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
- 13,001browserThe program you open the internet with.C12.3
- 13,002bungleTo do a job clumsily and get it wrong.B2+2.3
- 13,003buoyantAble to float easily.B2+2.3
- 13,004canoeingPaddling a light narrow boat.B1+2.3
- 13,005captivateTo hold somebody's attention completely by charm.B2+2.3
- 13,006causationThe relationship in which one thing genuinely brings another about.C12.3
- 13,007cloisteredKept away from the ordinary world.C22.3
- 13,008clubfootA foot twisted out of shape from birth.C12.3
- 13,009cocksureFar too sure of yourself.C22.3
- 13,010coherenceHanging together as a sensible whole.B2+2.3
- 13,011colludeTo work together in secret for a dishonest end.C12.3
- 13,012commiserateTo share somebody's sorrow and say so.C12.3
- 13,013compriseTo be made up of particular parts.C12.3
- 13,014concaveCurving inward, like the inside of a bowl.C12.3
- 13,015condescensionKindness offered in a way that shows you feel superior.C12.3
- 13,016confectionA sweet dish, or something elaborately put together.C22.3
- 13,017convexCurving outward, like the outside of a ball.C12.3
- 13,018copiousPresent in large quantity.C12.3
- 13,019copywriterSomebody who writes advertising words for a living.B2+2.3
- 13,020corollarySomething that follows immediately from what is proved.C22.3
- 13,021countermandTo cancel an order already given.C22.3
- 13,022courtlyPolished and dignified, as at a royal court.C12.3
- 13,023crisscrossTo cross back and forth over something.B2+2.3
- 13,024cronyA close friend, especially one given unfair favours.C22.3
- 13,025crucibleA small pot for melting things at high heat.C12.3
- 13,026curdleTo separate into lumps, as sour milk does.C12.3
- 13,027curioA small unusual object kept for its oddity.C22.3
- 13,028curmudgeonA bad-tempered person who grumbles at everything.C22.3
- 13,029decimateTo destroy a large part of something.C12.3
- 13,030deckhandA junior sailor who does the general work.C12.3
- 13,031deleteriousDoing harm, often quietly and over time.C22.3
- 13,032denouementThe final part where everything is explained.C22.3
- 13,033dirgeA slow mournful piece of music for the dead.C22.3
- 13,034dissidentSomeone who openly opposes the ruling power.C12.3
- 13,035drudgeryDull heavy work that never ends.C22.3
- 13,036electorateEveryone entitled to vote in an election.B2+2.3
- 13,037enactTo make a proposal into law.C12.3
- 13,038encrustedCovered with a hard or jewelled layer.C12.3
- 13,039enquiryA question asked, or an official investigation.B2+2.3
- 13,040epoxyA two-part glue that sets into a very strong joint.C22.3
- 13,041facsimileAn exact copy of a document or an image.C22.3
- 13,042fantasiseTo imagine things that will not happen.B2+2.3
- 13,043favourableExpressing approval.C12.3
- 13,044feralWild, though descended from tame animals.B2+2.3
- 13,045fiatAn order that takes effect purely because whoever holds power wills it so, as with paper money worth something only because a state says so.C12.3
- 13,046flailTo wave the arms about wildly.C12.3
- 13,047forewordAn introduction written by somebody other than the author.B2+2.3
- 13,048foundlingAn abandoned child found and taken in.C22.3
- 13,049frugalCareful to spend as little as possible.B2+2.3
- 13,050gallingDeeply annoying and humiliating.C12.3
- 13,051gannetA big white sea bird that dives like an arrow.C12.3
- 13,052gearboxThe set of gears transmitting power from an engine to the wheels.B1+2.3
- 13,053giltA thin covering of gold.C12.3
- 13,054goslingA young goose.B2+2.3
- 13,055gradientA gradual change from one colour into another, with no hard edge between them.B2+2.3
- 13,056greengrocerA shopkeeper who sells fruit and vegetables.B1+2.3
- 13,057grumbleTo complain in a low, continuous, half-hearted voice.B22.3
- 13,058guarantorSomebody who promises to pay if you cannot.C12.3
- 13,059handbrakeThe lever that holds a parked car still.B1+2.3
- 13,060harrowA frame of spikes dragged over ploughed soil to break it up.B2+2.3
- 13,061hazelnutA small round nut often paired with chocolate.B1+2.3
- 13,062heightenTo make a feeling or an effect stronger.C12.3
- 13,063hereticalGoing against what the faithful are supposed to believe.C12.3
- 13,064honeysuckleA climber with tubes of flower full of sweet nectar.B2+2.3
- 13,065illegibleImpossible to read because of poor handwriting or damage.B2+2.3
- 13,066immeasurablyTo a degree too great to be measured.C12.3
- 13,067implementationThe putting of a plan into actual practice.C12.3
- 13,068impugnTo cast doubt on somebody's honesty or motives.C22.3
- 13,069indiscriminateMade without care about who or what is affected.C12.3
- 13,070infringementA breaking of a rule or of somebody's rights.C12.3
- 13,071infuseTo soak in liquid to draw out flavour.B2+2.3
- 13,072inlaidDecorated with pieces set flush into the surface.C12.3
- 13,073inscribeTo carve or write words on a surface.C12.3
- 13,074instructionalMeant to teach somebody how to do something.B2+2.3
- 13,075introspectionLooking inward at your own thoughts and feelings.C12.3
- 13,076irksomeAnnoying in a tiresome and persistent way.C12.3
- 13,077jauntyLively and pleased with yourself.C12.3
- 13,078kindleTo set alight, or to stir a feeling into life.C12.3
- 13,079kingfisherA brilliant blue bird that dives for fish from a branch.B2+2.3
- 13,080kneadTo press and fold dough again and again with your hands.B2+2.3
- 13,081largesseGenerous giving on a grand scale.C22.3
- 13,082latviaA country on the Baltic Sea.B1+2.3
- 13,083leftistSomebody who holds left-wing political views.B2+2.3
- 13,084lemurA long-tailed tree-dwelling animal of Madagascar.B1+2.3
- 13,085liaiseTo keep in touch between two groups so they work together.C22.3
- 13,086linchpinThe pin that holds a wheel on, or the vital element.C12.3
- 13,087listlessWithout energy or interest in anything.C12.3
- 13,088lyricistSomebody who writes the words of songs.C22.3
- 13,089mainstayThe thing everything else depends on.C12.3
- 13,090memoirAn account of events written from your own life.C12.3
- 13,091molluscA soft-bodied animal, usually inside a shell.B2+2.3
- 13,092motherboardThe main board inside a computer that everything plugs into.B2+2.3
- 13,093muckyCovered in dirt or mud.B2+2.3
- 13,094nepotismGiving jobs to your relatives rather than the best candidate.C12.3
- 13,095nubileYoung and old enough to marry.C22.3
- 13,096nuptialTo do with marriage and its ceremony.C12.3
- 13,097omnipotencePower without any limit.C12.3
- 13,098oratoryThe art of speaking well in public.C12.3
- 13,099ordainTo make somebody a priest.C12.3
- 13,100ornamentalPut there for decoration rather than for use.C12.3
- 13,101overhangRock that leans out further than the ground below.B2+2.3
- 13,102parableA short story told to teach a moral lesson.C22.3
- 13,103partisanLoyal to one side and unwilling to be fair to the other.C12.3
- 13,104patchyUneven, and good in some parts but not others.C22.3
- 13,105pawnbrokerSomebody who lends money against goods left as security.B2+2.3
- 13,106perfunctoryDone as a matter of routine with no real care.C12.3
- 13,107periodicalA publication that appears at regular intervals.B2+2.3
- 13,108pincushionA pad for sticking pins into when not in use.B2+2.3
- 13,109plumageAll the feathers covering one bird.C22.3
- 13,110pragmatistSomebody guided by what works rather than by theory.C12.3
- 13,111preeminentStanding above all others in a field.C22.3
- 13,112pressurizeTo raise the pressure inside, or to push somebody hard.C22.3
- 13,113profitabilityHow much money a business is able to make.C22.3
- 13,114provenanceThe record of where something came from.C12.3
- 13,115purposefulShowing that you know exactly what you mean to do.B2+2.3
- 13,116readableEasy or enjoyable to read.C12.3
- 13,117recidivismThe habit of returning to crime after punishment.C22.3
- 13,118reciprocityThe practice of exchanging things for mutual benefit.C12.3
- 13,119redoubtA small fort built to hold one position.C22.3
- 13,120resoundTo ring loudly through a place.C22.3
- 13,121retrofitTo fit new systems into an old building.C12.3
- 13,122revelryNoisy merry-making with drink and dancing.C22.3
- 13,123roundhouseA circular shed where locomotives were turned and stored.C22.3
- 13,124rubberySpringy and tough to chew.B2+2.3
- 13,125ruttingIn the season when male deer fight and mate.C22.3
- 13,126salubriousGood for health, or pleasant to live in.C22.3
- 13,127saplingA young slender tree.B2+2.3
- 13,128scufflingBrief untidy grappling between a few people.B2+2.3
- 13,129scurrilousMaking damaging and indecent accusations.C22.3
- 13,130sedentaryInvolving a great deal of sitting.C12.3
- 13,131seepTo pass slowly through small openings.B2+2.3
- 13,132serfA peasant bound by law to the land they worked.C12.3
- 13,133sexismPrejudice against people because of their sex.B2+2.3
- 13,134shaleA soft rock that splits into thin layers.C12.3
- 13,135smatteringA slight and superficial knowledge of something.C22.3
- 13,136spannerA tool that grips a nut and turns it.B1+2.3
- 13,137sterilityThe inability to produce young, or complete freedom from germs.C22.3
- 13,138stipulationA condition insisted on as part of an agreement.C22.3
- 13,139stockyShort and sturdily built.B2+2.3
- 13,140straitA narrow water passage connecting two seas.C12.3
- 13,141studdedCovered with small raised pieces set into a surface.B2+2.3
- 13,142subversionQuietly undermining a system from inside.C12.3
- 13,143suckleTo feed a young one at the breast.C12.3
- 13,144sunlitLit by direct light from the sky.B2+2.3
- 13,145synonymA word meaning the same as another word.B2+2.3
- 13,146tablespoonThe large spoon used for serving food.B1+2.3
- 13,147taperTo grow gradually narrower towards one end.C12.3
- 13,148theoristSomebody who develops explanations rather than tests them.B2+2.3
- 13,149tineOne of the sharp points of a fork or an antler.C22.3
- 13,150truthfulnessThe habit of saying what is so.B22.3
- 13,151uncomfortablyIn a way that causes physical or mental unease.B2+2.3
- 13,152undercookedTaken off the heat too soon to be safe.B1+2.3
- 13,153unequivocalLeaving no room whatever for doubt.C22.3
- 13,154unhelpfulDoing nothing to make things easier.B2+2.3
- 13,155unmanageableToo difficult or too large to control.C12.3
- 13,156unpretentiousModest, and making no show of importance.C12.3
- 13,157untreatedLeft without the care or the chemical process needed.B2+2.3
- 13,158usurpTo seize a position that belongs to another.C22.3
- 13,159vermilionA brilliant red pigment.C12.3
- 13,160viabilityWhether something can survive and work.C12.3
- 13,161virtuosityOutstanding technical skill in an art.C22.3
- 13,162visceralFelt deep in the body rather than reasoned out.C12.3
- 13,163voltThe unit of electrical push.B1+2.3
- 13,164weltA raised mark left on the skin by a blow.C12.3
- 13,165whetstoneA stone used to sharpen a blade.C12.3
- 13,166wistfulGently sad about something lost or out of reach.C22.3
- 13,167writheTo twist the body about in pain.C12.3
- 13,168xylophoneTuned wooden bars struck with small hammers.B22.3
- 13,169yeomanA farmer who owned his own small holding.C12.3
- 13,170addleTo muddle somebody's thinking.C22.2
- 13,171adornTo make something more beautiful by adding to it.C12.2
- 13,172airbrushedSmoothed until every flaw has vanished.B2+2.2
- 13,173allegoricalTelling one story so as to stand for another meaning.C22.2
- 13,174allocateTo divide money, time or resources officially between uses.C12.2
- 13,175allotTo give out shares of something to each in turn.C22.2
- 13,176amplificationThe making of a sound or a signal stronger.C12.2
- 13,177anteroomA small room leading into a larger one.C22.2
- 13,178aplombCalm self-assurance in a difficult moment.C22.2
- 13,179appA program, especially one on a phone or tablet.A2+2.2
- 13,180appellationA name or a title given to somebody.C22.2
- 13,181articulationClear expression in speech, or the joining of parts.C22.2
- 13,182assayA test of how much metal an ore contains.C22.2
- 13,183astrideWith one leg on each side of something.C12.2
- 13,184aviaryA large cage or building where birds are kept.B2+2.2
- 13,185baffleTo confuse somebody completely.B2+2.2
- 13,186battlementThe notched wall along the top of a castle.C12.2
- 13,187beautifyTo make something more pleasing to look at.B2+2.2
- 13,188bedrollBedding rolled up for carrying.C12.2
- 13,189beguilingCharming in a way that may mislead.C12.2
- 13,190biotechnologyThe use of living cells and processes in industry.C12.2
- 13,191bloodcurdlingSo horrifying it makes you go cold.C12.2
- 13,192bulwarkA defence that holds back a threat.C22.2
- 13,193burgleTo enter a building illegally in order to steal.B2+2.2
- 13,194callousedHardened by rubbing.C12.2
- 13,195ceaselessGoing on and on without any pause.C12.2
- 13,196censureStrong formal disapproval.C12.2
- 13,197cockatooA noisy white parrot with a crest it can raise.B2+2.2
- 13,198commensurateIn fair proportion to something else.C22.2
- 13,199compliantWilling to do as you are told.C12.2
- 13,200condimentA sauce or seasoning offered at the table.B2+2.2
- 13,201connectorA part that joins two pieces of equipment.B1+2.2
- 13,202consecrateTo set something apart as sacred.C12.2
- 13,203consecutivelyOne straight after another.C12.2
- 13,204converselyLooked at the other way round.C12.2
- 13,205convivialFriendly and lively in company.C22.2
- 13,206crochetMaking fabric by looping yarn with a single hook.B2+2.2
- 13,207crumpleTo crush something into creases and folds.B2+2.2
- 13,208cultivationThe growing of crops, or the developing of a quality.B2+2.2
- 13,209deadenTo take the life out of a sound or a feeling so that it is barely heard or felt.C22.2
- 13,210debitAn amount of money taken out of an account.B2+2.2
- 13,211depilatoryA cream that dissolves hair at the surface.C22.2
- 13,212derisionContemptuous mockery.C22.2
- 13,213detritusLoose debris left behind after something breaks up.C12.2
- 13,214dilapidatedIn bad repair, with everything crumbling.C12.2
- 13,215disjointedNot hanging together properly.B2+2.2
- 13,216disreputableNot respectable in character or appearance.C12.2
- 13,217doffTo take off a hat or a garment.C22.2
- 13,218dopingCheating with forbidden performance-enhancing drugs.B2+2.2
- 13,219dourStern, unsmiling and gloomy in manner.C12.2
- 13,220downsizeTo cut the number of people a company employs.C12.2
- 13,221downwardsTowards a lower place or level.B1+2.2
- 13,222emancipateTo set somebody free from bondage or restraint.C12.2
- 13,223embezzleTo steal money that was placed in your care.C12.2
- 13,224emulsionTiny drops of one liquid spread through another.C12.2
- 13,225enjoinTo order somebody to do something.C22.2
- 13,226enrapturedFilled with overwhelming delight.C22.2
- 13,227equivocalWorded so that it could be taken either way.C12.2
- 13,228exasperatedWorn out by something that keeps going wrong.C12.2
- 13,229fealtyThe loyalty a vassal owes to their lord.C22.2
- 13,230festivityJoyful activity that marks a special occasion.B2+2.2
- 13,231fireproofAble to survive flame without burning.B2+2.2
- 13,232fireworkA device that explodes into coloured light for a display.A2+2.2
- 13,233firthA narrow inlet of the sea, in Scotland.C22.2
- 13,234flagstoneA flat slab of stone used for paving.B2+2.2
- 13,235flautistSomebody who plays the flute.C12.2
- 13,236flayTo strip the skin off.C12.2
- 13,237flintyHard and unyielding in character.C22.2
- 13,238flumeAn enclosed water slide.C12.2
- 13,239foistTo force something unwanted on somebody.C12.2
- 13,240forcibleDone by force.C12.2
- 13,241forestallTo act first so as to prevent something.C12.2
- 13,242fractiousIrritable and quick to quarrel.C22.2
- 13,243gabonA country in central Africa.C12.2
- 13,244gauntThin and hollow-looking from hunger or illness.C12.2
- 13,245geraniumA pot plant with rounded leaves and red or pink heads.B2+2.2
- 13,246germaneClosely relevant to the matter being discussed.C22.2
- 13,247gimletA small tool for boring holes in wood.C22.2
- 13,248gutturalHarsh and produced deep in the throat.C12.2
- 13,249happenstanceA chance occurrence with no plan behind it.C22.2
- 13,250hatchbackA car with a rear door that opens upwards including the window.B2+2.2
- 13,251hawthornA thorny shrub with white blossom and red berries.C12.2
- 13,252headphoneOne of a pair of small speakers worn over the ears.A2+2.2
- 13,253heatstrokeCollapse from being too hot for too long.B2+2.2
- 13,254hewTo chop or cut with heavy blows.C22.2
- 13,255heydayThe period of greatest success or vigour.C12.2
- 13,256hoodwinkTo deceive somebody by a trick.C12.2
- 13,257hulkingVery large and heavy-looking.C12.2
- 13,258hypnotherapyTreatment that uses a trance to change habits.C22.2
- 13,259hypoallergenicMade to be unlikely to irritate the skin.C12.2
- 13,260idiosyncraticPeculiar to one individual and nobody else.C22.2
- 13,261idlenessThe state of doing nothing at all.B2+2.2
- 13,262imbibeTo drink.C22.2
- 13,263immortalizeTo make somebody remembered for ever.C12.2
- 13,264immutableNever changing, and unable to be changed.C12.2
- 13,265impairTo weaken or damage a faculty or ability.C12.2
- 13,266implacableImpossible to soften or appease.C22.2
- 13,267incisiveCutting straight to the point with clear thought.C12.2
- 13,268incisorOne of the sharp front teeth used for biting.C12.2
- 13,269inclementUnpleasantly cold, wet or stormy.C22.2
- 13,270incredulousUnable or unwilling to believe something.C12.2
- 13,271infallibilityThe state of never being able to be wrong.C22.2
- 13,272inhabitantSomebody who lives in a particular place.B2+2.2
- 13,273inimitableSo distinctive that nobody can copy it.C22.2
- 13,274insurgencyAn armed rising against the government.C12.2
- 13,275introvertedRecharging alone and drained by crowds.B2+2.2
- 13,276ionicBonded by the attraction of opposite charges.C12.2
- 13,277judiciousShowing good sense in making decisions.C12.2
- 13,278jurisprudenceThe theory and philosophy of law.C22.2
- 13,279juxtapositionThe placing of contrasting things next to each other.C12.2
- 13,280karatA measure of how pure gold is, out of twenty-four.B2+2.2
- 13,281ketchA two-masted sailing boat.C22.2
- 13,282krillTiny shrimp-like creatures that whales eat by the tonne.B2+2.2
- 13,283languishTo grow weak from being left with no attention.C12.2
- 13,284larderA cool room or cupboard where food is stored.C12.2
- 13,285legislatorSomebody whose job is making laws.B2+2.2
- 13,286lickspittleA contemptible flatterer of the powerful.C22.2
- 13,287locomotionThe power or act of moving from place to place.C22.2
- 13,288loquaciousVery talkative.C22.2
- 13,289lubricateTo oil moving parts so they do not wear.B2+2.2
- 13,290malaiseA vague feeling that something is wrong.C12.2
- 13,291marigoldA bright orange garden flower with a sharp smell.B2+2.2
- 13,292markupThe amount added to cost to arrive at the selling price.C12.2
- 13,293masqueA courtly entertainment of music and disguise.C22.2
- 13,294meagreFar too small in amount.B2+2.2
- 13,295mealyDry and crumbly like ground grain.C22.2
- 13,296melodiousPleasant and tuneful to hear.C22.2
- 13,297minimiseTo reduce something to the smallest possible amount.B1+2.2
- 13,298mountainousFull of high peaks, or enormous in size.B2+2.2
- 13,299munitionMilitary weapons and the supplies for them.C12.2
- 13,300neophyteSomebody new to a subject or a belief.C22.2
- 13,301nettleA weed whose hairy leaves sting bare skin.B1+2.2
- 13,302noisilyIn a way that makes a lot of sound.B1+2.2
- 13,303officiousFussily using small authority to interfere.C22.2
- 13,304oligarchyRule by a small privileged group.C12.2
- 13,305oratorA skilled and powerful public speaker.C12.2
- 13,306outmodedNo longer in use because better ways exist.C22.2
- 13,307outsourcingPaying an outside company to do work your own staff once did.B2+2.2
- 13,308pallidUnhealthily pale.C12.2
- 13,309paramourA lover, especially a secret one.C22.2
- 13,310passerbyA person who happens to be walking past.B1+2.2
- 13,311peevishIrritable over small things.C12.2
- 13,312penknifeA small folding blade carried in a pocket.B2+2.2
- 13,313perfidiousTreacherous towards those who trusted you.C22.2
- 13,314pinionTo bind somebody's arms so they cannot move.C22.2
- 13,315pinprickA tiny puncture, or a small irritation.C12.2
- 13,316piteousSo sad that it moves you to pity.C12.2
- 13,317platedCovered with flat hard sections.B22.2
- 13,318portlyRather fat, said politely of a man.C12.2
- 13,319powerfullyWith great force or effect.B2+2.2
- 13,320prohibitiveSo high in cost that it stops people.C12.2
- 13,321puffinA small sea bird with a bright striped beak.B2+2.2
- 13,322quarrelsomeAlways ready to argue.B2+2.2
- 13,323razeTo level a building or a town to the ground.C12.2
- 13,324rebutTo argue against a criticism.C12.2
- 13,325reclineTo tilt a seat backwards.B22.2
- 13,326rectitudeStrict moral uprightness.C22.2
- 13,327remandBeing held in custody while waiting for trial.C12.2
- 13,328renewableComing from sources that do not run out.B1+2.2
- 13,329repastA meal.C22.2
- 13,330repealTo cancel a law formally.C12.2
- 13,331repleteFilled to overflowing with something.C22.2
- 13,332reworkPutting right an item that failed inspection.C12.2
- 13,333ribaldCoarsely humorous about sex.C22.2
- 13,334rucksackA large bag carried on the back.B1+2.2
- 13,335russetReddish brown.C12.2
- 13,336sacrosanctSo sacred that it must never be touched or changed.C22.2
- 13,337safeguardingSteps taken to protect somebody at risk.C12.2
- 13,338sandpiperA small wading bird that probes the mud with a fine bill.C12.2
- 13,339saucepanA deep round cooking pot with a long handle and a lid.A2+2.2
- 13,340saunterTo walk in a relaxed and confident way.C12.2
- 13,341scarcityA shortage of something people need.B2+2.2
- 13,342scathingSeverely and woundingly critical.C12.2
- 13,343sconceA bracket on a wall for holding a light.C22.2
- 13,344scragglyThin, ragged and growing unevenly.C12.2
- 13,345scrupulousCareful to do everything correctly and honestly.C12.2
- 13,346seditiousStirring people up against the government.C22.2
- 13,347semicolonThe mark that separates two closely linked clauses.B2+2.2
- 13,348separatistSomebody who wants their region to break away.C12.2
- 13,349serendipitousHappening by a happy accident.C22.2
- 13,350sextantAn instrument for finding position by the stars.C12.2
- 13,351slantingSloping rather than upright or level.B2+2.2
- 13,352slogA long hard piece of work or walking.B2+2.2
- 13,353smokescreenAnything used to hide what is really happening.C12.2
- 13,354solubleAble to be dissolved in a liquid.B2+2.2
- 13,355specificationA precise statement of what is required.C12.2
- 13,356spellboundSo held by something that you cannot look away.B2+2.2
- 13,357spoorThe track and scent an animal leaves behind.C22.2
- 13,358staccatoPlayed in short detached notes.C12.2
- 13,359stationmasterThe person in charge of a station.B2+2.2
- 13,360steadfastnessUnwavering firmness of purpose.C12.2
- 13,361stymieTo block somebody from making progress.C22.2
- 13,362successiveFollowing one after another.C12.2
- 13,363suffragetteA woman who campaigned militantly for the vote.C12.2
- 13,364supersedeTo take the place of something now out of date.C12.2
- 13,365tableauA striking scene held motionless like a picture.C22.2
- 13,366taciturnHabitually saying very little.C22.2
- 13,367tacticianSomebody clever at planning the moves of a contest.C12.2
- 13,368taskmasterSomebody who sets others hard work and demands it be done.C12.2
- 13,369terseUsing very few words, in a way that seems abrupt.C12.2
- 13,370totalitarianControlling every part of life, public and private.C12.2
- 13,371traffickerSomebody who deals illegally in goods or people.B2+2.2
- 13,372trestleA folding support holding up a board or table top.C12.2
- 13,373turgidPompous and tedious in style.C22.2
- 13,374twangThe sharp ringing sound of a plucked string.C12.2
- 13,375twitterTo make a series of short high sounds, as small birds do.B2+2.2
- 13,376unblockTo clear something that has stopped a pipe.B1+2.2
- 13,377uncoupleTo separate two joined vehicles.C12.2
- 13,378undercurrentA hidden feeling running beneath the surface.C12.2
- 13,379undercutShort sides with longer hair left on top.B2+2.2
- 13,380underlingSomebody of low rank who takes orders.C12.2
- 13,381unfashionableOut of favour with current taste.B2+2.2
- 13,382unnerveTo take away somebody's confidence and steadiness.C22.2
- 13,383unsuspectedNot guessed at by anybody.C22.2
- 13,384unyieldingRefusing to bend, give way or compromise.C12.2
- 13,385updraftA current of air rising upward.C12.2
- 13,386velvetySoft and smooth to stroke.B2+2.2
- 13,387verdantBright green with fresh growth.C22.2
- 13,388verisimilitudeThe appearance of being real or true.C22.2
- 13,389versatilityThe ability to turn your hand to many things.C12.2
- 13,390vilifyTo speak of somebody with vicious abuse.C22.2
- 13,391visiblyIn a way that can plainly be seen.B2+2.2
- 13,392visualiseTo form a clear picture of something in your mind.B2+2.2
- 13,393waftTo drift gently through the air.C12.2
- 13,394whetTo sharpen a blade, or to sharpen an appetite.C12.2
- 13,395windsurfingRiding a board driven by a sail you hold.B1+2.2
- 13,396witticismA clever and amusing remark.C12.2
- 13,397wormingTreating an animal against internal parasites.C12.2
- 13,398worshipperA person taking part in an act of devotion.B2+2.2
- 13,399wrothVery angry.C22.2
- 13,400zambiaSouthern African country sharing Victoria Falls with its neighbor.B2+2.2
- 13,401zestyBright and lively with citrus.C12.2
- 13,402abattoirA building where animals are killed for meat.C12.1
- 13,403accedeTo agree to a request, or to take up high office.C12.1
- 13,404acolyteAn assistant at a religious service, or a devoted follower.C12.1
- 13,405acrimoniousFull of bitterness and angry feeling.C12.1
- 13,406actuaryA specialist who calculates risk for insurers.C12.1
- 13,407acumenA quick and shrewd judgement in practical matters.C12.1
- 13,408affectationA manner put on to impress rather than felt.C22.1
- 13,409aghastStruck with horror at what you see.C22.1
- 13,410amorphousHaving no definite shape or structure.C22.1
- 13,411anchovyA tiny strong-tasting fish packed in salt.B1+2.1
- 13,412angularMade of sharp corners, or bony and thin.C22.1
- 13,413antagoniseTo make somebody hostile towards you.C12.1
- 13,414antiperspirantSomething that stops you sweating.B1+2.1
- 13,415apprenticeshipYears of learning a craft by working beside a master.C12.1
- 13,416appriseTo inform somebody of something.C12.1
- 13,417archetypalBeing the original or most typical example of a kind.C22.1
- 13,418archipelagoA scattered chain of many islands.C12.1
- 13,419attainableWithin reach if you work for it.B2+2.1
- 13,420awesomenessThe informal quality of being thrillingly impressive, used in casual praise rather than of stately magnificence.B2+2.1
- 13,421axiomA statement accepted as true without proof, used as the starting point for reasoning.C12.1
- 13,422backlashA strong hostile reaction to a change.B2+2.1
- 13,423bedfellowSomebody sharing a bed, or an unlikely partner.C12.1
- 13,424bespeakTo be a sign of something.C22.1
- 13,425bestialSavagely cruel, like an animal.C12.1
- 13,426biannualHappening twice in a year.C12.1
- 13,427bluishSlightly blue in colour.B1+2.1
- 13,428bobbinA small spool that thread is wound on.C12.1
- 13,429broadcasterA person who presents programmes on air.B2+2.1
- 13,430buffooneryRidiculous behaviour meant to raise a laugh.C22.1
- 13,431cajoleTo coax somebody with flattery.C12.1
- 13,432cantileverA beam supported at one end only, reaching out into space.C12.1
- 13,433causticBurning to the skin, or bitingly sarcastic.C12.1
- 13,434ceaselesslyWithout ever stopping.C12.1
- 13,435centaurA creature half man and half horse.B2+2.1
- 13,436clovenSplit into two parts.C12.1
- 13,437collaborativeDone by several people working together.C12.1
- 13,438conicalShaped like a cone.B2+2.1
- 13,439consternationDismay and confusion at something unexpected.C22.1
- 13,440corsairA pirate, especially of the Mediterranean.C22.1
- 13,441creditorA person or firm that is owed money.C12.1
- 13,442dependantSomebody who relies on another for support.C12.1
- 13,443depleteTo use up a supply until little is left.B2+2.1
- 13,444detractTo take away from the worth or effect of something.C22.1
- 13,445devoteeA keen and loyal follower of somebody or something.C12.1
- 13,446dialecticReasoning that tests an idea against its opposite.C22.1
- 13,447disingenuousPretending to be more honest than you are.C12.1
- 13,448disparateSo different in kind that comparison is hard.C12.1
- 13,449dispassionateJudging without letting feeling in.C12.1
- 13,450disreputeThe state of having lost people's good opinion.C12.1
- 13,451distillationSeparating liquids by boiling and cooling the vapour.C22.1
- 13,452duplicationThe making of an identical copy, or needless repetition.B2+2.1
- 13,453dustbinThe container household rubbish is put in.B1+2.1
- 13,454earthwormA long soft creature that eats its way through soil.B1+2.1
- 13,455eastwardTowards where the sun rises.B2+2.1
- 13,456effusiveExpressing feeling in an unrestrained way.C22.1
- 13,457encircleTo surround completely.B2+2.1
- 13,458endemicRegularly found in one place or group.C12.1
- 13,459engenderTo give rise to a feeling or a situation.C22.1
- 13,460engrossedCompletely taken up by what you are doing.C12.1
- 13,461enrichmentThe making of something better or fuller.B2+2.1
- 13,462epochA long period marked off by a great event.C12.1
- 13,463equidistantThe same distance from two or more points.C12.1
- 13,464ethosThe spirit and values that mark a community.C22.1
- 13,465etymologyThe study of where words come from.C12.1
- 13,466exacerbateTo make a bad situation worse.C12.1
- 13,467exclaimTo cry out suddenly from strong feeling.B2+2.1
- 13,468fanaticallyWith devotion so extreme it allows no other view.C12.1
- 13,469fatuousSilly and self-satisfied.C22.1
- 13,470fermentationThe change sugar undergoes to make alcohol or bread rise.B2+2.1
- 13,471fetidSmelling strongly of rot.C22.1
- 13,472filchTo steal something small and of little value.C22.1
- 13,473flaxenPale yellow, said of hair.C22.1
- 13,474fleckA small patch or particle of colour.C12.1
- 13,475fragmentationThe breaking of a whole into scattered pieces.C12.1
- 13,476freelancingWorking for many clients rather than one employer.B2+2.1
- 13,477gesticulateTo make energetic movements with the hands while speaking.C12.1
- 13,478girdTo fasten a belt on, or to prepare for action.C22.1
- 13,479gleefulFull of delight, often at another's cost.C12.1
- 13,480goadTo keep provoking somebody into acting.C12.1
- 13,481graterA metal tool with sharp holes that shreds cheese or carrots.B1+2.1
- 13,482gravitateTo be drawn steadily towards something.C22.1
- 13,483greasepaintThe heavy make-up worn by stage performers.C22.1
- 13,484greeneryGreen leaves and plants taken together.B2+2.1
- 13,485guyanaThe only English-speaking country in South America.C12.1
- 13,486haberdasherySmall articles used in sewing, and the shop selling them.C22.1
- 13,487haltingStopping and starting, and lacking fluency.C12.1
- 13,488halveTo divide something into two equal parts.B1+2.1
- 13,489handstandBalancing upside down on your hands.B1+2.1
- 13,490hithertoUp until this point in time.C22.1
- 13,491horrifyTo shock somebody deeply.B2+2.1
- 13,492ideologicalDriven by a system of political or social beliefs.C12.1
- 13,493ignominiousBringing public shame and humiliation.C22.1
- 13,494impetusThe force or motive that drives something forward.C12.1
- 13,495inactionA failure to do anything at all.B2+2.1
- 13,496incongruousStrangely out of place among the rest.C22.1
- 13,497inexorablyIn a way that nothing can stop or turn aside.C22.1
- 13,498informalityA relaxed manner with the formal rules set aside.B2+2.1
- 13,499infringeTo break a law or to encroach on a right.C12.1
- 13,500inorganicNot built around carbon.B2+2.1