01 Common Misspellings

Lou Van Loon (Australia)
References:
Brown, K. (2004). Excel Years 7-10 English Pocket Book. Glebe, NSW. Pascal Press.
James, B.[Ed]. (2003). Complete Spelling [5,6 & 7]. South Melbourne. Longman.
Macquarie Library Pty Ltd and Macquarie University. (2001). Macquarie Speller's Friend: A Guide To Correct Spelling. NSW. Author.
Macquarie University. (2000). The Macquarie School Dictionary. Milton, QLD. John Wiley & Sons.
Market House Books. (1999). The Penguin Spelling Dictionary Second Edition. Ringwood, VIC. Penguin Books.
Tucker, E. (2003). Spelling Essentials Handbook of English Spelling Rules and Definitions. Greenwood, WA. R.I.C. Publications.
889 words 4 learners

Learn words with Flashcards and other activities

Definition First
Print Flashcards

Other learning activities

Answer a few questions about each word. Use this to prep for your next quiz! Compete with other teams in real time to see who answers the most questions correctly! Test your spelling acumen. Read the definition, listen to the word and try spelling it!

Teaching tools

Create and assign quizzes to your students to test their vocabulary. Assign learning activities including Practice, Vocabulary Jams and Spelling Bees to your students, and monitor their progress in real-time.

Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. a lot
    to a very great degree or extent
  2. abscess
    a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
  3. absence
    the state of being not present
  4. absurd
    inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
  5. academically
    in regard to academic matters
  6. accelerate
    move faster
  7. accept
    receive willingly something given or offered
  8. access
    the right to enter
  9. accessible
    capable of being reached
  10. accident
    an unfortunate mishap
  11. accidentally
    without intention; in an unintentional manner
  12. accommodate
    have room for; hold without crowding
  13. accommodation
    making or becoming suitable; adjusting to circumstances
  14. accompany
    go or travel along with
  15. accomplish
    achieve with effort
  16. according
    in agreement with
  17. accordion
    a portable box-shaped free-reed instrument
  18. account
    a record or narrative description of past events
  19. accumulate
    get or gather together
  20. accurate
    characterized by perfect conformity to fact or truth
  21. accuse
    blame for; make a claim of wrongdoing or misbehavior against
  22. achieve
    gain with effort
  23. achievement
    the action of accomplishing something
  24. acknowledge
    declare to be true or admit the existence or reality of
  25. acknowledgement
    the state or quality of recognizing something or someone
  26. acquaintance
    personal knowledge or information about someone or something
  27. acquiesce
    agree or express agreement
  28. acquire
    come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
  29. acquittal
    a judgment of not guilty
  30. across
    to the opposite side
  31. adamant
    very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem
  32. adapt
    make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose
  33. adaptation
    the process of adjusting or conforming to new conditions
  34. address
    the place where a person or organization can be found
  35. adequate
    having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
  36. adjacent
    having a common boundary or edge
  37. admission
    the act of letting someone enter
  38. adolescence
    the period between the beginning of puberty and adulthood
  39. adolescent
    a person who is older than 12 but younger than 20
  40. adopt
    take into one's family
  41. advertisement
    a public promotion of some product or service
  42. advice
    a proposal for an appropriate course of action
  43. advise
    give advice to
  44. aerial
    existing, living, growing, or operating in the air
  45. affect
    have an influence upon
  46. affidavit
    written declaration made under oath
  47. afghan
    a blanket knitted or crocheted in strips or squares
  48. agreeable
    pleasing to one's own tastes, feelings, or nature
  49. alcohol
    a volatile compound made by distillation
  50. all right
    good or acceptable
  51. allege
    report or maintain
  52. allotted
    given as a task or a portion
  53. allowance
    the act of permitting
  54. already
    prior to a specified or implied time
  55. altogether
    to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent
  56. amateur
    someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
  57. amount
    how much there is of something that you can quantify
  58. anchor
    a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
  59. anniversary
    the date on which an event occurred in some previous year
  60. announcement
    a public statement containing information about an event
  61. annual
    occurring every year
  62. anomalous
    deviating from the general or common order or type
  63. anonymous
    having no known name or identity or known source
  64. Antarctic
    the region around the south pole: Antarctica and surrounding waters
  65. antique
    made in or typical of earlier times and valued for its age
  66. apostrophe
    a mark used to indicate the omission of one or more letters
  67. appalling
    causing shock, dismay, or horror
  68. apparatus
    equipment designed to serve a specific function
  69. apparent
    clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
  70. apparently
    seemingly; as far as one can tell
  71. appealing
    able to attract interest or draw favorable attention
  72. appearance
    outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
  73. appropriate
    suitable for a particular person, place, or situation
  74. approximate
    not quite exact or correct
  75. architect
    someone who creates plans to be used in making something
  76. arctic
    extremely cold
  77. argument
    a dispute where there is strong disagreement
  78. article
    one of a class of artifacts
  79. aspire
    have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal
  80. assassin
    a murderer, especially of a prominent political figure
  81. assess
    estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of
  82. associate
    bring or come into action
  83. association
    a formal organization of people or groups of people
  84. asthma
    respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing
  85. attachment
    the act of affixing something
  86. attendance
    the act of being present at a meeting or event
  87. attitude
    a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings
  88. audible
    heard or perceptible by the ear
  89. audience
    a gathering of spectators or listeners at a performance
  90. author
    a person who writes professionally
  91. authority
    the power or right to give orders or make decisions
  92. autumn
    the season when the leaves fall from the trees
  93. auxiliary
    furnishing added support
  94. avalanche
    a slide of large masses of snow, ice and mud down a mountain
  95. avocado
    a pear-shaped tropical fruit with green or blackish skin
  96. awe
    an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
  97. awful
    exceptionally bad or displeasing
  98. awkward
    lacking grace or skill in manner or movement or performance
  99. bachelor
    a man who has never been married
  100. ballistics
    the science of flight dynamics
  101. balloon
    a small thin inflatable rubber bag
  102. barrel
    a bulging cylindrical shape; hollow with flat ends
  103. barrier
    a structure or object that impedes free movement
  104. basically
    in essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature
  105. basis
    the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun
  106. batch
    a collection of things or persons to be handled together
  107. beautiful
    pleasing to the senses
  108. beauty
    the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
  109. beginning
    the act of starting something
  110. behaviour
    the way a person behaves toward other people
  111. belief
    any cognitive content held as true
  112. believe
    accept as true; take to be true
  113. belligerent
    characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight
  114. bemuse
    cause to be confused emotionally
  115. benefit
    something that aids or promotes well-being
  116. besides
    in addition
  117. bicycle
    a vehicle that has two wheels and is moved by foot pedals
  118. blinded
    deprived of sight
  119. bomb
    an explosive device fused to explode under specific conditions
  120. borough
    an English town
  121. bouillon
    a clear seasoned broth
  122. bourgeois
    being of the property-owning class
  123. boutique
    a shop that sells women's clothes and jewelry
  124. brace
    a support that steadies or strengthens something else
  125. bracing
    refreshing or invigorating
  126. bring
    take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
  127. broccoli
    plant with dense clusters of tight green flower buds
  128. building
    the act of constructing something
  129. buntal
    fine white Philippine fiber from stalks of unopened leaves of talipot palms; used in making hats
  130. buoy
    an anchored float that marks locations in a body of water
  131. buoyant
    tending to float on a liquid or rise in air or gas
  132. bureau
    an administrative unit of government
  133. burglar
    a thief who enters a building with intent to steal
  134. business
    the principal activity in one's life to earn money
  135. business
    the principal activity in one's life to earn money
  136. buy
    obtain by purchase
  137. calendar
    a system of timekeeping that defines divisions of the year
  138. calf
    young of domestic cattle
  139. camouflage
    an outward semblance misrepresenting the nature of something
  140. campaign
    related operations aimed at achieving a particular goal
  141. cancelled
    no longer planned or scheduled
  142. cappuccino
    a drink made of equal parts of espresso and hot milk
  143. careful
    exercising caution or showing attention
  144. carefully
    taking care or paying attention
  145. Caribbean
    region including the Caribbean Islands
  146. carriage
    a vehicle with wheels drawn by one or more horses
  147. castanets
    pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone made to click together
  148. catastrophe
    a sudden violent change in the earth's surface
  149. catch
    take hold of so as to seize or stop the motion of
  150. category
    a general concept that marks divisions or coordinations
  151. caterpillar
    a wormlike and often hairy larva of a moth or butterfly
  152. cavern
    a large cave or a large chamber in a cave
  153. ceiling
    the overhead upper surface of a covered space
  154. celibacy
    abstaining from sexual relations
  155. cello
    a large stringed instrument
  156. Celsius
    Swedish astronomer who devised the centigrade thermometer
  157. cemetery
    a tract of land used for burials
  158. census
    a periodic count of the population
  159. century
    a period of 100 years
  160. cereal
    grass whose starchy grains are used as food: wheat
  161. ceremony
    a formal event performed on a special occasion
  162. champagne
    a white sparkling wine either produced in Champagne or resembling that produced there
  163. channel
    a deep and relatively narrow body of water
  164. chaos
    formless state of matter before the creation of the cosmos
  165. chaperone
    one who accompanies and supervises young people
  166. character
    a property that defines the individual nature of something
  167. charlatan
    a flamboyant deceiver
  168. chartreuse
    of something having the yellowish green color of Chartreuse liqueur
  169. chauffeur
    drive someone in a vehicle
  170. chauvinism
    fanatical patriotism
  171. chief
    the head of a tribe or clan
  172. choir
    a chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony
  173. choose
    pick out from a number of alternatives
  174. choose
    pick out from a number of alternatives
  175. chord
    a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously
  176. cinch
    a band that holds a horse's saddle in place
  177. circuit
    a journey or route all the way around a place or area
  178. clairvoyance
    apparent power to perceive things not present to the senses
  179. clearance
    vertical space available to allow easy passage under something
  180. client
    someone who pays for goods or services
  181. clientele
    customers collectively
  182. climb
    go up or advance
  183. coarse
    rough to the touch
  184. coercion
    using force to cause something to occur
  185. collaborate
    work together on a common enterprise or project
  186. colleague
    an associate that one works with
  187. college
    an institution of higher education
  188. collision
    an accident resulting from violent impact of a moving object
  189. colloquial
    characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
  190. cologne
    a perfumed liquid made of essential oils and alcohol
  191. colonel
    a commissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines
  192. colour
    a visual attribute of things from the light they emit
  193. commemorate
    call to remembrance
  194. commence
    set in motion, cause to start
  195. commission
    the act of granting authority to undertake certain functions
  196. commitment
    the act of binding yourself to a course of action
  197. committee
    a special group delegated to consider some matter
  198. common sense
    sound practical judgment
  199. comparatively
    in a relative manner; by comparison to something else
  200. compare
    examine and note the similarities or differences of
  201. comparison
    the act of examining resemblances
  202. compassion
    a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering
  203. competent
    properly or sufficiently qualified, capable, or efficient
  204. complement
    something added to embellish or make perfect
  205. completely
    with everything necessary
  206. compliment
    a remark expressing praise and admiration
  207. concede
    give over
  208. conceit
    the trait of being unduly vain
  209. conceive
    have the idea for
  210. concentrate
    make denser, stronger, or purer
  211. condemn
    express strong disapproval of
  212. conductor
    the person who leads a musical group
  213. conjure
    summon into action or bring into existence
  214. connoisseur
    an expert able to appreciate a field
  215. conquer
    take possession of by force, as after an invasion
  216. conscience
    motivation deriving from ethical or moral principles
  217. conscientious
    characterized by extreme care and great effort
  218. conscious
    having awareness of surroundings and sensations and thoughts
  219. consensus
    agreement in the judgment reached by a group as a whole
  220. consequence
    a phenomenon that is caused by some previous phenomenon
  221. consign
    give over to another for care or safekeeping
  222. consistent
    the same throughout in structure or composition
  223. conspiracy
    a plot to carry out some harmful or illegal act
  224. contemporary
    occurring in the same period of time
  225. contemptible
    deserving of scorn or disrespect
  226. context
    the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation
  227. continual
    occurring without interruption
  228. continuous
    moving in time or space without interruption
  229. contradictory
    not able to be true at the same time
  230. contrast
    the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
  231. contributor
    a writer published in a periodical or as part of a book
  232. convalesce
    get over an illness or shock
  233. convenience
    the quality of being useful
  234. conversation
    the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas
  235. correspondence
    an attribute of a shape or relation
  236. correspondent
    a journalist who supplies stories for news media
  237. cough
    a sudden noisy expulsion of air from the lungs that clears the air passages; a common symptom of upper respiratory infection or bronchitis or pneumonia or tuberculosis
  238. council
    a body serving in an administrative capacity
  239. courage
    a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain
  240. course
    a connected series of events or actions or developments
  241. courteous
    characterized by politeness and gracious good manners
  242. creator
    a person who grows or makes or invents things
  243. crescent
    having a curved shape that tapers at the ends
  244. criticism
    a serious examination and judgment of something
  245. cruelly
    with cruelty
  246. cruelty
    the quality of being able or disposed to inflict pain
  247. cummerbund
    a broad pleated sash worn at the waist with a tuxedo
  248. curiosity
    a state in which you want to learn more about something
  249. currant
    a small red or black berry used in jellies and jams
  250. current
    occurring in or belonging to the present time
  251. cyst
    a small anatomically normal sac or bladderlike structure
  252. dare
    a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  253. daughter
    a female human offspring
  254. debt
    the state of owing something, especially money
  255. debunk
    expose while ridiculing
  256. deceit
    the quality of being fraudulent
  257. deceive
    cause someone to believe an untruth
  258. decent
    socially or conventionally correct; refined or virtuous
  259. decide
    reach, make, or come to a conclusion about something
  260. decision
    a position or opinion reached after consideration
  261. deep
    having great spatial extension downward or inward
  262. defence
    the act of shielding someone or something against attack
  263. defer
    yield to another's wish or opinion
  264. defiance
    a hostile challenge
  265. deficient
    inadequate in amount or degree
  266. definite
    precise; explicit and clearly defined
  267. definitely
    without question and beyond doubt
  268. democracy
    the orientation of those who favor government by the people
  269. dependant
    a person who relies on another person for support
  270. dependence
    the state of relying on someone or something else
  271. depth
    the extent downward or backward or inward
  272. descend
    move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
  273. descendant
    a person considered as coming from some ancestor or race
  274. descent
    a movement downward
  275. describe
    give a statement representing something
  276. description
    the act of depicting something
  277. description
    the act of depicting something
  278. desecrate
    violate the sacred character of a place or language
  279. desert
    leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
  280. desiccate
    lacking vitality or spirit; lifeless
  281. desiccated
    thoroughly dried out
  282. design
    the act of working out the form of something
  283. despatch
    the act of sending off something
  284. desperately
    with great urgency
  285. dessert
    a dish served as the last course of a meal
  286. destructive
    causing damage
  287. detachment
    lack of emotion or interest
  288. deteriorate
    become worse or disintegrate
  289. deterrent
    something immaterial that interferes with action or progress
  290. devastate
    cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly
  291. develop
    progress or evolve through a process of natural growth
  292. developed
    being changed over time, as to be stronger or more complete
  293. developing
    of societies with low levels of industrial capability
  294. development
    a process in which something passes to a different stage
  295. device
    an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
  296. diarrhoea
    frequent and watery bowel movements
  297. dichotomy
    a classification into two opposed parts or subclasses
  298. difference
    the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
  299. dilemma
    state of uncertainty in a choice between unfavorable options
  300. diocese
    a district that is under the jurisdiction of a bishop
  301. diphtheria
    acute contagious infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae; marked by the formation of a false membrane in the throat and other air passages causing difficulty in breathing
  302. diphthong
    a sound that glides between two vowels in a single syllable
  303. directly
    without turning aside from your course
  304. disagreeable
    not being in accord with your tastes or expectations
  305. disappear
    become invisible or unnoticeable
  306. disappoint
    fail to meet the hopes or expectations of
  307. disastrous
    having extremely unfortunate or dire consequences
  308. discipline
    a system of rules of conduct or method of practice
  309. disguise
    any attire that conceals the wearer's identity
  310. disinterested
    unaffected by concern for one's own welfare
  311. dismiss
    stop associating with
  312. disobedient
    unwilling to submit to authority
  313. disobey
    refuse to go along with; refuse to follow; be disobedient
  314. dissatisfied
    in a state of sulky dissatisfaction
  315. dissect
    cut open or cut apart
  316. dissent
    a difference of opinion
  317. disservice
    an act intended to help that turns out badly
  318. dissolve
    pass into a solution
  319. distant
    separated in space or coming from far away
  320. divisible
    capable of being or liable to be divided or separated
  321. doubt
    the state of being unsure of something
  322. draught
    a serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg
  323. duly
    in an appropriate or proper manner
  324. dyeing
    the use of dye to change the color of something permanently
  325. earliest
    more early than; most early
  326. easy
    posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
  327. eccentric
    conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
  328. echo
    the repetition of a sound from reflection of the sound waves
  329. ecological
    characterized by the interdependence of living organisms
  330. ecstasy
    a state of elated bliss
  331. edible
    suitable for use as food
  332. effect
    a phenomenon that is caused by some previous phenomenon
  333. efficient
    being effective without wasting time, effort, or expense
  334. eight
    the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one
  335. eighth
    position eight in a countable series of things
  336. eisteddfod
    any of several annual Welsh festivals involving artistic competitions (especially in singing)
  337. elegant
    refined and tasteful in appearance, behavior, or style
  338. eligible
    qualified for or allowed or worthy of being chosen
  339. embarrass
    cause to feel self-conscious
  340. embarrassment
    the shame felt when inadequacy or guilt is made public
  341. emigrant
    someone who leaves one country to settle in another
  342. emperor
    the male ruler of an empire
  343. emphasis
    intensity or forcefulness of expression
  344. en masse
    all together
  345. enclose
    surround completely
  346. endeavour
    a purposeful or industrious undertaking
  347. enormous
    extraordinarily large in size or extent or degree
  348. enough
    sufficient for the purpose
  349. environment
    the totality of surrounding conditions
  350. epitome
    a standard or typical example
  351. equatorial
    of or existing at or near the geographic equator
  352. error
    a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance
  353. estuary
    the wide part of a river where it nears the sea
  354. eucalypt
    a Australasian tree valued for its timber and scented oil
  355. eunuch
    a man who has been castrated and is unable to reproduce
  356. event
    something that happens at a given place and time
  357. exaggerate
    enlarge beyond bounds or the truth
  358. exaggerate
    enlarge beyond bounds or the truth
  359. exceed
    be or do something to a greater degree
  360. excellence
    possessing good qualities in high degree
  361. excellent
    very good; of the highest quality
  362. except
    prevent from being included or considered or accepted
  363. exceptional
    surpassing what is common or usual or expected
  364. exceptionally
    to an incredible degree
  365. excess
    the state of being more than full
  366. excitement
    the state of being emotionally worked up
  367. excruciating
    extremely painful
  368. exercise
    the activity of exerting muscles to keep fit
  369. exhibition
    the act of displaying or demonstrating
  370. exhilarating
    making lively and joyful
  371. existence
    the state or fact of being
  372. expense
    a financial burden; money that must be paid out
  373. experience
    the content of observation or participation in an event
  374. explanation
    making something understandable
  375. exposed
    with no protection or shield
  376. extraordinary
    highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
  377. extravagant
    recklessly wasteful
  378. extremely
    to the greatest possible degree
  379. extrovert
    a person directed toward others as opposed to the self
  380. facsimile
    an exact copy or reproduction
  381. Fahrenheit
    of or relating to a temperature scale proposed by the inventor of the mercury thermometer
  382. familiar
    a friend who is frequently in the company of another
  383. family
    a group of people related to one another
  384. fascinate
    attract; cause to be enamored
  385. fascination
    the state of being intensely interested
  386. fascism
    a political theory advocating an authoritarian government
  387. fashion
    the latest and most admired style in clothes or behavior
  388. fatal
    bringing death
  389. fatigue
    temporary loss of strength and energy from hard work
  390. fault
    an imperfection in an object or machine
  391. favour
    an act of gracious kindness
  392. favourite
    something regarded with special favor or liking
  393. February
    the month following January and preceding March
  394. fetch
    go or come after and bring or take back
  395. field
    extensive tract of level open land
  396. fiend
    an evil supernatural being
  397. fierce
    marked by extreme and violent energy
  398. fiery
    like or suggestive of a flame
  399. fight
    be engaged in a contest or struggle
  400. Filipino
    of or relating to or characteristic of the Philippines or its people or customs
  401. finally
    as the end result of a sequence or process
  402. finely
    in tiny pieces
  403. flavour
    the taste experience when a savory condiment is taken into the mouth
  404. fluorescent
    emitting light during exposure to external radiant energy
  405. focus
    the concentration of attention or energy on something
  406. forcible
    impelled by physical force especially against resistance
  407. foreign
    not deriving from the essential nature of something
  408. foretell
    foreshadow or presage
  409. forfeit
    lose the right to or lose by some error, offense, or crime
  410. forgetful
    (of memory) deficient in retentiveness or range
  411. forgotten
    not noticed inadvertently
  412. formally
    in accord with established conventions and requirements
  413. formerly
    at a previous time
  414. fortieth
    the ordinal number of forty in counting order
  415. fortunately
    by good fortune
  416. forty
    the cardinal number that is the product of ten and four
  417. fourteen
    the cardinal number that is the sum of thirteen and one
  418. fraud
    intentional deception resulting in injury to another person
  419. frequent
    coming at short intervals or habitually
  420. fricassee
    pieces of chicken or other meat stewed in gravy with e.g. carrots and onions and served with noodles or dumplings
  421. friend
    a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
  422. fulfil
    meet the requirements or expectations of
  423. fulfilled
    completed to perfection
  424. fulfilment
    the act of consummating something (a desire or promise etc)
  425. function
    what something is used for
  426. functional
    designed for or capable of a particular use
  427. furnace
    an enclosed chamber in which heat is produced for a building
  428. furniture
    furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
  429. gaiety
    a joyful feeling
  430. gallop
    a fast gait of a horse
  431. gangrene
    the localized death of living cells
  432. garrulous
    full of trivial conversation
  433. gas
    state of matter distinguished from solid and liquid states
  434. gauge
    an instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity
  435. gem
    a crystalline rock that can be cut and polished for jewelry
  436. genealogy
    the study or investigation of ancestry and family history
  437. general
    applying to all or most members of a category or group
  438. genre
    a kind of literary or artistic work
  439. ghost
    the visible disembodied soul of a dead person
  440. glare
    be sharply reflected
  441. gnash
    grind together
  442. goddess
    a female deity
  443. government
    the system or form by which a community is ruled
  444. governor
    the head of a state authority
  445. graffiti
    unauthorized drawings or writing on walls in public places
  446. grammar
    the branch of linguistics that deals with sentence structure
  447. grievous
    causing or marked by grief or anguish
  448. guarantee
    an unconditional commitment that something will happen
  449. guard
    watch over or shield from danger or harm
  450. guardian
    a person who cares for persons or property
  451. guidance
    the act of showing the way
  452. guide
    someone employed to conduct others
  453. guilty
    responsible for or chargeable with wrongdoing
  454. guttural
    relating to or articulated in the throat
  455. haemorrhage
    the flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessel
  456. handkerchief
    a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose
  457. harass
    annoy continually or chronically
  458. harassment
    the act of tormenting by persistent attacks and criticism
  459. harebrained
    very foolish
  460. heaven
    any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  461. height
    distance from the base of something to its top
  462. heir
    a person entitled by law to inherit the estate of another
  463. heirloom
    something that has been in a family for generations
  464. hierarchy
    a series of ordered groupings within a system
  465. hieroglyphic
    a writing system using picture symbols
  466. horizon
    the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet
  467. hors d'oeuvre
    a dish served as an appetizer before the main meal
  468. humanity
    all of the living inhabitants of the earth
  469. humorous
    characterized by the power to cause laughter
  470. humour
    the quality of being funny
  471. hundredth
    position 100 in a countable series of things
  472. hygiene
    a condition promoting sanitary practices
  473. hygiene
    a condition promoting sanitary practices
  474. hypocrisy
    pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not have
  475. hypocrite
    a person who professes beliefs that he or she does not hold
  476. hypothesis
    a tentative insight that is not yet verified or tested
  477. identical
    being the exact same one
  478. illegibly
    in an illegible manner
  479. imaginary
    not based on fact; unreal
  480. immediately
    without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
  481. imminent
    close in time; about to occur
  482. incipient
    only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
  483. incriminate
    suggest that someone is guilty
  484. independent
    free from external control and constraint
  485. indigenous
    originating where it is found
  486. inexplicable
    incapable of being explained or accounted for
  487. infinite
    having no limits or boundaries in time or space
  488. initiate
    set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for
  489. initiate
    set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for
  490. initiative
    readiness to embark on bold new ventures
  491. innocence
    the state of being unsullied by sin or moral wrong
  492. inoculate
    inject or treat with the germ of a disease to render immune
  493. install
    set up for use
  494. instalment
    a part of a broadcast serial
  495. intellectual
    of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind
  496. intelligence
    the ability to comprehend
  497. interested
    showing curiosity or fascination or concern
  498. intrigue
    a crafty and involved plot to achieve your ends
  499. irascible
    quickly aroused to anger
  500. iridescence
    the visual property of having lustrous, varying colors
  501. irrelevant
    having no bearing on or connection with the subject at issue
  502. irreparable
    impossible to rectify or amend
  503. irresistible
    impossible to withstand; overpowering
  504. isosceles
    (of a triangle) having two sides of equal length
  505. isthmus
    a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas
  506. jealous
    suspicious or fearful of being displaced by a rival
  507. jeopardy
    a source of danger
  508. jewellery
    an adornment made of precious metals and set with gems
  509. jodhpurs
    flared pants ending at the calves and worn with riding boots
  510. justice
    the quality of being fair, reasonable, or impartial
  511. khaki
    a sturdy type of cloth that is a light brown color
  512. knee
    hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
  513. knowledge
    the result of perception, learning, and reasoning
  514. knowledgeable
    alert and fully informed
  515. laboratory
    a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
  516. language
    a means of communicating by the use of sounds or symbols
  517. later
    happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
  518. latter
    the second of two or the second mentioned of two
  519. laxative
    stimulating evacuation of feces
  520. league
    an association of states or individuals for common action
  521. leisure
    time available for ease and relaxation
  522. leprechaun
    a mischievous elf in Irish folklore
  523. leprosy
    communicable disease characterized by wasting of body parts
  524. liaise
    act as or form a connection or alliance between groups
  525. liaison
    a means of communication between groups
  526. library
    a place containing books and other materials for reading
  527. licorice
    deep-rooted plant cultivated for its long thick sweet roots
  528. lieutenant
    a commissioned military officer
  529. lightning
    flash of light from an electric discharge in the atmosphere
  530. likelihood
    the probability of a specified outcome
  531. liqueur
    strong highly flavored sweet liquor usually drunk after a meal
  532. liquorice
    deep-rooted coarse-textured plant native to the Mediterranean region having blue flowers and pinnately compound leaves; widely cultivated in Europe for its long thick sweet roots
  533. literature
    writings in a particular style on a particular subject
  534. livelihood
    the financial means whereby one supports oneself
  535. loneliness
    sadness resulting from being forsaken or abandoned
  536. longitude
    the angular distance from the prime meridian at Greenwich
  537. loose
    not affixed
  538. lose
    fail to keep or to maintain
  539. lumbar
    of or relating to or near the part of the back between the ribs and the hipbones
  540. machete
    a large knife used as a weapon or for cutting vegetation
  541. maintain
    keep in a certain state, position, or activity
  542. maintenance
    activity involved in keeping something in good working order
  543. manageable
    capable of being controlled
  544. manoeuvre
    a military training exercise
  545. mantelpiece
    a shelf that projects from a wall above a fireplace
  546. marriage
    the state of being a couple voluntarily joined for life
  547. martyr
    one who voluntarily suffers death
  548. marvellous
    extraordinarily good or great
  549. masonry
    the craft of building with stone or brick
  550. massive
    containing a great quantity of matter
  551. mathematician
    a person skilled in the logic of quantity and arrangement
  552. mattress
    a large thick pad filled with resilient material and often incorporating coiled springs, used as a bed or part of a bed
  553. maudlin
    very sentimental or emotional
  554. mayonnaise
    egg yolks and oil and vinegar
  555. mean
    denote or connote
  556. medal
    an award for winning a championship
  557. medicine
    the profession devoted to alleviating diseases and injuries
  558. medieval
    relating to or belonging to the Middle Ages
  559. mediocre
    moderate to inferior in quality
  560. Mediterranean
    the largest inland sea; between Europe and Africa and Asia
  561. memento
    a reminder of past events
  562. menstruate
    undergo menstruation
  563. mentally
    in your mind
  564. message
    a communication that is written or spoken or signaled
  565. messenger
    a person who carries a communication to a recipient
  566. metal
    a chemical element or alloy that is usually a shiny solid
  567. millennium
    a span of 1000 years
  568. mimic
    imitate, especially for satirical effect
  569. miniature
    being on a very small scale
  570. minuscule
    very small
  571. minute
    a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
  572. miscellaneous
    having many aspects
  573. mischievous
    naughtily or annoyingly playful
  574. misconception
    an incorrect assumption
  575. mispronunciation
    incorrect pronunciation
  576. moccasin
    soft leather shoe; originally worn by Native Americans
  577. model
    a representation of something, often on a smaller scale
  578. modern
    ahead of the times
  579. moral
    concerned with principles of right and wrong
  580. morale
    a state of individual psychological well-being
  581. mucous
    of or secreting or covered with or resembling mucus
  582. mucus
    protective secretion of membranes lining internal organs
  583. murmur
    a low continuous indistinct sound
  584. muscle
    animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells
  585. mystify
    be puzzling or bewildering to
  586. naive
    marked by or showing unaffected simplicity
  587. naivety
    lack of sophistication or worldliness
  588. narrate
    provide commentary for a film, for example
  589. natural
    relating to or concerning the physical world
  590. necessary
    absolutely essential
  591. negotiate
    discuss the terms of an arrangement
  592. neighbour
    a person who lives (or is located) near another
  593. nervous
    of or relating to a system of sensory apparatus
  594. nimble
    moving quickly and lightly
  595. ninth
    position nine in a countable series of things
  596. none
    not at all or in no way
  597. noticeable
    capable of being detected
  598. nuisance
    anything that disturbs, endangers life, or is offensive
  599. obscenity
    the trait of behaving in an offensive manner
  600. obsequious
    attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
  601. obsolete
    no longer in use
  602. occasionally
    now and then or here and there
  603. occur
    come to pass
  604. occurrence
    an instance of something happening
  605. occurrent
    presently occurring (either causally or incidentally)
  606. ocean
    a large body of water that is part of the hydrosphere
  607. off
    from a particular thing or place or position
  608. offer
    present for acceptance or rejection
  609. ophthalmology
    the branch of medicine concerned with the eye
  610. opinion
    a personal belief or judgment
  611. opportunity
    a possibility from a favorable combination of circumstances
  612. option
    one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen
  613. originally
    with reference to the origin or beginning
  614. ornamental
    serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose
  615. paean
    a hymn of praise
  616. pageant
    an elaborate exhibition or procession
  617. paid
    marked by the reception of pay
  618. paisley
    a fabric with a colorful swirled pattern of curved shapes
  619. palatial
    relating to or being a large and stately residence
  620. pamphlet
    a small book usually having a paper cover
  621. paradigm
    a standard or typical example
  622. paraffin
    from crude petroleum
  623. parallel
    being everywhere equidistant and not intersecting
  624. paralysis
    loss of the ability to move a body part
  625. paranoia
    a mental disorder characterized by delusions of persecution
  626. paraphernalia
    equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles
  627. parliament
    a legislative assembly in certain countries
  628. parliamentary
    relating to or having the nature of a law-making body
  629. particularly
    to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
  630. pavilion
    a large and often sumptuous tent
  631. penicillin
    antibiotic used in the treatment of infections and diseases
  632. perjury
    criminal offense of making false statements under oath
  633. permanent
    continuing or enduring without marked change in status
  634. permissible
    acceptable, especially as according to rule
  635. Perseus
    (Greek mythology) the son of Zeus who slew Medusa (with the help of Athena and Hermes) and rescued Andromeda from a sea monster
  636. personal
    concerning an individual or his or her private life
  637. personnel
    group of people willing to obey orders
  638. perturb
    disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried
  639. Pharaoh
    the title of the ancient Egyptian kings
  640. phenomenon
    any state or process known through the senses
  641. Philippines
    a republic on the Philippine Islands
  642. phosphorescence
    the emission of light without heat
  643. photo
    a picture taken with a camera or phone that shows people or scenes
  644. physician
    a licensed medical practitioner
  645. pigeon
    a large, usually gray and white bird commonly seen in cities
  646. placebo
    an innocuous or inert medication
  647. pneumonia
    a serious illness of the lungs that makes it difficult to breathe
  648. poisonous
    having the qualities of a substance that causes death
  649. porcelain
    ceramic ware made of a more or less translucent ceramic
  650. Portuguese
    of or relating to or characteristic of Portugal or the people of Portugal or their language
  651. posse
    a temporary police force
  652. possess
    have ownership of
  653. possession
    anything owned
  654. practice
    a customary way of operation or behavior
  655. practise
    engage in a rehearsal (of)
  656. prairie
    a treeless grassy plain
  657. precede
    be earlier in time
  658. precocious
    characterized by exceptionally early development
  659. predicament
    an unpleasant or difficult situation
  660. predict
    make a guess about what will happen in the future
  661. preferred
    more desirable than another
  662. prejudice
    a partiality preventing objective consideration of an issue
  663. preparation
    setting in order in advance some act or purpose
  664. prepare
    make ready or suitable or equip in advance
  665. prerogative
    a right reserved exclusively by a person or group
  666. presence
    current existence
  667. primitive
    characteristic of an earlier ancestral type
  668. principal
    main or most important
  669. principle
    a basic generalization that is accepted as true
  670. privilege
    a special advantage or benefit not enjoyed by all
  671. probably
    with considerable certainty; without much doubt
  672. procedure
    a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
  673. proceed
    move ahead; travel onward in time or space
  674. professor
    a member of the faculty at a college or university
  675. project
    a planned undertaking
  676. pronunciation
    the manner in which someone utters a word
  677. proof
    any evidence that helps to establish the truth of something
  678. propeller
    device with blades that rotate to push against air or water
  679. protrude
    extend out or project in space
  680. prove
    establish the validity of something
  681. psychiatrist
    a specialist in the treatment of mental disorders
  682. psychology
    the science of mental life
  683. publicly
    in a manner accessible to or observable by the public
  684. punctuation
    the use of marks to clarify meaning of written material
  685. pursue
    follow in an effort to capture
  686. quarantine
    isolation to prevent the spread of infectious disease
  687. quarter
    one of four equal parts
  688. questionnaire
    a form with a set of queries to gain statistical information
  689. queue
    a line of people or vehicles waiting for something
  690. quiche
    a tart filled with rich unsweetened custard
  691. quiet
    characterized by an absence of agitation or activity
  692. quietly
    with low volume
  693. quite
    to the greatest extent; completely
  694. raspberry
    a thorny shrub that produces edible berries
  695. react
    show a response to something
  696. realise
    be fully aware or cognizant of
  697. really
    in actual fact
  698. reason
    a logical motive for a belief or action
  699. receipt
    the act of receiving
  700. receive
    get something; come into possession of
  701. receiver
    a person who receives something
  702. recent
    of the immediate past or just previous to the present time
  703. reckless
    marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
  704. recognise
    perceive to be the same
  705. recommend
    express a good opinion of
  706. referee
    the official in a sport who is expected to ensure fair play
  707. reference
    the act of consulting
  708. referral
    the act of sending or directing something to someone
  709. refrigerator
    appliance in which food can be stored at low temperatures
  710. regurgitate
    pour or rush back
  711. reign
    royal authority; the dominion of a monarch
  712. relevant
    having a bearing on or connection with the subject at issue
  713. relieve
    free from a burden, evil, or distress
  714. religious
    having or showing belief in and reverence for a deity
  715. reminisce
    recall the past
  716. reminiscent
    serving to bring to mind
  717. rendezvous
    a meeting planned at a certain time and place
  718. renege
    fail to fulfill a promise or obligation
  719. repetition
    the act of doing or performing again
  720. replace
    put something back where it belongs
  721. representative
    serving to typify
  722. rescind
    cancel officially
  723. resent
    feel bitter or indignant about
  724. reservoir
    lake used to store water for community use
  725. resistance
    any mechanical force that tends to slow or oppose motion
  726. respectfully
    in a courteous and considerate manner
  727. respectively
    in the order given
  728. responsibility
    the social force that binds you to a course of action
  729. restaurant
    a building where people go to eat
  730. restaurateur
    the proprietor of a restaurant
  731. rewrite
    compose differently
  732. rewrite
    compose differently
  733. rheumatism
    any painful disorder of the joints or muscles
  734. rhinestone
    an imitation jewel made from crystal, glass, or paste
  735. rhinoceros
    a large, heavy animal with thick skin and one or two horns on its nose
  736. rhododendron
    any shrub of the genus Rhododendron: evergreen shrubs or small shrubby trees having leathery leaves and showy clusters of campanulate (bell-shaped) flowers
  737. rhombus
    a parallelogram with four equal sides
  738. rhubarb
    plants having long green or reddish acidic leafstalks growing in basal clumps; stems (and only the stems) are edible when cooked; leaves are poisonous
  739. rhyme
    correspondence in the final sounds of two or more lines
  740. rhythm
    an interval during which a recurring sequence occurs
  741. ricochet
    spring back; spring away from an impact
  742. ridiculous
    incongruous or absurd
  743. rigmarole
    a long and complicated and confusing procedure
  744. roguish
    lacking principles or scruples
  745. roulette
    a gambling game in which players bet on which compartment of a revolving wheel a small ball will come to rest in
  746. routine
    an unvarying or habitual method or procedure
  747. sabotage
    a deliberate act of destruction or disruption
  748. sacrament
    a formal religious ceremony conferring a specific grace
  749. sacrilegious
    grossly irreverent toward what is considered holy
  750. sandal
    a shoe consisting of a sole fastened by straps to the foot
  751. sarsaparilla
    any of various prickly climbing plants of the tropical American genus Smilax having aromatic roots and heart-shaped leaves
  752. satellite
    any celestial body orbiting around a planet or star
  753. sauerkraut
    shredded cabbage fermented in brine
  754. savagery
    the quality of being untamed and ferocious
  755. scary
    provoking fear or terror
  756. scenic
    of or relating to the stage or stage sets
  757. schedule
    a list of times at which things are planned to occur
  758. school
    an educational institution
  759. science
    a branch of study or knowledge involving the observation, investigation, and discovery of general laws or truths that can be tested systematically
  760. scissors
    an edge tool having two crossed pivoting blades
  761. searching
    exploring thoroughly
  762. secretary
    an assistant who handles correspondence and clerical work
  763. seemingly
    from appearances alone
  764. seize
    take hold of; grab
  765. self-interest
    concern for your own interests and welfare
  766. sense
    the faculty through which the world is perceived
  767. sentence
    a string of words satisfying grammatical rules of a language
  768. separate
    standing apart; not attached to or supported by anything
  769. sequence
    a following of one thing after another in time
  770. serial
    pertaining to or occurring in or producing a series
  771. shape
    a perceptual structure
  772. sheikh
    the leader of an Arab village or family
  773. shepherd
    someone who keeps sheep together in a flock
  774. sheriff
    the principal law-enforcement officer in a county
  775. shrapnel
    shell containing lead pellets that explodes in flight
  776. siege
    an action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place
  777. sieve
    a strainer for separating lumps from powdered material
  778. silhouette
    a filled-in drawing of the outline of an object
  779. similarity
    the quality of being alike
  780. similarly
    in like manner
  781. simile
    a figure of speech expressing a resemblance between things
  782. sincerely
    without pretense
  783. skiing
    a sport in which participants must travel on skis
  784. skilful
    having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
  785. soldier
    an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
  786. solemn
    dignified and somber in manner or character
  787. solicitor
    a British lawyer who gives legal advice
  788. souvenir
    something of sentimental value
  789. sovereign
    a nation's ruler usually by hereditary right
  790. spaghetti
    pasta in the form of long strings
  791. spectacle
    something or someone seen, especially a notable sight
  792. speech
    communication by word of mouth
  793. statistics
    a branch of mathematics concerned with quantitative data
  794. steel
    an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon
  795. straining
    an intense or violent exertion
  796. strategic
    relating to an elaborate and systematic plan of action
  797. strategy
    an elaborate and systematic plan of action
  798. strive
    attempt by employing effort
  799. structure
    a complex entity made of many parts
  800. subpoena
    a writ issued to compel the attendance of a witness
  801. subtle
    difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
  802. success
    an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
  803. successfully
    in a manner marked by a favorable outcome
  804. succumb
    give in, as to overwhelming force, influence, or pressure
  805. sugar
    a white crystalline carbohydrate used as a sweetener
  806. suggest
    make a proposal; declare a plan for something
  807. suitably
    in an appropriate manner
  808. summarise
    give a summary (of)
  809. supercede
    take the place or move into the position of
  810. supporting
    the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening
  811. surprise
    come upon or take unawares
  812. surveillance
    close observation of a person or group
  813. survivor
    one who lives through affliction
  814. suspense
    an uncertain cognitive state
  815. sword
    a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
  816. syllable
    a unit of spoken language larger than a phoneme
  817. symmetry
    balance among the parts of something
  818. technical
    of or relating to aptitude in a practical skill
  819. technique
    a practical method or art applied to some particular task
  820. temperature
    the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment
  821. temporary
    not permanent; not lasting
  822. tendency
    an inclination to do something
  823. terrain
    a piece of ground having specific characteristics
  824. terrifying
    causing extreme fear
  825. theorem
    an idea accepted as a demonstrable truth
  826. theory
    a belief that can guide behavior
  827. thorough
    painstakingly careful and accurate
  828. threshold
    the starting point for a new state or experience
  829. thyme
    any of various mints of the genus Thymus
  830. titillate
    stimulate or excite
  831. tomorrow
    the day after today
  832. tongue
    a mobile mass of muscular tissue located in the oral cavity
  833. tragedy
    an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
  834. tragic
    very sad, especially involving grief or death or destruction
  835. tranquility
    an untroubled state that is free from disturbances
  836. tried
    tested and proved to be reliable
  837. truly
    in accordance with fact or reality
  838. try
    make an effort or attempt
  839. trying
    hard to endure
  840. twelfth
    position 12 in a countable series of things
  841. tying
    the act of tying or binding things together
  842. tyranny
    government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator
  843. ukulele
    a small guitar having four strings
  844. umbrella
    a lightweight handheld collapsible canopy
  845. unheard-of
    previously unknown
  846. uninterested
    not having or showing a sense of concern or curiosity
  847. unique
    the single one of its kind
  848. unmistakable
    clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
  849. unnecessary
    not needed
  850. unusual
    not common or ordinary
  851. vacuum
    an empty area or space
  852. vague
    lacking clarity or distinctness
  853. valley
    a long depression in the surface of the land
  854. valuable
    having worth or merit
  855. vegetable
    any of various herbaceous plants cultivated for an edible part such as the fruit or the root of the beet or the leaf of spinach or the seeds of bean plants or the flower buds of broccoli or cauliflower
  856. vehicle
    a conveyance that transports people or objects
  857. veneer
    coating consisting of a thin layer of wood
  858. veteran
    a person who has served in the armed forces
  859. veterinary
    of or relating to veterinarians or veterinary medicine
  860. vicious
    having the nature of evildoing
  861. victory
    a successful ending of a struggle or contest
  862. vie
    compete for something
  863. vigorous
    characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity
  864. villain
    someone who does evil deliberately
  865. virtually
    in essence or in effect but not in fact
  866. viscous
    having a relatively high resistance to flow
  867. volcanic
    relating to eruptions of gas and lava from the earth's crust
  868. waylay
    wait in hiding to attack
  869. weather
    atmospheric conditions such as temperature and precipitation
  870. Wednesday
    the fourth day of the week; the third working day
  871. weight
    the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
  872. weird
    strikingly odd or unusual
  873. wether
    male sheep especially a castrated one
  874. white
    being of the achromatic color of maximum lightness
  875. whole
    all of something, including all of its elements or parts
  876. wholly
    to the full or entire extent
  877. wield
    handle effectively
  878. wilful
    done by design
  879. wiry
    lean but strong
  880. withhold
    hold back; refuse to hand over or share
  881. wondrous
    extraordinarily good or great
  882. woollen
    of or related to or made of wool
  883. worshipped
    regarded with deep or rapturous love
  884. write
    name the letters that comprise the accepted form of
  885. xylophone
    a bright-toned wooden bar instrument played with hard-headed mallets
  886. yacht
    an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power
  887. yield
    give or supply
  888. zephyr
    a slight wind
  889. buy
    obtain by purchase
Created on Mon Nov 08 22:46:47 EST 2010 (updated Tue Nov 16 01:41:17 EST 2010)

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.