298 English words
Advanced English vocabulary for exams
Hard but useful words from academic writing, business English and tests like the SAT, GRE, TOEFL and IELTS, explained in plain English with examples.
Words
A
- accedeverbC2to agree to a request or demand, often after first refusingThe company eventually acceded to the workers’ demands.
- accordnounC1a formal agreement between countries or groupsThe two nations signed a peace accord in Geneva.
- acquiesceverbC2to accept or agree to something quietly, often without really wanting toAfter a long argument, she acquiesced to their plan.
- admonishverbC2to tell someone firmly that they have done something wrongThe judge admonished the lawyer for interrupting.
- adverseadjectiveC1harmful, negative or not helpfulThe drug has few adverse effects.
- advocatenounC1a person who publicly supports a cause or speaks for othersShe is a strong advocate of free education.
- afflictverbC2to cause pain, illness or serious problems to someone or somethingThe region has been afflicted by drought for years.
- aidenounC1a person who helps someone important, especially a politician, in their workA senior aide to the president resigned yesterday.
- allegeverbC1to say that someone has done something wrong, without giving proofThe report alleges that officials accepted bribes.
- apparentadjectiveB2clear and easy to noticeIt soon became apparent that the plan would fail.
- appealnounB2a serious public request for money, help or informationPolice issued an appeal for witnesses.
- appeaseverbC2to calm someone by giving them what they wantThe government tried to appease the protesters with promises.
- appendverbC1to add something to the end of a document or piece of writingA list of sources is appended to the report.
- appointverbB2to officially choose someone for a job or positionShe was appointed head of the department last year.
- aptadjectiveC1suitable or right for the situation“Chaotic” is an apt description of the meeting.
- arbitraryadjectiveC1based on chance or personal choice rather than on a reason or systemThe cut-off date seems completely arbitrary.
- arbitrateverbC2to officially judge a disagreement between two sides as a neutral personA retired judge was asked to arbitrate the dispute.
- ascertainverbC2to find out for certain whether something is true or what the facts arePolice are trying to ascertain the cause of the fire.
- assailverbC2to attack someone violently or criticize them stronglyThe minister was assailed by reporters with questions.
- assentnounC2official agreement or approvalThe plan cannot go ahead without the board’s assent.
- assertverbC1to state firmly that something is trueThe lawyer asserted that her client was innocent.
- asunderadverbC2(literary) into separate parts or pieces, often violentlyThe old ship was torn asunder by the storm.
- attitudenounB1the way you think and feel about something, shown in how you behaveHe has a very positive attitude toward work.
- attributeverbC1to say or believe that something is caused by or belongs to someone or somethingShe attributes her success to hard work.
- austereadjectiveC1very plain and simple, without decoration or comfortThe monks lived in small, austere rooms.
- avaricenounC2an extreme desire for money or wealthThe bankers’ avarice helped cause the crisis.
- aversionnounC1a strong dislike of somethingShe has an aversion to crowds.
B
- beguileverbC2to charm or attract someone, sometimes in a way that deceives themVisitors are beguiled by the island’s beauty.
- bentadjectiveC1determined to do something, used with “on”She seems bent on proving everyone wrong.
- beseechverbC2to ask someone for something in an urgent, emotional wayShe beseeched him to stay.
- besiegeverbC2to surround a place with an army to force it to surrenderThe army besieged the city for months.
- bestowverbC2to give an honor, gift or title to someone, formallyThe award was bestowed on her by the president.
- blandadjectiveB2(of food) having very little flavorThe soup was rather bland, so I added some pepper.
- boastverbB2to talk too proudly about yourself or what you haveHe’s always boasting about his expensive car.
- boltverbC1to suddenly run away very fast, usually from fearThe horse bolted when it heard the gunshot.
- brookverbC2to allow or accept something, used in negative statementsThe manager will brook no argument.
C
- candidadjectiveC1honest and direct, even when the truth is not pleasantTo be candid, I don’t think the plan will work.
- canonnounC2a group of works generally accepted as the most important in a fieldThe novel is now part of the literary canon.
- capitulateverbC2to stop resisting and accept the demands of an opponentAfter a long strike, the company finally capitulated.
- capricenounC2a sudden change of mind or behavior that has no good reasonThe staff were tired of the manager’s caprices.
- cardinaladjectiveC2most important; basicThe cardinal rule of the job is never to lie to clients.
- cedeverbC2to give up land, power or rights to someone else, usually unwillinglyAfter the war, the country was forced to cede territory to its neighbor.
- chambernounC1a large room used for formal meetings, or a group that meets thereThe Senate chamber was full for the vote.
- chastiseverbC2to criticize someone severely for doing something wrongThe coach chastised the players for their lack of effort.
- circumstancesnounB2the facts or conditions that affect a situation or eventUnder the circumstances, we had no choice but to cancel.
- citeverbB2to mention something as an example or reason, or to quote a sourceThe author cites several recent studies.
- cladadjectiveC2wearing a particular kind of clothingThe guards were clad in black.
- cleaveverbC2to split or cut something apart with forceHe cleaved the log in two with a single blow.
- coastnounB1the land next to the seaWe drove along the coast for three days.
- coaxverbC1to persuade someone gently and patiently to do somethingShe coaxed the frightened cat out from under the bed.
- cohereverbC2to fit together in a logical, clear way that makes sense as a wholeThe different parts of his argument don’t really cohere.
- commissionnounC1an official group given the job of investigating or controlling somethingA commission was set up to investigate the accident.
- commitverbB2to do something wrong or illegalHe was accused of committing fraud.
- compelverbC1to force someone to do something, or make it necessaryBad weather compelled us to turn back.
- comprehensiveadjectiveB2including everything or nearly everything that is relevant; completeThe guide gives a comprehensive overview of the city’s history.
- conceitnounC2too much pride in yourself and your abilitiesHis conceit made him hard to work with.
- conceptnounB2a general idea or principle about what something is or how it worksThe concept of time is hard to explain to young children.
- conductverbB2to organize and carry out an activity such as research, a survey or an interviewThe team conducted a survey of 2,000 voters.
- conferverbC2to discuss something with others before decidingThe judge conferred with both lawyers.
- conjureverbC1to make a picture or memory appear in someone’s mindThe smell of pine conjures up memories of childhood holidays.
- conscientiousadjectiveC1careful to do your work well and do what is rightShe is a conscientious student who never misses a deadline.
- consecrateverbC2to officially make a place or object holy in a religious ceremonyThe new church was consecrated last Sunday.
- conspicuousadjectiveC1very easy to see or notice, often in a way that stands outShe felt conspicuous in her bright red coat.
- constantadjectiveB2happening all the time or again and againThe baby needs constant attention.
- constituteverbC1to be or be considered as somethingThis decision constitutes a serious threat to free speech.
- constrainedadjectiveC1limited or restricted by somethingWe are constrained by a very tight budget.
- contemptnounC1a strong feeling that someone or something is worthless and deserves no respectHe looked at the offer with contempt.
- contendverbC2to say firmly that something is true, especially in an argumentThe authors contend that the policy has failed.
- contractnounB2a formal written agreement that can be enforced by lawRead the contract carefully before you sign it.
- contriveverbC2to manage to do something difficult, often by being cleverShe contrived to get a ticket for the sold-out show.
- contrivedadjectiveC2seeming false and planned rather than naturalThe ending of the film felt contrived.
- conventionnounC1a large formal meeting of people from a profession or groupThousands attended the annual comic book convention.
- convinceverbB1to make someone believe that something is trueShe convinced me that the story was real.
- cowerverbC2to bend down or move back because you are afraidThe dog cowered in the corner during the storm.
- credibleadjectiveC1able to be believed or trustedThe witness gave a credible account of events.
- crewnounB2all the people who work on a ship, plane or trainThe pilot and crew welcomed passengers on board.
D
- decorumnounC2polite, correct behavior that is suitable for a formal situationThe meeting was conducted with great decorum.
- decreenounC1an official order given by a ruler or government that has the force of lawThe president issued a decree closing the borders.
- deferencenounC2polite respect shown to someone, often by accepting their opinion or wishesHe spoke to the old professor with great deference.
- delicacynounC1a rare or expensive food that is considered specialSnails are a delicacy in France.
- denseadjectiveB2with many things or people very close togetherWe walked through a dense forest.
- deposeverbC2to remove a ruler or leader from power, often by forceThe king was deposed by his own army.
- depraveverbC2to make someone morally bad or evilSome critics claimed violent films would deprave young viewers.
- derivedadjectiveC1coming from or developed from something elseMany English words are derived from Latin.
- despairnounC1a feeling of having lost all hopeIn despair, he gave up looking for work.
- devicenounB1a machine or tool made for a particular purposePlease turn off all electronic devices.
- dingyadjectiveC1dark, dirty and unpleasantThey rented a dingy room above a bar.
- disconcertverbC2to make someone feel uneasy, confused or embarrassedHis long silence disconcerted the interviewer.
- discreetadjectiveC1careful not to cause embarrassment or reveal private informationPlease be discreet; nobody else knows yet.
- dispatchverbC1to send someone or something to a place for a purposeAn ambulance was dispatched to the scene.
- dispositionnounC2a person’s natural character or usual moodShe has a cheerful disposition.
- distinctionnounC1a clear difference between two similar thingsChildren must learn the distinction between right and wrong.
- doggedadjectiveC2refusing to give up, even when things are difficultHer dogged determination finally paid off.
- dwellverbC1to keep thinking or talking about something, especially something unpleasant, used with “on”Try not to dwell on your mistakes.
E
- earnestadjectiveC2very serious and sincere, sometimes too seriousHe was an earnest young man who never told jokes.
- ebbverbC2(of the tide) to move away from the landWe walked on the sand as the tide ebbed.
- edictnounC2an official order given by someone in authorityThe emperor issued an edict banning the religion.
- edificenounC2a large, impressive buildingThe cathedral is the oldest edifice in the city.
- elaborateadjectiveC1having many carefully arranged parts or details; complicatedThey made elaborate plans for the wedding.
- eludeverbC1to escape from someone who is chasing you, often by being cleverThe thief eluded the police for weeks.
- endowverbC2to give a large amount of money to a school, hospital or other institutionShe endowed a scholarship at her old university.
- enduringadjectiveC1lasting for a long timeThe film is an enduring classic.
- engageverbC1to take part in an activity, used with “in”Students are encouraged to engage in class discussion.
- enjoinverbC2to order or strongly urge someone to do somethingThe doctor enjoined him to rest for a week.
- ensueverbC2to happen after or as a result of somethingAn argument ensued, and the police were called.
- entertainverbB1to interest and amuse peopleThe clown entertained the children for an hour.
- entreatverbC2to ask someone very seriously or emotionally to do somethingHe entreated her not to leave.
- esteemnounC1respect and admiration for someoneShe is held in high esteem by her colleagues.
- evidentadjectiveB2easy to see or understand; clear from the factsIt was evident from her face that she was disappointed.
- exaltverbC2to praise someone or something very highlyThe poem exalts the beauty of nature.
- exasperateverbC1to annoy someone a lot, especially when they cannot do anything about itHis constant excuses exasperated his teachers.
- exertverbC1to use power, influence or pressure to affect someone or somethingParents exert a strong influence on their children.
- exertionnounC2great physical or mental effortHis face was red from the exertion of climbing the stairs.
- explicateverbC2to explain an idea or text in detailThe professor explicated the poem line by line.
- exploitverbC1to treat someone unfairly to gain an advantage for yourselfThe company exploited its workers with low pay.
- extortverbC2to get money or something else from someone by threats or forceThe gang extorted money from local shopkeepers.
- extravagantadjectiveC1spending much more money than is reasonableBuying a new car every year is extravagant.
F
- facileadjectiveC2too simple and not showing careful thoughtHe offered a facile answer to a very complex problem.
- factionnounC2a small group within a larger one, which disagrees with the restRival factions fought for control of the party.
- fancyadjectiveB1expensive, stylish or with a lot of decorationThey had dinner at a fancy restaurant downtown.
- farenounB2the money you pay to travel on a bus, train, plane or taxiThe bus fare went up again this year.
- fathomverbC2to understand something difficult after thinking hard about itI can’t fathom why he would quit.
- ferventadjectiveC1feeling or showing very strong and sincere emotion or beliefHe is a fervent supporter of animal rights.
- flagnounB1a piece of cloth with a colored design that represents a country or groupThe national flag was flying over the building.
- flourishverbC1to grow or develop well and successfullySmall businesses flourished in the town.
- foilverbC1to stop someone from succeeding in a plan, especially a bad onePolice foiled a plot to rob the bank.
- formaladjectiveB1serious and following accepted rules, suitable for official occasionsPlease use formal language in your cover letter.
- forsakeverbC2to leave someone, especially when they need youHe promised never to forsake his friends.
- fortitudenounC2courage and strength of mind when facing pain or difficulty over a long timeShe showed great fortitude during her long illness.
- fosterverbC1to encourage something to developGood teachers foster a love of reading.
- frayverbC1(of cloth or rope) to become worn so that threads come loose at the edgeThe cuffs of his old shirt had started to fray.
- frontiernounC1the border between two countriesTroops were sent to guard the frontier.
- frustrateverbB2to make someone feel annoyed because they cannot do what they wantThe slow internet really frustrates me.
- furnishverbC1to put furniture in a room or buildingThe apartment was furnished in a modern style.
G
- galenounC1a very strong windThe ship was caught in a gale.
- gauntadjectiveC2very thin and bony, especially from illness, hunger or worryHe looked gaunt after weeks in hospital.
- generateverbB2to produce or create something such as energy, income or interestThe wind farm generates enough power for 10,000 homes.
- gentrynounC2people of a high social class, especially landowners just below the nobilityThe house was built for a member of the local gentry.
- grantverbB2to officially give or allow something someone has asked forThe bank granted us a loan.
- grappleverbC1to try hard to deal with or understand a difficult problemScientists are still grappling with the question.
- gravitynounB2the force that pulls objects toward the earth or other large bodiesGravity keeps the moon in orbit around the earth.
- grovenounC1a small group of trees, often fruit trees planted in rowsThey walked through an olive grove.
H
- headlongadverbC2with the head firstHe tripped and fell headlong into the pool.
- heedverbC2to pay attention to advice or a warning and act on itShe didn’t heed her doctor’s advice.
- hordenounC1a very large crowd of people, often noisy or hard to controlHordes of tourists filled the square.
- humbleadjectiveB2not proud; not thinking you are better than othersDespite her fame, she remained humble.
- humiliateverbC1to make someone feel stupid or ashamed, especially in front of othersThe coach humiliated him in front of the whole team.
I
- illustriousadjectiveC2famous and respected because of great achievementsShe had an illustrious career as a judge.
- impartverbC2to pass on information or knowledge to someoneGood teachers impart a love of learning.
- impelverbC2to make someone feel they must do somethingCuriosity impelled her to open the box.
- impertinentadjectiveC2rude and not showing enough respect, especially to someone older or more importantThe boy was punished for an impertinent remark to his teacher.
- imposedadjectiveC1forced on people by someone in authority, without their agreementWorkers resented the imposed changes to their schedule.
- imposingadjectiveC1large and impressive in appearanceThe bank was an imposing stone building.
- incidentaladjectiveC1happening as a minor part of something more importantThe money is incidental; I do this job because I love it.
- inclinedadjectiveC1wanting to do something, or likely to behave in a certain wayI’m inclined to agree with you.
- indicationnounB2a sign that shows something is true or is likely to happenThere is every indication that prices will rise.
- infallibleadjectiveC2never wrong or never making mistakesDoctors are not infallible.
- insinuateverbC2to suggest something unpleasant indirectly, without saying it clearlyAre you insinuating that I lied?
- insistverbB1to say firmly that something must happen, used with “on” or “that”She insisted on paying for dinner.
- inspireverbB2to give someone the wish, energy or idea to do somethingHer teacher inspired her to become a scientist.
- instancenounB2a particular example or single case of somethingThere have been several instances of cheating this term.
- institutenounC1an organization for research, education or a particular professionHe works at a cancer research institute.
- insurgentnounC2a person fighting against the government or army of their own countryInsurgents attacked a military base.
- intendverbB1to plan or mean to do somethingI intend to finish the report before Friday.
- intimateadjectiveC1very close and personal, or privateThey shared their most intimate secrets.
- intrigueverbC1to make someone very interested and curiousThe idea really intrigued me.
J
K
L
- labornounB2work, especially hard physical work, or the workers who do itThe country has a shortage of skilled labor.
- languidadjectiveC2slow and relaxed, showing little energy or effortShe gave a languid wave from her deck chair.
- latitudenounC1the distance of a place north or south of the equator, measured in degreesThe city lies at a latitude of 40 degrees north.
- leaguenounB2a group of sports teams that play against each otherThey finished top of the league this season.
- liberaladjectiveC1accepting different opinions and behavior; supporting social change and personal freedomShe grew up in a liberal household.
- loathadjectiveC2unwilling to do somethingI was loath to leave such a beautiful place.
- loftyadjectiveC2of very high moral standard or ambition, sometimes unrealisticallyThe charity has lofty goals.
- luxuriantadjectiveC2growing thickly and healthilyThe valley was covered in luxuriant vegetation.
M
- malicenounC1the wish to hurt or upset someoneI don’t think he did it out of malice.
- manifestverbC2to show something clearly, or to appear, often as a sign or symptomThe illness first manifests itself as a mild fever.
- manifestationnounC1a sign that shows something exists or is happeningThe protests were a manifestation of public anger.
- maximnounC1a short saying that expresses a general truth or rule of behaviorShe lives by the maxim “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”
- meritnounC1a good quality that deserves praise or rewardEach proposal will be judged on its merits.
- modenounB2a particular way or style of doing somethingCycling is my favorite mode of transportation.
- modestadjectiveB2not talking much about your own abilities or achievementsHe’s very modest about his success.
- monetaryadjectiveC1connected with money, especially a country’s money supplyThe central bank sets monetary policy.
- morbidadjectiveC1having an unhealthy interest in death or unpleasant thingsShe has a morbid fascination with true crime stories.
- mortifyverbC2to make someone feel extremely embarrassed or ashamedI was mortified when I realized my mistake.
- multitudenounC2a very large number of things or peopleThe app has a multitude of uses.
- museverbC2to think carefully about something for a long timeShe mused on what might have happened.
- musterverbC1to find enough of a quality, such as courage or support, in order to do somethingShe mustered the courage to ask for a raise.
N
- nominaladjectiveC1existing in name only, not in realityThe queen is the nominal head of state.
- notionnounC1an idea, belief or understanding, often one that may be wrongShe rejected the notion that women are bad at math.
- notwithstandingprepositionC2despite something, in formal or legal languageNotwithstanding the bad weather, the event was a success.
- novelnounB1a long written story about imaginary people and eventsShe is writing her first novel.
O
- objectivenounB2something you plan to achieve; an aimOur main objective is to cut costs.
- obtainverbB2to get something, especially through effort or an official processYou must obtain a visa before you travel.
- odiumnounC2strong dislike or disgust that many people feel toward someone because of what they didThe minister faced public odium after the scandal.
- ominousadjectiveC1suggesting that something bad is going to happenThere was an ominous silence after the announcement.
- oppressverbC2to treat a group of people unfairly and cruelly, limiting their freedomThe regime oppressed religious minorities for decades.
- ordainverbC2to officially make someone a priest or minister in a religious ceremonyHe was ordained as a priest in 1998.
P
- pacifyverbC1to make someone who is angry or upset become calmThe manager tried to pacify the angry customer.
- pallnounC2a dark cloud of smoke or a heavy, gloomy feeling covering somethingThe news cast a pall over the celebrations.
- parablenounC1a short, simple story that teaches a moral or religious lessonThe film works as a parable about greed.
- partialadjectiveC1not complete; only part of somethingThe project was only a partial success.
- partisanadjectiveC2strongly supporting one political party or group, often without fair judgmentThe debate became bitterly partisan.
- passagenounB2a short section of a book, speech or piece of musicRead the passage and answer the questions below.
- pastoraladjectiveC2showing country life in a peaceful, idealized wayThe painting shows a pastoral scene of sheep and meadows.
- perishverbC2to die, especially in an accident or disaster, in formal or literary languageHundreds perished when the ship sank.
- perpetrateverbC2to do something harmful, illegal or wrongThe attack was perpetrated by a small group.
- perpetualadjectiveC1never ending or changing; lasting foreverThe mountain peaks are covered in perpetual snow.
- persistverbC1to continue doing something firmly, even when it is difficult or others objectShe persisted with her studies despite many setbacks.
- pervadeverbC1to spread through every part of somethingA feeling of hope pervaded the room.
- philosophicaladjectiveB2relating to the study of the nature of life, truth and knowledgeThey had a long philosophical discussion about free will.
- piousadjectiveC2deeply religious and careful to follow religious practicesHer grandmother was a pious woman who prayed every day.
- pleadverbC1to ask for something in an urgent, emotional wayShe pleaded with him not to leave.
- plusprepositionB1added to; and alsoTwo plus three equals five.
- pompnounC2the impressive clothes, music and ceremony of an important official eventThe coronation was held with great pomp.
- preceptnounC2a general rule that tells you how to behave or thinkThe school is run on the precept that every child can learn.
- precisionnounB2the quality of being exact, accurate and carefulThe surgeon worked with great precision.
- predecessornounC1a person who had a job before someone elseThe new CEO praised her predecessor.
- premisenounC1an idea that is accepted as true and used as the basis for an argumentThe theory is based on a false premise.
- proceedingnounC1(plural) a legal action taken against someone in courtThe bank began legal proceedings against him.
- projectionnounB2an estimate of a future amount or situation based on present informationSales projections for next year look strong.
- proprietynounC2correct and polite behavior that follows accepted moral or social standardsShe always behaved with complete propriety.
- provokeverbC1to cause a reaction, especially a strong or negative oneThe new law provoked widespread protests.
- prowessnounC2great skill or ability in a particular activityHe is known for his prowess on the tennis court.
- purportverbC2to claim to be or do something, especially when this may not be trueThe letter purports to be from the president.
- pursenounB1(US) a handbag in which a woman carries money and personal thingsShe put her phone in her purse.
R
- railnounB2the railroad system, or one of the metal bars trains run onGoods are transported by rail.
- rampartnounC2a wide wall of earth or stone built to protect a castle or townWe walked along the ramparts of the old city.
- ratifyverbC2to make an agreement or treaty official by formally approving itThe treaty was ratified by all member states.
- raveverbC1to talk about something with great enthusiasmEveryone is raving about the new restaurant.
- rebukeverbC2to speak angrily to someone because they did something wrongThe teacher rebuked him for being late.
- recoursenounC2a possible source of help in a difficult situation, or the use of itWithout insurance, they had no recourse but to pay.
- renderverbC1to cause someone or something to be in a particular stateThe injury rendered him unable to walk.
- repealverbC1to officially end a lawCongress voted to repeal the tax.
- restrainedadjectiveC1calm and controlled, not showing strong emotionHis reaction was surprisingly restrained.
- retortverbC2to reply quickly in an angry or clever way“That’s none of your business,” she retorted.
- rhetoricnounC1speech or writing meant to persuade, often seen as impressive but insincereVoters are tired of empty political rhetoric.
- ridernounC1a person who rides a horse, bicycle or motorcycleThe rider fell off but was not hurt.
- ripplenounC1a small wave on the surface of waterThe stone made ripples on the pond.
- routnounC2a complete defeat, or a disorderly retreat after a defeatThe match ended in a 6–0 rout.
S
- sanctionnounC1an official order limiting trade or contact with a country, as a punishmentThe UN imposed sanctions on the regime.
- satirenounC1the use of humor or exaggeration to criticize people or ideas, or a work that does thisThe show is a sharp satire of modern politics.
- scalenounB2the size or level of something, especially compared with othersThe scale of the damage was shocking.
- scarceadjectiveB2not easy to find or get because there is not enoughClean water is scarce in many parts of the region.
- schemenounC1a clever, often dishonest plan to get somethingHe lost his savings in a get-rich-quick scheme.
- scrupulousadjectiveC2very careful to do everything correctly and pay attention to detailsShe keeps scrupulous records of her expenses.
- semblancenounC2an appearance or small amount of something, often when the reality is missingThe city slowly returned to some semblance of normality.
- sentinelnounC2a soldier or guard whose job is to watch for dangerA sentinel stood at each gate of the fortress.
- siegenounC1a military operation in which an army surrounds a place to force it to surrenderThe city was under siege for six months.
- slayverbC2to kill violently, especially in battle or in storiesThe knight slew the dragon.
- sobverbC1to cry loudly while taking short, noisy breathsThe child sobbed in her mother’s arms.
- staidadjectiveC2serious, old-fashioned and not adventurousThe once staid bank is trying to look modern.
- stakenounC1a share in a business or an interest in what happensThe firm bought a 20% stake in the airline.
- steepadjectiveB2rising or falling sharply, so it is hard to go upThe path up the hill is very steep.
- stipulateverbC2to state clearly that something must be done, especially in a contract or ruleThe contract stipulates that payment must be made within thirty days.
- straightadjectiveA2not bent or curvedDraw a straight line across the page.
- stratumnounC2one layer of rock or soil lying between othersFossils were found in a stratum of limestone.
- stumpnounC2the part of a tree left in the ground after it has been cut downHe sat on an old tree stump.
- sublimeadjectiveC2extremely beautiful or excellent, causing great admirationThe view from the summit was sublime.
- subsideverbC1to become less strong, loud or violentWe waited in the car until the storm subsided.
- substantialadjectiveB2large in amount, size or importanceThe company made a substantial profit last year.
- suffragenounC2the right to vote in political electionsWomen won suffrage in the US in 1920.
- suppliantnounC2a person who humbly begs someone powerful for somethingThe suppliants knelt before the emperor.
- symmetrynounC1the quality of having two halves that match exactlyThe building is admired for its perfect symmetry.
T
- tarryverbC2(old-fashioned) to stay somewhere longer than planned or to delay leavingWe tarried in the garden until the sun went down.
- tempernounB2a tendency to become angry easily, or a sudden angry moodHe has a terrible temper.
- territorynounB2land controlled by a particular country, ruler or groupThe plane entered enemy territory.
- throngnounC2a large crowd of peopleA throng of fans waited outside the hotel.
- tidenounB2the regular rise and fall of the seaThe tide comes in twice a day.
- toilverbC2to work very hard for a long time, usually doing tiring physical workMiners toiled underground for twelve hours a day.
- tournounA2a trip visiting several places, or a short visit around a building or siteWe took a guided tour of the museum.
- toutverbC2to praise or promote something to persuade people it is good or importantThe new drug was touted as a miracle cure.
- tractnounC2a large area of landThey bought a huge tract of forest.
- treadverbC1to walk or step on something, often pressing it downTry not to tread on the flowers.
- tribunalnounC1a special court or official group that judges a particular kind of case or disputeAn international tribunal was set up to try war crimes.
U
- undertakeverbC1to accept and start a task or responsibilityThe university is undertaking a major study of sleep.
- undertakingnounC1a big or difficult task or projectBuilding the bridge was a massive undertaking.
- usurpverbC2to take power or a position from someone without the right to do soThe general usurped the throne in a bloody coup.
- utteradjectiveC1complete or total, used to make a negative word strongerThe evening was an utter disaster.
V
- vacateverbC1to leave a room, building or seat so others can use itGuests must vacate their rooms by noon.
- vainadjectiveC1too proud of your looks, abilities or achievementsHe’s so vain he checks his reflection in every window.
- venerableadjectiveC2respected because of age, experience or long historyThe venerable old professor still taught every week.
- venerateverbC2to respect and admire someone or something very deeplyThe old teacher was venerated by her students.
- venturenounC1a new business or project that involves riskTheir latest business venture was a huge success.
- veritableadjectiveC2used to emphasize that a description is accurate, even if it sounds exaggeratedThe garden was a veritable paradise.
- vexverbC2to annoy or worry someoneThe constant noise vexed the neighbors.
- visagenounC2(literary) a person’s face or facial expressionThe old soldier’s stern visage softened into a smile.
W
- wanderverbB2to walk slowly around a place without a clear purpose or directionWe spent the afternoon wandering around the old town.
- wantonadjectiveC2(of cruel or harmful acts) done deliberately and for no good reasonThe report condemned the wanton destruction of the forest.
- warrantverbC1to make something necessary or appropriateThe situation does not warrant such a strong reaction.
- waxnounC1a soft substance made from fat or oil, used for candles and polishThe candle wax dripped onto the table.
- weighverbB1to have a certain weight, or to measure how heavy something isThe package weighs two kilos.
- wistfuladjectiveC2a little sad because you are thinking about something you cannot have or that is in the pastShe gave a wistful smile as she looked at old photos.