɪə/noun · B2The border of a country, or the edge of what is known.
- frontispiece/ˈfɹʌn.tɪsˌpiːs/noun · C2An illustration facing the title page.
- frontlinenoun · B2The place where the fighting actually happens.
- frost/fɹɒst/noun · B1The thin white frozen layer covering grass on cold clear mornings.
- frostbitenoun · B2Damage to skin and flesh from extreme cold.
- frosty/ˈfɹɒsti/adjective · C1Covered in frost, or very cold in manner.
- froth/ˈfɹɒθ/noun · B2+A mass of small bubbles on a liquid.
- frown/ˈfɹaʊ̯n/verb · B1To pull your eyebrows together in worry or disapproval.
- frozen/ˈfɹəʊzən/adjective · B1Turned to ice, or kept as cold as ice.
- frugal/ˈfɹuːɡəl/adjective · B2+Careful to spend as little as possible.
- frugality/fɹuːˈɡæləti/noun · C2The habit of spending as little as possible.
- fruit/fɹuːt/noun · A1The sweet part of a plant that holds its seeds and is good to eat.
- fruitcake/ˈfɹuːt.keɪk/noun · B1+A rich cake full of dried fruit and nuts.
- fruitful/ˈfɹuːtfl̩/adjective · B2+Producing a rich yield of good results, as of a discussion or partnership that gives much in return rather than merely working as intended.
- fruition/fɹuˈɪʃən/noun · C2The point at which a plan finally bears results.
- fruitless/ˈfɹuːtləs/adjective · B2+Producing no result whatever.
- fruity/ˈfɹuːti/adjective · B2Tasting strongly of ripe fruit.
- frustrate/fɹʌˈstɹeɪt/verb · B2+To stop somebody achieving what they wanted.
- frustrated/fɹʌˈstɹeɪ.tɪd/adjective · C1Annoyed because nothing you try is working.
- frustrating/fɹəˈstɹeɪ̯tɪŋ/adjective · C1Blocking what you want and annoying you by it.
- frustration/fɹʌsˈtɹeɪ.ʃən/noun · B2The boiling feeling when nothing works no matter how you try.
- fry/fɹaɪ/verb · B1To cook food in hot oil in a pan.
- fuchsia/ˈfjuːʃə/adjective · C1A bright bold pink-purple.
- fuddle/ˈfʌdəl/verb · C2To confuse somebody, especially with drink.
- fuel gaugenoun · B2The dial showing how much is left in the tank.
- fuel surchargenoun · B2An extra charge added when fuel prices rise.
- fugitive/ˈfjuːd͡ʒɪtɪv/noun · B2Somebody running from the law.
- fulcrum/ˈfʊlkɹəm/noun · C2The point a lever turns on, or the crux of a matter.
- fulfill/fʊlˈfɪl/verb · B2To carry a promise, duty, or dream through to completion.
- fulfillmentnoun · B2+The satisfaction of achieving what you needed.
- fulfilment/fʊlˈfɪl.mənt/noun · C1The picking, packing and sending of an order.
- full/fʊl/adjective · A1With no space left inside.
- full boardnoun · B2A rate including all three meals of the day.
- full facenoun · C1A complete application of every product.
- full stop/ˌfʊl ˈstɒp/noun · B1The dot that ends a sentence.
- full-blownadjective · C1Fully developed, with nothing held back.
- full-bodiedadjective · C1Rich and heavy in the mouth.
- full-grown/ˈfʊlˌɡɹoʊn/adjective · B2Completely adult; done growing.
- full-time/ˌfʊl ˈtaɪm/adjective · B2Working the normal complete week.
- fuller/ˈfʊ.lə/noun · C2The groove running down the blade of a sword.
- fullness/ˈfʊlnəs/noun · B2The state of being completely full.
- fully/ˈfʊli/adverb · B1Completely, with nothing left out.
- fulsome/ˈfʊlsəm/adjective · C2Praising so heavily that it rings false.
- fumble/ˈfʌmbəl/verb · B2To handle something clumsily and nearly drop it.
- fume/fjuːm/verb · B2+To give off smoke, or to seethe with anger.
- fume cupboardnoun · C1The vented cabinet dangerous vapours are handled in.
- fumes/fjuːmz/noun · B2Smoke or gas with a strong smell, usually unpleasant.
- fun/fʌn/adjective · A1Enjoyable and light-hearted.
- function/ˈfʌŋ(k)ʃən/noun · B1A named piece of code that does one job.
- function/ˈfʌŋ(k)ʃən/noun · B1The job a thing is meant to do.
- function roomnoun · C1A room hired out for meetings and parties.
- functional/ˈfʌŋkt͡ʃənəl/adjective · B2Working as it should, or made for use not show.
- functionalitynoun · B2The range of things a machine or program can actually do.
- functionary/ˈfʌŋ(k).ʃn̩.(ə)ri/noun · C2An official who carries out routine duties.
- fundamental/ˌfʌn.dəˈmɛn.təl/adjective · B2Forming the base that everything else rests on.
- fundamentalistnoun · C1Somebody who holds strictly to the letter of a doctrine.
- fundamentallyadverb · B2+At the deepest level.
- fundraising/ˈfʌndˌɹeɪzɪŋ/noun · C1The work of collecting money for a cause.
- funeral/ˈfjuː.nə.ɹəl/noun · B1The sad ceremony after a person dies.
- funeral ritenoun · C1The ceremony held when somebody is buried or burned.
- funfairnoun · B1+A travelling collection of rides and stalls.
- fungus/ˈfʌŋ.ɡəs/noun · B1+A living thing that feeds on decay and spreads by spores.
- funicularnoun · C1A pair of cars on a slope, one pulling the other up.
- funnel/ˈfʌnəl/noun · B1+The cone-shaped tool for pouring liquid into a narrow neck.
- funnier/ˈfʊn.ɪə/adjective · A2+More amusing.
- funny/ˈfʌni/adjective · A1Making people laugh.
- fur/fɜː/noun · B1The thick soft hair covering most animals.
- furious/ˈfjʊəɹi.əs/adjective · B2So extremely angry you can barely speak.
- furl/fɜːl/verb · C2To roll a sail up and tie it.
- furlong/ˈfɜːlɒŋ/noun · C1An eighth of a mile, used in racing.
- furnace/ˈfɝnɪs/noun · B2An enclosed chamber for making very great heat.
- furnish/ˈfɝnɪʃ/verb · B2+To fit out with furniture, or to supply something.
- furnished/ˈfɝnɪʃt/adjective · B2+Rented with all the tables, beds, and chairs already inside.
- furnishingsnoun · B2+The furniture and fittings of a room.
- furniture/ˈfɜː.nɪ.t͡ʃə/noun · A2Tables, beds, and seats — all the big movable things in rooms.
- furor/ˈfjʊəɹɔː/noun · C1A public outburst of anger or excitement.
- furrow/ˈfʌɹoʊ/noun · B2+The long groove a plough cuts in a field.
- furrow your browphrase · C1To draw the forehead into lines in worry.
- furry/ˈfɜː.ɹi/adjective · B1Covered in thick soft animal hair.
- further/ˈfɜːðə/adjective · A2More distant, or additional.
- furthermore/ˈfɜː(ɹ).ðə(ɹ)ˌmɔː(ɹ)/adverb · B2In addition to what has already been said.
- furtive/ˈfɜːtɪv/adjective · C1Done quietly and secretly, as if guilty.
- fury/ˈfjʊə.ɹi/noun · B2Wild, violent anger.
- fuse/fjuːz/noun · B2A safety strip that melts to break an electrical circuit.
- fuse boxnoun · B2The panel where a building's circuits are protected.
- fuselage/ˈfjuːzəˌlɑːʒ/noun · C1The main tube-shaped body of an aircraft.
- fusion/ˈfjuː.ʒən/noun · C1Joining light nuclei to release energy, as the sun does.
- fuss/fʌs/noun · B1A lot of noise and worry about something small.
- fussy/ˈfʌ.si/adjective · B1+Hard to please over small details.
- futile/ˈfjuː.taɪl/adjective · C1Certain to fail no matter how hard you try.
- futility/fjuːˈtɪlɪti/noun · C1The quality of being certain to achieve nothing.
- future/ˈfjuː.t͡ʃəː/noun · A2The time that has not come yet.
- fuzz/fʌz/noun · B2A mass of fine light fibres or hair.
- gabble/ˈɡæbəl/verb · C1To talk so fast that words run together.
- gable/ˈɡeɪ.bəl/noun · C1The triangle of wall under the two slopes of a roof.
- gabonnoun · C1Central African country on the middle line of the Earth, rich in rainforest.
- gadget/ɡæd͡ʒ.ɪt/noun · C1Any small clever electronic device.
- gaff/ɡæf/noun · C2A hooked pole for landing a large fish.
- gaffe/ɡæf/noun · C1An embarrassing blunder made in public.
- gag/ɡæɡ/verb · B2To choke or retch, or to stop somebody speaking.
- gaga/ˈɡɑːɡɑː/adjective · C1Wildly enthusiastic, or confused with age.
- 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.
- gain accessphrase · B2To get the right or the means to enter.
- gain experiencephrase · B2To learn by doing something over time.
- gain groundphrase · C1To make steady progress against opposition.
- gainsay/ɡeɪnˈseɪ/verb · C2To deny or contradict something.
- gait/ɡeɪt/noun · C1The way a person walks.
- gaitersnoun · C1Covers strapped over boots to keep mud and snow out.
- gala/ˈɡɑːlə/noun · B2+A grand social occasion with entertainment.
- galactic/ɡəˈlæktɪk/adjective · B2+To do with a galaxy, or inconceivably large.
- galaxy/ˈɡæl.ək.si/noun · B1A spinning island of billions of stars — we live in the Milky Way.
- gale/ɡeɪl/noun · C1A very strong wind, near storm strength.
- gall/ɡɔːl/noun · B1+Bold cheek, or bitter resentment.
- gallant/ˈɡælənt/adjective · C1Brave, and courteous in an old-fashioned way.
- gallantry/ˈɡæləntri/noun · C1Brave conduct, or polite attention to women.
- gallery/ˈɡæləɹi/noun · B1The quiet white building where paintings hang for visitors to admire.
- galley/ˈɡæli/noun · C1The kitchen of a ship.
- gallingadjective · C1Deeply annoying and humiliating.
- gallon/ˈɡælən/noun · C1A large unit of liquid volume.
- gallop/ˈɡæləp/verb · B1+To run at a horse's fastest pace.
- gallows/ˈɡæləʊz/noun · B2+The frame on which people were hanged.
- galvaniseverb · C1To shock a group into sudden action.
- galvanisedadjective · C1Coated in zinc so it will not rust.
- gambianoun · B2+Africa's smallest mainland country, a sliver along one river.
- gambit/ˈɡæmbɪt/noun · C2An opening where you give something up for advantage.
- gamble/ˈɡæm.bəl/verb · B1To risk money or safety on an uncertain outcome.
- gambling/ˈɡæm.bl̩.ɪŋ/noun · B2Risking money on the result of a game or a race.
- game/ɡeɪm/noun · A1An activity with rules that you play to win and for fun.
- games consolenoun · B1A machine bought to play video games on.
- gamey/ˈɡeɪmi/adjective · C1Tasting strongly of wild meat.
- gaming/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ/noun · B2Playing computer games, or betting for money.
- gammon/ˈɡæmən/noun · C1Cured meat from the hind leg of a pig.
- gander/ˈɡæn.də(ɹ)/noun · B2+A male goose.
- gang/ˈɡæŋ/noun · B1A band of people who go about or work together.
- 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.
- gangster/ˈɡæŋ.stəː/noun · B2A member of an organised criminal band.
- gangway/ˈɡæŋweɪ/noun · B2+The narrow bridge you board a ship by.
- gannet/ˈɡænɪt/noun · C1A big white sea bird that dives like an arrow.
- gantry/ˈɡæntɹi/noun · C1An overhead frame carrying a crane or signals.
- gaol/d͡ʒeɪl/noun · C1A prison, in older British spelling.
- gap/ɡæp/noun · B1An empty space between two things.
- gap yearphrase · B2The year off between school and university, often spent traveling.
- gape/ˈɡeɪp/verb · C1To stare with your mouth open in astonishment.
- garage/ˈɡæ.ɹɪdʒ/noun · B1The room next to a house where the car sleeps.
- garb/ɡɑː(ɹ)b/noun · C1Clothing of a particular kind.
- garbledadjective · C1So confused in transmission that the sense is lost.
- garden/ˈɡɑː.d(ə)n/noun · A1The green space by a house where flowers and vegetables grow.
- garden leavenoun · C2Being paid to stay away during your notice period.
- gardener/ˈɡɑɹd.n̩.ɚ/noun · B2The person paid to care for plants, flowers, and lawns.
- gargantuan/ɡɑːˈɡæn.t͡ʃu.ən/adjective · C1Enormous beyond ordinary measure.
- gargle/ˈɡɑːɡəl/verb · B1+To wash the throat with liquid held by breath.
- gargoyle/ˈɡɑːɡɔɪl/noun · B2+A carved monster that throws rainwater clear of a wall.
- garish/ˈɡɛəɹɪʃ/adjective · C1So bright and clashing that it hurts to look at.
- garland/ˈɡɑː.lənd/noun · B2+A ring of flowers worn or hung as decoration.
- garlic/ˈɡɑːlɪk/noun · A2+The strong-smelling white bulb that flavors half of all cooking.
- garment/ˈɡɑːmənt/noun · B1+The formal word for a single piece of clothing.
- garner/ˈɡɑː.nə/verb · C1To gather support or information bit by bit.
- garnet/ˈɡɑː(ɹ).nət/noun · B2+A deep red stone used in jewellery and as an abrasive.
- garnish/ˈɡɑːnɪʃ/verb · B2+To add a small pretty finishing touch to a plate, like a leaf of parsley.
- garnish/ˈɡɑːnɪʃ/noun · B2A small piece of food added to a dish to make it look or taste better, such as a sprig of parsley.
- garret/ˈɡæɹɪt/noun · C2A small room right under the roof.
- garrison/ˈɡæɹ.ɪ.sən/noun · C1The troops stationed in a place to hold it.
- garrulous/ˈɡæɹ.ʊ.ləs/adjective · C2Talking far too much about trivial things.
- garter/ˈɡɑːtə/noun · B2+An elastic band worn to hold up a stocking.
- gas/ɡæs/noun · A2The state of matter with no shape at all, like the air around you.
- gas station/ˈɡæs stɛɪːʃən/noun · A2The roadside stop where drivers fill their tanks.
- gash/ɡæʃ/noun · B2A long deep cut in flesh.
- gasket/ˈɡæs.kɪt/noun · C1The flat seal between two bolted surfaces.
- gasp/ɡɑːsp/verb · B2To suck in breath sharply from shock or lack of air.
- gate/ˈɡeɪ̯t/noun · A2The outdoor door in a garden wall.
- gate/ˈɡeɪ̯t/noun · B1The numbered door at the airport where you board your plane.
- gate changenoun · B2An announcement that your departure door has moved.
- gate latchnoun · B2The catch that holds a field gate shut.
- gateway/ˈɡeɪtˌweɪ/noun · B2An opening with a gate, or a way into something larger.
- gather/ˈɡæðə/noun · B1Cloth drawn up on a thread to make soft fullness.
- gathering/ˈɡæð.ə.ɹɪŋ/noun · B1A meeting of people in one place.
- gauche/ɡəʊʃ/adjective · C2Awkward and clumsy in social situations.
- gaudy/ˈɡɔːdi/adjective · B2+Brightly coloured in a showy tasteless way.
- gauge/ˈɡeɪd͡ʒ/verb · B2+To estimate or measure a level — of fuel, feeling, or interest.
- gauge/ˈɡeɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1The distance between the two rails of a track.
- gaunt/ɡɔːnt/adjective · C1Thin and hollow-looking from hunger or illness.
- gauntlet/ˈɡɔːnt.lət/noun · C1An armoured glove, thrown down as a challenge.
- gauze/ɡɔːz/noun · B2A thin transparent fabric used for dressings.
- gavel/ˈɡa.vəl/noun · C1The small hammer struck to close a sale.
- gawk atphrase · C2To stare openly and rudely.
- gawky/ˈɡɔːki/adjective · C1Awkward and ungainly, especially in a young person.
- gawp/ɡɔːp/verb · C1To stare stupidly at something.
- gay/ɡeɪ/adjective · B1Attracted to people of your own sex.
- gaze/ɡeɪz/verb · B2To look long and steadily, lost in what you see.
- gazebo/ɡəˈziːbəʊ/noun · B2+A small open garden building to sit in.
- gazelle/ɡəˈzɛl/noun · B2+A small swift graceful antelope.
- gazette/ɡəˈzɛt/noun · C1An official journal, or a newspaper's name.
- gear/ɡɪə/noun · B1Equipment for a purpose, or a toothed wheel in a machine.
- gear rationoun · B2How far one turn of the pedals drives you.
- gear shiftnoun · B2The control that changes which gear you are in.
- gear sticknoun · B1The lever used to change gear.
- gearbox/ˈɡɪəˌbɒks/noun · B1+The set of wheels that matches engine speed to road speed.
- geisha/ˈɡeɪ.ʃə/noun · B2+A Japanese woman trained to entertain with talk, music and dance.
- gel/d͡ʒɛl/noun · A2+A thick clear substance that holds hair stiff.
- gel nailsnoun · B2Nail colour hardened under a lamp to last for weeks.
- geld/ɡɛld/verb · C2To remove the reproductive organs of a male animal.
- gelding/ˈɡɛldɪŋ/noun · C1A male horse that has been castrated.
- gemology/d͡ʒɛmˈɑl.ə.dʒi/noun · C2The study of precious stones.
- gemstone/ˈd͡ʒɛmˌstoʊn/noun · B1+A stone valuable enough to be cut and set.
- gender/ˈd͡ʒɛndə/noun · B2The state of being male, female or otherwise identified.
- gene/d͡ʒiːn/noun · B2One tiny instruction inside you, inherited from your parents.
- genealogy/ˌd͡ʒiniˈɑlədʒi/noun · C1The study of tracing your family tree back through time.
- general/ˈd͡ʒɛn.(ə.)ɹəl/adjective · A2Involving most people or things rather than a few.
- generalisationnoun · B2+A statement made to cover many cases at once.
- generalisationnoun · B2+A claim about a whole group from a few cases.
- generalize/ˈd͡ʒɛn.(ə.)ɹə.laɪz/verb · B2+To draw a broad conclusion from particular cases.
- generally/ˈd͡ʒɛn.ɹə.li/adverb · B1In most cases, or speaking broadly.
- generate/ˈd͡ʒɛn.ə.ɹeɪt/verb · B2To produce something in quantity — power, ideas, or income.
- generation/ˌd͡ʒɛnəˈɹeɪʃən/noun · B1All the people born around the same time — you, your parents, and your grandparents are three of them.
- generation gapnoun · B2The difference in outlook between young and old.
- generator/ˈdʒɛnəɹeɪtə(ɹ)/noun · B1+A machine that makes electricity when the mains fail.
- generic/dʒɪˈnɛɹ.ɪk/adjective · C1Plain and unbranded; typical of a whole class rather than special.
- generosity/ˌd͡ʒɛn.əˈɹɒs.ɪ.ti/noun · B2The open-handed readiness to give.
- generous/ˈd͡ʒɛn(ə)ɹəs/adjective · B1Happy to give your money, time, or help to others.
- genesis/ˈd͡ʒɛn.ə.sɪs/noun · C1The beginning of something.
- genetic/d͡ʒəˈnɛt.ɪk/adjective · B2Passed down through the units that carry inherited traits.
- genial/ˈdʒiːnɪəl/adjective · C1Warm, friendly and easy to be with.
- genius/ˈd͡ʒiː.ni.əs/noun · B1A person with a once-in-a-generation brilliant mind.
- genocide/ˈd͡ʒɛnəsaɪd/noun · C1The deliberate destruction of a whole people.
- genome/ˈd͡ʒiː.nəʊm/noun · C1The complete set of genes in a living thing.
- genomicadjective · C2To do with the complete set of genes.
- genre/ˈ(d)ʒɑnɹə/noun · B2+One family of art — comedy, horror, jazz, or romance.
- gent/d͡ʒɛnt/noun · B2+A man, said informally.
- gentle/ˈdʒɛntl̩/adjective · B1Soft and careful in the way you touch and speak.
- gentleman/ˈd͡ʒɛn.təl.mən/noun · B1A polite, well-behaved man.
- gentleness/ˈd͡ʒɛntl̩nəs/noun · B2A soft and careful way of treating things.
- gently/ˈd͡ʒɛntli/adverb · B2With soft, light care so nothing is hurt.
- gentrification/d͡ʒɛn.tɹɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/noun · C1The change of a poor district as wealthier people move in.
- gentry/ˈd͡ʒɛntɹi/noun · C1The class just below the nobility.
- genuflect/ˈd͡ʒɛn.jʊ.flɛkt/verb · C2To touch one knee to the ground in reverence.
- genuine/ˈd͡ʒɛn.juː.ɪn/adjective · B2Truly what it claims to be; honestly meant.
- genuinely/ˈd͡ʒɛn.ju.ɪn.li/adverb · B2Truly and sincerely, not just for show.
- geode/ˈdʒiː.əʊd/noun · C1A dull stone that is hollow and crystal-lined inside.
- geographic/d͡ʒiəˈɡɹæfɪk/adjective · B2To do with the earth's regions and features, in the shorter adjective form that ends in -ic.
- geographical/d͡ʒiəˈɡɹæfɪkl̩/adjective · B2+To do with the earth's features and places.
- geography/dʒiˈɒɡɹəfi/noun · A2+The subject about countries, mountains, rivers, and maps.
- geological/ˌd͡ʒiːəˈlɒd͡ʒɪkəl/adjective · C1To do with the earth's rocks and their history.
- geologist/dʒiˈɒlədʒɪst/noun · B2+Somebody who studies the earth and its rocks.
- geology/d͡ʒiˈɒləd͡ʒi/noun · B2+The study of the rocks the earth is made of.
- geometric/ˌd͡ʒiː.əʊˈmɛt.ɹɪk/adjective · B1+Built from regular shapes and straight lines.
- geometry/d͡ʒiːˈɒm.ɪ.tɹi/noun · B2+The mathematics of shapes, lines, and angles.
- georgianoun · A2+The Caucasus country of Tbilisi, ancient wine, and khachapuri.
- georgianadjective · B1+The Caucasus language with its own beautiful curly alphabet.
- geranium/dʒəˈɹeɪni.əm/noun · B2+A pot plant with rounded leaves and red or pink heads.
- geriatric/ˌdʒɛɹ.iˈæt.ɹɪk/adjective · C2Of very old people and their medical care.
- germ/d͡ʒɜːm/noun · B2A tiny living thing that can make you ill.
- germ-freeadjective · B2Having no germs left on it.
- german/ˈd͡ʒɜː.mən/adjective · A2The language and people of the country of Berlin.
- germane/dʒɜː(ɹ)ˈmeɪn/adjective · C2Closely relevant to the matter being discussed.
- germanynoun · A1The country of Berlin, great cars, and Oktoberfest.
- germinate/ˈd͡ʒɜː(ɹ)mɪneɪt/verb · B2+To begin to grow out of a seed.
- germination/ˌdʒɜːɹ.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+The first sprouting of a seed.
- gestation/d͡ʒɛsˈteɪʃən/noun · C1The carrying of young before birth, or the forming of an idea.
- gesticulate/dʒɛsˈtɪkjʊleɪt/verb · C1To wave the hands about while talking.
- gesture/ˈd͡ʒɛs.t͡ʃə/noun · B2A movement of hands or head that carries meaning without words.
- get acrossphrase · B2To make an idea understood by others.
- get aheadphrase · B2To become more successful than the people around you.
- get alongphrase · B1To have a friendly easy relationship with someone.
- get aroundphrase · B2To travel from place to place; also, to dodge a rule cleverly.
- get around tophrase · B2To finally do something you kept putting off.
- get away withphrase · B2To do something wrong and never be punished for it.
- get away with youphrase · C1A playful way of saying you do not believe somebody.
- get byphrase · B2To manage to survive with just barely enough.
- get carried awayphrase · B2To become so excited you lose control of yourself.
- get down/ɡɛt ˈdaʊn/phrase · B2To make somebody feel low.
- get engagedphrase · B1To promise to marry somebody.
- get offphrase · A2To leave a bus, train, or plane.
- get onphrase · B1To board a bus, train, or plane; also, to have a good relationship.
- get on like a house on firephrase · B2To take to each other immediately and warmly.
- get outphrase · A2To leave or escape from a place.
- get overphrase · B1To recover from an illness, a shock, or a broken heart.
- get rid of/ɡɛt ɹɪd ʌv/phrase · B1To finally make an unwanted thing go away.
- get something off your chestphrase · C1To say the thing that has been troubling you.
- get the upper handphrase · B2To gain the advantage over somebody.
- get the wrong end of the stickphrase · B2To misunderstand what somebody meant.
- get through/ɡɛt ˈθɹu/phrase · B2To survive a hard time; also, to reach someone by phone.
- get through tophrase · B2To reach somebody, or to make them finally understand.
- get to the pointphrase · B1To say the important thing without delay.
- get togetherphrase · B1To meet up as a group socially.
- get upphrase · A1To leave your bed in the morning and stand.
- get your act togetherphrase · B2To organise yourself and start doing things properly.
- get your head aroundphrase · B2To manage to understand something difficult.
- get your own wayphrase · B2To make things go exactly as you wanted.
- getawaynoun · B2A short escape from daily life to somewhere relaxing.
- geyser/ˈɡiː.zə/noun · B2+A natural fountain that blasts hot water from the ground.
- ghana/ˈɑːnə/noun · B1+The West African country famous for gold and cocoa.
- ghastly/ˈɡɑːs(t).li/adjective · B2Horrifying, or very unwell in appearance.
- ghetto/ˈɡɛ.təʊ/noun · B2A poor city district where one group lives apart from the rest.
- ghost/ɡəʊst/noun · A2The spirit of a dead person appearing to the living.
- ghostwriternoun · B2+Somebody who writes a book that appears under another name.
- ghoul/ɡuːl/noun · C1A grave-haunting creature of eastern legend.
- giant/ˈd͡ʒaɪ.ənt/adjective · B1Far bigger than the normal size.
- gibber/ˈd͡ʒɪbə(ɹ)/verb · C1To talk fast and unintelligibly from fear.
- gibberish/ˈd͡ʒɪ.bə.ɹɪʃ/noun · B2Rapid, garbled talk that sounds like language but carries no meaning a listener can make out.
- gibbet/ˈd͡ʒɪbɪt/noun · C2A post where executed criminals were hung on display.
- gibenoun · C2A mocking remark aimed at somebody.
- giddy/ˈɡɪd.i/adjective · C1Dizzy with spinning excitement.
- gift/ɡɪft/noun · A2Something nice you give a person on their birthday.
- gift cardnoun · B1A card loaded with money to spend as a present.
- gift wrapphrase · B1The colorful paper a present is covered in.
- gig/ɡɪɡ/noun · B2A single live performance by a band.
- gigabyte/ˈɡɪɡəbaɪt/noun · B1+The unit of digital storage — about a thousand photos' worth.
- gigantic/d͡ʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/adjective · B1Of a truly giant size.
- giggle/ˈɡɪɡl̩/verb · B1To laugh in a light silly childish way.
- gigolo/ˈd͡ʒɪɡ.ə.loʊ/noun · C1A man kept by a woman in return for his company.
- gilded/ˈɡɪldɪd/adjective · C1Covered with a thin layer of gold.
- gilding/ˈɡɪldɪŋ/noun · C1A thin covering of gold laid over a surface.
- gill/ɡɪl/noun · B1+The organ a fish breathes water through.
- gilt/ɡɪlt/noun · C1A thin covering of gold.
- gimlet/ˈɡɪm.lət/noun · C2A small tool for boring holes in wood.
- gimmick/ˈɡɪm.ɪk/noun · B2+A trick or device used to attract attention.
- ginger/ˈdʒɪndʒə/noun · B1The knobby spicy root used in tea and Asian cooking.
- gingerbread/ˈd͡ʒɪn.(d͡)ʒəˌbɹɛd/noun · B1+A spiced cake or biscuit flavoured with ginger.
- gingerly/ˈdʒɪn(d)ʒəli/adverb · C1Very cautiously, as if afraid of hurting something.
- giraffe/dʒɪˈɹɑːf/noun · B1The tallest animal, with a very long neck.
- gird/ɡɜːd/verb · C2To fasten a belt on, or to prepare for action.
- gird upphrase · C2To prepare yourself for hard effort.
- girder/ˈɡɜːdə(ɹ)/noun · B2+A great steel beam carrying a building's weight.
- girdle/ˈɡɝdl̩/noun · C2The widest band around a cut gem.
- girdle/ˈɡɝdl̩/noun · C1A belt or cord worn round the waist.
- girl/ˈɡɜːl/noun · A1A female child.
- girlfriend/ˈɡɜːlfɹɛnd/noun · A1The woman or girl somebody is romantically going out with.
- girlish/ˈɡɜː.lɪʃ/adjective · B2Having the manner of a young girl.
- giro/ˈdʒaɪɹəʊ/noun · C2A payment transferred between accounts through the post office.
- girth/ɡɜːθ/noun · C1The measurement round something thick.
- girth strapnoun · C1The band that holds a saddle under the belly.
- gist/d͡ʒɪst/noun · B2+The essential point of what was said.
- give/ˈɡɪv/verb · A1To put something into another person's hands to keep.
- give an accountphrase · C1To describe what happened.
- give an opinionphrase · B1To say what you think about something.
- give and takephrase · B2The mutual yielding that keeps a relationship working.
- give awayphrase · B2To give something for free; also, to accidentally reveal a secret.
- give backphrase · A2To return what you borrowed to its owner.
- give inphrase · B2To finally stop resisting and agree.
- give it your allphrase · B2To hold nothing back in your effort.
- give me a secondphrase · B1Asking for a very short delay.
- give my regardsphrase · C1Ask somebody to pass on your good wishes.
- give or takephrase · B2Approximately, allowing a little either way.
- give outphrase · B2To hand copies to everyone; also, to finally stop working.
- give priorityphrase · B2To deal with one thing before all the others.
- give somebody your wordphrase · B2To promise faithfully.
- give something a missphrase · B2To decide not to go or not to take part.
- give the benefit of the doubtphrase · B2To believe somebody when you cannot be sure.
- give the cold shoulderphrase · C1To ignore somebody deliberately.
- give the game awayphrase · C1To reveal what should have been hidden.
- give upphrase · B1To stop trying because it feels too hard.
- giveawaynoun · B2+Something handed out free, or a sign that betrays a secret.
- gizmo/ˈɡɪzmoʊ/noun · B2+A small handy device whose name escapes you.
- glacial/ˈɡleɪ.sɪəl/adjective · B2+Made or shaped by moving ice.
- glacier/ˈɡlæs.jə/noun · B2A giant river of ice that moves down a mountain over centuries.
- gladden/ˈɡlædən/verb · C1To make somebody happy.
- glade/ɡleɪd/noun · C1A sunny open space among trees.
- gladiator/ˈɡlædiˌeɪ̯tə/noun · C1A fighter who battled for a crowd's entertainment in ancient Rome.
- gladly/ˈɡlædli/adverb · B1Willingly and with pleasure.
- glamour/ˈɡlæmə/noun · B2An attractive and exciting charm.
- glance/ɡlɑːns/verb · B2To look at something for only a second.
- glance awayphrase · B2To look aside quickly.
- glancing/ˈɡlɑːn.sɪŋ/adjective · C1Striking at an angle rather than straight on.
- gland/ɡlænd/noun · B2+An organ that makes a substance the body needs.
- glare/ɡlɛɚ/verb · B2To stare at someone with open anger.
- glaring/ˈɡlɛəɹɪŋ/adjective · B2+Too bright, or too obvious to miss.
- glass/ɡlɑːs/noun · A1A container you drink water or juice from — be careful, it breaks easily.
- glass ceiling/ɡlɑːs ˈsiːlɪŋ/noun · C1The invisible barrier stopping people rising further.
- glassblowernoun · B2+A craftsman who shapes molten glass with breath.
- glasses/ˈɡlɑːsɪz/noun · A1You wear them on your nose to see better.
- glassy/ˈɡlɑːsi/adjective · B2Smooth and shining like glass, or blank in expression.
- glaze/ɡleɪz/verb · B2To brush a shiny sweet coating over food.
- glazier/ˈɡleɪzjə(ɹ)/noun · C1The tradesman who fits glass into frames.
- gleam/ɡliːm/verb · B2+To shine softly and steadily.
- glean/ɡliːn/verb · C1To pick up small pieces of information here and there.
- 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.
- glib/ɡlɪb/adjective · C1Fluent and easy, but shallow and insincere.
- glide/ˈɡlaɪd/verb · B1+To move smoothly through the air with wings held still.
- glide/ˈɡlaɪd/verb · B2To move smoothly and without effort.
- glider/ˈɡlaɪdə(ɹ)/noun · B2+An aircraft with no engine that rides the air currents.
- glimmer/ˈɡlɪməː/verb · C1To shine faintly and unsteadily.
- glimpse/ˈɡlɪm(p)s/verb · C1To see something for only an instant.
- glint/ɡlɪnt/verb · C1To give out small quick flashes of light.
- glisten/ˈɡlɪsən/verb · C1To shine as wet things do.
- glitch/ˈɡlɪt͡ʃ/noun · B2A small sudden fault that makes a machine behave strangely for a moment.
- glitter/ˈɡlɪtə/verb · B2To shine with many small flashes.
- glitzy/ˈɡlɪtsi/adjective · C2Showily glamorous.
- gloaming/ˈɡləʊ.mɪŋ/noun · C2The dim light at the end of the day.
- gloat/ɡloʊt/verb · B2+To take open pleasure in somebody else's misfortune.
- glob/ɡlɑb/noun · B2+A soft rounded lump of something thick.
- global/ˈɡləʊ.bəl/adjective · B1+Covering the whole world.
- global warmingphrase · B2The slow heating of the whole planet by trapped gases.
- globalization/ˌɡləʊ.bə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+The knitting of the world into one market and culture.
- globe/ɡləʊb/noun · B2The earth, or a round model of it.
- globular/ˈɡlɒbjʊlə/adjective · C1Shaped like a ball.
- gloom/ɡluːm/noun · B2Partial darkness that presses down on the spirits.
- gloomy/ˈɡluːmi/adjective · B2Dark and low in spirits, like a rainy Monday.
- glorify/ˈɡlɔːɹɪfaɪ/verb · B2+To praise something as far greater than it is.
- glorious/ˈɡlɔː.ɹi.əs/adjective · B2Magnificent enough to be remembered with pride.
- glory/ˈɡlɔːɹi/noun · B1Great shining honor and fame won by great deeds.
- glory inphrase · C2To relish something openly and even boastfully, letting everyone see how pleased with it you are.
- gloss/ɡlɒs/noun · B2Paint that dries to a hard shiny surface.
- glossary/ˈɡlɒs.ə.ɹi/noun · B2+The alphabetical list of hard words and their meanings at the back of a book.
- glossy/ˈɡlɒsi/adjective · B1+Having a bright shiny surface.
- glove/ɡlʌv/noun · B1You wear a pair of these on your hands in the cold; each finger has a home.
- glow/ɡləʊ/verb · B2To shine with a soft steady light.
- glower/ˈɡlaʊə(ɹ)/verb · C1To stare angrily at somebody.
- glue/ɡluː/noun · A2+The sticky liquid that joins two pieces of paper forever.
- glue backphrase · B1To stick broken pieces together again.
- glum/ɡlʌm/adjective · C1Quietly gloomy and downcast.
- gluten-freeadjective · B1Made without the protein found in wheat.
- glutton/ˈɡlʌtn̩/noun · B2+Somebody who eats far too much.
- gluttony/ˈɡlʌ.tən.i/noun · C1Eating and drinking far more than you need.
- 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.
- gnat/næt/noun · B2+A tiny biting fly that dances in clouds at dusk.
- gnaw/nɔː/verb · C1To bite at something again and again.
- gnome/ˈnəʊ̯m/noun · B2+A small bearded figure of folklore, often in a garden.
- go/ɡəʊ/verb · A1To move from here to another place.
- go/ɡəʊ/noun · B2An ancient game of surrounding territory with stones.
- go ahead/ˌɡəʊ əˈhɛd/phrase · B1To start or continue without waiting.
- go astrayphrase · C1To become lost, or to wander from what is right.
- go awayphrase · A2To leave — what you tell someone bothering you to do.
- go backphrase · A2To return to where you were before.
- go darkphrase · C1To stop all communication deliberately.
- go halvesphrase · B2To split the cost equally between two.
- go in forphrase · C1To take part in, or to make a habit of.
- go offphrase · B2To explode or sound, or for food to spoil.
- go on/ˈɡoʊˌɒn/phrase · B1To keep happening or keep doing; also, what is happening.
- go outphrase · A2To leave home for fun; also, what a fire or light does when it stops.
- go overphrase · B2To review something carefully, point by point.
- go pastphrase · A2To continue beyond something without stopping.
- go the extra mile/ˈɡəʊ ði ˈɛk.stɹə ˈmaɪl/phrase · B2To do more than duty requires.
- go throughphrase · B2To live through something hard; also, to search item by item.
- go to your headphrase · B2To make you conceited, or to make you tipsy.
- go togetherphrase · B1To look or taste right in each other's company.
- go with the flowphrase · B2To accept what happens rather than fight it.
- goad/ɡəʊd/verb · C1To keep provoking somebody into acting.
- goal/ɡəʊl/noun · A2+The point scored when the ball crosses the line into the net.
- goal/ɡəʊl/noun · B1The thing you are working to reach — in life, not on the field.
- goalkeeper/ˈɡəʊlˌkiː.pə/noun · B1+The one player allowed to use hands to guard the net.
- goat/ɡəʊt/noun · A2A farm animal with horns that eats almost anything.
- goatee/ɡəʊˈtiː/noun · B2+A small beard on the chin alone.
- gobble/ˈɡɒbl̩/verb · B2To eat fast and greedily.
- goblet/ˈɡɒblət/noun · B2+A drinking glass on a tall stem.
- goblin/ˈɡɒb.lɪn/noun · B2A small malicious creature of folklore.
- god/ɡɒd/noun · A1A being worshipped as having power over nature and people.
- godchild/ˈɡɑdˌt͡ʃaɪld/noun · B2+The child you promise at baptism to help guide through life.
- goddamadjective · B2Used to add force to an angry statement.
- goddess/ˈɡɒdɛs/noun · B1+A female being worshipped as divine.
- godfather/ˈɡɑdfɑðɚ/noun · B1+The man chosen at a baby's church ceremony to guide the child in life.
- godforsaken/ˌɡɒd.fə(ɹ)ˈseɪ.kɪn/adjective · C1Said of a bleak, dreary spot so remote it seems to have been left behind by heaven itself.
- godless/ˈɡɒdləs/adjective · C1Lacking any religion or reverence, used disapprovingly of a person, place, or age seen as wicked for it.
- godly/ˈɡɑdli/adjective · B2+Devout in conduct, living by divine law so that righteousness shows in behaviour rather than in outward displays of devotion.
- godmother/ˈɡɒdmʌðə/noun · B1+The woman chosen at a baby's ceremony to watch over the child — sometimes fairy.
- godparentnoun · B1+An adult who promises to guide a child's upbringing.
- godspeednoun · C1A wish of good fortune to somebody setting out.
- goggles/ˈɡɑ.ɡəlz/noun · A2+Sealed eye protection worn against dust and sparks.
- gold/ɡəʊld/noun · A2The shiny yellow color of first-place medals.
- gold/ɡəʊld/adjective · A2A rich shining yellow, like the metal.
- golden hour/ˈɡəʊl.dən ˌaʊə/noun · B2The warm low light just after dawn or before dusk.
- goldfish/ˈɡoʊldfɪʃ/noun · B1The little orange pet that swims circles in a round glass bowl.
- goldsmith/ˈɡoʊldˌsmɪθ/noun · B2+A craftsman who works in precious metal.
- golf/ɡɒlf/noun · A2+The quiet green game of hitting a tiny white ball into a far little hole.
- gong/ɡɒŋ/noun · B2+A huge hanging metal disc struck for a deep booming note.
- gonzo/ˈɡɑnzoʊ/adjective · C2Wildly unconventional, especially in journalism.
- good/ɡʊd/adjective · A1The simple word for something you like and approve of.
- good morning/ˌɡʊd ˈmɔːnɪŋ/phrase · A1The greeting for the early part of the day.
- good night/ɡʊd ˈnaɪt/phrase · A1What you wish people before everyone goes to sleep.
- good pointphrase · B1Acknowledging that somebody has said something worth hearing.
- good-for-nothingnoun · C1Somebody idle and of no use to anybody.
- good-looking/ˈɡʊdˈlʊk.ɪŋ/adjective · A2Attractive in face and figure, a plain everyday compliment paid to men and women alike.
- good-natured/ɡʊdˈneɪtʃəd/adjective · B2Pleasant and slow to take offence.
- goodbye/ɡʊdˈbaɪ/phrase · A1The word you say when you leave.
- goodness/ˈɡʊdnəs/noun · B1The quality of being morally good.
- goodwill/ˌɡʊdˈwɪl/noun · B2Friendly feeling, and the willingness to help.
- gooey/ˈɡuːi/adjective · B2+Soft, sticky and stretchy.
- goose/ɡuːs/noun · A2A large honking water bird with a long neck, bigger than a duck.
- gopher/ˈɡəʊfə/noun · B2+A burrowing American rodent with cheek pouches.
- gore/ɡɔː/noun · B2+Thick blood from a wound.
- gorge/ɡɔːdʒ/noun · B2+A deep narrow rocky valley cut by a river.
- gorge walknoun · B2A walk through a narrow steep-sided valley.
- gorgeous/ˈɡɔːd͡ʒəs/adjective · A2Strikingly beautiful.
- gorget/ˈɡɔːdʒɪt/noun · C2A piece of armour protecting the throat.
- gorilla/ɡəˈɹɪl.ə/noun · B1The biggest and strongest of the apes.
- gorse/ɡɔɹs/noun · C1A prickly evergreen shrub with yellow flowers.
- goshawk/ˈɡɒshɔːk/noun · C2A large short-winged hawk used in falconry.
- gosling/ˈɡɒzlɪŋ/noun · B2+A young goose.
- gospel/ˈɡɒspəl/noun · B2One of the four accounts of the life of Jesus.
- gossamer/ˈɡɒ.sə.mə/noun · C1Fine floating spider silk, or anything as delicate.
- gossip/ˈɡɒsɪp/noun · B1Juicy talk about other people's private lives.
- gothic/ˈɡɒθ.ɪk/adjective · B2+In the pointed-arch style of medieval architecture.
- 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.
- gourmet/ɡʊɹˈmeɪ/adjective · C1Of the finest, most refined cooking quality.
- gout/ɡaʊt/noun · C2A painful swelling of the joints, especially the toe.
- govern/ˈɡʌv.ən/verb · B2+To rule a country and make its decisions.
- governance/ˈɡʌvənəns/noun · C1The way an organisation or a country is run.
- governess/ˈɡʌvɚnəs/noun · B2+A woman employed to teach children in their home.
- government/ˈɡʌv.ɚ(n).mənt/noun · A2The group of people who run a country.
- governmental/ˌɡʌv(ə)nˈmɛnt(ə)l/adjective · B2+Belonging to the government.
- governor/ˈɡʌv(ə)nə/noun · B1The elected leader of a state or province.
- gown/ˈɡaʊ̯n/noun · B1A long elegant dress for grand occasions; also, graduation robes.
- gpsnoun · B1+The satellite system that tells your phone exactly where you are.
- grab/ˈɡɹæb/verb · B1To take hold of something suddenly and roughly.
- grab railnoun · B2A short bar fixed to a wall beside a bath or toilet, which you take hold of to steady yourself.
- grace/ɡɹeɪs/noun · C1Undeserved kindness given freely.
- grace periodnoun · C1Extra time allowed before a penalty applies.
- graceful/ˈɡɹeɪsfʊl/adjective · B1+Moving with smooth, effortless beauty.
- gracefulnessnoun · C1The quality of moving with smooth and pleasing ease, named with the noun ending -ness.
- gracious/ˈɡɹeɪʃəs/adjective · B2Kind and warm, especially when you need not be.
- grad/ɡɹæd/noun · B2+Short campus slang for somebody who has completed a course of study.
- grade/ɡɹeɪd/noun · B1The letter or number that shows how good your work was.
- gradient/ˈɡɹeɪdiənt/noun · B2+A smooth change from one colour into another.
- gradient/ˈɡɹeɪdiənt/noun · B2+How steeply a line rises or falls.
- gradual/ˈɡɹadʒuəl/adjective · B2Happening slowly, step by step, not all at once.
- gradually/ˈɡɹæd͡ʒuəli/adverb · B2Slowly, by small steps over time.
- graduate/ˈɡɹæd͡ʒuət/verb · B1To finish university successfully — hats fly into the air.
- graduate schemenoun · B2A training programme for new university leavers.
- graduation/ˌɡɹæd͡ʒuˈeɪʃən/noun · B1The ceremony with caps and gowns when students finish their studies.
- graffiti/ɡɹəˈfiː.ti/noun · B1+Paintings and words sprayed on city walls, art to some, mess to others.
- graft/ɡɹɑːft/verb · C1To join a shoot of one plant onto the stem of another.
- grain/ɡɹeɪn/noun · B1The pattern and direction of the fibres in wood.
- grainy/ˈɡɹeɪni/adjective · B2+Having a rough texture of small particles.
- gram/ˈɡɹæm/noun · A2+A very small unit of weight.
- grammar/ˈɡɹæm.ə(ɹ)/noun · A2+The rules for putting words together correctly in a language.
- gramophone[ˈɡɹæ.məˌfəʊn]noun · C2The old horn-shaped machine that played records before stereos.
- granary/ˈɡɹan(ə)ɹi/noun · C1A building where grain is stored.
- grand/ˈɡɹænd/adjective · B1Big and impressive in a stately way.
- grand finale/ˌɡɹænd fɪˈnɑːli/noun · B2The spectacular closing item of a show.
- grand jetenoun · C2A great leap from one foot to the other.
- grandchild/ˈɡɹændˌtʃaɪld/noun · A2+The child of your own son or daughter.
- grandeur/ˈɡɹæn.djʊə/noun · C1Impressive greatness of scale or dignity.
- grandfather/ˈɡɹæn(d)ˌfɑːðə(r)/noun · A1Your mother's father, or your father's father.
- grandfather clocknoun · B2A tall standing clock with a long pendulum.
- grandmasternoun · B2+The highest title a player can be awarded.
- grandmother/ˈɡɹæn(d)ˌmʌðə(r)/noun · A1Your mother's mother, or your father's mother.
- grandparent/ˈɡɹæn(d)pɛəɹənt/noun · A1The mother or father of one of your parents.
- granite/ˈɡɹæn.ɪt/noun · B2+A very hard speckled rock used for kerbs and worktops.
- grant/ɡɹɑːnt/noun · B2Money given, not lent, to fund study or research.
- grapefruit/ˈɡɹeɪ̯pfɹuːt/noun · C1A large sharp-tasting citrus fruit.
- grapes/ɡɹeɪps/noun · A2+Small round fruits that grow in bunches; wine is made from them.
- graph/ɡɹæf/noun · B1+A drawing showing how two quantities relate.
- graphic/ˈɡɹæfɪk/adjective · B2To do with drawing, or vividly detailed.
- graphic designernoun · B1A person who designs how printed and screen work looks.
- graphics cardnoun · B2The board that draws what appears on screen.
- graphite/ˈɡɹæfaɪt/noun · B2+Soft grey carbon used in pencils and lubricants.
- grapnel/ˈɡɹæpnəl/noun · C2A small anchor with several hooks.
- grapple/ˈɡɹæpəl/verb · B2+To struggle with somebody, or with a hard problem.
- grapple/ˈɡɹæpəl/verb · B2To seize hold and struggle with somebody.
- grasp/ɡɹɑːsp/verb · B1To seize firmly with the hand — or finally with the mind.
- grasping/ˈɡɹæspɪŋ/adjective · B2Greedy and always wanting more.
- grass/ɡɹɑːs/noun · A2The soft green carpet of thin leaves that covers parks and lawns.
- grasshopper/ˈɡɹɑːsˌhɒpə(ɹ)/noun · B1The green jumping insect that sings in summer fields.
- grasslandnoun · B1+Wide country where grass is the main plant.
- grassy/ˈɡɹæsi/adjective · B2Having the fresh green note of cut lawn.
- grate/ˈɡɹeɪt/verb · B1+To rub cheese or carrot against a rough metal surface to make small shreds.
- grateful/ˈɡɹeɪtf(ʊ)l/adjective · B1Full of thanks for something kind that was done for you.
- grater/ˈɡɹeɪtə/noun · B1+A metal tool with sharp holes that shreds cheese or carrots.
- gratification/ˌɡɹætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/noun · C1The satisfying of a desire.
- grating/ˈɡɹeɪtɪŋ/adjective · C1Harsh and irritating to listen to.
- gratitude/ˈɡɹæ.tɪ.tjuːd/noun · B1The warm feeling of thanks toward someone.
- gratuitous/ɡɹəˈtjuː.ɪt.əs/adjective · C1Done without cause, and uncalled for.
- gratuity/ɡɹəˈtjuːətɪ/noun · C1Extra money left in appreciation of service.
- gravel/ˈɡɹævəl/noun · B1+The loose small stones that crunch on garden paths.
- gravel pitnoun · B2Where small loose stones are dug out.
- gravestone/ˈɡɹeɪvstoʊn/noun · B2The marked stone that stands where somebody is buried.
- graveyard shiftnoun · C1The working period through the middle of the night.
- gravitas/ˈɡɹævɪtɑs/noun · C2A serious dignity that commands respect.
- gravitate/ˈɡɹævɪteɪt/verb · C2To be drawn steadily towards something.
- gravitation/ˌɡɹævɪˈteɪ̯ʃən/noun · C1The universal attraction that every mass exerts on every other, as set out in Newton's law.
- gravitational/ˌɡɹævɪˈteɪʃənəl/adjective · C2To do with the pull between masses.
- gravity/ˈɡɹævɪti/noun · B2The invisible force that pulls everything down toward the ground.
- gravity assist/ˈɡɹævɪti əˈsɪst/noun · C2Using a planet's pull to fling a craft faster.
- gravity wellnoun · C2The dip in space around a heavy body that is hard to climb out of.
- gravy/ˈɡɹeɪvi/noun · B1A brown sauce made from meat juices.
- gray/ɡɹeɪ/noun · A1The color between black and white, like rain clouds.
- graze/ɡɹeɪz/verb · B1+To eat growing grass slowly, as cattle do.
- grazing rightsnoun · C1The legal right to feed your animals on land.
- grease/ɡɹis/noun · B1Thick fat, especially the sort left in a pan.
- grease/ɡɹis/verb · B2To smear thick oil onto parts that rub.
- grease trapnoun · C1The chamber that catches fat before it reaches the drain.
- greasepaint/ˈɡriːs.peɪnt/noun · C2The heavy make-up worn by stage performers.
- greaseproof papernoun · B2Paper that fat cannot soak through.
- greasy/ˈɡɹi.si/adjective · B2Covered in or full of oil and fat.
- greatly/ˈɡɹeɪ̯t.li/adverb · B2To a very large degree.
- greatness/ˈɡɹeɪtnəs/noun · B2The quality of being outstanding and important.
- greave/ɡɹiːv/noun · C2Armour worn to protect the shin.
- greecenoun · A2+The country of Athens, ancient temples, and a thousand islands.
- greed/ɡɹiːd/noun · B1A selfish craving for more than you need.
- greedy/ˈɡɹiːdi/adjective · A2+Always wanting more than your share — of money or of cake.
- greek/ɡɹiːk/adjective · B1The ancient language that gave science half its words.
- green/ˈɡɹiːn/noun · A1The color of grass and leaves.
- green belt/ˈɡriːn bɛlt/noun · C1Protected countryside kept clear of building.
- green thumbphrase · C1A natural talent for making plants grow.
- greenery/ˈɡɹiːnəɹi/noun · B2+Green leaves and plants taken together.
- greengrocer/ˈɡɹinˌɡɹəʊs.ə(ɹ)/noun · B1+A shopkeeper who sells fruit and vegetables.
- greenhouse/ˈɡɹiːnhaʊs/noun · B2The glass building where plants grow warm all year.
- greenhouse effectnoun · B2The trapping of the sun's heat by gases in the air.
- greenhouse gas/ˌɡɹiːn.haʊs ˈɡæs/noun · B2A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
- greenlandnoun · B1+The world's biggest island, mostly ice, ruled from Denmark.
- greenwashingnoun · C1Claiming to be kinder to the planet than you are.
- greet/ɡɹiːt/verb · B1To welcome someone with words or a wave when you meet.
- greeting/ˈɡɹiːtɪŋ/noun · B1The words you say when you meet someone — hello, hi, good morning.
- gregarious/ɡɹɪˈɡɛə.ɹɪ.əs/adjective · C1Fond of company and happiest among people.
- grenade/ɡɹəˈneɪd/noun · B1+A small bomb thrown by hand.
- greyingadjective · B2Turning grey with age.
- grid/ɡɹɪd/noun · B2A pattern of lines crossing at right angles.
- grid referencenoun · B2The letters and numbers giving an exact spot on a map.
- griddle/ˈɡɹɪdəl/noun · B2+A flat hot metal plate for cooking pancakes.
- gridlock/ˈɡɹɪdˌlɒk/noun · B2+Traffic so blocked that nothing can move at all.
- grief/ɡɹiːf/noun · B2The deep heavy sadness after losing someone you love.
- grievance/ˈɡɹiː.vəns/noun · C2A formal complaint made by an employee.
- grievance procedurenoun · C1The formal steps for making a complaint at work.
- grieve/ɡɹiːv/verb · B2To live through deep sorrow after losing someone.
- grievous/ˈɡɹiː.vəs/adjective · C1Very serious, and causing great suffering.
- griffin/ˈɡɹɪf.ɪn/noun · B2A creature with an eagle's head and a lion's body.
- grill/ɡɹɪl/verb · B1To cook food on metal bars directly over the heat.
- grim/ɡɹɪm/adjective · B2Dark, serious, and without a smile.
- grimace/ˈɡɹɪm.əs/verb · B2+To twist the face in pain or dislike.
- grime/ɡɹaɪm/noun · B2+Dirt that has been left long enough to stick.
- grimoire/ˈɡɹɪmwɑː/noun · C2A book of spells.
- grin/ɡɹɪn/verb · B2To give a big wide happy smile showing your teeth.
- grin and bear itphrase · C1To put up with something unpleasant without complaint.
- grind/ˈɡɹaɪnd/noun · B2Dull hard work that never lets up.
- grinder/ˈɡɹaɪndə/noun · B1+A machine that crushes beans or spices into powder.
- grip/ˈɡɹɪp/verb · B1To hold something tightly so it cannot slip.
- 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.
- grit/ɡɹɪt/noun · B2Tiny hard particles, spread on ice or caught in your eye.
- grit your teethphrase · B2To clench the jaw against pain or anger.
- gritty/ˈɡɹɪti/adjective · B2+Feeling as though tiny hard grains are in it.
- grizzledadjective · C1Having hair turned grey with age.
- grizzly/ˈɡɹɪzli/noun · B2A large brown bear of the North American uplands.
- groan/ˈɡɹəʊ̯n/verb · B2To make a long low sound of pain or complaint.
- grocer/ˈɡɹəʊ.sə/noun · B1+A shopkeeper who sells food and household goods.
- groceries/ˈɡɹəʊ.s(ə.)ɹiz/noun · A2+The food and household goods you carry home from the supermarket.
- grocery/ˈɡɹəʊ.s(ə.)ɹi/noun · B2A shop selling food and household goods.
- grocery/ˈɡɹəʊ.s(ə.)ɹi/noun · A2Food and household goods bought at a shop.
- groggy/ˈɡɹɒ.ɡi/adjective · B2+Dazed and unsteady on your feet.
- groin/ˈɡɹoɪ̯n/noun · B2The hollow where the legs meet the trunk.
- groom/ɡɹuːm/noun · B1The man getting married, standing next to the woman in white.
- groom/ɡɹuːm/noun · B2Somebody who looks after horses in a stable.
- grooming/ˈɡɹuːmɪŋ/noun · B2Keeping yourself clean and neatly presented.
- grooming brushnoun · B2The brush used to keep an animal's coat in order.
- groove/ɡɹuːv/noun · B2The rhythmic feel that makes music move.
- groovy/ˈɡɹuvi/adjective · B2Fashionable and exciting, in nineteen-sixties slang.
- grope/ɡɹəʊp/verb · B2+To feel about blindly with the hands.
- gross/ɡɹəʊs/adjective · B1Very obviously wrong, or disgusting.
- gross domestic productnoun · C1The total value of everything a country produces.
- grotesque/ɡɹəʊˈtɛsk/adjective · B2+Ugly and distorted in a disturbing way.
- grotto/ˈɡɹɒt.əʊ/noun · C1A small picturesque cave.
- ground/ɡɹaʊnd/noun · A2The surface of the earth that you stand on outside.
- ground crewnoun · B2The workers who service aircraft between flights.
- ground floornoun · B1The storey of a building level with the street.
- groundbreaking/ˈɡɹaʊndˌbɹeɪkɪŋ/adjective · B2+Doing something nobody had done before.
- grounded/ˈɡɹaʊn.dɪd/adjective · B2Forbidden to go out, as punishment from your parents.
- grounding/ˈɡɹaʊndɪŋ/noun · C1Bringing yourself back to the present moment.
- groundless/ˈɡɹaʊndləs/adjective · C1Having no basis in fact.
- groundsheetnoun · C1The waterproof layer between the tent and the earth.
- groundswellnoun · C1A rising of public feeling that gathers force.
- groundwork/ˈɡɹaʊndˌwɜːɹk/noun · B2+The preparatory work everything else is built on.
- group/ɡɹuːp/noun · A1A number of people or things gathered together.
- group chatnoun · B1A conversation held between several people at once.
- groupagenoun · C2Combining small consignments into one load.
- grouping/ˈɡɹuːpɪŋ/noun · B2+A set of things put together by some shared feature.
- grouse/ɡɹaʊs/noun · C1A plump moorland game bird.
- grout/ɡɹaʊt/noun · C1The paste pressed between tiles to fill the joints.
- grove/ɡɹəʊv/noun · B2A small group of trees growing together.
- grovel/ˈɡrɒvəl/verb · C1To behave humbly in order to win favour.
- grow/ˈɡɹəʊ/verb · A1To become bigger over time, like children and plants.
- grow onphrase · B2To become liked more the longer you know it.
- grow out ofphrase · B2To become too old or too big for something.
- grow upphrase · A2To change slowly from a child into an adult.
- growing painsnoun · B2Aches in the legs that children get as they grow.
- growing seasonnoun · B2The part of the year warm enough for crops to grow.
- growl/ˈɡɹaʊ̯l/verb · B2To make the low warning rumble of an angry dog.
- growth/ɡɹoʊθ/noun · B1An increase in size, number or strength.
- growth spurtnoun · B2A sudden fast period of growing.
- grub/ɡɹʌb/noun · B2The soft legless larva of an insect.
- grubby/ˈɡɹʌbi/adjective · B2+Rather dirty in a small everyday way.
- grudge/ɡɹʌd͡ʒ/noun · B2An old wrong you refuse to put down.
- grudging/ˈɡɹʌ.dʒɪŋ/adjective · C1Given unwillingly and without warmth.
- gruelling/ˈɡɹʊə.lɪŋ/adjective · C1Exhausting and long.
- gruesome/ˈɡɹuːsəm/adjective · C1Horrifying because of blood and injury.
- gruff/ɡɹʌf/adjective · B2+Rough and abrupt in voice or manner.
- grumble/ˈɡɹʌmbl̩/verb · B2To complain in a low, continuous, unhappy voice.
- grumpy/ˈɡɹʌmpi/adjective · B1In a bad mood and complaining about everything.
- grunt/ɡɹʌnt/verb · B2To make a short low rough sound.
- guacamole/ˌɡwɑ.kəˈmol.i/noun · B1+A green dip mashed from a stone fruit with lime.
- guarantee/ˌɡæɹ.ənˈtiː/noun · B2A promise to put things right if a product fails.
- guarantor/ˈɡæɹəntə(ɹ)/noun · C1Somebody who promises to pay if you cannot.
- guard/ɡɑːd/noun · B2The railway worker in charge of a train.
- guarded/ˈɡɑɹdɪd/adjective · B2Careful about what you let others see.
- guardian/ˈɡɑː.dɪ.ən/noun · B2The adult legally responsible for a child who is not their own.
- guatemalanoun · B2+Central American country of Mayan ruins like Tikal.
- guerillanoun · B2+A fighter in a small irregular band.
- guerrilla/ɡəˈɹɪlə/noun · C1A fighter in a small irregular band.
- guess/ɡɛs/verb · A1To give an answer without knowing for sure — like in this game.
- guessworknoun · B2+Working something out without the facts to go on.
- guest/ɡɛst/noun · A2A person you invite to your home or party.
- guest listnoun · B1The names of those asked to attend.
- guest of honournoun · B2The person the occasion is chiefly for.
- guest registernoun · B2The record of who is staying and when.
- guesthouse/ˈɡɛsthaʊs/noun · B1+A private house that takes paying visitors.
- guffaw/ɡəˈfɔː/verb · C1To laugh very loudly.
- guidance/ˈɡaɪdəns/noun · B1Help and advice about what to do.
- guide/ɡaɪd/noun · A2+The person who shows tourists around and explains what they see.
- guide dognoun · B1A trained dog that leads a blind person.
- guidebooknoun · B1+A book of information for visitors to a place.
- guided tournoun · B1A visit led by somebody who explains things.
- guideline/ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪn/noun · B2+A stated rule of thumb for how to proceed.
- guild/ɡɪld/noun · B2+A medieval association of craftsmen in one trade.
- guile/ɡaɪl/noun · C1Cunning used to deceive.
- guilt/ɡɪlt/noun · B2The heavy feeling after doing something you know was wrong.
- guilty/ˈɡɪl.ti/adjective · A2Having really done the crime — the opposite of innocent.
- guinea/ˈɡɪni/noun · B2West African country whose capital is Conakry, rich in bauxite.
- guise/ˈɡaɪz/noun · C1The outward appearance something is presented under.
- guitar/ɡɪˈtɑː/noun · A2+The instrument with six strings that rock stars hold.
- guitarist/ɡɪˈtɑɹɪst/noun · B1+Somebody who plays the guitar.
- gullet/ˈɡʌl.ɪt/noun · C1The tube food passes down to the stomach.
- gullible/ˈɡʌlɪbl̩/adjective · C1Believing anything anyone tells you, however unlikely.
- gully/ˈɡʌli/noun · B2+A channel worn into the ground by running water.
- gulp/ɡʌlp/verb · B2To swallow fast in big mouthfuls.
- gum/ɡʌm/noun · B2The pink flesh your teeth grow out of.
- gun/ˈɡʌn/noun · A1A weapon that fires bullets from a tube.
- gunfight/ˈɡʌnˌfaɪt/noun · B2+A fight in which both sides use firearms.
- gung-hoadjective · C1Wildly eager, charging in without caution.
- gunman/ˈɡʌnmən/noun · C1An armed man, usually a criminal one.
- gunpoint/ˈɡʌnpɔɪnt/noun · B2The threat of a gun, in the phrase about being held so.
- gunshot/ˈɡʌn.ʃɒt/noun · B1The firing of a gun, and the sound it makes.
- gunwale/ˈɡʌnəl/noun · C2The upper edge of a boat's side.
- gurgle/ˈɡɜː.ɡl̩/verb · C1To make the bubbling sound of liquid in a narrow pipe.
- gurneynoun · C1A wheeled bed for moving patients.
- gush/ˈɡʌʃ/verb · C1To pour out in a strong stream, or to praise excessively.
- gushing/ˈɡʌʃɪŋ/adjective · C1Bubbling over with breathless warmth and emotion in a way that strikes others as overdone.
- gusset/ˈɡʌsɪt/noun · C2An extra piece let in to give room or strength.
- gust/ɡʌst/noun · B2One sudden strong push of wind.
- gusto/ˈɡʌstəʊ/noun · C1Hearty enjoyment in doing something.
- gut/ɡʌt/noun · B2The bowels, or an instinctive feeling.
- gut feelingnoun · B2A conviction that comes from the body, not the reasoning.
- gutlessadjective · C1Lacking courage.
- gutsy/ˈɡʌt.si/adjective · C1Showing courage and determination.
- gutted/ˈɡʌtɪd/adjective · B2+Bitterly disappointed, or emptied out inside.
- gutter/ˈɡʌt.ə/noun · B1The channel along a roof edge that carries rain away.
- guttural/ˈɡʌtəɹəl/adjective · C1Harsh and produced deep in the throat.
- guy/ɡaɪ/noun · A1A man, spoken of casually.
- guy ropenoun · C1The line that holds a tent taut against the wind.
- guyananoun · C1The only English-speaking country in South America.
- gybe/d͡ʒaɪb/verb · C2To turn a boat's stern through the wind.
- gym/d͡ʒɪm/noun · A1The place full of weights and machines where people get strong.
- gym facilitiesnoun · B2The exercise equipment provided for guests.
- gymnast/ˈdʒɪm.næst/noun · B1+The athlete of flips, bars, and perfect landings.
- gymnastics/d͡ʒɪmˈnæs.tɪks/noun · B1+The sport of flips, jumps, and perfect balance on bars and beams.
- gymnastics floornoun · B2The mat routine of tumbling and dance.
- gynecologist/ˌɡaɪnəˈkɒləd͡ʒɪst/noun · B2+A doctor specialising in women's reproductive health.
- gypsum/ˈd͡ʒɪp.səm/noun · C1A soft mineral ground up to make plaster.
- gyrfalcon/ˈdʒɜːfɔːlkən/noun · C2The largest of the falcons, from the far north.
- haberdasherynoun · C2Small articles used in sewing, and the shop selling them.
- habit/ˈhæb.ɪt/noun · A2+Something you do so often you no longer think about it.
- habitable/ˈhæbɪtəbəl/adjective · C1Fit for people to live in.
- habitat/ˈhæb.ɪ.tæt/noun · B2The natural home where a creature belongs.
- habitat lossnoun · B2The destruction of the places wildlife needs.
- habitation/ˌhæb.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/noun · C2The living in a place, or a dwelling itself.
- habitual/həˈbɪ.tʃʊ.əl/adjective · C2Done so regularly it has become second nature.
- hack/hæk/verb · B2To cut roughly with heavy blows.
- hacker/hækə/noun · B1+A person who breaks into computer systems without permission.
- hackles/ˈhækəlz/noun · C1The hairs on an animal's neck that rise in anger.
- hackneyed/ˈhæk.nid/adjective · C2Worn out by being repeated far too often.
- hacksawnoun · B2+A fine-toothed saw in a frame, for cutting metal.
- haddock/ˈhædək/noun · B2+A white sea fish, often smoked.
- haft/hæft/noun · C2The handle of a knife or an axe.
- haggard/ˈhæɡ.əd/adjective · C1Looking exhausted and worn out.
- haggle/ˈhæɡəl/verb · C1To argue the price down at a market stall.
- hail/heɪl/noun · B1Hard little balls of ice that fall from the sky like angry rain.
- hailstone/ˈheɪlstoʊn/noun · B1+One single ball of falling ice.
- hair/ˈhɛə/noun · A1It grows on your head, and you brush it every morning.
- hair removalnoun · B2Taking unwanted hair off the body.
- hairbandnoun · B1A band worn to hold hair back from the face.
- hairbrushnoun · A2+The bristled tool you pull through your hair to tidy it.
- hairclipnoun · B1A small fastener that holds hair in place.
- haircut/ˈhɛə(ɹ)kʌt/noun · A1The cutting of somebody's hair, or the style it leaves.
- hairdo/ˈhɛəˌduː/noun · B2Informal and slightly dated: a person's hair as set and arranged for one particular occasion, not the neutral general word for the cut and shape they wear.
- hairdressernoun · B1The person who cuts and styles what grows on your head.
- hairdresser'snoun · A2The place you go when your hair needs cutting.
- hairdryernoun · A2+The machine that blows hot air onto wet hair.
- hairless/ˈhɛələs/adjective · B2Having no hair.
- hairline/ˈhɛɹˌlaɪn/noun · B2The edge where the hair begins on the forehead.
- hairnet/ˈhɛɹˌnɛt/noun · B2+A fine mesh worn to keep hair in place.
- hairpin/ˈhɛə.pɪn/noun · B1+A thin bent wire that holds hair up.
- hairspraynoun · B1+A fine mist that holds a hairstyle in place.
- hairstylenoun · B1+The shape a person's hair is cut and worn in.
- hairy/ˈhɛə.ɹi/adjective · B2Covered in lots of hair.
- haitinoun · B1+Caribbean country sharing an island, the first to abolish slavery.
- halberd/ˈhæl.bɚd/noun · C2A weapon that is part axe and part spear.
- halcyon/ˈhælsi.ən/noun · C2A calm and happy period looked back on fondly.
- hale/heɪl/adjective · C2Strong and healthy, especially in old age.
- half/ˈhɑːf/noun · A2One of two equal parts.
- half boardnoun · B2A rate including breakfast and one other meal.
- half pricephrase · A2Costing only fifty per cent of the usual amount.
- half-brothernoun · B1A brother who shares only one of your parents.
- half-life/ˈhæfˌlaɪf/noun · B2The time it takes half a radioactive sample to decay.
- half-lightnoun · C1The dim light between day and night.
- half-nakedadjective · B2Wearing far too little clothing.
- half-priceadjective · A2Costing only half the usual amount.
- half-sisternoun · B1A sister who shares only one of your parents.
- halfheartedadjective · B2Done without real enthusiasm.
- halftimenoun · B1+The rest break in the middle of a match.
- halfway/ˌhæfˈweɪ/adverb · B1At the middle point between two places or times.
- halibut/ˈhæ.lɪ.bət/noun · B2+A very large flat white fish.
- hallmark/ˈhɔːlmɑːk/noun · C1A mark of quality, or a telling characteristic.
- hallmark/ˈhɔːlmɑːk/noun · C1The official mark stamped on silver and gold.
- halloo/həˈluː/verb · C2To shout to attract attention, especially in hunting.
- hallowed/ˈhæləʊd/adjective · C1Made holy, and treated with deep respect.
- hallucinatingadjective · B2Seeing or hearing things that are not there.
- hallucination/həˌluːsɪˈneɪʃən/noun · B2+Seeing or hearing something that is not there.
- hallway/ˈhɔːlweɪ/noun · A2+The narrow space just inside the front door that leads to the rooms.
- halo/ˈheɪ̯ləʊ̯/noun · B2A ring of light seen around the sun or moon through thin cloud.
- halt/hɒlt/verb · B2To bring or come to a sudden standstill.
- halter/ˈhɔltɚ/noun · C1A rope or strap put over an animal's head to lead it.
- haltingadjective · C1Stopping and starting, and lacking fluency.
- halve/hɑːv/verb · B1+To cut something into two equal parts.
- halyard/ˈhæljə(ɹ)d/noun · C2The rope that hauls a sail up.
- ham/ˈhæm/noun · A2Salted or smoked meat from a pig's leg.
- hamlet/ˈhæm.lɪt/noun · B2A settlement too small even to be a village.
- hammer/ˈhæmə/noun · B1The heavy tool you hit nails with.
- hammer pricenoun · C1The sum a lot finally sold for.
- hammer thrownoun · B2Throwing a heavy ball on a wire after spinning round.
- hammock/ˈhæmək/noun · B1+A hanging bed of cloth or net tied between two trees.
- hamper/ˈhæm.pə/noun · B2A large lidded basket, often full of food.
- hamster/ˈhæm(p)stə/noun · A2+A small pet that stores food in its cheeks and runs in a wheel.
- hamstring/ˈhæmstɹɪŋ/verb · C1To cripple somebody, or to destroy their ability to act.
- hand/hænd/noun · A1The part at the end of your arm with five fingers.
- hand inphrase · B1To give your finished work to the teacher or boss.
- hand luggagenoun · B1The bag you carry onto the plane with you.
- hand outphrase · B1To give one to each person in the group.
- hand washphrase · B1To wash clothes gently by hand, not by machine.
- hand-held/ˈhændˌhɛld/adjective · B1Small enough to be held and used in one hand.
- hand-me-downnoun · B2A garment passed on from an older child.
- handbag/ˈhændˌbæɡ/noun · A2+The small bag many women carry with a wallet and phone inside.
- handballnoun · B1+A team game of throwing a ball into a goal.
- handbook/ˈhændˌbʊk/noun · B1+A short book of practical instructions.
- handbrakenoun · B1+The lever that holds a parked car still.
- handcuff/ˈhændˌkʌf/noun · B1+A locking metal ring put round a prisoner's wrist.
- handcuffs/ˈhændˌkʌfs/noun · B1The linked metal rings police lock around a prisoner's wrists.
- handful/ˈhæn(d)fʊl/noun · B1As much as one hand can hold; a very small number.
- handheldadjective · B2+Filmed without a stand, so the picture moves slightly.
- handholdnoun · B2+The place a climber grips with a hand.
- handicap/ˈhændikæp/noun · B2An adjustment that gives weaker players a fair chance.
- handicraft/ˈhændɪkɹæft/noun · B2+Skilled work made by hand rather than machine.
- handkerchief/ˈhæŋkəːt͡ʃɪf/noun · B1A small square of cloth for wiping the nose.
- handle/ˈhæn.d(ə)l/verb · B1To deal with a situation or hold something in your hands.
- handlebar/ˈhændəlbɑː/noun · B1+The bar a rider steers a cycle by.
- handlebarsnoun · B1+The bar you hold and steer a bicycle with.
- handler/ˈhænd.lə/noun · C1The officer who runs and instructs an agent.
- handling/ˈhændl̩ɪŋ/noun · B2The way something is dealt with or managed.
- handmade/ˈhændˌmeɪd/adjective · B1+Made by a person rather than a machine.
- handmaidennoun · C1A female personal servant.
- handout/ˈhændaʊt/noun · B2A sheet given out to a class or an audience.
- handover/ˈhændˌoʊvɚ/noun · B2+Passing your work and knowledge to whoever takes over.
- handrail/ˈhændˌɹeɪl/noun · B2A rail to hold onto for support.
- handsawnoun · B2+A saw pushed and pulled by hand alone.
- handshake/ˈhæn(d)ˌʃeɪk/noun · B1Gripping and shaking hands on meeting or agreeing.
- handsome/ˈhæn.səm/adjective · A1Good-looking — usually said about a man.
- handstand/ˈhændˌstænd/noun · B1+Balancing upside down on your hands.
- handwriting/ˈhændɹaɪtɪŋ/noun · B1The way a person forms letters by hand.
- handwrittenadjective · C1Put on paper with a pen, not a keyboard.
- handy/ˈhæn.di/adjective · B1Useful and easy to reach for.
- hang/hæŋ/verb · B1To fix something at the top so the rest swings free below.
- hang in therephrase · B2What you tell someone struggling: keep going, do not quit.
- hang on a minutephrase · B1Asking for a short pause, or objecting mildly.
- hang out/ˈhæŋ ˈaʊt/phrase · B1To spend relaxed time with friends, doing nothing much.
- hang upphrase · A2To end a phone call.
- hang-outnoun · B2A place somebody likes to spend time.
- hangar/ˈhæŋ.ə/noun · B2A large shed where aircraft are kept.
- hanger/ˈhæŋ.ə/noun · A2+The wire or wooden shape a shirt hangs on.
- hanger-onnoun · C1Somebody who stays close to the important for gain.
- hangman/ˈhæŋˌmæn/noun · B2The official who carries out a hanging.
- hangover/ˈhæŋəʊ̯vəː/noun · B1+The sick heavy feeling the morning after drinking.
- hank/ˈhæŋk/noun · C2A coil of wool or rope.
- haphazard/(ˌ)hæpˈhæz.əd/adjective · C1Done with no plan or order.
- hapless/ˈhæplɪs/adjective · C2Unlucky, and to be pitied for it.
- happen/ˈhæpən/verb · A1To take place in the world.
- happenstance/ˈhap(ə)nˌstɑːns/noun · C2A chance occurrence with no plan behind it.
- happier/ˈhæpi.ə/adjective · A2More content than before.
- happily/ˈhæp.ɪ.li/adverb · A2+In a cheerful way, or fortunately.
- happily ever after/ˈhæpɪli ˌɛvəɹ‿ˈɑːftə/phrase · B1The ending every fairy tale promises.
- happiness/ˈhæpinɪs/noun · B1The state of feeling good about your life.
- happy/ˈhæpi/adjective · A1Feeling good and smiling — the opposite of sad.
- happy hournoun · B1A period when drinks are sold cheaply.
- harangue/həˈɹæŋ/noun · C2A long scolding speech.
- harass/həˈɹæs/verb · C1To keep troubling somebody with unwanted pressure.
- harassment/həˈɹæsmənt/noun · C1Repeated unwanted behaviour that makes work unbearable.
- harbinger/ˈhɑːbɪndʒə/noun · C2A sign that something is on its way.
- harbor/ˈhɑːbə/noun · B1The protected water by a town where ships rest.
- harbournoun · B2A sheltered place where boats are safe.
- hard/hɑːd/adjective · A1Firm and solid to touch, like stone; not soft.
- hard drivenoun · B2The part of a computer that stores files permanently.
- hard hatnoun · B1A rigid helmet worn where things might fall.
- hard of hearingphrase · B2Having difficulty in hearing sounds.
- hard shouldernoun · B2The strip at the edge of a motorway for emergencies.
- hard-bittenadjective · C2Toughened and unsentimental from hard experience.
- hard-coreadjective · C1Completely committed, or extreme in kind.
- hard-headedadjective · C1Practical and refusing to be swayed by feeling.
- hard-wearingadjective · C1Standing up to heavy use without wearing through.
- hard-won/hɑːd ˈwʌn/adjective · C1Gained only after great effort.
- hard-workingadjective · B1Putting steady effort into everything you do.
- hardcore/hɑː(ɹ)dˈkɔː(ɹ)/adjective · B2Extreme and uncompromising in style or belief.
- harden/ˈhɑɹdn̩/verb · B2To make or become hard.
- hardly/ˈhɑːdli/adverb · B1Almost not at all.
- hardness/ˈhɑɹdnəs/noun · B2How well a mineral resists being scratched.
- hardship/ˈhɑɹdˌʃɪp/noun · B2Suffering caused by difficult conditions.
- hardware/ˈhɑɹdˌwɛɹ/noun · B2The physical parts of a computer — the part you can touch.
- hardwood/ˈhɑɹdˌwʊd/noun · B2+Wood from a slow-growing broadleaf tree, dense and strong.
- hardworking/ˈhɑːɹdˌwɜːɹ.kɪŋ/adjective · B1+Putting steady effort into everything.
- 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.
- harm/hɑːm/verb · B1To do damage to somebody or something.
- harmful/ˈhɑːmfl̩/adjective · B2Causing damage to health or to things.
- harmless/ˈhɑːmləs/adjective · B2Unable to hurt anyone.
- harmonica/ˌhɑɹˈmɒ.nɪ.kə/noun · B2A small mouth instrument played by breathing in and out.
- harmonious/hɑɹˈmoʊni.əs/adjective · B2+Fitting together pleasantly, in sound or in relations.
- harmony/ˈhɑːmə.ni/noun · C1Different parts fitting together peacefully and beautifully.
- harmony/ˈhɑːmə.ni/noun · B2Different musical notes sounding sweet together.
- harness/ˈhɑː.nəs/verb · B1+To take control of a force and put it to work.
- harness/ˈhɑː.nəs/noun · B1A set of straps fastened round an animal or person, for pulling a load or for safety.
- harp/hɑːp/noun · B1+The tall triangle of strings plucked by angels in paintings.
- harpoon/hɑːɹˈpuːn/noun · B2+A spear on a line, thrown at a large sea animal.
- harpsichord/ˈhɑː(ɹ)p.sɪ.kɔː(ɹ)d/noun · C1An early keyboard whose strings are plucked, not struck.
- harpy/ˈhɑɹpi/noun · C1A greedy cruel woman, or a monster of legend.
- harridan/ˈhæɹ.ɪ.dən/noun · C2A bad-tempered scolding old woman.
- harrier/ˈhæɹi.ə/noun · C2A bird of prey that quarters low over open ground.
- harrow/ˈhæɹəʊ/noun · B2+A frame of spikes dragged over ploughed soil to break it up.
- 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.
- harsh/ˈhɑːʃ/adjective · B1Unpleasantly rough or severe — winters, words, or punishments.
- harsh/ˈhɑːʃ/adjective · B2Rough and unpleasant on the ear.
- hart/hɑːt/noun · C2An adult male deer, in old use.
- harvest/ˈhɑɹ.vəst/noun · B2The gathering in of ripe crops, and the time it happens.
- harvest festivalnoun · B1The celebration held when the crops are safely in.
- harvest timenoun · B1The weeks when ripe crops are gathered in.
- hash/ˈhæʃ/noun · C1A short fingerprint calculated from a piece of data.
- hashtag/ˈhæʃˌtæɡ/noun · B1The # symbol plus a word, used to tag posts on social media.
- hasp/hɑːsp/noun · C2A hinged metal fastening for a door or a chest.
- hassle/ˈhæsl̩/noun · B1+An annoying difficulty that takes effort to deal with.
- haste/heɪst/noun · B2Excessive speed in doing something.
- hasten/ˈheɪ.sn̩/verb · C1To hurry, or to make something happen sooner.
- hastily/ˈheɪstɪli/adverb · B2+In too much of a hurry, without proper care.
- hasty/ˈheɪsti/adjective · B1+Done too quickly to be done well.
- hat/hæt/noun · A1You wear it on your head, for sun, cold, or style.
- hat-tricknoun · B2Three goals by one player in a single match.
- hatch/hæt͡ʃ/verb · B1To break out of an egg.
- hatchback/ˈhæt͡ʃˌbæk/noun · B2+A car whose rear door lifts up with the window.
- hatchling/ˈhæt͡ʃlɪŋ/noun · B2+A creature only just out of its shell.
- hatchway/ˈhæt͡ʃweɪ/noun · C1An opening in a deck or a floor.
- hate/heɪt/noun · A1The strongest feeling against someone or something.
- hateful/ˈheɪtfəl/adjective · B2Filled with hate, or deserving it.
- hauberk/ˈhɔːbɜː(ɹ)k/noun · C2A long shirt of chain mail.
- haughtilyadverb · C2In a proud way that looks down on others.
- haughty/ˈhɔːti/adjective · C2Proud, and looking down on others.
- haul/hɔːl/verb · B2To drag or pull something heavy with effort.
- haul inphrase · C1To pull a net or a line aboard.
- haulage/hɔːləd͡ʒ/noun · C1The business of carrying goods by road.
- haunch/hɔːn(t)ʃ/noun · C1The upper leg and hip of an animal.
- haunt/hɔːnt/verb · B2What ghosts do to houses — and bad memories do to minds.
- hauntingadjective · B2Beautiful in a way that stays with you afterwards.
- have a change of heartphrase · B2To come round to feeling quite differently.
- have a chatphrase · B1To talk informally for a little while.
- have a gophrase · B2To make an attempt at something.
- have a good onephrase · B2A friendly farewell wishing somebody a good day.
- have a lot on your platephrase · B2To be dealing with more work and worry than fits.
- have an effectphrase · B2To produce a change in something.
- have an impactphrase · B2To make a strong difference to something.
- have green fingersphrase · B2To be very good at making plants grow.
- have second thoughtsphrase · B2To start doubting a decision you made.
- have the upper handphrase · B2To be in the stronger position.
- have time on your handsphrase · B2To have more free time than you know what to do with.
- have your wits about youphrase · C1To stay alert and ready to react.
- haven/ˈheɪvən/noun · B1A place of shelter and safety.
- havoc/ˈhævək/noun · B2+Widespread destruction and confusion.
- hawk/ˈhɔːk/noun · B1A sharp-eyed bird of prey that hunts by day.
- hawker/ˈhɔːkə/noun · C1A trader who sells goods by calling them out.
- hawthorn/ˈhɔː.θɔːn/noun · C1A thorny shrub with white blossom and red berries.
- hay/heɪ/noun · B2Dried grass stored as winter feed for animals.
- hayloftnoun · C1The upper storey of a barn where dried grass is kept.
- haystack/ˈheɪˌstæk/noun · B1A large pile of dried grass built to keep the rain out.
- hazard/ˈhæzəd/noun · C1Something with the power to cause harm.
- hazardous/ˈhæ.zɚ.dɪs/adjective · B2Full of danger to health or safety.
- hazardous goodsnoun · B2Cargo that is dangerous to handle or carry.
- haze/heɪz/noun · B2Thin dust or moisture that blurs the air on hot days.
- hazel/ˈheɪzəl/noun · B2A shrub bearing edible nuts, or a light brown colour.
- hazelnut/ˈheɪzəlnʌt/noun · B1+A small round nut often paired with chocolate.
- hazy/ˈheɪzi/adjective · B2Misty, or unclear in the memory.
- head/hɛd/noun · A1The top part of your body, where your brain lives.
- head of the tablenoun · B2The seat of honour at a formal meal.
- head offphrase · B2To stop something before it can happen.
- head torchnoun · B1A lamp worn on the forehead so both hands stay free.
- head-on/ˈhɛd ˌɒn/adjective · B2Meeting front to front.
- headache/ˈhɛdeɪk/noun · A2+A pain inside your head.
- headbutt/ˈhɛdbʌt/verb · B2+To hit somebody with your forehead.
- headcount/ˈhɛdˌkaʊnt/noun · B2+Counting people to check nobody is missing.
- headfirstadverb · C1Diving with the top of you leading the way — or rushing in blindly.
- headhunt/ˈhɛdˌhʌnt/verb · C1To approach someone in another company and tempt them away.
- heading/ˈhɛdɪŋ/noun · B2The direction the bow is actually pointing.
- headlamp/ˈhɛdˌlæmp/noun · B1The bright forward light of a vehicle.
- headland/ˈhɛdlənd/noun · B2+A strip of high land jutting into the sea.
- headless/ˈhɛdləs/adjective · B2Having no head, or no leader.
- headlight/ˈhɛdˌlaɪt/noun · A2+One of the two bright front eyes of a car at night.
- headline/ˈhɛd.laɪn/noun · B1+The big bold words at the top of a news story.
- headline/ˈhɛd.laɪn/noun · B1+The line at the top meant to stop you scrolling.
- headline newsphrase · B2The most important stories of the day, read first on every channel.
- headlong/ˈhɛd.lɒŋ/adverb · C1Rushing forward without stopping to think.
- headmistressnoun · C2The woman in charge of a school.
- headphone/ˈhɛdfəʊn/noun · A2+One of a pair of small speakers worn over the ears.
- headphones/ˈhɛdfəʊnz/noun · A2+You wear them over or in your ears to listen privately.
- headquarters/ˌhɛdˈk(w)ɔː.təz/noun · B1The main central office a company is run from.
- heads-up/ˌhɛdzˈʌp/noun · B2A warning given in advance.
- headset/ˈhɛdsɛt/noun · B1+Earphones with a microphone, worn to take calls.
- headstrongadjective · C1Determined to have your own way whatever the advice.
- headteachernoun · A2The person in charge of a school.
- headwaternoun · C2The stream at the very source of a river.
- heady/ˈhɛdi/adjective · C1Strong enough to go straight to your head.
- heal/ˈhiːl/verb · B2To become well again after a wound or illness.
- health/ˈhɛlθ/noun · A1The condition your body and mind are in.
- health and safetynoun · B2The rules that keep a workplace from harming people.
- health care/ˈhɛlθ ˌkɛə(ɹ)/noun · B2The services that look after people's wellbeing.
- health inspectionnoun · B2The official check on a kitchen's safety.
- health visitornoun · C1The nurse who checks on new babies at home.
- healthcare/ˈhɛlθkɛɚ/noun · B2+The services that look after people's health.
- healthy/ˈhɛl.θi/adjective · A1Not ill; strong and well.
- heap/hiːp/noun · B2A messy mound of things thrown together.
- hear/ˈhɪə/verb · A1To notice a sound with your ears, without trying.
- hear outphrase · B2To listen to somebody until they have finished.
- hearing aidnoun · B1A small device that makes sounds louder.
- hearsay/ˈhɪəseɪ/noun · C1Information heard from others and not checked.
- hearse/hɜːs/noun · B2+The vehicle that carries a coffin to the funeral.
- heart/hɑːʔ/noun · A1The organ in your chest that beats and pumps blood.
- heart attacknoun · B1A sudden blockage stopping blood reaching the heart muscle.
- heart of goldphrase · B2A deeply kind and generous nature.
- heartache/ˈhɑːteɪk/noun · B2Deep sorrow, especially over lost love.
- heartbreakingadjective · B2Causing very great sadness.
- heartbrokenadjective · B1+Crushed by grief or lost love.
- heartfelt/ˈhɑːt.fɛlt/adjective · B2Deeply and sincerely meant.
- hearth/ˈhɑːθ/noun · C1The stone floor of a fireplace — the old heart of a home.
- heartland/ˈhɑːtlənd/noun · C1The central region of a country, and its core support.
- heartless/ˈhɑːt.lɪs/adjective · B1+Showing no pity at all.
- heartrendingadjective · B2So sad it hurts to watch.
- hearty/ˈhɑɹti/adjective · B1+Warm and enthusiastic, or large and satisfying.
- heat/ˈhiːt/noun · A2The warm energy that comes off a fire or the summer sun.
- heat upphrase · B1To become warmer, or to become more intense.
- heater/ˈhitɚ/noun · B1The appliance that warms a cold room.
- heath/hiːθ/noun · C1Open uncultivated land with low shrubs.
- heathen/ˈhiːðən/noun · C1Somebody who follows none of the main religions.
- heating/ˈhiːtɪŋ/noun · B1The system that keeps a house warm in winter.
- heatstrokenoun · B2+Collapse from being too hot for too long.
- heatwave/ˈhitˌweɪv/noun · B1+Days on end of dangerously hot weather.
- heave/ˈhiːv/verb · B2To lift or throw something heavy with great effort.
- heaven/ˈhɛvən/noun · A2The dwelling place of a god and the blessed.
- heavier/ˈhɛviɚ/adjective · A2+Greater in weight.
- heavily/ˈhɛvɪli/adverb · B1To a great degree, or with much weight.
- heavy/ˈhɛv.i/adjective · A2Weighing a lot; hard to lift.
- heavy-dutyadjective · C1Built strong enough for the hardest work.
- hectic/ˈhɛktɪk/adjective · B2Packed with frantic, rushed activity.
- hector/ˈhɛktə/verb · C2To bully somebody with loud talk.
- hedge/ˈhɛd͡ʒ/noun · B2A living wall of bushes dividing fields.
- hedgehog/ˈhɛd͡ʒ.hɒɡ/noun · B2A small animal covered in sharp needles that rolls into a ball.
- hedgerow/ˈhɛd͡ʒɹəʊ/noun · B2+A line of bushes marking the edge of a field.
- hedonistic/ˈhɛdənɪstɪk/adjective · C1Devoted to pleasure above everything else.
- heed/ˈhiːd/verb · C1To pay careful attention to a warning.
- heedless/ˈhiːdləs/adjective · C1Taking no notice of danger or advice.
- heel/hiːl/noun · B2The round back part of your foot.
- heft/hɛft/verb · C1To lift something to judge how heavy it is.
- hefty/ˈhɛfti/adjective · B2+Large, heavy and substantial.
- hegemony/hɪˈɡɛ.mə.ni/noun · C2The dominance of one state or group over others.
- heifer/ˈhɛfə(ɹ)/noun · C1A young cow that has not yet had a calf.
- height/haɪt/noun · A2+How tall something is, from bottom to top.
- heighten/ˈhaɪ̯.tən/verb · C1To make a feeling or an effect stronger.
- heimlich manoeuvrenoun · C1Sharp pressure under the ribs to clear a blocked throat.
- heinous/ˈheɪnəs/adjective · C1Wicked in the extreme.
- heir/ˈɛə̯/noun · B2The person who will receive the money and title when someone dies.
- heir apparentnoun · C1The person certain to inherit a title.
- heirloom/ˈɛə.luːm/noun · B2+The precious old thing a family hands down for generations.
- heirloom/ˈɛə.luːm/noun · B2+A valuable passed down through generations.
- heirshipnoun · C2The right to inherit what a family holds.
- heist/haɪst/noun · B2A daring, carefully planned robbery of a bank or vault.
- helicopter/ˈheliːˌkɔptə(ɹ)/noun · B1The flying machine with spinning blades on top; it needs no runway.
- helium/ˈhiː.li.əm/noun · B1+A very light gas that will not burn.
- helix/ˈhiːlɪks/noun · C1A spiral that climbs as it turns.
- hell/hɛl/noun · A2A place of punishment after death.
- hell-bent/ˈhɛlˌbɛnt/adjective · C1Absolutely determined, whatever the cost.
- hellhole/ˈhɛlˌhoʊl/noun · C1A thoroughly wretched and unpleasant place.
- hellish/ˈhɛlɪʃ/adjective · B2+Extremely unpleasant.
- hello/hɛˈloʊ/phrase · A1The first word you say when you meet someone.
- helm/hɛlm/noun · C1The wheel or tiller used to steer.
- helmet/ˈhɛlmɪt/noun · A2The hard hat that protects your head on a bike or motorbike.
- help/hɛlp/verb · A1To do part of the work so things are easier for someone.
- help yourselfphrase · B1Take as much as you want without asking.
- helper/ˈhɛlpɚ/noun · B2Somebody who assists another.
- helpful/ˈhɛlp.fl̩/adjective · A2Ready and useful in giving help.
- helping/ˈhɛlpɪŋ/noun · B1The amount of food put on one plate at one time.
- helpless/ˈhɛlplɪs/adjective · B1Unable to do anything to help yourself.
- helplessness/ˈhɛlplɪsnɪs/noun · B2+The state of being unable to do anything for yourself.
- helpline/ˈhɛlpˌlaɪn/noun · B2+A phone number to call when you need to talk.
- helter-skelter/ˌhɛltɚˈskɛltɚ/noun · C1A tall tower with a spiral slide around it.
- hem/hɛm/noun · B2+The folded and stitched bottom edge of a skirt or trousers.
- hemisphere/ˈhɛmɪsfɪə/noun · B1+One half of the Earth — northern or southern.
- hemline/ˈhɛmˌlaɪn/noun · C1The line where the bottom edge of a skirt falls.
- 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.
- hen/hɛn/noun · A2+An adult female chicken.
- hence/ˈhɛns/adverb · B2From this reason, or from this place.
- henceforth/hɛnsˈfɔɹθ/adverb · C2From this moment on.
- henchman/ˈhɛnt͡ʃ.mən/noun · B2+A loyal follower who does the dirty work.
- hepatitis/ˌhɛpəˈtaɪ̯tɪs/noun · B2+An inflammation of the liver caused by a virus.
- herald/ˈhɛɹəld/verb · C2To announce that something is coming.
- heraldry/ˈhɛɹ.əl.dɹi/noun · C1The system of coats of arms and their designs.
- herb/hɜːb/noun · B2A green leafy plant used in tiny amounts for flavor, like basil or mint.
- herbal/ˈhɜːbəl/adjective · B2+Tasting of green leaves and stems.
- herbal teanoun · B1A hot drink brewed from flowers or leaves, without caffeine.
- herbicide/ˈhɜːbɪsaɪd/noun · C1A chemical sprayed to kill unwanted plants.
- herbivore/ˈhɜːbɪvɔː(ɹ)/noun · B2+An animal that eats only plants.
- herd/hɜːd/noun · B1A big group of cows, elephants, or other grazing animals.
- here goes nothingphrase · C1Said just before trying something that may well fail.
- hereafter/hɪɹˈæftɚ/adverb · C1From this point onward.
- hereby/hɪəˈbʌɪ/adverb · B2By this act, in formal declarations.
- hereditary/həˈɹɛdɪt(ə)ɹi/adjective · B2+Passed down from parent to child.
- herein/hɪɹˈɪn/adverb · C1In this document or place.
- heresy/ˈhɛɹəsi/noun · C1A belief judged to contradict the accepted teaching.
- heretic/ˈhɛɹɪtɪk/noun · C1Somebody whose beliefs go against the accepted teaching.
- heretical/həˈɹɛtɪkəl/adjective · C1Going against what the faithful are supposed to believe.
- heritage/ˈhɛɹ.ɪ.tɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1Everything valuable the past has left to a people.
- hermetic/hə(ɹ)ˈmɛtɪk/adjective · C2Sealed so that no air passes, or closed to outsiders.
- hermit/ˈhɝmɪt/noun · B2Somebody who lives entirely apart from other people.
- hermitage/ˈhɜːmɪtɪd͡ʒ/noun · C2The dwelling of somebody who lives apart from the world.
- hernia/ˈhɜː(ɹ)niə/noun · B2+A bulge where an organ pushes through a weak muscle wall.
- hero/ˈhɪə.ɹəʊ/noun · A2The brave main figure of a story who saves the day.
- heroic/hɪˈɹəʊ.ɪk/adjective · B1+Showing very great courage.
- heroism/ˈhɛɹəʊɪzəm/noun · B2Behaviour of very great courage.
- heron/ˈhɛɹən/noun · B2+A tall grey bird that stands still in shallow water.
- herring/ˈhɛɹɪŋ/noun · B1+A small silvery sea fish caught in huge shoals.
- herringbone/ˈhɛɹɪŋˌboʊn/noun · C1A pattern of short slanting lines in alternating directions.
- hesitant/ˈhɛzɪtənt/adjective · B2+Pausing because you are unsure whether to act.
- hesitate/ˈhɛz.ɪ.teɪt/verb · B2To pause before acting because you are not quite sure.
- hesitation/ˌhɛzɪˈteɪʃən/noun · B2A pause caused by doubt about what to do.
- heterosexual/ˌhɛtəɹəˈsɛkʃuəl/noun · B2+Somebody attracted to people of the other sex.
- hew/hjuː/verb · C2To chop or cut with heavy blows.
- hexagon/ˈhɛk.sə.ɡən/noun · B1+A flat shape with six straight sides, like a honeycomb cell.
- heyday/ˈheɪdeɪ/noun · C1The period when somebody was at their best.
- hiatus/haɪˈeɪtəs/noun · C1A gap or break in the middle of something.
- hibernate/ˈhaɪbə(r)ˌneɪt/verb · C1To sleep through the whole winter.
- hibernation/ˌhaɪ.bəːˈneɪ.ʃən/noun · C1The deep winter-long sleep of bears and hedgehogs.
- hiccup/ˈhɪkʌp/verb · B1+To make a sharp involuntary sound in the throat.
- hiccups/ˈhɪkəps/noun · B1The jumping 'hic' sounds your chest makes and cannot stop.
- hick/hɪk/noun · C1American slang for an unsophisticated country dweller, also used before a noun of a small, dull town.
- hide/haɪd/verb · A1To go or put something where nobody can see it.
- hide and seek/ˌhaɪd ən ˈsik/noun · A2The children's game where one counts while the others vanish.
- hideous/ˈhɪd.i.əs/adjective · B2Extremely ugly.
- hideout/ˈhaɪdˌaʊt/noun · B2A place where somebody hides from pursuit.
- hierarchical/ˌhaɪəˈɹɑːkɪkəl/adjective · C1Arranged in ranks from highest to lowest.
- hierarchy/ˈhaɪ.ə.ɹɑː(ɹ).ki/noun · C1The ladder of who reports to whom, from bottom to top.
- hieroglyph/ˈhaɪ.ɹəˌɡlɪf/noun · C1One of the picture signs of ancient Egyptian writing.
- high/haɪ/adjective · A1Far above the ground, like clouds and mountain tops.
- high boardnoun · B2A fixed platform high above the water.
- high chairnoun · B1The tall seat a small child eats from.
- high five/haɪ faɪv/noun · A2A slap of raised palms in celebration.
- high heels/haɪ hiːlz/phrase · B1Elegant shoes that lift the back of the foot far off the ground.
- high jumpnoun · B1Leaping over a bar set as high as it will go.
- high school/ˈhaɪ.skul/noun · A2The school for teenagers before university.
- high scorenoun · B1The best result anyone has recorded.
- high streetnoun · B1The main shopping road of a town.
- high tidenoun · B1The point when the sea has risen as far as it will.
- high wirenoun · B2A rope stretched high for walking across.
- high-densityadjective · B2Having many homes packed into a small area.
- high-handedadjective · C1Using authority without regard for others.
- high-pitched/ˌhaɪˈpɪt͡ʃt/adjective · B2Sounding thin and squeaky, near the top of the voice.
- high-profileadjective · C1Attracting a great deal of public attention.
- high-rankingadjective · B2Holding a senior position.
- high-risenoun · B2A tall block of flats or offices.
- high-speedadjective · B1Of a train, chase, or internet line: built to run at very great velocity.
- high-speed railnoun · B2Railways built for very fast trains.
- high-visibilityadjective · B2Brightly coloured so as to be easily seen.
- highbrowadjective · C1Appealing to very cultivated tastes.
- highland/ˈhaɪ.lənd/noun · B2+High mountainous country.
- highlight/ˈhaɪlaɪt/noun · B1+The best or most memorable part of something.
- highlighter/ˈhaɪ.laɪt.ə/noun · B1+The bright marker you color important sentences with.
- highlightsnoun · B1+Streaks of lighter colour put through hair.
- highway/ˈhaɪweɪ/noun · B1The wide fast road between cities with no traffic lights.
- hijack/ˈhaɪ.d͡ʒæk/verb · B2+To seize control of a vehicle by force.
- hike/haɪk/verb · B1To walk a long way over rough country.
- hiker/ˈhaɪ̯kə/noun · B1+Somebody who walks long distances in the country.
- hiking/ˈhaɪkɪŋ/noun · B1+Long walks through hills and forests for pleasure.
- hilarious/hɪˈlɛə.ɹi.əs/adjective · B2Extremely funny; making everyone roar with laughter.
- hill/hɪl/noun · A2A raised piece of land, smaller and softer than a real peak.
- hillock/ˈhɪl.ək/noun · C2A very small hill.
- hillside/ˈhɪlˌsaɪd/noun · B1+The sloping side of a hill.
- hilt/hɪlt/noun · C1The handle of a sword or a dagger.
- hinder/ˈhɪndəː/verb · C2To get in the way of progress and slow it down.
- hindrance/ˈhɪndɹəns/noun · C2Something that gets in the way of progress.
- hindsight/ˈhaɪn(d)saɪt/noun · C2The clear understanding you only get after it is over.
- hindsight biasnoun · C2Believing you knew all along what only became clear later.
- hinge/ˈhɪnd͡ʒ/noun · B1+The small metal joint a door swings on.
- hint/hɪnt/verb · B2To suggest something without saying it outright.
- hinterland/ˈhɪntə(ɹ)ˌlænd/noun · C2The remote country lying behind a coast or a city.
- hip/hɪp/noun · B1One of the two wide bones below your waist that your legs hang from.
- hip flasknoun · C1A small flat bottle carried in a pocket.
- hip hop dancenoun · B1A street style grown out of hip hop music.
- hippie/ˈhɪpi/noun · B2A young person of the 1960s with long hair, flowers and peace slogans.
- hippo/ˈhɪpəʊ/noun · A2+The huge river animal of Africa with an enormous mouth.
- hippopotamus/ˌhɪp.əˈpɒt.ə.məs/noun · A2+A huge African animal that spends all day in the river.
- hipster/ˈhɪp.stə/noun · B2+Somebody who follows the latest alternative fashions.
- hire/ˈhaɪ(.)ə/verb · A2To give someone a job at your company.
- hireling/ˈhaɪ.ə.lɪŋ/noun · C2Somebody who works only for the money.
- hirsute/həːˈsjuːt/adjective · C2Very hairy.
- hiss/hɪs/verb · B2To make the sharp s-sound of snakes and angry cats.
- historian/hɪˈstɔːɹɪən/noun · B2+A person who studies and writes about the past.
- historic/hɪˈstɒɹɪk/adjective · B1+Important enough to be remembered in history.
- historical/hɪˈstɒɹɪkəl/adjective · B1+To do with the past and its study.
- history/ˈhɪs.tə.ɹi/noun · A1The subject about everything that happened before today.
- histrionic/hɪstɹiːˈɒnɪk/adjective · C2Wildly theatrical in showing feeling.
- hit/hɪt/verb · A1To bring your hand or a stick hard against something.
- hit backphrase · B2To answer an attack with one of your own.
- hit the booksphrase · B2To start studying seriously.
- hit the hayphrase · C1To go to bed.
- hit the nail on the headphrase · C1To describe a situation exactly right.
- hit the roadphrase · B2To leave and start your journey.
- hit the sackphrase · C1To go to bed.
- hit uponphrase · C1To think of an idea suddenly.
- hit-and-runadjective · B2Involving a driver who leaves the scene after a crash.
- hit-or-missadjective · B2Done without a plan, so it works only sometimes.
- hitch/hɪt͡ʃ/verb · B2To fasten with a knot, or to raise with a jerk.
- hitchhike/ˈhɪt͡ʃhaɪk/verb · B1+To travel for free by standing at the road with your thumb out.
- hitchhiker/ˈhɪtʃˌhaɪkə/noun · B2Somebody who travels by asking drivers for lifts.
- hither/ˈhɪðə/adverb · C1To this place, in old use.
- hitherto/ˌhɪðəˈtuː/adverb · C2Up until this point in time.
- hitman/ˈhɪtmæːn/noun · B2A killer hired to murder somebody.
- hive/haɪv/noun · B1+The built home of a bee colony.
- hoard/hɔɹd/verb · B2+To store far more than you need and refuse to part with it.
- hoarfrostnoun · C2Feathery white ice that grows on twigs in still cold air.
- hoarse/hɔːs/adjective · B2+Rough and harsh in voice from strain.
- hoary/hɔː.ɹi/adjective · C2White with age, or very old and stale.
- hobbit/ˈhɒbɪt/noun · B2+A small imaginary being with furry feet, from Tolkien.
- hobble/ˈhɒbəl/verb · B2+To walk with difficulty and small painful steps.
- hobby/ˈhɒ.bi/noun · A2+Something you do regularly for pleasure in your free time.
- hock/hɒk/noun · C2The angled joint in a horse's hind leg.
- hockey/ˈhɒ.ki/noun · A2+The fast game played with curved sticks and a flat disc, often on ice.
- hoist/hɔɪst/verb · C1To haul something heavy upward with effort or ropes.
- hold/həʊld/verb · A1To keep something in your hands.
- hold a meetingphrase · B1To gather people together to discuss matters.
- hold an opinionphrase · B2To believe a particular thing.
- hold backphrase · B2To keep something in rather than let it out.
- hold luggagenoun · B2The bags stored beneath the cabin.
- hold onphrase · B1To pause a moment; also, to grip tight.
- hold swayphrase · C1To have controlling influence over something.
- hold upphrase · B2To delay something; also, to rob at gunpoint.
- hold your breathphrase · B1To stop breathing for a moment, or to wait tensely.
- hold your horsesphrase · B2What you say to make someone slow down and wait.
- hold your nosephrase · B1To pinch the nostrils shut against a smell.
- hold your tonguephrase · B2To stop yourself from saying what you are thinking.
- holdall/ˈhəʊldɔːl/noun · B2+A large soft bag for carrying clothes.
- holder/ˈhəʊldə/noun · B2The person who holds something, or the thing that does.
- holdfastnoun · C2A small walled refuge in old tales, less grand than a castle, where a minor lord's people shelter from attack.
- holding patternnoun · C1Circling in the air while waiting to land.
- holdupnoun · B2A robbery carried out with a weapon.
- hole/həʊl/noun · A2An opening or hollow in a surface.
- hole punchnoun · B1A tool that makes holes so paper can go in a ring binder.
- holiday/ˈhɒlɪˌdeɪ/noun · A1Free days away from school or work, often spent traveling.
- holiday cottagenoun · B2A small country house rented for a break.
- holiness/ˈhoʊlinəs/noun · B2The quality of being sacred or morally pure.
- holler/ˈhɒlə/verb · B2To shout loudly to somebody far off.
- hollow/ˈhɒləʊ/adjective · B2Empty on the inside, like a drum or an old tree.
- holocaust/ˈhɒl.ə(ʊ)ˌkɔːst/noun · B2Destruction on a vast scale, especially by fire or slaughter.
- holster/ˈhɒlstə(ɹ)/noun · B2The shaped case a handgun is carried in.
- holy/ˈhəʊli/adjective · B1Belonging to God or religion; deeply respected.
- holy grailnoun · C1The legendary cup, and any object endlessly sought.
- homage/ˈhɒmɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1A work made in respectful tribute to another.
- hombre/ˈɒmbɹeɪ/noun · C1A man, in informal borrowed Spanish.
- home/həʊm/noun · A1The place where you live and feel you belong.
- home deliverynoun · B1Having what you bought brought to your door.
- home economicsnoun · B2The study of running a household and cooking.
- home sweet home/həʊm swiːt həʊm/phrase · B1The comfort of being back in your own house.
- home-cookedadjective · B2Made in a family kitchen, not bought ready-made.
- homeboy/ˈhoʊm.bɔɪ/noun · C1A male friend from your own neighbourhood.
- homeland/ˈhəʊmˌlænd/noun · B2The country where you were born or belong.
- homeless/ˈhoʊmlɪs/adjective · B2Having nowhere to live.
- homely/ˈhəʊmli/adjective · C1Simple and comfortable, or plain in looks.
- homemade/ˌ(h)əʊmˈmeɪ̯d/adjective · B1Made at home rather than bought.
- homemakernoun · B2+The family member who runs the home.
- homeownernoun · B1+Somebody who owns the house they live in.
- homepagenoun · B1+The front page of a website.
- homesick/ˈhəʊ̯m.sɪk/adjective · A2+Sad because you miss the place you come from.
- homestay/ˈhoʊmˌsteɪ/noun · B2Staying as a guest in a local family's house.
- homestead/ˈhoʊmˌstɛd/noun · C2A house and the land around it that a family works.
- hometown/ˈhoʊmˌtaʊn/noun · A2+The place where you grew up.
- homeward/ˈhoʊmwɚd/adverb · B2Towards where you live.
- homework/ˈhəʊmˌwɜːk/noun · A1The school tasks you must finish at home in the evening.
- homicidaladjective · B2+Driven by an urge to murder people, as a knife-wielding maniac is.
- homicide/ˈhɒm.ɪˌsaɪ̯d/noun · B2The killing of one person by another.
- homogeneous/ˌhɒm.ə(ʊ)ˈd͡ʒiː.nɪəs/adjective · C1All of the same kind throughout.
- homosexuality/ˌhoʊməˌsɛkʃuˈælɪti/noun · B2+Sexual attraction to people of your own sex.
- hondurasnoun · B2+Central American country whose Caribbean coast drew the name banana republic.
- hone/hoʊn/verb · B2+To sharpen a blade, or to refine a skill.
- honest/ˈɒn.ɪst/adjective · A2Always telling the truth, even when it is hard.
- honesty/ˈɒn.ɪ.sti/noun · B2The habit of always telling the truth.
- honey/ˈhʌni/noun · A1The golden sweet liquid that bees make.
- honeycomb/ˈhʌnikəʊm/noun · B1+The wax grid of six-sided cells bees store honey in.
- honeymoon/ˈhʌn.iˌmuːn/noun · B1The romantic holiday a couple takes right after their wedding.
- honeymoon periodnoun · C1The first happy weeks of a marriage or an arrangement.
- honeysuckle/ˈhʌnɪsʌk(ə)l/noun · B2+A climber with tubes of flower full of sweet nectar.
- hong kongnoun · B1The skyscraper harbor city of dim sum and neon, in southern China.
- honk/hɒŋk/verb · B2To sound a vehicle's horn.
- honor/ˈɒn.ə/verb · B1To show deep public respect; also, to keep a promise.
- honorary/ˈɑn.əˌɹɛɹ.i/adjective · B2+Given as an honour, with no duties or pay attached.
- honorific/ˌɒnəˈɹɪfɪk/noun · C1A title or word used to show respect.
- honors/ˈɑn.ɚz/noun · B2The distinction awarded to degrees earned with excellent grades.
- honour/ˈɒnə/noun · B1A reputation for keeping to what is right.
- honourableadjective · B2Deserving respect for acting rightly.
- hood/hʊd/noun · B1The part of a coat that pulls up over your head.
- hooded/ˈhʊdɪd/adjective · B2+Wearing or fitted with a covering for the head.
- hoodie/ˈhʊdi/noun · A2+A casual warm top with a head cover attached at the back.
- hoodwink/ˈhʊdwɪŋk/verb · C1To deceive somebody by a trick.
- hoof/hʊf/noun · B1+The hard foot of a horse or cow.
- hook/hʊk/noun · A2The curved metal piece things hang from.
- hook and eyenoun · B2A small two-part clothing fastener.
- hooligan/ˈhuː.lɪ.ɡən/noun · B2A young person who behaves noisily and violently in public.
- hoop/huːp/noun · B1A large ring of wood or metal.
- hoopla/ˈhuːplɑ/noun · C2A game of throwing rings over prizes.
- hoot/huːt/verb · B2To make the low call of an owl.
- hoover/ˈhuːvə(ɹ)/verb · B1+To clean a floor with a suction machine.
- hop/hɒp/verb · B1To make small jumps, especially on one leg.
- hope/ˈhəʊp/noun · A2The feeling that good things are still possible.
- hope/ˈhəʊp/verb · A1To want something to happen and believe it might.
- hopeful/ˈhəʊpfl̩/adjective · C1Feeling that good things may come.
- hopefully/ˈhəʊp.fə.li/adverb · B1With hope, or if all goes well.
- hopeless/ˈhəʊplɪs/adjective · B1With no chance of success, or very bad at something.
- hopelessly/ˈhoʊplɪsli/adverb · B2+In a way that offers no chance of success.
- hopelessnessnoun · B2+The state of seeing no way things can improve.
- hopper/ˈhɒp.ə(ɹ)/noun · C1A funnel-shaped container that feeds material out below.
- hopper wagonnoun · C2A wagon that empties its load from below.
- hopscotch/ˈhɑpˌskɑt͡ʃ/noun · B2The pavement game of jumping through numbered chalk squares.
- horde/hɔːd/noun · B2+A great crowd, often an unwelcome one.
- horizon/həˈɹaɪ.zən/noun · C1The far line where the sky seems to touch the land or sea.
- horizontal/ˌhɒɹɪˈzɒn.təl/adjective · B1+Flat and level, like the line where sky meets sea.
- horizontallyadverb · B2+Flat and level from side to side.
- hormonal/hɔɹˈmoʊnəl/adjective · B2+To do with the body's chemical messengers.
- hormone/ˈhɔːməʊn/noun · B2+One of the chemical messengers traveling in your blood.
- horn/hɔːn/noun · B1What you press in a car to make the loud warning beep.
- horn/hɔːn/noun · B1One of the hard pointed growths on the head of a bull or goat.
- hornet/ˈhɔː.nɪt/noun · B2A large wasp with a very painful sting.
- horoscope/ˈhɒ.ɹə.skəʊp/noun · B1+A forecast made from the position of the stars.
- horoscope columnnoun · B2The daily piece predicting your fortune by birth date.
- horrendous/həˈɹɛndəs/adjective · B2+Shockingly bad or frightening.
- horrid/ˈhɒ.ɹɪd/adjective · B2Extremely unpleasant.
- horrify/ˈhɒɹɪfaɪ/verb · B2+To shock somebody deeply.
- horrifying/ˈhɔːɹɪ.faɪ.ɪŋ/adjective · B2Causing shock and disgust.
- horror/ˈhɒɹə/noun · B1A feeling of shock and dread.
- horse/hɔːs/noun · A1A big fast animal that people ride.
- horse racingnoun · B1Racing horses ridden by professional riders.
- horseback/ˈhɔɹsˌbæk/noun · B2The back of a horse, as a place to ride.
- horseboxnoun · B2A vehicle for carrying horses by road.
- horsefly/ˈhoɹsˌflaɪ/noun · B2+A large fly whose bite draws blood.
- horseman/ˈhɔɹsmən/noun · B2+A male rider skilled at handling a horse, especially in hunting or cavalry.
- horsepower/ˈhɔɹsˌpaʊɚ/noun · B2A unit for measuring the power of an engine.
- horseshoe/ˈhɔːs.ʃuː/noun · B1+The curved iron plate nailed to a hoof.
- horticulture/ˈhɔː.tɪˌkʌl.tʃə(ɹ)/noun · C1The science of growing garden plants.
- hose/həʊz/noun · B1The flexible pipe water is directed through.
- hospice/ˈhɑspɪs/noun · C1A home caring for people near the end of life.
- hospitable/hɒsˈpɪtəbl̩/adjective · B2+Welcoming and generous to guests.
- hospital/ˈhɒs.pɪ.tl̩/noun · A1The big building where doctors and nurses treat sick people.
- hospitality/ˌhɒs.pɪˈtæl.ɪ.ti/noun · B2The warm welcome given to guests.
- host/həʊst/verb · B1To welcome and run an event or guests.
- host dutiesnoun · B2What is expected of the one receiving guests.
- hostage/ˈhɒs.tɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2A person held by criminals until their demands are met.
- hostel/ˈhɑstəl/noun · B1+A cheap place for young travelers to sleep, often in shared rooms.
- hostelry/ˈhɒstəlɹi/noun · C2An inn, in old use.
- hostess/ˈhoʊstɪs/noun · C1A woman who receives and looks after guests.
- hostile/ˈhɒstaɪl/adjective · B2Openly unfriendly, treating you as an enemy.
- hostility/hɒsˈtɪlɪti/noun · C1Open unfriendliness, one step short of a fight.
- hot/hɒt/adjective · A1Having a very high temperature, like fire or summer sun.
- hot air balloonnoun · B1A basket carried by a great bag of heated air.
- hot desknoun · C1A desk nobody owns, used by whoever turns up.
- hot dog/ˈhɒt.dɒɡ/phrase · A2A long sausage in a long soft bun, sold at street stands.
- hot springnoun · B1A pool of naturally heated water.
- hot-air balloonphrase · B1The giant colorful bag of heated air that carries a basket into the sky.
- hotel/həʊˈtɛl/noun · A1The building where travelers pay to sleep, with breakfast downstairs.
- hotelier/həʊˈtɛl.i.ə/noun · C2Somebody who owns or manages a hotel.
- hotlinenoun · B2+A direct telephone line for urgent calls.
- hotlyadverb · C1With strong and angry feeling.
- hotshot/ˈhɒtˌʃɒt/noun · C1Somebody dazzlingly good and rather pleased about it.
- hound/haʊnd/noun · B2A dog bred for hunting by scent.
- houndstooth/ˈhaʊndstuːθ/noun · C2A broken check pattern of small jagged shapes.
- hour/aʊə/noun · A1Sixty minutes.
- hourglass/ˈaʊəɡlɑːs/noun · B1+The old glass timer where sand falls through a narrow waist.
- hourly/ˈaʊ̯əli/adjective · B2+Happening once every hour.
- house/haʊ̯s/noun · A1A building made for people to live in.
- house specialitynoun · B2The dish this particular kitchen is proudest of.
- house winenoun · B2The cheaper wine a restaurant serves by the glass.
- housebroken/haʊsbɹəʊkən/adjective · B2+Trained not to soil indoors.
- household/ˈhaʊshəʊld/noun · B2All the people living together under one roof.
- housekeeper/ˈhaʊskipɚ/noun · B2Somebody employed to manage a household.
- housekeepingnoun · B1The staff who clean and prepare the rooms.
- housetrain/ˈhaʊsˌtɹeɪn/verb · C1To teach an animal where it may relieve itself.
- housewarmingnoun · B2+A party given when you move into a new home.
- housewife/ˈhaʊs.waɪf/noun · B2A woman whose full-time work is caring for her home and family.
- housework/ˈhaʊsˌwɝk/noun · B1+All the boring jobs at home, like washing and sweeping.
- housing/ˈhaʊzɪŋ/noun · B2The buildings people live in, taken together.
- housing estatenoun · B2A group of houses built together to one plan.
- hovel/ˈhɒvəl/noun · C1A small wretched dwelling.
- hover/ˈhɒvə/verb · B2To stay in one place in the air.
- hovercraft/ˈhɒv.ə.kɹɑːft/noun · B2+A craft that rides on a cushion of blown air.
- how do you dophrase · A2A very formal greeting used on first meeting somebody.
- how's it goingphrase · A2A relaxed way of asking whether somebody is well.
- however/haʊˈɛvə/adverb · A1All the same; despite what has just been said.
- howl/ˈhaʊ̯l/verb · B2To make a long mournful cry.
- howling/ˈhaʊlɪŋ/adjective · B2Filled with a long wailing sound, as a gale is.
- hub/hʌb/noun · B2The central part of a wheel that the axle passes through.
- hubbub/ˈhʌbʌb/noun · C1The confused noise of a crowd talking.
- hubris/ˈhjuːbɹɪs/noun · C2Overbearing pride that invites a fall.
- huck/hʌk/noun · C2A coarse absorbent towelling fabric woven with small raised squares, not with looped pile.
- huddle/ˈhʌdəl/verb · B2To crowd together closely for warmth or safety.
- hue/hjuː/noun · B2+The pure colour itself, apart from its lightness.
- hue wheelnoun · C1The circle showing how colours relate to one another.
- huff/hʌf/noun · B2A fit of bad temper over a slight.
- hug/hʌɡ/verb · A2To put your arms around someone and hold them close.
- huge/hjuːd͡ʒ/adjective · A2Extremely big — whale-sized.
- hula hoop/ˈhuːlə ˌhuːp/noun · B1A large ring spun around the waist.
- hulk/hʌlk/noun · C1The body of an old ship, or a large clumsy person.
- hulking/ˈhʌlkɪŋ/adjective · C1Very large and heavy-looking.
- hull/hʌl/noun · B2The main body of a boat that sits in the water.
- hull cleaningnoun · B2Scraping growth off the underside of a boat.
- 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.
- hum/ˈhʌm/verb · B1To make a soft melody with closed lips, mmm-mmm.
- human/ˈhjuː.mən/adjective · A2To do with people rather than animals or machines.
- human cannonballnoun · B2A performer fired from a great tube.
- humane/hjuːˈmeɪn/adjective · B2+Showing kindness and mercy to people and animals.
- humanitarian/hjʊˌmæ.nɪˈtɛː.ɹɪ.ən/adjective · C1Concerned with saving lives and easing suffering.
- humanity/hjuˈmænɪti/noun · B2People as a whole, or kindness towards them.
- humankind/ˌhjuːmənˈkaɪnd/noun · B2All the people of the earth taken together.
- humanoid/ˈhjuːmənɔɪd/noun · B2+A machine or creature shaped like a human being.
- humble/ˈhʌmbəl/adjective · B2Never boasting, even when you have every reason to.
- humbly/ˈhʌmbli/adverb · B2In a modest way that claims nothing for yourself.
- humdrum/ˈhʌmdɹʌm/adjective · C1Dull through endless repetition.
- humid/ˈhjuːmɪd/adjective · B1+With heavy wet air that makes you sweat, like a jungle.
- humidity/hjuːˈmɪd.ə.ti/noun · B1+How much invisible water the air is carrying.
- humiliate/hjuːˈmɪliˌeɪt/verb · B2To make somebody lose their dignity in front of others.
- humiliatedadjective · B2Made to feel ashamed in front of everyone.
- humiliating/hjuːˈmɪliˌeɪtɪŋ/adjective · B2Making somebody lose their dignity in front of others.
- humiliation/hjuːˌmɪliˈeɪʃən/noun · B2Burning shame from being made to look small in front of others.
- humility/hjuːˈmɪlɪti/noun · B2A modest view of your own importance.
- hummingbird/ˈhʌmɪŋˌbɜɹd/noun · B1+A tiny bird whose wings beat too fast to see.
- hummock/ˈhʌmək/noun · C2A small rounded hill.
- hummus/ˈhʊməs/noun · B1+A smooth dip of crushed chickpeas and sesame.
- humor/hjuː.mə(ɹ)/noun · B1The ability to see and make fun — what every joke runs on.
- humorous/ˈhjuːməɹəs/adjective · B2Meant to be funny.
- 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.
- hunch/hʌnt͡ʃ/noun · B2A gut feeling that something is true, without proof.
- hunchback/ˈhʌnt͡ʃbæk/noun · C2A person whose spine curves into a rounded bump.
- hundred/ˈhʌn.dɹəd/noun · A1Ten times ten.
- hungarynoun · B1+The central European country of Budapest and paprika.
- hunger/ˈhʌŋɡə/noun · B2The feeling or condition of needing food.
- hungry/ˈhʌŋ.ɡɹi/adjective · A1Needing food; your stomach makes noises.
- hunk/hʌŋk/noun · B2A thick clumsy piece broken off something.
- hunker/ˈhʌŋkə/verb · B2+To crouch down low on your heels.
- hunt/hʌnt/verb · A2To chase wild animals to catch them; also, to search hard.
- hunter/ˈhʌntə/noun · A2+Somebody who tracks and kills animals.
- hurdle/ˈhɜːdl̩/noun · B1+One of the small fences runners leap over on the track.
- hurdlesnoun · B2+A race in which runners jump barriers on the way.
- hurl/hɜːl/verb · B2To throw something with all your strength.
- hurricane/ˈhʌɹɪkən/noun · B1A giant spinning ocean storm with terribly strong winds.
- hurry/ˈhʌ.ɹi/verb · A2To move or act faster because time is short.
- hurt/hɜːt/adjective · A1Feeling pain in your body or your heart.
- hurtful/ˈhɜːtfʊl/adjective · B2Causing emotional pain.
- hurtle/ˈhɜːtl̩/verb · C1To move very fast and out of control.
- hurtle downphrase · C1To rush downward with great and uncontrolled speed.
- husband/ˈhʌzbənd/noun · A1The man a woman is married to.
- hush/hʌʃ/noun · B1A sudden and complete quiet.
- hushed/hʌʃt/adjective · B2Quiet, as when people lower their voices.
- husk/hʌsk/noun · B2+The dry outer covering of a grain or nut.
- husky/ˈhʌs.ki/adjective · B2Low and slightly hoarse in voice.
- hut/hʌt/noun · B1A small rough building of one room.
- hutch/hʌt͡ʃ/noun · B1+The wooden house a rabbit lives in.
- hyacinth/ˈhaɪ̯əsɪnθ/noun · B2+A spring bulb with a dense scented spike of flowers.
- hybrid/ˈhaɪ.bɹɪd/noun · B2+A vehicle that runs on both fuel and stored electricity.
- hybrid workingnoun · B2Splitting the week between home and workplace.
- hydra/ˈhaɪdɹə/noun · C1A many-headed monster of legend, or a tiny freshwater animal.
- hydrant/ˈhaɪdɹənt/noun · B2The short street pipe firefighters connect hoses to.
- hydraulic/haɪˈdɹɒlɪk/adjective · B2+Worked by the pressure of a liquid.
- hydrocarbonnoun · B2+A compound of only hydrogen and carbon.
- hydrogen/ˈhaɪdɹəd͡ʒ(ə)n/noun · C1The lightest element, and the commonest in the universe.
- hyena/haɪˈiːnə/noun · B1+A doglike African scavenger with a cackling cry.
- hygiene/ˈhʌɪˌd͡ʒiːn/noun · B2Keeping yourself and your surroundings clean to stay healthy.
- hygiene ratingnoun · B2The official score for how cleanly a kitchen is run.
- hygienic/haɪˈd͡ʒiːnɪk/adjective · B1+Clean in a way that keeps disease away.
- hygienistnoun · B2+Somebody trained in cleaning and preventive care.
- hymn/hɪm/noun · B1+A song of praise sung in worship.
- hymnbooknoun · C1The collection of songs used in worship.
- hype/haɪp/noun · B2+Loud publicity that promises more than is there.
- hyperactivitynoun · B2Being unable to sit still or stop moving.
- hyperbole/haɪˈpɜːbəli/noun · C1Deliberate exaggeration for effect.
- hyperlink/ˈhaɪpə(ɹ)ˌlɪŋk/noun · B2Clickable text that jumps you to another page.
- hyperventilateverb · C2To breathe too fast and shallow in panic.
- hyphen/ˈhaɪ̯.f(ə̯)n̩/noun · B2+The short mark joining two words together.
- hypnosis/hɪpˈnəʊ.sɪs/noun · B2A sleeplike state in which somebody is open to suggestion.
- hypnotherapy/ˌhɪpnoʊˈθɛɹəpi/noun · C2Treatment that uses a trance to change habits.
- hypnotic/hɪpˈnɒ.tɪk/adjective · C1So rhythmic and absorbing it puts you in a trance.
- hypnotizedadjective · B2Put into a sleeplike trance by a swinging watch and a soothing voice, so as to obey suggestions.
- hypoallergenic/haɪ.pəʊ.æl.ə(ɹ)ˈdʒɛn.ɪk/adjective · C1Made to be unlikely to irritate the skin.
- hypocrisy/hɪˈpɒkɹəsi/noun · C1Preaching one thing while doing the opposite.
- hypocrite/ˈhɪ.pə.kɹɪt/noun · C1Somebody who preaches what they do not practise.
- hypocritical/hɪpəˈkɹɪtɪkəl/adjective · C1Claiming standards you do not keep yourself.
- hypothermia/ˌhaɪpəʊˈθɜː(ɹ)mi.ə/noun · B2+The state of the body cooling below a safe temperature.
- hypothesis/haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/noun · B2+A scientist's educated guess, waiting to be tested.
- hypothesise/haɪˈpɒθəsaɪz/verb · C1To propose an idea specifically so it can be tested.
- hypothetical/ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkəl/adjective · C2Supposed for the sake of argument.
- hypotheticallyadverb · B2Supposing it were so, for the sake of argument.
- hysteria/hɪˈstɪəɹiə/noun · C2Wild uncontrollable emotion spreading through people.
- hysterical/hɪˈstɛɹɪkəl/adjective · B2Out of control with wild emotion — panic or unstoppable laughter.
- hystericsnoun · C2An uncontrollable fit of crying, laughing, or panic.
- i know the feelingphrase · B2A sympathetic way of saying you have been there.
- i see what you meanphrase · B1Showing that you now follow the argument.
- i should get goingphrase · B1A soft announcement that you are leaving.
- i take your pointphrase · C1Accepting an argument even while disagreeing.
- i'd better be offphrase · B2A gentle way of saying you must leave.
- ibannoun · C1The international code identifying a bank account abroad.
- ibis/ˈaɪ.bɪs/noun · C1A wading bird with a long curved beak.
- ice/aɪs/noun · A1Water that has frozen hard in the cold.
- ice age/ˈaɪ.seɪd͡ʒ/noun · B1A long period when much of the earth was frozen.
- ice coldphrase · A2Chilled almost to freezing.
- ice cream/ˌaɪsˈkɹiːm/phrase · A1A cold sweet food you lick from a cone in summer.
- ice hockeynoun · B1A fast team game played with sticks and a puck on ice.
- ice rinknoun · B1The frozen floor people skate circles on.
- ice-cold/ˈaɪskəʊld/adjective · A2As cold as ice, whether a drink or a wind.
- iceberg/ˈaɪsbɜːɡ/noun · B1+The floating ice mountain that hides most of itself underwater.
- icelandnoun · A2+The far-north island of volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs.
- ichthyosaur/ˈɪkθiəsɔːɹ/noun · C1A sea reptile shaped rather like a dolphin.
- icicle/ˈʌɪsəkəl/noun · B1+The hanging spike of frozen drip under winter roofs.
- icing/ˈaɪsɪŋ/noun · B1The sweet coating spread over a cake.
- icon/ˈaɪ.kɒn/noun · B2A sacred image, or somebody widely admired as a symbol.
- iconic/aɪˈkɒnɪk/adjective · B2+So well known that it stands for something bigger.
- iconoclasm/aɪˈkɒnəˌklæzəm/noun · C2The attacking of beliefs and images others hold dear.
- iconoclast/aɪˈkɒn.əˌklæst/noun · C2Somebody who attacks cherished beliefs.
- icy/ˈaɪsi/adjective · B2Frozen and dangerously slippery, or extremely cold.
- idea/aɪ̯ˈdɪə̯/noun · A1A thought that appears in your mind — the seed of every plan.
- ideal/aɪˈdɪəl/adjective · B2The best you could possibly imagine for the purpose.
- idealism/ʌɪˈdɪəlɪz(ə)m/noun · B2+Living by high principles rather than by what works.
- idealistnoun · B2+Somebody guided by how things ought to be.
- idealistic/ˌaɪ.di.əˈlɪ.stɪk/adjective · B2+Guided by dreams of how the world should be.
- identical/ɪˈdɛntɪkl̩/adjective · B2Exactly the same in every detail, like some twins.
- identification/aɪˌdɛntɪfɪˈkeɪʃn̩/noun · B1Proof of who somebody is, or the recognising of something.
- identify/aɪˈdɛn.tɪ.faɪ/verb · A2+To say exactly who or what something is.
- identity/aɪˈdɛntɪti/noun · B1Who you are — everything that makes you exactly you.
- identity cardnoun · B1An official card proving who you are.
- identity theftnoun · B2Using somebody else's details to borrow or buy.
- ideological/ˌaɪ.diː.əˈlɒd͡ʒ.ɪ.kəl/adjective · C1Driven by a system of political or social beliefs.
- ideologue/ˈaɪ.di.ə.lɒɡ/noun · C2Somebody rigidly devoted to a set of political ideas.
- ideology/ˌaɪ.diːˈɒl.ə.d͡ʒiː/noun · C1A connected set of beliefs about how society should work.
- idiom/ˈɪdiəm/noun · B2+A phrase whose meaning cannot be guessed from its words — like raining cats and dogs.
- idiomatic/ˌɪd.iː.əˈmat.ɪk/adjective · C2Sounding natural to somebody who grew up with the language.
- idiosyncrasy/ˌɪdɪəʊˈsɪŋkɹəsi/noun · C2A personal quirk that belongs to one person alone.
- idiosyncratic/ˌɪd.i.əʊ.sɪŋˈkɹæt.ɪk/adjective · C2Peculiar to one individual and nobody else.
- idiot/ˈɪdiət/noun · A2Somebody who behaves very stupidly.
- idiotic/ˌɪdiˈɑtɪk/adjective · C1Completely, maddeningly brainless.
- idle/ˈaɪd(ə)l/adjective · B2Doing nothing; machines standing unused, people avoiding work.
- idleness/ˈaɪdəlnəs/noun · B2+The state of doing nothing at all.
- idly/ˈaɪd(ə)lɪ/adverb · B2+Without purpose or effort.
- idol/ˈaɪ.dl̩/noun · B1+An image worshipped as a god.
- idyllic/ɪˈdɪlɪk/adjective · C1Peaceful and perfectly lovely.
- if i mayphrase · C1A courteous way of asking permission to speak.
- if you ask mephrase · B2Introducing an opinion nobody actually asked for.
- if you insistphrase · B2A soft agreement given after being pressed.
- igneous/ˈɪɡ.ni.əs/adjective · C1Formed from molten rock that cooled and set.
- ignite/ɪɡˈnaɪt/verb · B2To set on fire, or to spark strong feelings.
- ignition/ɪɡˈnɪʃən/noun · B1+The switch that starts the engine.
- ignoble/ɪɡˈnəʊbəl/adjective · C1Shameful and unworthy of a decent person.
- ignominious/ˌɪɡ.nə(ʊ)ˈmɪ.ni.əs/adjective · C2Bringing public shame and humiliation.
- ignominy/ˈɪɡnəˌmɪni/noun · C2Public disgrace.
- ignorance/ˈɪɡ.nə.ɹəns/noun · C1Not knowing something you might be expected to know.
- ignorant/ˈɪɡ.nə.ɹənt/adjective · B2Knowing nothing about something you ought to know.
- ignore/ɪɡˈnɔː/verb · B1To act as if someone or something simply is not there.
- iguana/ɪ.ɡjuˈɑːnə/noun · B2+A large tree-dwelling lizard of tropical America.
- ilk/ɪlk/noun · C2People of that same stripe or breed.
- ill/ɪl/adjective · A2Not healthy; having a disease.
- ill-advisedadjective · C1Unwise, and likely to end badly.
- ill-bredadjective · C1Badly brought up and lacking manners.
- ill-fittingadjective · B2The wrong size, hanging loose or pinching tight.
- ill-naturedadjective · C1Unkind and sour in temper.
- ill-temperedadjective · B2Quick to get angry over nothing.
- ill-timedadjective · C1Happening at exactly the wrong moment.
- illegal/ɪˈliːɡəl/adjective · B1Against the law.
- illegible/ɪˈlɛd͡ʒəbəl/adjective · B2+Written so badly that it cannot be read.
- illicit/ɪˈlɪsɪt/adjective · C1Forbidden by law or by custom.
- illiterate/ɪˈlɪtəɹət/adjective · B2+Unable to read or write.
- illness/ˈɪl.nəs/noun · A2+A period or kind of being unwell.
- illuminate/ɪˈl(j)umɪneɪt/verb · B1+To light something up.
- illuminated/ɪˈlumɪneɪtɪd/adjective · C1Decorated with gold and coloured painting.
- illumination/ɪˌlumɪˈneɪʃən/noun · B2+The lighting of a place, or a sudden understanding.
- illusion/ɪˈl(j)uːʒ(ə)n/noun · B2Something that seems real but is not.
- illustrate/ˈɪl.jʊˌstɹeɪt/verb · B2To make a point clear with pictures or examples.
- illustration/ˌɪləsˈtɹeɪ̯ʃən/noun · B2A picture in a book, or an example that makes a point clear.
- illustrator/ˈɪləˌstɹeɪtəɹ/noun · B2+An artist who draws pictures for books and articles.
- illustrious/ɪˈlʌs.tɹɪ.əs/adjective · C1Lending lustre by outstanding achievement, as a noble ancestor or a distinguished old family does.
- image/ˈɪm.ɪd͡ʒ/noun · A2+A picture, or how somebody is seen by others.
- imagery/ˈɪmɪd͡ʒɹi/noun · C1Pictures, or the word-pictures a writer uses.
- imaginable/ɪˈmadʒɪnəbəl/adjective · B2+Able to be pictured in the mind.
- imaginary/ɪˈmæd͡ʒɪnəɹi/adjective · B1Existing only in the mind, and not in the real world.
- imagination/ɪˌmæd͡ʒəˈneɪʃən/noun · B1The mind's power to see things that are not there.
- imaginative/ɪˈmæd͡ʒɪnətɪv/adjective · B1+Rich in fresh original ideas, thanks to a mind that pictures freely what is not really there.
- imagine/ɪˈmæd͡ʒ.ɪn/verb · A1To make pictures of possible things in your mind.
- imam/ˈiːmɑːm/noun · B2+The person who leads prayer in a mosque.
- imbalancenoun · B2+A state where two sides are unequal.
- imbecile/ɪmbəˈsiːl/noun · C1A rude word for somebody behaving very stupidly.
- imbibe/ɪmˈbaɪb/verb · C2To drink, or to take in ideas.
- imbue/ɪmˈbjuː/verb · C2To fill something through and through with a quality.
- imitation/ɪmɪˈteɪ̯ʃən/noun · B2A copy of something, usually less good than the original.
- immaculate/ɪˈmækjʊlət/adjective · B2+Perfectly clean and without a single flaw.
- immature/ɪməˈtjʊə(ɹ)/adjective · B1+Not fully grown or not behaving like an adult.
- immeasurable/ɪˈmɛʒəɹəbəl/adjective · B2Too vast or too deep to put a number on.
- immeasurably/ɪˈmɛ.ʒə.ɹəb.li/adverb · C1To an extent too great to be measured.
- immediate/ɪˈmiː.dɪət/adjective · B1Happening right now, without any waiting.
- immediately/ɪˈmiː.di.ət.li/adverb · A2Right now, with no delay at all.
- immense/ɪˈmɛns/adjective · C1Extremely large beyond easy measure.
- immensity/ɪˈmɛn.sɪ.ti/noun · C1Vastness beyond ordinary scale.
- immerse/ɪˈmɜːs/verb · B2+To sink fully into water — or into a book or language.
- immersion/ɪˈmɜːʃən/noun · B2+Complete covering by liquid, or total absorption in a subject.
- immigrant/ˈɪmɪɡɹənt/noun · B2A person who has moved into a new country to live there.
- immigrate/ˈɪmɪɡɹeɪt/verb · B2+To come into a country in order to settle there.
- immigration/ɪmɪˈɡɹeɪʃn/noun · B2+The official process of being allowed into a country.
- imminent/ˈɪmɪnənt/adjective · C1About to happen at any moment.
- immoral/ɪˈmɒɹəl/adjective · B2Breaking accepted rules of right and wrong.
- immorality/ɪməˈɹælɪti/noun · B2+Behaviour that breaks moral rules.
- immortal/ɪˈmɔɹtəl/adjective · B2Never dying.
- immortality/ˌɪmɔːˈtæləti/noun · B2+Never dying, or being remembered for ever.
- immortalize/ɪˈmɔː(ɹ).təˌlaɪz/verb · C1To make somebody remembered for ever.
- immovable/ɪˈmuːvəb(ə)l/adjective · C2Impossible to shift — objects, or opinions.
- immune/ɪˈmjuːn/adjective · B2Protected from an illness so it cannot touch you.
- immunisationnoun · C1The programme of injections that protects a child.
- immunity/ɪˈmjuːnəti/noun · B2+The body's ability to resist a disease.
- immunity dealnoun · C1An agreement not to prosecute in return for evidence.
- immutableadjective · C1Never changing, and unable to be changed.
- imp/ɪmp/noun · C1A small mischievous demon.
- impact/ˈɪmpækt/noun · B1The force of one thing striking another.
- impact/ˈɪmpækt/noun · B1The strong effect one thing has on another.
- impact craternoun · B2The hollow left where something struck the earth.
- impair/ɪmˈpɛə/verb · C1To weaken or damage an ability, like sight or judgment.
- impairment/ɪmˈpɛəmənt/noun · C1A loss or reduction of a bodily or mental function.
- impale/ɪmˈpeɪl/verb · C1To pierce right through with something sharp.
- impart/ɪmˈpɑːt/verb · C1To give knowledge or a quality to somebody.
- impartial/ɪmˈpɑɹ.ʃəl/adjective · B2+Favoring no side; perfectly fair.
- impassive/ɪmˈpæsɪv/adjective · C1Showing no feeling at all in the face.
- impatience/ɪmˈpeɪʃəns/noun · B2An unwillingness to wait for anything.
- impatient/ɪmˈpeɪʃənt/adjective · B2Unable to wait calmly; annoyed by every delay.
- impeach/ɪmˈpiːt͡ʃ/verb · B2+To charge a holder of high office with serious wrongdoing.
- impeachment/ɪmˈpiːt͡ʃ.mənt/noun · B2+A formal charge of misconduct against a high official.
- impeccable/ɪmˈpɛkəbəl/adjective · C2Faultless in every detail.
- impeccably/ɪmˈpɛk.ə.bli/adverb · C2Without a single flaw.
- impede/ɪmˈpiːd/verb · C1To slow something down by getting in its way.
- impediment/ɪmˈpɛdɪmənt/noun · C1Something that stands in the way.
- impend/ɪmˈpɛnd/verb · C2To be about to happen, usually something bad.
- impending/ɪmˈpɛndɪŋ/adjective · B2+Coming closer and usually unwelcome.
- impenetrable/ɪmˈpɛnətɹəbəl/adjective · C1Impossible to get through or to understand.
- imperative/ɪmˈpɛɹ.ə.tɪv/adjective · B2+So necessary that it cannot wait.
- imperceptibleadjective · C2Too slight to be noticed.
- imperceptiblyadverb · C2So slightly that nobody notices.
- imperfect/ɪmˈpɜː(ɹ)fɪkt/adjective · B2+Having a fault, however small.
- imperialism/ɪmˈpɪə.ɹi.ə.lɪ.z(ə)m/noun · B2+A policy of extending rule over other countries.
- imperil/ɪmˈpɛɹəl/verb · C2To put something in danger.
- imperious/ɪmˈpɪə̯.ɹi.əs/adjective · C2Giving orders in an arrogant and domineering way.
- impersonal/ɪmˈpɝsənəl/adjective · C1Cold, and showing no human warmth.
- impersonate/ɪmˈpɜːsəneɪt/verb · C1To pretend to be somebody else.
- impersonationnoun · C1The pretending to be somebody else.
- impersonatornoun · C1Somebody who performs as another person.
- impertinent/ɪmˈpɜː.tɪ.nənt/adjective · C1Rude in a way that oversteps your place.
- imperturbable/ˌɪmpəˈtɜːbəbl̩/adjective · C2Impossible to upset or fluster.
- impervious/ɪmˈpɜːvi.əs/adjective · C1Letting nothing through, or unaffected by argument.
- impetuous/imˈpɛt͡ʃuəs/adjective · C1Acting suddenly without stopping to think.
- impetus/ˈɪm.pə.təs/noun · C1The force or motive that drives something forward.
- impietynoun · C2A lack of proper reverence for what is sacred.
- impish/ˈɪmpɪʃ/adjective · C1Mischievous in a playful way.
- implacable/ɪmˈplækəb(ə)l/adjective · C2Impossible to soften or appease.
- implant/ɪmˈplɑːnt/verb · B2+To fix something into the body or the mind.
- implausibleadjective · B2+Too unlikely to be readily believed.
- implement/ˈɪmpləmənt/verb · B2+To take a plan off the paper and make it actually happen.
- implementation/ˌɪmplɪmənˈteɪʃən/noun · C1The putting of a plan into actual practice.
- implicate/ˈɪmplɪkeɪt/verb · C1To show that somebody had a part in wrongdoing.
- implicatedadjective · C1Shown to have had a part in wrongdoing.
- implication/ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən/noun · B2+Something suggested but not stated by a fact.
- implication/ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən/noun · B2+What a statement commits you to without saying it.
- implicit/ɪmˈplɪsɪt/adjective · C1Understood without being said out loud.
- implicitlyadverb · C1Without being stated, or completely and without question.
- implodeverb · C1To collapse violently inward.
- implore/ɪmˈplɔː/verb · C1To beg somebody urgently.
- imply/ɪmˈplaɪ/verb · B2To suggest something without saying it straight out.
- impolitenessnoun · B2+A failure to observe common courtesy.
- import/ˈɪm.pɔːt/verb · B1+To bring goods in from another country.
- important/ɪmˈpɔː.tənt/adjective · A1Mattering a lot; something you must not ignore.
- importune/ɪmpɔːˈtjuːn/verb · C2To pester somebody with persistent requests.
- impose/ɪmˈpəʊz/verb · B2To force a rule or burden onto people from above.
- imposing/ɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/adjective · B2+Grand and impressive in size or appearance.
- imposition/ˌɪm.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/noun · C2An unfair demand placed on somebody.
- impossibility/ɪmˌpɒsɪˈbɪliti/noun · B2Something that cannot be done at all.
- impossible/ɪmˈpɒs.ɪ.bəl/adjective · A2Unable to happen or be done, no matter what.
- impossibly/ɪmˈpɒ.sɪb.li/adverb · B2+To a degree beyond what can actually be done or exist, as of a task no one could complete or a waist too slender to be real.
- imposternoun · B2+Somebody pretending to be who they are not.
- impostor syndrome/ɪmˈpɒstə ˈsɪndɹəʊm/noun · C1Feeling a fraud despite doing the work well.
- impotence/ˈɪmpətəns/noun · C1Being powerless to act or to change anything.
- impotent/ˈɪm.pə.tənt/adjective · C1Without the power to act or to affect anything.
- impound/ɪmˈpaʊ̯nd/verb · C1To seize and hold something officially.
- impoverished/ɪmˈpɑvəɹɪʃt/adjective · C1Made very poor, or drained of richness.
- impracticable/ɪmˈpɹaktɪkəb(ə)l/adjective · C1Not able to be carried out.
- impractical/ɪmˈpɹæktɪkəl/adjective · B2+Not sensible or workable in real life.
- impregnable/ɪmˈpɹɛɡ.nəˌb(ə)l/adjective · C2So strong that it cannot be broken into.
- impresario/ˌɪmpɹɪˈsɑːɹɪəʊ/noun · C2Somebody who organises and finances shows.
- impress/ɪmˈpɹɛs/verb · B2To fill someone with admiration for you.
- impression/ɪmˈpɹɛʃn̩/noun · B1The idea or feeling somebody leaves you with.
- impressionable/ɪmˈpɹɛ.ʃən.ə.bəl/adjective · C1Easily influenced by others.
- impressionism/ɪmˈpɹɛʃənɪzəm/noun · C1A style of painting that catches light and fleeting effects.
- impressionistic/ɪmˌpɹɛ.ʃəˈnɪ.stɪk/adjective · C2Giving a general feel rather than exact detail.
- impressions/ɪmˈpɹɛʃənz/noun · C1How many times an advertisement was shown.
- impressive/ɪmˈpɹɛsɪv/adjective · B1So good or grand that people admire it at once.
- imprint/ˈɪm.pɹɪnt/noun · C1The name of the publishing house on a book.
- imprison/ɪmˈpɹɪzən/verb · C1To shut somebody up in a prison.
- imprisonment/ɪmˈpɹɪzn̩.mənt/noun · C1Being shut up in prison.
- improbable/ɪmˈpɹɑbəbl̩/adjective · B2+Very unlikely to be true or to happen.
- impromptu/ɪmˈpɹɒmp.t(j)u/adjective · B2+Done on the spot without preparation.
- improper/ɪmˈpɹɒp.ə/adjective · B2Not right or not suitable for the occasion.
- impropriety/ˌɪm.pɹəˈpɹaɪ.ɪ.ti/noun · C1Behaviour that breaks the accepted standards.
- improv/ˈɪmpɹɑv/noun · C1Performance invented on the spot without a script.
- improve/ɪmˈpɹuːv/verb · B1To make something better than it was.
- improvement/ɪmˈpɹuːvmənt/noun · B1+A change that makes something better.
- improvisation/ɪmpɹəvaɪˈzeɪʃən/noun · B2+Performing with no script, invented in the moment.
- improvisational/ɪmpɹəvaɪˈzeɪʃənəl/adjective · C2Belonging to a style of performing in which the players invent the material as they go.
- improvise/ˈɪm.pɹə.vaɪz/verb · B2To make the music up as you play it.
- improvise/ˈɪm.pɹə.vaɪz/verb · B2To work something out on the spot without a plan.
- impudence/ˈɪmpjədəns/noun · C2Cheeky disrespect towards somebody.
- impudent/ˈɪmpjʊdənt/adjective · C1Boldly disrespectful.
- impugn/ɪmˈpjuːn/verb · C2To cast doubt on somebody's honesty or motives.
- impulse buynoun · C1Something bought on the spur of the moment.
- impulsive/ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/adjective · B2Acting instantly on urges without stopping to think.
- impunity/ɪmˈpjuːnɪti/noun · C1Freedom from any punishment for what you have done.
- impure/ɪmˈpjʊə(ɹ)/adjective · B2+Mixed with something that should not be there.
- in a circlephrase · A2Arranged around in a ring.
- in a minutephrase · A2Very soon, but not right now.
- in a nutshellphrase · B2Summed up in the fewest possible words.
- in a rowphrase · A2Arranged in one straight line.
- in advancephrase · B1Before the time something happens.
- in donkey's yearsphrase · C1In a very long time indeed.
- in front ofphrase · A1Facing the forward side of something.
- in hindsightphrase · C1Looking back with the knowledge you have now.
- in hot waterphrase · B2In serious trouble.
- in principlephrase · B2True in theory, whatever happens in practice.
- in somebody's good booksphrase · B2In favour with somebody at the moment.
- in the blackphrase · C1Having money left over rather than owing.
- in the dark/ɪn ðə dɑːk/phrase · B2Kept without the information you need.
- in the endphrase · B1After everything that happened, this was the result.
- in the meantimephrase · B2While waiting for something else to happen.
- in the middle of nowherephrase · B1Far from any town or anything at all.
- in the nick of timephrase · B2At the very last possible moment.
- in the redphrase · C1Owing money; overdrawn.
- in the same boatphrase · B2Facing the very same difficult situation as the others.
- in the sticksphrase · C1Out in the remote countryside, far from the city.
- in transitphrase · B2On the way, and not yet delivered.
- in your dreamsphrase · B2A mocking way of dismissing somebody's hope.
- in-lawsnoun · B1The family you gain through your husband or wife.
- in-traynoun · B2The shallow tray where incoming work lands.
- inability/ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/noun · C1The lack of power or skill to do something.
- inaccurate/ɪnˈæ.kjʊ.ɹət/adjective · B2+Not exactly right.
- inaction/ɪnˈækʃən/noun · B2+A failure to do anything at all.
- inadequacy/ɪˈnædɪkwəsi/noun · B2+The state of not being good enough.
- inadequate/ɪnˈædəkwɪt/adjective · C1Not enough, or not good enough, for the purpose.
- inadvertent/ˌɪnədˈvɜːtn̩t/adjective · C1Done without meaning to.
- inadvertentlyadverb · C1Without meaning to.
- inane/ɪˈneɪn/adjective · C1Empty of sense or meaning.
- inanimate/ɪnˈænɪmət/adjective · B2+Not alive.
- inappropriate/ˌɪnəˈpɹəʊpɹi.ət/adjective · C1Not suitable for the occasion.
- inarticulate/ɪn.ɑɹˈtɪk.jə.lət/adjective · C1Unable to get the words out clearly.
- inattentive/ˌɪn.əˈtɛn.tɪv/adjective · B2+Not paying proper attention.
- inaudibleadjective · B2+Too quiet to be heard at all.
- inaudiblyadverb · C1Too quietly to be heard.
- inaugurate/ɪˈnɔːɡjʊ.ɹeɪt/verb · C1To install somebody formally into high office.
- inauguration/ɪˌnɔːɡ(j)ʊˈɹeɪʃən/noun · B2+The ceremony that starts somebody in high office.
- inborn/ˈɪn.bɔːn/adjective · C1Present from birth rather than learnt.
- inbound/ˈɪnbaʊnd/adjective · B2+Coming in towards a place.
- incandescent/ˌɪn.kænˈdɛs.ənt/adjective · C1Glowing white-hot, or furious with rage.
- incantation/ɪnkænˈteɪʃən/noun · C1Words chanted to summon magical power.
- incapable/ɪnˈkeɪpəbl̩/adjective · B1+Not able to do something.
- incarcerate/ɪnˈkɑː.səˌɹeɪt/verb · C1To shut somebody up in prison.
- incarceration/ɪŋˌkɑː(ɹ)səˈɹeɪʃən/noun · C1Being kept locked up.
- incarnation/ˌɪŋ.kɑːˈneɪ.ʃən/noun · C1A life lived in one particular body or form.
- incendiary/ɪnˈsɛn.dɪ.əɹ.i/adjective · C1Made to start fires, or designed to inflame feeling.
- incense/ˈɪnsɛn(t)s/noun · B2+Sweet-smelling smoke burned in worship.
- incentive/ɪnˈsɛntɪv/noun · B2+The reward dangled in front of you to make you work harder.
- inception/ɪnˈsɛpʃən/noun · C1The point at which something began.
- incessant/ɪnˈsɛs.ənt/adjective · C1Going on and on without ever stopping.
- incest/ˈɪn.sɛst/noun · B2+Sexual relations between close relatives.
- incestuous/ɪnˈsɛstjuəs/adjective · C1Involving sex between close relatives.
- inch/ɪnt͡ʃ/noun · B1A small unit of length, about the width of your thumb.
- inchoate/ɪnˈkəʊət/adjective · C2Only just begun, and not yet properly formed.
- incidence/ˈɪn.sɪ.dəns/noun · C1How often something occurs in a population.
- incident/ˈɪnsɪdənt/noun · B1An event, especially an unpleasant or violent one.
- incidental/ɪnsɪˈdɛntəl/adjective · B2Happening as a minor side effect of something else.
- incidentally/ˌɪnsɪˈdɛntl̩i/adverb · B2By the way, said when adding a side point.
- incipient/ɪnˈsɪp.i.ənt/adjective · C2In the earliest stage and beginning to appear.
- incise/ɪnˈsaɪz/verb · C2To cut a design into a hard surface.
- incision/ɪnˈsɪʒən/noun · C1A clean cut made deliberately, especially in surgery.
- incisive/ɪnˈsaɪ.sɪv/adjective · C1Cutting straight to the point with clear thought.
- incisor/ɪnˈsaɪ.zə(ɹ)/noun · C1One of the sharp front teeth used for biting.
- incite/ɪnˈsaɪt/verb · C1To stir people up to do something violent.
- inclement/ɪnˈklɛm.ənt/adjective · C2Unpleasantly cold, wet or stormy.
- inclination/ˌɪn.klɪˈneɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+A leaning towards something, or a slope.
- incline/ɪnˈklaɪn/noun · B2+A slope, or a leaning towards something.
- include/ɪnˈkluːd/verb · B1To have something as one of the parts of a whole.
- inclusion/ɪnˈkluːʒən/noun · C1The taking in of somebody or something.
- inclusion/ɪnˈkluːʒən/noun · B2+Making sure nobody is left out.
- inclusive/ɪnˈkluːsɪv/adjective · C1Taking everybody in, and leaving nobody out.
- incognito/ˌɪnkɒɡˈniːtoʊ/adverb · B2+Travelling or appearing under a hidden identity.
- incoherentadjective · C1Not making connected sense.
- income/ˈɪnˌkʌm/noun · B2All the money that comes to you — from jobs, rent, or anything else.
- income tax/ˈɪnˌkʌm tæks/noun · B2The share of earnings taken by the state.
- incomparable/ɪŋˈkɒmp(ə)rəbəl/adjective · C1So good that nothing compares.
- incompatible/ˌɪŋkəmˈpætɪbəl/adjective · B2+Unable to work or exist together.
- incompetence/ɪnˈkɒm.pə.təns/noun · B2+Not being good enough at the job.
- incompetent/ɪnˈkɒmpətənt/adjective · B2Not good enough at the job to do it properly.
- incomprehensible/ɪnˌkɒmpɹɪˈhɛnsɪb(ə)l/<a:UK>adjective · B2+Impossible to make any sense of.
- inconceivable/ɪn.kənˈsiː.və.bl̩/adjective · C1Impossible to believe.
- incongruity/ɪnkɑŋˈɡɹuɪti/noun · C2The state of not fitting with the surroundings.
- incongruous/ɪnˈkɒn.ɡɹʊu.ʌs/adjective · C2Strangely out of place among the rest.
- inconsiderate/ˌɪnkənˈsɪdəɹɪt/adjective · B2Not thinking about how others are affected.
- inconsistent/ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənt/adjective · B2+Not staying the same, or not fitting together.
- inconsolableadjective · C2Too heartbroken for any comfort to reach.
- inconspicuous/ˌɪn.kənˈspɪk.ju.əs/adjective · C1Not attracting any attention.
- incontrovertible/ˌɪŋ.kɒn.tɹəˈvɜː.təbl̩/adjective · C2So certain that it cannot be argued against.
- inconvenient/ˌɪn.kənˈviːni.ənt/adjective · B1+Causing trouble or awkwardness.
- incorporate/ɪŋˈkɔː.pə.ɹeɪt/verb · C1To fold one thing into another so it becomes part of the whole.
- incorrigible/ɪnˈkɒɹɪdʒəb(ə)l/adjective · C1Beyond any hope of being reformed.
- incorruptibleadjective · C1Impossible to bribe or to corrupt.
- incotermsnoun · C2The standard terms saying who pays and who bears risk.
- increase/ɪnˈkɹiːs/verb · A2+To become bigger in number or amount.
- increase/ɪnˈkɹiːs/verb · A2To make something larger or greater.
- increasinglyadverb · B2More and more as time goes on.
- incredible/ɪŋˈkɹɛdɪbəl/adjective · A2+So amazing it is hard to believe.
- incredibly/ɪŋˈkɹɛdɪbli/adverb · B1To a degree hard to believe.
- incredulity/ˌɪnkɹɪˈdjuːlɪti/noun · C1Refusal to believe what you are being told.
- incredulous/ɪnˈkɹɛdjʊləs/adjective · C1Unwilling or unable to believe something.
- increment/ˈɪŋkɹɪmn̩t/noun · C1One small step up in a series.
- incriminate/ɪnˈkɹɪm.ɪ.neɪ̯t/verb · B2+To make somebody appear guilty of a crime.
- incriminatingadjective · B2+Suggesting that somebody is guilty.
- incubate/ˈɪŋkjʊbeɪt/verb · B2+To keep eggs warm until they hatch.
- incubation/ɪnkjuːˈbeɪʃən/noun · B2+The keeping of eggs warm, or the silent early stage of a disease.
- incubator/ˈɪn.kjuːˌbeɪ.tə(ɹ)/noun · B2+The warmed case a very small baby is cared for in.
- inculcate/ˈɪn.kʌl.keɪt/verb · C2To fix an idea in somebody's mind by repetition.
- incumbency/ɪŋˈkʌmbənsi/noun · C2The period during which somebody holds an office.
- incumbent/ɪnˈkʌmb(ə)nt/noun · C2The person who currently holds the post.
- incur/ɪnˈkɜː/verb · C1To bring costs, debts, or anger upon yourself.
- incurable/ˌɪnˈkjʊəɹəbl/adjective · B2+Unable to be cured.
- incursion/ɪŋˈkɜː(ɹ)ʒən/noun · C1A sudden raid into somebody else's territory.
- indebted/ɪnˈdɛtɪd/adjective · B2+Owing money, or owing gratitude.
- indecency/ɪnˈdiːsənsi/noun · C1Behaviour that shocks people as rude or improper.
- indecent/ɪnˈdiːs(ə)nt/adjective · B2+Offending against accepted standards.
- indecisive/ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv/adjective · B2+Unable to make up your mind.
- indeed/ɪnˈdiːd/adverb · B1Really and truly, used to strengthen what was said.
- indefatigable/ˌɪn.dɪˈfæt.ɪ.ɡə.bəl/adjective · C2Never seeming to tire.
- indefinite/ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt/adjective · C1Not fixed in extent or in time.
- indefinite articlenoun · B1The little word "a" or "an".
- indefinitely/ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪtli/adverb · C1For a period with no set end.
- indelible/ɪnˈdɛləbl/adjective · C1Impossible to rub out or to forget.
- indemnify/ɪnˈdɛm.nɪ.faɪ/verb · C2To promise to make good somebody's losses.
- independence/ˌɪn.dɪˈpɛn.dəns/noun · B2The winning of self-rule from a foreign power.
- independent/ˌɪn.dɪˈpɛn.dənt/adjective · B1Standing on your own, not needing anyone's control or help.
- indescribable/ɪndɪˈskɹaɪbəbl̩/adjective · B2+Too extreme to be put into words.
- indestructible/ɪndɪˈstɹʌktɪbəl/adjective · B2+Impossible to break or wear out.
- index/ˈɪndɛks/noun · B2The list at the back of a book saying which page each topic is on.
- indianoun · A2+The vast country of Delhi, curry, and the Taj Mahal.
- indian summernoun · C1A spell of warm weather late in the year.
- indicate/ˈɪndɪˌkeɪt/verb · B1To point toward a fact or direction.
- indication/ɪndɪˈkeɪʃən/noun · B2A sign that points to how things stand.
- indicative/ɪnˈdɪk.ə.tɪv/adjective · C1Showing or pointing to something.
- indicator/ˈɪn.dɪˌkeɪ.tə(ɹ)/noun · C1The blinking orange light that tells others which way you will turn.
- indictment/ɪnˈdaɪt.mənt/noun · C1The formal written charge that starts a serious trial.
- indifference/ɪnˈdɪf.ɹəns/noun · C1The cool state of simply not caring either way.
- indifferent/ɪnˈdɪf.ɹənt/adjective · B2+Not caring one way or the other.
- indigenous/ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs/adjective · C1Native to a place from the earliest times.
- indigestion/ˌɪn.dɪˈd͡ʒɛs.t͡ʃən/noun · B2Pain from food the stomach will not settle.
- indignant/ɪnˈdɪɡ.nənt/adjective · C1Angry at something you think unjust.
- indignation/ˌɪn.dɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən/noun · C1Anger at something felt to be unjust.
- indignity/ɪnˈdɪɡ.nɪ.ti/noun · C1Treatment that robs somebody of their dignity.
- indigo/ˈɪn.dɪˌɡəʊ/adjective · B1+A deep blue verging on violet.
- indirect/ˌɪn.daɪˈɹɛkt/adjective · B2+Not going straight to the point or the place.
- indirectly/ˌɪn.dɪˈɹɛk(t).li/adverb · B2+Not straight, but through something else.
- indiscreet/ɪndɪsˈkɹiːt/adjective · C1Careless about what should be kept private.
- indiscretion/ˌɪndɪsˈkɹɛʃən/noun · C2An unwise act or a secret carelessly let out.
- indiscriminate/ɪn.dɪsˈkɹɪm.ɪn.ət/adjective · C1Made without care about who or what is affected.
- indispensable/ˌɪndɪˈspɛnsəbəl/adjective · B2+So necessary that nothing works without it.
- indisposedadjective · C1Slightly unwell, or unwilling to do something.
- individual/ɪndɪˈvɪd͡ʒʊəl/adjective · A2+Belonging to one single person or thing rather than a group.
- individualism/ˌɪn.dɪˈvɪ.dʒu.əˌlɪ.zəm/noun · C2The belief that the person matters more than the group.
- individuality/ˌɪndɪvɪd͡ʒuˈælɪti/noun · C1What makes one person unlike everybody else.
- indoctrination/ɪnˌdɒktrɪˈneɪʃn/noun · C1Teaching beliefs so firmly that they are never questioned.
- indolence/ˈɪndəl(ə)ns/noun · C2Habitual laziness.
- indolent/ˈɪn.də.lənt/adjective · C2Lazy, and unwilling to exert yourself.
- indomitable/ɪnˈdɒmɪtəbl̩/adjective · C1Impossible to defeat or discourage.
- indonesianoun · B1+The Asian country made of seventeen thousand islands, including Bali.
- indoor/ˈɪndɔː/adjective · B1Happening or used inside a building.
- induce/ɪnˈduːs/verb · C1To bring about a state or persuade someone into acting.
- inducement/ɪnˈdjuːsmənt/noun · C2Something offered to persuade you to act.
- induct/ɪnˈdʌkt/verb · C1To admit somebody formally into a post or a body.
- induction/ɪnˈdʌkʃən/noun · C1Reasoning from particular cases up to a general rule.
- induction loopnoun · C1A system that sends sound straight to a hearing aid.
- induction trainingnoun · C1The first teaching given to a new employee.
- indulge/ɪnˈdʌld͡ʒ/verb · C1To let yourself or somebody else have exactly what they want.
- indulgence/ɪnˈdʌl.d͡ʒəns/noun · C2Letting yourself have what you want, or a pardon granted.
- indulgent/ɪnˈdʌld͡ʒənt/adjective · B2+Richly pleasurable, and probably bad for you.
- industrial/ɪnˈdʌs.tɹi.əl/adjective · B2To do with factories and manufacturing.
- industrial actionnoun · C1Organised protest by workers, such as a strike.
- industrial revolutionnoun · B2The shift from hand work to machines and factories.
- industrialistnoun · C1An owner of large manufacturing businesses.
- industrious/ɪnˈdʌstɹi.əs/adjective · C1Working steadily and hard.
- industry/ˈɪn.də.stɹi/noun · B1All the companies making one kind of thing — cars, films, or steel.
- inebriated/ɪˈniː.bɹi.eɪ.tɪd/adjective · C1Drunk, and unsteady on the feet.
- ineffable/ɪˈnɛf.ə.bəl/adjective · C2Too great or too fine to be put into words.
- ineffective/ˌɪn.ɪˈfɛk.tɪv/adjective · B2+Not producing the result wanted.
- ineffectual/ˌɪnɪˈfɛkt͡ʃuəl/adjective · C1Trying hard but achieving nothing at all.
- inefficient/ˌɪn.ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/adjective · B2+Wasting time, money or effort.
- inept/ɪˈnɛpt/adjective · C1Hopelessly clumsy or unskilled.
- ineptitude/ɪˈnɛp.tɪ.tjud/noun · C1A hopeless lack of skill.
- inequality/ˌɪn.ɪˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti/noun · C1The gap between those who have much and those who have little.
- inequity/ɪnˈɛk.wɨ.ti/noun · C1Unfairness in how people are treated.
- inert/ɪnˈɜːt/adjective · C1Not reacting with anything.
- inertia/ɪnˈɜː.ʃə/noun · C1The refusal of matter to change how it is moving.
- inevitable/ɪˈnɛvɪtəbəl/adjective · B2Certain to happen; impossible to avoid.
- inevitably/ɪˈnɛvɪtəbli/adverb · B2+In a way no one can possibly prevent.
- inexcusableadjective · C1Too bad to be forgiven or explained away.
- inexhaustible/ɪnɪɡˈzɔːstɪbl̩/adjective · C1In supply that can never be used up.
- inexorable/ɪnˈɛksɔɹəbəl/adjective · C2Impossible to stop or to turn aside.
- inexorably/ɪnˈɛk.sə.ɹə.bli/adverb · C2In a way that nothing can stop or turn aside.
- inexperienced/ɪnəkˈspɪəɹi.ənst/adjective · B2+Not yet having done something enough to be good at it.
- inexplicable/ˌɪn.ɪkˈsplɪ.kə.bl̩/adjective · C1Impossible to account for.
- inexplicablyadverb · C1For reasons nobody can account for.
- infallibility/ɪnˌfæləˈbɪləti/noun · C2The state of never being able to be wrong.
- infallible/ɪnˈfælɪbəl/adjective · C2Never making a mistake.
- infamous/ˈɪn.fə.məs/adjective · C1Famous for something bad.
- infamy/ˈɪnfəmi/noun · C1Fame of the worst possible kind.
- infancy/ˈɪnfənsi/noun · B2+The first stage of a life or a project.
- infant/ˈɪn.fənt/noun · C1A baby in its first year.
- infantry/ˈɪnfəntɹi/noun · B2+Soldiers who fight on foot.
- infatuationnoun · C1A short wild love that burns bright and rarely lasts.
- infect/ɪnˈfɛkt/verb · C1To pass a disease to somebody, or to spread through them.
- infection/ɪnˈfɛkʃən/noun · B2An illness caused by tiny invaders getting into your body.
- infer/ɪnˈfɜː/verb · B2+To read between the lines and draw the unspoken conclusion.
- inference/ˈɪn.fə.ɹəns/noun · C1A conclusion reached from evidence rather than stated outright.
- inferior/ɪnˈfɪə.ɹi.ə/adjective · B2Lower in quality or in rank.
- inferioritynoun · B2+The state of being lower in quality or rank.
- infernal/ɪnˈfɜː(ɹ)nəl/adjective · C2Belonging to hell, or thoroughly annoying.
- inferno/ɪnˈfɝnoʊ/noun · B2+A raging blaze, or a place of torment.
- infest/ɪnˈfɛst/verb · B2+To fill a place in unpleasant numbers.
- infestation/ˌɪnfɛsˈteɪ̯ʃən/noun · C1An overrunning of a place by pests.
- infidelity/ˌɪnfɪˈdɛlɪti/noun · C1Betrayal of a partner by secretly taking a lover, whether or not the couple are married.
- infiltrate/ˈɪnfɪltɹeɪt/verb · B2+To get inside a group in order to watch it.
- infiltration/ɪnfɪlˈtɹeɪʃən/noun · C1The entering of a group or a place secretly.
- infinite/ˈɪnfɪnɪt/adjective · B2Without any end or limit at all.
- infinitive/ɪnˈfɪnɪtɪv/noun · B2+The basic form of a verb, usually written with "to".
- infinity/ɪnˈfɪnɪti/noun · B2+A quantity or a time with no end.
- infirmary/ɪnˈfɝməɹi/noun · B2+A place where the sick are cared for.
- inflame/ɪnˈfleɪm/verb · B2+To make a feeling or a wound worse.
- inflammation/ɪnfləˈmeɪ̯ʃən/noun · B2+Redness, heat and swelling where the body is fighting.
- inflammatory/ɪnˈflæmət(ə)ɹi/adjective · B2+Likely to stir up anger, or causing swelling.
- inflatable/ɪnˈfleɪtəbəl/adjective · B2Able to be filled with air to take its shape.
- inflate/ɪnˈfleɪt/verb · B2To fill with air, or to push a price up.
- inflation/ɪnˈfleɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+Prices creeping up everywhere until money buys less and less.
- inflict/ɪnˈflɪkt/verb · C1To force pain or damage upon someone.
- influence/ˈɪn.flu.əns/noun · B1The power to affect what others think or do.
- influencer/ˈɪnflu.ənsə(ɹ)/noun · B2A person paid because millions follow what they post and buy what they show.
- influencer marketingnoun · B2Paying somebody with followers to promote a product.
- influential/ɪnflʊˈɛnʃəl/adjective · C1Able to shape what others think or do.
- influx/ˈɪnˌflʌks/noun · B2+A large arrival of people or things.
- infographicnoun · B2A picture built to explain figures at a glance.
- inform/ɪnˈfɔɹm/verb · B1To tell somebody a fact they did not know.
- informal/ɪnˈfɔː.m(ə)l/adjective · B1+Relaxed, and not following strict rules.
- informalitynoun · B2+A relaxed manner with the formal rules set aside.
- informant/ɪnˈfɔːmənt/noun · C2Somebody who quietly passes information on.
- information/ˌɪn.fəˈmeɪ.ʃn̩/noun · A1Facts told or found out about something.
- informative/ɪnˈfɔːmətɪv/adjective · B2+Giving useful facts.
- informer/ɪnˈfɔːɹ.məɹ/noun · B2+Somebody who secretly tells the authorities.
- infraction/ɪnˈfɹakʃən/noun · C1A breaking of a rule.