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.
Rare in speech; mostly a word you read
- 12,501microbeA living thing too small to see without a lens.B2+2.4
- 12,502millimetreA thousandth of a metre.A2+2.4
- 12,503moteA tiny speck of dust in the air.C22.4
- 12,504napeThe back of the neck, below the hairline.C12.4
- 12,505narrateTo tell a story aloud from beginning to end.B2+2.4
- 12,506nationalismStrong devotion to the interests of your own country.B2+2.4
- 12,507nationalistSomebody devoted to the interests of their own country.C12.4
- 12,508neighTo make the long high call a horse makes.B2+2.4
- 12,509notationA system of written symbols used in a particular field.C12.4
- 12,510overblownMade far more of than it deserves.C12.4
- 12,511overtlyOpenly, and without any attempt to hide it.C12.4
- 12,512painstakingDone with great care and attention to detail.C12.4
- 12,513paraphraseTo restate someone's words in your own.B2+2.4
- 12,514parliamentaryTo do with the assembly that makes a country's laws.C12.4
- 12,515patentlySo plainly that nobody could miss it.C12.4
- 12,516pathosThe quality in something that stirs pity.C12.4
- 12,517penalizeTo punish somebody for breaking a rule.B2+2.4
- 12,518poolsideThe paved area around the edge of a pool.B1+2.4
- 12,519postgraduateA student who already holds a first degree and studies on.B2+2.4
- 12,520poxyWretched and worthless.C22.4
- 12,521prerecordedRecorded in advance rather than sent out live.B2+2.4
- 12,522preventiveDone in advance to stop a problem arising.B2+2.4
- 12,523proclivityA natural leaning towards a way of behaving.C22.4
- 12,524proliferationA rapid increase in numbers.C22.4
- 12,525pronounA word standing in for a name, such as she or it.B1+2.4
- 12,526proofreadTo read a text looking for small errors before publication.B2+2.4
- 12,527radianceA warm steady shining outward.C12.4
- 12,528raindropA single falling bead of water from the clouds.A2+2.4
- 12,529raptSo absorbed that nothing else reaches you.C12.4
- 12,530reagentA substance used to bring a reaction about.C12.4
- 12,531recoupTo get back money or losses.C12.4
- 12,532remnantA small remaining piece of something larger.B2+2.4
- 12,533repaymentOne of the payments made to clear a debt.B2+2.4
- 12,534reticentKeeping your thoughts and feelings to yourself.C12.4
- 12,535scaffoldingA temporary framework of poles and boards used by builders.B2+2.4
- 12,536scionA descendant of a notable family, or a shoot for grafting.C22.4
- 12,537scrawlTo write hastily and untidily.C12.4
- 12,538scruffThe loose skin at the back of the neck.C12.4
- 12,539sealantA paste squeezed into a gap so water cannot pass.B2+2.4
- 12,540sensiblyIn a way that shows good practical judgement.B1+2.4
- 12,541serpentineWinding in curves like a snake.C12.4
- 12,542serratedHaving a row of small teeth along the edge.B2+2.4
- 12,543serviceableStill good enough to be used.C12.4
- 12,544slapstickComedy of falls, chases and knockabout blows.B2+2.4
- 12,545snarkySharply and sarcastically critical.B2+2.4
- 12,546speculativeBased on guesswork, or done in the hope of profit.C12.4
- 12,547speedometerThe dial showing how fast you are going.B1+2.4
- 12,548spittleSaliva, especially when expelled from the mouth.C12.4
- 12,549splendourMagnificent beauty and grandeur.B2+2.4
- 12,550sprigA small shoot with leaves on it.C12.4
- 12,551squelchTo make a wet sucking sound, as feet do in mud.C12.4
- 12,552stargazingLooking at the night sky for pleasure.B1+2.4
- 12,553stirrupThe foot support hanging from a saddle.C12.4
- 12,554strumTo sweep across the strings with the hand.B2+2.4
- 12,555succinctExpressed clearly in very few words.C12.4
- 12,556swaggerTo walk in a way that shows too much confidence.C12.4
- 12,557talcA fine powder dusted on skin to keep it dry.B2+2.4
- 12,558tanzaniaA country in East Africa.B1+2.4
- 12,559teamsterSomebody who drives a team of animals or a lorry.C12.4
- 12,560telescopicAble to see far off, or made of sliding sections.C22.4
- 12,561temperateHaving mild weather with four clear seasons.B2+2.4
- 12,562tempestuousStormy, in weather or in feeling.C22.4
- 12,563tepidOnly slightly warm.C12.4
- 12,564textilesThe study and craft of cloth and clothing.B2+2.4
- 12,565throbTo hurt with a steady beat, in time with the pulse.B2+2.4
- 12,566thunderheadThe towering cloud that comes before a storm.C22.4
- 12,567tiebreakerAn extra game or question played to decide a level contest.B2+2.4
- 12,568timeshareThe right to use a holiday property for set weeks.B2+2.4
- 12,569trudgeTo walk slowly and heavily, with effort.B2+2.4
- 12,570trundleTo roll along heavily and slowly.C12.4
- 12,571umbrageOffence taken at something said or done.C22.4
- 12,572unkemptUntidy and uncared for.C12.4
- 12,573utensilAny tool used for preparing or eating food.C12.4
- 12,574vastnessImmense extent or size.C12.4
- 12,575vehementlyWith intense and forceful feeling.C12.4
- 12,576verveLively spirit and enthusiasm in what you do.C12.4
- 12,577vibratoA slight wobble in pitch that warms a held note.C12.4
- 12,578warhorseA mount trained to carry a knight into battle.B2+2.4
- 12,579wightA living creature or person.C22.4
- 12,580winceTo screw up the face in sudden pain.B2+2.4
- 12,581yearlingAn animal in its second year of life.C12.4
- 12,582zoologistA scientist who studies animals.C22.4
- 12,583acidicSharp and biting in taste.C12.3
- 12,584acrimonyBitter ill feeling between people.C22.3
- 12,585acrobaticsFeats of balance, tumbling and agility.C22.3
- 12,586additiveA substance put into food or fuel to change its properties.C22.3
- 12,587adjournmentThe breaking off of a meeting until later.C12.3
- 12,588afoulInto conflict or entanglement with something.C12.3
- 12,589aftertasteThe flavour left in the mouth afterwards.B2+2.3
- 12,590alchemyThe old art of trying to turn base metal into gold.C12.3
- 12,591allegeTo claim something without proving it.C12.3
- 12,592altruismConcern for others put before yourself.C12.3
- 12,593appraiserSomebody who judges what a valuable is worth.B2+2.3
- 12,594artefactAn object made by people long ago.B2+2.3
- 12,595athleticismPhysical strength, speed and skill.C22.3
- 12,596aubergineA shiny deep purple vegetable.B2+2.3
- 12,597austereStrictly plain and without comfort.C22.3
- 12,598autonomousRunning itself, under no one else's control.C22.3
- 12,599basaltA dark heavy rock formed from cooled lava.C12.3
- 12,600beauticianA person who gives beauty treatments.B2+2.3
- 12,601beleagueredUnder constant pressure from all sides.C12.3
- 12,602betrothalA formal promise to marry.C12.3
- 12,603blitheCheerfully unconcerned about something that should be taken seriously.C12.3
- 12,604blusteryWindy in strong, gusty bursts.B2+2.3
- 12,605boastfulShowing excessive pride in your own achievements.C12.3
- 12,606bodiceThe upper part of a woman's dress.C12.3
- 12,607boldnessWillingness to take risks and speak out.B2+2.3
- 12,608bombasticUsing grand words with little behind them.C22.3
- 12,609brevityShortness of speech or of time.C22.3
- 12,610bristleTo stiffen with anger.C12.3
- 12,611brouhahaA noisy fuss over something.C22.3
- 12,612bulbousFat and round in an ugly way.C12.3
- 12,613bulgariaA country in south-eastern Europe.B1+2.3
- 12,614buntingStrings of small flags hung up for a celebration.C12.3
- 12,615buttonholeThe slit a button passes through.B22.3
- 12,616buyoutThe purchase of all of a company.C12.3
- 12,617calibrationThe setting of an instrument so it reads correctly.B2+2.3
- 12,618callusA patch of skin hardened by rubbing.B2+2.3
- 12,619cameroonThe Central African country often called Africa in miniature.B2+2.3
- 12,620cantankerousBad-tempered and quick to argue.C22.3
- 12,621canterTo ride at a gentle pace between trot and gallop.B2+2.3
- 12,622capsizeTo turn a boat right over.B2+2.3
- 12,623cashewA curved, buttery, kidney-shaped nut.B1+2.3
- 12,624cataclysmA violent upheaval that changes everything.C22.3
- 12,625centigradeThe older name for the temperature scale with a hundred steps between the freezing and the boiling of water.B2+2.3
- 12,626chaffThe light husks blown away from the grain.C12.3
- 12,627chagrinAnnoyance mixed with wounded pride.C22.3
- 12,628chiselledSharply and cleanly cut, said of features.C12.3
- 12,629cisternThe tank that holds the water for flushing.C12.3
- 12,630climacticForming the most intense point of a story or an event.C12.3
- 12,631cogentClear and forceful enough to convince.C22.3
- 12,632concurrentHappening at the same time as something else.C12.3
- 12,633congenialPleasant and suited to your own taste.C12.3
- 12,634contriteFeeling and showing genuine sorrow for having done wrong.C12.3
- 12,635criterionA standard or rule by which something is judged, measured or decided.B2+2.3
- 12,636dallianceA brief light-hearted romance, or idle delay.C22.3
- 12,637decanterA glass bottle wine is poured into to breathe.C12.3
- 12,638dejectedSad and dispirited after a disappointment.C12.3
- 12,639demeanourThe way a person carries and presents themselves.C12.3
- 12,640derailmentA train coming off the rails.C12.3
- 12,641designationAn official name or title given to something.B2+2.3
- 12,642detaineeSomebody being held in custody.B2+2.3
- 12,643diffusionThe spreading of something out through a space.C12.3
- 12,644disassembleTo take a machine to bits in order.B2+2.3
- 12,645disobedientRefusing to do as a parent, teacher, or owner says, in the way a naughty child or an unruly dog behaves.B22.3
- 12,646dissipateTo scatter and disappear, or to waste away.C12.3
- 12,647donaA Spanish courtesy title placed before a lady's given name, the female counterpart of Don.C22.3
- 12,648doteTo love somebody so much that you spoil them.C12.3
- 12,649doughtyBrave and persistent.C22.3
- 12,650drenchTo make something completely wet.B2+2.3
- 12,651duplicitySaying one thing while meaning another.C22.3
- 12,652economistA person who studies how money and trade behave.B2+2.3
- 12,653emberA small piece of burning or glowing coal or wood in a dying fire.B2+2.3
- 12,654empatheticFeeling what others feel as if from inside them.B2+2.3
- 12,655endowTo give a lasting gift of money, or a natural gift.C12.3
- 12,656enigmaticMysterious and hard to interpret.B2+2.3
- 12,657entropyThe steady drift of order into disorder.C12.3
- 12,658enviableGood enough that others would like to have it.C12.3
- 12,659etchingA design bitten into metal with acid.C22.3
- 12,660expanseA wide unbroken area of something.B2+2.3
- 12,661exudeTo give off a quality or a liquid steadily.C22.3
- 12,662fermentTo let food change through living cultures.B2+2.3
- 12,663fieldworkResearch done out in the real world, not the library or lab.B2+2.3
- 12,664filibusterTalking on and on to stop a vote being taken.C12.3
- 12,665fizzyFull of gas bubbles that prickle the tongue.B1+2.3
- 12,666floeA large sheet of ice floating on the sea.C22.3
- 12,667fluctuateTo keep rising and falling unpredictably.C22.3
- 12,668forestryThe care and management of woodland.B2+2.3
- 12,669fulfilmentThe picking, packing and sending of an order.C12.3
- 12,670garishSo bright and clashing that it hurts to look at.C12.3
- 12,671geyserA natural fountain that blasts hot water from the ground.B2+2.3
- 12,672gristleTough springy tissue found in meat.C12.3
- 12,673habitationThe living in a place, or a dwelling itself.C22.3
- 12,674haddockA white sea fish, often smoked.B2+2.3
- 12,675hairdryerA machine that blows hot air onto wet hair.A2+2.3
- 12,676harpsichordAn early keyboard whose strings are plucked, not struck.C12.3
- 12,677hermitageThe dwelling of somebody who lives apart from the world.C22.3
- 12,678hopelessnessThe state of seeing no way things can improve.B2+2.3
- 12,679hyperboleDeliberate exaggeration for effect.C12.3
- 12,680hyphenThe short mark joining two words together.B2+2.3
- 12,681imperialismA policy of extending rule over other countries.B2+2.3
- 12,682inadvertentDone without meaning to.C12.3
- 12,683inaugurationThe ceremony that starts somebody in high office.B2+2.3
- 12,684inclusiveIncluding everyone, especially those often left out.C12.3
- 12,685incorruptibleImpossible to bribe or to corrupt.C12.3
- 12,686ingenuousInnocent and open, without any guile.C22.3
- 12,687inhumanityCruel treatment of other people.B2+2.3
- 12,688inkyAs black as ink.C12.3
- 12,689interlockingThe system stopping signals and points from conflicting.C22.3
- 12,690irritabilityBeing easily annoyed by small things.B2+2.3
- 12,691jaundicedSeeing everything sourly because of past disappointment.C22.3
- 12,692jovialCheerful and friendly in a hearty way.C12.3
- 12,693legalityWhether something is allowed by law.B2+2.3
- 12,694legibleClear enough to be read easily.B2+2.3
- 12,695lentilA tiny flat pulse that cooks into soup.B1+2.3
- 12,696lithuaniaA country on the Baltic Sea.B1+2.3
- 12,697lollyA sweet on a stick, or ice on a stick.B2+2.3
- 12,698marginallyBy only a small amount.C12.3
- 12,699milieuThe social surroundings somebody moves in.C22.3
- 12,700mirthLaughter and high spirits.C12.3
- 12,701muffleTo make a sound quieter by covering it.B2+2.3
- 12,702namesakeSomebody named after another person.C12.3
- 12,703northwardTowards the colder half of the world.B2+2.3
- 12,704noxiousHarmful and unpleasant, especially to breathe.C12.3
- 12,705octagonA flat shape with eight straight sides.B22.3
- 12,706odometerThe dial counting how far a vehicle has travelled.B2+2.3
- 12,707offsideThe football rule about standing too far forward.B2+2.3
- 12,708oppressTo rule people cruelly and deny them freedom.C12.3
- 12,709overdrawnHaving taken out more than the account held.B2+2.3
- 12,710pallbearerSomebody who helps carry a coffin at a funeral.C12.3
- 12,711permanenceThe quality of lasting for good.C12.3
- 12,712photosynthesisThe trick by which green leaves turn sunlight into food.B2+2.3
- 12,713pioneeringBeing the first to develop something new.B2+2.3
- 12,714pittedMarked with small hollows.C12.3
- 12,715ponderousSlow and heavy in movement.C22.3
- 12,716pragmatismDealing with things as they actually are.C12.3
- 12,717pramThe wheeled bed a baby is pushed in.A2+2.3
- 12,718propelTo drive something forward.B2+2.3
- 12,719proponentSomebody who argues in favour of an idea.B2+2.3
- 12,720puristSomebody who insists on strict traditional correctness.C12.3
- 12,721quashTo put down a rebellion, or to set a verdict aside.C12.3
- 12,722quiltingStitching that holds padding between two layers.B2+2.3
- 12,723readershipAll the people who read a publication.B2+2.3
- 12,724rectangleA flat shape with four right angles.A2+2.3
- 12,725rediscoverTo find or become aware of something again after a long time.C12.3
- 12,726redressPayment or action to put a wrong right.C12.3
- 12,727remunerationPayment given for work done.C12.3
- 12,728renegeTo go back on a promise you gave.C22.3
- 12,729replicationThe making of an exact copy, or the repeating of a study.C12.3
- 12,730reputeThe general opinion held about somebody.C12.3
- 12,731resplendentShining brilliantly and richly dressed.C22.3
- 12,732reverentShowing deep respect.C12.3
- 12,733sainthoodThe state of being recognised as holy.C12.3
- 12,734salesmanshipSkill at persuading people to buy.C12.3
- 12,735sandalAn open summer shoe held on with straps.B1+2.3
- 12,736sarcasticallyIn a mocking way that means the opposite of the words.C12.3
- 12,737savorySalty rather than sweet.B1+2.3
- 12,738scabbardThe long case a sword hangs in.C12.3
- 12,739scimitarA curved single-edged sword of Eastern origin.C12.3
- 12,740scrutinizeTo examine something closely and critically.C12.3
- 12,741seaplaneAn aircraft that lands on water instead of a runway.B2+2.3
- 12,742searTo brown the outside of meat fast in a very hot pan.B2+2.3
- 12,743signallingThe system that keeps trains safely apart.B2+2.3
- 12,744signetA ring bearing a seal used to stamp letters.C22.3
- 12,745slitherTo slide along with a twisting movement.C22.3
- 12,746soppingSoaked completely through.C12.3
- 12,747sparseThinly spread, with big empty gaps.B2+2.3
- 12,748speciousLooking convincing while being quite wrong.C22.3
- 12,749spikyHaving sharp points sticking out.B2+2.3
- 12,750spoilerThe leaked ending that ruins the story before you see it.B1+2.3
- 12,751spurnTo reject something with contempt.C12.3
- 12,752stabiliseTo make something steady and stop it changing.B2+2.3
- 12,753stoopedHaving the shoulders and upper back permanently bent forward.B2+2.3
- 12,754storyboardA sequence of drawings planning each shot.B2+2.3
- 12,755strataThe layers rock has been laid down in.C12.3
- 12,756stratagemA clever scheme for outwitting an opponent.C22.3
- 12,757suetHard white fat used in old-fashioned cooking.C22.3
- 12,758sulphuricTo do with the yellow element that smells of rotten eggs.C22.3
- 12,759summarilyDone at once and without the usual formalities.C22.3
- 12,760surchargeAn extra amount added to the standard price.B2+2.3
- 12,761taperedGrowing narrower towards one end.C12.3
- 12,762temerityNerve to do something you have no business doing.C22.3
- 12,763toadySomebody who flatters the powerful for favour.C22.3
- 12,764toiletriesThe small soaps and shampoos provided for guests.B1+2.3
- 12,765tumultuousNoisy, disorderly and full of upheaval.C12.3
- 12,766udderThe bag on a cow from which milk is drawn.B1+2.3
- 12,767unassistedDone entirely without help.C12.3
- 12,768unblemishedWithout any mark or fault.C12.3
- 12,769unburdenTo lighten your own mind by pouring out troubles that weigh on you, rather than by sharing a secret.C12.3
- 12,770undisclosedNot made known publicly.C12.3
- 12,771unicycleA cycle with a single wheel and no handlebars.B2+2.3
- 12,772unopposedWith nobody standing against you.B2+2.3
- 12,773utteranceSomething said, taken as a unit of speech.C12.3
- 12,774vaultingThe arched stonework forming a roof.C22.3
- 12,775viaductA long bridge of arches carrying a road or railway.C12.3
- 12,776virulentExtremely harmful, or full of bitter hostility.C12.3
- 12,777walkiesThe daily outing a dog is taken on.B2+2.3
- 12,778webcamThe small camera above your screen used for video calls.B1+2.3
- 12,779abedIn bed, in old or literary use.C22.3
- 12,780abolitionThe formal ending of a law, a custom, or an institution.C12.3
- 12,781acidityThe degree to which something is sharp and sour.B2+2.3
- 12,782adverbA word that tells you how, when or where something happens.B1+2.3
- 12,783aggregateTo gather separate items or figures together into one whole or one total.C12.3
- 12,784aggrievedFeeling that you have been treated unfairly.C12.3
- 12,785allocationThe share given out to each.C12.3
- 12,786alludeTo hint at something without naming it.C22.3
- 12,787anointTo smear with oil as part of a religious ceremony.C12.3
- 12,788anticlimacticDisappointing after everything that built up to it.C12.3
- 12,789applicatorThe small tool a product is put on with.C12.3
- 12,790arbiterSomebody with the power to settle a dispute.C12.3
- 12,791authoritativeReliable because it comes from real expertise.B2+2.3
- 12,792banishmentBeing sent away and forbidden to return.C22.3
- 12,793basiliskA legendary reptile said to kill with a look.C12.3
- 12,794beckonTo signal to somebody to come nearer.C12.3
- 12,795beguileTo charm somebody, often in order to deceive.C22.3
- 12,796behemothSomething enormously large and powerful.C12.3
- 12,797bequestSomething left to somebody in a will.C12.3
- 12,798biodegradableAble to rot away naturally and harmlessly.B2+2.3
- 12,799birdbathA shallow dish of water in a garden for birds.B1+2.3
- 12,800bivouacA rough shelter used for one night in the open.C22.3
- 12,801blotchAn irregular discoloured patch.C12.3
- 12,802blusterTo talk loudly and aggressively with little behind it.C12.3
- 12,803breaststrokeA swimming style with both arms sweeping together.B2+2.3
- 12,804bricklayerThe worker who builds walls from bricks.B2+2.3
- 12,805caesareanA birth by an operation through the abdomen.B2+2.3
- 12,806cardamomA fragrant spice used in cooking.B2+2.3
- 12,807cartographyThe making of maps.C12.3
- 12,808causalTo do with one thing bringing another about.C12.3
- 12,809cessationA stopping of something.C12.3
- 12,810chancyRisky, and depending on luck.C12.3
- 12,811chronologyThe order in which events happened.C22.3
- 12,812circumspectCareful to look at every risk before acting.C12.3
- 12,813cladDressed or covered in something.C12.3
- 12,814cleaveTo split apart, or to cling faithfully to.C22.3
- 12,815cobwebThe fine net a spider spins.B1+2.3
- 12,816collectibleAn item people set out to gather in a set.B2+2.3
- 12,817combatantSomebody taking part in a fight.C12.3
- 12,818confluenceThe point where two rivers join.C12.3
- 12,819consignTo hand something over, often for good.C22.3
- 12,820consolidationThe joining or strengthening of separate parts.C12.3
- 12,821consonantA speech sound made by obstructing the airflow, or the letter representing it.B1+2.3
- 12,822consummationThe bringing of something to its perfect finish.C22.3
- 12,823contractualSet out in a binding written agreement.C22.3
- 12,824corrosionThe slow chemical destruction of a metal surface.B2+2.3
- 12,825crackdownA sudden severe effort to stop something.B2+2.3
- 12,826crinkleTo form small folds and wrinkles.B2+2.3
- 12,827culpableDeserving the blame.C12.3
- 12,828cuttlefishA soft sea creature that changes colour and squirts ink.B2+2.3
- 12,829daffodilA yellow spring flower with a trumpet in the middle.A2+2.3
- 12,830debugTo find and remove the faults in a program.B2+2.3
- 12,831detestableDeserving to be hated.C12.3
- 12,832dislocateTo knock a bone out of its proper joint.B2+2.3
- 12,833disparityA great and often unfair difference.B2+2.3
- 12,834dogmaticInsisting on beliefs without allowing question.C12.3
- 12,835dollopA shapeless lump of something soft.B2+2.3
- 12,836dungareesTrousers with a bib and straps over the shoulders.B2+2.3
- 12,837eccentricityOdd behaviour that harms nobody.C22.3
- 12,838effervescentGiving off bubbles of gas.C12.3
- 12,839efficaciousProducing the result it is meant to produce.C22.3
- 12,840effortlesslyEasily, and with no apparent strain.B2+2.3
- 12,841egressA way out, or the act of going out.C22.3
- 12,842emergenceThe act of coming into view or into being.C12.3
- 12,843encompassTo include a wide range within its scope.C12.3
- 12,844ensueTo happen as a result of what went before.C12.3
- 12,845ephemeralLasting only a very short while.C22.3
- 12,846estrangementThe state of having drifted out of contact.C12.3
- 12,847etchTo cut a design into a hard surface, especially using acid.C12.3
- 12,848exaltTo praise somebody very highly.C22.3
- 12,849exhibitionistSomebody who behaves so as to be noticed.C12.3
- 12,850expediencyDoing what suits you now rather than what is right.C22.3
- 12,851fairgroundThe open ground where rides and stalls are set up.B1+2.3
- 12,852falsehoodA lie, or the state of being untrue.B2+2.3
- 12,853farmyardThe open area surrounded by farm buildings.B1+2.3
- 12,854ferocitySavage fierceness.C22.3
- 12,855feudalDescribing a system where land was held in return for service.C12.3
- 12,856floutTo break a rule openly and without shame.C12.3
- 12,857forfeitureThe loss of property or a right as a penalty.C22.3
- 12,858frothA mass of small bubbles on a liquid.B2+2.3
- 12,859fulcrumThe point a lever turns on, or the crux of a matter.C22.3
- 12,860genialWarm, friendly and easy to be with.C12.3
- 12,861grainyHaving a rough texture of small particles.B2+2.3
- 12,862habitableFit for people to live in.C12.3
- 12,863hallooTo shout to attract attention, especially in hunting.C22.3
- 12,864hamstringTo destroy somebody's ability to act.C12.3
- 12,865handlebarThe bar a rider steers a cycle by.B1+2.3
- 12,866handmaidenA female personal servant.C12.3
- 12,867haphazardLacking any plan, order or system.C12.3
- 12,868heftTo lift something to judge how heavy it is.C12.3
- 12,869hemlineThe line where the bottom edge of a skirt falls.C12.3
- 12,870hibernateTo sleep through the whole winter.C12.3
- 12,871hoodieA casual warm top with a hood attached.A2+2.3
- 12,872iconicSo well known that it symbolises something larger.B2+2.3
- 12,873idiosyncrasyA personal quirk that belongs to one person alone.C22.3
- 12,874impairmentA loss or reduction of a bodily or mental function.C12.3
- 12,875incarcerateTo shut somebody up in prison.C12.3
- 12,876inciseTo cut a design into a hard surface.C22.3
- 12,877inclusionThe act of putting somebody or something into a group, list or set, or the fact of being in it.C12.3
- 12,878indomitableImpossible to subdue or discourage.C12.3
- 12,879ineffableToo great or too fine to be put into words.C22.3
- 12,880inexhaustibleIn supply that can never be used up.C12.3
- 12,881ingratiateTo make yourself liked in order to gain advantage.C12.3
- 12,882innumerableToo many to be counted.C12.3
- 12,883instigateTo be the one who starts something happening.C12.3
- 12,884intermittentlyStopping and starting at irregular intervals.B2+2.3
- 12,885intonationThe rise and fall of the voice in speech.B2+2.3
- 12,886intrinsicValuable in itself, not for what it leads to.C22.3
- 12,887jarringClashing unpleasantly with what is around it.C22.3
- 12,888keystrokeA single press of a key.B2+2.3
- 12,889laminateTo seal a document in clear plastic.B2+2.3
- 12,890languidSlow and lacking any energy.C12.3
- 12,891languorA pleasant heavy tiredness with no wish to move.C22.3
- 12,892leavingsThe scraps remaining once everything worth having is taken.C22.3
- 12,893legatoPlayed smoothly, each note running into the next.C12.3
- 12,894liquefyTo turn something into a liquid.C12.3
- 12,895maidenheadA woman's virginity, in old use.C22.3
- 12,896malcontentSomebody always dissatisfied and stirring discontent.C22.3
- 12,897malignTo say damaging and untrue things about somebody.C12.3
- 12,898metronomeA device that ticks a steady beat to practise to.B2+2.3
- 12,899misadventureAn unlucky accident.C12.3
- 12,900misstepA wrong move that causes trouble.B2+2.3
- 12,901municipalityA town or district with its own government.C12.3
- 12,902nomenclatureThe system of names used in a field.C12.3
- 12,903nondescriptSo ordinary that there is nothing to describe.C12.3
- 12,904obsequiousFawning and over-eager to please.C22.3
- 12,905orchestralWritten for or played by a full body of musicians.B2+2.3
- 12,906ornateCovered in rich, complicated decoration.C22.3
- 12,907overthinkTo think about something so much that you make it worse.B2+2.3
- 12,908pageantrySplendid ceremonial display.C12.3
- 12,909panacheStylish confidence in the way you do things.C12.3
- 12,910parapetA low wall along the edge of a roof or bridge.C12.3
- 12,911perpendicularMeeting at a perfect right angle.B2+2.3
- 12,912pinstripeVery fine parallel lines woven into cloth.B2+2.3
- 12,913piquantPleasantly sharp and spicy.C12.3
- 12,914pommelThe knob at the end of a sword hilt.C22.3
- 12,915possessorSomebody who has or owns something.C12.3
- 12,916propensityA natural tendency to behave in a certain way.C12.3
- 12,917protesterSomebody who publicly objects to something.B2+2.3
- 12,918provisoA condition attached to an agreement.C12.3
- 12,919purveyorSomebody who supplies goods as a trade.C12.3
- 12,920rationalityThe quality of being guided by reason.C12.3
- 12,921reformationThe sixteenth-century split in western Christianity.C12.3
- 12,922regaleTo entertain somebody lavishly with food or stories.C12.3
- 12,923reheatTo make an already-cooked meal hot again.B1+2.3
- 12,924romanticismA movement valuing feeling and nature over reason.C12.3
- 12,925runoffWater that flows off the land instead of soaking in.B2+2.3
- 12,926salaciousDwelling on sex in a way meant to titillate.C22.3
- 12,927scavengeTo search through waste for anything useful.B2+2.3
- 12,928scepticalDoubtful about whether something is true or worthwhile.C12.3
- 12,929seaworthyFit and safe to go to sea.B2+2.3
- 12,930senegalThe West African country of Dakar, at the continent's westernmost point.B2+2.3
- 12,931serbiaThe Balkan country of Belgrade, where the Sava meets the Danube.B1+2.3
- 12,932shoalA large group of fish moving together.C22.3
- 12,933sketchbookA book of blank pages for drawing in.C12.3
- 12,934skilfulShowing real skill.B2+2.3
- 12,935sloopA small sailing boat with one mast.C22.3
- 12,936snobberyContempt for those thought socially beneath you.C22.3
- 12,937socializationThe learning of how to behave among other people.C12.3
- 12,938solidifyTo make or become firm.C12.3
- 12,939soloistA performer who appears alone.B2+2.3
- 12,940spateA sudden rush of many things at once.C12.3
- 12,941spinnakerThe big balloon sail flown when running downwind.C22.3
- 12,942spoilsportSomeone who ruins a game for everybody else.C12.3
- 12,943stiffenTo go rigid, usually from tension.C12.3
- 12,944succorHelp given to somebody in difficulty.C12.3
- 12,945sulkySilently bad-tempered because of a grievance.C12.3
- 12,946sunbatheTo lie in the sun to make the skin darker.A2+2.3
- 12,947swaddlingCloth wrapped tightly round a newborn baby.C12.3
- 12,948symbiosisA close relationship in which each side gains.C12.3
- 12,949tectonicHaving to do with the moving plates of the crust.B2+2.3
- 12,950thymeA tiny-leaved herb used in slow-cooked dishes.B2+2.3
- 12,951tingeA faint trace of a colour or a feeling.C12.3
- 12,952tiradeA long angry outburst of criticism.C12.3
- 12,953togoA narrow country in West Africa.C12.3
- 12,954touchstoneA standard by which other things are judged.C12.3
- 12,955trebuchetA great counterweighted engine for flinging rocks.C22.3
- 12,956tutelageTeaching and guardianship given to a learner.C22.3
- 12,957unequalNot the same in size, rank or fairness.B2+2.3
- 12,958uninspiringFailing to stir any interest or enthusiasm.C12.3
- 12,959untenableImpossible to defend or to keep up.C12.3
- 12,960utilitarianMade for use rather than beauty.C22.3
- 12,961vexTo annoy or worry somebody.B2+2.3
- 12,962vigourPhysical strength and lively energy.B2+2.3
- 12,963villagerSomebody who lives in a small country settlement.C12.3
- 12,964visageA person's face and its expression.C22.3
- 12,965warbleTo sing with a trembling, rippling voice.C12.3
- 12,966wellbeingThe state of being healthy, settled and content.B2+2.3
- 12,967westernerSomebody from Europe or North America.B2+2.3
- 12,968whopTo strike somebody with a heavy blow.C22.3
- 12,969widgetA small self-contained piece of an interface.B2+2.3
- 12,970wingspanThe distance from one wingtip to the other.B2+2.3
- 12,971workbenchA strong table used for making and repairing things.B22.3
- 12,972wraithA pale ghostly figure.C12.3
- 12,973wryShowing dry, ironic amusement.C12.3
- 12,974zanyComically odd and unpredictable.C12.3
- 12,975zealotSomebody fanatically committed to a cause.C12.3
- 12,976abdicateTo give up a throne.C12.3
- 12,977abhorrentUtterly detestable to your moral sense.C22.3
- 12,978accreditationOfficial recognition that you meet a standard.C12.3
- 12,979adherenceSticking firmly to a rule or a belief.C12.3
- 12,980airbrushTo smooth a picture until the flaws vanish.C12.3
- 12,981amenableWilling to be persuaded or to co-operate.C12.3
- 12,982anathemaSomething you detest utterly.C22.3
- 12,983answerableCapable of being settled by a definite reply, as a well-posed question is.C12.3
- 12,984argonAn unreactive gas used to fill light bulbs.C12.3
- 12,985arrearsPayments you have fallen behind on.C12.3
- 12,986attractivenessThe quality of drawing people to you.B2+2.3
- 12,987attritionA slow wearing down of strength or numbers.C22.3
- 12,988automationMachines taking over work people once did by hand.B2+2.3
- 12,989bacteriumOne single-celled living thing without a nucleus.B2+2.3
- 12,990bawdyHumorously rude about sex.C12.3
- 12,991beekeeperA person who keeps bee colonies for honey.B1+2.3
- 12,992beheadTo cut off somebody's head.B2+2.3
- 12,993belieTo give a false impression of something.C22.3
- 12,994bellwetherA sign of the way things are about to go.C22.3
- 12,995betideTo happen to somebody.C22.3
- 12,996bipedalWalking on two legs.C12.3
- 12,997bookishFond of reading, and rather removed from ordinary life.B2+2.3
- 12,998brawnyPhysically strong and muscular.C12.3
- 12,999breastfeedTo feed a baby from the breast.B1+2.3
- 13,000brigandA robber who lives by raiding travellers.C22.3