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19,795 words · page 5 of 7
- ormolu/ˈɔː(ɹ)məˌluː/noun · C2Gilded bronze used to decorate furniture.
- ornament/ˈɔː(ɹ)nəmənt/noun · B2A small object kept only because it is pretty.
- ornamental/ˌɔː.nəˈmɛn.təl/adjective · C1Put there for decoration rather than for use.
- ornate/ɔɹˈneɪt/adjective · C2Covered in rich, complicated decoration.
- orphan/ˈɔːfən/noun · B1A child whose parents have both died.
- orphanage/ˈɔː(ɹ)fənɪd͡ʒ/noun · B1+The home that raises children who have no parents.
- orthodoxy/ˈɔːθədɒksi/noun · C1The accepted belief that most people hold.
- oscillation/ˌɒ.sɪˈleɪ.ʃən/noun · C1A regular swinging back and forth.
- osprey/ˈɑspɹi/noun · C1A fish-hunting bird of prey that plunges feet-first.
- ostensible/ɒˈstɛns.ɪ.bəl/adjective · C2Given as the reason, though not the real one.
- ostensibly/ɒˈstɛn.sɪ.bli/adverb · C2As it is made to appear, though the truth may differ.
- ostentation/ˌɒstənˈteɪʃən/noun · C1A showy display meant to impress.
- ostentatious/ˌɒs.tɛnˈteɪ.ʃəs/adjective · C1Showing off wealth or knowledge to be noticed.
- ostraciseverb · C1To shut somebody out of a group entirely.
- ostracism/ˈɒstɹəsɪz(ə)m/noun · C1Being deliberately excluded by everybody.
- ostrich/ˈɒs.tɹɪt͡ʃ/noun · B1+The tallest bird, which runs instead of flying.
- otherwise/ˈʌð.əˌwaɪz/adverb · B1If not; in other circumstances.
- otter/ˈɒtə/noun · C1A playful river animal that floats on its back to crack shells open.
- oubliette/uːbliˈɛt/noun · C2A dungeon reached only through a hole above.
- ought/ɔːt/verb · B1Used to say what would be right or wise to do.
- ounce/aʊns/noun · B2A small unit of weight, a sixteenth of a pound.
- oust/aʊst/verb · C1To force somebody out of a position.
- out of printphrase · B2No longer being produced by the publisher.
- out of reachphrase · B1Too far away to be taken.
- out of stockphrase · B1Sold out — the shelf is empty until the next delivery.
- out of the blue/aʊt əv ðə ˈbluː/phrase · B2Completely without warning.
- out of this worldphrase · B2So good that it seems beyond anything ordinary.
- out-and-outadjective · C1Complete and thorough, with nothing held back.
- out-of-dateadjective · B1No longer current or valid.
- out-traynoun · B2The tray where finished work waits to be collected.
- outback/ˈaʊtbæk/noun · B2+The remote inland country of Australia.
- outbound/ˈaʊtbaʊnd/adjective · B2+Going out from a place.
- outbreak/ˈaʊtbɹeɪk/noun · C1A sudden appearance of a disease in one place.
- outburst/ˌaʊ̯tˈbɝst/noun · B2+A sudden violent release of feeling.
- outcast/ˈaʊtkɑːst/noun · B2Somebody pushed out of a group.
- outclass/aʊtˈklæs/verb · C1To be so much better that comparison is pointless.
- outcome/ˈaʊtkʌm/noun · B2How something finally ends up.
- outcrop/ˈaʊt.kɹɒp/noun · C1Rock that breaks through the surface of the ground.
- outdated/aʊtˈdeɪtɪd/adjective · B2+Belonging to a time that has passed.
- outdoor/aʊtˈdɔː/adjective · B1Happening or used in the open air.
- outer/ˈaʊtə/adjective · B2Further from the centre.
- outermost/ˈaʊtɚmoʊst/adjective · B2+Furthest from the centre.
- outfit/ˈaʊtfɪt/noun · B1A complete set of clothes worn together.
- outflankverb · C1To go round the side of an enemy position.
- outgoing/aʊtˈɡəʊɪŋ/adjective · B1+Loving company and making friends easily.
- outgrow/ˌaʊtˈɡɹəʊ/verb · B2To become too big for something.
- outlandish/ˌaʊtˈlændɪʃ/adjective · B2+Strange and unfamiliar to the point of absurdity.
- outlaw/ˈaʊt.lɔː/noun · B1Somebody living outside the protection of the law.
- outlet/ˈaʊtlɛt/noun · B2A shop through which goods are sold.
- outlier/ˈaʊtˌlaɪə(ɹ)/noun · C1A result that sits far away from all the others.
- outline/ˈaʊtlaɪn/noun · B2The line that shows the shape of something.
- outlive/aʊtˈlɪv/verb · B2To go on living after somebody else has died.
- outlook/ˈaʊtˌlʊk/noun · C1The general way a person expects things to go.
- outmodedadjective · C2No longer in use because better ways exist.
- outnumber/aʊtˈnʌmbə(ɹ)/verb · B2To be greater in number than another group.
- outpatient/ˈaʊtˌpeɪʃ(ə)nt/noun · B2+Somebody treated at a hospital without staying the night.
- outpost/ˈaʊtˌpoʊst/noun · B2+A small position held far from the main force.
- output/ˈaʊtpʊt/noun · B2+What a system or a worker produces.
- output targetnoun · B2The number of items a plant aims to make.
- outrage/ˈaʊt.ɹeɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2Loud public anger at something shockingly wrong.
- outrageous/aʊtˈɹeɪ.d͡ʒəs/adjective · B2So shocking it makes people gasp or protest.
- outreach/ˈaʊtɹiːtʃ/noun · C1Work taking a service out to those who need it.
- outright/aʊtˈɹaɪt/adverb · B2+Completely and openly.
- outrun/ˈaʊtɹʌn/verb · B2To run faster or further than somebody.
- outset/ˈaʊtsɛt/noun · C1The very beginning of something.
- outshine/aʊtˈʃaɪn/verb · B2+To be so much better that others are put in the shade.
- outsider/ˌaʊtˈsaɪdəɹ/noun · C1Somebody who does not belong to the group.
- outskirts/ˈaʊtskɝts/noun · B2+The far edges of a city, where the buildings thin out.
- outsmart/aʊtˈsmɑː(ɹ)t/verb · B2To beat somebody by being cleverer.
- outsourcing/ˈaʊtˌsɔː.sɪŋ/noun · B2+Paying an outside company to do work your own staff once did.
- outstanding balancenoun · C1The amount still left to pay.
- outstretched/aʊtˈstɹɛt͡ʃt/adjective · B2+Reached out to full length.
- outward/ˈaʊt.wɚd/adjective · B2+Facing or moving away from the centre.
- outweigh/ˌaʊtˈweɪ/verb · C1To matter more than the other side of the scale.
- oval/ˈəʊvəl/noun · B2A stretched circle, shaped like an egg.
- ovation[ə(ʊ)ˈveɪ.ʃn̩]noun · B2+Long enthusiastic applause from an audience.
- oven/ˈʌ.vn̩/noun · A2+The hot box in the kitchen where you bake bread or roast a chicken.
- oven mittphrase · B1The thick glove that lets you hold burning-hot trays.
- over my dead body/oʊ.vɚ maɪ dɛd bɑ.di/phrase · B2I will resist this with everything I have.
- over the topphrase · B2Far more extreme than the occasion called for.
- overall/ˌəʊ.vəˈɹɔːl/adjective · B2Taking everything into account.
- overalls/ˈoʊvəɹɔːlz/noun · C1Work trousers with a front panel and straps over the shoulders.
- overbearingadjective · C1Domineering in a way that leaves no room for others.
- overblown/ˌəʊ.vəˈbləʊn/adjective · C1Made far more of than it deserves.
- overboard/ˈəʊvə(ɹ)ˌbɔː(ɹ)d/adverb · B2Over the side of a boat into the water.
- overbookedadjective · B2+Sold to more passengers than there are seats.
- overbookingnoun · B2+Taking more bookings than there are rooms.
- overcast/ˈəʊvəˌkɑːst/adjective · B1+Completely covered by grey cloud.
- overcome/ˌəʊ.vəˈkʌm/verb · B2To beat a difficulty that once beat you.
- overconfident/ˌəʊvə(ɹ)ˈkɒnfɪdənt/adjective · B2+Surer of success than the facts allow.
- overcooked/ˌəʊ.vəɹˈkʊkt/adjective · B1+Left on the heat far too long.
- overcrowdedadjective · B1+Holding far more people than it should.
- overdose/ˈəʊvə(ɹ)ˌdəʊs/noun · B2+Taking dangerously more of a medicine than the body can handle.
- overdraft/ˈəʊvədɹɑːft/noun · C1Permission to spend beyond what is in the account.
- overdrawn/ˌəʊvəˈsteɪtɪd/adjective · B2+Having taken out more than the account held.
- overdrive/ˌəʊvə(ɹ)ˈdɹaɪv/<q:verb>noun · B2+A state of working far harder than usual.
- overdue/ˌəʊ.vəˈdju/adjective · B1Late — the deadline has already passed.
- overestimate/ˌəʊvəɹˈɛstɪmeɪt/<q:verb>verb · B2+To think something bigger or better than it is.
- overexposedadjective · B2+Burnt out and too pale from too much light.
- overflow/ˈəʊvəˌfləʊ/verb · B2To spill over the edge because there is too much.
- overflowing/ˌoʊvɚˈfloʊɪŋ/adjective · B1+So full that it is spilling over.
- overgrownadjective · B1+Covered in plants that have grown wild.
- overhandadjective · B2+Thrown with the arm raised above the shoulder.
- overhang/əʊvəˈhaŋ/noun · B2+Rock that leans out further than the ground below.
- overhaul/ˈəʊvəˌhɔːl/verb · B2+To take something apart and repair it thoroughly.
- overhead/ˈəʊvəˌhɛd/adverb · B1+Directly above your head.
- overhead linenoun · C1The wire that feeds current to electric trains.
- overhead lockernoun · B2The closed shelf above the seats for small bags.
- overheadsnoun · C1The running costs a business pays whatever it sells.
- overhear/oʊ.vɚˈhɪɚ/verb · B2To hear something you were not meant to.
- overheatingnoun · B2The becoming too hot for safe working.
- overkill/ˈəʊ.vəˌkɪl/noun · B2Far more force or effort than the job needed.
- overlap/ˌəʊvəˈlæp/verb · B2To cover part of the same area or time as something else.
- overlay/ˌəʊ.vəˈleɪ/noun · C2A layer placed on top of something else.
- overload/ˌəʊvəˈləʊd/noun · B2More than a system or a person can carry.
- overlock/ˈəʊvəˌlɒk/verb · C2To finish a raw edge so it cannot fray.
- overlook/ˈəʊvəˌlʊk/verb · C1To miss something you should have noticed.
- overlord/ˈəʊvə(ɹ)lɔː(ɹ)d/<q:noun>noun · C1The supreme master in a feudal chain, to whom lesser nobles owe their lands and their loyalty.
- overlyadverb · C1More than is good or reasonable.
- overnight/əʊvə(ɹ)ˈnaɪt/adverb · B2During the night, or very suddenly.
- overpass/ˈəʊvə(ɹ)pæs/noun · B1+A bridge carrying one road above another.
- overpower/əʊvəˈpaʊə/verb · B2To defeat somebody by being stronger.
- overpoweringadjective · B2+So strong that it drowns everything else.
- overpricedadjective · B1+Costing far more than it is honestly worth.
- overprotective/ˌoʊvɚpɹəˈtɛktɪv/adjective · B2+Guarding somebody far more than they need.
- overrated/ˌəʊvəˈɹeɪtɪd/adjective · B2Thought better of than it deserves.
- overreach/ˌəʊvəˈɹiːt͡ʃ/verb · B2+To try for more than you can manage and fail.
- overreact/ˌoʊ.vəɹ.ɹiˈækt/verb · B2+To respond far more strongly than a thing deserves.
- override/əʊ.vəˈɹaɪd/verb · B2+To set aside somebody else's decision.
- overrule/ˌəʊ.vəˈɹuːl/verb · B2+To decide against a lower court or an objection.
- overrun/ˌəʊ.vəˈɹʌn/verb · B2To take a position by sweeping straight over it.
- overseas/ˌəʊvəˈsiːz/adverb · B2Across the sea from where you are.
- oversee/ˌəʊ.vəˈsiː/verb · C1To watch over work and workers as the one responsible.
- overseer/ˈəʊvəˌsiːə(ɹ)/noun · C1Somebody who supervises workers.
- overshadow/ˌəʊ.vəˈʃæd.əʊ/verb · B2+To make something else seem less important.
- oversharingnoun · B2Telling the internet more than anybody needed.
- oversight/ˈəʊvəˌsaɪt/noun · B2+Supervision, or a mistake made by not noticing.
- oversleep/əʊvəˈsliːp/verb · B2To stay in bed past the time you meant to get up.
- overstep/ˌəʊvəˈstɛp/verb · B2+To go beyond a limit you should have respected.
- overt/ə(ʊ)ˈvɜːt/adjective · C1Done openly, with nothing hidden.
- overtake/əʊ̯vəːˈteɪ̯k/verb · B2+To pass the slower car in front of you.
- overthinkverb · B2+To think about something so much that you make it worse.
- overthrow/əʊvəˈθɹəʊ/verb · B2+To remove a ruler or a government by force.
- overtime/ˈəʊ.və.taɪm/noun · B2Extra hours you work after the normal day ends.
- overtime paynoun · B1Extra money for hours worked beyond the normal day.
- overtlyadverb · C1Openly, and without any attempt to hide it.
- overtone/ˈoʊvɚtoʊn/noun · C1A shade of extra meaning that a word or an act carries with it, as when a remark is said to have racial or religious ones.
- overture/ˈəʊvətjʊə/noun · B2+The orchestral opening played before an opera begins.
- overturn/ˌəʊvə(ɹ)ˈtɜː(ɹ)n/verb · C1To reverse a decision, or to tip something over.
- overweening/əʊvəˈwiːnɪŋ/adjective · C2Showing far too high an opinion of yourself.
- overwhelm/ˌəʊ.vəˈ(h)wɛlm/verb · C1To bury someone under more than they can handle.
- overwhelmed/ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmd/adjective · B2Buried under more feelings or work than you can handle.
- overwhelming/ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmɪŋ/adjective · B2So strong it fills everything.
- overwork/ˌəʊvəˈwɜːk/noun · B2+Too much work for one person to manage.
- overwrought/əʊ.vəˈɹɔːt/adjective · C1Too tense and excited to think clearly.
- overzealous/ˌəʊvəˈzɛləs/adjective · C1Far keener than the situation calls for.
- owe/əʊ/verb · A2To have to pay money back to someone.
- owl/aʊ(ə)l/noun · B2A night bird with big round eyes that turns its head far around.
- own/əʊn/verb · A1To have something that legally belongs to you.
- own brandnoun · B2A product sold under the shop's own name.
- own upphrase · B2To admit that you did something wrong.
- owner/ˈoʊnɚ/noun · A2Somebody who owns something.
- ownership/ˈoʊnɚʃɪp/noun · B2The fact of having something as your own.
- oxen/ˈɑksən/noun · B1+Cattle kept for pulling and heavy work.
- oxidation/ɒksɪˈdeɪʃ(ə)n/noun · B2+The slow reaction with oxygen that rusts iron and browns apples.
- oxygen/ˈɒksɪd͡ʒən/noun · B1The gas in the air that every breath takes in and every fire needs.
- oxygen masknoun · B2The mask that drops if cabin air pressure fails.
- oxymoron/ɒksɪˈmɔːɹɒn/noun · C1A phrase that joins two words that contradict each other.
- oyster/ˈɔɪ.stə/noun · B1+The rough sea shell that sometimes hides a pearl inside.
- ozone/ˈəʊzəʊn/noun · B2+The high gas layer that shields the planet from burning rays.
- ozone layer/ˈəʊzəʊn ˌlɛə/noun · B2The high band of gas that blocks harmful sunlight.
- pace/peɪs/noun · B2The speed at which somebody moves or works.
- pacifier/ˈpæsɪfaɪə/noun · B1The rubber teat a baby sucks to stay calm.
- pacifism/ˈpæsɪfɪzəm/noun · C1The belief that war is never justified.
- pacify/ˈpæsɪfaɪ/verb · B2+To calm somebody down, or to bring peace to a place.
- pack/pæk/verb · A2To put your things into a bag before a trip.
- package holidaynoun · B2Travel, room and often meals bought as one.
- package managernoun · C1The tool that fetches and updates your dependencies.
- packaging/ˈpæ.kə.dʒɪŋ/noun · B1+Everything used to wrap and protect a product.
- packaging/ˈpæ.kə.dʒɪŋ/noun · B1+The wrapping, and the selling it does on the shelf.
- packaging tapenoun · B2The wide sticky strip that seals a box.
- packet/ˈpæk.ɪt/noun · B2One small parcel of data sent across a network.
- packet/ˈpæk.ɪt/noun · A2A small paper or plastic bag of something.
- packhorsenoun · B2+An animal used to carry goods on its back.
- packing/ˈpakɪŋ/noun · B1Putting goods safely into their outer wrapping.
- packing listnoun · B2A note of exactly what is inside a package.
- packing peanutsnoun · C1Light shaped foam pieces poured in to fill space.
- pad/pæd/verb · C1To walk with soft quiet steps.
- pad/pæd/noun · B1A soft flat piece of material used to cushion or soak up.
- padded envelopenoun · B2A postal cover lined to protect what is inside.
- padding/ˈpædɪŋ/noun · B1+Soft material added to protect what is inside.
- paddle/ˈpædl̩/noun · B1The short free oar used to push a canoe along.
- paddling poolnoun · B1A shallow pool for small children.
- paddock/ˈpædək/noun · B2+A small fenced field near a stable.
- padlock/ˈpæ̞dˌlɒk/noun · B1+A detachable lock you click shut through a chain or latch.
- paean/ˈpiː.ən/noun · C2A song or speech of enthusiastic praise.
- page/peɪd͡ʒ/noun · A1One side of one sheet in a book.
- pageant/ˈpæd͡ʒənt/noun · B2A grand public show of costume and ceremony.
- pageantry/ˈpæd͡ʒəntɹi/noun · C1Splendid ceremonial display.
- paid reachnoun · C1The audience you reach by buying advertising.
- pain/ˈpeɪ̯n/noun · A2The bad feeling in your body when something hurts.
- painful/ˈpeɪn.fl̩/adjective · B1Causing hurt in the body or in the feelings.
- painkiller/ˈpeɪnˌkɪlə(ɹ)/noun · B1+A tablet that dulls the hurt.
- painlessadjective · B1+Causing no pain or trouble.
- painstaking/ˈpeɪnˌsteɪkɪŋ/adjective · C1Done with very great care over every detail.
- paint/peɪnt/verb · A2To put color onto walls or canvas with a soft-haired tool.
- paintbrush/ˈpeɪntˌbɹʌʃ/noun · B2The tool with soft hairs you dip in color to make pictures.
- painter/ˈpeɪntə/noun · A2+An artist who works with brushes and color.
- painting/ˈpeɪn.tɪŋ/noun · A1A picture made with colors and a brush.
- pair/pɛə/noun · A1Two things that belong together and are used at the same time.
- pair ofphrase · A1A set of exactly two matching things.
- paisley/ˈpeɪzli/noun · C1A pattern of curved teardrop shapes.
- pajamas/pəˈd͡ʒɑ.məz/noun · A2+The soft comfortable clothes you sleep in.
- pakistannoun · B1+The South Asian country of Karachi and the world's second-highest peak.
- palace/ˈpælɪs/noun · A2+The grand beautiful home of a royal family.
- palaeontologistnoun · B2+A scientist who studies ancient life from its remains.
- palaeontologynoun · B2+The study of ancient life through what it left in rock.
- palanquin/ˌpælənˈkin/noun · C2A covered seat carried on poles by bearers.
- palatable/ˈpæl.ə.tə.bəl/adjective · C2Pleasant enough to eat, or acceptable enough to agree to.
- palate/ˈpæl.ət/noun · C2A person's ability to judge flavours.
- palate cleansernoun · C1A small taste served to clear the mouth between courses.
- palatial/pəˈleɪʃəl/adjective · C1As grand and spacious as a palace.
- palaunoun · C2Pacific island nation famous for a lake full of harmless jellyfish.
- palaver/pəˈlɑː.və(ɹ)/noun · C2A great to-do of long, empty talk.
- pale/peɪl/adjective · B1With little color in the face, like someone shocked or ill.
- pale/peɪl/verb · C1To lose colour in the face from shock.
- palette/ˈpælɪt/noun · B2+The board a painter mixes colors on; also, a set of colors.
- palfrey/ˈpɔːl.fɹi/noun · C2A gentle riding horse for ordinary travel.
- palisade/ˈpæl.ɪˌseɪ̯d/noun · C2A fence of strong pointed stakes.
- pall/pɔːl/noun · C1A cloth over a coffin, or a gloom that settles over things.
- pallbearernoun · C1Somebody who helps carry a coffin at a funeral.
- pallet/ˈpælɪt/noun · B2+The wooden platform loads are stacked on for forklifts.
- palletise/ˈpælɪtaɪz/verb · C1To load goods onto a wooden platform for handling.
- palliate/ˈpælieɪt/verb · C2To ease suffering without curing the cause.
- pallid/ˈpælɪd/adjective · C1Unhealthily pale.
- pallor/ˈpælɚ/noun · C1An unhealthy paleness of the face.
- palm/pɑːm/noun · B1The flat inside of your hand, where fortunes are read.
- palm treenoun · A2A tropical tree with a bare trunk and a crown of leaves.
- palpable/ˈpælpəbəl/adjective · C1So strong it can almost be touched.
- palpitate/ˈpælpɪteɪt/verb · C2To beat fast and irregularly.
- palpitation/ˌpælpɪˈteɪʃən/noun · C1A rapid fluttering of the heart.
- palsy/ˈpɔːlzi/noun · C1A trembling or paralysis of part of the body.
- paltry/ˈpɒltɹi/adjective · C1Ridiculously small in amount or worth.
- pamper/ˈpæm.pə(ɹ)/verb · B2+To treat somebody with far too much indulgence.
- pamphlet/ˈpæmflɪt/noun · B2+A thin booklet arguing a case or giving information.
- pan/pæn/noun · B1A flat metal container with a long handle, used for frying eggs.
- panacea/ˌpænəˈsiːə/noun · C1A supposed cure for every problem there is.
- panache/pəˈnæʃ/noun · C1Stylish confidence in the way you do things.
- panamanoun · B1+The narrow country whose famous canal joins two oceans.
- pancake/ˈpæn.keɪk/noun · B2The flat round breakfast cake fried in a pan and stacked high.
- panda/ˈpændə/noun · A2+A black-and-white bear from China that eats bamboo.
- pandemic/pænˈdɛmɪk/noun · B2+An illness spreading across the entire world at once.
- pandemonium/ˌpæn.dɪˈməʊ.ni.əm/noun · C1Wild uproar and confusion.
- pander/ˈpændə/verb · C1To give people exactly what they want, however low.
- pane/ˈpeɪ̯n/noun · B2+One single sheet of glass in a window.
- panel/ˈpænəl/noun · B2A flat section in a door or wall, or a group chosen to judge.
- pang/ˈpæŋ/noun · B2+A sudden sharp stab of pain or feeling.
- panic/ˈpænɪk/noun · B1Sudden wild fear that makes clear thinking impossible.
- panic attacknoun · B2A sudden overwhelming surge of fear with bodily symptoms.
- panned/pænd/adjective · C1Harshly criticised by the reviewers.
- pannier/ˈpæn.ɪ.ə/noun · C1A bag hung at the side of a rack.
- panning/ˈpænɪŋ/noun · C1Swinging the camera sideways to follow movement.
- panorama/ˌpæn.əˈɹæm.ə/noun · C1A wide uninterrupted view.
- panoramic/ˌpænəˈɹæmɪk/adjective · C1Taking in a wide sweep of view.
- pant/pænt/verb · B1+To breathe hard and fast after effort.
- panther/ˈpænθəɹ/noun · B1+A large wild cat, especially a black leopard.
- pantograph/ˈpantəɡɹɑːf/noun · C2The arm that takes current from the overhead wire.
- pantry/ˈpæntɹi/noun · B1+The small storage room where dry food and jars wait their turn.
- papal/ˈpeɪpəl/adjective · C1To do with the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
- paparazzi/ˌpæ.pəˈɹæt.si/noun · B2+Photographers who chase celebrities for candid shots.
- papaya/pəˈpaɪ.ə/noun · B2+A tropical fruit with orange flesh and black seeds.
- paper clipnoun · A2A bent wire that holds a few sheets together.
- paper overphrase · C1To hide a problem instead of solving it.
- paper trailnoun · C1The records an action leaves behind it.
- paperback/ˈpeɪ.pə.bæk/noun · B1+A book bound in a flexible card cover.
- paperclipnoun · A2+The small bent wire that holds sheets of paper together.
- paperwork/ˈpeɪ.pɚˌwɝk/noun · B2The forms and records a job requires.
- paperyadjective · C1Thin and dry to the touch.
- paprika/pəˈpɹiːkə/noun · B1+A red powder ground from sweet dried peppers.
- papua new guineanoun · B2Pacific nation on half a huge island, with over 800 languages.
- par/pɑː/noun · B2The number of strokes a hole is supposed to take.
- par for the course/ˈpɑː fə ðə ˈkɔːs/phrase · C1Exactly the sort of trouble you should have expected.
- para/ˈpɑːɹə/noun · C1Clipped British army slang for a soldier of an airborne regiment who drops from the sky.
- parable/ˈpaɹəbəl/noun · C2A short story told to teach a moral lesson.
- parachute/ˈpæɹəʃuːt/noun · B1+The big cloth umbrella that lets you fall from a plane slowly and safely.
- paracordnoun · C1Very strong thin cord useful for a hundred jobs.
- parade/pəˈɹeɪd/noun · A2A festive procession marching down the street.
- paradigm/ˈpæɹ.ə.daɪm/noun · C1The whole framework of thinking a field shares — until a shift replaces it.
- paradise/ˈpæɹədaɪs/noun · B1A place of perfect happiness after death.
- paradox/ˈpæ.ɹəˌdɒks/noun · B2+A statement that contradicts itself yet somehow rings true.
- paradoxical/ˌpæɹəˈdɒksɪkəl/adjective · C2Seeming to contradict itself and yet possibly true.
- paragliding/ˈpæɹəɡlaɪdɪŋ/noun · B2+Flying under a fabric wing launched from a slope.
- paragon/ˈpæɹəɡən/noun · C1A perfect example of some quality.
- paragraph/ˈpæɹəɡɹɑːf/noun · B1A block of sentences starting on a new line.
- paraguaynoun · B2+The landlocked South American country of Asunción.
- parakeet/ˈpaɹəkiːt/noun · B2A small long-tailed parrot.
- parallel/ˈpæ.ɹəˌlɛl/adjective · B2Running side by side, never meeting.
- parallel barsnoun · B2Two rails a gymnast swings and balances between.
- paralysis/pəˈɹæləsəs/noun · B2+A complete loss of movement in part of the body.
- paralyze/ˈpæɹəlaɪz/verb · B2+To take away the power to move.
- paramedic/ˌpæɹəˈmɛdɪk/noun · B1+The trained rescuer who treats you in the ambulance.
- parameter/pəˈɹæm.ɪ.tə/noun · C1A value that sets the conditions of a model.
- paramount/ˈpæɹəmaʊnt/adjective · C2More important than everything else.
- paramour/ˈpæɹəmʊə/noun · C2A lover, especially a secret one.
- paranoia/ˌpæɹ.əˈnɔɪ.ə/noun · B2+An unfounded belief that others mean you harm.
- paranoid/ˈpæɹ.əˌnɔɪd/adjective · B2Convinced without reason that everyone is against you.
- paranormaladjective · B2+Beyond what science can explain.
- parapet/ˈpæɹəpɪt/noun · C1A low wall along the edge of a roof or bridge.
- paraphernalia/ˌpæɹəfəˈneɪli.ə/noun · C1The odds and ends needed for an activity.
- paraphrase/ˈpæɹəfɹeɪz/verb · B2+To restate someone's words in your own.
- parasite/ˈpæɹəˌsaɪt/noun · C1A living thing that feeds on another and gives nothing back.
- parasitic/ˌpæɹ.əˈsɪt.ɪk/adjective · C2Living off another creature and giving nothing back.
- parasol/ˈpæɹəˌsɒl/noun · B2+The large shade that keeps the sun off.
- paratrooper/ˈpæɹətɹuːpə/noun · C1A soldier trained to drop from an aircraft.
- parcel[ˈpʰɑː.səɫ]noun · B1+A wrapped box sent through the post.
- parch/pɑɹt͡ʃ/verb · B2+To dry something out completely with heat.
- parched/pɑɹt͡ʃt/adjective · B2Dried out completely by heat.
- parchment/ˈpɑːtʃmənt/noun · B2+Prepared animal skin, written on before paper.
- pardon/ˈpɑːdn̩/noun · A1Forgiveness, or a request to have something repeated.
- pare/pɛə/verb · C1To trim the outer layer off something.
- parental/pəˈɹɛn.təl/adjective · C1To do with a mother or father.
- parental leavenoun · B2Time off allowed to care for a new child.
- parents/ˈpɛə.ɹənts/noun · A1Your mother and father together.
- pariah/pəˈɹaɪə/noun · C1Somebody everybody refuses to have anything to do with.
- parish/ˈpæɹɪʃ/noun · C1The smallest local district, once tied to a church.
- parity/ˈpæɹɪti/noun · C1Being equal in status, pay or value.
- park/pɑɹk/noun · A1The green space in a town where people walk dogs and children play.
- park/pɑɹk/verb · A2To stop your car and leave it standing in a place.
- parking lotnoun · A2The open area where drivers leave their cars.
- parking meternoun · B1The machine you pay to leave a car in a space.
- parkour/pɑːˈkʊə/noun · B2Moving fast through a city by vaulting and climbing.
- parlance/ˈpɑː.ləns/noun · C2The particular way a group uses words.
- parley/ˈpɑːli/noun · C1A talk between enemies to discuss terms.
- parliament/ˈpɑːləmənt/noun · B2+The elected assembly that debates and makes a country's laws.
- parliamentary/ˌpɑːləˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/adjective · C1To do with the assembly that makes a country's laws.
- parmesan/ˈpɑːmɪˌzæn/noun · B1+A very hard Italian cheese grated over pasta.
- parochial/pəˈɹəʊkɪəl/adjective · C2Interested only in your own small corner of the world.
- parody/ˈpæɹədi/noun · B2+A funny exaggerated copy of a famous work or style.
- parole/pəˈɹəʊl/noun · B2Early release from prison on a promise of good behavior.
- parquet/ˈpɑːkeɪ/noun · C2Flooring of small wooden blocks laid in patterns.
- parrot/ˈpæɹət/noun · B1A colorful bird that can copy human words.
- parry/ˈpæɹ.i/verb · C1To block a blow and push it away.
- parsimonious/pɑː.sɪˈməʊ.ni.əs/adjective · C2Extremely unwilling to spend or to give.
- parsimony/ˈpɑːsɪməni/noun · C2Great meanness with money or with words.
- parsley/ˈpɑː(ɹ)sli/noun · B1+A bright green herb chopped over almost anything.
- parsnip/ˈpɑɹ.snɪp/noun · B2+A pale sweet root roasted in winter.
- parson/ˈpɑːs(ə)n/noun · C1A rural Protestant minister of an earlier age, holding the living of his church, chiefly in American usage.
- part/pɑːt/noun · A1The line where hair is divided and combed each way.
- part-timeadjective · B2Working fewer than the usual full hours.
- partake/pɑɹˈteɪk/verb · C1To take a share of food or of an activity.
- partial/ˈpɑɹʃəl/adjective · C1Only part of the whole.
- partiality/pɑɹʃiˈælɪti/noun · C1Unfair favouring of one side, or a special liking.
- partially/ˈpɑɹʃəli/adverb · C1To some extent, but not entirely.
- participant/pɑːˈtɪsɪpənt/noun · B2+Somebody who takes part.
- participate/pɑːˈtɪs.ɪ.peɪt/verb · B1+To take part in an activity with others.
- participation/pɑːˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/noun · B2The act of taking part in something.
- participle/pɑːˈtɪsɪpəl/noun · B2+The verb form used with have or be, as in broken or running.
- particle/ˈpɑːtɪkl̩/noun · B2+A piece of matter far too small for any eye to see.
- parting/ˈpɑɹtɪŋ/noun · B2The line the hair is separated along.
- partisan/ˈpɑː.tɪˌzæn/adjective · C1Loyal to one side and unwilling to be fair to the other.
- partisanship/ˌpɑːtɪˈzænʃɪp/noun · C1Strong loyalty to one side, at the cost of fairness.
- partition/pɑːˈtɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+A light wall dividing one room into two.
- partly/ˈpɑɹtli/adverb · B2In some measure, though not wholly.
- partner/ˈpɑːt.nə(ɹ)/noun · A1The person you dance with.
- partnership/ˈpɑːtnəʃɪp/noun · B2A working relationship between equals.
- partridge/ˈpɑːtɹɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2A round brown game bird of open fields.
- party/ˈpɑːti/noun · A1A gathering held for enjoyment, or an organised political group.
- party poopernoun · C1A person who ruins the mood of a celebration.
- pas de deuxnoun · C2In ballet, a showpiece danced by a leading man and woman together, borrowed from French.
- pass/pɑːs/verb · A2To go by something; to hand a thing over; to succeed in an exam.
- pass awayphrase · B2The gentle way of saying that someone has died.
- pass marknoun · B2The lowest score that counts as a pass.
- pass onphrase · B2To hand something to the next person, or to die.
- pass outphrase · B2To suddenly lose consciousness.
- pass the buckphrase · C1To push responsibility onto somebody else.
- passable/ˈpæsəbəl/adjective · B2+Good enough, or able to be travelled along.
- passage/ˈpæsɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2A way through, or a short piece of writing.
- passageway/ˈpæ.sɪdʒˌweɪ/noun · B2A narrow way leading between rooms or buildings.
- passenger/ˈpæs.ɪn.d͡ʒə/noun · A2+Anyone riding in a vehicle who is not the one driving it.
- passerbynoun · B1+A person who happens to be walking past.
- passion/ˈpæʃən/noun · B1A burning love for a person or an activity.
- passionate/ˈpæʃənɪt/adjective · B2Full of strong feeling.
- passive/ˈpæs.ɪv/adjective · C1Accepting what happens without acting.
- passport/ˈpɑːspɔːt/noun · A2+The little official book with your photo that lets you cross borders.
- passport controlnoun · B1The desk where your travel document is checked.
- password/ˈpæs.wɜɹd/noun · B2The secret string of letters that opens your account — never share it.
- past/pɑːst/noun · A1The time that has already gone.
- past papernoun · B2An exam from an earlier year, used for practice.
- pasta/ˈpæs.tə/noun · A2+The Italian food of boiled dough shapes with sauce.
- paste/peɪst/noun · B1A soft, thick mixture that spreads or sticks.
- pastel/ˈpæstl̩/adjective · B1+Pale and soft rather than strong.
- pastiche/pæˈstiːʃ/noun · C2A work that deliberately imitates another's style.
- pastime/ˈpæs.taɪm/noun · B2+Something done regularly for enjoyment.
- pastor/ˈpɑː.stə/noun · B2A minister in charge of a congregation.
- pastry/ˈpeɪstɹi/noun · B1+Flour and fat worked together to wrap or top a dish.
- pasture/ˈpɑːst͡ʃə/noun · B1+Grassland where animals are put out to feed.
- pasty/ˈpeɪsti/adjective · C1Unhealthily pale, or like uncooked dough.
- pat/pæt/verb · B1To touch gently a few times with a flat hand, as on a dog's head.
- pat on the backphrase · B2A light touch meaning well done.
- patch/pæt͡ʃ/verb · B1To cover a hole with a piece of material.
- patch kitnoun · B2The small set for mending a hole in a tube.
- patch upphrase · B2To repair something roughly so it lasts a while.
- patchworknoun · B2+Work made of small pieces of different cloth.
- patchy/ˈpæt͡ʃi/adjective · C2Uneven, and good in some parts but not others.
- pate/peɪt/noun · C2The top of the head, especially a bald one.
- patent/ˈpeɪtənt/noun · C1The exclusive right to make and sell an invention.
- patently/ˈpeɪtəntli/adverb · C1So plainly that nobody could miss it.
- paternal/pəˈtɜː.nəl/adjective · C1To do with a father, or fatherly in feeling.
- paternity/pəˈtɜːnɪti/noun · B2+Everything to do with being a father, including leave.
- path/pɑːθ/noun · A2The narrow way you walk on through a garden or park.
- pathetic/pəˈθɛtɪk/adjective · B1So weak or bad it stirs pity or scorn.
- pathological/ˌpæθ.əˈlɑd͡ʒ.ɪ.kəl/adjective · C1Caused by disease, or compulsive beyond reason.
- pathologistnoun · C1A doctor who studies disease and examines the dead.
- pathology/pəˈθɒləd͡ʒi/noun · C1The branch of medicine that examines diseased tissue and body fluids to identify what is wrong and, after a death, why.
- pathos/ˈpeɪˌθɒs/noun · C1The quality in something that stirs pity.
- pathway/ˈpɑːθˌweɪ/noun · B2A narrow way made for walking along.
- patience/ˈpeɪ̯.ʃəns/noun · B1The quiet strength to wait without complaining.
- patient/ˈpeɪ̯ʃənt/noun · B1A person who is being treated by a doctor.
- patient/ˈpeɪ̯ʃənt/adjective · B1Able to wait a long time without getting annoyed.
- patina/ˈpætɪnə/noun · C1The soft sheen age gives to a surface.
- patio/ˈpæt.i.əʊ/noun · B1+A paved area beside a house for sitting out.
- patio diningnoun · B2Eating at tables in an outdoor paved area.
- patriarch/ˈpeɪtɹɪɑːk/noun · C1The old man at the head of a family or tribe.
- patrician/pəˈtɹɪʃən/noun · C1A member of an old aristocratic family.
- patriot/ˈpeɪ.tɹi.ət/noun · B2Somebody who loves and stands up for their country.
- patriotic/pæt.ɹiˈɒ.tɪk/adjective · B2Showing devoted love for your own country.
- patriotism/ˈpætɹi.əˌtɪzəm/noun · B2Devoted loyalty to your own country.
- patrol/pəˈtɹəʊl/noun · B1The regular round officers walk or drive to keep watch.
- patrol carnoun · B2The vehicle the police drive on ordinary duty.
- patron/ˈpeɪ.tɹən/noun · C1Somebody who supports an artist or a cause with money.
- patronage/ˈpeɪtɹənɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1Support given by a wealthy backer, or the giving of favours.
- patronize/ˈpætɹəˌnaɪz/verb · C1To be a regular customer, or to talk down to somebody.
- patter/ˈpæt.ə/verb · C1To make the light quick tapping of rain or small feet.
- pattern/ˈpæ̞t(ə)n/noun · A2+A repeating design, like stripes or flowers, on cloth.
- paucity/ˈpɒs.ɪ.ti/noun · C2A disappointingly small amount of something.
- paunch/pɔːnt͡ʃ/noun · C1A fat protruding belly.
- pauper/ˈpɔːpə/noun · B2+Somebody with no money at all.
- pause/pɔːz/noun · B2A short stop before continuing.
- pave/peɪv/verb · B2To cover a road or path with a hard flat surface.
- pavement/ˈpeɪvm(ə)nt/noun · B2The raised path beside the road where people walk.
- pavilion/pəˈvɪljən/noun · B2+A light building at the edge of a sports field.
- paw/pɔː(ɹ)/noun · B2The soft foot of a cat, dog, or bear.
- pawn/ˈpɔːn/noun · B2The smallest and most numerous chess piece.
- pawnbroker/ˈpɔːnˌbɹəʊ.kə(ɹ)/noun · B2+Somebody who lends money against goods left as security.
- pawnshop/ˈpɔːnʃɒp/noun · B2+A shop that lends money against goods left as security.
- pay/peɪ/verb · A2To give money for what you take or use.
- pay a complimentphrase · B2To say something in praise of somebody.
- pay a visitphrase · B2To go and see somebody for a while.
- pay attentionphrase · A2To listen and concentrate on something.
- pay back/peɪ bæk/phrase · B1To return money you borrowed; also, to take revenge.
- pay cutnoun · B1A reduction in what you are paid.
- pay offphrase · B2To repay a debt fully, or to bring a good result.
- pay outphrase · B2To hand over a large sum of money.
- pay risenoun · B1An increase in what you are paid.
- pay scalenoun · B2The ladder of rates a job can be paid at.
- payable/ˈpeɪəbl̩/adjective · B2Due to be paid.
- paycheck/ˈpeɪ.t͡ʃɛk/noun · B1+The money, or the piece of paper for it, you receive on payday.
- payday/ˈpeɪdeɪ/noun · B1+The day on which wages are handed over.
- paying-in slipnoun · C1The form completed when you put money in.
- payload/ˈpeɪloʊd/noun · C1The actual data carried inside a request.
- payoffnoun · B2A reward for what you have done, or a bribe.
- payroll/ˈpeɪˌɹəʊl/noun · B2The complete list of employees and the money each is paid.
- paywall/ˈpeɪ.wɔːl/noun · C1The screen that hides the article until you pay.
- paywalled articlenoun · B2A piece you can only read once you have paid.
- pea/piː/noun · A2+A small round green seed eaten as a vegetable.
- peace/ˈpiːs/noun · A2The time when nobody is fighting.
- peace of mindnoun · B2Freedom from worry.
- peach/ˈpiːt͡ʃ/noun · A2A soft orange-pink fruit with fuzzy skin and a big stone.
- peach/ˈpiːt͡ʃ/adjective · B1A soft warm pinkish orange.
- peachy/ˈpiːt͡ʃi/adjective · B2Soft pinkish orange in colour, or splendid.
- peacock/ˈpikɑk/noun · B1A bird famous for opening its huge colorful tail like a fan.
- peahen/ˈpiː.hɛn/noun · C1The female of the bird with the great fanned tail.
- peak/piːk/noun · B1The very top point of a mountain.
- peak hoursnoun · B2The busiest part of the day.
- peak seasonphrase · B2The crowded expensive months when everyone travels at once.
- peak timenoun · B2The busiest part of the service.
- peal/piːl/noun · C1A loud ringing of bells, or a burst of laughter.
- peanut/ˈpiːnʌt/noun · B1The small crunchy thing that a famous sticky butter is made from.
- peanut butter/ˌpiːnʌtˈbʌ.tə/noun · A2A thick spread ground from roasted nuts.
- pear/pɛə/noun · A2+The green fruit shaped like a soft bell, cousin of the apple.
- pearl/pɜːl/noun · B1A smooth round gem formed inside an oyster.
- peas/piːz/noun · A2+Small round green vegetables that grow in pods.
- peasant/ˈpɛzənt/noun · B2A poor farm worker of the old countryside.
- peat/piːt/noun · B2+Dark partly rotted plant matter dug from bogs.
- pebble/ˈpɛbəl/noun · B2A small smooth stone rounded by water.
- pebble beachnoun · B1A shore covered in small worn stones.
- pecan/piːˈkɑːn/<aa:most common <<US>> pronunciation except in New York, New England and coastal Southeast><ref:[http://www4.uwm.edu/FLL/linguistics/dialect/staticmaps/q_21.html The Dialect Survey], and [https://web.archive.org/web/20130606184957/http://spark-1590165977.us-west-2.elb.amazonaws.com/jkatz/SurveyMaps/ Joshua Katz's maps of it]<<name:dialect>>>noun · B2A long wrinkled nut used in sweet pies.
- peck/pɛk/verb · B1To strike or pick at something with a beak.
- peckish/ˈpɛk.ɪʃ/adjective · B2+Slightly hungry.
- peculiar/pɪˈkjuː.li.ə/adjective · B2Strange in a puzzling, particular way.
- pedagogy/ˈpɛdəˌɡɒd͡ʒi/noun · C2The art and science of teaching itself.
- pedal/ˈpɛdəl/noun · B2The part your foot pushes to power a bicycle or control a car.
- pedant/ˈpɛdənt/noun · C1Somebody who fusses over tiny points of correctness.
- pedantic/pəˈdæn.tɪk/adjective · B2+Too concerned with small formal details.
- pedantry/ˈpɛd.ən.tɹi/noun · C2Excessive attention to rules and minor detail.
- peddler/ˈpɛdlə/noun · B2A trader who travels about selling small goods.
- pedestal/ˈpɛdɪstəl/noun · C2The base a statue stands on, or a place of high honour.
- pedestrian/pəˈdɛstɹiən/noun · B2A person traveling through the city on foot.
- pedestrian crossingnoun · B1The marked place where people may walk across.
- pedestrian zonenoun · B2An area where only people on foot may go.
- pedestrianisedadjective · C1Closed to vehicles so people can walk freely.
- pediatric/ˌpiːdiːˈætrɪk/adjective · B2+To do with the medical care of children.
- pediatrician/piːdɪəˈtɹɪʃ(ə)n/noun · B2+A doctor who specialises in children.
- pedicure/ˈpɛ.dɪ.kjʊɹ/noun · C1A treatment that cares for the feet and toenails.
- pedigree/ˈpɛd.ɪ.ɡɹi/noun · B2+The recorded ancestry of a purebred animal.
- pediment/ˈpɛd.ɪ.mənt/noun · C2The triangular piece above the columns of a classical front.
- pedophile/ˈpiː.dəˌfaɪl/noun · B2+An adult sexually drawn to children.
- peek/piːk/verb · B1To take a quick secret look.
- peel/piːl/verb · B2To take the skin off a fruit or a vegetable.
- peeler/ˈpiːlɚ/noun · A2+The small tool that takes the skin off potatoes in thin strips.
- peep/piːp/verb · B2To look through a small opening.
- peephole/ˈpiːphəʊl/noun · B2+The tiny lens in a front door for seeing who knocked.
- peer/pɪə/verb · B2To look very hard at something difficult to see.
- peer/pɪə/noun · B2Someone of the same rank or standing as you at work.
- peer pressurenoun · B2The push to do what your friends are doing.
- peer reviewnoun · C1The checking of a study by other experts before it is published.
- peer supportnoun · B2Help from others who have been through the same.
- peerlessadjective · C2Having no equal anywhere.
- peeved/piːvd/adjective · B2+Mildly annoyed.
- peevish/ˈpiːvɪʃ/adjective · C1Irritable over small things.
- peg outphrase · C1To hang washing on a line with clips.
- pegasusnoun · B2+A winged horse of Greek legend.
- pejorative/pɪˈd͡ʒɒɹətɪv/adjective · C1Expressing disapproval by the word chosen.
- pelican/ˈpɛl.ɪ.kən/noun · B1+A big water bird with a great pouch under its beak.
- pellet/ˈpɛl.ɪt/noun · B2+A small hard rounded ball of something.
- peloton/ˈpɛlətɒn/noun · C1The main bunch of riders in a road race.
- pelt/pɛlt/verb · B2+To throw things hard at somebody, or to rain heavily.
- pelvis/ˈpɛlvɪs/noun · B2The wide ring of bone your legs hang from.
- pen/pɛn/noun · A1You write with it, and its ink cannot be rubbed out.
- penalize/ˈpiː.nəl.aɪz/verb · B2+To punish somebody for breaking a rule.
- penalty/ˈpɛn.əl.ti/noun · B2The free kick or point given when a player breaks the rules.
- penance/ˈpɛn.əns/noun · C1An act done to show sorrow for a sin.
- penchant/ˈpɒnʃɒn/noun · C1A strong liking for something.
- pencil/ˈpɛnsəl/noun · A1You write and draw with it, and you can rub it out.
- pendant/ˈpɛnd(ə)nt/noun · B2+An ornament that hangs from a chain around the neck.
- pendulous/ˈpɛndjʊləs/adjective · C1Hanging down loosely.
- pendulum/ˈpɛnd͡ʒʊləm/noun · C1A hanging weight that swings steadily, as in old clocks.
- penetrate/ˈpɛnɪtɹeɪt/verb · B2To force a way through or into something.
- penetration/pɛ.nɪˈtɹeɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+The going into or through something.
- penguin/ˈpɛŋ.ɡwɪn/noun · B2A black-and-white bird that cannot fly but swims in cold seas.
- penicillin/ˌpɛn.ɪˈsɪl.ɪn/noun · B2The first of the drugs made from mould to kill bacteria.
- peninsula/pɪˈnɪn.sjʊ.lə/noun · C1Land surrounded by water on three sides, joined to the mainland.
- penitencenoun · C1Sorrow for having done wrong.
- penitent/ˈpɛnɪtənt/adjective · C1Feeling and showing regret for wrongdoing.
- penitentiary/ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəɹi/noun · C1A large prison for people serving long terms.
- penknifenoun · B2+A small folding blade carried in a pocket.
- pennant/ˈpɛnənt/noun · C1A long narrow flag, often tapering to a point.
- penniless/ˈpɛ.nɪ.ləs/adjective · C1Having no money at all.
- pennon/ˈpɛnən/noun · C2A long narrow flag flown from a lance.
- penny/ˈpɛni/noun · A2A British coin worth one hundredth of a pound.
- pension/ˈpɛnʃən/noun · B2+The money older people receive every month after their working years end.
- pension booknoun · C2The old booklet a state payment was drawn against.
- pensive/ˈpɛn(t).sɪv/adjective · C1Deep in thought, and a little sad.
- pentagon/ˈpɛn.təˌɡɑn/noun · B2A flat shape with five straight sides.
- penthouse/ˈpɛnt(h)aʊs/noun · B1+The luxury apartment on the very top floor of a tall building.
- penurious/pəˈnjʊə.ɹi.əs/adjective · C2Very poor, or extremely mean with money.
- penury/ˈpɛnjʊɹi/noun · C2Extreme and grinding poverty.
- peony/ˈpiːəni/noun · B2+A huge many-petalled flower that flops after rain.
- people/ˈpi.pəl/noun · A1Human beings in general, or a group of them.
- pepper/ˈpɛp.ə/noun · A2+The hollow red, green, or yellow vegetable; also a spicy powder.
- peppermint/ˈpɛpəˌmɪnt/noun · B1A sharp cool flavour taken from a mint plant.
- pepperoni/pɛpəˈɹəʊni/noun · B1A spicy red sausage sliced onto pizza.
- peppery/ˈpɛpəɹi/adjective · B2+Hot and sharp, like ground black seeds.
- per diem/pɚˈdi.əm/noun · C2A fixed daily allowance while travelling for work.
- perceive/pəˈsiːv/verb · B2+To become aware of something through senses or understanding.
- percent/pəˈsɛnt/noun · A2+One part out of every hundred.
- percentage/pə(ɹ)ˈsɛntɪd͡ʒ/noun · B1+A share expressed out of a hundred.
- percentile/pəɹˈsɛn.taɪl/noun · C1Where a child's size sits compared with others.
- perception/pəˈsɛpʃn̩/noun · B2The way your senses and mind read the world.
- perceptive/pəˈsɛptɪv/adjective · C1Quick to notice and understand what others miss.
- perch/pɜːtʃ/verb · B2To settle and rest on a branch or wire.
- perch/pɜːtʃ/noun · B2A striped freshwater fish with a spiny fin.
- perch/pɜːtʃ/verb · B2To sit on the very edge of something.
- perchance/ˌpɜːˈtʃɑːns/adverb · C2Perhaps, in old or poetic use.
- percolator/ˈpɜːkəleɪtə/noun · C2The old stovetop pot that bubbles water up through ground coffee.
- peregrine/ˈpɛɹəɡɹin/noun · C1A fast falcon that hunts by stooping from a height.
- peremptory/pəˈɹɛmptəɹi/adjective · C2Giving an order that allows no argument.
- perennial/pəˈɹɛn.ɪ.əl/adjective · B2+Lasting or returning year after year.
- perfect/ˈpɜː.fɪkt/adjective · A1So good that nothing about it could be better.
- perfection/pɚˈfɛk.ʃən/noun · B2The state of having no fault at all.
- perfectionism/pəˈfɛk.ʃ(ə).nɪ.z(ə)m/noun · B2+Insisting on a standard nobody could hold.
- perfidious/pɚˈfɪdi.əs/adjective · C2Treacherous towards those who trusted you.
- perforce/pəˈfɔːs/adverb · C2Because there was no other choice.
- perform/pəˈfɔːm/verb · A2+To sing, act, or play music in front of people.
- performance/pəˈfɔː.mən(t)s/noun · B1A show given to an audience, or how well something works.
- performance reviewnoun · B2The regular assessment of how well you work.
- performer/pɚˈfɔɹmɚ/noun · B1Somebody who acts, sings or plays for an audience.
- performing sealnoun · B2A circus sea creature trained to balance a ball on its nose for a crowd.
- perfume/ˈpɜːfjuːm/noun · A2+Sweet-smelling liquid dabbed on the skin.
- perfumedadjective · B2Scented on purpose, usually strongly.
- perfunctory/pəˈfʌŋk.t(ə)ɹɪ/adjective · C1Done as a matter of routine with no real care.
- perhaps/pəˈhæps/adverb · A2Possibly, said in a more formal way.
- perilous/ˈpɛɹ.ɪ.ləs/adjective · C1Full of grave danger.
- perimeter/pɪˈɹɪm.ɪ.tə/noun · B2The distance all the way round the outside of a shape.
- period/ˈpɪə.ɹi.əd/noun · A1A stretch of time with a beginning and an end.
- periodic/ˌpɪɹiˈɒdɪk/adjective · B2+Happening at regular intervals.
- periodic table/ˌpɪɹiˈɒdɪk ˈteɪb(ə)l/noun · B2The chart that arranges every element by its structure.
- periodical/ˌpɪɹiˈɑdɪkl̩/noun · B2+A publication that appears at regular intervals.
- periodicallyadverb · B2+At regular intervals.
- peripheral/pəˈɹɪf(ə)ɹ(ə)l/noun · C1Any device plugged in around the main machine.
- peripheral visionnoun · C1What you can see at the edges without turning your head.
- periphery/pəˈɹɪf.ə.ɹi/noun · C1The outer edge of an area or a subject.
- perish/ˈpɛɹɪʃ/verb · B2The literary word for to die, especially in disaster.
- perishable/ˈpɛ.ɹɪ.ʃə.bəl/adjective · B2+Liable to go bad if not kept cool or moved fast.
- perjurer/ˈpəɹdʒəɹəɹ/noun · C1Somebody who lies under oath.
- perjury/ˈpɜː(ɹ)d͡ʒəɹi/noun · C1Lying under oath in court.
- perk/pɝk/noun · B2A nice extra that comes with a job — free lunches, a company car.
- perky/ˈpɝki/adjective · B2Jaunty and full of pep, with a brisk brightness like a small bird cocking its head.
- permanence/ˈpɜɹmənəns/noun · C1The quality of lasting for good.
- permanent/ˈpɜː.mə.nənt/adjective · B1Lasting forever, or meant to.
- permanent contractnoun · B1An agreement with no set end date.
- permanent waynoun · C2The track and everything that carries it.
- permanently/ˈpɜː.mə.nənt.li/adverb · B2In a way that is meant to last for good.
- permeate/ˈpɜːmiˌeɪt/verb · C1To spread right through every part of something.
- permission/pəˈmɪʃ.ən/noun · A2The go-ahead from someone in charge to do a thing.
- permit/pɚˈmɪt/verb · B2To give official permission.
- permutation/ˌpɜː.mjʊˈteɪ.ʃən/noun · C1One of the possible orders a set can be put in.
- pernicious/pəˈnɪʃəs/adjective · C1Doing serious harm in a quiet gradual way.
- perpendicular/ˌpɜː.pənˈdɪk.jə.lə(ɹ)/adjective · B2+Meeting at a perfect right angle.
- perpetrator/ˈpɜː(ɹ).pɪˌtɹeɪt.ə(ɹ)/noun · B2+The one who committed the crime.
- perpetual/pɚˈpɛt͡ʃuəl/adjective · C1Going on forever without stopping.
- perpetuate/pəˈpɛt͡ʃʊeɪt/verb · C1To keep something going that ought to stop.
- perpetuity/ˌpɜː(ɹ)pɪˈtjuːɪti/noun · C1A state of lasting for ever.
- perplexed/pɚˈplɛkst/adjective · B2+Puzzled and unable to see the way through.
- perplexity/pəˈplɛksɪti/noun · C1A state of being puzzled and unsure.
- persecute/ˈpɝsəkjut/verb · C1To treat somebody cruelly because of who they are.
- persecution/ˌpɝsəˈkjuʃən/noun · C1Cruel treatment of people for their beliefs or identity.
- persevere/ˌpɜːsəˈvɪə/verb · B2+To keep trying despite every setback.
- persimmon/pɜːˈsɪmən/noun · B2+A sweet orange fruit that must be fully ripe.
- persist/pɚˈsɪst/verb · C1To keep going in spite of difficulty.
- persistence/pəˈsɪst(ə)ns/noun · B2+Refusing to quit no matter how many times you fail.
- persistent/pəˈsɪstənt/adjective · B2Refusing to stop or go away — people, coughs, or rumors.
- person/ˈpɜː.sən/noun · A1One single human being.
- person specificationnoun · C1The list of qualities a candidate must have.
- personal/ˈpɜː.sə.nəl/adjective · A1Belonging to one particular person; private to them.
- personal bestphrase · B1The finest result you yourself have ever achieved.
- personal protective equipmentnoun · B2The gear worn to keep a worker safe.
- personality/pɜː.səˈnæ.lə.tɪ/noun · A2+Everything about how a person is — their whole way of being.
- personification/pɚˌsɑ.nə.fəˈkeɪ.ʃən/noun · C1The writing about a thing as though it were a person.
- personify/pə(ɹ)ˈsɒnɪfaɪ/verb · C1To be the living example of a quality.
- personnel/pɝ.səˈnɛl/noun · B2The people employed by an organisation.
- perspective/pɚˈspɛk.tɪv/noun · B2The particular angle from which one person sees a matter.
- perspicacious/ˌpɜː.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/adjective · C2Quick to notice and understand what others miss.
- perspiration/ˌpɜːspəˈɹeɪʃən/noun · B2+The moisture the skin gives off when hot.
- perspire/pəˈspaɪə(ɹ)/verb · C2The polite word for what skin does in a sauna.
- persuade/pə(ɹ)ˈsweɪd/verb · B1+To slowly talk someone into doing what you want.
- persuasion/pəˈsweɪʒ(ə)n/noun · B2+Bringing somebody to your view by reasons.
- persuasive/pə(ɹ)ˈsweɪsɪv/adjective · B2+Good at making people agree with you.
- persuasivelyadverb · C1In a way that brings others round to your view.
- pert/pɜːt/adjective · C2Cheeky in a lively and rather attractive way.
- pertinent/ˈpəːtɪnənt/adjective · C1Directly to the point being discussed.
- perturbedadjective · C1Made anxious or uneasy.
- perunoun · B1+The Andean country of Machu Picchu and the Incas.
- peruse/pəˈɹuːz/verb · C1To read something carefully through.
- perv/pɜːv/noun · C1Clipped slang for a man whose sexual conduct is thought creepy or unacceptable.
- pervade/pɜː(ɹ)ˈveɪd/verb · C1To spread through and be felt everywhere.
- pervasive/pəˈveɪ.sɪv/adjective · C2Spreading through every part of something.
- perverse/pɚˈvɝs/adjective · C2Deliberately doing the opposite of what is wanted.
- perversion/pəˈvɜː.ʒən/noun · C1A turning of something good to a corrupt use.
- perversity/pə(ɹ)ˈvɜː(ɹ)sɪti/noun · C2A wilful determination to do the opposite of what is wanted.
- pervert/ˈpəː.vəːt/verb · B2To turn something good to a bad purpose.
- pessimism/ˈpɛsɪmɪzəm/noun · B2+The habit of expecting the worst.
- pessimist/ˈpɛsɪmɪst/noun · B2+Somebody who expects things to turn out badly.
- pessimistic/ˌpɛ.səˈmɪs.tɪk/adjective · B2+Always expecting things to turn out badly.
- pest/pɛst/noun · B1An animal or insect that damages crops or property.
- pester/ˈpɛstə(ɹ)/verb · B2To keep bothering somebody with requests.
- pesticide/ˈpɛstɪsaɪd/noun · B2+A chemical sprayed to kill crop pests.
- pestilence/ˈpɛstələn(t)s/noun · C1A deadly disease that sweeps through a population.
- pestilential/ˌpɛstɪˈlɛnʃi.əl/adjective · C2Carrying disease, or extremely annoying.
- pestle/ˈpɛsəl/noun · B2+The short heavy stick used to crush spices in a stone bowl.
- pesto/ˈpɛstoʊ/noun · B1+A green sauce of crushed basil, nuts and cheese.
- pet/pɛt/noun · A2An animal kept at home for company.
- pet insurancenoun · B2Cover against the cost of an animal's treatment.
- pet sitternoun · B1Somebody paid to look after an animal while you are away.
- pet-friendlyadjective · B2Allowing guests to bring their animals.
- petal/ˈpɛtl̩/noun · A2+One soft colored leaf of a flower.
- petite/pəˈtiːt/adjective · B2+Small and slim, said of a woman.
- petition/pəˈtɪʃ.ən/noun · C1A demand for change signed by many people.
- petrel/ˈpɛt.ɹəl/noun · C2A small sea bird that flutters just above the waves.
- petrifiedadjective · B2So frightened you cannot move, as if turned to stone.
- petrol/ˈpɛt.ɹəl/noun · B1+The liquid you pump into a car to make it go.
- petroleum/pəˈtɹoʊliəm/noun · B2+Refined oil and the fuels made from it.
- petty cashnoun · C1A small fund of coins and notes for tiny expenses.
- petulant/ˈpɛt͡ʃʊlənt/adjective · C1Sulky and bad-tempered over small things.
- petunia/pəˈtʲuːni.ə/noun · B2+A trumpet-shaped bedding flower grown in tubs.
- pew/ˈpjuː/noun · B2+A long wooden bench in a church.
- pewter/ˈpjuːtə/noun · C1A dull grey metal used for old plates and mugs.
- phnoun · B2The scale that says how acidic or alkaline something is.
- pharmaceutical/ˌfɑː.məˈs(j)uː.tɪ.kl̩/adjective · C1Connected with the making and selling of medicines.
- pharmacist/ˈfɑɹməsɪst/noun · B2+The professional in the green-cross shop who prepares your medicine.
- pharmacy/ˈfɑːməsi/noun · B1+The shop with a green cross where you buy medicine.
- phase/feɪz/noun · B2One stage in a process that unfolds step by step.
- phase out/feɪ̯z äʊ̯t/phrase · B2To stop using something gradually.
- pheasant/ˈfɛzənt/noun · B2+A long-tailed game bird with a bright metallic head.
- phenomenal/fɪˈnɒmɪnəl/adjective · C1Remarkable to an extraordinary degree.
- phenomenon/fəˈnɒm.ɪ.nən/noun · B2Anything observed happening, especially something remarkable.
- phial/ˈfaɪəl/noun · C2A small glass bottle.
- philanthropic/ˌfɪl.ənˈθɹɒp.ɪk/adjective · C2Giving generously to help other people.
- philanthropistnoun · C2Somebody who gives away wealth for the public good.
- philanthropy/fɪˈlæn.θɹə.pi/noun · C2The giving away of wealth for the public good.
- philately/fɪˈlæt.ə.li/noun · C2The collecting and study of postage stamps.
- philippinesnoun · B1+The Pacific island country of Manila and white beaches.
- philistine/ˈfɪlɪstaɪn/noun · C2Somebody hostile or indifferent to art and learning.
- philology/fɪˈlɒl.ə.d͡ʒɪ/noun · C2The study of language in its written history.
- philosopher/fɪˈlɒs.ə.fə(ɹ)/noun · C1Somebody who studies the deepest questions of existence.
- philosopher's stonenoun · C1The legendary substance that turns metal into gold.
- philosophical/ˌfɪl.əˈsɒf.ɪ.kl̩/adjective · C1To do with deep questions, or calm about misfortune.
- philosophy/fɪˈlɒs.ə.fi/noun · B2The study of truth, existence, and how to live — by pure thinking.
- phishing/ˈfɪʃɪŋ/noun · B2Tricking somebody into giving their details away.
- phlegm/flɛm/noun · C1The thick mucus brought up from the chest.
- phlegmatic/flɛɡˈmætɪk/adjective · C2Calm and hard to stir up.
- phobia/ˈfəʊ.bi.ə/noun · B2+An intense fear of one particular thing.
- phoenix/ˈfiːnɪks/noun · B1A bird that burns and is reborn from its ashes.
- phone/ˈfəʊ̯n/noun · A1The small device in your pocket for calls, messages, and everything else.
- phoneyadjective · B2Insincere and put on — the informal word for a person whose warmth, accent and credentials are all an act.
- phosphorescentadjective · C1Glowing softly for a while after the light has gone.
- phosphorus/ˈfɒs.fə.ɹəs/noun · B2+An element that glows and catches fire easily.
- photo/ˈfəʊ̯.təʊ̯/noun · A1An image caught by a camera.
- photo finishnoun · B2An ending so close a picture must settle it.
- photobomb/ˈfəʊtəʊˌbɒm/verb · B2To appear in somebody else's picture on purpose.
- photocopier jamnoun · B2The paper stuck inside a copying machine.
- photocopy/ˈfəʊtəˌkɒpi/verb · B1+To make a paper copy of a page.
- photogenic/ˌfəʊ.təʊˈd͡ʒɛn.ɪk/adjective · B2+Looking good in photographs.
- photograph/ˈfəʊ.təˌɡɹɑːf/verb · B1To capture a picture of something with a camera.
- photographer/fəˈtɒɡ.ɹə.fə/noun · B1A person who takes pictures for a living.
- photographic/ˌfəʊtəˈɡɹæfɪk/adjective · B2To do with photographs, or as exact as one.
- photography/fəˈtɒɡ.ɹə.fi/noun · B1+The art of making pictures with a camera.
- photon/ˈfəʊtɒn/noun · B2+The smallest possible packet of light.
- photosynthesis/ˌfəʊ.təʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/noun · B2+The trick by which green leaves turn sunlight into food.
- phrasal verbnoun · B1A verb joined to a small word that changes its meaning.
- phrase/ˈfɹeɪ̯z/noun · B1A small group of words that go together as a unit.
- physical/ˈfɪz.ɪ.kəl/adjective · A2+Concerning the body, or things you can actually touch.
- physical education/ˈfɪ.zɪ.kl̩ ˌɛd͡ʒ.əˈkeɪʃn̩/noun · B1Lessons in sport and exercise.
- physicalitynoun · C1The bodily quality or presence of somebody.
- physically/ˈfɪz.ɪ.kli/adverb · A2+In the body rather than in the mind.
- physician/fəˈzɪʃən/noun · C1A doctor who treats illness without surgery.
- physicist/ˈfɪzɪsɪst/noun · B1+A scientist who studies matter and energy.
- physics/ˈfɪz.ɪks/noun · B1+The subject about energy, movement, light, and how the universe works.
- physiological/ˌfɪz.i.əˈlɒd͡ʒ.i.kəl/adjective · C2To do with how the body works.
- physiotherapistnoun · B2A therapist who restores movement after injury.
- physiotherapy/ˌfɪziəʊˈθerəpi/noun · B2+Treatment through guided exercise and movement after injury.
- physiquenoun · C1The build and shape of a person's body.
- pianist/ˈpi.ənɪst/noun · B1+Somebody who plays the keyboard instrument with hammers and strings.
- piano/ˈpjænəʊ/noun · A1The big instrument with black and white keys.
- piccolo/ˈpɪkələʊ/noun · C1A tiny flute that plays higher than anything else.
- pick/pɪk/verb · A2To choose one from many; also, to pull fruit or flowers off the plant.
- pick atphrase · B2To eat only a little, or to keep touching something.
- pick onphrase · B2To treat one person unfairly again and again.
- pick outphrase · B1To choose one carefully from many.
- pick upphrase · B1To lift something; to collect someone; to learn without trying.
- picker/ˈpɪkə(ɹ)/noun · B2Somebody who gathers fruit, or a tool that lifts.
- picket/ˈpɪkɪt/noun · B2+A worker standing outside to persuade others not to enter.
- picket line/ˈpɪkɪt laɪn/noun · C1The line of strikers standing outside a workplace.
- picking/ˈpɪkɪŋ/noun · C1Selecting the ordered items from the shelves.
- pickle/ˈpɪkəl/noun · B2A vegetable preserved in sour vinegar.
- pickledadjective · B1+Preserved in sour liquid.
- pickpocket/ˈpɪkpɒkɪt/noun · B2+The thief who empties your pockets in a crowd unnoticed.
- pickup trucknoun · B1A vehicle with an open cargo bed at the back.
- picky/ˈpɪki/adjective · B2Very hard to please over small details.
- picnic/ˈpɪknɪk/noun · A1A meal you pack and eat outside on the grass.
- pictogram/ˈpɪk.tə.ɡɹæm/noun · C1A simple picture used in place of words.
- picturesque/ˌpɪkt͡ʃəˈɹɛsk/adjective · B2+Pretty enough to be painted or photographed.
- pidgin/ˈpɪ.d͡ʒɪn/noun · C1A simplified language used between groups with no common tongue.
- pie/paɪ/noun · A2The round baked dish with a top of pastry and fruit or meat inside.
- piebald/ˈpaɪ.bɔːld/adjective · C2Marked in patches of black and white.
- piece/piːs/noun · A1One of the figures moved about in a game.
- piece of cake/ˈpiːsə(v)ˈkeɪk/phrase · B1Something extremely easy to do.
- piece togetherphrase · B2To work out the whole from scattered bits.
- piecemeal/ˈpiːs.miːl/adverb · C1A bit at a time rather than all at once.
- pieceworknoun · C1Work paid by the number of items finished.
- pier/pɪə/noun · B1+The long platform walking out over the sea on wooden legs.
- pierce/pɪɹs/verb · B2To go right through something with a point.
- piercing/ˈpɪɹsɪŋ/noun · B1+A hole made in the body so jewellery can be worn in it.
- piety/ˈpaɪ̯ɪti/noun · C1Deep and sincere religious devotion.
- pig/ˈpɪɡ/noun · A1A pink farm animal with a round nose that loves mud.
- pigeon/ˈpɪ.dʒɪn/noun · B1The plump grey bird that crowds every city square.
- pigeonhole/ˈpɪdʒ(ɪ)nhəʊl/noun · C1One of a grid of small open boxes for internal post.
- piggy bankphrase · B1The little animal-shaped box children drop coins into.
- piglet/ˈpɪɡ.lət/noun · A2+A young pig.
- pigment/ˈpɪɡ.mənt/noun · B2+The coloured powder that gives paint its colour.
- pigmentationnoun · B2The natural colouring of skin, hair, or leaves.
- pigsty/ˈpɪɡˌstaɪ̯/noun · B2+A pen where pigs are kept, or a very untidy room.
- pike/paɪk/noun · B2A long-jawed freshwater hunter with many teeth.
- pilatesnoun · B1Exercise focused on core strength and control.
- pile/paɪl/noun · B1Things laid loosely on top of each other in a mound.
- pile upphrase · B2To grow into a heap or a backlog.
- pilgrim/ˈpɪlɡɹɪm/noun · B2Someone travelling to a holy place.
- pilgrimage/ˈpɪlɡɹɪmɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2+A long journey made to a holy place.
- pill/pɪl/noun · A2A small round piece of medicine that you swallow.
- pillage/ˈpɪl.ɪd͡ʒ/verb · C1To rob and destroy a town after taking it.
- pillar/ˈpɪlə/noun · B1+A tall upright support, round or square.
- pillar boxnoun · C1The red street box letters are posted into.
- pillion/ˈpɪljən/noun · C2A seat behind the rider for a passenger.
- pillow/ˈpɪ.ləʊ/noun · B1The soft thing your head rests on in bed.
- pillowcase/ˈpɪləʊˌkeɪs/noun · B2The washable cover that slips over what you rest your head on.
- pilot/ˈpaɪ̯.lət/noun · A2+The person who flies a plane.
- pilot episodenoun · B2The first episode, made to test whether a series works.
- pimple/ˈpɪmp(ə)l/noun · A2+A small inflamed swelling on the skin.
- pin/pɪn/noun · B1The secret four figures that unlock a card.
- pin/pɪn/noun · C1Trapping a piece so that moving it exposes a greater one.
- pin downphrase · C1To get a clear answer out of somebody.
- pinball/ˈpɪnˌbɔːl/noun · B2A game of shooting a ball round a sloping board.
- pincer/ˈpɪnsəɹ/noun · C1A gripping claw, or one arm of a tool that grips.
- pinch/pɪnt͡ʃ/verb · B1To squeeze skin sharply between finger and thumb.
- pinch/pɪnt͡ʃ/noun · B1The small amount you can hold between finger and thumb.
- pinchedadjective · C1Drawn and thin from cold, hunger or worry.
- pincushion/ˈpɪnˌkʊʃn̩/noun · B2+A pad for sticking pins into when not in use.
- pine/paɪn/noun · B2The evergreen tree with needles instead of leaves.
- pine conenoun · B1The woody scaled fruit of an evergreen.
- pineapple/ˈpaɪnˌæpəl/noun · B1A big tropical fruit with spiky skin and a crown of leaves.
- pinecone/ˈpaɪnˌkoʊn/noun · B1+The woody seed case of a conifer.
- ping/pɪŋ/noun · B1+A short high electronic note.
- pinion/ˈpɪnjən/verb · C2To bind somebody's arms so they cannot move.
- pink/ˈpɪŋk/noun · A1A light color between red and white.
- pinkie/ˈpɪŋki/noun · B2The smallest finger of the hand.
- pinking shearsnoun · C1Scissors that cut a zigzag to stop fraying.
- pinnacle/ˈpɪnəkəl/noun · C1The highest point of achievement.
- pinpoint/ˈpɪnpɔɪnt/verb · B2To locate or identify something exactly.
- pinpricknoun · C1A tiny puncture, or a small irritation.
- pinstripe/ˈpɪnˌstɹaɪp/noun · B2+Very fine parallel lines woven into cloth.
- pint/paɪnt/noun · B2A unit of liquid volume, the usual size of a beer.
- pinto/ˈpɪntəʊ/noun · C1A horse marked in patches of white and another colour.
- pioneer/ˌpaɪ.əˈnɪə(ɹ)/noun · C1The first to open up a new place or a new field.
- pioneeringadjective · B2+Being the first to develop something new.
- pious/ˈpaɪəs/adjective · C1Showing careful religious duty.
- pip/pɪp/noun · B1+A small hard grain inside an apple or an orange.
- pipe/ˈpaɪp/noun · B1The tube inside walls that water travels through.
- pipeline/ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn/noun · C1A line of pipes carrying liquid, or work waiting ahead.
- piper/ˈpaɪ.pə/noun · B2Somebody who plays a pipe or the bagpipes.
- pipette/pɪˈpɛt/noun · B2+A thin tube that measures out tiny amounts of liquid.
- piping hot/ˌpaɪ.pɪŋ ˈhɒt/phrase · B2So hot it is only just bearable.
- piquant/ˈpiːkənt/adjective · C1Pleasantly sharp and spicy.
- pique/piːk/noun · C1Wounded pride that shows as sudden irritation.
- piracy/ˈpaɪɹəsi/noun · B2+Robbery carried out at sea.
- piranha/pɪˈɹɑːn(j)ə/noun · B2+A small fierce South American fish that attacks in shoals.
- pirate/ˈpaɪɹət/noun · B1Somebody who robs ships at sea, or who copies work illegally.
- pirouette/ˌpɪ.ɹʊˈɛt/noun · B2+A complete turn made on one foot.
- pistachio/pɪsˈtæʃi.əʊ/noun · B1+A small green nut sold in a split shell.
- piston/ˈpɪstən/noun · B2+The plug that slides up and down inside a cylinder.
- pit/pɪt/noun · B1A deep hole in the ground, or a coal mine.
- pit propnoun · C2The timber that holds up the roof of a mine.
- pitch/pɪt͡ʃ/noun · A2The marked grass where football or rugby is played.
- pitch/pɪt͡ʃ/noun · B2How high or low a note sounds.
- pitch/pɪt͡ʃ/verb · B1To put a tent up.
- pitch/pɪt͡ʃ/verb · B1To throw a ball to a batter.
- pitch/pɪt͡ʃ/noun · B2The short case made for buying something.
- pitch darkphrase · B2So dark that nothing at all can be seen.
- pitch-darkadjective · B2So dark that nothing at all can be seen.
- pitcher/ˈpɪt͡ʃ.ə/noun · B1The big container with a handle and a lip for pouring water or juice.
- pitchfork/ˈpɪt͡ʃˌfɔɹk/noun · B2A long fork used to lift hay.
- piteous/ˈpɪ.ti.əs/adjective · C1So sad that it moves you to pity.
- pitfall/ˈpɪtfɔːl/noun · B2+A hidden danger that catches the unwary.
- pithy/ˈpɪθi/adjective · C1Short, pointed and full of meaning.
- pittance/ˈpɪtəns/noun · C1A wretchedly small amount of money.
- pittedadjective · C1Marked with small hollows.
- pity/ˈpɪt.i/noun · B1Sorrow for someone worse off, sometimes touched with distance.
- pivot/ˈpɪv.ɪt/verb · B2+To turn about a fixed central point.
- pivot tablenoun · C1A tool that summarises a large table by category.
- pivotal/ˈpɪvɪtəl/adjective · B2+So central that everything turns on it.
- pixel/ˈpɪk.səl/noun · B1+One single tiny dot of the millions that make up your screen.
- pixie/ˈpɪksi/noun · B2A small mischievous fairy of folklore.
- pizza/ˈpiː.tsə/noun · A1A flat round Italian dish with cheese and tomato baked on top.
- placard/ˈplæk.ɑːd/noun · B2+A stiff board with a message, carried in protest.
- placate/pləˈkeɪt/verb · C1To make an angry person calm again.
- place an orderphrase · B2To ask formally for goods to be supplied.
- place cardnoun · B2A card showing where each guest is to sit.
- place settingnoun · B2One person's plate, glass and cutlery laid out.
- placebo/pləˈsiː.bəʊ/noun · C1The fake pill with nothing in it that sometimes works anyway.
- placement/ˈpleɪ̯smənt/noun · B2A period of work experience as part of a course.
- placid/ˈplæsɪd/adjective · C1Calm and hard to upset — lakes and easy-going people.
- plagiariseverb · C1To pass somebody else's writing off as your own.
- plagiarism/ˈpleɪd͡ʒəɹɪzəm/noun · B2+Passing off someone else's writing or ideas as your own.
- plague/pleɪɡ/noun · B2A deadly disease that swept across whole continents.
- plaice/pleɪs/noun · B2+A flat sea fish with orange spots.
- plaid/pled/adjective · B2Patterned with crossing bands of several colours.
- plain/pleɪn/adjective · A2All one color, with no design at all.
- plain/pleɪn/noun · B1A wide flat stretch of open land.
- plain languagenoun · B2Wording kept simple so anybody can follow it.
- plaintiff/ˈpleɪntɪf/noun · C1The person who brings a case to court against someone.
- plaintive/ˈpleɪntɪv/adjective · C1Sounding sad and full of complaint.
- plait/pleɪt/noun · B1+Three lengths of hair woven over one another.
- plaitedadjective · B2Woven into three interlacing strands.
- plane/pleɪn/noun · A1The flying machine with wings that crosses oceans in hours.
- planet/ˈplænɪt/noun · A2A huge round world circling a star — ours is the third from the sun.
- plank/ˈplæŋk/noun · B1+A long flat piece of sawn timber.
- plankton/ˈplæŋ(k).tən/noun · B2+The drifting cloud of tiny life that feeds the sea.
- planning/ˈplænɪŋ/noun · B1The work of deciding in advance how something will be done.
- planning permission/ˈplænɪŋ pəˈmɪʃən/noun · B2The council's agreement that you may build.
- plant/plɑːnt/noun · A1Any living thing that grows from the earth toward the light.
- plant-basedadjective · B1Made entirely from plants.
- plantation/plænˈteɪʃən/noun · B2A large estate where one crop is grown.
- plaque/plæk/noun · C1A flat plate with an inscription, or the film on teeth.
- plaster/ˈplɑːstə/noun · B2The small sticky strip you press over a cut.
- plasterernoun · B2+The worker who spreads smooth finish on walls.
- plastic/ˈplæstɪk/adjective · A2Made of the light bendable material bottles are made from.
- plastic/ˈplæstɪk/noun · A2A light man-made material moulded when soft.
- plastic bagphrase · A2The light throwaway carrier a shop packs your things in.
- plasticity/ˌplæs.ˈtɪs.ɪ.ti/noun · C1The ability to be shaped or to adapt.
- plate/ˈpleɪ̯t/noun · A2A flat, round dish that you put your food on.
- plateau/ˈplætəʊ/noun · B2+A high, wide stretch of flat land.
- plated/ˈpleɪtɪd/adjective · B2Covered with flat hard sections.
- platform/ˈplætfɔːm/noun · B1The numbered place at a station where you stand and wait to board.
- platform/ˈplætfɔːm/noun · B1The raised edge passengers board a train from.
- plating/ˈpleɪtɪŋ/noun · C1The way food is arranged on the dish.
- platinum/ˈplæt.ɪn.əm/noun · B2+A rare heavy precious metal, whiter than silver.
- platitude/ˈplatɪˌtjuːd/noun · C1A dull remark repeated as if it were wisdom.
- platoon/pləˈtuːn/noun · B2A small unit of soldiers led by a lieutenant.
- platternoun · B2A large flat dish for serving food to a whole table.
- platypusnoun · C2An Australian animal with a duck's bill and fur that lays eggs.
- plausibilitynoun · C1How believable something is.
- plausible/ˈplɔː.zɪ.bl̩/adjective · C1Believable enough to be true — though perhaps not.
- plausiblyadverb · C1In a way that sounds believable.
- play/pleɪ̯/ [pɫ̥eɪ̯ ~ pʰɫeɪ̯]verb · A1To do something just for fun, like children with a ball.
- play devil's advocatephrase · C1To argue the opposite side to test an idea.
- play it by earphrase · C1To decide as you go rather than plan ahead.
- play upphrase · C1To behave badly, or to give trouble as a bad knee does.
- playdate/ˈpleɪˌdeɪt/noun · B1An arranged afternoon of play with another child.
- player/ˈpleɪ.ə(ɹ)/noun · A1A person taking part in a game.
- playful/ˈpleɪfl̩/adjective · B2Full of fun and lightness.
- playground/ˈpleɪɡɹaʊnd/noun · A2+The outdoor place at school where children run and play.
- playmate/ˈpleɪˌmeɪt/noun · B2A child somebody regularly plays with.
- playoffsnoun · B2+The knockout matches after the regular season that decide the champion.
- plaything/ˈpleɪ.θɪŋ/noun · B2+A toy, or somebody treated as one.
- playwright/ˈpleɪˌɹaɪt/noun · B2+A person who writes plays for the theatre.
- plaza/ˈplæzə/noun · B1+An open public square in a town.
- plea/pliː/noun · B2The answer of guilty or not guilty given to a charge.
- plead/pliːd/verb · B2To ask for something with great feeling.
- pleading/ˈpliːdɪŋ/adjective · B2Begging earnestly for something.
- pleasant/ˈplɛz.ənt/adjective · B1Nice and enjoyable in a calm way.
- pleasantry/ˈplɛzəntɹi/noun · C1A polite remark made to be agreeable.
- please/pliːz/phrase · A1The magic word you add when you ask for something politely.
- pleasing/ˈpliːzɪŋ/adjective · B2Giving satisfaction or enjoyment.
- pleasurable/ˈplɛʒəɹəbəl/adjective · C1Giving enjoyment.
- pleasure/ˈplɛʒə/noun · A2A feeling of enjoyment and satisfaction.
- pleat/pliːt/noun · B2+A fold pressed into cloth to give it shape.
- plebiscite/ˈplɛbɪsaɪt/noun · C2A direct vote of the whole people on one question.
- pledge/plɛd͡ʒ/noun · B2A solemn promise, or something given as security.
- plenty/ˈplɛnti/noun · A2More than enough.
- plenty ofphrase · A2A large and satisfying quantity of something.
- plesiosaur/ˈpliːsiəsɔːɹ/noun · C1A long-necked swimming reptile of ancient seas.
- plethora/ˈplɛθəɹə/noun · C1An amount far greater than is needed.
- pliable/ˈplaɪəbəl/adjective · C1Soft enough to bend into any shape.
- pliant/ˈplaɪənt/adjective · C1Easily bent, or easily influenced.
- plienoun · C1A bending of the knees with the back held straight.
- pliers/ˈplaɪ.ə(ɹ)z/noun · B1+The pinching hand tool for gripping, bending, and pulling wire.
- plight/plaɪt/noun · C1A sad and difficult situation someone is trapped in.
- plinth/plɪnθ/noun · C1The block a column or a statue stands on.
- plod/plɒd/verb · C1To walk slowly with heavy steps.
- plop/plɒp/verb · B2To fall into liquid with a soft dull sound.
- plot/plɒt/noun · B1What actually happens in a story, from start to end.
- plot holenoun · B2A gap in a story that does not make sense.
- plot twistnoun · B2A turn in the story nobody saw coming.
- plough/plaʊ/verb · B1+To turn the soil over before sowing.
- plover/ˈplʌvɚ/noun · C2A short-billed shore bird that runs then stops.
- ploy/plɔɪ/noun · C1A move made to trick somebody into reacting.
- pluck/plʌk/verb · B2To pull and release a single string.
- plug/plʌɡ/noun · B1The part at the end of a cable that goes into the wall for power.
- plugin/ˈplʌɡ.ɪn/noun · B2A small add-on that gives a program extra powers.
- plum/plʌm/noun · B2A soft purple fruit with a stone inside.
- plumage/ˈpluːmɪd͡ʒ/noun · C2All the feathers covering one bird.
- plumb/plʌm/verb · C1To measure the depth of, or to get to the bottom of.
- plumb linenoun · C1A weight on a string that shows true vertical.
- plumber/ˈplʌm.ə/noun · B2The person you call when water pipes leak.
- plumbing/ˈplʌmɪŋ/noun · C1All the water pipes hidden in a building's walls.
- plume/ˈpluːm/noun · C2A long showy feather, or a rising column of smoke.
- plummet/ˈplʌmɪt/verb · C1To fall suddenly and very fast.
- plump/plʌmp/adjective · B2Pleasantly rounded and a little fat.
- plunder/ˈplʌndə/verb · B2+To rob a place violently during a war.
- plunge/plʌnd͡ʒ/verb · C1To dive or fall suddenly and steeply.
- plunge/plʌnd͡ʒ/verb · C1To clear a drain by pushing and pulling water.
- plunger/ˈplʌnd͡ʒə/noun · B1+A rubber cup on a stick for clearing a blocked drain.
- plural/ˈplʊəɹəl/noun · B1+The form of a word used for more than one.
- plush/plʌʃ/adjective · B2+Thick, soft and expensive-feeling.
- plutocratnoun · C2Somebody whose power comes from great wealth.
- ply/plaɪ/verb · C2To travel a route regularly, or to work at a trade.
- plywood/ˈplaɪwʊd/noun · B2+A board made of thin wood layers glued crosswise.
- pneumonia/njuˈməʊniə/noun · B2A serious infection that fills the lungs with fluid.
- po boxnoun · B2A numbered box at a post office used as an address.
- poach/ˈpoʊt͡ʃ/verb · B2+To cook gently in water just below boiling.
- poacher/ˈpoʊ.t͡ʃɚ/noun · C1Somebody who hunts on land where they have no right.
- pock-markedadjective · C1Covered with small hollow scars.
- pockedadjective · C2Marked with small hollows or scars.
- pocket/ˈpɒk.ɪt/noun · A2The small bag sewn into clothes where you keep keys and coins.
- pocket watchnoun · B1A timepiece carried on a chain in the pocket.
- pod/ˈpɒd/noun · B1+The long case holding the seeds of a plant.
- podcast/ˈpɒdˌkɑːst/noun · B1+A talk show you listen to online, episode by episode.
- podcast episodenoun · B1One instalment of a spoken audio series.
- podium/ˈpəʊ.di.əm/noun · B1+A raised stand for a speaker or a winner.
- poem/ˈpəʊ.ɪm/noun · B1A short piece of writing in lines that often end in matching sounds.
- poet/ˈpəʊ.ɪt/noun · B1A person who writes verse.
- poetic/pəʊˈɛtɪk/adjective · B2Having the beauty or form of poetry.
- poetry/ˈpəʊ.ɪ.tɹi/noun · B1The art of writing in rhythm and imagery rather than plain prose.
- pogo sticknoun · B2A spring-loaded pole you bounce along on.
- poignancy/ˈpɔɪnjən(t)si/noun · C1The quality of touching you sharply and sadly.
- poignant/ˈpɔɪ.njənt/adjective · C1Touching in a way that makes you sad.
- point/pɔɪnt/verb · A1To show where something is with one straight finger.
- point of sale/ˌpɔɪnt əv ˈseɪl/noun · B2The place and moment a purchase happens.
- point outphrase · B2To draw everyone's attention to a detail they missed.
- pointe/pwæ̃t/noun · C1Dancing on the tips of the toes.
- pointless/ˈpɔɪntləs/adjective · B2Having no purpose worth pursuing.
- points/pɔɪnts/noun · C1The movable rails that send a train onto another line.
- pointy/ˈpɔɪnti/adjective · B2Narrowing to a sharp tip.
- poise/pɔɪz/noun · C1Graceful, controlled bearing.
- poise/pɔɪz/noun · C1Balanced and graceful control of the body.
- poised/pɔɪzd/adjective · B2+Calm and composed, or ready to act at any moment.
- poison/ˈpɔɪ.zən/noun · A2A substance that harms or kills if it gets into the body.
- poisoning/ˈpɔɪzənɪŋ/noun · B1Harm caused by swallowing or breathing something toxic.
- poisonous berrynoun · B1Fruit that will make you ill if you eat it.
- poke/pəʊk/verb · B1To push at something quickly with a finger or stick.
- poke aroundphrase · C1To search casually through somebody's things.
- polandnoun · A2+The central European country of Warsaw and Kraków.
- polar bearphrase · B2The big white hunter that lives on the Arctic ice.
- pole/pəʊl/noun · B1A long rounded rod, or either end of the earth's axis.
- pole vaultnoun · B2Using a long flexible pole to clear a very high bar.
- poleaxe/ˈpoʊlˌæks/verb · C2To knock somebody down with one blow.
- polemic/pəˈlɛmɪk/noun · C2A fierce written attack on an opinion.
- police/pəˈliːs/noun · A1The people in uniform who protect everyone and catch criminals.
- police officernoun · A2The official who enforces the law.
- police stationphrase · A2The building where officers of the law work.
- policeman/pəˈliːsmən/noun · A1A man whose job is enforcing the law.
- policewomannoun · A2+A woman whose job is enforcing the law.
- policy/ˈpɒl.ə.si/noun · B1An official plan of action adopted by a government or company.
- polio/ˈpəʊljəʊ/noun · B2+A disease that can leave the limbs paralysed.
- polish/ˈpɒl.ɪʃ/adjective · B1The Slavic language of Warsaw and Kraków.
- polish/ˈpɒl.ɪʃ/verb · B2To rub a surface until it shines.
- polished/ˈpɑlɪʃt/adjective · B2Rubbed until the surface shines.
- polite/pəˈlaɪt/adjective · A2Saying please and thank you; showing good manners.
- politeness/pəˈlaɪtnəs/noun · B2Careful good manners towards others.
- political/pəˈlɪt.ɪ.kəl/adjective · B1To do with government and the running of a country.
- politician/ˌpɒl.ɪˈtɪʃ.ən/noun · B1+A person whose career is in government and public promises.
- politics/ˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪks/noun · B1The study of government and power.
- polka/ˈpɒl.kə/noun · B2A brisk couples' dance from Bohemia in two-four time, with a hop-step-close-step in a circling hold.
- polka dot/ˈpɒl.kə ˌdɒt/noun · B1A pattern of evenly spaced round spots.
- poll/pɔl/noun · C1A quick count of public opinion, often before elections.
- pollen/ˈpɒlən/noun · B1+The yellow dust flowers trade through the bees.
- pollinate/ˈpɒlɪneɪt/verb · B2+To carry pollen from one flower to another.
- pollination/ˌpɒlɪˈneɪʃən/noun · B2+The carrying of pollen that lets plants set seed.
- polling stationnoun · B2The place where people go to cast their votes.
- pollutant/pəˈl(j)uːtənt/noun · B2+A substance that dirties air, water or soil.
- pollute/pəˈluːt/verb · B1+To make air, water, or soil dirty and harmful.
- pollution/pəˈljuːʃən/noun · B1+Dirt and poison that human activity puts into air and water.
- polo/ˈpoʊloʊ/noun · B2A team game played on horseback with mallets and a ball.
- poltergeist/ˈpoʊl.tɚˌɡaɪst/noun · C1A spirit that throws objects about.
- polyester/ˈpɑliˌɛstə(r)/noun · B1+A cheap man-made cloth that dries fast.
- polyglot/ˈpɒlɪɡlɒt/noun · C1Somebody who speaks many languages.
- polygon/ˈpɒlɪɡən/noun · B2+Any flat shape made of straight sides.
- polygraph/ˈpɒliɡɹæf/noun · C1A machine that records bodily signs to test for lying.
- polymer/ˈpɒl.ɪ.mə/noun · B2+A very long molecule built from repeating units.
- polystyrene/pɒliˈstaɪriːn/noun · B2+A light white foam used for packing and cups.
- pomegranate/ˈpɒmɪ(ˌ)ɡɹænɪt/noun · B1+A leathery red fruit packed with jewel-like seeds.
- pommel/ˈpɒ.məl/noun · C2The knob at the end of a sword hilt.
- pomp/ˈpɒmp/noun · C1Splendid ceremony and display.
- pompous/ˈpɒmpəs/adjective · C1Showing off self-importance with grand words and airs.
- poncho/ˈpɒn.tʃəʊ/noun · B1+A blanket with a hole for the head.
- pond/pɒnd/noun · B1A small pool of still water where ducks and frogs live.
- ponder/ˈpɒn.də/verb · B2+To turn a question over slowly in your mind.
- ponderous/ˈpɒn.dəɹ.əs/adjective · C2Heavy and slow, or dull and laboured.
- pontificate/pɒnˈtɪf.ɪ.kət/verb · C2To speak as if your opinion settled everything.
- pony/ˈpəʊni/noun · A2A horse of a small breed.
- ponytail/ˈpoʊniˌteɪl/noun · A2+Hair gathered and tied at the back of the head.
- poodle/ˈpuː.dəl/noun · B1A clever dog with a thick curly coat.
- pool/puːl/noun · A1The big blue rectangle of water people swim lengths in.
- poolsidenoun · B1+The paved area around the edge of a pool.
- poolside barnoun · B2The bar serving drinks beside the swimming water.
- poor/pʊɚ/adjective · A1Having very little money.
- popcorn/ˈpɒp.kɔːn/noun · B1A puffed snack that pops in a hot pan; you eat it at the cinema.
- poplar/ˈpɒp.lə(ɹ)/noun · B2+A tall narrow tree that shivers in the slightest wind.
- poppy/ˈpɒpi/noun · B1+A red field flower worn to remember the dead.
- populace/ˈpɒpjʊləs/noun · C1The ordinary people of a place.
- popular/ˈpɒp.jʊ.lə/adjective · A1Liked by very many people.
- popularity/ˌpɒp.jəˈlæɹ.ɪ.ti/noun · B2How well liked something is.
- popularizationnoun · C1The act of putting expert knowledge into a form the general public can enjoy and take up widely.
- populatedadjective · B2Having people living in it.
- population/ˌpɒp.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/noun · B1The number of people living in a place.
- populismnoun · C1Politics that appeals to ordinary people against the elite.
- populist/ˈpɒp.jʊ.lɪst/adjective · B2+Appealing to ordinary people against the elite.
- porcelain/ˈpɔːsəlɪn/noun · B2A fine white ceramic thin enough to let light through.
- porch/pɔːtʃ/noun · B2The covered platform at the front door where people sit on warm evenings.
- porcupine/ˈpɔː(ɹ)kjʊˌpaɪn/noun · B1+A rodent covered in long defensive quills.
- pore/pɔː(ɹ)/noun · B1+One of the tiny openings in the skin.
- pork/pɔːk/noun · B1The meat of a pig.
- porous/ˈpɔːɹəs/adjective · B2+Full of tiny holes that let liquid through.
- porridge/ˈpɒɹ.ɪd͡ʒ/noun · B1+Warm soft breakfast of oats cooked in milk or water.
- port/pɔːt/noun · B1The socket a cable plugs into.
- port de brasnoun · C2The carriage and movement of the arms.
- port sidenoun · B2The left-hand side of a boat, looking forward.
- portable/ˈpɔː(ɹ)təbəl/adjective · B2Light enough to be carried about.
- portal/ˈpɔːtl̩/noun · B2A grand doorway, or a way into a system.
- portcullis/pɔːtˈkʌl.ɪs/noun · C2A heavy grating dropped to block a gateway.
- portend/pɔːˈtɛnd/verb · C2To be a sign that something is coming.
- portent/ˈpɔɹtənt/noun · C2A sign of a great event to come.
- portentous/pɔː(ɹ)ˈtɛntəs/adjective · C2Ominous, or self-important in manner.
- porter/ˈpɔɹtɚ/noun · B1+The staff member who carries guests' bags.
- portfolio/pɔːtˈfəʊ.liˌəʊ/noun · C1The collected examples of your best work you show to clients.
- porthole/ˈpɔː(ɹ)t.həʊl/noun · B2+A small round window in the side of a ship.
- portico/ˈpɔːtɪkəʊ/noun · C1A covered entrance with columns in front of a doorway.
- portion/ˈpoɹʃən/noun · B2The amount of food served for one person.
- portion sizenoun · B1How much of a dish one person is given.
- portly/ˈpɔːtli/adjective · C1Rather fat, said politely of a man.
- portrait/ˈpɔːtɹeɪt/noun · B1A painting or photo whose whole subject is one person's face.
- portraiture/ˈpɔː(ɹ)tɹɪtjʊə(ɹ)/noun · C2The art of making likenesses of people.
- portray/pɔːˈtɹeɪ̯/verb · C1To show or describe someone in a particular way, in art or acting.
- portrayal/ˌpɔɹˈtɹeɪ.əl/noun · C1The way somebody is represented in a work.
- portugalnoun · A2+The country of Lisbon, at Europe's western edge by the ocean.
- portugueseadjective · B1+The language of Lisbon and of Brazil.
- pose/poʊz/verb · B2To hold a position for a picture, or to present a problem.
- posed/pəʊzd/adjective · B2Arranged deliberately before the picture is taken.
- posh/pɑʃ/adjective · B2+Smart and expensive, or upper class in manner.
- posit/ˈpɒzɪt/verb · C2To put something forward as a starting point.
- position/pəˈzɪʃ.ən/noun · A2Where something is placed.
- positioning/pəˈzɪʃənɪŋ/noun · C1The place a brand aims to hold in people's minds.
- positioning statementnoun · C1The written claim about who a brand is for.
- positively/ˈpɒz.ɪ.tɪv.li/adverb · B1In a hopeful way, or definitely and firmly.
- possess/pəˈzɛs/verb · B2The formal word for to own or have.
- possession/pəˈzɛʃn̩/noun · B2Something you own, or the state of having it.
- possessive/pəˈzɛs.ɪv/adjective · B1+Wanting to keep somebody entirely to yourself.
- possessor[pʰəˈzɛsə(ɹ)]noun · C1Somebody who has or owns something.
- possibility/ˌpɒs.ɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/noun · A2+Something that could happen, though it has not yet.
- possible/ˈpɒs.ə.bəl/adjective · A1Able to happen or be done.
- possibly/ˈpɒs.ə.bli/adverb · A2Perhaps; it could be so.
- possum/ˈpɒsəm/noun · B2+A tree-dwelling marsupial that pretends to be dead when caught.
- post/pəʊst/noun · A1Letters and parcels sent through the system that delivers them.
- post office/ˈpəʊst ˌɒfɪs/phrase · A2The place where you send letters and collect packages.
- post-waradjective · C1Belonging to the years after a war.
- postage/ˈpəʊstɪd͡ʒ/noun · B1+The cost of sending something by post.
- postal[ˈpoʊstl̩]adjective · B2To do with the sending of letters and parcels.
- postal roundnoun · C1The route one deliverer covers each day.
- postcard/ˈpoʊstˌkɑɹd/noun · B1The picture card you send from holidays with two lines of greetings.
- postcode/ˈpəʊs(t)kəʊd/noun · B1The letters and numbers that pinpoint an address.
- poste restantenoun · C2A service holding letters at a post office for a traveller.
- poster/ˈpoʊstɚ/noun · A2+A big printed picture stuck on a wall for everyone to see.
- posterity/pɒˈstɛɹɪti/noun · C2All the people who will come after us.
- postern/ˈpɒst(ə)n/noun · C2A small back gate in a castle wall.
- postgraduate/ˌpəʊstˈɡɹædju.ət/noun · B2+A student who already holds a first degree and studies on.
- posthumous/ˈpɒs.t͡ʃʊ.məs/adjective · C1Happening after the person's death.
- postman/ˈpəʊs(t)mən/noun · B1The person who brings letters and packages to your door.
- postmark/ˈpoʊstˌmɑɹk/noun · B2+The stamped mark showing where and when it was posted.
- postmortemnoun · B2+An examination after death, or a review of a failure.
- postnatal/poʊstˈneɪtəl/adjective · C1Happening after a birth.
- postpone/pəʊstˈpəʊn/verb · C1To move an event to a later date.
- postponementnoun · B2+The putting off of an event to a later date.
- postulate/ˈpɒstjʊlət/verb · C1To assume something as a starting point.
- posture/ˈpɒst͡ʃə/noun · B2The way you hold your body when standing or sitting.
- pot/pɒt/noun · B1A deep metal container used for cooking soup or boiling pasta.
- pot lucknoun · C1Taking whatever happens to be available.
- potassium/pəˈtæsiəm/noun · B2+A soft metal the body needs, found in bananas.
- potato/pəˈteɪ.təʊ/noun · A1A brown vegetable that grows under the ground; chips are made from it.
- potency/ˈpəʊtənsi/noun · C1Strength and power to have an effect.
- potent/ˈpəʊt(ə)nt/adjective · B2+Powerfully strong in effect — medicine, arguments, or drinks.
- potential/pəˈtɛnʃəl/noun · B2The ability someone has not yet grown into.
- potentially/pəˈtɛnʃ(ə)li/adverb · B2In a way that could turn out to be so.
- potion/ˈpəʊ.ʃən/noun · B2A magical drink that works a change.
- potluck/ˌpɒtˈlʌk/noun · B2A shared meal where every guest brings a dish.
- potter/ˈpɒtə/noun · B2A craftsman who shapes clay into vessels.
- potter's wheelnoun · B2The turning disc a pot is shaped on.
- pottery/ˈpɒtəɹi/noun · B1+The craft of shaping clay into bowls and pots.
- potty training/ˈpɒtiˌtɹeɪn.ɪŋ/noun · B1Teaching a child to use the toilet.
- pouch/paʊt͡ʃ/noun · B1+A small soft bag, often closed with a drawstring.
- poultice/ˈpoʊltɪs/noun · C2A soft moist dressing put on a sore place.
- pounce/paʊns/verb · C1To spring suddenly on something.
- pound/ˈpaʊ̯nd/noun · B1A unit of weight of about half a kilogram.
- pounding/ˈpaʊn.dɪŋ/noun · B2A heavy repeated beating.
- pour/pɔː/verb · B1To make liquid flow out of a container.
- pour cold water onphrase · C1To dampen somebody's enthusiasm for an idea.
- pout/paʊt/verb · B2+To push the lips out to show displeasure.
- poverty/ˈpɒvəti/noun · B1+The state of being very poor.
- poverty linenoun · C1The income below which a person counts as poor.
- powder/ˈpaʊ.də(ɹ)/noun · B1Fine dust patted on the face to stop it shining.
- powdery/ˈpaʊdəɹi/adjective · B2+Made of very fine dry particles.
- power/ˈpaʊ̯ə̯/noun · A2The ability to make things — and people — do what you want.
- power banknoun · B1A portable store of charge for a phone.
- power cutnoun · B1A break in the electricity supply.
- power of attorney/ˌpaʊə(r) əv əˈtɜː(r)niː/noun · C1Permission to sign and decide on somebody else's behalf.
- power outletnoun · B1The wall holes you push a plug into for electricity.
- power-upnoun · B2An item that makes your character stronger for a while.
- powerful/ˈpaʊəfl̩/adjective · A2Having great strength or great influence.
- powerfully/ˈpaʊəf(ə)li/adverb · B2+With great force or effect.
- powerhousenoun · B2A person or group with great energy and success.
- powerless/ˈpaʊɚləs/adjective · B2Having no power to change anything.
- powerlessnessnoun · C2The crushing feeling of being unable to change anything.
- powerlifting[ˈpawə(ɹ)ˌlɪftɪŋ]noun · B2Competing on three set lifts for maximum weight.
- pox/pɑks/noun · C1A disease that leaves the skin marked with spots.
- poxy/ˈpɒk.si/adjective · C2Wretched and worthless, in coarse use.
- practical/ˈpɹæk.tɪ.kəl/adjective · B1Useful in real life, not just in theory.
- practicalitynoun · B2+The quality of being useful and workable.
- practice/ˈpɹæktɪs/verb · A1To do something again and again until you are good at it.
- practice makes perfectphrase · B2The saying: repeat something enough and you master it.
- practitioner/pɹækˈtɪʃənə/noun · C1Somebody who works in a profession or an art.
- pragmatic/pɹæɡˈmætɪk/adjective · C1Choosing what works in practice over what sounds beautiful.
- pragmatism/ˈpɹæɡmətɪzəm/noun · C1Dealing with things as they actually are.
- pragmatistnoun · C1Somebody guided by what works rather than by theory.
- prairie/ˈpɹɛə.ɹi/noun · B2The vast grassy plains of North America.
- praise/pɹeɪz/verb · B1To say publicly how good somebody or something is.
- pram/pɹæm/noun · A2+The wheeled bed a baby is pushed in.
- pram walknoun · B1A walk taken pushing a baby.
- prance/ˈpɹɑːns/verb · B2+To move with high springing steps.
- prate/pɹeɪt/verb · C2To talk on foolishly and at length.
- pratfallnoun · C2A comic fall on the backside.
- prattle/ˈpɹætəl/verb · C1To chatter on about nothing in particular.
- prawn/pɹɔːn/noun · B2+A small curved shellfish that turns pink when cooked.
- pray/pɹeɪ/verb · A2To speak to a god, often with hands together.
- prayer/pɹɛə/noun · B1Words addressed to a god, spoken or silent.
- preach/pɹiːt͡ʃ/verb · B2To give a religious talk — or moral advice nobody asked for.
- preacher/ˈpɹiːt͡ʃəː/noun · B1Someone who speaks publicly about belief.
- preamble/ˈpɹiːˌambəl/noun · C1An opening statement that leads into the main text.
- precarious/pɹɪˈkɛəɹi.əs/adjective · C1Balanced so unsafely it could fall at any moment.
- precaution/pɹiːˈkɔːʃən/noun · B1+Something done in advance to avoid trouble.
- precautionaryadjective · C1Taken in advance to guard against a risk.
- precede/pɹɪˈsiːd/verb · B2+To come before something in time or order.
- precedence/ˈpɹɛsɪd(ə)ns/noun · C1The right to come before others.
- precedent/ˈpɹɛs.ɪ.dənt/noun · C1An earlier decision that later cases must follow.
- precinct/ˈpɹisɪŋkt/noun · B2An area of a town closed to traffic.
- precious/ˈpɹɛʃ.əs/adjective · B1Of very great value — gold, gems, or someone you love.
- precipice/ˈpɹɛsɪpɪs/noun · C1A sheer drop, or the edge of disaster.
- precipitate/pɹɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/noun · C1A solid that appears out of a solution.
- precipitous/pɹɪˈsɪpɪtəs/adjective · C1Very steep, or dangerously hasty.
- precise/pɹɪˈsaɪs/adjective · B2Exact, down to the smallest detail.
- precisely/pɹɪˈsaɪs.li/adverb · B1With exact accuracy, down to the smallest detail.
- precision/pɹɪˈsɪʒ.ən/noun · C1Being exact and definite.
- preclude/pɹɪˈkluːd/verb · C1To make something impossible in advance.
- precocious/pɹəˈkəʊʃəs/adjective · C2Developing skills far earlier than is usual.
- preconception/ˌpɹiːkənˈsɛpʃən/noun · C2An idea formed before you knew anything.
- precursor/pɹɪˈkɜː.sə/noun · C1Something that comes before and leads to another.
- predator/ˈpɹɛd.ə.tɚ/noun · C1An animal that hunts other animals for food.
- predecessor/ˈpɹiːdɪsɛsə(ɹ)/noun · C1The one who held the post before you.
- predestinedadjective · C1Fixed by fate long before it happened.
- predetermined/ˈpɹidɪˈtɜːmɪnd/adjective · B2Decided in advance, before anything began.
- predicament/pɹɪˈdɪkəmənt/noun · B2An awkward difficult situation with no easy way out.
- predicate/ˈpɹɛd.ɪ.kət/noun · C1The part of a sentence that says what the subject does.
- predict/pɹɪˈdɪkt/verb · B2To say what will happen before it happens.
- predictable/pɹəˈdɪktəbləl/adjective · B2Easy to know in advance.
- prediction/pɹɪˈdɪkʃən/noun · B2A statement about what will happen.
- predictor/pɹɪˈdɪk.tə/noun · B2+Something that gives a good sign of what is to come.
- predilection/ˌpɹiː.dəˈlɛk.ʃn̩/noun · C2A settled preference for a particular thing.
- predominance/pɹəˈdɒmɪnəns/noun · C1The state of being the strongest or most common.
- predominant/pɹɪˈdɒmɪnənt/adjective · B2+The most common or strongest of its kind.
- predominantly/pɹɪˈdɒmɪnəntli/adverb · C1For the most part, and more than anything else.
- preeminent/pɹiːˈɛmɪnənt/adjective · C2Standing above all others in a field.
- preempt/ˌpɹiːˈɛmpt/verb · C1To act first so as to prevent somebody else.
- preen/pɹiːn/verb · C1To clean and arrange feathers with the beak.
- preface/ˈpɹɛfəs/noun · B2+The author's introductory note to a book.
- prefect/ˈpɹiːfɛkt/noun · B2+An older pupil given some responsibility for others.
- prefer[pɹɪˈfɝ]verb · A1To like one thing more than another.
- preferable/ˈpɹɛf.(ə.)ɹə.b(ə)l/adjective · B2Better, and to be chosen if you can.
- preferably/ˈpɹɛf.ɹəˌbli/adverb · B2If there is a choice, this is the one to pick.
- preference/ˈpɹɛf(ə)ɹ(ə)ns/noun · B2Liking one thing better than another.
- prefix/ˈpɹiːfɪks/noun · B2+Letters added to the front of a word to change its meaning, like un-.
- pregnancy/ˈpɹɛɡnənsi/noun · B2The condition of carrying a baby before birth.
- pregnant/ˈpɹɛɡnənt/adjective · A2Carrying a baby that is not born yet.
- preheat/pɹiːˈhiːt/verb · B1+To warm an oven before the food goes in.
- prehistoric/ˌpɹiː.hɪsˈtoɹ.ɪk/adjective · B2Belonging to the time before written records.
- prehistorynoun · B2+The long stretch of time before anything was written down.
- prejudgeverb · C1To form an opinion before the facts are in.
- prejudice/ˈpɹɛd͡ʒədɪs/noun · C1An unfair opinion formed before knowing the facts.
- prejudice/ˈpɹɛd͡ʒədɪs/noun · B2A judgement formed before the evidence.
- prejudicedadjective · B2Judging people before knowing anything about them.
- prejudicial/ˌprɛdʒʊˈdɪʃl/adjective · C1Likely to damage somebody's case unfairly.
- preliminary/pɹɪˈlɪmɪn(ə)ɹi/adjective · C1Coming first, before the real work.
- prelude/ˈpɹɛljuːd/noun · B2+Something that comes before and leads into the main event.
- premature/ˌpɹɛ.məˈtjʊə/adjective · B2Happening before it should.
- premeditatedadjective · C1Planned carefully in advance.
- premeditation/ˌpɹiː.mɛ.dɪˈteɪ.ʃən/noun · C1The planning of an act, especially a crime, in advance.
- premier/ˈpɹɛm.iː.ə/adjective · C1First in importance or in quality.
- premiere/pɹəˈmɪɚ/noun · B2The first public showing of a film.
- premise/ˈpɹɛm.ɪs/noun · C1The starting assumption an argument is built on.
- premonition/ˌpriːməˈnɪʃən/noun · C1A sense of a future event before it happens.
- prenticenoun · C2A young learner bound to a master of a trade.
- preoccupation/ˌpɹiɑkjʊˈpeɪʃən/noun · C2A matter that fills the mind to the exclusion of others.
- preoccupiedadjective · B2So taken up with one thought that others do not land.
- preoccupy/pɹɪˈɒkjupaɪ/verb · C1To fill somebody's mind so they attend to nothing else.
- prep/pɹɛp/noun · B2The chopping and measuring done before cooking starts.
- prepaid/pɹiːˈpeɪd/adjective · B2+Paid for in advance, before you use it.
- prepaid cardnoun · B2A card loaded with money in advance.
- preparation/ˌpɹɛpəˈɹeɪʃ(ə)n/noun · B2The work of getting ready.
- prepare/pɹɪˈpɛə/verb · A1To make everything ready before something happens.
- preponderance/pɹɪˈpɒndəɹəns/noun · C2The greater weight or number on one side.
- preposition/ˌpɹɛpəˈzɪʃən/noun · B1+A small word showing position or relation, such as in or under.
- preposterous/pɹɪˈpɒstəɹəs/adjective · C1So absurd that it cannot be taken seriously.
- prequel/ˈpɹiːkwəl/noun · B2+A film telling what happened before the earlier one.
- prerecordedadjective · B2+Recorded in advance rather than sent out live.
- prerequisite/pɹiːˈɹɛkwɪzɪt/noun · B2+The course or condition you must complete before you may start another.
- prerogative/pɹɪˈɹɒɡ.ə.tɪv/noun · C1A right belonging to somebody by their position.
- preschoolernoun · B1+A child old enough to play but not yet at school.
- prescribe/pɹɪˈskɹaɪb/verb · B2To order a medicine or a course of treatment.
- prescription/pɹəˈskɹɪp.ʃən/noun · B2The paper from a doctor that lets you buy a particular medicine.
- prescriptive/pɹəˈskɹɪptɪv/adjective · C2Laying down how things ought to be done.
- presence/ˈpɹɛzəns/noun · B2The fact of being in a place, or an impressive manner.
- present/ˈpɹɛz.ənt/noun · B1The time happening right now — not before, not after.
- presentable/pɹəˈzɛntəbəl/adjective · B2Tidy enough to be seen in public.
- presentation/ˌpɹɛzn̩ˈteɪʃn̩/noun · B1+Standing in front of the class and explaining your topic with slides.
- presenter/pɹɪˈzɛntə(ɹ)/noun · B2+The person who introduces and hosts a programme.
- presently/ˈpɹɛzəntli/adverb · C1Soon, or at the moment.
- preservation/ˌpɹɛz.əˈveɪ.ʃən/noun · C1Keeping something safe from decay or loss.
- preservationistnoun · C2Somebody who campaigns to keep old buildings or ways.
- preserve/pɹəˈzɜːv/verb · B2To protect something so it survives unchanged.
- preserve/pɹəˈzɜːv/verb · B2To treat food so that it does not go bad.
- preside/pɹɪˈzaɪd/verb · C1To be in charge of a meeting or an occasion.
- presidency/ˈpɹɛzɪdənsi/noun · C1The office of a head of state, or the time held.
- president/ˈpɹɛz.ɪ.dənt/noun · A2The elected leader of a republic.
- presidential/pɹɛzɪˈdɛnʃ(ə)l/adjective · C1To do with the head of state of a republic.
- press/pɹɛs/noun · B1All the newspapers and journalists, spoken of as one force.
- press/pɹɛs/verb · A2To push firmly on something, like a button.
- press aheadphrase · B2To carry on despite the difficulties.
- press conferencenoun · B2A staged meeting where reporters fire questions at someone.
- press kitnoun · C1The pack of material given to journalists.
- press releasenoun · B2A statement an organisation sends out for journalists to use.
- press studnoun · B2A two-part fastener pressed together to close.
- press-gangverb · C1To force someone into doing a job they never agreed to.
- pressure/ˈpɹɛʃə/noun · A2The pushing force spread over a surface — of air, water, or stress.
- pressurize/ˈpɹɛʃəɹaɪz/verb · C2To raise the pressure inside, or to push somebody hard.
- prestige/pɹɛsˈtiːd͡ʒ/noun · B2+The respect a position or thing commands.
- prestigious/pɹɛˈstɪd͡ʒəs/adjective · C1Widely respected and admired.
- presumably/pɹɪˈzjuːməbli/adverb · C1As one may reasonably suppose, though unconfirmed.
- presume/pɹɪˈzjuːm/verb · B2To take something as true without checking.
- presumption/pɹɪˈzʌmp.ʃən/noun · C1Something believed until it is shown otherwise.
- presumptuous/pɹəˈzʌmp.tʃuː.əs/adjective · C1Taking a liberty you have no right to take.
- presuppose/ˌpɹiːsəˈpəʊz/verb · C2To take something as given before the argument starts.
- presupposition/pɹiː.sʌ.pəˈzɪ.ʃ(ə)n/noun · C2Something an argument takes for granted before starting.
- pretence/ˈpɹiːtɛns/noun · B2+An act put on to deceive.
- pretend/pɹəˈtɛnd/verb · A2To act as if something is true when it is not.
- pretender/pɹɪˈtɛndəɹ/noun · C1Somebody who claims a title they may have no right to.
- pretensionnoun · C1A claim to importance that is not deserved.
- pretentious/pɹɪˈtɛn.ʃəs/adjective · B2+Trying to seem grander or cleverer than you are.
- pretext/ˈpɹiːtɛkst/noun · C1A false reason given to hide the real one.
- pretzel/ˈpɹɛt.səl/noun · B1+The salty baked knot of dough from Germany.
- prevail/pɹɪˈveɪl/verb · C1To win out in the end after a long struggle.
- prevalence/ˈpɹɛvələns/noun · C1How widespread something is.
- prevalent/ˈpɹɛvələnt/adjective · B2+Widespread; found in many places.
- prevaricate/pɹɪˈvaɹɪkeɪt/verb · C2To avoid a straight answer.
- prevent/pɹɪˈvɛnt/verb · A2+To stop something bad before it can happen.
- prevention/pɹɪˈvɛnʃən/noun · C1The stopping of something before it can happen.
- preventive/pɹɪˈvɛntɪv/adjective · B2+Done in advance to stop a problem arising.
- preventive medicinenoun · C1Treatment aimed at stopping illness before it starts.
- previous/ˈpɹi.vi.əs/adjective · B1Coming just before this one.
- previously/ˈpɹiːvi.əsli/adverb · B1Before the time being talked about.
- prey/pɹeɪ/noun · B2The animal being hunted.
- price/ˈpɹaɪ̯s/noun · A1How much money you must give for something.
- price freezenoun · C1An agreement not to raise prices for a period.
- price risenoun · B1An increase in what something costs.
- price tagnoun · A2The little label on an item that tells you its cost.
- prick/pɹɪk/verb · B1To make a tiny hole with something sharp.
- prickle/ˈpɹɪkəl/noun · B2A small sharp point on a leaf or stem.
- pricklyadjective · B2Covered in small sharp points.
- pride/pɹaɪd/noun · A2The warm feeling of having done something worth respect.
- pride of placephrase · C1The best and most prominent position of all.
- priest/ˈpɹiːst/noun · B1A person authorised to lead worship and give rites.
- priestess/ˈpriːstɛs/noun · B2+A woman who performs sacred rites.
- priesthood/ˈpɹiːstˌhʊd/noun · C1The office of a priest, and those who hold it.
- prim/pɹɪm/adjective · C1Stiffly correct and easily shocked.
- primacy/ˈpɹaɪ.mə.si/noun · C1The state of coming first in rank or importance.
- primal/ˈpɹaɪməl/adjective · C1Belonging to the earliest and deepest instincts.
- primarily/ˈpɹaɪ.mə.ɹə.li/adverb · B2Chiefly, and before anything else.
- primary/ˈpɹaɪ.m(ə.)ɹi/noun · B2One of the colours others are mixed from.
- primary school/ˈpɹaɪməɹi skuːl/noun · B1The school children attend from about five to eleven.
- primary sourcenoun · B2Evidence made at the time by someone who was there.
- primate/ˈpɹaɪmeɪt/noun · B2+A member of the group that includes apes and people.
- prime/pɹaɪ̯m/adjective · B2Describing a number divisible only by one and itself.
- prime minister/ˌpɹaɪ(m) ˈmɪnɪstə(ɹ)/noun · B2The head of a government in a parliamentary country.
- prime timenoun · B2The evening hours when the most people are watching.
- primer/ˈpɹaɪ.mə/noun · B2+The first coat, which helps the real paint grip.
- primer/ˈpɹaɪ.mə/noun · C1The base coat that helps make-up stay put.
- primeval/pɹaɪ̯ˈmiː.vəl/adjective · C2Belonging to the earliest ages of the world.
- primeval forestnoun · C1Woodland as it stood in the earliest ages.
- primitive/ˈpɹɪmɪtɪv/adjective · B1+Belonging to an early and undeveloped stage.
- primordial/pɹaɪˈmɔː.di.əl/adjective · C1Belonging to the very earliest times.
- primp/pɹɪmp/verb · C2To fuss over your appearance.
- prince/pɹɪns/noun · A2The son of a king or a queen.
- princelingnoun · C2A young or minor prince.
- princess/pɹɪnˈsɛs/noun · A2The daughter of a king or a queen.
- principal/ˈpɹɪn.sɪ.pəl/noun · B1The boss of a whole school.
- principle/ˈpɹɪn.sɪ.pəl/noun · B2A rule of right conduct you refuse to break.
- principle/ˈpɹɪn.sɪ.pəl/noun · B2A basic truth other reasoning rests on.
- print/pɹɪnt/verb · B2To put words from a computer onto paper with a machine.
- printer/ˈpɹɪntə(ɹ)/noun · A2+The machine that puts what is on your screen onto paper.
- prior/ˈpɹaɪ.ə/adjective · B2Existing or happening before.
- prioritiseverb · B2+To decide what must be dealt with first.
- prioritize/pɹaɪˈɒɹ.ə.taɪz/verb · B2+To rank tasks so the most important comes first.
- priority/pɹaɪˈɒɹɪti/noun · B2The thing that must come before all the others.
- priority boardingnoun · B2The right to get on the aircraft before others.
- priority seatnoun · B1A seat kept for those who most need it.
- prise/pɹaɪz/verb · C2To force something open with a lever.
- prism/ˈpɹɪz(ə)m/noun · B2+The glass triangle that splits white light into its colors.
- prison/ˈpɹɪzn̩/noun · A2The locked building where criminals must live as punishment.
- prison reformnoun · C1The movement to improve how prisoners are treated.
- prisoner/ˈpɹɪzənə/noun · B1A person locked up as punishment.
- prisoner of war/ˈpɹɪz.(ə).nə əv ˈwɔː/noun · B2A soldier captured and held by the enemy.
- prissy/ˈpɹɪsi/adjective · C2Fussily correct and easily shocked.
- pristine/ˈpɹɪstiːn/adjective · C1Perfectly clean and untouched, as if brand new.
- privacy/ˈpɹɪv.ə.si/noun · B2Freedom from being watched or disturbed by others.
- private/ˈpɹaɪ.vɪt/adjective · A2For one person or group only — not for everyone.
- private sectornoun · B2The part of the economy owned by companies and individuals.
- privation/pɹɪˈveɪʃən/noun · C2The hardship of going without what you need.
- privatisationnoun · C1Selling a public service into private hands.
- privilege/ˈpɹɪv.(ɪ.)lɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2A special advantage granted to some and not others.
- privileged/ˈpɹɪv(ɪ)lɪd͡ʒd/adjective · C1Enjoying advantages that most people do not have.
- privily/ˈpɹɪvɪli/adverb · C2Secretly, in old use.
- privy/ˈpɹɪvi/adjective · C1Sharing in a secret with a few others.
- prize/ˈpɹaɪ̯z/noun · A2What you receive for winning — money, a cup, or a medal.
- probability/ˌpɹɒb.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/noun · B2The branch of maths dealing with how likely things are.
- probability/ˌpɹɒb.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/noun · B2How likely something is to be true.
- probably/ˈpɹɒb.ə.bli/adverb · A1Very likely, though not certain.
- probate/ˈpɹəʊbeɪt/noun · C2The legal process of proving a will.
- probation/ˌpɹə(ʊ)ˈbeɪʃən/noun · B2The trial months at a new job before it becomes permanent.
- probation officernoun · B2The official who supervises an offender released early.
- probation periodnoun · B2The first months in a job, before it is confirmed.
- probation reviewnoun · C1The check made before a new job is confirmed.
- probe/pɹəʊb/verb · C1To investigate deeply with questions or instruments.
- probity/ˈpɹəʊbɪti/noun · C2Complete honesty and uprightness.
- problem/ˈpɹɒbləm/noun · A1Something wrong that needs to be solved.
- problem-solvingnoun · B2The skill of working out how to fix things.
- problematic/ˌpɹɒb.ləˈmæt.ɪk/adjective · C1Presenting difficulties that are not easily settled.
- proboscis/pɹə(ʊ)ˈbɒs(k)ɪs/noun · C1The long tube some insects drink through.
- procedural/pɹəˈsiːd͡ʒ(ə)ɹəl/adjective · C2To do with the proper order of steps.
- procedure/pɹəˈsiː.d͡ʒə/noun · B2The settled order of steps for doing something.
- proceed/pɹəˈsiːd/verb · B2The formal word for carrying on or moving forward.
- proceeding/pɹəˈsiːdɪŋ/noun · C1An action taken, especially a step in a court case.
- proceedings/pɹəˈsiːd.ɪŋz/noun · B2The formal steps of a legal case or a meeting.
- proceeds/ˈpɹəʊsiːdz/noun · C1The money taken from a sale or an event.
- process/ˈpɹəʊ.sɛs/noun · A2+A series of steps that leads from start to finish.
- procession/pɹəˈsɛʃən/noun · B2+A line of people walking together in ceremony.
- processor/ˈpɹəʊˌsɛsə(ɹ)/noun · C1The chip that is the thinking brain of every computer.
- proclaim/pɹəʊˈkleɪm/verb · C1To announce something important loudly and officially.
- proclaim/pɹəʊˈkleɪm/verb · B2+To announce something with great confidence.
- proclamation/ˌpɹɑkləˈmeɪʃən/noun · B2+A public official announcement.
- proclivity/pɹəʊˈklɪvɪti/noun · C2A natural leaning towards a way of behaving.
- procrastinate/pɹəʊˈkɹæs.tɪ.neɪt/verb · B2+To keep putting off what you should be doing.
- procrastination/pɹəʊˌkɹæs.tɪˈneɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+Putting off what you know you should do.
- proctor/ˈpɹɒktə(ɹ)/noun · C1Somebody who supervises an examination.
- procure/pɹəˈkjʊə/verb · B2+To obtain something with some effort.
- procurement/pɹəˈkjʊə.mənt/noun · C1The work of buying what an organisation needs.
- prod/pɹɒd/verb · B2+To poke somebody to get their attention.
- prodigal/ˈpɹɒdɪɡəl/adjective · C1Spending money wastefully and without limit.
- prodigious/pɹəˈdɪd͡ʒəs/adjective · C1Remarkably great in size or extent.
- prodigy/ˈpɹɒdɪd͡ʒi/noun · B2+A child with an adult master's talent.
- produce/pɹəˈd͡ʒuːs/verb · B1To make things, especially in large amounts.
- producer/pɹəˈdjuːsə/noun · B1+The person who arranges the money and the schedule.
- product/ˈpɹɒd.əkt/noun · B1A thing that is made to be sold.
- product/ˈpɹɒd.əkt/noun · B2A substance that comes out of a reaction.
- product placementnoun · B2Paying for goods to appear inside a film or show.
- production/pɹəˈdʌkʃən/noun · B1The making of goods, or a staged show.
- production linenoun · B2The arrangement by which goods are made in sequence.
- productive/pɹəˈdʌk.tɪv/adjective · C1Producing a great deal.
- productivity/ˌpɹɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/noun · C1How much useful output your hours actually produce.
- prof/pɹɑf/noun · B1+A university teacher of the highest rank, said informally.
- profane/pɹəˈfeɪn/adjective · C1Showing disrespect for what is sacred.
- profanity/pɹəˈfænɪti/noun · B2+Swearing, or irreverent language.
- profess/pɹəˈfɛs/verb · C1To claim something openly, whether truly or not.
- profession/pɹəˈfɛʃ.ən/noun · B1A job that needs long education, like medicine or law.
- professional/pɹəˈfɛʃ.ə.nəl/adjective · A2+Done as a paid job rather than as a pastime.
- professional developmentnoun · B2Training that keeps your skills current.
- professionalism/pɹəˈfɛʃənəˌlɪzəm/noun · C1The skill and standards expected in a trade.
- professor/pɹəˈfɛs.ə/noun · A2+A senior teacher at a university.
- proffer/ˈpɹɒfə(ɹ)/verb · C2To hold something out for somebody to take.
- proficiency/pɹəˈfɪʃənsi/noun · B2+A good working command of a skill.
- profile/ˈpɹəʊ.faɪl/noun · A2+Your public page on an app — name, photo, and details about you.
- profit/ˈpɹɒfɪt/noun · B1The money a business keeps after paying all its costs.
- profit marginnoun · B2The share of each sale that is left as gain.
- profitability/ˌpɹɒf.ɪ.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/noun · C2How much money a business is able to make.
- profitable/ˈpɹɒf.ɪ.tə.bl̩/adjective · C1Making more money than it costs.
- profligate/ˈpɹɒflɪɡət/adjective · C2Recklessly wasteful of money or resources.
- profound/pɹəˈfaʊnd/adjective · C1Reaching to the very depths — of thought or feeling.
- profuse/pɹəˈfjuːs/adjective · C1Pouring or flowing out so freely that it seems more than enough, as with apologies, thanks, sweat, or blood.
- profusely/pɹəˈfjusli/adverb · C1In such abundance that it streams or pours out unchecked, as with sweat, blood, thanks, or apologies.
- profusion/pɹoʊˈfjuʒən/noun · C1A very great and generous abundance.
- progeny/ˈpɹɒd͡ʒəni/noun · C1The children or young that come from somebody.
- prognosis/pɹɒɡˈnəʊsɪs/noun · C1The doctor's prediction of how an illness will develop.
- program/ˈpɹəʊ̯ˌɡɹæm/noun · A2+A set of instructions a computer follows to do a job.
- programmer/ˈpɹəʊɡɹæmə/noun · B2+A person who writes the code that makes computers do things.
- programming/ˈpɹəʊɡɹəmɪŋ/noun · B2Writing the instructions computers follow.
- progress/ˈpɹəʊ.ɡɹɛs/noun · A2+Steady movement toward something better.
- progression/pɹəˈɡɹɛʃn̩/noun · B2+A steady advance from one stage to the next.
- progressive/pɹəˈɡɹɛsɪv/adjective · B2Advancing in stages, or in favour of reform.
- prohibit/pɹəˈhɪbɪt/verb · B2+To officially forbid something by rule or law.
- prohibition/ˌpɹəʊ(h)ɪˈbɪʃən/noun · C1An official ban on something.
- prohibitive/pɹəˈhɪbɪtɪv/adjective · C1So high in cost that it stops people.
- project/ˈpɹɒd͡ʒ.ɛkt/noun · B1A bigger piece of work that takes days or weeks to finish.
- projectile/pɹə(ʊ)ˈd͡ʒɛktʌɪl/noun · B2+Anything thrown or fired at a target.
- projection/pɹəˈd͡ʒɛkʃən/noun · C1Something that sticks out, or an estimate of the future.
- projector/pɹəˈd͡ʒɛktə/noun · B1+A device that throws an image onto a screen or wall.
- proliferate/pɹəˈlɪf.əɹ.eɪt/verb · C1To increase quickly in number.
- proliferation/pɹəˌlɪf.əˈɹeɪ.ʃən/noun · C2A rapid increase in numbers.
- prolific/pɹəˈlɪf.ɪk/adjective · C1Producing a great deal.
- prologue/ˈpɹəʊlɒɡ/noun · B2+An introduction placed before the main work.
- prolong/pɹəʊˈlɒŋ/verb · C2To make something last longer.
- prolonged/pɹəʊˈlɒŋd/adjective · B2+Going on for longer than usual.
- promenade/ˈpɹɒm.əˌnɑːd/noun · C2The wide walkway along a seafront made for slow evening strolls.
- prominence/ˈpɹɒm.ɪ.nəns/noun · C1The state of standing out and being widely noticed.
- prominent/ˈpɹɑmɪnənt/adjective · C1Standing out where everyone sees it; important and well known.
- promiscuity/ˌpɹɒm.ɪˈskju.ɪ.ti/noun · C1Having many casual sexual partners.
- promiscuous/pɹəˈmɪs.kju.əs/adjective · C1Casual and indiscriminate, especially about sex.
- promise/ˈpɹɒmɪs/verb · A2To say you will surely do something — and mean it.
- promising/ˈpɹɑmɪsɪŋ/adjective · B2Showing signs of turning out well.
- promontory/ˈpɹɒm.ən.tɹi/noun · C2A high point of land jutting into the sea.
- promote/pɹəˈmoʊt/verb · B1+To raise somebody in rank, or to push a product publicly.
- promotion/pɹəˈməʊʃn̩/noun · B2Moving up to a higher position at the same company.
- promotion/pɹəˈməʊʃn̩/noun · B1+A temporary offer meant to lift sales.
- promotion/pɹəˈməʊʃn̩/noun · B2The turning of a lowly piece into a powerful one.
- promotional/pɹəˈmoʊʃənəl/adjective · B2+Done in order to advertise something.
- prompt/pɹɒmpt/adjective · B2Done without any delay.
- promptly/ˈpɹɑmptli/adverb · B2Without any delay.
- prone/pɹəʊn/adjective · C2Naturally tending toward something bad — accidents or colds.
- prong/pɹɒŋ/noun · B2+One of the points of a fork or a spear.
- prong settingnoun · C2Small claws of metal gripping a stone.
- pronoun/ˈpɹəʊ.naʊn/noun · B1+A word standing in for a name, such as she or it.
- pronounce/pɹəˈnaʊns/verb · B1To make the sounds of a word — correctly, with luck.
- pronounced/pɹəˈnaʊnst/adjective · C1Very noticeable indeed.
- pronto/ˈpɹɒntəʊ/adverb · B2An informal word taken from Spanish, tacked onto the end of an order to mean straight away.
- pronunciation/pɹəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/noun · B1+The way a word is spoken aloud.
- proof/pɹuːf/noun · B1The reasoning that shows something must be true.
- proof of deliverynoun · B2A signature showing goods arrived.
- proof of postagenoun · B2The receipt showing you did send it.
- proof of purchasenoun · B2Evidence that you bought something where you say.
- proofread/ˈpɹuːfɹiːd/verb · B2+To read a text hunting for small mistakes before it goes out.
- prop/pɹɒp/noun · C1An object handled by actors during a scene.
- prop up/ˌpɹɒp ˈʌp/phrase · B2To hold something upright, or to keep it from failing.
- propaganda/ˌpɹɒpəˈɡændə/noun · C1One-sided information pumped out to steer what people believe.
- propaganda/ˌpɹɒpəˈɡændə/noun · B2+One-sided material spread to shape belief.
- propane/ˈpɹoʊpeɪn/noun · B2+A colourless gas sold in cylinders as fuel.
- propel/pɹəˈpɛl/verb · B2+To drive something forward with force.
- propeller/pɹəˈpɛl.ə/noun · B2The spinning blades that pull a small aircraft along.
- propensity/pɹəˈpɛnsɪti/noun · C1A natural tendency to behave in a certain way.
- proper/ˈpɹɒpə/adjective · B1Right and suitable for the situation, the accepted way.
- properly/ˈpɹɒpəli/adverb · B1In the correct and complete way.
- property/ˈpɹɒp.ə.ti/noun · C1A quality that belongs to a substance or thing.
- property/ˈpɹɒp.ə.ti/noun · B1Land and buildings owned, or anything you own.
- prophecy/ˈpɹɒfɪsi/noun · B2+A statement about what a god will bring to pass.
- prophet/ˈpɹɒf.ɪt/noun · B2A person believed to speak the words of a god.
- prophetic/pɹəˈfɛtɪk/adjective · C1Turning out to have foretold what happened.
- propitiate/ˌpɹəˈpɪʃieɪt/verb · C2To win back the goodwill of somebody offended.
- propitious/pɹəˈpɪʃəs/adjective · C2Offering good conditions for success.
- proponent/pɹəˈpəʊnənt/noun · B2+Somebody who argues in favour of an idea.
- proportion/pɹəˈpɔɹʃən/noun · B2One part measured against the whole.
- proportionaladjective · C2Changing in step with something else.
- proportionate/pɹəˈpɔːʃənət/adjective · B2Matching in size or amount to something else, so it stays fair.
- proposal/pɹəˈpoʊzəl/noun · B2A plan put forward for others to consider.
- propose/pɹəˈpəʊz/verb · B2To suggest a plan formally; also, to ask someone to marry you.
- proposition/ˌpɹɑpəˈzɪʃən/noun · C1A statement that is either true or false.
- proprietary/pɹəˈpɹaɪ.ə.tə.ɹi/adjective · C2Owned by a company and protected from copying.
- proprietor/pɹəˈpɹaɪətɚ/noun · B2+The owner of a business.
- propriety/pɹəˈpɹaɪəti/noun · C1Correct behaviour according to accepted standards.
- propulsion/pɹəˈpʌlʃən/noun · C1The driving of a craft forward by engine thrust, as jets and rockets provide.
- pros and consphrase · B2The points for and against a decision.
- prosaic/pɹəʊˈzeɪ.ɪk/adjective · C1Plain and dull, with nothing imaginative about it.
- proscribe/pɹəˈskɹaɪb/verb · C2To forbid something by official order.
- proscription/pɹəˈskɹɪp.ʃən/noun · C2An official forbidding of something.
- prose/ˈpɹəʊz/noun · B2+Ordinary flowing writing — everything that is not verse.
- prosecute/ˈpɹɒsɪkjuːt/verb · C1To bring somebody to court and argue against them.
- prosecution/ˌpɹɒs.ɪˈkjuː.ʃən/noun · B2The bringing of a criminal charge in court.
- prosecutor/ˈpɹɑ.səˌkjuːˌtəɹ/noun · B2The lawyer who argues that the accused is guilty.
- prospect/ˈpɹɒspɛkt/noun · B2The chance of something happening in the future.
- prospectingnoun · C1Searching land for valuable minerals.
- prospective/pɹəˈspɛktɪv/adjective · C1Expected or likely in the future.
- prospector/pɹəˈspɛktə/noun · C1Somebody searching land for gold or minerals.
- prospects/ˈpɹɒspɛkts/noun · B2The chances somebody has of doing well in future.
- prosper/ˈpɹɒspə(ɹ)/verb · B2+To grow successful and wealthy.
- prosperity/pɹɑˈspɛɹ.ɪ.ti/noun · C1The state of doing well and having plenty.
- prosperous/ˈpɹɑs.pə.ɹəs/adjective · C1Successful and comfortably rich.
- prosthetic/ˌpɹɒsˈθɛtɪk/noun · B2+An artificial replacement for a missing body part.
- prostitute/ˈpɹɒstɪˌtjuːt/noun · B2Somebody who sells sexual services.
- prostitution/ˌprɒstɪˈt͡ʃuːʃn/noun · B2+The selling of sexual services.
- prostrate/ˈpɹɒstɹeɪt/adjective · C2Lying face down, or completely overcome.
- protagonist/pɹəˈtæɡ.ə.nɪst/noun · C1The central figure a story follows.
- protect/pɹəˈtɛkt/verb · A2To keep someone or something safe from harm.
- protection/pɹəˈtɛkʃn̩/noun · B1The keeping of somebody or something safe from harm.
- protective/pɹəˈtɛk.tɪv/adjective · B2Wanting or acting to keep somebody safe.
- protective gearnoun · B2Clothing and equipment worn to prevent injury.
- protector/pɹəˈtɛktɚ/noun · B1+Somebody who keeps another from harm.
- protein/ˈpɹəʊ.ti.ɪn/noun · B2The building material in meat, eggs, and beans that muscles are made of.
- protest/ˈpɹəʊ.tɛst/noun · B1+A public gathering to show anger at something unfair.
- protest/ˈpɹəʊ.tɛst/verb · B1+To say strongly that something is wrong.
- protester/pɹəˈtɛstəɹ/noun · B2+Somebody who publicly objects to something.
- protocol/ˈpɹəʊtəˌkɒl/noun · C1The agreed rules two machines follow to talk.
- protocol/ˈpɹəʊtəˌkɒl/noun · C1The agreed steps to follow when something happens.
- proton/ˈpɹəʊ.tɒn/noun · B1+A positive particle in the middle of an atom.
- prototype/ˈpɹəʊtətaɪp/noun · B2+An early working version made to test an idea.
- protract/pɹəˈtɹakt/verb · C2To draw something out longer than it need be.
- protractor/pɹəˈtɹæktə(ɹ)/noun · B1+The half-circle tool for measuring angles in geometry.
- protrude/pɹəˈtɹuːd/verb · C2To stick out beyond a surface.
- protrusion/pɹəˈtɹuːʒən/noun · C2A part that sticks out.
- protuberance/pɹəˈtjuː.bə.ɹəns/noun · C2A lump that sticks out from a surface.
- proud/ˈpɹaʊ̯d/adjective · A2Feeling good about something you or your family did well.
- prove/ˈpɹuːv/verb · B1To show with facts that something is definitely true.
- prove/ˈpɹuːv/verb · C1Of bread dough, to be left in a warm place so the yeast makes it rise before baking.
- provenance/ˈpɹɒ.və.nəns/noun · C1The record of where something came from.
- provenance gapnoun · C2A missing stretch in an object's ownership history.
- provender/ˈpɹɒvɪndə/noun · C2Food, especially dry fodder for animals.
- proverb/ˈpɹɒvɜːb/noun · B1+An old short saying carrying folk wisdom.
- proverbial/pɹəˈvɜɹb.iː.əl/adjective · C2Well known from a common saying.
- provide/pɹəˈvaɪd/verb · A2+To give people what they need.
- provide forphrase · B2To supply somebody with what they need to live.
- providence/ˈpɹɒvɪdəns/noun · C1Care believed to be exercised by a higher power.
- province/ˈpɹɒv.ɪns/noun · C1A large region of a country with its own administration.
- provincial/pɹəˈvɪn(t)ʃəl/adjective · C1Of the regions rather than the capital, or narrow in outlook.
- provision/pɹəˈvɪʒ.ən/noun · C1The supplying of something, or a term in an agreement.
- provision/pɹəˈvɪʒ.ən/noun · B2+What is supplied to meet a need.
- provisional/pɹəˈvɪʒənəl/adjective · B2+Arranged for now, and open to change.
- proviso/pɹəˈvaɪzoʊ/noun · C1A condition attached to an agreement.
- provocation/ˌpɹɑvəˈkeɪʃən/noun · C1Something done deliberately to make somebody angry.
- provocative/pɹəˈvɒk.ə.tɪv/adjective · C1Meant to stir up strong feeling or argument.
- provoke/pɹəˈvəʊk/verb · B2To deliberately stir someone into anger or action.
- prow/pɹaʊ/noun · C1The pointed front of a ship.
- prowess/ˈpɹaʊɪs/noun · B2+Outstanding skill or bravery.
- prowl/pɹaʊl/verb · C1To move about quietly, hunting or watching.
- proximity/pɹɒkˈsɪm.ɪ.ti/noun · B2+Nearness in space or time.
- proxy/ˈpɹɒk.si/noun · C1Someone who votes on your behalf.
- proxy servernoun · C1A machine that fetches things on your behalf.
- prudence/ˈpɹuːd(ə)n(t)s/noun · C1Careful good sense in avoiding risk.
- prudent/ˈpɹuː.dənt/adjective · C1Carefully wise about risks, especially with money.
- prune/pɹuːn/noun · B1+A dried plum, famous for helping digestion.
- prune/pɹuːn/verb · B2To cut branches back so a plant grows better.
- prurient/ˈpɹʊəɹ.i.ənt/adjective · C2Taking an unhealthy interest in sexual matters.
- pry/pɹaɪ/verb · B2To force something open with a bar or blade.
- psalm/sɑːm/noun · C1A sacred song from the Hebrew scriptures.
- pseudonym/ˈs(j)uː.də(ʊ).nɪm/noun · B2+A false name used by a writer.
- psyche/ˈsaɪ.ki/noun · C1The mind and spirit of a person.
- psychiatric/ˌsaɪ.kiˈæt.ɹɪk/adjective · C1To do with the treatment of mental illness.
- psychiatrist/ˌsaɪˈkaɪ.ə.tɹɪst/noun · B2A doctor who treats mental illness.
- psychiatry/saɪˈkaɪ.əˌtɹi/noun · B2+The branch of medicine that treats mental illness.
- psychological/ˌsaɪ.kəˈlɒd͡ʒ.ɪ.kl̩/adjective · B2To do with the mind and how it works.
- psychologist/ˌsaɪˈkɑl.ə.d͡ʒɪst/noun · B2+The professional who studies the mind and helps people with their feelings.
- psychology/saɪˈkɒl.ə.d͡ʒɪ/noun · B1+The science of the mind and why people behave as they do.
- psychosis/saɪˈkəʊsɪs/noun · B2+A severe mental illness that breaks contact with reality.
- psychotherapy/ˌsaɪkoʊˈθɛɹəpi/noun · B2+Longer treatment that works on patterns of thought and feeling.
- psychotic/ˌsaɪˈkɒtɪk/adjective · C2Suffering a break from reality; wildly deranged.
- pterodactylnoun · C2A flying reptile of the dinosaur age, with wings of skin.
- pterosaur/ˈtɛɹəˌsɔɹ/noun · B2A flying reptile of the age of the great lizards.
- pub/pʌb/noun · A2+A house licensed to serve beer to the public.
- puberty/ˈpjuː.bə.ti/noun · B2+The years when the body changes into an adult one.
- pubic/ˈpjuːbɪk/adjective · B2+Relating to the hair-bearing area just above the genitals.
- public/ˈpʌb.lɪk/adjective · A2Open to all people, not just to some.
- public sectornoun · B2The part of the economy run by the state.
- public transportnoun · B1Buses and trains that anybody may pay to use.
- publication/ˌpʌblɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/noun · B2+The issuing of a work, or the work itself.
- publicise/ˈpʌblɪ(ˌ)saɪz/verb · B2+To make something widely known.
- publicistnoun · C1Somebody whose job is getting attention for a client.
- publicity/pʌbˈlɪsɪti/noun · B2Public attention deliberately attracted to someone or something.
- publish/ˈpʌblɪʃ/verb · B1+To print or post something so the public can read it.
- publisher/ˈpʌblɪʃɚ/noun · B1+The company that produces and sells a book or paper.
- publishing/ˈpʌblɪʃɪŋ/noun · B2The business of producing books and papers.
- pucker/ˈpʌkə(ɹ)/verb · C1To draw into small tight folds.
- pudding/ˈpʊdɪŋ/noun · B1A soft sweet dessert that wobbles on the spoon.
- puddle/ˈpʌdəl/noun · B1The small pool of rainwater on the street that children love to jump in.
- pudgy/ˈpʌd͡ʒi/adjective · C1Short and rather fat.
- puerile/ˈpjʊə.ɹaɪl/adjective · C2Childish in a silly way.
- puerto riconoun · B2Spanish-speaking Caribbean island that is a US territory.
- puff/pʌf/noun · B1A short burst of air, smoke or breath.
- puff upphrase · C1To swell out, or to make somebody conceited.
- pufferfish/ˈpʌfɚˌfɪʃ/noun · B2The fish that blows itself into a spiky balloon when scared.
- puffin/ˈpʌfɪn/noun · B2+A small sea bird with a bright striped beak.
- puffy/ˈpʌfi/adjective · B1+Swollen and soft-looking.
- pugnacious/pʌɡˈneɪ.ʃəs/adjective · C2Always ready for a fight.
- puissance/ˈpjuːɪ.s(ə)ns/noun · C2Great power or influence, in old use.
- puissant/ˈpwɪs(ə)nt/adjective · C2Powerful and mighty, in old use.
- pull/pʊl/verb · A2To hold something and move it toward you.
- pull buoynoun · C1A float held between the legs to work the arms.
- pull offphrase · C1To succeed at something difficult.
- pull outphrase · B2To withdraw from a deal, race, or agreement.
- pull out all the stops/ˈpʊl‿aʊt‿ɔːl ðə ˈstɒps/phrase · C1To make every possible effort.
- pull overphrase · B2To steer to the roadside and stop the car.
- pull requestnoun · C1A proposal to merge your changes into the main line.
- pull someone's legphrase · B2To tease someone by making them believe a joke.
- pull stringsphrase · C1To use private influence to get something arranged.
- pull throughphrase · B2To survive a serious illness or crisis.
- pull yourself togetherphrase · B2To force yourself calm after falling apart.
- pulley/ˈpʊli/noun · B2+A wheel and rope that let one person lift a great weight.
- pulmonary/ˈpʌl.məˌnɛ.ɹi/adjective · C1To do with the lungs.
- pulp/pʌlp/noun · B2Soft wet mass, especially of crushed fruit or wood.
- pulpit/ˈpʊlpɪt/noun · B2+The raised stand a preacher speaks from.
- pulsate/pʌlˈseɪt/verb · B2To throb with a steady beat.
- pulse/pʌls/noun · B1The regular beat you can feel in your wrist or neck.
- pulse ratenoun · B2How many times a heart beats in a minute.
- pumice/ˈpʌm.ɪs/noun · B2+A light frothy volcanic rock that floats.
- pummel/ˈpʌməl/verb · C1To hit repeatedly with the fists.
- pump/pʌmp/noun · A2+The device for forcing air into a tyre.
- pumpkin/ˈpʌmpkɪn/noun · A2The big round orange vegetable people carve faces into.
- pun/pʌn/noun · B2+A joke built on a word with two meanings.
- punch/pʌnt͡ʃ/verb · B1To hit hard with a closed fist.
- punchlinenoun · B2+The last line of a joke, where the laugh is.
- punctilious/pʌŋkˈtɪli.əs/adjective · C2Attending exactly to every small point of correctness.
- punctual/ˈpʌŋktjʊəl/adjective · B2Never arriving even a minute after the agreed hour.
- punctuality/pʌŋktjʊˈæləti/noun · B2+The habit of arriving exactly on time.
- punctuate/ˈpʰʌŋktjuːeɪt/verb · C1To break something up at intervals.
- punctuation/ˌpʌŋk.t͡ʃuˈeɪ.ʃən/noun · B1+The dots, commas, and marks that organize written sentences.
- puncture/ˈpʌŋktʃə/noun · B1+The small hole that lets all the air out of a wheel.
- pundit/pɐɳ.ɖɪt̪/noun · C1An expert who comments publicly on their subject.
- pungency/ˈpʌnd͡ʒənsi/noun · C1Sharpness of smell, taste or wit.
- pungent/ˈpʌnd͡ʒənt/adjective · C1With a sharp, strong smell or taste that stings the nose.
- punish/ˈpʌnɪʃ/verb · B1To make someone suffer a penalty for doing wrong.
- punishable/ˈpʌnɪʃəbəl/adjective · B2Of a kind the law will punish.
- punishment/ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/noun · B1What is done to somebody for breaking a rule.
- punitive/ˈpju.nɪ.tɪv/adjective · C2Meant as a punishment, or harshly severe.
- punk/ˈpʌŋk/noun · B2A rough style of music and dress from the late seventies.
- punnet/ˈpʌnɪt/noun · C1A small light basket for soft fruit.
- puny/ˈpjuːni/adjective · B2+Small and weak.
- pup/pʌp/noun · B1A young dog, seal or wolf.
- pupa/ˈpjuːpə/noun · B2+The still, sealed stage in which a larva becomes an adult.
- pupil/ˈpjuːpəl/noun · B1+The black circle in the middle of your eye that grows in the dark.
- puppet/ˈpʌpɪt/noun · B1A figure worked by hand or by strings.
- puppeteer/ˌpʌpɪˈtɪə/noun · B2+Somebody who works puppets.
- puppy/ˈpʌpi/noun · B1A young dog.
- purblind/ˈpɜːblaɪnd/adjective · C2Half blind, or slow to see the point.
- purchase ordernoun · B2The document authorising a supplier to be paid.
- pure/ˈpjʊə/adjective · B2With nothing else mixed in — one hundred percent itself.
- purely/ˈpjʊəli/adverb · B2Only and entirely for that reason.
- purge/pɜːd͡ʒ/noun · B2+A violent removal of unwanted people from a group.
- purification tabletnoun · C1A tablet that makes wild water safe to drink.
- purify/ˈpjʊəɹɪfaɪ/verb · B2+To make something clean and free of what does not belong.
- purist/ˈpjʊəɹɪst/noun · C1Somebody who insists on strict traditional correctness.
- puritanical/pjʊəɹ.ɪˈtæn.ɪ.kəl/adjective · C2Strict and disapproving about pleasure.
- purity/ˈpjʊəɹɪti/noun · C1The state of being clean and unmixed.
- purity/ˈpjʊəɹɪti/noun · B2How free a substance is of anything else.
- purl/pɜːl/noun · C2A stitch that makes a ridge on the front of knitting.
- purple/ˈpɜː.pl̩/noun · A1The color you get when you mix red and blue.
- purport/pəˈpɔːt/verb · C1To claim to be something, perhaps falsely.
- purpose/ˈpɜːpəs/noun · A2The reason something exists or is done — its point.
- purposeful/ˈpɜː.pəs.fəl/adjective · B2+Showing that you know exactly what you mean to do.
- purr/pɜː/verb · A2+To make the low rumbling sound of a contented cat.
- purse/pɜːs/noun · B1A small bag for carrying money and cards, often a woman's.
- purse your lipsphrase · C1To press the lips together in disapproval.
- purser/ˈpɝsɚ/noun · C1The senior cabin crew member on a flight.
- pursue/pəˈsjuː/verb · B2To chase after a goal, career, or fleeing suspect.
- pursuit/pəˈsjuːt/noun · B2The chasing of somebody, or an activity you follow.
- purveyor/pə(ː)ˈveɪə/noun · C1Somebody who supplies goods as a trade.
- push/pʊʃ/verb · A2To press something so it moves away from you.
- push aroundphrase · B2To treat somebody roughly and give them orders.
- push the envelope/ˌpʊʃ ðiː ˈɛnvələʊp/phrase · C1To go past the usual limits of what is done.
- pushchair/ˈpʊʃ.t͡ʃɛə(ɹ)/noun · B1The folding seat a small child is pushed in.
- pushy/ˈpʊʃ.i/adjective · B2Aggressively determined to get your own way.
- pusillanimous/ˌpjuːsɪlˈænɪməs/adjective · C2Cowardly and lacking any spirit.
- put/pʊt/verb · A1To move something onto a spot and leave it there.
- put acrossphrase · B2To express an idea so others take it in.
- put awayphrase · A2To return things to their proper place.
- put backphrase · A2To return a thing to where it was.
- put downphrase · B1To place something on a surface; also, to insult someone.
- put down tophrase · B2To explain something as being caused by.
- put forwardphrase · B2To offer an idea or name for consideration.
- put inphrase · B2To spend time or effort on something.
- put offphrase · B1To move something to a later time, again and again.
- put on/ˌpʊt ˈɒn/phrase · A1To get dressed in a piece of clothing.
- put something in perspectivephrase · B2To see how much a thing really matters beside others.
- put togetherphrase · B1To assemble something from its parts.
- put two and two togetherphrase · C1To work out the truth from the clues you have.
- put up withphrase · B2To accept something annoying without complaining.
- put your feet upphrase · B2To sit back and rest properly.
- put your foot in itphrase · C1To say something that causes embarrassment.
- putrid/ˈpjuː.tɹɪd/adjective · C1Rotten, and smelling of decay.
- putt/pʌt/verb · B2+To hit a golf ball gently along the green.
- putty/ˈpʌti/noun · B2A soft paste that hardens, once used to fix glass in frames.
- puzzle/ˈpʌzəl/noun · B2A picture cut into many little pieces that you fit back together.
- puzzle outphrase · B2To work something out by hard thought.
- puzzle overphrase · B2To think hard about something you cannot make sense of.
- pyramid/ˈpɪɹ.ə.mɪd/noun · A2+A solid shape with a square base and triangle sides meeting at a point.
- pyre/ˈpaɪɚ/noun · C2A pile of wood built to burn a body on.
- qatarnoun · B1+The small rich Gulf country that hosted a World Cup in the desert.
- quack/kwæk/noun · B2Somebody who falsely claims medical skill.
- quad bike/ˈkwɑd ˌbaɪk/noun · B2A four-wheeled off-road machine you sit astride.
- quadrant/ˈkwɒd.ɹənt/noun · B2+A quarter of a circle, or one of four sections.
- quadrupedal/ˌkwɑdɹəˈpiːdəl/adjective · C1Walking on four legs.
- quaff/kwɒf/verb · C2To drink deeply and with enjoyment.
- quagmire/ˈkwæɡ.maɪə(ɹ)/noun · C1Soft boggy ground, or a mess you cannot get out of.
- quail/kweɪl/noun · B2+A tiny round game bird, and its small speckled eggs.
- quaint/kweɪnt/adjective · C1Charmingly old-fashioned.
- quake/kweɪk/verb · B1+To shake, from fear or from movement of the ground.
- qualification/ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/noun · B2+The official paper or skill that proves you can do a job.
- qualify/ˈkwɒl.ɪ.faɪ/verb · B1+To earn the right to enter or do something.
- qualitative/ˈkwɒl.ɪ.tə.tɪv/adjective · C2Describing qualities — interviews and observations, not numbers.
- quality/ˈkwɒlɪti/noun · A2+How good or bad something is made.
- quality controlnoun · B2Checking that goods meet the required standard.
- qualm/kwɑːm/noun · C2A small doubt about whether something is right.
- quandary/ˈkwɒn.də.ɹi/noun · C1A state of not knowing which way to choose.
- quantify/ˈkwɒn.tɪˌfaɪ/verb · C1To express something as a number.
- quantitative/ˈkwɒntɪtətɪv/adjective · C1Measured in numbers and statistics.
- quantity/ˈkwɒn.tɪ.ti/noun · B1+A measurable number or bulk of something.
- quantum/ˈkwɒntəm/adjective · C1Belonging to the strange physics of the very smallest things.
- quarantine/ˈkwɔɹ.ən.tin/noun · B2+Staying separated from everyone so an illness cannot spread.
- quarrelsome/ˈkwɒɹəlsəm/adjective · B2+Always ready to argue.
- quarry/ˈkwɒɹ.i/noun · B2+The pit where stone is cut out of the ground.
- quart/kwɔːt/noun · B2A liquid measure of two pints.
- quarter/ˈk(w)ɔːtə/noun · A1Fifteen minutes — one fourth of an hour.
- quarter hournoun · A2A period of fifteen minutes.
- quarterlyadjective · B2+Happening once every three months.
- quartermaster/ˈk(w)ɔɹtɚˌmæstɚ/noun · C1The officer in charge of supplies.
- quarterstaff/ˈkwɔɹtəɹˌstæf/noun · C2A long stout pole used as a weapon.
- quartet/kwɔː(ɹ)ˈtɛt/noun · B2+A group of four performers, or a piece for them.
- quartz/k(w)ɔːts/noun · B2+A hard glassy mineral found in most rocks.
- quartzite/ˈk(w)ɔːtˌsaɪt/noun · C2A very hard rock formed from pressed sandstone.
- quash/kwɒʃ/verb · C1To put down a rebellion, or to set a verdict aside.
- quaver/ˈkweɪvə(ɹ)/noun · C2A trembling in the voice.
- quay/kiː/noun · B2+The solid landing place ships tie up against.
- queasy/ˈkwiː.zi/adjective · B2+Feeling slightly sick, or uneasy about something.
- queen/kwiːn/noun · A2The woman who wears the crown of a country.
- queen/kwiːn/noun · B1The most powerful piece on the board.
- queen beenoun · B1The single egg-laying female a colony is built around.
- queer/kwɪə/adjective · B2Strange or odd, in older use.
- quell/kwɛl/verb · C1To put an end to a rebellion or a fear.
- quench/kwɛnt͡ʃ/verb · B2+To satisfy a thirst, or to put a fire out.
- querulous/ˈkwɛɹ(j)ʊləs/adjective · C2Complaining in a whining tone.
- query/ˈkwɪə.ɹi/noun · C1A request asking a database for particular records.
- quest/kwɛst/noun · C1A long journey undertaken to find or achieve something.
- question/ˈkwɛs.tʃən/noun · A1What you ask when you want to know something.
- question mark/ˈkwɛstʃ(ə)n ˌmɑːk/noun · B1The sign written at the end of a question.
- questionnaire/ˌk(w)ɛstʃəˈnɛə/noun · B2+The printed list of questions in a survey.
- queue/kjuː/noun · B1+The row of people waiting one behind another.
- queue upphrase · B1To stand in line waiting your turn.
- quibble/ˈkwɪbəl/noun · C1A petty objection about something trivial.
- quiche/kiːʃ/noun · B1+A savoury tart of eggs and cream baked in pastry.
- quick-wittedadjective · B2Fast to understand and to respond.
- quickie/ˈkwɪki/noun · B2+A brief, informal thing squeezed into very little time, such as a fast drink, a short chat, or a speedy divorce.
- quicksand/ˈkwɪkˌsænd/noun · B2Wet loose sand that swallows whatever steps on it.
- quickstepnoun · B2+A brisk light-footed ballroom dance.
- quiescent/kwaɪˈɛsənt/adjective · C2Quiet and inactive for the time being.
- quiet/ˈkwaɪ̯.ət/adjective · A1Making very little sound.
- quill/kwɪl/noun · B2+A stiff feather, once cut and used for writing.
- quilt/ˈkwɪlt/noun · B1+A thick padded bed covering.
- quiltedadjective · B2+Padded with a layer of stuffing held by stitching.
- quiltingnoun · B2+Stitching that holds padding between two layers.
- quinoa/ˈkiːn.wɑː/noun · B2+A tiny South American seed cooked like a grain.
- quintain/ˈkwɪntɪn/noun · C2A target set up for knights to charge at in practice.
- quintessence/kwɪnˈtɛs.əns/noun · C2The purest and most typical form of something.
- quintessential/ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl/adjective · C1Showing a quality in its purest form.
- quintet/kwɪnˈtɛt/noun · B2+A group of five performers.
- quip/kwɪp/noun · C1A quick witty remark.
- quirk/kwɜːk/noun · C1A small odd habit that makes someone who they are.
- quit/kwɪt/verb · A2To leave your job because you choose to.
- quite/kwaɪt/adverb · A1To a fairly large degree, but not completely.
- quiver/ˈkwɪvə/noun · C2A slight rapid trembling.
- quixotic/kwɪkˈsɒtɪk/adjective · C2Nobly idealistic, and hopelessly impractical.
- quiz/kwɪz/noun · A2+A short, quick test of what you know.
- quizzical/ˈkwɪzɪkəl/adjective · C1Showing mild puzzled amusement.
- quorum/ˈkwɔː.ɹəm/noun · C1The smallest number who must attend for a decision to count.
- quota/ˈkwəʊ.tə/noun · C1The fixed amount you must reach or may not pass.
- quotation/kwoʊˈteɪʃn̩/noun · B2+A stated price for doing a particular job.
- quote/kwəʊt/verb · B1To repeat someone's exact words, giving them the credit.
- quote/kwəʊt/noun · B2A stated price for doing a repair.
- quotient/ˈkwəʊʃənt/noun · C1The result of dividing one number by another.
- rabbi/ˈɹæ.baɪ/noun · B2A Jewish teacher and leader of a congregation.
- rabbit/ˈɹæbɪt/noun · A1A jumping animal with long ears that eats carrots.
- rabble/ˈɹæbəl/noun · C1A disorderly crowd, spoken of with contempt.
- rabid/ˈɹæbɪd/adjective · B2+Carrying the disease of madness, or fanatical.
- rabies/ˈɹeɪ.biːz/noun · B2A deadly viral disease passed on by an animal bite.
- raccoon/ɹəˈkuːn/noun · B1+The masked grey animal that raids bins at night in North America.
- race/ɹeɪs/noun · A2A competition to find out who is the fastest.
- racer/ˈɹeɪ.sə/noun · B1Somebody or something built to go fast in competition.
- racetrack/ˈɹeɪsˌtɹæk/noun · B1+The course on which races are run.
- racial/ˈɹeɪʃəl/adjective · B2To do with the different races of people.
- racism/ˈɹeɪsɪzm̩/noun · B2Prejudice based on somebody's race.
- racist/ˈɹeɪ.sɪst/adjective · B2Showing prejudice based on race.
- rack/ɹæk/noun · B2A frame of bars for holding plates or cooling cakes.
- rack your brainsphrase · C1To search your memory hard for something.
- racket/ˈɹækɪt/noun · B1The stringed thing with a handle you hit the ball with over a net.
- rackingnoun · C1The shelving system a warehouse stores goods on.
- radar/ˈɹeɪdɑː/noun · B2A system that finds distant objects by bouncing radio waves off them.
- radiance/ˈɹeɪdi.əns/noun · C1A warm steady shining outward.
- radiant/ˈɹeɪ.di.ənt/adjective · B2Glowing brightly with light or happiness.
- radiate/ˈɹeɪdieɪt/verb · B2+To send out rays of heat, light, or confidence in all directions.
- radiation/ˌɹeɪ.diˈeɪ.ʃən/noun · B2Invisible energy rays, some useful in hospitals and some deadly.
- radiator/ˈrædɪeɪ̯tə/noun · B2The ridged metal panel on the wall that heats the room.
- radiator grillenoun · C1The slotted panel at the front that lets air to the cooling water.
- radical/ˈɹædɪkəl/adjective · C1Going to the very root — change or opinions of the extreme kind.
- radicalism/ˈradɪkəlɪz(ə)m/noun · B2+Belief in sweeping and fundamental change.
- radio/ˈɹeɪ.diˌəʊ/noun · A1The box that plays music, talk, and news through the air — sound only.
- radioactive/ˌɹeɪdiəʊˈaktɪv/adjective · B1+Giving off energy as its atoms break down.
- radioactivity/ˌreɪdɪəʊakˈtɪvɪti/noun · B2+The property of unstable atomic nuclei that makes them decay and throw off particles and rays.
- radiographernoun · C1The technician who takes images inside the body.
- radiology/ˌɹeɪdiˈɒlədʒi/noun · C1The branch of medicine that uses images of the inside of the body.
- radish/ˈɹad.ɪʃ/noun · B1+A small peppery red root eaten raw.
- radius/ˈɹeɪ.di.əs/noun · B2The line from a circle's center to its edge — half the width.
- raffle/ˈɹæfl̩/noun · B2A draw in which numbered tickets win prizes.
- raft/ɹɑːft/noun · B1A flat floating platform of logs or planks.
- rafter/ˈɹɑːftəː/noun · B2+One of the sloping beams that carries a roof.
- rag/ɹæɡ/noun · B1A torn piece of old cloth, kept for cleaning or wiping rather than for wearing.
- rage/ɹeɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2Anger so hot that a person can barely think.
- ragged/ˈɹæɡɪd/adjective · B2Old, torn, and hanging in strips.
- raging/ˈɹeɪd͡ʒɪŋ/adjective · B2Violently strong, or furious with anger.
- raid/ɹeɪd/noun · B2A sudden surprise entry by police or soldiers.
- rail/ɹeɪ(ə)l/noun · B2One of the steel bars a train's wheels run on.
- rail againstphrase · C1To complain bitterly and at length about something.
- railcardnoun · B1A card that gets you cheaper train fares.
- railing/ˈɹeɪlɪŋ/noun · B1+A fence of upright metal bars.
- railway/ˈɹeɪlˌweɪ/noun · B1+The metal track a train runs on, and the company that runs it.
- raiment/ˈɹeɪ.mənt/noun · C2Clothing, in poetic or old use.
- rain/ˈɹeɪn/noun · A1Water falling in drops from the sky.
- rain gaugenoun · B2A container that measures how much rain has fallen.
- rain on someone's paradephrase · C1To spoil somebody's enjoyment of their moment.
- rainbow/ˈɹeɪnboʊ/noun · A2The band of seven colors in the sky after rain.
- raincoat/ˈɹeɪnkoʊt/noun · A2+The waterproof thing you wear when the sky is crying.
- raindrop/ˈɹeɪndɹɒp/noun · A2+A single falling bead of water from the clouds.
- rainfallnoun · B1+The amount of water that falls from the sky in a place.
- rainforest/ˈɹeɪn.fɒɹ.ɪst/noun · B1+The tall wet tropical forest that holds half the world's species.
- raining cats and dogsphrase · B1Pouring with very heavy rain.
- rainstorm/ˈɹeɪnstɔːm/noun · B2A storm bringing heavy rain.
- rainy/ˈɹeɪni/adjective · A1With lots of water falling from the sky.
- raise/ɹeɪz/verb · A2To care for children until they are grown.
- raise/ɹeɪz/noun · B1The happy moment your pay goes up.
- raise a familyphrase · B1To have children and bring them up.
- raise a questionphrase · B2To bring a matter up for consideration.
- raise an eyebrowphrase · B2To lift one brow in doubt or surprise.
- raise awarenessphrase · B2To make more people know about something.
- raise moneyphrase · B1To collect funds for a purpose.
- raise the barphrase · B2To set a higher standard than before.
- raisin/ˈɹeɪzən/noun · A2+A dried grape, sweet and wrinkled.
- rake/ɹeɪk/noun · B1The long-toothed garden tool for gathering fallen leaves.
- rally/ˈɹæli/noun · B2One long exchange of shots before a point is won.
- rally/ˈɹæli/noun · B2A large meeting held to build support.
- ram/ɹæm/noun · B2A male sheep, with heavy curled horns.
- ramble/ˈɹæmbəl/verb · C1To walk for pleasure through the countryside.
- ramble/ˈɹæmbəl/verb · B2+To talk on and on without getting anywhere.
- rambling/ˈɹæm.blɪŋ/adjective · B2+Wandering on with no clear direction.
- rambunctious/ɹæmˈbʌŋ(k)ʃəs/adjective · C1Boisterous and hard to control.
- ramekin/ˈɹæm(ɪ)kɪn/noun · C1A small round dish for baking one portion.
- ramification/ɹæmɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/noun · C1A consequence that branches out from a decision.
- ramp/ɹæmp/noun · B2A slope joining two different levels.
- rampage/ˈɹæmpeɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1A wild rush of violent, destructive behaviour.
- rampant/ˈɹæm.pənt/adjective · C1Spreading unchecked.
- rampart/ˈɹæm.pɑː(ɹ)t/noun · C1A broad defensive bank of earth or stone.
- ramshackle/ˈɹæmˌʃæk.əl/adjective · C1Badly made and ready to fall down.
- ranch/ˈɹɑːnt͡ʃ/noun · B1A large farm for raising cattle or horses.
- rancid/ˈɹænsɪd/adjective · C1Smelling of fat that has gone off.
- rancournoun · C2Long-held bitterness and ill will.
- range/ˈɹeɪnd͡ʒ/noun · B1The gap between the smallest and the largest value.
- range/ˈɹeɪnd͡ʒ/noun · B2How far a weapon can reach.
- ranger/ˈɹeɪ̯nd͡ʒə/noun · B2The official who looks after a park or a forest.
- rangy/ˈɹeɪnd͡ʒi/adjective · C1Tall, thin and long-limbed.
- rank/ˈɹæŋk/adjective · B2Offensively strong and stale.
- rank/ˈɹæŋk/noun · C1A row of squares running across the board.
- ranking/ˈɹæn.kɪŋ/noun · C1A position in an ordered list of the best.
- rankle/ˈɹæŋ.kəl/verb · C2To keep causing bitter resentment.
- ransack/ˈɹænsæk/verb · C1To search a place roughly, leaving it wrecked.
- ransom/ˈɹæn.səm/noun · B2The money demanded for returning a kidnapped person.
- rant/ɹænt/noun · B1+A long angry outburst of complaint.
- rap/ɹæp/verb · B2To knock sharply and quickly.
- rapacious/ɹəˈpeɪ.ʃəs/adjective · C2Greedily grasping for more at others' cost.
- rapacity/ɹəˈpæ.sɪ.ti/noun · C2Aggressive greed that takes everything it can.
- rape/ˈɹeɪ̯p/noun · B2The crime of forcing somebody into sex.
- rapidly/ˈɹæpɪdli/adverb · B2At great speed.
- rapidsnoun · B2+The stretch where a river runs fast over rocks.
- rapine/ˈɹæpaɪn/noun · C2The violent seizing of property in war.
- rapist/ˈɹeɪ.pɪst/noun · B2+Somebody who forces another into sex.
- rapport/ɹæˈpɔɹ/noun · C1The warm easy connection between people who click.
- rapt/ˈɹæpt/adjective · C1So absorbed that nothing else reaches you.
- rapture/ˈɹæpt͡ʃəː/noun · C2Overwhelming joy that carries you away.
- rapturous/ˈɹæp.t͡ʃəɹ.əs/adjective · C2Full of overwhelming delight.
- rare/ɹɛə/adjective · B1Found or happening very seldom.
- rare booksnoun · B2Volumes valuable for their age or scarcity.
- rarely/ˈɹɛːli/adverb · B1Almost never; only once in a long while.
- rarity/ˈɹɛəɹəti/noun · C1How seldom something is found.
- rascal/ˈɹɑːskl̩/noun · B2A mischievous person, spoken of half fondly.
- rash/ɹæʃ/noun · B2The patch of red itchy spots that suddenly appears on skin.
- rasher/ˈɹæʃə(ɹ)/noun · C1A thin slice of bacon.
- rashnessnoun · C1Acting boldly without thinking of the risk.
- rasp/ɹɑːsp/noun · C1A coarse file with raised teeth, for shaping wood.
- raspberry/ˈɹɑːzb(ə)ɹi/noun · B1A soft red summer fruit that squashes easily.
- rat/ɹæt/noun · A2A bigger cousin of the mouse, common in cities.
- rate/ɹeɪt/noun · A2+How fast something happens, or a fixed charge.
- rate limitnoun · C1A cap on how often you may call a service.
- ratepayernoun · C2Someone who pays the local charge on a property.
- rather/ˈɹɑː.ðə(ɹ)/adverb · A2To a noticeable degree, or in preference to something else.
- ratification/ˌɹætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/noun · C1The formal approval that makes an agreement binding.
- ratify/ˈɹætɪfaɪ/verb · C1To make an agreement official by formally approving it.
- rating/ˈɹeɪtɪŋ/noun · B2A number showing how strong a player is.
- ratingsnoun · B2Numbers showing how many people watched a programme.
- ratio/ˈɹeɪ.ʃi.əʊ/noun · C1The relationship between two amounts, as a comparison.
- ration/ˈɹæʃən/noun · B2+A fixed allowance of food or fuel in short supply.
- rationale/ˌɹæʃ.əˈnɑːl/noun · C1The set of reasons behind a decision or study.
- rationalise/ˈɹæʃ.ə.nə.laɪz/verb · C1To invent a comfortable reason for what you did.
- rationalism/ˈɹæʃ(ə)nəlɪzəm/noun · C1The view that reason rather than faith should guide us.
- rationality/ˌraʃəˈnalɪti/noun · C1The quality of being guided by reason.
- rationingnoun · B2+Limiting how much of a scarce good each person may buy.
- rationsnoun · B2Fixed portions handed out when supplies are short.
- rattan/ɹəˈtan/noun · C1A tough climbing palm stem woven into furniture.
- ratternoun · C2A dog or cat kept for killing vermin.
- rattle/ˈɹæ.təl/noun · B2A baby's toy that makes a noise when shaken.
- rattle offphrase · C1To say a long list quickly and without effort.
- rattlesnake/ˈɹæt.əlˌsneɪk/noun · B2A venomous American snake with a buzzing tail.
- raucous/ˈɹɔːkəs/adjective · C1Loud, rough and disorderly.
- raunchy/ˈɹɔːn(t)ʃi/adjective · C1Openly and coarsely sexual.
- ravage/ˈɹævɪd͡ʒ/verb · B2+To sweep through and destroy, as storms and wars do.
- rave/ɹeɪv/verb · B2+To speak about something with wild enthusiasm.
- raven/ˈɹeɪvn̩/noun · B2The largest all-black bird, deep-voiced and clever.
- ravenous/ˈɹævənəs/adjective · C1Extremely hungry.
- raving/ˈɹeɪvɪŋ/adjective · C1Talking wildly, as in delirium.
- ravioli/ɹæ.viːˈəʊ.li/noun · B1+Little pasta cushions with a filling inside.
- ravish/ˈɹæ.vɪʃ/verb · C2To fill with delight, or to carry off by force.
- raw/ɹɔː/adjective · B2Not cooked at all.
- raw filenoun · B2The unprocessed data straight off a camera sensor.
- raw material/ˌɹɔː.məˈtɪə.ɹi.əl/noun · B2The basic substance a thing is manufactured from.
- ray/ɹeɪ/noun · A2A narrow line of light.
- raze/ɹeɪz/verb · C1To level a building or a town to the ground.
- razor/ˈɹeɪzə/noun · B1The sharp blade used for shaving.
- razor burnnoun · C1Sore red skin left by shaving.
- reach/ɹiːt͡ʃ/verb · A2To stretch out your arm to get something; to arrive at a place.
- reach a conclusionphrase · B2To arrive at a settled judgement.
- react/ɹiːˈækt/verb · A2+To do or feel something in answer to what just happened.
- reactantnoun · C1A substance that goes into a reaction.
- reaction/ɹiˈækʃən/noun · B1The change when two substances meet and become something new.
- reactionary/ɹiˈækʃən(ə)ɹi/adjective · C1Opposed to change and wanting the old ways back.
- reactivateverb · B2+To bring something back into use.
- reactive/ɹiːˈæktɪv/adjective · B2+Responding to things rather than acting first.
- reactive/ɹiːˈæktɪv/adjective · B2+Quick to take part in chemical reactions.
- reactor/ɹiˈæktɚ/noun · B2+The vessel in which a nuclear reaction is controlled.
- read/ɹiːd/verb · A1To look at words on a page and understand them.
- read between the linesphrase · B2To find the meaning that is hinted but never said.
- read receipt/ˈɹiːd ɹɪˌsiːt/noun · B2The mark showing your message has been seen.
- read up onphrase · B2To study a subject by reading about it.
- readable/ˈɹiː.də.bəl/adjective · C1Easy or enjoyable to read.
- reader/ˈɹi.dɚ/noun · A2+Somebody who reads, or a book of collected pieces.
- readershipnoun · B2+All the people who read a publication.
- readily/ˈɹɛdɪli/adverb · C1Quickly and without any hesitation or difficulty.
- readiness/ˈɹɛdinəs/noun · B2The state of being prepared.
- reading roomnoun · B1A quiet room set aside for study.
- ready/ˈɹɛd.i/adjective · A1Fully prepared; nothing more to wait for.
- reaffirm/ɹiːəˈfɜːm/verb · C1To state again that something still stands.
- reagent/ɹiˈeɪ.d͡ʒənt/noun · C1A substance used to bring a reaction about.
- real/ɹiːl/adjective · A1Actually existing — not imagined, not a copy.
- real estate/ˈɹiːl əˌsteɪt/noun · B2Land and the buildings on it, as property to trade.
- realism/ˈɹi.əlɪzəm/noun · C1Dealing with things as they really are, in life or in art.
- realist/ˈɹɪəlɪst/noun · C1Somebody who deals with things as they actually are.
- realistic/ˌɹɪəˈlɪs.tɪk/adjective · B2Sensible about what is actually possible.
- reality/ɹiːˈælɪti/noun · B1The world as it actually is, dreams aside.
- realization/ˌɹɪə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/noun · C1The moment of coming to understand something.
- realize/ˈɹɪə.laɪz/verb · A2To suddenly understand something you had missed.
- really/ˈɹɪə.li/adverb · A1Truly, or used to strengthen what you are saying.
- realm/ɹɛlm/noun · C1A kingdom, or a field of activity.
- reap/ˈɹiːp/verb · C1To cut and gather a crop, or to receive what you earned.
- reaper/ˈɹiːpɚ/noun · C1Somebody or something that cuts and gathers grain.
- reappearverb · B2+To come into sight again.
- rear/ˈɹɪə/adjective · B2At or belonging to the back.
- rearguard/ˈɹɪəɹˌɡɑɹd/noun · C2The troops who protect the back of an army.
- rearmostadjective · C1Furthest to the back.
- rearrange/ˌɹiːəˈɹeɪndʒ/verb · B1+To put things into a different order.
- rearview/ˈɹɪəvjuː/adjective · B2Describing the mirror that shows a driver what is behind.
- reason/ˈɹiːzən/noun · A1The why behind anything that happens or is done.
- reasonable adjustmentnoun · C1A change an employer must make so a worker can do the job.
- reasonably/ˈɹiː.zən.ə.bli/adverb · B2To a fair degree, or in a sensible way.
- reassemble/ˌɹiːəˈsɛmbəl/verb · B2+To put something back together.
- reassurancenoun · C1Words or acts that settle somebody's fear.
- reave/ɹiːv/verb · C2To carry off by force, in old use.
- rebate/ˈɹiːbeɪt/noun · C1Money given back after a purchase.
- rebel/ˈɹɛb.əl/noun · B2Somebody who fights against the government or against authority.
- rebellion/ɹɪˈbɛl.i.ən/noun · B2An armed rising of people against their rulers.
- rebirth/ɹiːˈbɜːθ/noun · B2+A new beginning after something had ended.
- reboot/ˈɹiːbuːt/verb · B1+To turn a machine off and on again — the fix that always works.
- rebound/ɹiˈbaʊnd/verb · C1To bounce back after striking something.
- rebrand/ɹiːˈbɹænd/<q:verb>verb · B2To give a company a new name and look.
- rebuff/ɹɪˈbʌf/verb · C1To refuse an offer sharply and unkindly.
- rebuild/ɹiːˈbɪld/verb · B2To build something again after damage.
- rebuke/ɹiˈbjuːk/verb · C2To tell somebody sharply that they were wrong.
- rebut/ɹɪˈbʌt/verb · C1To argue against a criticism.
- rebuttal/ɹɪˈbʌt.əl/noun · C1An answer that argues against a criticism.
- recalcitrance/ɹɪˈkæl.sɪˌtɹəns/noun · C2Stubborn refusal to obey.
- recalcitrant/ɹɪˈkæl.sɪ.tɹənt/adjective · C2Resisting authority and refusing to co-operate.
- recall/ɹɪˈkɔːl/verb · B2To bring something back into your mind.
- recall/ɹɪˈkɔːl/noun · C1Training that makes an animal come when called.
- recant/ɹəˈkænt/verb · C2To take back publicly what you once declared.
- recap/ɹiːˈkæp/verb · B2+To go over the main points again.
- recaptureverb · B2+To catch again, or to bring back a past feeling.
- recede/ɹɪˈsiːd/verb · B2+To move back and grow more distant.
- recedingadjective · B2+Describing a hairline moving back from the forehead.
- receipt/ɹɪˈsiːt/noun · B1The little paper the shop gives you to prove you paid.
- receipt copynoun · B1A duplicate proof of payment kept for the records.
- receipt printernoun · B1The device that prints the bill.
- receive/ɹɪˈsiːv/verb · A2+To have something arrive into your hands from someone.
- receiver/ɹəˈsi.vɚ/noun · B2The part that takes in a signal, or an official in charge of a failed business.
- recent/ˈɹiː.sənt/adjective · A2+Having happened a very short time ago.
- recently/ˈɹiːsənt.li/adverb · A2A short time ago.
- reception/ɹɪˈsɛp.ʃn̩/noun · A2+The desk where guests arrive and are booked in.
- reception desknoun · B1The counter just inside where visitors are greeted.
- receptionist/ɹɪˈsɛp.ʃə.nɪst/noun · B1+The person at the front desk who greets visitors and answers the phone.
- recess/ɹɪˈsɛs/noun · B1The short break between lessons when children play outside.
- recession/ɹɪˈsɛʃn̩/noun · B2+The months when a whole economy shrinks and jobs disappear.
- recessive/ɹɪˈsɛsɪv/adjective · C1Said of a gene whose effect shows only without a stronger one.
- recharge/ɹiːˈtʃɑː(ɹ)dʒ/<q:verb>verb · B2To fill a battery, or your own energy, again.
- recharge your batteriesphrase · B2To rest until your energy comes back.
- recheckverb · B1+To check something a second time.
- recidivism/rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzm̩/noun · C2The habit of returning to crime after punishment.
- recipe/ˈɹɛs.ɪ.pi/noun · A2+The written instructions that tell you how to cook a dish.
- recipient/ɹəˈsɪp.i.ənt/noun · B2Somebody who receives something.
- reciprocal/ɹɪˈsɪpɹək(ə)l/adjective · C1Given by each side to the other.
- reciprocate/ɹɪˈsɪpɹəˌkeɪt/verb · C1To return a feeling or a favour in kind.
- reciprocity/ˌrɛsəˈprɑsəti/noun · C1The practice of exchanging things for mutual benefit.
- recital/ɹɪˈsaɪtl̩/noun · B2A performance of music or poetry.
- recitation/ˌɹɛsɪˈteɪʃən/noun · C2Saying a learned piece aloud from memory.
- recite/ɹɪˈsaɪt/verb · B1+To say a piece from memory in front of others.
- reckless/ˈɹɛkləs/adjective · B2Acting wildly without a thought for the danger.
- reckless abandonphrase · C1Behaviour with no thought for the danger at all.
- recklessnessnoun · B2+Acting with no regard for the danger.
- reckon/ˈɹɛkən/verb · B2To calculate, or to hold an opinion.
- reckoning/ˈɹɛkənɪŋ/noun · B2+A calculation, or the settling of accounts.
- reclaim/ɹɪˈkleɪm/verb · C1To get something back, or to make land usable.
- reclamation/(ˌ)ɹɛkləˈmeɪʃn̩/noun · C1The winning back of land or material for use.
- recline/ɹɪˈklaɪn/verb · B2To tilt a seat backwards.
- recluse/ɹɪˈkluːs/noun · C2Somebody who lives shut away from other people.
- reclusive/ɹɪˈkluːsɪv/adjective · C2Choosing to live away from company.
- recognisable/ˈɹɛkə(ɡ)naɪzəbl̩/adjective · B2+Easy to know again when you see it.
- recognise/ˈɹɛkənaɪz/verb · A2+To know somebody or something because you have met it before.
- recognition/ˌɹɛkəɡˈnɪʃ(ə)n/noun · B2Being noticed and praised for what you did.
- recognize/ˈɹɛk.əɡ.naɪz/verb · A2+To know someone or something because you have seen them before.
- recoil/ɹɪˈkɔɪl/verb · C1To draw back suddenly in fear or disgust.
- recoil/ɹɪˈkɔɪl/noun · C1The backward kick a weapon gives when fired.
- recollect/ɹɛkəˈlɛkt/verb · B2To manage to remember something after trying.
- recollection/ɹɛkəˈlɛkʃən/noun · B2+A memory of something, as you hold it now.
- recommend/ˌɹɛkəˈmɛnd/verb · A2+To tell someone that a thing is good and worth trying.
- recommendation/ˌɹɛkəmɛnˈdeɪʃən/noun · B1+Advice that somebody or something is worth choosing.
- recompense/ˈɹɛkəmˌpɛns/noun · C1Payment made for trouble or loss.
- reconcile/ˈɹɛkənsaɪl/verb · C2To restore peace between people — or between clashing facts.
- reconciled/ˈɹɛkənsaɪld/adjective · C1Brought back together after a long quarrel.
- reconciliation/ˌɹɛk(ə)nsɪlɪˈeɪʃ(ə)n/noun · C2Coming back together after a quarrel.
- recondite/ˈɹɛk(ə)nˌdaɪt/adjective · C2Dealing with matters far beyond ordinary knowledge.
- reconnaissance/ɹɪˈkɒnɪsəns/noun · C1Going out to see where the enemy is.
- reconnect/ˌɹiː.kəˈnɛkt/verb · B1+To join up again.
- reconsider/ˈɹiːkənˌsɪdə/verb · B2To think again about a decision.
- reconstruct/ˌɹiːkənˈstɹʌkt/verb · B2+To build again, or to work out how events happened.
- reconstruction/ˌɹiːkənˈstɹʌkʃən/noun · C1Building again what was destroyed.
- reconvene/ɹiː.kənˈviːn/verb · C1To gather again after a break.
- record/ˈɹɛk.ɔːd/noun · B1The best result anyone has ever achieved in a sport.
- record/ˈɹɛk.ɔːd/noun · B1The big black disc old music was sold on — spinning again today.
- recorded deliverynoun · B2Post that must be signed for on arrival.
- recorded delivery slipnoun · C1The card left when nobody signed for an item.
- recount/ɹɪˈkaʊnt/verb · C1To describe events that happened.
- recoup/ɹɪˈkuːp/verb · C1To get back money or losses.
- recourse/ɹɪˈkɔːs/noun · C2The help or remedy you can turn to.
- recover/ɹɪˈkʌvə/verb · B1To get your health back after being ill.
- recovery/ɹɪˈkʌvəɹi/noun · B2The time of getting healthy again after an illness.
- recovery positionnoun · B2The posture an unconscious person is laid in to breathe safely.
- recreate/ˈɹɛk.ɹi.eɪt/verb · B2To make something again as it once was.
- recreation/(ˌ)ɹɛkɹiˈeɪʃən/noun · B2Activity done for pleasure and refreshment.
- recreationaladjective · C1Done for fun and relaxation, not for work.
- recrimination/ɹiˌkɹɪməˈneɪʃən/noun · C2Angry blame thrown back and forth.
- recruit/ɹɪˈkɹut/verb · B2To find and hire new staff.
- recruit/ɹɪˈkɹut/noun · B2Somebody newly joined and not yet trained.
- recruiter/ɹɪˈkɹuːtə(ɹ)/noun · B1+A person whose job is finding staff for employers.
- recruitment/rɪˈkruːt.mənt /noun · B2+The process of finding and choosing new people for jobs.
- rectangle/ˈrɛktæŋɡl̩/noun · A2+A flat shape with four right angles and opposite sides equal.
- rectangular/ɹɛkˈtæŋɡjəlɚ/adjective · B2Shaped like an oblong with four right angles.
- rectification/ˌɹɛktɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/noun · C1The putting right of something wrong.
- rectify/ˈɹɛktəˌfaɪ/verb · C1To put a mistake right.
- rectitude/ˈɹɛk.tɪ.tjuːd/noun · C2Strict moral uprightness.
- recumbentadjective · C2Lying down.
- recuperate/ɹɪˈk(j)uːpəˌɹeɪt/verb · C2To get your strength back after illness.
- recuperationnoun · C2The regaining of health and strength.
- recurring/ɹɪˈkɜːɹɪŋ/adjective · B2+Coming back again and again.
- recycle/ˌɹiːˈsaɪkəl/verb · A2+To turn used material into something that can be used again.
- recyclingnoun · B1+Turning used bottles, cans, and paper into new things.
- recycling boxnoun · B1The container for materials to be used again.
- recycling centrenoun · B1The place waste is sorted for reuse.
- red/ɹɛd/noun · A1The color of blood and ripe tomatoes.
- red booknoun · C1The record kept of a child's health and growth.
- red card/ˈɹɛd ˌkɑɹd/phrase · B1The card that sends a player off the field for good.
- red herringnoun · C1A false clue that leads the search astray.
- red herringnoun · C1Introducing something irrelevant to distract.
- red tapenoun · C1Rules and paperwork that slow everything down.
- red-eye/ˈɹɛdaɪ/noun · C1A flight that travels through the night.
- red-hotadjective · B2Glowing with heat; also, wildly popular right now.
- redact/ɹɪˈdækt/verb · C1To black out words in a document before releasing it.
- redactedadjective · C1With the sensitive parts blacked out.
- redecorateverb · B2+To paper and paint a room afresh.
- redeem/ɹɪˈdiːm/verb · B2To win back your honor after failing; also, to trade in a voucher.
- redeeming featurenoun · C1The one good quality that makes up for the rest.
- redefineverb · B2+To give something a new meaning or a new shape.
- redeliverynoun · B2A second attempt to deliver something.
- redemption/ɹɪˈdɛmpʃən/noun · B2Being bought back from sin or ruin.
- redesign/ˌɹiː.dɪˈzaɪn/verb · B2+To design something again, differently.
- redevelopmentnoun · B2+The rebuilding of an area to a new plan.
- redhead/ˈɹɛdˌhɛd/noun · B1Somebody with red hair.
- rediscoververb · C1To find again something that had been forgotten.
- redo/ɹiˈduː/verb · B2To perform again something you just undid.
- redolent/ˈrɛdəʊlənt/adjective · C2Strongly smelling of something, or bringing it to mind.
- redoubt/ɹɪˈdaʊt/noun · C2A small fort built to hold one position.
- redoubtable/ɹɪˈdaʊtəbl̩/adjective · C2Formidable, and to be treated with respect.
- redress/ɹɪˈdɹɛs/noun · C1Payment or action to put a wrong right.
- reduce/ɹɪˈd͡ʒuːs/verb · B1+To make something smaller in amount or size.
- reduced/ɹɪˈdjuːst/adjective · C1Boiled down until thicker and stronger.
- reduced/ɹɪˈdjuːst/adjective · A2Made smaller in amount or price.
- reduction/ɹɪˈdʌk.ʃən/noun · B2+The opposite of oxidation, a gain of electrons.
- redundancy/ɹɪˈdʌnd(ə)nsi/noun · C2Losing your job because the company no longer needs the role.
- redundancy paynoun · B2Money given when a job is no longer needed.
- redundant/ɹɪˈdʌn.dənt/adjective · B2+No longer needed; saying or doing what is already covered.
- redwood/ˈɹɛdwʊd/noun · B2+One of the tallest trees on earth, with soft red bark.
- reed/ɹiːd/noun · B2A tall stiff grass growing at the water's edge.
- reedy/ˈɹiː.di/adjective · C1Thin and high in tone.
- reef/ɹiːf/noun · B1+A ridge of coral or rock just below the sea surface.
- reek/riːk/verb · B2+To smell very strongly and badly.
- reel/ˈɹiːl/verb · B2To stagger about as if about to fall.
- reenact/ɹi.ɪˈnækt/verb · C1To act out a past event again.
- reenactmentnoun · C1A staged repeat of a past event.
- reestablishverb · B2+To set something up again after a break.
- refactorverb · C1To rewrite code so it reads better without changing what it does.
- refer/ɹɪˈfɜː/verb · B1To mention something, or to send somebody to another for help.
- referee/ˌɹɛf.əˈɹiː/noun · B2The person with the whistle who makes players follow the rules.
- referee/ˌɹɛf.əˈɹiː/noun · B1+The person who settles disputes about the rules.
- referee/ˌɹɛf.əˈɹiː/noun · B2Somebody who will vouch for you to an employer.
- reference/ˈɹɛf.(ə.)ɹəns/noun · B1The letter from an old boss telling a new one how good you were.
- reference requestnoun · B2An employer's enquiry about a former worker.
- reference sectionnoun · B1Books that may be consulted but not taken away.
- referendum/ˌɹɛfəˈɹɛndəm/noun · C1A vote where the whole people answers one big question directly.
- referral/ɹɪˈfɜː.ɹəl/noun · B2+Being sent on to a specialist by a doctor.
- refill/ˈɹiː.fɪl/verb · B1To fill an empty container again.
- refill/ˈɹiː.fɪl/noun · B1A second glass of the same drink at no charge.
- refinanceverb · C1To replace a loan with a new one on different terms.
- refine/ɹɪˈfaɪn/verb · B2+To improve something by removing its rough edges and impurities.
- refined/ɹɪˈfaɪnd/adjective · B2Polished, elegant, and free of coarseness.
- refinement/ɹəˈfaɪnmənt/noun · C1A small improvement, or polished good taste.
- refinery/rɪˈfaɪnərɪ/noun · B2+A plant that purifies oil or sugar.
- reflect/ɹɪˈflɛkt/verb · B1+To throw back light or an image.
- reflection/ɹɪˈflɛkʃən/noun · B2The image thrown back at you by water or a mirror.
- reflective/ɹɪˈflɛktɪv/adjective · B2+Thoughtful, or throwing light back.
- reflector/ɹɪˈflɛktə(ɹ)/noun · B2+A device that throws light back to make you seen.
- reflex/ˈɹiːflɛks/noun · B2The instant body reaction that happens before you can think.
- reforestationnoun · C1The planting of trees where forest was lost.
- reform/ˌɹiːˈfɔɹm/noun · B2+A change made to improve a system.
- reformation/ˌɹɛf.əˈmeɪ.ʃən/noun · C1The sixteenth-century split that divided western Christianity.
- refractverb · C1To bend light as it passes into another material.
- refractory/ɹɪˈfɹæk.tə.ɹi/adjective · C2Stubbornly resisting control or treatment.
- refrain/ɹɪˈfɹeɪn/verb · B2To hold yourself back from doing something.
- refresh/ɹiˈfɹɛʃ/verb · B2To make new and lively again, or to reload.
- refreshing/ɹəˈfɹɛʃɪŋ/adjective · C1Making you feel cool and revived.
- refreshment/ɹɪˈfɹɛʃ.mənt/noun · B1+Food and drink taken to revive you.
- refreshmentsnoun · B1+Light food and drinks offered to guests.
- refrigeratedadjective · B1+Kept cold by machinery.
- refuel/ɹiːˈfjuːəl/verb · B2+To take on more fuel.
- refuellingnoun · B2+Filling an aircraft's tanks before the next flight.
- refuge pointnoun · C1A safe place to wait for help in an emergency.
- refugee/ˈɹɛfjʊd͡ʒiː/noun · B2+A person forced to flee their country to stay safe.
- refund/ɹɪˈfʌnd/noun · B1+Your money given back when you return what you bought.
- refurbish/ɹiːˈfɜːbɪʃ/verb · C1To clean up and re-equip an interior.
- refusal/ɹɪˈfjuːzl̩/noun · C1A statement that you will not.
- refuse/ˈɹɛfjuːs/verb · A2+To say no firmly to a request or offer.
- refuse collectionnoun · B2The service that takes away household rubbish.
- refutation/ˌɹɛf.jʊˈteɪ.ʃən/noun · C2Proof that a claim is false.
- refute/ɹɪˈfjuːt/verb · C1To prove a claim wrong.
- regain/ɹiːˈɡeɪn/verb · B2To get back something you had lost.
- regal/ˈɹiːɡəl/adjective · B2+Fit for a monarch, and grand in bearing.
- regale/ɹɪˈɡeɪl/verb · C1To entertain somebody lavishly with food or stories.
- regalia/ɹɪˈɡeɪ.li.ə/noun · C1The crown and other emblems worn by a monarch.
- regard/ɹɪˈɡɑːd/verb · B2To consider somebody or something in a certain way.
- regardless/ɹɪˈɡɑɹd.lɪs/adverb · B1Without paying attention to what stands in the way.
- regenerate/ɹiːˈd͡ʒɛnəɹɪt/verb · C1To grow back or renew itself.
- regenerationnoun · C1The rebuilding of a run-down district.
- regent/ˈɹiːd͡ʒənt/noun · C1Someone ruling for a monarch too young or unable.
- reggae/ˈɹɛɡeɪ/noun · B2+A Jamaican style with the accent on the off-beat.
- regicide/ˈɹɛ.d͡ʒə.saɪd/noun · C2The killing of a king.
- regime/ɹəˈʒiːm/noun · C1A government, especially one that is harsh.
- regimen/ˈɹɛd͡ʒ.ɪ.mən/noun · C1A fixed routine of care followed daily.
- regiment/ˈɹɛd͡ʒɪmənt/noun · B2+A large permanent unit of an army.
- regimentaladjective · C1Belonging to a regiment, or rigidly organised.
- region/ˈɹiːd͡ʒən/noun · B1+A large area of a country with something in common.
- regional/ˈɹiː.d͡ʒə.nəl/adjective · B2Belonging to a particular part of a country.
- register/ˈɹɛd͡ʒ.ɪ.stə/verb · B2To put your name on an official list.
- registered postnoun · B2Mail tracked and signed for on delivery.
- registrar/ˈɹɛd͡ʒ.ɪsˌtɹɑɹ/noun · C1The official who keeps formal records.
- registry/ˈɹɛd͡ʒɪstɹi/noun · B2+The official office where records of births, marriages and property dealings are kept and consulted.
- regression/ɹɪˈɡɹɛʃ.ən/noun · C1A slipping back to an earlier and worse state.
- regret/ɹɪˈɡɹɛt/verb · B2To wish you had never done something.
- regrettableadjective · B2+To be wished otherwise.
- regrettablyadverb · B2+Unfortunately, as one is sorry to say.
- regroup/ɹiːˈɡɹuːp/<q:verb>verb · B2To gather and reorganise after a setback.
- regular/ˈɹɛɡjʊlə/adjective · A2Happening again and again at the same fixed times.
- regularity/ˌɹɛɡjuˈlæɹəti/noun · B2+The quality of happening at even intervals.
- regulate/ˈɹɛɡ.jʊ.leɪt/verb · B2+To control something with official rules.
- regulation/ˌɹɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/noun · B2A rule made by an authority to control an activity.
- regulator/ˈɹɛɡ.jʊ.leɪ.tə/noun · C1A device or body that keeps something within limits.
- regulatory/ˈɹɛɡ.jʊ.lə.t(ɔː.)ɹi/adjective · C1Concerned with making and enforcing rules.
- regurgitate/ɹɪˈɡɝ.d͡ʒəˌteɪt/verb · C1To bring food back up, or repeat facts without thinking.
- rehabilitation/ˌɹiː.əˌbɪl.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/noun · C1Treatment that helps somebody return to normal life.
- rehearsal/ɹɪˈhɝsl̩/noun · B2The practice performance before the real show.
- rehearsal roomnoun · B2The space a band books to practise in.
- reheat/ɹiːˈhiːt/verb · B1+To make an already-cooked meal hot again.
- rehome/ɹiːˈhəʊm/verb · C1To find a new family for an animal.
- reign/ɹeɪ̯n/noun · B2The period during which one monarch rules.
- reimbursement/ˌɹiː.ɪmˈbɜːs.mənt/noun · B2+Money paid back to cover what somebody spent.
- rein/ɹeɪn/noun · B2+The strap by which a rider guides a horse.
- rein inphrase · C1To pull a horse up, or to hold something back.
- reincarnation/ˌɹiːɪŋkɑː(ɹ)ˈneɪʃən/noun · B2+The belief that a soul returns in another body.
- reindeer/ˈɹeɪndɪə/noun · A2+A deer of the far north with branching antlers.
- reinforce/ˌɹiː.ɪnˈfɔːs/verb · B2+To add strength or support to something existing.
- reinforce/ˌɹiː.ɪnˈfɔːs/verb · C1To strengthen a behaviour by rewarding it.
- reinforcement/ˌɹiːɪnˈfɔːsmənt/noun · B2+Extra strength or support sent in.
- reinvent/ɹiːɪnˈvɛnt/verb · B2+To make something afresh in a new form.
- reinvent the wheel/ˌɹiːɪnˌvɛnt ðə ˈ(h)wiːl/phrase · C1To waste effort making again what already exists.
- reissuenoun · C2A fresh release of something published before.
- reiterate/ɹiːˈɪt.ə.ɹeɪt/verb · C1To say something again to make sure it lands.
- reiterationnoun · C1The saying of something over again.
- reject/ɹɪˈd͡ʒɛkt/verb · B1+To refuse to accept something offered.
- rejection/ɹɪˈd͡ʒɛkʃən/noun · C1The refusal to accept somebody or something.
- rejoice/ɹɪˈd͡ʒɔɪs/verb · B2To feel and show great joy.
- rejoin/ɹɪˈd͡ʒɔɪn/verb · B2+To join something again after leaving.
- rejoinder/ɹɪˈd͡ʒɔɪndɚ/noun · C2A quick sharp reply.
- rekindleverb · C1To light again, or to revive a feeling.
- relapse/ɹɪˈlæps/noun · C1A return of an illness you had almost beaten.
- relapse preventionnoun · C1Planning ahead to avoid slipping back.
- relate/ɹɪˈleɪt/verb · B1+To tell somebody about something in detail.
- relationaladjective · C1To do with how things stand in relation to each other.
- relationship/ɹɪˈleɪʃ(ə)nˌʃɪp/noun · A2The connection between two people — family, friends, or love.
- relative/ˈɹɛl.ə.tɪv/noun · B1Any person who belongs to your family.
- relatively/ˈɹɛl.ə.tɪv.li/adverb · B2Judged against something else rather than absolutely.
- relativismnoun · C2The view that truth depends on who is looking.
- relativity/ɹɛl.əˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/noun · B2+The idea that a measurement depends on the observer.
- relax/ɹɪˈlæks/verb · A1To let the body go loose and easy.
- relaxation/ˌɹiːlækˈseɪʃən/noun · B2Letting body and mind go loose.
- relay/ˈɹiːleɪ/<q:noun>noun · B2The team race where a baton passes from hand to hand.
- release/ɹəˈliːs/verb · B1To let something go free.
- relegate/ˈɹɛlɪˌɡeɪt/verb · C2To send down to a lower rank or division.
- relegationnoun · B2Being put down into a lower class or league.
- relent/ɹɪˈlɛnt/verb · B2+To soften and give way at last.
- relentless/ɹɪˈlɛntləs/adjective · B2Never easing, never stopping, never letting you rest.
- relevance/ˈɹɛl.ɪ.vən(t)s/noun · C1How closely something bears on the matter at hand.
- relevant/ˈɹɛləvənt/adjective · B2Connected to the matter being discussed; to the point.
- reliabilitynoun · C1Whether repeating a study gives the same answer.
- reliable/ɹɪˈlaɪəbl̩/adjective · B1Able to be trusted to work or keep promises every time.
- reliantadjective · B2Needing someone or something else in order to manage.
- relic/ˈɹɛlɪk/noun · B2+An object kept because it survives from the past.
- relief/rɪˈliːf/noun · B1The sweet lightness when a worry finally goes away.
- relieved/ɹɪˈliːvd/adjective · B2Freed from worry at last.
- religion/ɹɪˈlɪd͡ʒ.ən/noun · B1A shared system of belief in God or gods.
- religious/ɹɪˈlɪd͡ʒəs/adjective · B1Connected with faith and God, or deeply believing.
- relinquish/ɹɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ/verb · C1To let go of power or possession, reluctantly.
- relive/ɹiːˈlɪv/verb · B2+To experience something again in memory.
- reload/ɹiːˈləʊd/<q:verb>verb · B1+To fill something with ammunition or supplies again.
- relocate/ˌɹiːləʊˈkeɪt/verb · B2To move a home or a business to another place.
- relocation/ˌɹiːləʊˈkeɪʃən/noun · B2+Moving to a new place because of your job.
- reluctance/ɹɪˈlʌktəns/noun · B2+Unwillingness that shows in how slowly you act.
- reluctant/ɹɪˈlʌktənt/adjective · C1Unwilling, and showing it.
- reluctantly/ɹɪˈlʌktəntli/adverb · C1Unwillingly, dragging your feet.
- rely onphrase · B1To trust somebody to do what is needed.
- remain/ɹɪˈmeɪn/verb · B1To stay in the same place or state.
- remainder/ɹɪˈmeɪndə/noun · C1What is left over after dividing.
- remains/ɹɪˈmeɪnz/noun · B2What is left of something, or a dead body.
- remake/ˌɹiːˈmeɪk/noun · B2A new version of a film that already existed.
- remand/ɹɪˈmɑːnd/noun · C1Being held in custody while waiting for trial.
- remark/ɹɪˈmɑɹk/noun · B2Something said briefly about a subject.
- remarkable/ɹɪˈmɑː.kə.bl̩/adjective · B2So unusual or excellent that people talk about it.
- remarkably/ɹɪˈmɑɹkəbli/adverb · B2To a degree worth noticing and commenting on.
- remarry/ɹiːˈmæɹi/verb · B2+To marry again.
- rematch/ˈɹiː.mætʃ/<q:noun>noun · B2+A second contest between the same opponents.
- remedial/ɹɪˈmiː.dɪəl/adjective · C1Meant to put right a fault or a weakness.
- remedy/ˈɹɛmədi/noun · C1A simple treatment that eases a small complaint.
- remember/ɹɪˈmɛm.bə/verb · A1To keep something in your mind and bring it back later.
- remembrance/ɹɪˈmɛm.bɹəns/noun · B2+The act of keeping somebody in memory.
- remind/ɹəˈmaɪnd/verb · B1To help someone not forget something.
- reminder/ɹɪˈmaɪndə(ɹ)/noun · C1Something that makes you remember.
- reminisce/ˌɹɛm.əˈnɪs/verb · C1To talk warmly about remembered good times.
- reminiscent/ˌɹɛməˈnɪsnt/adjective · C1Bringing something else to mind.
- remiss/ɹəˈmɪs/adjective · C2Careless in doing what you were supposed to do.
- remission/ɹɪˈmɪʃ(ə)n/noun · B2+A spell when an illness eases, or a shortening of a sentence.
- remission/ɹɪˈmɪʃ(ə)n/noun · C2The cancelling of a debt or a punishment.
- remit/ɹɪˈmɪt/verb · C2To send money, or to cancel a debt or a penalty.
- remittance/ɹɪˈmɪtəns/noun · C2A sum of money sent to somebody.
- remix/ˈɹiːˌmɪks/noun · B1+A track rebuilt from the same recorded parts.
- remnant/ˈɹɛmnənt/noun · B2+A small piece left over from a larger whole.
- remodelverb · B2+To change the shape or structure of something.
- remonstrate/ˈɹɛ.mən.stɹeɪt/verb · C2To protest to somebody about what they are doing.
- remorse/ɹɪˈmɔː(ɹ)s/noun · C1Deep painful regret for the harm you caused.
- remorseful/ɹɪˈmɔː(ɹ)sfʊl/adjective · C2Deeply sorry for the wrong you did.
- remorselessadjective · C1Feeling no regret, or never letting up.
- remote[ɹɪˈməʊt]adjective · B1Far from any town or road.
- remote controlnoun · B1The handheld buttons that change TV channels from the sofa.
- remote workphrase · B1Doing your job from home instead of the office.
- remotely/ɹɪˈmoʊtli/adverb · C1From a distance, or in the slightest degree.
- removal/ɹɪˈmuː.vəl/noun · C1Taking something away.
- remove/ɹɪˈmuːv/verb · A2To take something away from where it was.
- remover/ɹɪˈmuːvə/noun · B1+A liquid that takes make-up off.
- remuneration/ɹɪˌmjuː.nəˈɹeɪ.ʃən/noun · C1Payment given for work done.
- renaissance/ɹəˈneɪs(ə)ns/noun · B2+The great rebirth of art and learning that ended the Middle Ages.
- rend/ɹɛnd/verb · C2To tear something violently apart.
- rend asunderphrase · C2To wrench something violently apart, splitting it into large separate pieces rather than small shreds.
- render/ˈɹɛn.də/verb · C1To cause to become — as a shock can make you speechless; also, to provide.
- render/ˈɹɛn.də/noun · C2The hard outer layer spread over an outside wall.
- rendition/ɹɛnˈdɪʃ(ə)n/noun · C1A particular performance or version of a work.
- renegade/ˈɹɛ.nəˌɡeɪd/noun · C1Somebody who deserts their side for another.
- renege/ɹɪˈnɛɡ/verb · C2To go back on a promise you gave.
- renegotiateverb · B2+To agree new terms for something already agreed.
- renew/ɹɪˈnjuː/verb · C1To make valid again, or to begin again.
- renewable/ɹɪˈnjuː.ə.bl̩/adjective · B1+Coming from sources that never run out — sun, wind, and water.
- renewalnoun · B2+Making something valid or fresh again.
- renounce/ɹɪˈnaʊns/verb · C1To formally give up a claim, title, or belief.
- renovate/ˈɹɛn.nə(ʊ).veɪt/verb · B2+To repair and modernise an old building.
- renovation/ɹɛnəˈveɪʃən/noun · B2+Repairing and modernizing an old building until it shines.
- renown/ɹɪˈnaʊn/noun · C1Wide fame for something admired.
- renowned/ɹɪˈnaʊnd/adjective · C1Famous and admired far and wide.
- rent/ˈɹɛnt/noun · B1The money you pay every month to live in someone else's flat.
- rental/ˈɹɛntəl/noun · B2Something rented, or the money paid for it.
- reopen/ɹiːˈəʊpən/verb · B1+To open again after being closed.
- reorganizeverb · B2+To arrange something in a different way.
- repaint/ɹiːˈpeɪnt/verb · B2+To put a fresh coat of colour on something already painted.
- repair/ɹɪˈpɛə/verb · B1To make a broken thing work again.
- reparation/ˌɹɛpəˈɹeɪʃən/noun · C1Payment made to make amends for harm done.
- repast/ɹɪˈpɑːst/noun · C2A meal, in formal or old use.
- repatriationnoun · C1The sending of people back to their own country.
- repaymentnoun · B2+One of the payments made to clear a debt.
- repeal/ɹəˈpiːl/verb · C1To cancel a law formally.
- repeat/ɹɪˈpiːt/verb · A2To say or do the same thing again.
- repeat offendernoun · B2Somebody who commits the same crime again and again.
- repeatedly/ɹɪˈpiːtɪdli/adverb · B1+Again and again, many times over.
- repel/ɹɪˈpɛl/verb · C1To drive something away — attackers, insects, or water.
- repellent/ɹəˈpɛlənt/noun · B2+A liquid put on skin to keep biting insects away.
- repent/ɹɪˈpɛnt/verb · B2To be sorry for wrongdoing and turn away from it.
- repentance/ɹɪˈpɛntəns/noun · C1Deep regret that turns you from wrongdoing.
- repentant/ɹəˈpɛntənt/adjective · B2Truly sorry for what you have done.
- repercussion/ˌɹiː.pəˈkʌʃ.ən/noun · B2+An indirect result felt some way off.
- repertoire/ˈɹɛp.ə.twɑː/noun · B2+The whole set of pieces a performer can give.
- repertory/ˈɹɛp.əɹˌtɔɹ.i/noun · C1A company that keeps a set of plays ready to perform.
- repetition/ˌɹɛp.əˈtɪʃ.ən/noun · B2Doing or saying something over again.
- repetitive/ɹɪˈpɛtɪtɪv/adjective · B2Doing or saying the same thing again and again.
- rephraseverb · B2To say the same thing in different words.
- replace/ɹɪˈpleɪs/verb · A2+To put a new thing where an old one was.
- replacement/ɹɪˈpleɪsmənt/noun · B2A new one put in place of the old.
- replacement busnoun · B1A bus put on when the trains cannot run.
- replay/ɹiːˈpleɪ/<q:verb>verb · B1+To play something over again.
- replenish/ɹɪˈplɛn.ɪʃ/verb · B2+To fill something up again.
- replenishmentnoun · C1Restocking what has been used or sold.
- replete/ɹɪˈpliːt/adjective · C2Filled to overflowing with something.
- replica/ˈɹɛplɪkə/noun · B2+An exact copy of an object, often at another size.
- replicate/ˈɹɛplɪkeɪt/<a:RP><q:verb>verb · B2+To make an exact copy, or to repeat a study.
- replication/ɹɛplɪˈkeɪʃən/noun · C1The making of an exact copy, or the repeating of a study.
- reply/ɹɪˈplaɪ/verb · A2+To say or write something back when someone asks or writes to you.
- reply allphrase · B1To answer a message to everybody who received it.
- report/ɹɪˈpɔːt/verb · A1To give an account of what happened.
- report cardphrase · B1The paper with all your grades that goes home to your parents.
- reportedly/ɹɪˈpɔːtɪdli/adverb · C1According to what the news or others say.
- repose/ɹɪˈpəʊz/noun · C2Rest and peaceful stillness.
- repository/ɹɪˈpɒz.ɪ.t(ə.)ɹɪ/noun · B2+The store holding a project's code and its history.
- reprehensible/ˌɹɛpɹɪˈhɛnsɪb(ə)l/adjective · C1Deserving strong disapproval.
- represent/ˌɹɛpɹɪˈzɛnt/verb · B1To speak or stand for someone or something else.
- representation/ˌɹɛp.ɹə.zɛnˈteɪ.ʃən/noun · C1Standing or speaking on behalf of others.
- representative/ˌɹɛpɹɪˈzɛnt(ət)ɪv/noun · B2Somebody chosen to speak or act for others.
- repress/ɹəˈpɹɛs/verb · B2+To hold a feeling or a people down by force.
- repression/ɹəˈpɹɛʃən/noun · B2+The holding down of people or of feelings by force.
- reprieve/ɹɪˈpɹiːv/noun · C1A delay or cancelling of a punishment.
- reprimand/ˈɹɛpɹɪmɑːnd/verb · C1To rebuke somebody formally for a fault.
- reprint/ˈɹiːpɹɪnt/noun · B2+A further printing of a book with no changes.
- reprisal/ɹɪˈpɹaɪzəl/noun · C1An act of revenge taken against an enemy.
- reproach/ɹɪˈpɹəʊtʃ/verb · C2To tell somebody with sorrow that they have let you down.
- reproduce/ˌɹiː.pɹəˈdjuːs/verb · B2To produce young, or to make a copy.
- reproduction/ˌɹiːpɹəˈdʌkʃən/noun · C1A copy of a work, or the producing of young.
- reproduction/ˌɹiːpɹəˈdʌkʃən/noun · B2+An honest copy of an older design.
- reproductive/ˌɹiːpɹəˈdʌktɪv/adjective · B2+To do with the producing of young.
- reprogramverb · B2+To give a machine new instructions.
- reprove/ɹɪˈpɹuːv/verb · C2To tell somebody off gently, showing that you disapprove of what they did, without any formal or official rebuke.
- reptile/ˈɹɛp.taɪl/noun · B1+A cold-blooded scaly animal that lays eggs on land.
- reptilian/ɹɛpˈtɪliən/adjective · C2Like a reptile, or cold and unfeeling.
- republic/ɹɪˈpʌb.lɪk/noun · B2A state whose head is elected, not born to a throne.
- republic/ɹɪˈpʌb.lɪk/noun · B1+A period when a country was ruled without a monarch.
- repudiate/ɹɪˈpjuː.di.eɪt/verb · C2To reject something and refuse to be bound by it.
- repudiation/ɹɪˌpjuːdɪˈeɪ̯ʃ(ə)n/noun · C2A formal refusal to accept or honour something.
- repugnance/ɹɪˈpʌɡnəns/noun · C2A strong feeling of disgust.
- repugnant/ɹɪˈpʌɡnənt/adjective · C1So distasteful that it turns you against it.
- repulse/ɹɪˈpʌls/verb · C1To drive an attack back.
- repulsive/ɹɪˈpʌlsɪv/adjective · B2So unpleasant it drives you away.
- reputable/ˈɹɛpjʊtəbəl/adjective · C1Having a good name and worth trusting.
- reputation/ˌɹɛpjʊˈteɪʃən/noun · B2What people generally believe about somebody.
- repute/ɹɪˈpjuːt/noun · C1The general opinion held about somebody.
- request/ɹɪˈkwɛst/noun · A2+A polite asking for something.
- require/ɹɪˈkwaɪə/verb · B1A formal word for needing something as a condition.
- requisite/ˈɹɛkwɪzɪt/noun · C1Something that is required for a purpose.
- requisition/ˌɹɛkwɪˈzɪʃən/noun · C2A formal request for goods or services.
- reread/ɹiːˈɹiːd/verb · B1+To read something a second time.
- reroute/ɹiːˈɹuːt/verb · B2+To send something by a different way.
- rerun/ˈɹiːɹʌn/verb · B2+To show or run something again.
- reschedule/ɹiːˈʃɛdjuːl/verb · B1+To move an arrangement to a different time.
- rescind/ɹɪˈsɪnd/verb · C1To cancel an order or a decision officially.
- rescue/ˈɹɛs.kjuː/verb · B1To save somebody from danger.
- rescue/ˈɹɛs.kjuː/noun · B2An animal taken in after being abandoned.
- rescuer/ˈɹɛskjuːə(ɹ)/noun · B2A person who goes in and brings somebody out.
- resealableadjective · B2Able to be closed again after opening.
- research/ˈɹiːsɜːt͡ʃ/noun · A2+Long careful study done to learn new facts.
- resemblance/ɹɪˈzɛmbləns/noun · B2The way one thing looks like another.
- resemble/ɹɪˈzɛmbəl/verb · C1To look like someone — the way a son may look like his father.
- resent/ɹiˈzɛnt/verb · C1To hold bitter feelings about unfair treatment.
- resentful/ɹɪˈzɛntfəl/adjective · C1Quietly angry about an old unfairness.
- resentment/ɹɪˈzɛnt.mənt/noun · C1The slow-burning anger about an old unfairness you cannot forget.
- reservation/ˌɹɛz.ɚˈveɪ.ʃən/noun · B1+A table kept for you at a set time.
- reservation booknoun · B2The record of who is coming and when.
- reserve pricenoun · B2The least a seller will accept.
- reserved/ɹɪˈzɝvd/adjective · B2Quiet about feelings and slow to open up.
- reserved spacenoun · B2A parking place kept for a particular use.
- reservoir/ˈɹɛz.ə.vwɑː/noun · B2A store of water held for later use.
- reset/ɹiːˈsɛt/verb · B1+To set something back to how it started.
- reside/ɹɪˈzaɪd/verb · C1The formal word for to live in a place.
- residence/ˈɹɛz.ɪ.dəns/noun · B2The place where somebody lives.
- resident/ˈɹɛzɪdənt/noun · B2Somebody who lives in a particular place.
- residential/ˌrɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl/adjective · B2Made up of homes rather than shops or factories.
- residual/ɹɪˈzɪd͡ʒ.ʊəl/adjective · C2Left over after the main part has gone.
- residue/ˈɹɛzɪdjuː/noun · C1What is left behind after a process.
- resign/ɹɪˈzaɪn/verb · B2To give up a post before the term ends.
- resignation/ˌɹɛz.ɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən/noun · C1The formal act of quitting your job, letter included.
- resigned/ɹɪˈzaɪnd/adjective · C1Accepting something unpleasant because fighting it is pointless.
- resilience/ɹɪˈzɪl.ɪ.əns/noun · C1The strength to bend under blows and stand straight again.
- resilient/ɹɪˈzɪl.jənt/adjective · C1Able to take hard blows and stand back up.
- resin/ˈɹɛzɪn/noun · C1A sticky substance that sets hard and clear.
- resistance/ɹɪˈzɪstəns/noun · C1How strongly a material fights the flow of electricity.
- resistant/ɹəˈzɪstənt/adjective · B2Able to withstand something without being affected.
- resitnoun · B2Taking an exam again after failing it.
- resizeverb · B1+To alter a ring so that it fits.
- resolute/ˈɹɛ.zəˌl(j)uːt/adjective · C1Firmly decided and impossible to shake.
- resolutely/ˈɹɛz.əˌlutli/adverb · C1In a way that shows firm determination.
- resolution/ˌɹɛzəˈluːʃ(ə)n/noun · B2How much fine detail an image actually holds.
- resonance/ˈɹɛzənəns/noun · C1A deep ringing quality, or a meaning that echoes.
- resonant/ˈɹɛzənənt/adjective · C1Deep and ringing, and lingering in the air.
- resonate/ˈɹɛz.əˌneɪt/verb · C1To sound deeply and go on vibrating.
- resort/ɹɪˈzɔːt/noun · B2A place built for holidays, with everything on site.
- resound/ɹɪˈzaʊnd/verb · C2To ring loudly through a place.
- resounding/ɹɪˈzaʊn.dɪŋ/adjective · C2Ringing loudly, or emphatic and beyond dispute.
- resoundingly/ɹɪˈzaʊndɪŋli/adverb · C2In a way that is emphatic and beyond argument.
- resource/ɹɪˈzɔːs/noun · B1+Something available to be used when needed.
- resourcefuladjective · B2+Clever at finding ways round problems.
- resourcefulnessnoun · C1Skill at finding a way through with what you have.
- respawn/ɹɪˈspɔːn/verb · C1To come back into a game after being defeated.
- respect/ɹɪˈspɛkt/verb · A2To treat a person as someone whose worth you take seriously.
- respectable[ɹɪˈspɛk.tə.bl̩]adjective · B1Decent enough to be accepted by others.
- respectful/ɹɪˈspɛkt.fl̩/adjective · B1Showing proper regard for somebody.
- respectfully/ɹɪˈspɛkt.fə.li/adverb · B2In a way that shows proper regard.
- respective/ɹɪˈspɛktɪv/adjective · C1Belonging to each one separately.
- respectively/ɹɪˈspɛktɪvli/adverb · C1Each in the order already given.
- respiration/ɹɛspɪˈɹeɪʃən/noun · B2+How living things release energy from food.
- respiratory/ɹɪˈspɪ.ɹət.ə.ɹi/adjective · B2To do with breathing.
- respite/ˈɹɛsˌpaɪt/noun · C1A short rest from something difficult.
- resplendent/ɹɪˈsplɛn.dənt/adjective · C2Shining brilliantly and richly dressed.
- respondent/ɹɪˈspɒn.dənt/noun · B2+Somebody who answers a survey.
- response/ɹɪˈspɒns/noun · A2+An answer, or a reaction to something.
- responsibility/ɹɪˌspɒn.səˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/noun · A2The duty of being the one who must take care of something.
- responsible/ɹɪˈspɒn.sə.bəl/adjective · B1In charge of something — and taking the blame if it fails.
- responsiblyadverb · B1+In a way that shows you can be trusted with the duty.
- responsive/ɹɪˈspɒn.sɪv/adjective · B2+Quick to react to what people or events do.
- rest/ɹɛst/verb · A2To stop working so your body can recover.
- restaurant/ˈɹɛst(ə)ɹɒnt/noun · A1The place where you sit at a table, order food, and pay after eating.
- restful/ˈɹɛs(t)fʊl/adjective · B2Making you feel calm and rested.
- restitution/ˌɹɛstɪˈtjuːʃən/noun · C1The giving back of what was taken.
- restive/ˈɹɛstɪv/adjective · C2Restless and hard to keep under control.
- restless/ˈɹɛstlɪs/adjective · B2Unable to relax or stay still.
- restlessness/ˈɹɛstləsnəs/noun · B2+Being unable to settle or stay still.
- restockverb · B2+To fill the shelves again.
- restoration/ɹɛstəˈɹeɪʃən/noun · B2+The bringing of something back to its former state.
- restorative/ɹɪˈstɒɹətɪv/adjective · C1Having the power to bring back health or strength.
- restore/ɹɪˈstɔː/verb · B2To bring files back from a spare copy.
- restore/ɹɪˈstɔː/verb · B2To bring something back to its original state.
- restored/ɹɪˈstɔɹd/adjective · B1+Repaired carefully back to its original state.
- restrain/ɹɪˈstɹeɪn/verb · B2To hold somebody back from moving or acting.
- restraining ordernoun · C1A court order to stay away from a person.
- restraint/ɹɪˈstɹeɪnt/noun · C1Self-control, or something that holds you back.
- restrict/ɹɪˈstɹɪkt/verb · B2+To keep something within set limits.
- restriction/ɹɪˈstɹɪkʃən/noun · B2+A rule that limits what may be done.
- restroom/ˈɹɛstˌɹum/noun · B1The American word for a public toilet.
- result/ɹɪˈzʌlt/noun · A2+What comes out at the end because of what was done.
- resume/ɹɪˈzjuːm/noun · B2+The one-page paper that lists your education and jobs so far.
- resurgencenoun · C1A rising again after a decline.
- resurrection/ɹɛzəˈɹɛkʃən/noun · B2A rising from the dead, or a revival of something.
- resuscitate/ɹɪˈsʌsɪˌteɪt/verb · C2To bring somebody back to consciousness or life.
- resuscitationnoun · C2Reviving somebody who has stopped breathing.
- retail/ˈɹiˌteɪl/noun · B2Selling goods one at a time to the public.
- retailer/ˈɹiteɪlɚ/noun · B2+A business that sells goods to the public.
- retain/ɹɪˈteɪn/verb · B2To keep possession of something.
- retainer/ɹɪˈteɪn.ə/noun · C2A servant kept on by a family for many years.
- retake/ɹiːˈteɪk/<q:verb>noun · B2+Another attempt after the first was not good enough.
- retaliate/ɹɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/verb · B2+To strike back after being hurt.
- retaliation/ɹiˌtæl.iˈeɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+Harm done back in return for harm received.
- retargetingnoun · C1Advertising again to people who already looked.
- retch/ɹɛt͡ʃ/verb · C1To heave as if about to be sick.
- retention/ɹɪˈtɛnʃən/noun · B2+Keeping customers rather than losing them.
- rethink/ɹiːˈθɪŋk/verb · B1+To think about something again from the start.
- reticence/ˈɹɛtɪs(ə)ns/noun · C1An unwillingness to say much.
- reticent/ˈɹɛtɪsənt/adjective · C1Keeping your thoughts and feelings to yourself.
- retina/ˈɹɛt.ɪ.nə/noun · B2+The layer at the back of the eye that senses light.
- retinol/ˈrɛ.tən̩ɑl/noun · C1A vitamin treatment used to smooth skin over time.
- retinue/ˈɹɛ.tɪ.njuː/noun · C1The attendants who travel with an important person.
- retire/ɹɪˈtaɪə/verb · B1+To stop working for good because you have reached the age for it.
- retired/ɹɪˈtaɪəd/adjective · B1Having given up work for good on reaching a certain age.
- retirement/ɹəˈtaɪə(ɹ).mənt/noun · B2The years after you stop working for good.
- retirement partynoun · B1A gathering held when somebody leaves work for good.
- retort/ɹɪˈtɔɹt/verb · C1To reply sharply and immediately.
- retouch/ɹɪˈtʌtʃ/verb · C1To correct small faults in a photograph.
- retrace/ɹiːˈtɹeɪs/<q:verb>verb · C1To go back over the way you came.
- retract/ɹɪˈtɹækt/verb · B2+To draw back in, or to take back a statement.
- retraction/ɹɪˈtɹækʃən/noun · C1A public statement taking back what was printed.
- retreat/ɹɪˈtɹiːt/verb · B2To move back away from danger.
- retrialnoun · C1A second hearing of a case already tried.
- retribution/ˌɹɛt.ɹɪˈbju.ʃən/noun · C1Punishment given as deserved payment for wrong.
- retrieval/ɹɪˈtɹiːvəl/noun · B2+Getting something back from where it was.
- retrieve/ɹɪˈtɹiːv/verb · C1To go and bring something back, as trained dogs do.
- retro/ˈɹɛt.ɹəʊ/adjective · B2+Deliberately in the style of an earlier time.
- retrofit/ˌɹɛtɹəʊˈfɪt/verb · C1To fit new systems into an old building.
- retrospect/ˈɹɛtɹəˌspɛkt/noun · C2The backward look — how things appear once they are over.
- retrospectionnoun · C2Looking back over what has already happened.
- retrospective/ˌɹɛt.ɹə(ʊ)ˈspɛk.tɪv/noun · C2A look back over a long period of work.
- return/ɹɪˈtɜːn/verb · A1To go again to where you were before.
- return addressnoun · B1The address to send it back to if it fails.
- return farenoun · B1The price of travelling there and back.
- return on investmentnoun · B2What you got back compared with what you spent.
- return ticketnoun · A2A ticket there and back.
- returns/ɹɪˈtɜːnz/noun · B1Items brought back after being borrowed.
- returns policynoun · B2The rules about bringing goods back.
- retweetverb · B1To pass somebody else's post on to your own followers.
- reunion/ɹiːˈjuːnjən/noun · B2The gathering that brings long-separated people back together.
- reunite/ˌɹiːjuːˈnaɪt/verb · B2To bring together again after a separation.
- reusableadjective · B1+Made to be used many times over.
- rev/ɹɛv/verb · B2To make an engine roar by pressing the pedal.
- reveal/ɹɪˈviːl/verb · B2To let something previously secret be seen or known.
- revel/ˈɹɛv.əl/verb · C1To take great delight in something.
- revelation/ˌɹɛv.əˈleɪ.ʃən/noun · C1Knowledge believed to be disclosed by a god.
- revelatory[ɹɛvəˈlɛjtəɹi]adjective · C2Showing something that had not been understood before.
- revelry/ˈɹɛvəlɹi/noun · C2Noisy merry-making with drink and dancing.
- revenant/ˈɹɛvənənt/noun · C2Somebody who returns, especially from the dead.
- revenge/ɹəˈvɛnd͡ʒ/noun · B2Harm done in return for harm suffered.
- revenue/ˈɹɛvənjuː/noun · B2+All the money flowing into a company before any costs are paid.
- reverberate/ɹɪˈvɜːbəˌɹeɪt/verb · C2To keep sounding on and on around a space.
- reverberation/ɹiˈvɜː(ɹ)bəɹeɪʃən/noun · C2An echo that keeps sounding, or a lasting effect.
- revere/ɹɪˈvɪə(ɹ)/verb · C1To respect somebody very deeply.
- reverence/ˈɹɛv.ə.ɹəns/noun · B2+Deep respect close to worship.
- reverent/ˈɹɛv.ə.ɹənt/adjective · C1Showing deep respect.
- reverential/ˌɹɛvəˈɹɛnʃəl/adjective · C1Full of awe and deep respect.
- reverie/ˈɹɛvəɹi/noun · C2A pleasant daydream you drift into.
- reversal/ɹɪˈvɜː(ɹ)səl/noun · B2A change to the opposite direction or decision.
- reverse/ɹɪˈvɜːs/verb · B2To drive a car backward.
- reversible/ɹəˈvɜː(ɹ)sɪbəl/adjective · B2+Able to run in either direction.
- revert/ɹəˈvɜː(ɹ)t/verb · B2+To go back to a former state or habit.
- review/ɹɪˈvjuː/noun · A2+A published opinion of how good a place is.
- reviewernoun · B1+Somebody who writes judgements of books or films.
- revile/ɹəˈvaɪl/verb · C2To abuse somebody in bitter language.
- revise/ɹɪˈvaɪz/verb · B1+To study again before an exam; also, to improve a draft.
- revision/ɹɪˈvɪʒ.ən/noun · B2+Going over old lessons again before a big test.
- revisionism/ɹɪˈvɪʒəˌnɪzəm/noun · C2The reworking of an accepted account of the past.
- revisit/ɹiːˈvɪzɪt/verb · B2+To go back to a place or an idea.
- revival/ɹɪˈvaɪ̯vəl/noun · C1A bringing back into life or use.
- revive/ɹɪˈvaɪ̯v/verb · C1To bring back to life, consciousness, or popularity.
- revocation/ˌɹɛvəˈkeɪʃən/noun · C1The withdrawing of a right or a licence.
- revoke/ɹɪˈvoʊk/verb · B2+To officially cancel a license, right, or permission.
- revolt/ɹɪˈvoʊlt/noun · B2An armed rising against those in power.
- revolution/ˌɹɛv.əˈluː.ʃən/noun · B2The complete overthrow of a system of power by the people.
- revolutionary/ˌɹɛvəˈluʃənɛɹi/adjective · B2Completely new and overturning what came before.
- revolutioniseverb · B2+To change something completely and for good.
- revolve/ɹɪˈvɒlv/verb · B2To move in a circle around something.
- revolver/ɹɪˈvɒl.vɚ/noun · B2A handgun whose chambers turn to the barrel.
- reward/ɹɪˈwɔːd/verb · B1To give something good immediately after right behaviour.
- rewind/ɹiːˈwaɪnd/verb · B1+To wind something back to an earlier point.
- rework/ˈɹiːwɜː(ɹ)k/noun · C1Putting right an item that failed inspection.
- rewrite/ˈɹiː.ɹaɪt/verb · B1+To write something again in a different form.
- rewritten/ɹiːˈɹɪt.ən/adjective · B2+Written out again in a changed form.
- rhetoric/ˈɹɛtəɹɪk/noun · C1The art of speaking to persuade — and, often, empty grand talk.
- rhetorical/ɹɪˈtɒɹ.ɪ.kəl/adjective · C2Meant to persuade, or asked without wanting an answer.
- rhetorical questionnoun · C1A question asked without wanting an answer.
- rheumy/ˈɹuːmi/adjective · C2Watery and dull, said of old eyes.
- rhino/ˈɹaɪ.nəʊ/noun · A2+The heavy grey animal with a great horn on its nose.
- rhinoceros/ɹaɪˈnɒs.ə.ɹəs/noun · B2A huge thick-skinned animal with a horn on its nose.
- rhombus/ˈɹɒmbəs/noun · C1A flat shape with four equal sides and slanted corners.
- rhubarb/ˈɹuːbɑːb/noun · B2+Sour pink stalks cooked with lots of sugar.
- rhyme/ɹaɪm/noun · B2The matching end-sounds of words, as in cat and hat.
- rhythm/ˈɹɪð.əm/noun · B2The regular pulse of music that your foot taps along to.
- rhythmic/ˈɹɪð.mɪk/adjective · B2+Having a regular repeated beat.
- rib/ɹɪb/noun · B2One of the curved bones that make a cage around your chest.
- rib cagenoun · B2The curved bones that make a basket around the heart.
- ribald/ˈɹɪb.əld/adjective · C2Coarsely humorous about sex.
- ribbedadjective · B2+Marked with raised parallel bands.
- ribbon/ˈɹɪbən/noun · A2+A narrow strip of fabric used for tying or trimming.
- ribbon trimnoun · B2A narrow decorative band sewn onto cloth.
- rice/ɹaɪs/noun · A1The small white grains half the world eats every day.
- rich/ˈɹɪt͡ʃ/adjective · A1Having lots of money.
- rich/ˈɹɪt͡ʃ/adjective · B1Of food: heavy with fat, cream, sugar or eggs.
- richness/ˈɹɪt͡ʃnəs/noun · B2+Depth and abundance of quality.
- rickety/ˈɹɪk.ɪ.ti/adjective · C1Shaky and likely to collapse.
- rickshaw/ˈɹɪkˌʃɔː/noun · B2+A small vehicle pulled or pedalled to carry passengers.
- ricochet/ˈɹɪk.ə.ʃeɪ/verb · C1To bounce off a surface at an angle.
- rid/ɹɪd/verb · B1To free a place or a person of something unwanted.
- riddle/ˈɹɪdəl/noun · B2A question worded to be hard to work out.
- ride/ɹaɪd/verb · A2To sit on a bicycle or a horse and travel on it.
- rider/ˈɹaɪ̯.dəː/noun · B2Somebody who rides a horse or a bike.
- ridge/ɹɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2A long narrow crest where two mountain slopes meet.
- ridiculous/ɹɪˈdɪk.jʊ.ləs/adjective · B1So silly or unreasonable that people laugh at it.
- riding schoolnoun · B1A place where people are taught to ride.
- rife/ɹaɪf/adjective · C2Widespread, and usually unwelcome.
- riffle/ˈɹɪfəl/verb · C1To turn pages quickly with the thumb.
- rifle/ˈɹaɪfəl/noun · B2A long gun held against the shoulder to shoot far away.
- rift/ɹɪft/noun · C2A crack, or a serious break between friends.
- rig/ɹɪɡ/noun · B2The equipment for drilling, or a large lorry.
- rigging/ˈɹɪɡɪŋ/noun · B2+All the ropes and wires that hold up the masts.
- right/ɹaɪt/adjective · A1With no mistakes in it.
- right angle/ˈɹaɪt ˌæŋɡəl/noun · B1A perfect square corner of ninety degrees.
- right-handadjective · A2On or towards the side opposite the heart, in the hyphenated form that pairs with side, corner, or lane.
- righteous/ˈɹaɪt͡ʃəs/adjective · B2Morally right, or angry at what is wrong.
- righteousness/ˈɹaɪt͡ʃəsnəs/noun · B2The state of behaving as morality demands.
- rightful/ˈɹaɪtfəl/adjective · B2Belonging by right.
- rights/ɹaɪts/noun · B1The freedoms every person is entitled to — to speak, to vote, to live safely.
- rigid/ˈɹɪd͡ʒ.ɪd/adjective · B2Stiff and unbending — materials or rules.
- rigmarole/ˈɹɪɡməɹəʊl/noun · C2A long fussy procedure that seems pointless.
- rigorous/ˈɹɪɡəɹəs/adjective · B2+Careful and exact, leaving no loose ends.
- rigour/ˈɹɪɡə(ɹ)/noun · C1Strictness and care in reasoning.
- riledadjective · C1Stirred into irritation.
- rill/ɹɪl/noun · C2A small brook.
- rim/ɹɪm/noun · B2The outer ring of a wheel that carries the tyre.
- rime/ɹaɪm/noun · C2A white frost that coats surfaces.
- rind/ɹaɪnd/noun · B2+The tough outer skin of cheese or bacon.
- ring/ɹɪŋ/noun · A1A round piece of jewelry you wear on a finger.
- ring a bellphrase · B2To sound faintly familiar without quite coming back.
- ringleader/ˈɹɪŋˌliːdəɹ/noun · B2+The one who leads others into trouble.
- ringlet/ˈɹɪŋ.lət/noun · C1A long curl of hair.
- ringmasternoun · B2The person who introduces each act in the ring.
- rinse/ɹɪns/verb · B1To wash quickly under clean running water.
- rinse outphrase · B1To wash the inside of something with clean water.
- riot/ˈɹaɪ.ət/noun · B2A violent outburst by an angry crowd.
- rip/ɹɪp/verb · B1To tear roughly and quickly.
- ripe/ɹaɪp/adjective · B1Fully grown and ready to eat — soft, sweet, and colorful.
- ripen/ˈɹaɪpən/verb · B2To become ready to eat.
- ripple/ˈɹɪp(ə)l/noun · B2One of the small rings spreading where a stone meets still water.
- riprap/ˈɹɪpɹap/noun · C2Loose rock piled to protect a shore from waves.
- riptide/ˈɹɪp.taɪd/noun · C1A strong narrow current running out from a beach.
- rise/ɹaɪz/verb · B1To move upward — the sun, prices, or bread dough.
- risk/ɹɪsk/noun · A2The chance that something bad will come of what you do.
- risk assessmentnoun · B2The check on what could go wrong and how to stop it.
- risotto/ɹɪˈzoʊtoʊ/noun · B1+A creamy Italian rice dish stirred slowly.
- rite/ɹaɪt/noun · B2+One established religious act, done in a fixed way.
- ritual/ˈɹɪt͡ʃ.u.əl/noun · B2A set of actions performed the same way every time.
- ritual/ˈɹɪt͡ʃ.u.əl/noun · B2An action repeated in a fixed way for its meaning.
- rivalry/ˈɹaɪ.vəl.ɹi/noun · B2+Competition between people after the same thing.
- riven/ˈɹɪvən/adjective · C2Split violently apart.
- river/ˈɹɪvə/noun · A1A long line of fresh water flowing across the land to the sea.
- riverbank/ˈɹɪv.əˌbæŋk/noun · B1+The raised land at the edge of a river.
- riverbed/ˈɹɪv.əˌbɛd/noun · B1+The ground a river runs along.
- rivet/ˈɹɪvət/noun · B2+A metal pin hammered flat to join two plates for good.
- riveting/ˈrɪvɪtɪŋ/noun · C1Joining metal with short pins hammered flat.
- rivulet/ˈɹɪv.jʊ.lɪt/noun · C1A very small stream.
- roach/ɹəʊtʃ/noun · B2A cockroach, or a small freshwater fish.
- road/ɾoːɖ/noun · A1The long hard surface that cars drive on between places.
- roadie/ˈɹəʊdi/noun · B2+The crew member who moves and sets up the gear.
- roadside/ˈɹəʊdsaɪd/noun · B1+The edge of a road.
- roadworksnoun · B1Repairs that close part of a road.
- roadworthyadjective · C1Safe and legal to drive.
- roam/ɹəʊm/verb · B2To travel about freely over a wide area.
- roan/ɹəʊn/adjective · C2Having a coat of mixed white and coloured hairs.
- roar/ˈɹɔː/verb · B2To make the deep mighty cry of a lion.
- roast/ɹoʊst/verb · B2To cook meat or vegetables in the dry heat of an oven until brown.
- roast dinnernoun · B1A Sunday meal of meat, potatoes and vegetables.
- roasted/ˈɹoʊstɪd/adjective · B1+Cooked by dry heat until browned through.
- robin/ˈɹɒ.bɪn/noun · A2+A small garden bird with a bright red breast.
- robot/ˈɹəʊ.bɒt/noun · B1A machine that moves and works by itself, like a mechanical person.
- robotic/ɹəʊˈbɒt.ɪk/adjective · B2+Machine-like, and without human feeling.
- robotic armnoun · B2A programmed mechanical limb that does repeated work.
- robotics/ɹəʊˈbɒt.ɪks/noun · B2+The study of building machines that act on their own.
- robust/ɹəʊˈbʌst/adjective · C1Strongly built to survive rough treatment.
- robust/ɹəʊˈbʌst/adjective · B2+Strong, full and confident in taste.
- rock/ɹɒk/noun · A2A large piece of the hard grey material mountains are made of.
- rock the boatphrase · B2To disturb a situation that was going along quietly.
- rock-solidadjective · B2Utterly firm and completely dependable.
- rocker/ˈɹɒk.ə(ɹ)/noun · B2A performer or fan of rock music.
- rocket/ˈɹɒk.ɪt/noun · B1The fire-tailed machine that carries people and satellites into space.
- rocket sciencephrase · B2Something so complicated that ordinary people cannot follow it.
- rocking horsenoun · B1A wooden horse on curved runners.
- rod/ɹɒd/noun · B2A long thin straight bar of wood or metal.
- rodent/ˈɹəʊdənt/noun · B1+A gnawing animal such as a rat or a squirrel.
- rodeo/ˈɹəʊ.di.əʊ/noun · B1+A show of riding wild horses and roping cattle.
- rogue/ˈɹəʊɡ/noun · B2A dishonest but often likeable person.
- roil/ˈɹɔɪl/verb · C2To churn and stir up violently.
- role/ɹəʊl/noun · A2+The part somebody plays in a situation.
- role modelphrase · B2A person so admirable that others copy how they live.
- roll/ɹəʊl/verb · A2To move by turning over and over, like a wheel or ball.
- roll matnoun · B1The thin foam layer that softens the ground.
- roll outverb · B2To flatten dough with a heavy cylinder.
- roll upphrase · B2To turn a sleeve over on itself, again and again.
- roll your eyesphrase · B2To turn the eyes upward to show contempt.
- rollbacknoun · C1Putting the previous version back after a bad release.
- roller coasternoun · B1The fast twisting ride of climbs, drops, and screams.
- roller skatesnoun · B1Boots with wheels underneath.
- rolling pinphrase · B1The heavy wooden cylinder you flatten dough with.
- rolling stocknoun · C1All the vehicles a railway owns.
- rolloutnoun · B2+Releasing something in stages across places or groups.
- romance/rə(ʊ)ˈman(t)s/noun · B1A love affair, or a story about one.
- romanianoun · B1The country of the Carpathian mountains and Dracula's castle.
- romantic/ɹə(ʊ)ˈmæntɪk/adjective · B1Full of love and the feelings of lovers — candles, roses, sunsets.
- romanticism/ɹəʊˈmæntɪsɪzəm/noun · C1A movement valuing feeling and nature over reason.
- romp/ɹɒmp/verb · C2To play boisterously, or to win very easily.
- rondelnoun · C2A small round plate of armour or a round shield.
- roof/ɹuːf/noun · A2The top cover of a house that keeps the rain out.
- roofer/ˈɹufɚ/noun · B2The worker who covers and mends roofs.
- rook/ɹʊk/noun · C1A sociable black bird that nests in treetop colonies.
- rookerynoun · C2A colony of nests high in the trees.
- rookie/ˈɹʊki/noun · B2Somebody in their first season at a job or a sport.
- room/ɹʊm/noun · A1One of the separate spaces inside a building, with its own walls and door.
- room numbernoun · A2The figure identifying which room is yours.
- room servicenoun · B1Meals brought to your room at your request.
- roomfulnoun · B2+A quantity of people or things large enough to fill one whole chamber at a time.
- roommate/ˈɹu(m)ˌmeɪt/noun · B2The person you share your flat with.
- roost/ɹuːst/verb · B2+To settle somewhere for the night, as birds do.
- rooster/ˈɹuːstə/noun · A2+The male chicken that crows at sunrise.
- root/ɹuːt/noun · B2The part of a plant that grows down into the earth and drinks water.
- root causenoun · B2The real reason underneath a problem.
- root systemnoun · B2All the underground parts that anchor and feed a plant.
- roots/ɹuːts/noun · B2The part of dyed hair growing out in its own colour.
- rope/ɹəʊp/noun · A2Thick strong cord for climbing, tying, and pulling.
- rosary/ˈɹoʊzəɹi/noun · B2A string of beads used for counting prayers.
- rose/ɹəʊz/noun · A2The romantic red bloom with sharp thorns on its stem.
- rose/ɹəʊz/adjective · B2A soft warm pink.
- rosemary/ˈɹəʊzməɹi/noun · B1+A spiky, piney herb roasted with lamb and potatoes.
- rosewood/ˈɹoʊzˌwʊd/noun · C1A dense dark tropical timber streaked with near-black grain and faintly sweet in smell, prized for guitar fingerboards and fine furniture.
- rostrum/ˈɹɒstɹəm/noun · C2A raised platform to speak or conduct from.
- rosy/ˈɹəʊzi/adjective · B2Pink and healthy, or promising well.
- rot/ɹɒt/noun · B2The soft decay that destroys damp wood.
- rota/ˈɹəʊtə/noun · B2+The chart saying who works when.
- rotate/ɹəʊˈteɪt/verb · C1To turn around a central point.
- rotation/ɹoʊˈteɪʃən/noun · C1Turning around a centre, or taking turns.
- rote/ɹəʊt/noun · C1Learning by repeating until it sticks, without understanding.
- rotor/ˈɹəʊ.tə/noun · B2+The spinning part of a machine or aircraft.
- rotten/ˈɹɒtn̩/adjective · B1Gone bad and smelly; food nobody should eat anymore.
- rotund/ɹəʊ̯ˈtʌnd/adjective · C1Round and plump.
- rough/ɹʌf/adjective · B1Uneven and scratchy to the touch, like tree bark.
- roughly/ˈɹʌf.li/adverb · B2More or less; give or take a bit.
- roulette/ɹuːˈlɛt/noun · B2+A gambling game played with a spinning numbered wheel.
- round/ˈɹaʊ̯nd/adjective · A2Shaped like a ball or a coin.
- round downphrase · B1To lower a number to the nearest convenient one.
- round onphrase · C1To turn suddenly and attack somebody with words.
- round robin/ˌɹaʊnd ˈɹɒbɪn/noun · C1A competition where everybody plays everybody.
- round the bendphrase · C1Driven mad or completely irrational.
- round the clockphrase · B2All day and all night without pause.
- round trip/ˈɹaʊn(d).tɹɪp/phrase · B1A journey there and back again on one ticket.
- round upphrase · B1To raise a number to the nearest convenient one.
- roundabout/ˈɹaʊndəˌbaʊt/noun · B1+The circular meeting of roads where cars go around a middle island.
- roundhouse/ˈɹaʊndˌhaʊs/noun · C2A circular shed where locomotives were turned and stored.
- roundlyadverb · C1Firmly and thoroughly, said of criticism.
- roundupnoun · C1A summary of the main news, or the gathering of cattle.
- rouse/ɹaʊz/verb · B2+To wake somebody, or to stir them into action.
- roust/ɹaʊst/verb · C2To rouse somebody out of a place roughly.
- rout/ɹaʊt/noun · C2A crushing defeat that sends the losers fleeing.
- route/ɹuːt/noun · A2+The particular way you choose to go from here to there.
- route planningnoun · B2Working out the best way for vehicles to travel.
- router/ˈɹuː.tə(ɹ)/noun · B1+The blinking box that spreads the internet through your home.
- routine/ɹuːˈtiːn/noun · B2A set of jobs done the same way each time.
- routine checknoun · B1A regular look to catch faults early.
- rove/ɹəʊv/verb · C1To wander from place to place with no fixed course.
- rover/ˈɹəʊvə/noun · B2A wheeled robot driven across another world's surface.
- row/ɹəʊ/noun · B1Things or people arranged in a straight line, side by side.
- rowdy/ˈɹaʊ̯di/adjective · B2Noisy and wild in a disorderly crowd way.
- rowing/ˈɹoʊɪŋ/noun · B1+The sport of pulling long oars to move a narrow boat fast.
- royal/ˈɹɔɪ̯.əl/adjective · B1Belonging to a king or queen.
- royal blueadjective · B1A strong vivid blue.
- royaltiesnoun · B2Payments an author or musician earns from each sale.
- royalty/ˈɹɔɪəlti/noun · B2Members of a royal family, or money paid to an author.
- rsvp/ˌɑː(ɹ) ɛs viː ˈpiː/noun · B2+A request that you say whether you will come.
- rsvp/ˌɑː(ɹ) ɛs viː ˈpiː/verb · B2+To reply saying whether you will attend.
- rub/ɹʌb/verb · B1To move your hand back and forth against something, pressing.
- rub your eyesphrase · B1To press the eyes with the hands from tiredness.
- rubber/ˈɹʌbə/noun · A2The stretchy bouncy material tires and erasers are made of.
- rubber bandnoun · B1The stretchy loop that snaps around things to hold them.
- rubber glovesnoun · A2Waterproof gloves worn to protect the hands.
- rubbery/ˈɹʌbəɹi/adjective · B2+Springy and tough to chew.
- rubble/ˈɹʌb.əl/noun · B2Broken stone and brick from a ruined building.
- rubric/ˈɹuːbɹɪk/noun · C1A heading or set of instructions for a task.
- ruby/ˈɹuː.bi/noun · A2+A hard red precious stone.
- rucksack/ˈɹʌkˌsæk/noun · B1+A large bag carried on the back.
- ruckus/ˈɹʌkəs/noun · C1A noisy disturbance.
- rudder/ˈɹʌdəː/noun · B2+The blade at the back that turns the boat.
- ruddy/ˈɹʌdi/adjective · C1Healthily red in the face.
- rude/ɹuːd/adjective · A2Showing no respect or manners toward others.
- rudenessnoun · B2Behaviour that shows no regard for others.
- rudiment/ˈɹuːdɪmənt/noun · C1One of the first simple parts of a subject.
- rudimentary/ˌɹuːdɪˈmɛntəɹi/adjective · C1Basic and undeveloped.
- rudimentsnoun · C1The first and simplest parts of a subject.
- rueful/ˈɹuːfl̩/adjective · C1Showing regret in a wry good-humoured way.
- ruff/ɹʌf/noun · C2A stiff frilled collar worn in earlier centuries.
- ruffian/ˈɹʌfi.ən/noun · C1A violent lawless man.
- ruffle/ˈɹʌfəl/noun · B2A wavy band of gathered cloth along an edge.
- rug/ˈɹʌɡ/noun · B1A small soft piece of floor cover that doesn't reach the walls.
- rugby/ˈɹʌɡbi/noun · B1+The rough game with an egg-shaped ball you may carry and throw backward.
- rugged/ˈɹʌɡ.ɪd/adjective · B2+Rough, rocky, and tough — coastlines and outdoor gear.
- ruin/ˈɹuː.ɪn/noun · B1The broken remains of an old building.
- ruin/ˈɹuː.ɪn/verb · B1To spoil something beyond repair.
- ruination/ˌɹuː.ɪˈneɪʃən/noun · C2The bringing of something to complete ruin.
- ruinous/ˈɹuː.ɪnəs/adjective · C1Causing complete destruction or financial collapse.
- rule/ɹuːl/noun · A1What you may and may not do in a game, school, or place.
- rule of thirdsnoun · C1Placing the subject a third of the way across the frame.
- rule of thumbphrase · C1A rough practical guide that works most of the time.
- rule outphrase · B2To decide something is not possible and drop it.
- rulebook/ˌɹulˌbʊk/noun · B2The booklet setting out how a game is played.
- ruler/ˈɹuːlə/noun · A2+The flat stick with numbers for drawing straight lines and measuring.
- ruling/ˈɹuːlɪŋ/noun · C1The decision a judge hands down.
- rumba/ˈɹʊmbə/noun · B2+A slow sensual Cuban partner dance.
- rumble/ˈɹʌmb(ə)l/verb · B2To make the long low rolling sound of distant thunder.
- ruminant/ˈɹuːmɪnənt/noun · C2An animal that chews food brought back from its stomach.
- ruminate/ˈɹumɪneɪt/verb · C2To turn an unhappy thought over and over.
- rumination/ˌɹuːmɪˈneɪʃən/noun · C2Turning the same painful thought over endlessly.
- ruminative/ˈruməˌneɪdɪv/adjective · C2Given to long slow thought.
- rummage/ˈɹʌm.ɪd͡ʒ/verb · B2+To search untidily through a mass of things.
- rumor/ˈɹuːmə/noun · B1A story passing from mouth to mouth that may not be true.
- rump/ˈɹʌmp/noun · B2The hind part of an animal.
- rumple/ˈɹʌmpəl/verb · C1To crease and disorder something smooth.
- run/ɹʌn/verb · A1To move much faster than walking, both feet leaving the ground.
- run/ɹʌn/verb · B2To be in charge of a shop, company, or project.
- run a businessphrase · B1To manage a commercial concern.
- run a riskphrase · B2To act in a way that could go badly wrong.
- run aground/ˌrʌn əˈɡraʊnd/phrase · C1To drive a boat onto the bottom and stick.
- run awayphrase · A2To escape from a place or person by running.
- run downphrase · B2To lose power, or to criticise unfairly.
- run intophrase · B2To meet someone by pure chance.
- run latephrase · B1To be behind the time you should be at.
- run outphrase · B1To use the last of something — milk, money, or time.
- run out ofphrase · A2To use the last of something.
- run out of timephrase · B1To have no time left before the deadline.
- run overphrase · B2To hit someone or something with a vehicle.
- run throughphrase · B2To practice or review quickly from start to finish.
- run-downadjective · B2Old and falling apart from years without repair.
- run-in/ˈɹʌnˌɪn/noun · C1An unpleasant clash or brush with somebody in authority, such as the police.
- run-of-the-milladjective · C1Perfectly ordinary; nothing special.
- runaway/ˈɹʌnəweɪ/noun · B1+Somebody who has fled from home or from custody.
- rundown/ˈɹʌndaʊn/noun · B2A quick point-by-point briefing on the main facts, given to bring somebody up to speed.
- rune/ɹuːn/noun · B2+A letter of an old alphabet, used in magic and carving.
- rung/ˈɹʌŋ/noun · B2One of the crossbars of a ladder.
- runnel/ˈɹʌnəl/noun · C2A trickle of water finding its own small course over ground, or the shallow groove such a trickle wears.
- runner/ˈɹʌnɚ/noun · A2+Somebody who runs, especially in a race.
- runner-up/ˌɹʌn.əˈɹʌp/noun · B2The competitor who finished second.
- running/ˈɹʌnɪŋ/noun · A2The sport of moving fast on foot, or the managing of something.
- running stitchnoun · B2A simple stitch that weaves in and out of the cloth.
- runny/ˈɹʌni/adjective · B1+Thin enough to flow like liquid.
- runoffnoun · B2+Water that flows off the land instead of soaking in.
- runt/ɹʌnt/noun · C1The smallest and weakest of a litter.
- runtimenoun · C1The period while a program is actually executing.
- runway/ˈɹʌnweɪ/noun · B1+The long flat strip where planes speed up and leave the ground.
- rupture/ˈɹʌpt͡ʃəː/verb · C1To burst or tear open under pressure.
- rural/ˈɹʊəɹəl/adjective · B2Belonging to the countryside, far from cities.
- ruse/ɹuːz/noun · C1A trick used to deceive.
- rush/ɹʌʃ/verb · B2To move somewhere much too fast.
- rush hourphrase · B2The busy time of day when everyone travels to or from their job at once.
- russet/ˈɹʌsɪt/adjective · C1Reddish brown.
- russianoun · A2+The biggest country on the map, stretching from Europe to the Pacific.
- russianadjective · A2+The Slavic language written in the Cyrillic alphabet.
- rust/ɹʌst/noun · B1+The flaking red-brown crust that eats away iron.
- rust/ɹʌst/verb · B1For iron to flake away under damp air.
- rustic/ˈɹʌstɪk/adjective · C1Simple and rough in a countryside way.
- rustle/ˈɹʌsəl/verb · C1To make the soft dry whisper of leaves or paper moving.
- rusty/ˈɹʌsti/adjective · B2Coated orange-brown where metal has met rain; skills get this way too.
- ruthless/ˈɹuːθləs/adjective · C1Chasing your goal with zero mercy for anyone in the way.
- ruthlessnessnoun · C1A complete absence of pity in getting what you want.
- rutted/ˈɹʌtɪd/adjective · C1Marked with deep grooves made by wheels.
- ruttingadjective · C2In the season when male deer fight and mate.
- rwandanoun · B2The land of a thousand hills, home of mountain gorillas.
- rye/ɹaɪ/noun · B2A dark strong grain used in northern breads.
- sabbathnoun · B2+The weekly day set aside for rest and worship.
- sabbatical/səˈbætɪkəl/noun · C1A long paid break professors take to research or rest.
- sabbatical/səˈbætɪkəl/noun · C1A long approved break from a job.
- sable/ˈseɪbəl/noun · C2A small dark fur-bearing animal, or the colour black.
- sabotage/ˈsæ.bəˌtɑːʒ/noun · B2Damaging something deliberately and secretly.
- saboteur/ˌsæbəˈtɜː(ɹ)/noun · C1Somebody who deliberately wrecks work or equipment.
- sabre-toothnoun · B1An extinct cat with enormous upper fangs.
- sachet/ˈsæʃeɪ/noun · B2+A small sealed packet holding one dose or portion.
- sack/sæk/noun · B1A large bag of strong cloth or paper.
- sacrament/ˈsækɹəmənt/noun · C1One of the formal rites regarded as carrying grace.
- sacred/ˈseɪkɹɪd/adjective · B1Set apart as holy and not to be treated lightly.
- sacrifice/ˈsæk.ɹɪ.faɪs/noun · B2Giving up something precious for a greater cause.
- sacrilege/ˈsækɹɪlɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1Violation of something held sacred.
- sacrosanct/ˈsæk.ɹoʊˌsæŋkt/adjective · C2So sacred that it must never be touched or changed.
- sad/ˈsæd/adjective · A1Feeling bad and close to tears.
- saddle/ˈsædl̩/noun · B1The leather seat a rider sits on.
- saddlebag/ˈsædəlˌbæɡ/noun · B2+A bag hung from the back of a saddle.
- saddler/ˈsadlə/noun · C1A craftsman who makes riding gear from leather.
- sadist/ˈseɪdɪst/noun · C1Somebody who takes pleasure in cruelty.
- sadistic/səˈdɪstɪk/adjective · C1Taking pleasure in the pain of others.
- sadly/ˈsædli/adverb · B1+In a way that shows sorrow, or unfortunately.
- sadness/ˈsædnəs/noun · B1The state of being unhappy.
- safari/səˈfɑːɹ.i/noun · B1+An expedition to watch or hunt wild animals.
- safe/ˈseɪ̯f/adjective · A2Free from danger; nothing can hurt you here.
- safe deposit boxnoun · B2A locked box in a bank vault for valuables.
- safe housenoun · B2A secret place where somebody can hide.
- safe journeyphrase · B1A wish for somebody setting off travelling.
- safeguard/ˈseɪfɡɑːd/verb · B2+To protect something from harm or loss.
- safeguardingnoun · C1Steps taken to protect somebody at risk.
- safety/ˈseɪfti/noun · B1The state of being protected from all harm.
- safety demonstrationnoun · B2The briefing on what to do in an emergency.
- safety gogglesnoun · B2Sealed eye protection worn in a laboratory.
- safety guardnoun · B2A barrier that keeps hands out of moving parts.
- safety netnoun · B2The mesh stretched below to catch a falling performer.
- saffron/ˈsæfɹən/noun · B2+The world's most expensive spice, a red flower thread.
- sag/sæɡ/verb · B2+To sink or bend under weight.
- saga/ˈsɑːɡə/noun · B2+A long heroic story of a family or a nation.
- sagacious/səˈɡeɪʃəs/adjective · C2Showing deep and shrewd wisdom.
- sage/seɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2+A soft grey-green herb used with pork and butter.
- sail/seɪl/verb · B1To travel across water in a boat pushed by the wind.
- sailing racenoun · B1A contest between boats driven by wind.
- sailor/ˈseɪ.lɚ/noun · B1A person who works on a ship at sea.
- saint/seɪnt/noun · B1Somebody declared holy by a church.
- sainthoodnoun · C1The state of being recognised as holy.
- sake/ˈseɪ̯k/noun · B1The benefit or purpose of something, in the phrase for it.
- salacious/səˈleɪ.ʃəs/adjective · C2Dwelling on sex in a way meant to titillate.
- salad/ˈsæl.əd/noun · A1A cold healthy mix of raw vegetables in a bowl.
- salami/səˈlɑːmi/noun · B1+A hard spiced sausage eaten in thin slices.
- salary/ˈsæləɹi/noun · B1+The fixed money you receive from your company every month.
- sale/seːl/noun · A2The time when a shop drops its prices and crowds come running.
- sale railnoun · B2The rack holding reduced clothing.
- salesmannoun · B1A man whose job is persuading people to buy.
- salesmanshipnoun · C1Skill at persuading people to buy.
- salespersonnoun · B2+A person whose job is persuading customers to buy.
- saleswomannoun · B2A woman whose job is persuading people to buy.
- salient/ˈseɪ.li.ənt/adjective · C1Standing out as the most noticeable point.
- saline/ˈseɪ.laɪn/adjective · B2+Containing salt.
- saliva/səˈlaɪvə/noun · B2The liquid your mouth makes when food is near.
- salivate/ˈsælɪveɪt/verb · C1To produce saliva, especially at the thought of food.
- sallow/ˈsæloʊ/adjective · C1Yellowish and unhealthy in complexion.
- sally/ˈsæli/noun · C2A sudden rush out from a defended position.
- salmon/ˈsæmən/noun · B1A pink-fleshed fish that swims upriver to breed.
- salon/ˈsælɒn/noun · B2A shop where beauty treatments are given.
- salsa/ˈsɑl.sə/noun · B2A lively Latin dance of quick hip movement.
- salt/sɒlt/noun · A1The white grains from the sea that make food taste stronger.
- saltinessnoun · B2The quality that comes from the seasoning mineral.
- saltmarshnoun · C2Coastal grassland flooded by the sea at high tide.