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.

words 14,501–15,000 of 19,295

Rare in speech; mostly a word you readzipf < 2.5

14,501nonentitySomebody of no importance whatever.C21.8
14,502observanceThe keeping of a rule, law or holy day.C11.8
14,503obsidianBlack volcanic glass that breaks to a razor edge.B2+1.8
14,504ostensibleGiven as the reason, though not the real one.C21.8
14,505ostracismBeing deliberately excluded by everybody.C11.8
14,506oustTo force somebody out of a position.C11.8
14,507overreachTo try for more than you can manage and fail.B2+1.8
14,508overtoneA 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.C11.8
14,509paeanA song or speech of enthusiastic praise.C21.8
14,510pantographThe arm that takes current from the overhead wire.C21.8
14,511paraglidingFlying under a fabric wing launched from a slope.B2+1.8
14,512participleThe verb form used with have or be, as in broken or running.B2+1.8
14,513pasticheA work that deliberately imitates another's style.C21.8
14,514pendulousHanging down loosely.C11.8
14,515penitenceSorrow for having done wrong.C11.8
14,516perforceBecause there was no other choice.C21.8
14,517perjurerSomebody who lies under oath.C11.8
14,518permutationOne of the possible orders a set can be put in.C11.8
14,519pestilentialCarrying disease, or extremely annoying.C21.8
14,520phialA small glass bottle.C21.8
14,521pidginA simplified language used between groups with no common tongue.C11.8
14,522pleatA fold pressed into cloth to give it shape.B2+1.8
14,523plebisciteA direct vote of the whole people on one question.C21.8
14,524plesiosaurA long-necked swimming reptile of ancient seas.C11.8
14,525polygonA flat shape made of straight sides.B2+1.8
14,526portendTo be a sign that something is coming.C21.8
14,527postnatalHappening after a birth.C11.8
14,528postulateTo assume something as a starting point.C11.8
14,529pratfallA comic fall on the backside.C21.8
14,530predictorSomething that gives a good sign of what is to come.B2+1.8
14,531preenTo clean and arrange feathers with the beak.C11.8
14,532preoccupyTo fill somebody's mind so they attend to nothing else.C11.8
14,533prequelA story set before an earlier one.B2+1.8
14,534probityComplete honesty and uprightness.C21.8
14,535protractorA half-circle tool for measuring angles.B1+1.8
14,536protrudeTo stick out beyond a surface.C21.8
14,537protrusionA part that sticks out.C21.8
14,538punctiliousAttending exactly to every small point of correctness.C21.8
14,539punctuateTo interrupt something at intervals.2×C11.8
14,540quantitativeMeasured in numbers and statistics.C11.8
14,541quarterstaffA long stout pole used as a weapon.C21.8
14,542radicalismBelief in sweeping and fundamental change.B2+1.8
14,543rafterOne of the sloping beams that carries a roof.B2+1.8
14,544rancourLong-held bitterness and ill will.C21.8
14,545rapturousFull of overwhelming delight.C21.8
14,546rashnessActing boldly without thinking of the risk.C11.8
14,547recalcitranceStubborn refusal to obey.C21.8
14,548refractoryStubbornly resisting control or treatment.C21.8
14,549repugnanceA strong feeling of disgust.C21.8
14,550rhombusA flat shape with four equal sides and slanted corners.C11.8
14,551rudimentsThe first and simplest parts of a subject.C11.8
14,552sachetA small sealed packet holding one dose or portion.B2+1.8
14,553samoaPolynesian island nation west of the date line.B2+1.8
14,554sandbarA ridge of sand built up in shallow water.B2+1.8
14,555satiateTo satisfy an appetite completely, or beyond it.C21.8
14,556sauteTo cook quickly in a little hot fat, shaking the pan.B2+1.8
14,557savannaHot grassland dotted with trees, home of lions and giraffes.B1+1.8
14,558schismA deep split that divides a church or a party.C21.8
14,559scrollingMoving down a feed of posts on a screen.B1+1.8
14,560seafarerSomebody who travels the sea for a living.C11.8
14,561selectivityCare in choosing only what fits.C21.8
14,562sepiaToned a warm brown.B2+1.8
14,563shinnyTo climb a pole or rope using arms and legs.C21.8
14,564silversmithA craftsman who works in the white precious metal.B2+1.8
14,565simperTo smile in a silly self-conscious way.C21.8
14,566skirlThe shrill wailing sound of bagpipes.C21.8
14,567skitterTo move lightly and quickly with small steps.C11.8
14,568slakeTo satisfy a thirst or a craving.C21.8
14,569slatternA woman thought dirty and untidy, in old use.C21.8
14,570sloeThe small sharp black fruit of the blackthorn.C21.8
14,571snuffboxA small ornamental box for powdered tobacco.C21.8
14,572solemnityGrave seriousness, or a formal ceremony.C11.8
14,573solicitudeAnxious care for somebody's welfare.C21.8
14,574sophistryClever reasoning designed to mislead.C21.8
14,575sparklerA hand-held stick that burns with bright sparks.B21.8
14,576spokeswomanA woman who speaks on behalf of a group.B2+1.8
14,577staidSettled, serious and rather dull.C21.8
14,578statuaryCarved figures taken together.C21.8
14,579subordinationThe placing of one thing under the authority of another.C11.8
14,580subsistTo stay alive on the barest means.C21.8
14,581subsistenceHaving just enough to stay alive.C21.8
14,582supplantTo take over somebody's place, often by force.C11.8
14,583sustainabilityLiving and producing in ways the planet can bear forever.B2+1.8
14,584tenableAble to be defended or maintained.C21.8
14,585theoriseTo put forward an explanation to be tested.C11.8
14,586tinderThe very fine dry material that catches a spark.B2+1.8
14,587toastmasterThe person who announces speeches at a formal dinner.C21.8
14,588topmostHighest of all.B2+1.8
14,589torporA state of heavy inactivity.C21.8
14,590tortoiseshellA mottled brown and yellow pattern, or that kind of cat.C11.8
14,591trailblazerSomebody who is first to open up a new path.B2+1.8
14,592transmuteTo change something into a different substance.C11.8
14,593tressesLong flowing hair.C11.8
14,594triassicOf the earliest of the three ages of great reptiles.C11.8
14,595unaccountableImpossible to explain.C11.8
14,596underexposedToo dark because too little light was let in.B2+1.8
14,597undergrowthThe bushes and plants growing under forest trees.B2+1.8
14,598underpinningThe support on which something else rests.C11.8
14,599unexceptionalOrdinary, with nothing to make it stand out.C21.8
14,600ungainlyAwkward and clumsy in movement.C11.8
14,601unpromisingShowing little sign of turning out well.C21.8
14,602unremittingNever letting up for a moment.C21.8
14,603unsettleTo make somebody feel anxious or uneasy.C11.8
14,604vaingloriousBoastfully and excessively proud.C21.8
14,605vettingChecking somebody's background before trusting them.C11.8
14,606vexationAnnoyance and irritation.C21.8
14,607victimiseTo single somebody out for unfair treatment.B2+1.8
14,608volubleSpeaking easily and at great length.C21.8
14,609warehousingThe storing of goods until they are wanted.B2+1.8
14,610waylayTo lie in wait and stop somebody on their way.C11.8
14,611wetsuitA tight rubber suit that keeps a swimmer warm.B1+1.8
14,612whoremongerA man who consorts with prostitutes, in old use.C21.8
14,613whorlA pattern of coils turning round a centre.C21.8
14,614willowyTall, slim and graceful.C11.8
14,615xenophobiaFear and dislike of people from other countries.B2+1.8
14,616abeyanceA state of being suspended for the time being.C21.6
14,617accessibilityHow easily a place or service can be used by everybody.B2+1.6
14,618achievablePossible to bring about with the effort available.B2+1.6
14,619acridSharp and bitter enough to sting the nose.C11.6
14,620agateA banded stone with rings of colour through it.C11.6
14,621almshouseHousing built long ago for the poor of a parish.C21.6
14,622ameliorateTo make a bad situation better.C21.6
14,623anarchicWildly disordered and recognising no authority.C21.6
14,624animatorA person who makes drawings appear to move.B1+1.6
14,625antenatalHappening before a birth.C11.6
14,626anticlockwiseTurning against the way clock hands go.B1+1.6
14,627antitheticalDirectly opposed in nature.C21.6
14,628aprThe yearly cost of borrowing, shown as a percentage.C11.6
14,629aquiferA layer of rock holding water underground.C11.6
14,630arbitrateTo judge between two sides in a dispute.C11.6
14,631arbourA shady shelter made of climbing plants.C11.6
14,632architraveThe moulded frame around a door.C11.6
14,633assiduousShowing steady careful attention to a task.C21.6
14,634athwartAcross from side to side.C21.6
14,635autocracyRule by one person with unlimited power.C11.6
14,636axiomaticSo obviously true that it needs no proof.C21.6
14,637backpackerA traveller who journeys cheaply carrying a rucksack.B1+1.6
14,638barbicanThe fortified gatehouse guarding a castle entrance.C21.6
14,639bedraggledWet, dirty and untidy.C11.6
14,640befoulTo make something filthy.C21.6
14,641beninA country in West Africa.C11.6
14,642bewilderTo confuse someone so completely they are lost.B2+1.6
14,643bierThe stand a coffin rests on before burial.C21.6
14,644biodiversityThe richness of all the different living things in one place.B2+1.6
14,645brandishTo wave something about, especially a weapon.C21.6
14,646brazierA metal basket for holding burning coals.C11.6
14,647brickworkThe pattern in which bricks have been laid.B2+1.6
14,648brindleBrown with streaks of another colour.C21.6
14,649buttressA support built against a wall to stop it spreading.2×C11.6
14,650bywordA name that stands for a quality in everyone's mind.C21.6
14,651callipersA tool with two arms that measures thickness exactly.C11.6
14,652candyflossSpun sugar sold on a stick.B1+1.6
14,653caramelisedBrowned and sweetened by slow heat.B2+1.6
14,654catteryA place where cats are boarded.B2+1.6
14,655chastenTo make someone more humble by correction or setback.C21.6
14,656cheerfulnessA bright and happy manner.B2+1.6
14,657cityscapeThe view of a city as a whole.B2+1.6
14,658clamberTo climb awkwardly using hands and feet.C11.6
14,659cloudburstA violent fall of rain over a small area.C11.6
14,660cloyTo become sickening through being too sweet.C21.6
14,661cloyingSweet to the point of being unpleasant.C11.6
14,662conclaveA private meeting held behind closed doors.C11.6
14,663concurrenceAgreement, or the happening of things at the same time.C21.6
14,664confectionerSomebody who makes and sells sweets.B2+1.6
14,665conniveTo scheme quietly, or to shut your eyes to wrongdoing.C21.6
14,666connoteTo suggest a feeling beyond the plain meaning.C21.6
14,667consecrationThe setting apart of something as sacred.C21.6
14,668constraintA limit that stops you doing as you wish.C11.6
14,669contextualDepending on the surrounding circumstances.C11.6
14,670corniceThe decorative moulding where wall meets ceiling.C11.6
14,671cortegeA solemn procession, especially at a funeral.C21.6
14,672crabbedBad-tempered, or cramped and hard to read.C21.6
14,673craggyFull of steep rough rock.C11.6
14,674crossbreedAn animal whose parents were of two different breeds.B2+1.6
14,675dappledMarked with soft spots of light and shade.C11.6
14,676dauntTo make somebody lose their nerve.C11.6
14,677deafenTo make somebody unable to hear.B2+1.6
14,678deceaseA person's death, in legal use.C21.6
14,679decorousCorrect and dignified in behaviour.C21.6
14,680demoralisedStripped of confidence and spirit.C11.6
14,681denizenAn inhabitant of a particular place.C21.6
14,682deprecateTo express disapproval of something.C21.6
14,683depredationDamage done by plundering or by nature.C21.6
14,684derisiveShowing open scorn.C21.6
14,685despoilTo strip a place of its goods by force.C21.6
14,686desultoryDone without plan or steady interest.C21.6
14,687diademA jewelled band worn as a mark of royalty.C21.6
14,688didacticMeant to teach, often too obviously so.C21.6
14,689dilatorySlow to act, and inclined to put things off.C21.6
14,690dilutionWeakening a solution by adding more liquid.B2+1.6
14,691diminutionA making or becoming smaller.C21.6
14,692discernmentThe ability to judge well and see fine differences.C11.6
14,693disheartenedLosing the will to carry on trying.C11.6
14,694dissociationFeeling cut off from your own body or thoughts.C11.6
14,695dissonantClashing in sound or in feeling.C21.6
14,696djiboutiTiny Horn-of-Africa country guarding the Red Sea's gate.C11.6
14,697drearDismal and gloomy.C21.6
14,698dropletA very small drop of liquid.B2+1.6
14,699ebullientOverflowing with cheerful energy.C21.6
14,700ecologistA scientist who studies living things and their surroundings.B2+1.6
14,701egretA long-legged white wading bird.C11.6
14,702empathiseTo understand and share another person's feelings.B2+1.6
14,703emulsifyTo mix two liquids that do not naturally combine.C21.6
14,704endothermicTaking in heat as it reacts.C11.6
14,705enthralTo hold somebody's attention completely.C11.6
14,706entreatyAn earnest and humble request.C11.6
14,707ephemeraPrinted odds and ends never meant to be kept.C21.6
14,708epicureSomebody with refined taste in food and drink.C21.6
14,709espouseTo take up and support a cause.C11.6
14,710espyTo catch sight of something at a distance.C21.6
14,711estrangeTo turn somebody who was close into a stranger.C11.6
14,712evaporationThe change of a liquid into a gas at its surface, without boiling.2×B2+1.6
14,713exasperateTo irritate somebody past all patience.C11.6
14,714exhilarateTo fill somebody with excited high spirits.C11.6
14,715exhortationAn earnest appeal to do something.C21.6
14,716exothermicGiving out heat as it reacts.C11.6
14,717expatA person living long-term in a country not their own.B2+1.6
14,718explanatoryMeant to make something clear.C11.6
14,719extolTo praise something very highly.C21.6
14,720fallibilityThe fact that anybody can get things wrong.C11.6
14,721fervourPassionate intensity of feeling.C11.6
14,722fitfulStopping and starting, and never steady.C11.6
14,723foibleA small odd habit that does no harm.C21.6
14,724fomentTo stir up trouble deliberately.C21.6
14,725forelockThe lock of hair falling over a horse's forehead.C21.6
14,726fortnightlyHappening once every two weeks.B2+1.6
14,727frankingPrinting postage directly onto an envelope.C21.6
14,728fretfulRestless and inclined to complain.C11.6
14,729friezeA decorated band running along the top of a wall.C11.6
14,730frizzHair standing out in fine unruly wisps.B2+1.6
14,731frondThe leaf of a fern or a palm.C11.6
14,732functionaryAn official who carries out routine duties.C21.6
14,733gaffeAn embarrassing blunder made in public.C11.6
14,734geldTo remove the reproductive organs of a male animal.C21.6
14,735gibberTo talk fast and unintelligibly from fear.C11.6
14,736gibbetA post where executed criminals were hung on display.C21.6
14,737gibeA mocking remark aimed at somebody.C21.6
14,738gladdenTo make somebody happy.C11.6
14,739glazierThe tradesman who fits glass into frames.C11.6
14,740gleanTo pick up small pieces of information here and there.C11.6
14,741glossaryAn alphabetical list of hard words and their meanings.B2+1.6
14,742godchildThe child you promise at baptism to help guide through life.B2+1.6
14,743granaryA building where grain is stored.C11.6
14,744gravitasA serious dignity that commands respect.C21.6
14,745gregariousFond of company and happiest among people.C11.6
14,746gunwaleThe upper edge of a boat's side.C21.6
14,747hailstoneOne single ball of falling ice.B1+1.6
14,748haulageThe business of carrying goods by road.C11.6
14,749hermeticSealed so that no air passes, or closed to outsiders.C21.6
14,750hinterlandThe remote country lying behind a coast or a city.C21.6
14,751impolitenessFailure to show the courtesy that is expected.B2+1.6
14,752importuneTo pester somebody with persistent requests.C21.6
14,753incredulityRefusal to believe what you are being told.C11.6
14,754incrementOne small step up in a series.C11.6
14,755inimicalHostile, or harmful to something.C21.6
14,756insoleThe soft layer inside a shoe, under your foot.B2+1.6
14,757insulatorA material that will not let electricity pass.2×B2+1.6
14,758interfacingA stiffening layer sewn between two pieces of cloth.C21.6
14,759internecineDestructive to both sides within one group.C21.6
14,760interrogativeHaving the form of a question.C21.6
14,761invectiveAbusive and violently critical language.C21.6
14,762investitureThe ceremony of granting somebody an office or honour.C21.6
14,763inveterateHaving a habit so long fixed it will never change.C21.6
14,764irreproachableSo correct that no fault can be found.C21.6
14,765journeymanA trained worker who is competent but not outstanding.C21.6
14,766judgementalQuick to condemn other people.B2+1.6
14,767laconicUsing very few words indeed.C21.6
14,768lassitudeA weary lack of energy or interest.C21.6
14,769latencyThe delay between an action and the system's response.C11.6
14,770leafletA printed sheet handed out to inform or advertise.B1+1.6
14,771leewardOn the side away from the wind.C11.6
14,772letterboxThe box or slot where the post lands at your house.B1+1.6
14,773licentiousIgnoring the usual moral limits, especially in sex.C21.6
14,774litheSlim, supple and moving easily.C11.6
14,775machinationA crafty scheme worked out in secret.C21.6
14,776magnanimityGenerosity of spirit, especially towards a beaten rival.C21.6
14,777manfullyWith determined courage.C11.6
14,778mannerismA habitual gesture or turn of speech.C11.6
14,779manseA large house, especially a minister's.C21.6
14,780mauritaniaSaharan country between Morocco and Senegal, capital Nouakchott.C11.6
14,781maximiseTo make something as large as it can be.B2+1.6
14,782megabyteAbout a million bytes.B1+1.6
14,783metalworkThe craft of shaping and joining metal.B2+1.6
14,784modernismThe movement that broke with tradition in art and design.C21.6
14,785mottledMarked with patches of different shades.C21.6
14,786natterTo chat casually and at length.2×C11.6
14,787neutralisationAn acid and a base cancelling each other out.C11.6
14,788nicetyA fine point of detail or of manners.C21.6
14,789obdurateStubbornly refusing to be moved or softened.C21.6
14,790obtrusiveNoticeable in an unwelcome way.C11.6
14,791obviateTo remove the need for something.C21.6
14,792odourlessHaving no smell whatever.B2+1.6
14,793onerousInvolving a heavy and unwelcome burden.C11.6
14,794ormoluGilded bronze used to decorate furniture.C21.6
14,795overbookingTaking more bookings than there are rooms.B2+1.6
14,796overlockTo finish a raw edge so it cannot fray.C21.6
14,797palaeontologyThe study of ancient life through what it left in rock.B2+1.6
14,798palfreyA gentle riding horse for ordinary travel.C21.6
14,799palpitateTo beat fast and irregularly.C21.6
14,800panoramicTaking in a wide sweep of view.C11.6
14,801paperclipThe small bent wire that holds sheets of paper together.A2+1.6
14,802parchTo dry something out completely with heat.B2+1.6
14,803peonyA huge many-petalled flower that flops after rain.B2+1.6
14,804physiotherapyTreatment of injury through exercise, movement and manual techniques.B2+1.6
14,805plaiceA flat sea fish with orange spots.B2+1.6
14,806pleasantryA polite remark made to be agreeable.C11.6
14,807podcastA talk show you listen to online, episode by episode.B1+1.6
14,808poignancyThe quality of touching you sharply and sadly.C11.6
14,809polemicA fierce written attack on an opinion.C21.6
14,810pontificateTo speak as if your opinion settled everything.C21.6
14,811prateTo talk on foolishly and at length.C21.6
14,812predominanceThe state of being the strongest or most common.C11.6
14,813preschoolerA child old enough to play but not yet at school.B1+1.6
14,814prescriptiveLaying down how things ought to be done.C21.6
14,815presuppositionSomething an argument takes for granted before starting.C21.6
14,816prioritiseTo decide what must be dealt with first.B2+1.6
14,817profusePouring out so freely that it seems more than enough.C11.6
14,818promontoryA high point of land jutting into the sea.C21.6
14,819proscribeTo forbid something by official order.C21.6
14,820pugnaciousAlways ready for a fight.C21.6
14,821purblindHalf blind, or slow to see the point.C21.6
14,822pusillanimousCowardly and lacking any spirit.C21.6
14,823qualitativeDescribing qualities rather than numbers.C21.6
14,824qualmA small doubt about whether something is right.C21.6
14,825ramshackleBadly built or maintained and close to collapse.C11.6
14,826rapacityAggressive greed that takes everything it can.C21.6
14,827rationaliseTo invent a comfortable reason for what you did.2×C11.6
14,828reactantA substance that goes into a reaction.C11.6
14,829reaveTo carry off by force.C21.6
14,830refractTo bend light as it passes into another material.C11.6
14,831rejoinderA quick sharp reply.C21.6
14,832relativismThe view that truth depends on who is looking.C21.6
14,833relegateTo send down to a lower rank or division.C21.6
14,834repatriationThe sending of people back to their own country.C11.6
14,835reproveTo tell somebody off gently, showing that you disapprove of what they did, without any formal or official rebuke.C21.6
14,836retailerA business that sells goods directly to the public.B2+1.6
14,837reverberateTo keep sounding on and on around a space.C21.6
14,838revocationThe withdrawing of a right or a licence.C11.6
14,839rivuletA very small stream.C11.6
14,840rotaA chart saying who works when.B2+1.6
14,841roundlyFirmly and thoroughly.C11.6
14,842rubricA heading or set of instructions for a task.C11.6
14,843saddlerA craftsman who makes riding gear from leather.C11.6
14,844sagaciousShowing deep and shrewd wisdom.C21.6
14,845salutaryProducing a good effect, though unpleasant at the time.C21.6
14,846satinySmooth with a soft sheen.C11.6
14,847scatheTo injure or to wither with criticism.C21.6
14,848schoolchildA boy or girl of the age that attends daily lessons, named by their years rather than by their role in a classroom.B1+1.6
14,849scrapyardThe place where dead vehicles are broken up for parts.B2+1.6
14,850screeLoose broken stone on a steep slope.C11.6
14,851scrutiniseTo examine something closely and carefully, looking for details or faults.2×B2+1.6
14,852sedimentationThe settling of carried material at the bottom.C11.6
14,853seismologyThe study of earthquakes.C21.6
14,854seneschalThe steward who ran a great household.C21.6
14,855serfdomA system binding peasants to the land they work.C11.6
14,856shambleTo walk awkwardly, dragging the feet.C21.6
14,857sheafA bundle of cut stalks tied together.C21.6
14,858shrewdnessSharp practical judgement about people and gain.C11.6
14,859sidelongDirected to one side rather than straight ahead.C11.6
14,860slipwayThe sloping ramp a boat is launched down.C11.6
14,861slugabedSomebody who stays in bed far too long.C21.6
14,862slurryLiquid farm waste, stored and spread on land.C11.6
14,863snakyWinding, or sly and treacherous.C21.6
14,864solderTo join wires with a melted alloy of low melting point.B2+1.6
14,865soluteThe substance that dissolves into a liquid.C11.6
14,866sonorousDeep, full and resonant in sound.C21.6
14,867squashyGiving way softly when pressed.B2+1.6
14,868stanchionAn upright bar or post that supports something.C21.6
14,869stanzaOne block of lines in a poem.C11.6
14,870stewardshipThe careful looking after of something in your charge.C11.6
14,871stiltA pole used to raise a walker or a building above ground.B2+1.6
14,872stolidShowing little emotion and not easily moved.C21.6
14,873stonewareHard pottery fired until it is watertight.C11.6
14,874stratumOne layer, of rock or of society.C11.6
14,875streamerA long narrow strip of coloured paper.B21.6
14,876strewTo scatter things loosely over a surface.C11.6
14,877strictureA severe criticism, or a restriction.C21.6
14,878stridentLoud and harsh, in sound or in opinion.C11.6
14,879stringencyStrictness in what is demanded.C21.6
14,880subcontinentA large land mass forming part of a continent.C11.6
14,881subtotalA running total of part of a list.B1+1.6
14,882suffixLetters added to the end of a word.B2+1.6
14,883swelterTo suffer in oppressive heat.C11.6
14,884switchbackA sharp bend where a path doubles back up a slope.C11.6
14,885sycophanticFawning on those who can do you good.C21.6
14,886symboliseTo stand as a sign for something.B2+1.6
14,887syncopationPutting the musical accent where the beat is not.C11.6
14,888tangentialOnly slightly connected to the main point.C11.6
14,889teemTo be full to overflowing with living things.C21.6
14,890tendonitisPainful swelling where a muscle joins a bone.C11.6
14,891tendrilA thin curling shoot a climbing plant grips with.C11.6
14,892threshTo beat grain loose from its stalks.C11.6
14,893thwackTo hit something with a sharp heavy blow.C11.6
14,894tiepinA pin that holds a necktie in place.B2+1.6
14,895tinderboxA box of materials for starting a fire.C21.6
14,896tirednessThe state of needing rest.B2+1.6
14,897tonneA thousand kilograms.B1+1.6
14,898tonsureThe shaven crown of a monk's head.C21.6
14,899totterTo move unsteadily and as if about to fall.2×C21.6
14,900traditionalismA firm attachment to long-established ways.C11.6
14,901trenchantSharp, clear and forceful in criticism.C21.6
14,902trendingBeing talked about by a great many people right now.B1+1.6
14,903tribulationA period of great trouble and suffering.C11.6
14,904tripletOne of three children born at the same birth.2×B1+1.6
14,905truismA statement so obviously true it adds nothing.C21.6
14,906tuftA small bunch of hairs or grass growing together.B2+1.6
14,907turmericA bright yellow root powder used in curry.B2+1.6
14,908ubiquityThe state of being found absolutely everywhere.C21.6
14,909unanimityComplete agreement among everybody.C11.6
14,910unctuousOily and insincerely flattering.C21.6
14,911unmolestedLeft alone and not interfered with.C11.6
14,912unpalatableUnpleasant to eat, or hard to accept.C11.6
14,913uproariousVery noisy, and extremely funny.C21.6
14,914upsurgeA sudden strong increase.C11.6
14,915usurpationThe seizing of a position that is not yours by right.C21.6
14,916utopianismBelief in the possibility of a perfect society.C21.6
14,917vagaryAn unpredictable change or whim.C21.6
14,918variegatedMarked with patches of different colours.C21.6
14,919vellumFine parchment made from calf skin.C11.6
14,920venerationDeep respect amounting almost to worship.C11.6
14,921vertexThe point where two edges of a shape meet.C11.6
14,922vestmentA robe worn by a priest at a service.C21.6
14,923vexatiousCausing annoyance and needless trouble.C21.6
14,924voluminousVery large and loose, or very long in writing.C11.6
14,925wantonnessReckless disregard for restraint or decency.C21.6
14,926weatherproofAble to stand out in the rain and wind.B2+1.6
14,927weftThe threads running across a woven cloth.C21.6
14,928windchillHow much colder moving air makes it feel.B2+1.6
14,929wizenedShrivelled and lined with age.C11.6
14,930wyvernA legendary two-legged winged dragon.C21.6
14,931yewA dark slow-growing evergreen often found in churchyards.C11.6
14,932abjureTo give up a belief or a claim by solemn promise.C21.3
14,933abridgeTo shorten a work while keeping its sense.C11.3
14,934abrogateTo cancel a law or an agreement by authority.C21.3
14,935acclamationLoud shared approval, given by voice.C21.3
14,936accoladeA public honour given for achievement.C11.3
14,937actuateTo set a mechanism working.C11.3
14,938adulterateTo spoil something by adding an inferior substance.C21.3
14,939alehouseA house where beer is sold and drunk.C11.3
14,940anionAn ion carrying a negative charge.C21.3
14,941antivirusMade to find and remove harmful computer programs.B2+1.3
14,942aquilineCurved like an eagle's beak.C21.3
14,943arableSuitable for ploughing and growing crops.C11.3
14,944argotThe private slang of a particular group.C21.3
14,945aspersionA damaging remark made about somebody's character.C21.3
14,946autocratA ruler who answers to nobody.C11.3
14,947backbencherAn elected member holding no senior post.C11.3
14,948banquetteA long padded bench running along a wall.C11.3
14,949barreA horizontal rail used by dancers for support during exercises.C11.3
14,950belligerenceAggressive readiness to fight.C21.3
14,951bemoanTo complain sadly about something.C11.3
14,952bestrideTo stand or sit with a leg on each side of something.C21.3
14,953bezelA rim of metal enclosing a stone or a watch face.B2+1.3
14,954blanknessThe quality of showing or holding nothing at all, whether in a face or on a page, named with the noun ending -ness.C11.3
14,955blazonTo display or proclaim something very publicly.C21.3
14,956bluebellA woodland flower that carpets the ground in blue.B1+1.3
14,957blusherColour brushed onto the cheeks.B2+1.3
14,958bodgeTo repair something clumsily and badly.C21.3
14,959bristlyCovered in short stiff hairs.C11.3
14,960bronzerA powder that gives skin a sun-touched look.B2+1.3
14,961burdensomeHeavy to carry or hard to bear.C11.3
14,962calloutA visit by a repairer to where the fault is.C11.3
14,963carabinerThe sprung metal loop that clips a rope to a harness.C11.3
14,964caramelizeTo heat sugar until it browns and turns syrupy.B2+1.3
14,965carnelianA reddish semi-precious stone.C21.3
14,966castellanThe governor in charge of a castle.C21.3
14,967castigateTo criticise somebody severely.C21.3
14,968catastrophicallyTo a disastrous degree.C21.3
14,969categoricalStated absolutely, leaving no room for doubt.C11.3
14,970categoriseTo place things into named groups.B2+1.3
14,971cationAn ion carrying a positive charge.C21.3
14,972catspawSomebody used by another to do their dirty work.C21.3
14,973centenaryThe hundredth anniversary of something.C11.3
14,974checksumA number used to check that data arrived unchanged.C11.3
14,975cheesemongerSomebody whose trade is selling cheese.C11.3
14,976chinlessHaving a weak jaw, and thought feeble because of it.C21.3
14,977chirrupTo make a short repeated chirping sound.C21.3
14,978churlA rude ill-bred person, in old use.C21.3
14,979cobblesA road surface of rounded set stones.B2+1.3
14,980cockatriceA legendary beast said to kill with its glance.C21.3
14,981colloquiumAn academic meeting for discussing a subject.C21.3
14,982coltishAwkward and frisky like a young horse.C21.3
14,983computationalTo do with calculation by machine.C11.3
14,984concordanceAn index of every word used in a work.C21.3
14,985connivanceWilling co-operation in something wrong.C21.3
14,986contraveneTo act against a rule or a law.C11.3
14,987correspondinglyIn a matching way.B2+1.3
14,988counterargumentA piece of reasoning put forward to oppose the reasoning someone else has already given.B2+1.3
14,989courgetteA long green summer squash.B1+1.3
14,990cozenTo cheat somebody by clever persuasion.C21.3
14,991credulousReady to believe far too easily.C21.3
14,992cruetThe small stand holding salt and pepper.C21.3
14,993cudgelA short thick stick used as a weapon.C21.3
14,994cupidityGreed for money and possessions.C21.3
14,995curlewA large wader with a long down-curved bill and a sad call.C11.3
14,996decisivenessThe ability to make up your mind quickly and firmly.B2+1.3
14,997dejectTo lower somebody's spirits.C21.3
14,998delineateTo describe or mark out the shape of something exactly.C21.3
14,999delineationA precise mapping out of something.C21.3
15,000deliverableA specific thing a project has promised to produce.C11.3