all 19,295 words · one row per spelling
Word ranking
Ranked by how often each word appears in film and television subtitles — the first 15,258 spellings, from the ones you cannot avoid to the ones you will only ever read. Words the frequency norms never measured follow at the end, A to Z.
Occasional — familiar, but not everyday
- 11,001croneAn ugly old woman, in stories.C12.6
- 11,002cuckoldA man whose wife has been unfaithful.C22.6
- 11,003curdThe solid part left when milk sours.B2+2.6
- 11,004deafeningExtremely loud.B2+2.6
- 11,005depressiveTo do with long-lasting lowness of spirits.C22.6
- 11,006deterrentSomething kept in order to stop an enemy attacking.C22.6
- 11,007dilutedMade weaker by adding water.B2+2.6
- 11,008disruptiveBreaking up the normal running of things.B22.6
- 11,009divertingEntertaining and taking your mind off things.C12.6
- 11,010dodgyNot to be trusted.B22.6
- 11,011downtimeTime when a machine or system is not working or not in use.B2+2.6
- 11,012draftingRiding close behind another to save effort.C12.6
- 11,013drierContaining less moisture.A2+2.6
- 11,014drizzleVery fine light rain.B12.6
- 11,015earfulAn informal blast of angry complaint aimed at somebody who has to stand and take it, named from the receiving side rather than the speaker's.C12.6
- 11,016easygoingRelaxed and not easily bothered.B1+2.6
- 11,017effronteryShameless boldness that offends.C22.6
- 11,018emuA tall flightless Australian bird.B1+2.6
- 11,019entitleTo give somebody a right, or to give a work its name.C12.6
- 11,020epitomeThe perfect example of a quality.C12.6
- 11,021escarpmentA long steep slope at the edge of high ground.C22.6
- 11,022expedientUseful for the moment, whatever the principle.C12.6
- 11,023fatiguesThe working uniform soldiers wear day to day.C12.6
- 11,024firA tall straight evergreen, the usual Christmas tree.B1+2.6
- 11,025fissureA long narrow crack.C12.6
- 11,026forayA brief venture into new territory or a new field.C12.6
- 11,027foregroundThe part of the scene nearest the viewer.B2+2.6
- 11,028girthThe measurement round something thick.C12.6
- 11,029glaringUnpleasantly bright.B2+2.6
- 11,030glistenTo shine as wet things do.C12.6
- 11,031gnatA tiny biting fly.B2+2.6
- 11,032guessworkWorking something out without the facts to go on.B2+2.6
- 11,033humdrumDull through endless repetition.C12.6
- 11,034immoralityBehaviour that breaks moral rules.B2+2.6
- 11,035inaneSilly and completely lacking in sense.C12.6
- 11,036infamyFame of the worst possible kind.C12.6
- 11,037inquisitionA harsh and searching questioning.B2+2.6
- 11,038instructiveTeaching you something worth knowing.B2+2.6
- 11,039interludeA short break between two longer parts.C22.6
- 11,040interviewerSomebody who asks the questions in an interview.B1+2.6
- 11,041iranThe Middle Eastern country once called Persia, famous for carpets and poetry.B1+2.6
- 11,042irelandThe green island country of Dublin, shamrocks, and folk music.A2+2.6
- 11,043kickboxingA fighting sport using both fists and feet.B2+2.6
- 11,044kinshipThe bond of belonging to the same family.C12.6
- 11,045lacquerA hard glossy coating that dries quickly, used on wood, metal and nails.C12.6
- 11,046lankyAwkwardly tall and thin.B2+2.6
- 11,047lawlessNot controlled by any law.B2+2.6
- 11,048lividExtremely angry.C12.6
- 11,049lobbyistSomebody paid to press decision-makers.C12.6
- 11,050lopsidedHeavier or lower on one side than the other.B2+2.6
- 11,051maimTo wound somebody so badly they are permanently damaged.B2+2.6
- 11,052mainsailThe largest sail, set behind the main mast.C12.6
- 11,053maladyAn illness, or a deep-seated problem in a society.B2+2.6
- 11,054mildewA fungus that grows in damp and stains what it touches.B2+2.6
- 11,055mireDeep mud, or a situation you cannot get out of.C12.6
- 11,056mischievousPlayfully naughty, without intending real harm.B2+2.6
- 11,057misconceptionA belief that is widely held and wrong.B2+2.6
- 11,058mulchA layer spread on soil to hold moisture in.C12.6
- 11,059mutterTo speak low and unclearly, so that people catch only half of it.B22.6
- 11,060notablyEspecially worth pointing out among the rest.C12.6
- 11,061nourishTo feed something so it stays healthy and grows.B2+2.6
- 11,062nourishingGiving the body what it needs to thrive.B2+2.6
- 11,063offlineNot connected to the internet.B1+2.6
- 11,064organizerSomebody who arranges an event.B1+2.6
- 11,065oxenCattle trained to pull ploughs and carts.B1+2.6
- 11,066pinnacleThe highest point of achievement or success.C12.6
- 11,067platingThe way food is arranged on the dish.C12.6
- 11,068potluckA shared meal where every guest brings a dish.B22.6
- 11,069protonA positive particle in the middle of an atom.B1+2.6
- 11,070pulleyA wheel and rope that let one person lift a great weight.B2+2.6
- 11,071punctuationThe dots, commas and marks that organise written sentences.B1+2.6
- 11,072recoilTo draw back suddenly in fear or disgust.C12.6
- 11,073rectangularShaped like an oblong with four right angles.B22.6
- 11,074reestablishTo set something up again after a break.B2+2.6
- 11,075refineTo improve something by removing what is rough or impure.B2+2.6
- 11,076reminiscentBringing something else to mind.C12.6
- 11,077renditionA particular performance or version of a work.C12.6
- 11,078rewrittenWritten out again in a changed form.B2+2.6
- 11,079riverbedThe ground a river runs along.B1+2.6
- 11,080roundaboutA circular junction where cars go around a middle island.B1+2.6
- 11,081sandpaperPaper coated with grit for rubbing surfaces smooth.B1+2.6
- 11,082sariA long cloth wrapped and draped, worn in India.B1+2.6
- 11,083scuffleA short confused fight at close quarters.B2+2.6
- 11,084seesawA playground plank where one rider rises as the other sinks.B22.6
- 11,085semblanceAn outward appearance of something, perhaps false.C12.6
- 11,086slobberTo let saliva drip from the mouth.B22.6
- 11,087slurpTo drink or eat noisily, with a sucking sound.B2+2.6
- 11,088sociologyThe science of how societies and groups work.B1+2.6
- 11,089soulfulFull of deep feeling.C12.6
- 11,090sponsorshipMoney paid to have your name attached to something.B2+2.6
- 11,091stalwartA loyal reliable supporter over many years.C12.6
- 11,092stillnessQuiet without any movement at all.B22.6
- 11,093subtlyIn a way so slight it is easy to miss.C12.6
- 11,094tardinessThe habit of being late.C12.6
- 11,095tarmacA hard road or runway surface made of tar and crushed stone.B2+2.6
- 11,096taroA tropical plant with huge heart-shaped leaves, grown for the starchy corm that Hawaiians pound into poi.C12.6
- 11,097tearfulCrying, or close to tears.B2+2.6
- 11,098thriftCareful management of money so that none is wasted.B2+2.6
- 11,099toffeeA hard chewy sweet made from boiled butter and sugar.B1+2.6
- 11,100triathlonA race combining swimming, cycling and running, done one straight after another.B1+2.6
- 11,101tricksterSomebody who cheats and deceives for gain.B2+2.6
- 11,102trotterA pig's foot used as food.C12.6
- 11,103undergraduateA student working toward a first degree.C12.6
- 11,104urchinA poor, ragged child living on the streets.C12.6
- 11,105viceroySomebody who rules a colony on behalf of a monarch.C12.6
- 11,106vindicationProof that somebody was right after all.C22.6
- 11,107weekdayAny day of the week other than Saturday or Sunday.A2+2.6
- 11,108yokeA wooden frame joining two oxen, or a heavy burden.C12.6
- 11,109zenithThe highest point somebody or something reaches.C12.6
- 11,110acknowledgementThe admitting that something is so, or thanks given.B2+2.6
- 11,111admirablyIn a way that deserves praise.B2+2.6
- 11,112aimlesslyWithout any purpose or direction.C12.6
- 11,113ankletA light chain worn around the lower leg.C12.6
- 11,114arcaneKnown only to a few, and mysterious to the rest.C22.6
- 11,115armchairA comfortable chair with supports for the arms.A2+2.6
- 11,116baritoneA male voice between tenor and bass.B2+2.6
- 11,117benevolenceKindly feeling and the wish to do good.C12.6
- 11,118blamelessHaving done nothing wrong.C12.6
- 11,119bookmarkA saved link so you can find a page again.B22.6
- 11,120brashLoud and confident in a way that grates.C12.6
- 11,121brutishCrude, violent and unthinking.C12.6
- 11,122capriciousChanging mood or mind for no good reason.C12.6
- 11,123catchphraseA line repeated so often by a character or performer that it becomes well known.B2+2.6
- 11,124cellistSomebody who plays the large deep-toned string instrument.B2+2.6
- 11,125clickerA small device used to mark good behaviour.B2+2.6
- 11,126clodA lump of earth.C12.6
- 11,127clotheslineThe rope where wet washing hangs to dry.B1+2.6
- 11,128coerceTo force somebody to do something by threat or pressure.C12.6
- 11,129commemorativeMade to keep the memory of a person or event.C12.6
- 11,130commutingTravelling regularly between home and work.B1+2.6
- 11,131complicityA share in somebody else's wrongdoing.C12.6
- 11,132contagionThe spreading of disease or of feeling by contact.C22.6
- 11,133contentmentThe quiet satisfied feeling of wanting nothing more.C12.6
- 11,134crayonA stick of coloured wax used for drawing.B12.6
- 11,135credenceBelief that something is true.C12.6
- 11,136creviceA narrow crack in a rock or a wall.B2+2.6
- 11,137crosswalkThe striped place on the road where walkers may go across.B1+2.6
- 11,138culminationThe highest point that a long process leads up to.B2+2.6
- 11,139deformityA part of the body twisted out of its proper shape.B2+2.6
- 11,140dependenceThe state of needing something or somebody.C12.6
- 11,141deposeTo remove a ruler or leader from power.C12.6
- 11,142dexteritySkill in using the hands, or quickness of mind.B2+2.6
- 11,143dikeA bank built to hold back water.C12.6
- 11,144disownTo refuse any longer to acknowledge a relative.C12.6
- 11,145dispensaryA place where medicines are made up and handed out.C12.6
- 11,146displaceTo force something or someone out of its usual place.C12.6
- 11,147doubtlessAlmost certainly.C12.6
- 11,148downyCovered in very soft fine hair.C12.6
- 11,149dullardSomebody slow-witted and boring.C22.6
- 11,150earthySmelling of soil and damp woodland.B2+2.6
- 11,151edificeA large imposing building, or a great system of ideas.C22.6
- 11,152effortlessDone so well it looks easy.C12.6
- 11,153eludeTo escape from somebody by cleverness.C12.6
- 11,154entreatTo ask someone earnestly and urgently.C22.6
- 11,155estrangedNo longer in contact with a relative.C12.6
- 11,156euphoricFeeling or showing intense happiness and excitement.C22.6
- 11,157ferryboatThe vessel itself that shuttles back and forth on one short fixed crossing, named with the word for a small craft attached.B2+2.6
- 11,158fluentlySpeaking a language smoothly, without struggling for words.B1+2.6
- 11,159forlornLonely and without hope.C22.6
- 11,160foundryA works where metal is melted and poured into moulds.C12.6
- 11,161gaudyBrightly coloured in a showy tasteless way.B2+2.6
- 11,162geldingA male horse that has been castrated.C12.6
- 11,163genealogyThe study of tracing a family's descent.C12.6
- 11,164glancingHitting at an angle rather than directly.C12.6
- 11,165grandmasterThe highest title a chess player can be awarded.B2+2.6
- 11,166graphiteSoft grey carbon used in pencils and lubricants.B2+2.6
- 11,167grimeDirt that has been left long enough to stick.B2+2.6
- 11,168haughtyProud, and looking down on others.C22.6
- 11,169hereinIn this document or place.C12.6
- 11,170hesitantPausing or uncertain about whether to act.B2+2.6
- 11,171humpbackA hunched back, or the whale that has one.B22.6
- 11,172huskThe dry outer covering of a grain or nut.B2+2.6
- 11,173hyacinthA spring bulb with a dense scented spike of flowers.B2+2.6
- 11,174impeachTo charge a holder of high office with serious wrongdoing.B2+2.6
- 11,175inceptionThe point at which something began.C12.6
- 11,176inciteTo stir people up to do something violent.C12.6
- 11,177incubationThe keeping of eggs warm, or the silent early stage of a disease.B2+2.6
- 11,178indirectNot going straight to the point or the place.B2+2.6
- 11,179inefficientWasting time, money or effort.B2+2.6
- 11,180inexplicablyIn a way that cannot be explained.C12.6
- 11,181inhospitableUnwelcoming to visitors, or harsh to live in.B2+2.6
- 11,182insistenceRefusing to let a demand drop.C12.6
- 11,183instinctiveDone automatically, without conscious thought.C12.6
- 11,184jawboneThe bone that carries the lower teeth.B2+2.6
- 11,185jitteryNervous and shaky.B2+2.6
- 11,186lecherousShowing crude and open sexual desire.C12.6
- 11,187letterheadThe printed name and address at the top of official paper.B2+2.6
- 11,188lispA speech habit of sounding an s like a th.B2+2.6
- 11,189loomTo appear large and threatening, especially in poor light.C12.6
- 11,190lurkTo wait somewhere hidden, watching, with bad intentions.B2+2.6
- 11,191migrateTo travel a long way each year with the seasons.B1+2.6
- 11,192mitigateTo make harm or risk less severe.C12.6
- 11,193naveThe long central hall of a church where people sit.C12.6
- 11,194necromancerSomebody who works magic involving the dead.C12.6
- 11,195netherlandsThe flat north European country of tulips and bicycles.B1+2.6
- 11,196nuanceA shade of meaning so fine most people miss it.C12.6
- 11,197obesityThe medical condition of carrying dangerously excessive body fat.B2+2.6
- 11,198outgrowTo become too big for something.B22.6
- 11,199overlordThe supreme master in a feudal chain, to whom lesser nobles owe their lands and their loyalty.C12.6
- 11,200overseerSomebody who supervises workers.C12.6
- 11,201palletThe wooden platform loads are stacked on for forklifts.B2+2.6
- 11,202palpableSo strong it can almost be touched.C12.6
- 11,203parleyA talk between enemies to discuss terms.C12.6
- 11,204periodicHappening at regular intervals.B2+2.6
- 11,205plummetTo fall suddenly and very fast.C12.6
- 11,206prefixLetters added to the front of a word to change its meaning.B2+2.6
- 11,207pretenceAn act put on to deceive.B2+2.6
- 11,208proficiencyA good working command of a skill.B2+2.6
- 11,209propheticTurning out to have foretold what happened.C12.6
- 11,210prostrateLying face down, or completely overcome.C22.6
- 11,211quandaryA state of uncertainty about what to do.C12.6
- 11,212refrigeratedKept cold by machinery.B1+2.6
- 11,213regenerateTo grow back or renew itself.C12.6
- 11,214reorganizeTo arrange something in a new way.B2+2.6
- 11,215responsiblyIn a way that shows you can be trusted with the duty.B1+2.6
- 11,216retrialA second hearing of a case already tried.C12.6
- 11,217rhetoricLanguage chosen to persuade or impress, especially when there is nothing behind it.C12.6
- 11,218ricketyUnsteady and likely to break or collapse.C12.6
- 11,219roustTo rouse somebody out of a place roughly.C22.6
- 11,220scoffTo speak about something with mocking contempt.C12.6
- 11,221sedimentSolid material that sinks to the bottom of a liquid and settles there.C12.6
- 11,222shearTo cut the wool off a sheep.B2+2.6
- 11,223sillinessBehaviour that shows no sense, usually harmlessly.B1+2.6
- 11,224skewerA long thin pin of wood or metal pushed through pieces of food to hold them together while they cook.B2+2.6
- 11,225sorrelA sharp-tasting leaf.C22.6
- 11,226steepleA tower with a pointed top on a church.B2+2.6
- 11,227stockpileA large store built up against future need.B2+2.6
- 11,228stoicBearing pain and hardship without complaint.C12.6
- 11,229strategistSomebody skilled at planning for the long run.B2+2.6
- 11,230stringyTough and full of fibres.B22.6
- 11,231subscriberSomeone who pays regularly to keep receiving something.C12.6
- 11,232substitutionThe putting of one thing in place of another.C12.6
- 11,233templateA ready-made pattern to be filled in with your own content.B1+2.6
- 11,234thanklessReceiving no thanks or appreciation, however well done.C12.6
- 11,235torrentA violent rushing stream, or a flood of words.B2+2.6
- 11,236unisonSimultaneous performance of the same notes or actions.C12.6
- 11,237unwittinglyWithout realising what you were doing.C12.6
- 11,238varnishA clear coat that protects wood and shows the grain.B2+2.6
- 11,239veracityTruthfulness, or accordance with the facts.C22.6
- 11,240voyeurSomebody who gets pleasure from secretly watching others.C12.6
- 11,241wellnessThe state of being healthy in body and mind.B2+2.6
- 11,242whittleTo cut small pieces off wood to shape it.C12.6
- 11,243wispA small thin streak or strand of something.C12.6
- 11,244witheringScornful enough to make somebody shrink.C12.6
- 11,245wriggleTo twist and turn the body with small movements.B2+2.6
- 11,246yolkThe yellow part inside an egg.B1+2.6
- 11,247abjectAs wretched or as complete a failure as could be.C22.6
- 11,248abnormallyIn a way that departs worryingly from the usual.B2+2.6
- 11,249acclaimedWidely praised in public.B2+2.6
- 11,250acquaintTo make somebody familiar with something.B2+2.6
- 11,251advantageousPutting you in a better position than before.C12.6
- 11,252agileQuick and light on your feet.C22.6
- 11,253airbagA bag that inflates instantly to cushion a crash.B1+2.6
- 11,254amphibianA creature that lives both in water and on land.B1+2.6
- 11,255angrilyIn a way that shows anger.A2+2.6
- 11,256anonSoon, or in a little while.C22.6
- 11,257armisticeA formal agreement to stop fighting.C12.6
- 11,258battlementsThe notched wall along the top of a castle.C12.6
- 11,259blareTo make a loud, harsh sound.C12.6
- 11,260botanyThe scientific study of plants.B2+2.6
- 11,261brayTo make the loud harsh cry of a donkey.C12.6
- 11,262bylineThe line naming who wrote the article.C12.6
- 11,263carburettorThe old part that mixed fuel with air before injection.C12.6
- 11,264categoricallyAbsolutely and with no room for doubt.C12.6
- 11,265clenchTo close the hand or jaw tightly, especially in tension.C12.6
- 11,266comforterA cloth or toy a child needs in order to settle.B22.6
- 11,267comparativelyIn comparison with something else.B2+2.6
- 11,268concoctionA drink or a story made up from mixed parts.C12.6
- 11,269counterpointTwo melodies sounded together, or a contrasting element.C12.6
- 11,270crossoverA story bringing characters from separate works together.B2+2.6
- 11,271cyclingThe sport of riding a bicycle fast and far.A2+2.6
- 11,272darkenTo make something darker in colour or less bright.B1+2.6
- 11,273decathlonA contest of ten separate athletic events.B2+2.6
- 11,274deftQuick and neatly skilful, especially with the hands.C12.6
- 11,275deliberationCareful consideration before making a decision.B2+2.6
- 11,276delugeA great flood, or an overwhelming rush of things.C12.6
- 11,277demureQuiet, modest and reserved.C12.6
- 11,278descriptiveSetting out in words what something is like.B22.6
- 11,279desecrateTo treat a sacred place with violent disrespect.C12.6
- 11,280deterTo make somebody decide not to do something.B2+2.6
- 11,281diminutiveExtremely small.C12.6
- 11,282discourseThe ongoing conversation of a field or society.C12.6
- 11,283disinfectTo kill the germs on a surface or a wound.B2+2.6
- 11,284distortTo twist something out of its true shape or meaning.C12.6
- 11,285dusterA cloth or brush for removing fine powder.B1+2.6
- 11,286eclecticDrawing on many different sources and styles.C12.6
- 11,287emitTo send out light, heat, gas or sound.B2+2.6
- 11,288enclosureAny fenced-off piece of land.B2+2.6
- 11,289equestrianRelating to horse riding.C12.6
- 11,290eruptTo burst out violently.B22.6
- 11,291eruptionThe explosive moment a volcano blows its top.B22.6
- 11,292escalationA sharp increase in scale or seriousness.B2+2.6
- 11,293exemptionOfficial release from a duty others must meet.B2+2.6
- 11,294extremityThe furthest point of something.B22.6
- 11,295fableA short tale with talking animals and a moral at the end.B22.6
- 11,296fallacyA piece of reasoning that looks good and is not.C22.6
- 11,297farmlandLand used for growing crops or keeping animals.B1+2.6
- 11,298forbiddingLooking hostile and unwelcoming.B2+2.6
- 11,299forefrontThe most important or advanced position.B2+2.6
- 11,300fortuitousHappening by chance, and often luckily.C12.6
- 11,301frameworkA set of ideas, rules or principles that something is built on or judged against.B22.6
- 11,302gangplankThe board laid from a ship to the shore.C12.6
- 11,303gaucheAwkward and clumsy in social situations.C22.6
- 11,304girderA great steel beam carrying a building's weight.B2+2.6
- 11,305gladeA sunny open space among trees.C12.6
- 11,306groupingA set of things put together by some shared feature.B2+2.6
- 11,307handheldFilmed without a stand, so the picture moves slightly.B2+2.6
- 11,308haplessUnlucky, and to be pitied for it.C22.6
- 11,309harmoniousFree from disagreement and working well together.B2+2.6
- 11,310headlongRushing forward without stopping to think.C12.6
- 11,311headyStrong enough to go straight to your head.C12.6
- 11,312helixA spiral that climbs as it turns.C12.6
- 11,313hiatusA gap or break in the middle of something.C12.6
- 11,314honeycombThe wax grid of six-sided cells bees store honey in.B1+2.6
- 11,315impossiblyTo a degree beyond what can actually be done or exist, as of a task no one could complete or a waist too slender to be real.B2+2.6
- 11,316imprisonTo shut somebody up in a prison.C12.6
- 11,317improvisationPerforming without a script, inventing in the moment.B2+2.6
- 11,318incontrovertibleSo certain that it cannot be argued against.C22.6
- 11,319indefiniteNot fixed in extent or in time.C12.6
- 11,320indignityTreatment that robs somebody of their dignity.C12.6
- 11,321indulgentRichly pleasurable, especially in a way that is not good for you.B2+2.6
- 11,322ionAn atom that has gained or lost an electron.B2+2.6
- 11,323ladybugA small round red insect with black dots.A2+2.6
- 11,324leotardA tight one-piece garment worn by performers.B2+2.6
- 11,325lightnessThe state of weighing little, or of being cheerful.B2+2.6
- 11,326loofahA rough natural sponge for scrubbing skin.B2+2.6
- 11,327lustfulFull of strong sexual desire.C12.6
- 11,328makeshiftPut together from whatever was to hand.B2+2.6
- 11,329masseurA person trained to rub the body to ease it.B2+2.6
- 11,330masterfulShowing complete command of a skill.C12.6
- 11,331medianThe middle value when everything is put in order.B2+2.6
- 11,332millstoneA heavy round stone that grinds grain.C12.6
- 11,333modicumA small but not negligible amount.C12.6
- 11,334mutedQuiet and softened in sound.B2+2.6
- 11,335negligibleToo small or unimportant to be worth considering.C12.6
- 11,336nestleTo settle comfortably into a warm safe place.B2+2.6
- 11,337netherLower, or belonging to the world below.C12.6
- 11,338numericalExpressed in or to do with numbers.B22.6
- 11,339nutritionalTo do with the goodness in food.B2+2.6
- 11,340omissionSomething that has been left out.B2+2.6
- 11,341onwardsContinuing forward in space or time.B1+2.6
- 11,342opennessA readiness to be honest and to listen.B2+2.6
- 11,343optTo choose one thing in preference to another.C12.6
- 11,344organistSomebody who plays the large keyboard instrument in a church.B22.6
- 11,345outstretchedExtended to full length.B2+2.6
- 11,346overbookedSold to more passengers than there are seats.B2+2.6
- 11,347pacifierThe rubber teat a baby sucks to stay calm.B12.6
- 11,348pacifyTo calm somebody down, or to bring peace to a place.B2+2.6
- 11,349pariahSomebody everybody refuses to have anything to do with.C12.6
- 11,350paveTo cover a surface with a hard flat material.B22.6
- 11,351perturbedMade anxious or uneasy.C12.6
- 11,352pithyShort, pointed and full of meaning.C12.6
- 11,353pompSplendid ceremony and display.C12.6
- 11,354precariousBalanced so unsafely it could fall at any moment.C12.6
- 11,355presenterThe person who introduces and hosts a programme.B2+2.6
- 11,356prologueAn introduction placed before the main work.B2+2.6
- 11,357proprietyCorrect behaviour according to accepted standards.C12.6
- 11,358pungentHaving a sharp strong smell or taste.C12.6
- 11,359quirkA small odd habit that makes somebody who they are.C12.6
- 11,360rarityThe state of being seldom found.C12.6
- 11,361remedialMeant to put right a fault or a weakness.C12.6
- 11,362renownWide fame for something admired.C12.6
- 11,363ringmasterThe person who introduces each act in the ring.B22.6
- 11,364roadieThe crew member who moves and sets up the gear.B2+2.6
- 11,365savourTo enjoy a taste slowly and completely.B2+2.6
- 11,366sceptreThe ornamented rod a monarch holds.C12.6
- 11,367scorchingExtremely hot, hot enough to burn.B2+2.6
- 11,368shopkeeperSomebody who owns or runs a small shop.B22.6
- 11,369shrivelTo dry up and wrinkle into something smaller.B2+2.6
- 11,370shrugTo raise the shoulders to show indifference or ignorance.B22.6
- 11,371sliderA control you drag along a track to set a value.B1+2.6
- 11,372snubA deliberate refusal to acknowledge somebody.B2+2.6
- 11,373solderingJoining metal with a lower-melting alloy.B2+2.6
- 11,374speckledCovered with small irregular spots.B2+2.6
- 11,375spliceTo join two lengths of film, tape or rope together.C12.6
- 11,376squallA sudden violent wind, often with rain.C12.6
- 11,377submergeTo push or sink fully under water.B2+2.6
- 11,378subsideTo gradually die down.B2+2.6
- 11,379substantiateTo support a claim with evidence.C22.6
- 11,380summarizeTo shrink a long text down to its main points.B1+2.6
- 11,381supernovaThe colossal explosion of a dying star.C12.6
- 11,382swarthyHaving a dark complexion.C12.6
- 11,383teakA hard durable timber from a tropical tree.C12.6
- 11,384thesaurusA book grouping words by their meanings.B2+2.6
- 11,385tillerThe long handle that swings the rudder.C12.6
- 11,386trappingsThe outward signs that go with a position.C12.6
- 11,387trystA secret meeting between lovers.C12.6
- 11,388tutorialA small teaching session with close guidance.B1+2.6
- 11,389unadulteratedPure, with nothing added and nothing taken away.C22.6
- 11,390unbrokenContinuing without interruption.B22.6
- 11,391upheavalA violent change that turns everything upside down.C12.6
- 11,392upshotThe final result of a series of events.C12.6
- 11,393ventilateTo let air move through a space.C12.6
- 11,394waggleTo move rapidly from side to side.C12.6
- 11,395waxySmooth, slightly greasy and firm.B22.6
- 11,396windfallAn unexpected piece of good fortune, often money.B2+2.6
- 11,397wizardryMagic, or remarkable skill in some field.C12.6
- 11,398aforeBefore.C22.6
- 11,399agnosticA person who thinks it cannot be known whether a god exists.C12.6
- 11,400allotmentA small rented plot where people grow vegetables.C22.6
- 11,401amplifyTo make something louder or stronger.B2+2.6
- 11,402anecdotalBased on single stories rather than gathered evidence.C12.6
- 11,403arguablyAs a case could reasonably be made.C12.6
- 11,404attunedFinely aware of and responsive to something.C22.6
- 11,405atypicalNot following the usual pattern.C12.6
- 11,406augmentTo make something greater by adding to it.C12.6
- 11,407badmintonA racket game played with a feathered shuttle.B1+2.6
- 11,408bahtThe unit of money used in Thailand.B2+2.6
- 11,409behestA command or an urgent request.C22.6
- 11,410bilingualSpeaking two languages like a native.B2+2.6
- 11,411breechesTrousers reaching just below the knee.C12.6
- 11,412bulimiaAn eating disorder of bingeing and then purging.B2+2.6
- 11,413carnivoreAn animal that eats meat.B1+2.6
- 11,414cawTo make the harsh cry of a crow.C12.6
- 11,415celsiusThe temperature scale where water freezes at zero.A2+2.6
- 11,416certificationThe formal act of confirming in writing that a standard has been met, or the document that records it.B2+2.6
- 11,417chappedCracked and sore from cold and wind.B2+2.6
- 11,418comelyPleasant to look at.C22.6
- 11,419conformityBehaving the same way as everybody else.C12.6
- 11,420correlateTo move together in a way that suggests a link.C12.6
- 11,421corrosiveAble to eat away skin or metal.B2+2.6
- 11,422cragA steep rugged mass of rock.C12.6
- 11,423crematoriumThe building where bodies are burned.B2+2.6
- 11,424cuticleThe skin at the base of a nail.B2+2.6
- 11,425deferencePolite yielding to somebody's rank or judgement.C12.6
- 11,426delectableAbsolutely delicious.C12.6
- 11,427detrimentalCausing damage or loss.C12.6
- 11,428diluteTo weaken a liquid by adding water.B2+2.6
- 11,429dimpleA small hollow that appears in a cheek when you smile.B1+2.6
- 11,430dividendA share of profit paid to shareholders.B2+2.6
- 11,431ecuadorThe Andean country named after the line that circles the middle of the planet.B1+2.6
- 11,432enchantTo delight somebody greatly.B22.6
- 11,433ennuiWeariness caused by having nothing that interests you.C22.6
- 11,434equinoxOne of the two days when day and night are about equal.B2+2.6
- 11,435esotericUnderstood only by a small circle of initiates.C12.6
- 11,436etherealSo delicate and light it seems not of this world.C12.6
- 11,437extremistSomebody holding views far from the centre.C12.6
- 11,438fastidiousVery hard to please about detail and cleanliness.C12.6
- 11,439fodderFood grown and stored for farm animals.B2+2.6
- 11,440foreseeableAble to be predicted or expected.B2+2.6
- 11,441gailyIn a bright and cheerful way.C12.6
- 11,442gambitA chess opening in which a piece is given up for advantage.C22.6
- 11,443glorifyTo praise something as far greater than it is.B2+2.6
- 11,444gnawTo bite at something again and again.C12.6
- 11,445gobletA drinking glass on a tall stem.B2+2.6
- 11,446grimoireA book of spells.C22.6
- 11,447groutThe paste pressed between tiles to fill the joints.C12.6
- 11,448hawkerA trader who sells goods by calling them out.C12.6
- 11,449hummusA smooth dip of crushed chickpeas and sesame.B1+2.6
- 11,450incestuousInvolving sex between close relatives.C12.6
- 11,451inclineA slope, especially of a road or track.B2+2.6
- 11,452insubordinateRefusing to obey somebody in authority.C12.6
- 11,453insurrectionA violent rising against those in power.C12.6
- 11,454intoxicationThe state of being drunk or drugged.C12.6
- 11,455irrevocableImpossible to undo or take back.C22.6
- 11,456jauntA short trip taken for pleasure.C12.6
- 11,457jerkinA close-fitting sleeveless jacket.C22.6
- 11,458kilnThe oven in which pottery is baked hard.B2+2.6
- 11,459knaveA dishonest man.C22.6
- 11,460landownerSomebody who owns a large piece of land.B2+2.6
- 11,461levityLight-hearted treatment of a serious matter.C12.6
- 11,462lifesavingThe skills of rescuing somebody from drowning.B2+2.6
- 11,463luteAn old pear-shaped plucked instrument with a bent neck.C12.6
- 11,464macabreGruesome and grim in the way it dwells on death, said of a tale, a joke, or a scene rather than of a person's turn of mind.C12.6
- 11,465mallardThe common wild duck with a green head.B2+2.6
- 11,466marinateTo leave meat resting in a flavoured liquid before cooking.B2+2.6
- 11,467milkmaidA woman who milks cows.B2+2.6
- 11,468mythologicalBelonging to the ancient stories of gods and heroes.C12.6
- 11,469newbieA slangy, half-teasing name for somebody who has only just joined a group, a game or an online forum.B1+2.6
- 11,470nonchalantCalm and casual, showing no anxiety or interest.C22.6
- 11,471nutrientA substance in food that the body needs to grow.B2+2.6
- 11,472ogleTo stare at somebody in an unwelcome admiring way.C12.6
- 11,473overheatingThe becoming too hot for safe working.B22.6
- 11,474overturnTo reverse a previous decision or result.C12.6
- 11,475patronageSupport given by a wealthy backer, or the giving of favours.C12.6
- 11,476pensiveDeep in thought, and a little sad.C12.6
- 11,477perpetuateTo keep something going that ought to stop.C12.6
- 11,478persevereTo keep trying despite every setback.B2+2.6
- 11,479placateTo make an angry person calm again.C12.6
- 11,480plethoraAn amount far greater than is needed.C12.6
- 11,481postmarkThe stamped mark showing where and when it was posted.B2+2.6
- 11,482prattleTo talk at length in a light, inconsequential way.C12.6
- 11,483predominantlyFor the most part, and more than anything else.C12.6
- 11,484preoccupationA matter that fills the mind to the exclusion of others.C22.6
- 11,485primStiffly correct and easily shocked.C12.6
- 11,486rationaleThe set of reasons behind a decision or study.C12.6
- 11,487reactivateTo bring something back into use.B2+2.6
- 11,488reassembleTo put something back together.B2+2.6
- 11,489reclamationThe winning back of land or material for use.C12.6
- 11,490repressTo hold down a group or a protest by force.B2+2.6
- 11,491requisiteSomething that is required for a purpose.C12.6
- 11,492salvoAll the guns firing together, once.C12.6
- 11,493sculptTo shape a figure by carving or modelling.B2+2.6
- 11,494seminalSo influential that later work grew out of it.C22.6
- 11,495slinkTo move away quietly, ashamed or guilty.C12.6
- 11,496splurgeTo spend big on a treat you do not strictly need.B2+2.6
- 11,497spurtA sudden short gush, or a burst of speed.B2+2.6
- 11,498stasisA state in which nothing moves or changes.C22.6
- 11,499stuccoFine plaster used to coat and decorate walls.C12.6
- 11,500stuporA dazed state in which you can barely respond.C12.6