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 14,001–14,500 of 19,295

Rare in speech; mostly a word you readzipf < 2.5

14,001rapaciousGreedily grasping for more at others' cost.C22.0
14,002raspA coarse file with raised teeth, for shaping wood.C12.0
14,003ratificationThe formal approval that makes an agreement binding.C12.0
14,004rearguardThe troops who protect the back of an army.C22.0
14,005referendumA vote where the whole electorate answers one question directly.C12.0
14,006relationalTo do with how things stand in relation to each other.C12.0
14,007remittanceA sum of money sent to somebody.C22.0
14,008remorselessFeeling no regret, or never letting up.C12.0
14,009repudiationA formal refusal to accept or honour something.C22.0
14,010rolloutReleasing something in stages across places or groups.B2+2.0
14,011ruinousCausing complete destruction or financial collapse.C12.0
14,012ruminateTo turn a thought over and over.C22.0
14,013ruthlessnessA complete absence of pity in getting what you want.C12.0
14,014sardonicMocking in a dry and rather bitter way.C12.0
14,015satiristA writer who mocks folly to expose it.C12.0
14,016scepticismThe habit of doubting what you are told.2×C12.0
14,017scrumThe packed formation used to restart play in rugby.B2+2.0
14,018scrupleA moral doubt that stops you doing something.C12.0
14,019secretariatThe permanent staff running an international body.C12.0
14,020seedlingA very young plant just grown from seed.C12.0
14,021seetheTo be filled with anger that is barely contained.2×C12.0
14,022septA branch of a family or clan.C22.0
14,023sheepishEmbarrassed at having been caught out.C12.0
14,024situateTo place something in a particular position.B2+2.0
14,025skeinA loosely coiled length of yarn.C22.0
14,026skullduggeryUnderhand dealing and trickery.C22.0
14,027sleevelessMade without sleeves.B1+2.0
14,028snippetA small piece cut from something longer.C22.0
14,029snivelTo cry and sniff in a weak self-pitying way.C12.0
14,030socialiseTo spend time with people for pleasure.B2+2.0
14,031sootyCovered in or resembling soot.B2+2.0
14,032speculatorSomebody who buys and sells hoping prices will move.C12.0
14,033spireThe tall pointed top of a church tower.C22.0
14,034springyReturning to shape after being pressed.B2+2.0
14,035spuriousFalse, though presented as genuine.C22.0
14,036stonemasonA craftsman who cuts and builds with stone.B2+2.0
14,037subsidyGovernment money paid to keep a price low or an industry alive.C12.0
14,038substantiationThe backing of a claim with evidence.C22.0
14,039sufferanceTolerance given only because nobody objects.C22.0
14,040suffrageThe right to vote.C12.0
14,041superlativeThe form of an adjective meaning the most of all.B2+2.0
14,042surmountTo get over a difficulty or an obstacle.C12.0
14,043susceptibilityHow easily somebody is affected by something.C12.0
14,044tallowHard animal fat used to make candles and soap.C22.0
14,045tarpaulinA large waterproof sheet used as a cover.B2+2.0
14,046teeterTo stand or move unsteadily.C12.0
14,047terracottaBaked orange-brown clay used for pots and tiles.B2+2.0
14,048threadingRemoving hair by rolling a twisted thread over it.C12.0
14,049throughputHow much passes through a process in a given time.C12.0
14,050timpaniBig tuned kettle drums at the back of an orchestra.C12.0
14,051transcendenceRising above the limits of ordinary experience.C12.0
14,052transparencyOpenness that allows others to check.2×C12.0
14,053transpireTo become known or come to light.2×C12.0
14,054trawlTo drag a net along behind a boat.2×C12.0
14,055tremulousShaking slightly from nervousness or weakness.C12.0
14,056trencherA wooden board or plate for serving food.C22.0
14,057unceremoniouslyAbruptly and with no courtesy.C12.0
14,058unconvincingFailing to make people believe it.C12.0
14,059underdoneNot cooked as long as it should have been.B2+2.0
14,060understateTo make something sound smaller than it is.C12.0
14,061undulatingRising and falling in gentle waves.C12.0
14,062uneaseA vague feeling of anxiety.B2+2.0
14,063uninterestedNot interested in something.B2+2.0
14,064unrivalledBetter than anything else of its kind.C12.0
14,065unspoiltNot damaged by building or crowds.B2+2.0
14,066usuryLending money at an unfairly high rate.C12.0
14,067vouchsafeTo grant something as a favour.C22.0
14,068washtubA large tub for washing clothes in.C12.0
14,069wearinessDeep tiredness of body or spirit.B2+2.0
14,070whangTo strike something with a resounding blow.C22.0
14,071wheedleTo persuade someone by flattery or coaxing.C22.0
14,072windwardOn the side the wind is coming from.C12.0
14,073wingtipThe very end of an aircraft wing.B2+2.0
14,074worldviewThe whole set of beliefs through which somebody sees life.B2+2.0
14,075wrackSeaweed thrown up on the shore, or ruin.C22.0
14,076zealotryFanatical devotion that allows no other view.C22.0
14,077accrueTo build up in amount over time.C21.9
14,078acerbicSharp and biting in speech.C21.9
14,079admonishTo tell somebody off gently but firmly.C11.9
14,080adornmentSomething added to make a person or thing look finer.C21.9
14,081afflictTo cause somebody lasting pain or trouble.B2+1.9
14,082alternatelyFirst one and then the other, over and over.C11.9
14,083analogousAlike enough for a comparison to hold.C11.9
14,084antediluvianAbsurdly old-fashioned, as if from before the flood.C21.9
14,085antipathyA deep settled dislike.C21.9
14,086aphidA tiny sap-sucking insect that swarms on rose stems.B2+1.9
14,087approachableEasy to walk up to and talk with.B2+1.9
14,088archivistThe person who keeps and organises historical records.C11.9
14,089ardourBurning enthusiasm or passion.C21.9
14,090askanceWith a sideways look of doubt or disapproval.C21.9
14,091assentAgreement given to a proposal.C11.9
14,092attributionWorking out which advertisement caused a sale.2×C11.9
14,093auguryReading signs, often in birds, to predict events.C21.9
14,094automateTo replace human work with machinery.C21.9
14,095avianTo do with birds.C21.9
14,096backlitLit from behind, so the front stays dark.2×B2+1.9
14,097bantamA very small breed of domestic fowl.C11.9
14,098baobabAn African tree with an enormously fat water-storing trunk.C11.9
14,099baristaA person who prepares and serves coffee in a café.B1+1.9
14,100beetrootA deep red root vegetable that stains everything.B1+1.9
14,101bellicoseEager to fight.C21.9
14,102besottedSo much in love that judgement is lost.C21.9
14,103betokenTo be a sign of what is to come.C21.9
14,104bewildermentA state of complete confusion.B2+1.9
14,105blackheadA blocked pore with a dark surface.B1+1.9
14,106blindinglySo brightly or obviously that it overwhelms.C11.9
14,107booleanA value that can only be true or false.C11.9
14,108borrowerSomebody who takes a book out on loan.2×B1+1.9
14,109brackishSlightly salty and unpleasant to drink.C11.9
14,110brusqueAbrupt to the point of rudeness.C21.9
14,111budgetingPlanning carefully how your money will be spent.B2+1.9
14,112bufferingThe pause while more of a stream is fetched.B1+1.9
14,113caponA cockerel fattened for the table.C21.9
14,114carbohydrateThe energy food group of bread, pasta, and rice.B2+1.9
14,115careenTo rush along, tilting and out of control.2×C21.9
14,116carerA person who looks after someone unable to manage alone through age, illness or disability.2×B1+1.9
14,117cavalcadeA procession of riders or vehicles.C21.9
14,118characteriseTo describe the nature of something.C11.9
14,119chrysalisThe hard case a butterfly forms inside before emerging.C21.9
14,120clopTo make the sound of a hoof on hard ground.C11.9
14,121clusteredGathered closely in a group.B2+1.9
14,122cobblestonesRounded stones set into an old road surface.B2+1.9
14,123cockleA small edible shellfish.C11.9
14,124compatriotSomebody from your own country.B2+1.9
14,125compereSomebody who introduces the acts at an entertainment.C21.9
14,126conciliationThe bringing of two hostile sides back to friendly terms.C21.9
14,127corianderA fresh green herb, and the seed of the same plant.B2+1.9
14,128covetousLonging to possess what belongs to somebody else.C11.9
14,129cowlickA tuft of hair that will not lie flat.C11.9
14,130coxcombA vain man who fusses over his appearance.C21.9
14,131crediblyIn a way that can be believed.C11.9
14,132cullTo reduce a group by killing or removing some.2×C21.9
14,133defrayTo pay part or all of a cost.C21.9
14,134denoteTo be the sign or name for something.C21.9
14,135dintForce or means, in the phrase by dint of.C21.9
14,136disabuseTo rid somebody of a mistaken belief.C21.9
14,137dispossessTo take somebody's property or land away.C11.9
14,138disquietA vague, nagging sense that something is not right.C11.9
14,139disseminateTo spread information widely.C21.9
14,140ditherTo hesitate and fail to make up your mind.C11.9
14,141divergentGrowing apart, or differing from what is usual.C11.9
14,142dockyardWhere ships are built and repaired.B2+1.9
14,143dormerA small window that sticks out from a sloping roof.C11.9
14,144doubletA close-fitting jacket worn by men in past centuries.C21.9
14,145downturnA decline in trade or fortunes.B2+1.9
14,146drawlTo speak slowly with drawn-out vowel sounds.2×C11.9
14,147drinkableSafe or pleasant enough to swallow.B21.9
14,148drossWorthless matter left when something is refined.C21.9
14,149egalitarianHolding that everybody should be equal.C21.9
14,150elaborationThe adding of more detail to something.C11.9
14,151elephantineEnormous and heavy in the way of the largest land animal.C21.9
14,152emaciatedAbnormally thin and weak from hunger or illness.C11.9
14,153embedTo fix something firmly inside something else.C11.9
14,154epicentreThe point right above where a quake starts.B2+1.9
14,155excavatorA machine with a jointed arm and bucket for digging.B2+1.9
14,156exponentSomebody who explains or champions a method.C11.9
14,157fatalismThe belief that nothing you do can change what happens.C11.9
14,158fetlockThe joint just above a horse's hoof.C21.9
14,159fiddlyAwkward to do because the parts are small.C11.9
14,160fidgetTo make small restless movements.B2+1.9
14,161figurativeMeant as an image rather than in the plain sense.C11.9
14,162fluiditySmoothness with no break between movements.C11.9
14,163flyoverA road carried on a bridge over another road.B2+1.9
14,164folioA large book made of sheets folded once.C11.9
14,165footpadA robber on foot who attacks travellers.C21.9
14,166forerunnerSomebody or something that came before and prepared the way.C11.9
14,167forswearTo give something up by solemn promise.C21.9
14,168fulsomePraising so heavily that it rings false.C21.9
14,169generalizeTo draw a broad conclusion from particular cases.B2+1.9
14,170gloamingThe dim light at the end of the day.C21.9
14,171godparentAn adult who promises to guide a child's upbringing.B1+1.9
14,172groundswellA rising of public feeling that gathers force.C11.9
14,173handoverPassing work and knowledge to whoever takes over.B2+1.9
14,174harangueA long, critical and often angry speech.2×C21.9
14,175harrumphTo clear the throat noisily in disapproval.C21.9
14,176hatchwayAn opening in a deck or a floor.C11.9
14,177haunchThe upper leg and hip of an animal.C11.9
14,178headcountCounting people to check nobody is missing.B2+1.9
14,179hegemonyThe dominance of one state or group over others.C21.9
14,180herringboneA pattern of short slanting lines in alternating directions.C11.9
14,181hexagonA flat shape with six straight sides.B1+1.9
14,182imperilTo put something in danger.C21.9
14,183implausibleToo unlikely to be readily believed.B2+1.9
14,184inattentiveNot paying proper attention.B2+1.9
14,185inbornPresent from birth rather than learnt.C11.9
14,186incipientIn the earliest stage and beginning to appear.C21.9
14,187indefatigableNever seeming to tire.C21.9
14,188indolentLazy, and unwilling to exert yourself.C21.9
14,189infuriateTo make somebody extremely angry.B2+1.9
14,190innovateTo bring in new methods or ideas.C11.9
14,191intaglioA design cut down into a stone rather than raised.C21.9
14,192interdictAn official order forbidding something.2×C21.9
14,193intervieweeThe person being questioned in an interview.B2+1.9
14,194intransigentRefusing absolutely to change a position or compromise.C21.9
14,195intrinsicallyBy its own essential nature.C21.9
14,196jackanapesA cheeky and impertinent young man.C21.9
14,197japeA practical joke or a bit of mockery.C21.9
14,198jowlThe loose flesh under the jaw.C21.9
14,199knobbyCovered with small hard lumps.C11.9
14,200lackadaisicalDoing things without energy or care.C21.9
14,201lanyardThe cord that holds an identity card round your neck.B2+1.9
14,202latticeA framework of crossed strips with gaps between.2×C11.9
14,203lecternThe slanted stand a speaker rests their notes on.C11.9
14,204lichenA crusty growth on rocks and bark, part fungus and part alga.B2+1.9
14,205meteTo deal out punishment or reward.C21.9
14,206misquoteTo report somebody's words wrongly.B2+1.9
14,207mollifyTo soothe somebody's anger.C21.9
14,208monasticTo do with monks, or plain and self-denying in style.C21.9
14,209monochromeMade of one colour and its shades.B2+1.9
14,210moraineThe heap of rubble a glacier pushes and leaves.C21.9
14,211multiplicityA great number and variety.C11.9
14,212neighbouringLying right next to something else.C11.9
14,213nihilismThe belief that nothing has meaning or value.C11.9
14,214nonchalantlyIn a casually unconcerned manner.C21.9
14,215nuthatchA small bird that walks head-first down tree trunks.C11.9
14,216obeisanceA bow or gesture of deep respect.C21.9
14,217obsolescenceThe process of falling out of use.C11.9
14,218omniscienceKnowledge of absolutely everything.C11.9
14,219opticianThe professional who tests eyes and fits glasses.B1+1.9
14,220orbiterA craft that circles a world rather than landing on it.C11.9
14,221orthodoxyThe accepted belief that most people hold.C11.9
14,222outermostFurthest from the centre.B2+1.9
14,223overweeningShowing far too high an opinion of yourself.C21.9
14,224palaeontologistA scientist who studies ancient life from its remains.B2+1.9
14,225panaceaA supposed cure for every problem there is.C11.9
14,226paperyThin and dry to the touch.C11.9
14,227parsnipA pale sweet root roasted in winter.B2+1.9
14,228partialityUnfair favouring of one side.2×C11.9
14,229paucityA disappointingly small amount of something.C21.9
14,230peahenThe female of the bird with the great fanned tail.C11.9
14,231pejorativeExpressing disapproval by the word chosen.C11.9
14,232peregrineA fast falcon that hunts by stooping from a height.C11.9
14,233perfectionismInsisting on a standard nobody could hold.B2+1.9
14,234permeateTo spread right through every part of something.C11.9
14,235persimmonA sweet orange fruit that must be fully ripe.B2+1.9
14,236philanthropyThe giving away of wealth for the public good.C21.9
14,237pigeonholeOne of a grid of small open boxes for post.2×C11.9
14,238plasticityThe ability to be shaped or to adapt.C11.9
14,239plausibilityHow believable something is.C11.9
14,240populistAppealing to ordinary people against the elite.B2+1.9
14,241portcullisA heavy grating dropped to block a gateway.C21.9
14,242portentousOminous, or self-important in manner.C21.9
14,243preheatTo warm an oven before the food goes in.B1+1.9
14,244princelingA young or minor prince.C21.9
14,245profferTo hold something out for somebody to take.C21.9
14,246profligateRecklessly wasteful of money or resources.C21.9
14,247purportTo claim to be something, perhaps falsely.C11.9
14,248qatarA country on the Persian Gulf.B1+1.9
14,249quaffTo drink deeply and with enjoyment.C21.9
14,250quayThe solid landing place ships tie up against.B2+1.9
14,251quiltedPadded with a layer of stuffing held by stitching.B2+1.9
14,252quintessenceThe purest and most typical form of something.C21.9
14,253rattanA tough climbing palm stem woven into furniture.C11.9
14,254rebuffTo refuse an offer sharply and unkindly.C11.9
14,255recessiveSaid of a gene whose effect shows only without a stronger one.C11.9
14,256recognisableEasy to know again when you see it.B2+1.9
14,257recuperationThe regaining of health and strength.C21.9
14,258refurbishTo redecorate and re-equip something so it is like new.C11.9
14,259reissueA fresh release of something published before.C21.9
14,260repercussionAn indirect result felt some way off.B2+1.9
14,261restorativeHaving the power to bring back health or strength.C11.9
14,262resurgenceA rising again after a decline.C11.9
14,263reverberationAn echo that keeps sounding, or a lasting effect.C21.9
14,264rookeryA colony of nests high in the trees.C21.9
14,265rostrumA raised platform to speak or conduct from.C21.9
14,266rudimentOne of the first simple parts of a subject.C11.9
14,267salivateTo produce saliva, especially at the thought of food.C11.9
14,268sateTo satisfy an appetite fully.C21.9
14,269scornfulShowing open contempt for something.C11.9
14,270scullionA kitchen servant who does the meanest work.C21.9
14,271sedimentaryFormed from layers of material settling and hardening.C11.9
14,272selfsameExactly the same one.C11.9
14,273settlerSomebody who makes a home in a new territory.B2+1.9
14,274shapeshifterA being that can change its form at will.B2+1.9
14,275slatOne of the thin narrow strips in a blind or fence.C11.9
14,276snorkellingSwimming face down with a tube to breathe through.B2+1.9
14,277solidityFirmness and strength of structure.C11.9
14,278sortieA brief attack out from a defended place.C21.9
14,279spangleA glittering ornament on a costume.C21.9
14,280splayTo spread wide apart.C11.9
14,281springboardA flexible board that throws a diver into the air.B2+1.9
14,282stamenThe part of a flower that carries the pollen.C11.9
14,283stopgapSomething that fills a gap until a real answer comes.C11.9
14,284sublimationA solid turning straight into gas.C11.9
14,285sufficiencyHaving as much as is needed.C11.9
14,286supineLying on your back, or failing to resist.C21.9
14,287supplicantSomebody who begs humbly for something.C21.9
14,288supremacistSomebody who believes their own group should rule.B2+1.9
14,289surfeitFar more of something than is good for you.C21.9
14,290swaddleTo wrap a baby tightly in cloth.B2+1.9
14,291talusThe heap of rock debris at the foot of a slope.C21.9
14,292tankardA large mug with a handle for drinking beer.C11.9
14,293tectonicsThe study of the great moving plates of the crust.C11.9
14,294tinctureA medicine dissolved in alcohol, or a slight trace.C11.9
14,295topographicalTo do with the shape and features of the land.C21.9
14,296toucanA tropical bird with a huge brightly coloured beak.B1+1.9
14,297tracksuitA matching loose top and trousers worn for sport or leisure.B1+1.9
14,298transposeTo move a piece of music into a different key.2×C11.9
14,299travailPainful and laborious effort.C21.9
14,300truculentDefiant and aggressively ready to argue.C21.9
14,301tumultA loud confused noise or disturbance.C11.9
14,302ugandaThe green East African country at the source of the Nile.B1+1.9
14,303unabashedNot embarrassed in the slightest.C11.9
14,304underwriterSomebody who accepts a risk in return for a premium.C11.9
14,305unencumberedFree of anything that would weigh you down.C21.9
14,306uniformityThe state of being the same all the way through.C11.9
14,307unmistakablyIn a way that cannot be mistaken for anything else.B2+1.9
14,308unsustainableImpossible to keep going at the present rate.C11.9
14,309valuationWhat a business or asset is judged to be worth.C11.9
14,310verandahA roofed open porch along the side of a house.C11.9
14,311viewfinderThe window you look through to frame a shot.B2+1.9
14,312vitriolicFilled with savage bitterness.C21.9
14,313volatilityA tendency to change suddenly and unpredictably.C11.9
14,314wanderlustThe restless hunger to travel and see the world.C11.9
14,315wendTo make your way slowly along.C21.9
14,316wheyThe watery part left when milk curdles.B2+1.9
14,317woodcarvingThe art of cutting shapes and figures from timber.B2+1.9
14,318abaseTo humble somebody, or to lower yourself.C21.8
14,319abstruseSo difficult to follow that few can understand it.C21.8
14,320accostTo approach a stranger boldly and speak to them.C21.8
14,321accountancyThe study and practice of keeping financial records.B2+1.8
14,322acquiesceTo go along with something without protest.C11.8
14,323acrylicsArtificial nails built on top of your own.B2+1.8
14,324adherentA committed follower of a cause.C11.8
14,325allergenA substance that can cause an allergic reaction.B2+1.8
14,326amassTo gather a great quantity over time.C11.8
14,327anachronisticBelonging to the wrong period of history.C21.8
14,328anaesthetistThe doctor who puts patients to sleep for surgery.C11.8
14,329anaphylaxisA sudden whole-body allergic reaction.C11.8
14,330animateTo bring to life, or to make drawings appear to move.B2+1.8
14,331aniseA plant whose seed gives a liquorice flavour.C11.8
14,332annotateTo add explanatory notes to a text.B2+1.8
14,333antecedentSomething that came before and led to what follows.C21.8
14,334anthraciteThe hardest coal, burning hot and clean.C21.8
14,335appetisingLooking or smelling good enough to want.B2+1.8
14,336approximationAn answer close enough to be useful.B2+1.8
14,337aquaticsSports carried on in the water.C11.8
14,338archivalKept as a permanent record.C21.8
14,339armourerA maker or keeper of weapons and armour.C11.8
14,340artificeClever trickery used to deceive.C21.8
14,341artlessSimple and natural, with no cunning at all.C21.8
14,342attainmentSomething reached by effort, or the reaching of it.C11.8
14,343attentivenessThe quality of noticing what somebody needs and seeing to it at once.C11.8
14,344authoritarianDemanding obedience and allowing little dissent.B2+1.8
14,345backorderAn order held because stock has run out.C11.8
14,346balkTo refuse to go on with something.C11.8
14,347bemusedPuzzled and unable to make sense of things.C11.8
14,348benchmarkA standard that other results are measured against.3×B2+1.8
14,349bhutanHimalayan kingdom that measures Gross National Happiness.C11.8
14,350bibliographyThe list of all sources at the end of a paper.B2+1.8
14,351blowholeThe nostril on top of a whale's head.B2+1.8
14,352bookbinderA craftsman who sews and covers books.B2+1.8
14,353brigantineA two-masted sailing ship.C21.8
14,354cairnA pile of stones built to mark a route or a summit.C11.8
14,355capaciousAble to hold a great deal.C21.8
14,356catamaranA boat with two hulls side by side.B2+1.8
14,357cavernousVery large, hollow and echoing.C11.8
14,358cavortTo leap about in a lively excited way.C11.8
14,359ceilidhA social evening of traditional music and dancing.C21.8
14,360centrepieceThe main decoration in the middle of a table.B2+1.8
14,361cesspitA pit for household waste and sewage.C11.8
14,362chlorinatedTreated with a chemical that kills germs.B2+1.8
14,363cicadaAn insect whose loud buzzing fills hot summer evenings.B2+1.8
14,364coalesceTo come together and form one whole.C11.8
14,365coifA close-fitting cloth head covering tied under the chin, worn by medieval women or beneath a helmet.C21.8
14,366colloquialBelonging to ordinary informal speech.C21.8
14,367colonistSomebody who settles in a newly claimed land.B2+1.8
14,368conciliatoryMeant to soothe anger and win goodwill.C21.8
14,369conscriptSomebody made to serve by law rather than choice.C11.8
14,370contaminantSomething present that should not be there.C11.8
14,371convalesceTo recover slowly after an illness.C11.8
14,372cornflowerA bright blue wild flower of the fields.C11.8
14,373courtierSomebody who attends a royal court.C11.8
14,374credulityBeing far too ready to believe things.C21.8
14,375crevasseA deep split in a glacier.C11.8
14,376crocusA low cup-shaped flower that opens in early spring.B2+1.8
14,377cursorThe little arrow or blinking line that shows where you are on screen.B1+1.8
14,378deflationA general fall in prices across an economy.C11.8
14,379demagogueA leader who stirs crowds by playing on their fears.C11.8
14,380demystifyTo strip the mystery from a subject and make it plain.C21.8
14,381depraveTo corrupt somebody morally.C11.8
14,382deregulationThe removal of rules that controlled an industry.C11.8
14,383despondencyLow spirits from a loss of hope.C21.8
14,384disdainfulShowing that you think someone or something is beneath you.C21.8
14,385disentangleTo free something from a knot or a muddle.C11.8
14,386disseminationThe spreading of information widely.C21.8
14,387dissonanceA clash of sounds or of ideas that will not fit.C11.8
14,388divergenceA moving apart of things that were once together.C11.8
14,389domesticateTo tame a wild animal for life alongside people.C11.8
14,390dowelA short wooden peg that joins two pieces invisibly.C11.8
14,391downpourA sudden heavy fall of rain.B1+1.8
14,392earmarkTo set something aside for a particular purpose.C11.8
14,393earplugA small plug worn to protect hearing at loud shows.B1+1.8
14,394ecstaticallyWith overwhelming joy.C11.8
14,395edifyTo improve somebody morally or intellectually.C21.8
14,396effectualProducing the result that was intended.C21.8
14,397enclaveA small area surrounded by different territory.C11.8
14,398encroachTo move gradually into space that is not yours.C11.8
14,399epigramA short clever saying with a sting in it.C21.8
14,400equanimityCalmness of mind under pressure.C21.8
14,401eruditeDeeply learned from long study.C21.8
14,402eruditionGreat learning gathered from books.C21.8
14,403escutcheonThe shield on which a coat of arms is shown.C21.8
14,404exaltationA state of intense joy, or being raised in rank.C21.8
14,405exemplifyTo be a clear example of something.C11.8
14,406extrovertedGaining energy from being with people.B2+1.8
14,407farrierSomebody who fits iron shoes to horses.C11.8
14,408festoonTo hang decorations all over something.C21.8
14,409firmwareThe low-level software built into a device.C11.8
14,410floodwaterWater covering land it does not usually reach.B2+1.8
14,411flusterTo make somebody nervous and confused.B2+1.8
14,412forebearAn ancestor from an earlier generation.C21.8
14,413foresterA person who manages woodland.B2+1.8
14,414freneticFast, energetic and disordered.C11.8
14,415fuddleTo confuse somebody, especially with drink.C21.8
14,416funfairA travelling collection of rides and stalls.B1+1.8
14,417funicularA cable railway where two cars counterbalance each other.C11.8
14,418galvanisedCoated in zinc so it will not rust.C11.8
14,419gambiaA small West African country.B2+1.8
14,420gameyTasting strongly of wild meat.C11.8
14,421gapeTo stare with the mouth open in astonishment.C11.8
14,422gemstoneA stone valuable enough to be cut and set.B1+1.8
14,423gentrificationThe change of a poor district as wealthier people move in.C11.8
14,424geodeA dull stone that is hollow and crystal-lined inside.C11.8
14,425ghostwriterSomebody who writes a book that appears under another name.B2+1.8
14,426gnarledTwisted and knotted with age.C11.8
14,427guffawTo laugh very loudly.C11.8
14,428gussetAn extra piece let in to give room or strength.C21.8
14,429hacklesThe hairs on an animal's neck that rise in anger.C11.8
14,430haftThe handle of a knife or an axe.C21.8
14,431handholdThe place a climber grips with a hand.B2+1.8
14,432haspA hinged metal fastening for a door or a chest.C21.8
14,433hatchlingA creature only just out of its shell.B2+1.8
14,434hedgerowA line of bushes marking the edge of a field.B2+1.8
14,435heedlessTaking no notice of danger or advice.C11.8
14,436hirelingSomebody who works only for the money.C21.8
14,437homepageThe front page of a website.B1+1.8
14,438homogeneousAll of the same kind throughout.C11.8
14,439humusThe dark rich matter in soil made of rotted plants.C11.8
14,440idiomaticSounding natural to somebody who grew up with the language.C21.8
14,441ignominyPublic disgrace.C21.8
14,442immensityVastness beyond ordinary scale.C11.8
14,443imperceptibleToo slight to be noticed.C21.8
14,444imperceptiblyIn a way too slight to be noticed.C21.8
14,445impracticableNot able to be carried out.C11.8
14,446improvisationalBelonging to a style of performing in which the players invent the material as they go.C21.8
14,447inchoateOnly just begun, and not yet properly formed.C21.8
14,448indemnifyTo promise to make good somebody's losses.C21.8
14,449inductTo admit somebody formally into a post or a body.C11.8
14,450inequalityThe gap between those who have much and those who have little.C11.8
14,451infinitiveThe basic form of a verb, usually written with "to".B2+1.8
14,452insolventOwing more than you own.C11.8
14,453insouciantCarefree, and untroubled by what should worry you.C21.8
14,454insularNarrow in outlook through being cut off from others.C21.8
14,455intelligentsiaThe educated class who shape a country's ideas.C21.8
14,456interjectionA word thrown in to show feeling, such as ouch.C11.8
14,457intransigenceAbsolute refusal to shift your position.C21.8
14,458intransitiveSaid of a verb that takes no object.C11.8
14,459introvertSomeone who needs time alone to recharge.B2+1.8
14,460invocationA calling upon a higher power or an authority.C11.8
14,461irascibleEasily provoked to anger.C21.8
14,462iridescentShowing shifting rainbow colours as it moves.C11.8
14,463jeerTo shout mocking or insulting remarks.2×B2+1.8
14,464joistA horizontal beam supporting a floor or ceiling.C11.8
14,465juxtaposeTo place two things side by side for contrast.C11.8
14,466kilogramA thousand grams, about the weight of a bag of sugar.A2+1.8
14,467labourerA worker who does heavy unskilled work.B2+1.8
14,468lamentationLoud grieving for something lost.C21.8
14,469lathA thin narrow strip of wood used in building.C21.8
14,470lawmakerSomebody who helps make the laws of a country.B2+1.8
14,471legaliseTo make something lawful.B2+1.8
14,472liechtensteinTiny Alpine principality squeezed between Switzerland and Austria.C11.8
14,473lifebuoyA ring thrown to somebody in the water.B2+1.8
14,474likenTo say that one thing is like another.C11.8
14,475liquidityHow easily assets can be turned into cash.C11.8
14,476litigantSomebody taking part in a court case.C11.8
14,477loamRich crumbly soil, the best sort for growing.C11.8
14,478lugubriousMournful in a heavy and rather comic way.C21.8
14,479luxuriantGrowing thickly and richly.C11.8
14,480malachiteA banded green stone used for ornament.C21.8
14,481malodorousSmelling very unpleasant.C21.8
14,482marbledVeined with swirling lines of another colour.B2+1.8
14,483marinadeThe flavoured liquid meat is left to sit in before cooking.B2+1.8
14,484markedlyTo a degree that is easy to notice.C11.8
14,485marketabilityHow easily something can be sold.C21.8
14,486meanderTo follow a winding course, or to wander without direction.2×C11.8
14,487metamorphicChanged into new rock by heat and pressure.C11.8
14,488mischanceA piece of bad luck.C11.8
14,489misgivingA feeling of doubt about what is to come.C11.8
14,490mislayTo put something down and forget where.B2+1.8
14,491moorlandOpen high ground covered in heather and grass.B2+1.8
14,492moribundClose to dying, or having lost all vigour.C21.8
14,493muesliA raw mix of oats, nuts and dried fruit.B1+1.8
14,494mutableLiable to change.C21.8
14,495nebulousVague and without clear shape or definition.C11.8
14,496necromancyMagic worked by calling on the dead.C11.8
14,497nectarineA smooth-skinned relative of the peach.B1+1.8
14,498netballA team game of passing and shooting into a raised ring.B2+1.8
14,499nonceThe present occasion, in the phrase for the nonce.C21.8
14,500nonchalanceA cool unbothered manner.C11.8