1500 BASIC VOCABULARY VOA Special English
A
able - v. having the power to do something
about - ad. almost (about half); of or having a relation to (We talk about the weather.)
above - ad. at a higher place
accept - v. to agree to receive
accident - n. something that happens by chance or mistake; an unplanned event
accuse - v. to say a person is responsible for an act or crime; to make a statement against someone
across - ad. from side to side; to the other side
act - v. to do something
activist - n. one who seeks change through action
actor - n. someone acting in a play or show
add - v. to put (something) with another to make it larger; to say more
administration - n. the executive part of a government, usually headed by a president or prime minister
admit - v. to accept (admitted to the United Nations); to express one's guilt or responsibility (He admitted that what he did was wrong.)
adult - n. a grown person
advise - v. to help with information, knowledge or ideas in making a decision
affect - v. to produce an effect on; to influence (A lack of sleep affected the singer's performance.)
afraid - ad. feeling fear
after - ad. later; behind
again - ad. another time; as before
against - ad. opposed to; not agreeing with something
age - n. how old a person or thing is
agency - n. an organization that is part of a larger group (an agency of the United Nations)
aggression - n. an attack against a person or country; the violation of a country's borders
ago - ad. of time past; before now
agree - v. to have the same belief as someone; to be willing to do something
agriculture - n. farming
aid - v. to help; to support; n. help, assistance
aim - v. to point a gun at; n. a goal or purpose
air - n. the mixture of gases around the earth, mostly nitrogen and oxygen, that we breathe
air force - n. a military organization using airplanes
airplane - n. a vehicle with wings that flies
airport - n. a place where airplanes take off and land
album - n. a collection of recorded music
alcohol - n. a strong, colorless liquid, usually made from grain, used as a drug or in industrial products
alive - ad. having life; not dead
all - ad. everything; everyone; the complete amount
ally - n. a nation or person joined with another for a special purpose
almost - ad. a little less than completely
alone - ad. separated from others
along - ad. near or on (along the road)
already - ad. before now; even now
also - ad. added to; too
although - conj. even if it is true that
always - ad. at all times; every time
ambassador - n. a nation's highest diplomatic representative (to another government)
amend - v. to add to or to change (a proposal or law)
ammunition - n. the bullets or shells fired from guns
among - ad. in or part of (a group)
amount - n. the number, size or weight of anything
anarchy - n. a lack of order; lawlessness
ancestor - n. a family member from the past
ancient - ad. very old; long ago
and - conj. also; in addition to; with
anger - n. a strong emotion against someone or something
animal - n. a living creature that moves, such as a dog or cat
anniversary - n. a yearly celebration or observance of an event that happened in the past
announce - v. to make known publicly; to declare officially
another - ad. one more; a different one
answer - n. a statement produced by a question; v. to make a statement after being asked a question
any - ad. one or more of no special kind
apologize - v. to express regret for a mistake or accident for which one accepts responsibility
appeal - v. to take to a higher court, person or group for a decision; to call on somebody for help
appear - v. to show oneself; to come into sight; to seem
appoint - v. to name; to choose (appoint a judge)
approve - v. to agree with; to agree to support
archeology - n. the scientific study of past human life and activities
area - n. any place or part of it
argue - v. to offer reasons for or against something; to dispute; to disagree
arms - n. military equipment; weapons
army - n. military ground forces
around - ad. on every side (of)
arrest - v. to seize a person for legal action; to take as a prisoner
arrive - v. to come to a place, especially at the end of a trip
art - n. expressions or creations by humans, such as paintings, music, writing or statues
artillery - n. big guns
as - conj. equally (as fast as); when; while
ash - n. the part left after something burns
ask - v. to question; to say something is wanted (We ask the teacher questions every day.)
assist - v. to help
astronaut - n. a person who travels in space
astronomy - n. the scientific study of stars and the universe
asylum - n. political protection given by a government to a person from another country
at - prep. in or near (at the edge); where (look at); when (at noon)
atmosphere - n. the gases surrounding any star or planet
attach - v. to tie together; to connect
attack - n. a violent attempt to damage, injure or kill; v. to start a fight
attempt - v. to work toward something; to try; to make an effort
attend - v. to be present at
automobile - n. a vehicle with wheels used to carry people; a car
autumn - n. the time of the year between summer and winter
average - n. something (a number) representing the middle; ad. common; normal
avoid - v. to stay away from
awake - ad. not sleeping
award - n. an honor or prize for an act or service
away - ad. not near
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B
back - n. the part behind the front; ad. the other way from forward
bad - ad. wrong; acting against the law; not good
balance - v. to make two sides or forces equal
ball - n. something round
balloon - n. a device of strong, light material that rises when filled with gas lighter than air
ballot - n. a piece of paper used for voting
ban - v. to not permit; to stop; n. an official restriction
bank - n. an organization that keeps and lends money
bar - v. to prevent or block
barrier - n. anything that blocks or makes an action difficult
base - n. a military center; v. to establish as a fact (Her research was based on experiments.)
battle - n. a fight between opposing armed forces
be - v. to live; to happen; to exist
beat - v. to hit again and again
beauty - ad. that which pleases the eye, ear or spirit
because - prep. for the reason that (He left because he was sick.)
become - v. to come to be
bed - n. a sleeping place
before - prep. earlier
begin - v. to do the first part of an action; to start
behind - ad. at the back of; in back of
believe - v. to think; to feel sure of; to accept as true; to trust
bell - n. an instrument that makes a musical sound (a church bell)
belong - v. to be owned by; to be a member of
below - ad. lower than
best - ad. the most good
betray - v. to turn against; to be false to
better - ad. more good than
between - ad. in the space or time that separates; from one to the other (talks between two nations)
big - ad. of great size; not small
bill - n. a legislative proposal
biology - n. the scientific study of life or living things in all their forms
bird - n. a creature that flies
bite - v. to cut with the teeth
black - ad. dark; having the color like that of the night sky
blame - v. to accuse; to hold responsible
blanket - n. a cloth cover used to keep warm
bleed - v. to lose blood
blind - ad. not able to see
block - v. to stop something from being done; to prevent movement
blood - n. red fluid in the body
blow - v. to move with force, as in air (The wind blows.)
blue - ad. having the color like that of a clear sky
boat - n. something built to travel on water that carries people or goods
body - n. all of a person or animal; the remains of a person or animal
boil - v. to heat a liquid until it becomes very hot
bomb - n. a device that explodes with great force; v. to attack or destroy with bombs
bone - n. the hard material in the body
book - n. a long written work for reading
border - n. a dividing line between nations
born - v. to come to life; to come into existence
borrow - v. to take as a loan
both - ad. not just one of two, but the two together
bottle - n. a container, usually made of glass, to hold liquid
bottom - ad. the lowest part of something
box - n. something to put things into; a container, usually made of paper or wood
boy - n. a young male person
boycott - v. to refuse to take part in or deal with
brain - n. the control center of thought, emotions and body activity of all creatures
brave - ad. having no fear
bread - n. a food made from grain
break - v. to divide into parts by force; to destroy
breathe - v. to take air into the body and let it out again
bridge - n. a structure built over a waterway, valley or road so people and vehicles can cross from one side to the other
brief - ad. short; not long
bright - ad. giving much light; strong and clear in color
bring - v. to come with something
broadcast - v. to send information, stories or music by radio or television; n. a radio or television program
brother - n. a male with the same father or mother as another person
brown - ad. having the color like that of coffee
budget - n. a spending plan
build - v. to join materials together to make something
building - n. anything built for use as a house, factory, office, school, store or place of entertainment
bullet - n. a small piece of metal shot from a gun
burn - v. to be on fire; to destroy or damage by fire
burst - v. to break open suddenly
bury - v. to put into the ground and cover with earth
bus - n. a public vehicle to carry people
business - n. one's work; buying and selling to earn money; trade
busy - ad. doing something; very active
but - conj. however; other than; yet
buy - v. to get by paying something, usually money
by - conj. near; at; next to (by the road); from (a play by William Shakespeare); not later than (by midnight)
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C
call - v. to give a name to (I call myself John.); to ask for or request (They called for an end to the fighting.)
calm - ad. quiet; peaceful; opposite tense
camera - n. a device for taking pictures
camp - n. a place with temporary housing
campaign - n. a competition by opposing political candidates seeking support from voters; a connected series of military actions during a war
can - v. to be able to; to have the right to; n. a container used to hold liquid or food, usually made of metal
cancel - v. to end; to stop
cancer - n. a disease in which dangerous cells grow quickly and destroy parts of the body
candidate - n. a person who seeks or is nominated for an office or an honor
capital - n. the official center of a government; the city where a country's government is
capitalism - n. an economic system in which the production of most goods and services is owned and operated for profit by private citizens or companies
capture - v. to make a person or animal a prisoner; to seize or take by force; to get control of
car - n. a vehicle with wheels used to carry people; an automobile; a part of a train
care - v. to like; to protect; to feel worry or interest
careful - ad. acting safely; with much thought
carry - v. to take something or someone from one place to another
case (court) - n. a legal action
case (medical) - n. an incident of disease (There was only one case of chicken pox at the school.)
cat - n. a small animal that often lives with humans
catch - v. to seize after a chase; to stop and seize with the hands
cause - v. to make happen; n. the thing or person that produces a result
ceasefire - n. a halt in fighting, usually by agreement
celebrate - v. to honor a person or event with special activities
center - n. the middle of something; the place in the middle; a place that is the main point of an activity
century - n. one hundred years
ceremony - n. an act or series of acts done in a special way established by tradition
chairman - n. a person leading a meeting or an organized group
champion - n. the best; the winner
chance - n. a possibility of winning or losing or that something will happen
change - v. to make different; to become different
charge - v. to accuse someone of something, usually a crime; n. a statement in which someone is accused of something
chase - v. to run or go after someone or something
cheat - v. to get by a trick; to steal from
cheer - v. to shout approval or praise
chemicals - n. elements found in nature or made by people; substances used in the science of chemistry
chemistry - n. the scientific study of substances, what they are made of, how they act under different conditions, and how they form other substances
chief - n. the head or leader of a group; ad. leading; most important
child - n. a baby; a boy or girl
children - n. more than one child
choose - v. to decide between two or more
circle - n. a closed shape that has all its points equally distant from the center, like an O
citizen - n. a person who is a member of a country by birth or by law
city - n. any important large town
civilian - ad. not military
civil rights - n. the political, economic and social rights given equally to all people of a nation
claim - v. to say something as a fact
clash - n. a battle; v. to fight or oppose
clean - v. to make pure; ad. free from dirt or harmful substances (clean water)
clear - ad. easy to see or see through; easily understood
clergy - n. a body of officials within a religious organization
climate - n. the normal weather conditions of a place
climb - v. to go up or down something by using the feet and sometimes the hands
clock - n. a device that measures and shows time
close - v. to make something not open; ad. near to
cloth - n. a material made from plants, chemicals, animal hair and other substances
clothes - n. what people wear
cloud - n. a mass of fog high in the sky
coal - n. a solid black substance used as fuel
coalition - n. forces, groups or nations joined together
coast - n. land on the edge of the ocean
coffee - n. a drink made from the plant of the same name
cold - ad. not warm; having or feeling great coolness or a low temperature
collect - v. to bring or gather together in one place; to demand and receive (collect taxes)
college - n. a small university
colony - n. land controlled by another country or government
color - n. the different effects of light on the eye, making blue, red, brown, black, yellow and others
combine - v. to mix or bring together
come - v. to move toward; to arrive
command - v. to order; to have power over something
comment - v. to say something about; to express an opinion about something
committee - n. a group of people given special work
common - ad. usual; same for all (a common purpose)
communicate - v. to tell; to give or exchange information
community - n. a group of people living together in one place or area
company - n. a business organized for trade, industrial or other purposes
compare - v. to examine what is different or similar
compete - v. to try to do as well as, or better than, another or others
complete - ad. having all parts; ended or finished
complex - ad. of or having many parts that are difficult to understand; not simple
compromise - n. the settlement of an argument where each side agrees to accept less than first demanded
computer - n. an electronic machine for storing and organizing information, and for communicating with others
concern - n. interest, worry (express concern about); v. to fear (to be concerned)
condemn - v. to say a person or action is wrong or bad
condition - n. something declared necessary to complete an agreement; a person's health
conference - n. a meeting
confirm - v. to approve; to say that something is true
conflict - n. a fight; a battle, especially a long one
congratulate - v. to praise a person or to express pleasure for success or good luck
Congress - n. the organization of people elected to make the laws of the United States (the House of Representatives and the Senate); a similar organization in other countries
connect - v. to join one thing to another; to unite; to link
conservative - n. one who usually supports tradition and opposes great change
consider - v. to give thought to; to think about carefully
constitution - n. the written general laws and ideas that form a nation's system of government
contain - v. to hold; to include
container - n. a box, bottle or can used to hold something
continent - n. any of the seven great land areas of the world
continue - v. to go on doing or being
control - v. to direct; to have power over
convention - n. a large meeting for a special purpose
cook - v. to heat food before eating it
cool - ad. almost cold
cooperate - v. to act or work together
copy - v. to make something exactly like another; n. something made to look exactly like another
corn - n. a food grain
correct - ad. true; free from mistakes; v. to change to what is right
cost - n. the price or value of something (The cost of the book is five dollars.); v. to be valued at (The book costs five dollars.)
cotton - n. a material made from a plant of the same name
count - v. to speak or add numbers
country - n. a nation; the territory of a nation; land away from cities
court - n. where trials take place; where judges make decisions about law
cover - v. to put something over a person or thing; n. anything that is put over a person or thing
cow - n. a farm animal used for its milk
crash - v. to fall violently; to hit with great force
create - v. to make; to give life or form to
creature - n. any living being; any animal or human
credit - n. an agreement that payments will be made at a later time
crew - n. a group of people working together
crime - n. an act that violates a law
criminal - n. a person who is responsible for a crime
crisis - n. an extremely important time when something may become much better or worse; a dangerous situation
criticize - v. to say what is wrong with something or someone; to condemn; to judge
crops - n. plants that are grown and gathered for food, such as grains, fruits and vegetables
cross - v. to go from one side to another; to go across
crowd - n. a large number of people gathered in one place
crush - v. to damage or destroy by great weight; to defeat completely
cry - v. to express or show sorrow or pain
culture - n. all the beliefs, traditions and arts of a group or population
cure - v. to improve health; to make well (The doctor can cure the disease.); n. something that makes a sick person well (Antibiotics are a cure for infection.)
curfew - n. an order to people to stay off the streets or to close their businesses
current - n. movement of air, water or electricity; ad. belonging to the present time (She found the report in a current publication.)
custom - n. a long-established belief or activity of a people
customs - n. taxes on imports
cut - v. to divide or injure with a sharp tool; to make less; to reduce
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D
damage - v. to cause injury or destruction; n. harm; hurt or injury, usually to things
dance - v. to move the body and feet to music; n. a series of steps, usually to music
danger - n. a strong chance of suffering injury, damage or loss
dark - ad. having little or no light (The room was dark.)
date - n. an expression of time; a day, month and year
daughter - n. a person's female child
day - n. twenty-four hours; the hours of sunlight
dead - ad. not living
deaf - ad. not able to hear
deal - v. to have to do with (The talks will deal with the problem of pollution.); to buy or sell (Her company deals in plastic.)
debate - v. to argue for or against something; n. a public discussion or argument
debt - n. something that is owed; the condition of owing
decide - v. to choose; to settle; to judge
declare - v. to say; to make a statement
decrease - v. to make less in size or amount
deep - ad. going far down; a long way from top to bottom
defeat - v. to cause to lose in a battle or struggle; n. a loss; the condition of having lost
defend - v. to guard or fight against attack; to protect
deficit - n. a shortage that results when spending is greater than earnings, or imports are greater than exports
define - v. to give the meaning of; to explain
degree - n. a measure of temperature
delay - v. to decide to do something at a later time; to postpone; to cause to be late
delegate - n. one sent to act for another; one who represents another
demand - v. to ask by ordering; to ask with force
democracy - n. the system of government in which citizens vote to choose leaders or to make other important decisions
demonstrate - v. to make a public show of opinions or feelings (The crowd demonstrated in support of human rights.); to explain by using examples (The teacher demonstrated the idea with an experiment.)
denounce - v. to accuse of being wrong or evil; to criticize severely
deny - v. to declare that something is not true; to refuse a request
depend - v. to need help and support
deplore - v. to regret strongly; to express sadness
deploy - v. to move forces or weapons into positions for action
depression - n. severe unhappiness; a period of reduced business and economic activity during which many people lose their jobs
describe - v. to give a word picture of something; to give details of something
desert - n. a dry area of land
design - v. to plan or create plans for
desire - v. to want very much; to wish for
destroy - v. to break into pieces; to end the existence of
detail - n. a small part of something; a small piece of information
develop - v. to grow; to create; to experience progress
device - n. a piece of equipment made for a special purpose
dictator - n. a ruler with complete power
die - v. to become dead; to stop living; to end
diet - n. usual daily food and drink
different - ad. not the same
difficult - ad. not easy; hard to do, make or carry out
dig - v. to make a hole in the ground
dinner - n. the main amount of food eaten at a usual time (The family had its dinner at noon.); a special event that includes food (The official dinner took place at the White House.)
diplomat - n. a person who represents his or her government in dealing with another government
direct - v. to lead; to aim or show the way (He directed me to the theater.); ad. straight to something; not through some other person or thing (The path is direct.)
direction - n. the way (east, west, north, south); where someone or something came from or went to
dirt - n. earth or soil
disappear - v. to become unseen; to no longer exist
disarm - v. to take away weapons; to no longer keep weapons; to make a bomb harmless by removing its exploding device
discover - v. to find or learn something
discuss - v. to talk about; to exchange ideas
disease - n. a sickness in living things, often caused by viruses, germs or bacteria
dismiss - v. to send away; to refuse to consider
dispute - v. to oppose strongly by argument; n. an angry debate
dissident - n. a person who strongly disagrees with his or her government
distance - n. the amount of space between two places or objects (The distance from my house to your house is two kilometers.)
dive - v. to jump into water head first
divide - v. to separate into two or more parts
do - v. to act; to make an effort
doctor - n. a person trained in medicine to treat sick people
document - n. an official piece of paper with facts written on it, used as proof or support of something
dog - n. a small animal that often lives with humans
dollar - n. United States money, one hundred cents
door - n. an opening for entering or leaving a building or room
down - ad. from higher to lower; in a low place
dream - v. to have a picture or story in the mind during sleep; n. a picture or story in the mind during sleep; a happy idea about the future
drink - v. to take liquid into the body through the mouth
drive - v. to control a moving vehicle
drop - v. to fall or let fall; to go lower
drown - v. to die under water
drug - n. anything used as a medicine or in making medicine; a chemical substance used to ease pain or to affect the mind
dry - ad. not wet; without rain
during - ad. through the whole time; while (something is happening)
dust - n. pieces of matter so small that they can float in the air
duty - n. one's job or responsibility; what one must do because it is right and just
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E
early - ad. at or near the beginning, especially the beginning of the day; opposite late
earn - v. to be paid in return for work done
earth - n. the planet we all live on; the ground or soil
earthquake - n. a sudden, violent shaking of the earth's surface
ease - v. to reduce; to make less difficult
east - n. the direction from which the sun rises
easy - ad. not difficult; not hard to do
eat - v. to take food into the body through the mouth
ecology - n. the scientific study of the environment and links among living and material things
economy - n. the system by which money, industry and trade are organized
edge - n. the line where something ends or begins
education - n. the act of teaching
effect - n. the result or change caused by something (The storm had a serious effect on the economy.)
effort - n. an attempt; the work necessary to do something
egg - n. the rounded object containing unborn young produced by female birds, fish or reptiles; a single cell in a female person or animal that can develop into a baby
either - ad. one of two, but not the other
elect - v. to choose by voting
electricity - n. a form of energy that flows through wires to provide heat and light, and power to machines
embassy - n. the offices of an ambassador and his or her assistants
emergency - n. an unexpected and dangerous situation demanding quick action
emotion - n. a strong feeling such as love, hate, fear or sadness
employ - v. to give work in return for wages
empty - ad. having nothing inside; v. to remove everything
end - v. to stop; to finish; n. the part which comes last
enemy - n. a person opposing or hating another; a person or people of the other side in a war
energy - n. power used to do work, usually with machines; the ability and willingness to be active
enforce - v. to make something be done
engine - n. a machine that uses energy to cause movement or to do work
engineer - n. a person who designs engines, machines, roads, bridges or railroads
enjoy - v. to be pleased or satisfied by something
enough - ad. as much as necessary; pro. the amount needed
enter - v. to come or go into
environment - n. all surrounding things, conditions and influences that affect life; the natural world of land, sea, air, plants and animals
equal - ad. the same in amount, size, weight or value; having the same rights
equipment - n. things, tools or machines needed for a purpose or activity
escape - v. to get free; to get away from; to get out of
especially - ad. more than others (We liked the food, especially the fish.)
establish - v. to bring into existence; to create
estimate - v. to form an opinion about a value, size or amount using less than complete information
ethnic - ad. of or concerning people belonging to a large group because of their race, religion, language, tribe or where their ancestors lived
evaporate - v. to change from a liquid into a gas
even - ad. in a way not thought possible (They survived, even though the building was destroyed.)
event - n. that which happens, especially something of importance
ever - ad. at any time
every - ad. each one; all
evidence - n. material or facts that prove something; a reason for believing
evil - ad. not good; extremely bad
exact - ad. having no mistakes; correct in every detail
examine - v. to study closely
example - n. a part that shows what the rest of a thing or group is like
excellent - ad. extremely good
except - prep. but for
exchange - v. to trade; to give or receive one thing for another
excuse - v. to take away blame; to pardon; to forgive; n. a reason (sometimes false) for an action
execute - v. to kill
exercise - n. an activity or effort for the purpose of improving the body or to stay in good health
exile - v. to force a person to leave his or her country; to expel; n. a person who is forced to leave his or her country
exist - v. to be; to live
expand - v. to make larger; to grow larger
expect - v. to think or believe that something will happen; to wait for an event
expel - v. to force out; to remove from; to send away
experience - v. to live through an event, situation or condition (She experienced great pain.); n. something that one has done or lived through (The experience caused her great pain.)
experiment - v. to test; n. a test or trial carried out to prove if an idea is true or false, or to discover something
expert - n. a person with special knowledge or training
explain - v. to give reasons for; to make clear; to tell about; to tell the meaning
explode - v. to break apart violently with a loud noise, like a bomb
explore - v. to travel in a place that is not well known to learn more about it; to make a careful search; to examine closely
export - v. to send to another country; n. something sent to another country, usually for sale
express - v. to say clearly
extend - v. to stretch out in area or length; to continue for a longer time
extra - ad. more than normal, expected or necessary
extreme - ad. more than the usual or accepted
extremist - n. a person with strong religious or political beliefs who acts in an extreme or violent way
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F
fact - n. something known or proved to be true
factory - n. a building or group of buildings where goods are made
fail - v. to not succeed; to not reach a goal
fair - ad. just; honest; what is right
fall - v. to go down quickly; to come down; to drop to the ground or a lower position
false - ad. not true; not correct
family - n. the group that includes children and their parents
famous - ad. known very well to many people
far - ad. at, to or from a great distance
farm - n. land used to grow crops and animals for food
fast - ad. moving or working at great speed; quick
fat - n. tissue in the bodies of humans and animals used to store energy and to keep warm; ad. thick; heavy
father - n. the male parent; a man who has a child or children
fear - v. to be afraid; to worry that something bad is near or may happen (He feared falling down.); n. a strong emotion when there is danger or trouble (He had a fear that he would fall down.)
federal - ad. of or having to do with a national or central government
feed - v. to give food to
feel - v. to have or experience an emotion; to know by touching
female - n. a woman or girl; the sex that gives birth; ad. of or about women
fence - n. something around an area of land to keep animals or people in or out
fertile - ad. rich in production of plants or animals; producing much
few - ad. not many; a small number of
field - n. an area of open land, usually used to grow crops or to raise animals
fierce - ad. extremely strong; violent; angry
fight - v. to use violence or force; to attempt to defeat or destroy an enemy; n. the use of force; a battle
fill - v. to put or pour something into a container until there is space for no more
film - v. to record something so it can be seen again; to make a motion picture or movie; n. a thin piece of material for making pictures with a camera; a movie
final - ad. at the end; last
financial - ad. of or about the system that includes the use of money, credit, investments and banks
find - v. to discover or learn something by searching or by accident; to decide a court case (The jury finds the man guilty of murder.)
fine - n. a payment ordered by a court to punish someone for a crime; ad. very good; very small or thin
finish - v. to complete; to end
fire - v. to shoot a gun; n. the heat and light produced by something burning
fireworks - n. rockets producing bright fire in the sky, used in holiday celebrations
firm - ad. not easily moved or changed (She is firm in her opinion.)
first - ad. coming before all others
fish - n. a creature that lives and can breathe in water
fit - v. to be of the correct size or shape (These shoes fit my feet.)
fix - v. to make good or right again
flag - n. a piece of colored cloth used to represent a nation, government or organization
flat - ad. smooth; having no high places
flee - v. to run away from
float - v. to be on water without sinking; to move or be moved gently on water or through air
flood - v. to cover with water; n. the movement of water out of a river, lake or ocean onto land
floor - n. the bottom part of a room for walking on (The book fell to the floor.); the level of a building (The fire was on the first floor.)
flow - v. to move like a liquid
flower - n. the colored part of plants that carry seeds
fluid - n. any substance that can flow, such as a liquid
fly - v. to move through the air with wings, like a bird or airplane; to travel in an airplane or flying vehicle
fog - n. a mass of wet air that is difficult to see through; a cloud close to the ground
follow - v. to come or go after; to accept the rule or power of; to obey
food - n. that which is taken in by all living things for energy, strength and growth
fool - v. to make someone believe something that is not true; to trick; n. a person who is tricked easily
foot - n. the bottom part of the leg; the part of the body that touches the ground when a person or animal walks
for - prep. because of (He is famous for his work.); in exchange (Give me one dollar for the book.); through space or time (They travelled for one hour.); representative of (I speak for all people.); to be employed by (She works for a computer company.)
force - v. to make someone do something or make something happen by using power; n. power, strength; strength used against a person or object; military power of a nation; a military group
foreign - ad. of, about or from another nation; not from one's own place or country
forest - n. a place of many trees
forget - v. to not remember
forgive - v. to pardon; to excuse; to remove guilt
form - v. to make; to start; to shape (They formed a swim team.); n. a kind (Swimming is a form of exercise.) former - ad. earlier in time; not now
forward - ad. the direction in front of; toward the front
free - v. to release; ad. not controlled by another or by outside forces; not in prison; independent; not limited by rules; without cost
freedom - n. the condition of being free
freeze - v. to cause or to become very cold; to make or to become hard by cold
fresh - ad. newly made or gathered; recent
friend - n. a person one likes and trusts
frighten - v. to cause great fear
from - prep. having a person, place or thing as a beginning or cause (It is a message from the president.); at a place distant, not near (The school is five kilometers from my home.); because of (He is suffering from cancer.)
front - n. the forward part; the opposite of back; the beginning; the first part
fruit - n. food from trees and plants
fuel - n. any substance burned to create heat or power
full - ad. containing as much as a person or thing can hold; complete
fun - n. anything that is pleasing and causes happiness
funeral - n. a ceremony held in connection with the burial or burning of the dead
future - n. time after now (We can talk about it in the future.); ad. in the time to come (All future meetings will be held in this room.)
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G
game - n. an activity with rules in which people or teams play or compete, usually sports
gas - n. any substance that is not solid or liquid; any substance that burns to provide heat, light or power
gather - v. to bring or come together into a group or place; to collect
general - n. a high military leader; ad. without details; affecting or including all or almost all
gentle - ad. soft; kind; not rough or violent
get - v. to receive; to gain; to go and bring back; to become; to become the owner of
gift - n. something given without cost
girl - n. a young female person
give - v. to present to another to keep without receiving payment
glass - n. a hard, clear material that is easily broken, used most often for windows or for containers to hold liquids
go - v. to move from one place to another; to leave
goal - n. that toward which an effort is directed; that which is aimed at; the end of a trip or race
god - n. the spirit that is honored as creator of all things (They believe in God.); a spirit or being believed in many religions to have special powers
gold - n. a highly valued yellow metal
good - ad. pleasing; helpful; kind; correct; not bad
goods - n. things owned or made to be sold
govern - v. to control; to rule by military or political power
government - n. a system of governing; the organization of people that rules a country, city or area
grain - n. the seed of grass plants used for food, such as wheat, rice and corn; those plants that produce the seeds
granddaughter - n. the daughter of a person's daughter or son
grandfather - n. the father of a person's father or mother
grandmother - n. the mother of a person's father or mother
grandson - n. the son of a person's daughter or son
grass - n. a plant with long, narrow, green leaves
gray - ad. having the color like that made by mixing black and white
great - ad. very large or more than usual in size or number; very good; important
green - ad. having the color like that made by mixing yellow and blue; having the color like that of growing leaves and grass
grind - v. to reduce to small pieces by crushing
ground - n. land; the earth's surface; soil
group - n. a number of people or things together; a gathering of people working for a common purpose
grow - v. to develop or become bigger; to increase in size or amount
guarantee - v. to promise a result; to promise that something will happen
guard - v. to watch and protect a person, place or thing (He guards the president.); n. a person or thing that watches or protects (He is a prison guard.)
guerrilla - n. a person who fights as part of an unofficial army, usually against an official army or police
guide - v. to lead to; to show the way; n. one who shows the way
guilty - ad. having done something wrong or in violation of a law; responsible for a bad action
gun - n. a weapon that shoots bullets
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H
half - n. one of two equal parts of something
halt - v. to come or cause to come to a stop; to stop
hang - v. to place something so the highest part is supported and the lower part is not; to kill by hanging
happen - v. to become a fact or event; to take place
happy - ad. pleased; satisfied; feeling good; not sad
hard - ad. not easily cut or broken; solid; difficult to do or understand; needing much effort or force
harm - v. to injure; to damage; n. damage; hurt
harvest - v. to gather crops; n. the crop after it is gathered
hat - n. a head cover
hate - v. to have strong emotions against; to consider as an enemy; opposite love
have - v. to possess; to own; to hold
he - pro. the boy or man who is being spoken about
head - v. to lead; to command; n. leader; chief; the top part of something; the highest position
headquarters - n. the center from which orders are given; the main offices of a business or organization
heal - v. to return to good health; to cure; to become well
health - n. the general condition of the body and mind; the condition of being free from sickness or disease
hear - v. to receive sound through the ears; to receive news about
heat - v. to make hot or warm; n. great warmth; that which is produced by burning fuel; energy from the sun
heavy - ad. having much weight; not easy to lift; of great amount or force
helicopter - n. a machine without wings that can fly up or down or remain in one place above the ground
help - v. to give support; to assist; to make easier; n. support; aid
here - ad. in, to or at this place
hero - n. a person honored for being brave or wise
hide - v. to prevent from being seen or found; to make secret
high - ad. tall; far up; far above the ground; important; above others
hijack - v. to seize or take control of a vehicle by force
hill - n. a small mountain
history - n. the written record or description of past events; the study of the past
hit - v. to strike; to touch with force
hold - v. to carry or support, usually in the hands or arms; to keep in one position; to keep as a prisoner; to contain; to possess; to occupy; to organize and be involved in (The two sides hold talks this week.)
hole - n. an opening; a torn or broken place in something
holiday - n. a day when one does not work; a day on which no work is done to honor or remember a person or event
holy - ad. greatly honored in religion
home - n. the building where a person lives, especially with family; the place where one was born or comes from; the area or country where one lives
honest - ad. truthful; able to be trusted
honor - v. to obey; to show strong, good feelings for (to honor one's parents); n. an award; an act of giving special recognition (He received many honors for his efforts to help others.)
hope - v. to expect; to believe there is a good chance that something will happen as wanted; to want something to happen
horrible - ad. causing great fear; terrible
horse - n. a large animal often used for racing, riding or farm work
hospital - n. a place where sick or injured people are given medical care
hostage - n. a person captured and held as a guarantee that a demand or promise will be honored
hostile - ad. ready to fight; ready for war
hot - ad. having or feeling great heat or a high temperature
hotel - n. a building with rooms, and often food, for travellers
hour - n. a measure of time; sixty minutes
house - n. a building in which people live; a country's parliament or lawmaking group (House of Representatives)
how - ad. in what way; to what amount however - conj. yet; but
huge - ad. very big; of great size
human - ad. of or about people
humor - n. the ability to understand, enjoy or express what makes people laugh
hunger - n. the need for food
hunt - v. to search for animals to capture or kill them; to seek; to try to find
hurry - v. to do or go fast
hurt - v. to cause pain, injury or damage
husband - n. a man who is married
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I
ice - n. frozen water
idea - n. a thought or picture in the mind; a belief
identify - v. to recognize someone or something and to say who or what they are
if - conj. on condition; provided that (I will go if you go.)
illegal - ad. not legal; in violation of a law
imagine - v. to make a picture in the mind; to form an idea
immediate - ad. without delay; very near in time or place
import - v. to bring from another country; n. something brought from another country, usually for sale
important - ad. having great meaning, value or power
improve - v. to make better; to become better
in - prep. inside; held by; contained by; surrounded by; during
incident - n. an event or something that happens
incite - v. to urge or cause an action or emotion, usually something bad or violent
include - v. to have; to make a part of
increase - v. to make more in size or amount
independent - ad. not influenced by or controlled by another or others; free; separate
individual - n. one person
industry - n. any business that produces goods or provides services; the work and related activity in factories and offices; all organizations involved in manufacturing
infect - v. to make sick with something that causes disease
inflation - n. a continuing rise in prices while the value of money goes down
influence - v. to have an effect on someone or something; to cause change
inform - v. to tell; to give knowledge to
information - n. knowledge; facts
inject - v. to force a fluid into, such as putting medicine or drugs into the body through the skin
injure - v. to cause harm or damage to a person or animal
innocent - ad. not guilty of a crime; not responsible for a bad action
insane - ad. mentally sick
insect - n. a very small creature, usually with many legs and sometimes with wings
inspect - v. to look at something carefully; to examine, especially by an expert
instead - ad. in the place of; taking the place of
instrument - n. a tool or device designed to do something or to make something
insult - v. to say something or to do something that makes another person angry or dishonored
intelligence - n. the ability to think or learn; information gathered by spying
intelligent - ad. quick to understand or learn
intense - ad. very strong; extremely serious
interest - n. what is important to someone (He acted to protect his interests. She had a great interest in painting.); a share in owning a business; money paid for the use of money borrowed
interfere - v. to get in the way of; to work against; to take part in the activities of others, especially when not asked to do so
international - ad. of or about more than one nation or many nations; of the whole world
intervene - v. to come between; to come between in order to settle or solve
invade - v. to enter an area or country by force with an army
invent - v. to plan and make something never made before; to create a new thing or way of doing something
invest - v. to give money to a business or organization with the hope of making more money
investigate - v. to study or examine all information about an event, situation or charge; to search for the truth
invite - v. to ask someone to take part in or join an event, organization or gathering
involve - v. to take part in; to become a part of; to include
iron - n. a strong, hard metal used to make machines and tools
island - n. a land area with water all around it
issue - n. an important problem or subject that people are discussing or arguing about
it - pro. a thing, place, event or idea that is being spoken about (The sky is blue, but it also has a few white clouds.)
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J
jewel - n. a valuable stone, such as a diamond or emerald
job - n. the work that one does to earn money
join - v. to put together or come together; to become part of or a member of
joint - ad. shared by two or more
joke - n. something done or said to cause others to laugh
judge - v. to form an opinion about; to decide a question, especially a legal one; n. a public official who decides problems of law in a court jump - v. to push down on the feet and move up quickly into the air
jury - n. a group of people chosen to decide what is true in a trial
just - ad. only (Help me for just a minute.); very shortly before or after the present (He just left.); at the same time (He left just as I came in.); what is right or fair (The law is just, in my opinion.)
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K
kick - v. to hit with the foot
kidnap - v. to seize and take away by force
kill - v. to make dead; to cause to die
kind - n. sort (What kind of dog is that); ad. gentle; caring; helpful
kiss - v. to touch with the mouth to show love or honor
knife - n. a tool or weapon used to cut
know - v. to understand something as correct; to have the facts about; to recognize someone because you have met and talked together before
knowledge - n. that which is known; learning or understanding
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L
laboratory - n. a room or place where experiments in science are done
lack - v. to be without; n. the condition of needing, wanting or not having
lake - n. a large area of fresh water surrounded by land
land - v. to come to the earth from the air (Airplanes land at airports.); n. the part of the earth not covered by water; the ground
language - n. words and their use; what people speak in a country, nation or group
large - ad. big; being of more than usual size, amount or number; opposite small
last - v. to continue (The talks will last three days.); ad. after all others; the only one remaining (She is the last person in line.)
late - ad. after the correct time; near the end; opposite early
laugh - v. to make sounds to express pleasure or happy feelings
launch - v. to put into operation; to begin; to send into the air or space
law - n. all or any rules made by a government
lead - v. to show the way; to command; to control; to go first
leak - v. to come out of or to escape through a small opening or hole (usually a gas or liquid)
learn - v. to get knowledge about; to come to know a fact or facts
leave - v. to go away from; to let something stay where it is
left - ad. on the side that is toward the west when one is facing north; opposite right
legal - ad. of or in agreement with the law
legislature - n. a government lawmaking group
lend - v. to permit someone to use a thing temporarily; to make a loan of money
less - ad. smaller in amount; not as much
let - v. to permit to do or to be; to make possible
letter - n. a message written on paper; a communication in writing sent to another person
level - n. the amount or height that something reaches or rises to; the position of something or someone
liberal - ad. one who usually supports social progress or change
lie - v. to have one's body on the ground or other surface; to say something that one knows is not true
life - n. the time between being born and dying; opposite death; all living things
lift - v. to take or bring up to a higher place or level
light - n. a form of energy that affects the eyes so that one is able to see; anything that produces light; ad. bright; clear; not heavy
lightning - n. light produced by electricity in the air, usually during a storm
like - v. to be pleased with; to have good feelings for someone or something; ad. in the same way as; similar to
limit - v. to restrict to a number or amount; n. the greatest amount or number permitted
line - n. a long, thin mark on a surface; a number of people or things organized; one after another; the edge of an area protected by military forces
link - v. to connect; to unite one thing or event with another; n. a relation between two or more things, situations or events
liquid - n. a substance that is not a solid or gas, and can move freely, like water
list - v. to put in writing a number of names of people or things; n. a written series of names or things
listen - v. to try to hear
literature - n. all the poems, stories and writings of a period of time or of a country
little - ad. not tall or big; a small amount
live - v. to have life; to exist; ad. having life; alive
load - v. to put objects on or into a vehicle or container; n. that which is carried
loan - n. money borrowed that usually must be returned with interest payments; something borrowed
local - ad. about or having to do with one place
lonely - ad. feeling alone and wanting friends; visited by few or no people (a lonely man)
long - ad. not short; measuring from beginning to end; measuring much; for much time
look - v. to turn the eyes toward so as to see; to search or hunt for; to seem to be
lose - v. to have no longer; to not find; to fail to keep; to be defeated
loud - ad. having a strong sound; full of sound or noise
love - v. to like very much; to feel a strong, kind emotion (sometimes involving sex); n. a strong, kind emotion for someone or something; opposite hate
low - ad. not high or tall; below the normal height; close to the ground
loyal - ad. showing strong friendship and support for someone or something
luck - n. something that happens by chance
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M
magazine - n. a publication of news, stories, pictures or other information
mail - n. letters, papers and other things sent through an official system, such as a post office
main - ad. the most important or largest
major - ad. great in size, importance or amount
majority - n. the greater number; more than half
make - v. to produce; to create; to build; to do something or to carry out an action; to cause to be or to become
male - n. a man or boy; the sex that is the father of children; ad. of or about men
man - n. an adult male human
manufacture - v. to make goods in large amounts
many - ad. a large number or amount of
map - n. a picture of the earth's surface or a part of it
march - v. to walk in a group like soldiers; to walk together in a large group to protest about something
mark - v. to make a sign or cut on something
market - n. a place or area where goods are sold, bought or traded; an economic system in which the prices of things are decided by how many there are and how much money people are willing to pay for them
marry - v. to join a man and woman together as husband and wife; to become husband and wife (usually in a religious or civil ceremony)
mass - n. an amount of matter having no special form and usually of a large size
mate - v. to bring together a male and a female to create another creature
material - n. the substance, substances or matter of which something is made or from which something can be made, such as wood, cloth or stone; anything that can be made into something else
mathematics - n. the science dealing with amounts, sizes and shapes, as explained by numbers and signs
matter - n. anything that can be seen or felt; what things are made of
may - v. a word used with an action word to mean permit or possible (May I go They may leave tomorrow.)
mayor - n. the chief official of a city or town government
meal - n. food eaten to satisfy hunger, such as dinner
mean - v. to want to; to give the idea of; to have the idea of
measure - v. to learn the amount, size or distance of something; n. an action taken; a legislative proposal
meat - n. the part of a dead animal used for food
media - n. all public information organizations, including newspapers, television and radio
medicine - n. a substance or drug used to treat disease or pain; the science or study of treating and curing disease or improving health
meet - v. to come together with someone or something at the same time and place
melt - v. to make a solid into a liquid by heating it
member - n. one of a group
memorial - n. something done or made to honor the memory of a person or event
memory - n. a picture in the mind of past events; the ability to remember; a thing remembered
mental - ad. about or having to do with the mind
mercy - n. kindness toward those who should be punished; the power to be kind or to pardon
message - n. written or spoken news or information; a note from one person to another person or group
metal - n. a hard substance such as iron, steel or gold
method - n. the way something is done
microscope - n. a device used to make very small things look larger so they can be studied
middle - n. the center; a place or time of equal distance from both sides or ends; ad. in the center
militant - n. someone active in trying to cause political change, often by the use of force or violence
military - n. the armed forces of a nation or group; ad. of or about the armed forces
milk - n. the white liquid produced by female animals to feed their young
mind - n. the thinking, feeling part of a person
mine - v. to dig useful or valuable substances out of the earth; n. a place in the earth where such substances are found; a bomb placed under the ground or under water so it cannot be seen
mineral - n. a substance found in nature that is not an animal or a plant, such as coal or salt
minister - n. a member of a cabinet; a high government official (prime minister, foreign minister) minor - ad. small in size; of little importance
minority - n. the smaller number; opposite majority
minute - n. a measure of time; one of the sixty equal parts of an hour; sixty seconds
miss - v. to fail to hit, see, reach or meet
missile - n. any weapon that can be thrown or fired through the air and explodes when it reaches its target
missing - ad. lost; not found
mistake - n. a wrong action or decision; an action done without the knowledge that it was wrong
mix - v. to put different things together to make one thing
mob - n. a large group of wild or angry people
model - n. an example; something, usually small, made to show how something will look or work
moderate - ad. not extreme
modern - ad. of the present or very recent time; the most improved
money - n. pieces of metal or paper used to pay for things
month - n. one of the twelve periods of time into which a year is divided
moon - n. the bright object often seen in the night sky that orbits the earth about every twenty-nine days
moral - ad. concerning what is right or wrong in someone's actions
more - ad. greater in size or amount
morning - n. the early part of the day, from sunrise until noon
most - ad. greatest in size or amount
mother - n. the female parent; a woman who has a child or children
motion - n. a movement; a continuing change of position or place
mountain - n. a part of the earth's surface that rises high above the area around it
mourn - v. to express or feel sadness
move - v. to change position; to put or keep in motion; to go
movement - n. the act of moving or a way of moving; a series of acts or efforts to reach a goal
movie - n. a motion picture; a film
much - ad. great in amount
murder - v. to kill another person illegally; n. the crime of killing another person
music - n. the making of sounds by singing or using a musical instrument
must - v. a word used with an action word to mean necessary (You must go to school.)
mystery - n. something that is not or cannot be explained or understood; a secret
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N
narrow - ad. limited in size or amount; not wide; having a short distance from one side to the other
nation - n. a country, together with its social and political systems
native - n. someone who was born in a place, not one who moved there
natural - ad. of or about nature; normal; common to its kind
nature - n. all the plants, animals and other things on earth not created by humans; events or processes not caused by humans
navy - n. the part of a country's military force trained to fight at sea
near - ad. not far; close to
necessary - prep. needed to get a result or effect; required
need - v. to require; to want; to be necessary to have or to do
negotiate - v. to talk about a problem or situation to find a common solution
neither - ad. not one or the other of two
neutral - ad. not supporting one side or the other in a dispute
never - ad. at no time; not ever
new - ad. not existing before; not known before; recently made, built, bought or grown; another; different
news - n. information about any recent events, especially as reported by the media
next - ad. coming immediately after; nearest
nice - ad. pleasing; good; kind
night - n. the time between when the sun goes down and when it rises, when there is little or no light
no - ad. used to reject or to refuse; not any; not at all
noise - n. sound, especially when loud
nominate - v. to name someone as a candidate for an election; to propose a person for an office or position
noon - n. the middle of the day; twelve o'clock in the daytime
normal - n. the usual condition, amount or form; ad. usual; what is expected
north - n. the direction to the left of a person facing the rising sun
not - ad. a word showing that something is denied or untrue (She is not going.)
note - v. to talk about something already known; n. a word or words written to help a person remember; a short letter
nothing - n. not anything; no thing
now - ad. at this time; immediately
nowhere - ad. not in, to or at any place
nuclear - ad. of or about the energy produced by splitting atoms or bringing them together; of or about weapons that explode by using energy from atoms
number - n. a word or sign used to show the order or amount of things
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O
object - v. to show that one does not like or approve; to protest; n. something not alive that can be seen or touched
observe - v. to watch; to look at carefully; to celebrate or honor something (They will observe the anniversary of the day she was born.)
occupy - v. to take and hold or to control by force
ocean - n. the area of salt water that covers almost seventy-five percent of the earth's surface; any of the five main divisions of this water
of - prep. made from; belonging to; about; connected to; included among
off - ad. away; at a distance; condition when something is no longer operating or continuing; not on; not connected
offensive - n. a military campaign of attack; ad. having to do with attacking
offer - v. to present or propose; n. the act of presenting or proposing; that which is presented or proposed
office - n. a room or building where business or work is done; a public position to which one is elected or appointed
officer - n. a person in the military who commands others; any person who is a member of a police force
official - n. a person with power in an organization; a representative of an organization or government; ad. of or about an office; approved by the government or someone in power
often - ad. many times
oil - n. a thick liquid that does not mix with water and that burns easily; a black liquid taken from the ground and used as fuel
old - ad. not young or new; having lived or existed for many years
on - prep. above and held up by; touching the upper surface of (The book is on the table.); supported by (He is on his feet.); about (The report on the meeting is ready.); at the time of (He left on Wednesday.)
once - ad. one time only
only - ad. being the single one or ones; no more than (We have only two dollars.)
open - v. to start (They opened talks.); ad. not closed; not secret
operate - v. to do work or a job; to cut into the body for medical reasons
opinion - n. a belief based on one's own ideas and thinking
oppose - v. to be against; to fight against
opposite - ad. different as possible; completely different from; exactly the other way (North is the opposite direction from south.)
oppress - v. to make others suffer; to control by the use of unjust and cruel force or power
or - conj. giving another of two choices; giving the last of several choices
orbit - v. to travel in space around a planet or other object; n. the path or way an object travels in space around another object or planet
order - v. to give a command; to tell someone what to do; n. a command; the correct or normal way things are organized; a peaceful situation in which people obey laws
organize - v. to put in order; to put together into a system
other - ad. different; of another kind; the remaining one or ones of two or more (That man is short; the other is tall.)
our - ad. of or belonging to us
oust - v. to force to leave; to remove by force
out - ad. away from the inside; opposite of in
over - conj. above; covering; across, in or on every part of (all over the world)
overthrow - v. to remove from power; to defeat or end by force
owe - v. to pay or have to repay (usually money) in return for something received
own - v. to have or possess for oneself
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P
paint - v. to cover with a liquid color; to make a picture with liquid colors; n. a colored liquid used to cover or protect a surface
pan - n. a metal container used for cooking
paper - n. a thin, flat material made from plants or cloth often used for writing
parachute - n. a device that permits a person or thing to fall slowly from an airplane or helicopter to the ground
parade - n. a group of people and vehicles moving together to celebrate a special event or anniversary
pardon - v. to forgive for a crime and release from punishment
parent - n. a father or mother
parliament - n. a government lawmaking group
part - n. something less than the whole; not all of something
party - n. a group of people working together for a political purpose; a group of people or friends gathered together for enjoyment
pass - v. to go by or move around something; to move along; to cause or permit to go
passenger - n. a person travelling by airplane, train, boat or car who is not the pilot or driver
passport - n. a document permitting a person to travel to another country
past - n. the time gone by; the time before; ad. recent; immediately before; former
path - n. a narrow way for walking; a way along which something moves
patient - n. a person being treated by a doctor for a health problem
pay - v. to give money for work done or for something bought
peace - n. the condition of freedom from war, fighting or noise; rest; quiet
people - n. any group of persons; all the persons of a group, race, religion or nation (the American people)
percent - n. a part of every hundred (Ten is ten percent of one hundred.)
perfect - ad. complete or correct in every way; completely right or good; without mistakes
perform - v. to speak, dance or sing in front of others
period - n. an amount of time within events, restrictions or conditions
permanent - ad. never changing; lasting for a very long time or for all time
permit - v. to let; to make possible
person - n. a man, woman or child physical - ad. of the body
physics - n. the study of motion, matter and energy
picture - n. something that shows what another thing looks like; an idea or representation of something as seen by the eye; a painting; what is made with a camera
piece - n. a part of something larger
pig - n. a farm animal used for its meat
pilot - n. one who guides or flies an airplane or helicopter
pipe - n. a long, round piece of material used to move liquid or gas
place - v. to put something somewhere; n. an area or a part of an area; space where a person or thing is; any room, building, town or country
plan - v. to organize or develop an idea or method of acting or doing something (They plan to have a party.); n. an organized or developed idea or method (The plan will not work.)
planet - n. a large object in space that orbits the sun (Earth is a planet.)
plant - v. to put into the ground to grow; n. a living growth from the ground which gets its food from air, water and earth plastic - n. a material made from chemicals that can be formed and made into things
play - v. to have fun; to not work; to take part in a sport; to make music on an instrument; n. a story acted in a theater
please - v. to make one happy; to give enjoyment plenty - n. all that is needed; a large enough amount
plot - v. to make secret plans; n. a secret plan to do something wrong or illegal
poem - n. words and their sounds organized in a special way to express emotions
point - v. to aim one's finger toward; to aim; n. the sharp end of something
poison - n. a substance that can destroy life or damage health
police - n. a government agency responsible for guarding the public, keeping order, and making sure people obey the law; members of that agency
policy - n. an established set of plans or goals used to develop and make decisions in politics, economics or business
politics - n. the activities of government and of those who are in public office
pollute - v. to release dangerous or unpleasant substances into the air, soil or water
poor - n. people with little or no money; ad. lacking money or goods; of bad quality
popular - ad. liked by many people; generally approved by the public
population - n. all the people in a place, city or country
port - n. a city where ships load or unload goods; a place on a coast where ships can be safe from a storm
position - n. a place; the way of holding the body; the way a thing is set or placed; a job (or level of a job) in an organization
possess - v. to have; to own; to control or be controlled by
possible - ad. able to be done; can happen or is expected to happen
postpone - v. to delay action until a later time pour - v. to flow; to cause to flow
power - n. the ability to control or direct others; control; strength; ruling force; force or energy used to do work (Water power turns the wheel.)
praise - v. to say good things about; to approve
pray - v. to make a request to a god or spirit; to praise a god or spirit
pregnant - ad. carrying a child within the body before it is born; expecting to give birth to a baby
present - v. to offer for consideration (We will present our idea to the committee.); n. a gift (I gave them a present for their anniversary.); now (The present time is a good time.); ad. to be at a place (I was present at school yesterday.)
president - n. the chief official of a country that is a republic; the leader of an organization
press - v. to urge strongly; n. newspapers, magazines and other publications
pressure - n. the force produced when something is pushed down or against something else
prevent - v. to keep or stop from going or happening
price - n. the amount of money for which anything is bought, sold or offered for sale
prison - n. a place where a person is kept as punishment for a crime
private - ad. of or about a person or group that is secret; opposite public
prize - n. something offered or won in a competition; something of value that one must work hard for to get
probably - ad. a good chance of taking place; a little more than possible
problem - n. a difficult question or situation with an unknown or unclear answer
process - n. an operation or series of changes leading to a desired result
produce - v. to make; to create; to cause something to be; to manufacture
profession - n. a job that requires special training professor - n. a teacher at a college or university
profit - n. money gained from a business activity after paying all costs of that activity
program - n. a plan of action; the different events or parts of a meeting or show
progress - n. movement forward or toward improvement or a goal
project - n. a planned effort to do something
propaganda - n. ideas or information used to influence opinions
property - n. anything owned by someone such as land, buildings or goods
propose - v. to present or offer for consideration
protect - v. to guard; to defend; to prevent from being harmed or damaged
protest - v. to speak against; to object
prove - v. to show to be true
provide - v. to give something needed or wanted
public - ad. of or about all the people in a community or country; opposite private
publication - n. something that is published such as a book, newspaper or magazine
publish - v. to make public something that is written; to include something in a book, newspaper or magazine
pull - v. to use force to move something toward the person or thing using the force; opposite push
pump - v. to force a gas or liquid up, into or through
punish - v. to cause pain, suffering or loss for doing something bad or illegal
purchase - v. to buy with money or with something of equal value; n. that which is bought
pure - ad. free from anything that is different or that reduces value; clean
purpose - n. the reason or desired effect for doing something; goal
push - v. to use force to move something away from the person or thing using the force; opposite pull
put - v. to place; to set in position
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Q
question - v. to ask; to express wonder or disbelief; n. a sentence or word used in asking for information; a problem; an issue to be discussed
quick - ad. fast
quiet - ad. with little or no noise; having little or no movement; calm
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R
radar - n. a device that uses radio signals to learn the position or speed of objects that may be too far away to be seen
radiation - n. waves of energy from something that produces heat or light; energy from a nuclear substance, which can be dangerous
radio - n. the system of sending and receiving signals or sounds through the air without wires
raid - v. to make a sudden attack; n. a sudden attack carried out as an act of war, or for the purpose of seizing or stealing something
railroad - n. a road for trains; a company that operates such a road and its stations and equipment
rain - n. water falling from the sky
raise - v. to lift up; to move to a higher position; to cause to grow; to increase
rare - ad. not common; not usual; not often
rate - n. speed; a measure of how quickly or how often something happens; the price of any thing or service that is bought or sold
reach - v. to put a hand toward; to arrive at; to come to
react - v. to act as a result of or in answer to
read - v. to look at and understand the meaning of written words or numbers
ready - ad. prepared; completed; organized; willing
real - ad. true; truly existing; not false
realistic - ad. in agreement with the way things are
reason - n. the cause for a belief or act; purpose; something that explains
reasonable - ad. ready to listen to reasons or ideas; not extreme; ready or willing to compromise
rebel - v. to act against a government or power, often with force; to refuse to obey; n. one who opposes or fights against the government of his or her country
receive - v. to get or accept something given, offered or sent
recent - ad. a short time ago
recession - n. a temporary reduction in economic activity, when industries produce less and many workers lose their jobs
recognize - v. to know or remember something or someone that was known, known about or seen before; to accept another nation as independent and establish diplomatic ties with its government
record - v. to write something in order to have it for future use; to put sound or pictures in a form that can be kept and heard or seen again; n. a writing that shows proof or facts about something
recover - v. to get again something that was lost, stolen or taken away (The police recovered the stolen money.); to return to normal health or normal conditions (She is expected to recover from the operation.)
red - ad. having the color like that of blood
reduce - v. to make less or smaller in number, size or amount; to cut
reform - v. to make better by changing; to improve; n. a change to a better condition
refugee - n. a person who has been forced to flee because of unjust treatment, danger or war
refuse - v. to reject; to not accept, give or do something
regret - n. a feeling of sadness or sorrow about something that is done or that happens
reject - v. to refuse to accept, use or believe
relations - n. understandings or ties between nations; members of the same family; people connected by marriage or family ties
release - v. to free; to permit to go; to permit to be known or made public
religion - n. a belief in, or the honoring of, a god or gods
remain - v. to stay in a place after others leave; to stay the same
remains - n. a dead body
remember - v. to think about the past; opposite forget
remove - v. to take away or take off; to put an end to; to take out of a position or office
repair - n. work done to fix something
repeat - v. to say or do again
report - v. to tell about; to give the results of a study or investigation; n. the story about an event; the results of a study or investigation; a statement in which the facts may not be confirmed
represent - v. to act in the place of someone else; to substitute for; to serve as an example
repress - v. to control or to restrict freedoms by force
request - v. to ask for; n. the act of asking for
require - v. to need or demand as necessary
rescue - v. to free from danger or evil
research - n. a careful study to discover correct information
resign - v. to leave a position, job or office
resist - v. to oppose; to fight to prevent
resolution - n. an official statement of agreement by a group of people, usually reached by voting
resource - n. anything of value that can be used or sold
responsible - ad. having a duty or job to do (He is responsible for preparing the report.); being the cause of (They were responsible for the accident.)
rest - v. to sit, lie down or sleep to regain strength; n. that which remains; the others
restrain - v. to keep controlled; to limit action by a person or group
restrict - v. to limit; to prevent from increasing or becoming larger
result - v. to happen from a cause; n. that which follows or is produced by a cause; effect
retire - v. to leave a job or position because one is old or in poor health
return - v. to go or come back; to bring, give, take or send back
revolt - v. to protest violently; to fight for a change, especially of government
rice - n. a food grain
rich - ad. having much money or goods; having plenty of something
ride - v. to sit on or in and be carried along; to travel by animal, wheeled vehicle, airplane or boat
right - n. what a person legally and morally should be able to do or have (It is their right to vote.); ad. agreeing with the facts; good; correct; opposite wrong; on the side that is toward the east when one is facing north; opposite left
riot - v. to act with many others in a violent way in a public place; n. a violent action by a large group of people
rise - v. to go up; to go higher; to increase; to go from a position of sitting or lying to a position of standing
risk - n. the chance of loss, damage or injury
river - n. a large amount of water that flows across land into another river, a lake or an ocean
road - n. a long piece of hard ground built between two places so people can walk, drive or ride easily from one place to the other
rob - v. to take money or property secretly or by force; to steal
rock - n. a hard piece of mineral matter
rocket - n. a device shaped like a tube that moves through air or space by burning gases and letting them escape from the back or bottom, sometimes used as a weapon
roll - v. to turn over and over; to move like a ball
room - n. a separate area within a building with its own walls
root - n. the part of a plant that is under the ground and takes nutrients from the soil
rope - n. a long, thick piece of material made from thinner pieces of material, used for tying
rough - ad. not flat or smooth; having an uneven surface; violent; not made well
round - ad. having the shape of a ball or circle
rub - v. to move something over the surface of another thing
rubber - n. a substance made from the liquid of trees with the same name, or a similar substance made from chemicals
ruin - v. to damage severely; to destroy
rule - v. to govern or control; to decide; n. a statement or an order that says how something must be done
run - v. to move quickly by steps faster than those used for walking
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S
sacrifice - v. to do without something or to suffer a loss for a belief, idea, goal or another person
sad - ad. not happy safe - ad. away from harm or danger
sail - v. to travel by boat or ship
sailor - n. a person involved in sailing a boat or ship
salt - n. a white substance found in sea water and in the ground, used to affect the taste of food
same - ad. not different; not changed; like another or others
sand - n. extremely small pieces of crushed rock found in large amounts in deserts and on coasts
satellite - n. a small object in space that moves around a larger object; an object placed in orbit around the earth
satisfy - v. to give or provide what is desired, needed or demanded
save - v. to make safe; to remove from harm; to keep for future use
say - v. to speak; to express in words
school - n. a place for education; a place where people go to learn
science - n. the study of nature and the actions of natural things, and the knowledge gained about them
sea - n. a large area of salt water, usually part of an ocean
search - v. to look for carefully
season - n. one of the four periods of the year that is based on the earth's position toward the sun (spring, summer, autumn, winter); a period of time based on different weather conditions (dry season, rainy season); a period during the year when something usually happens (baseball season)
seat - n. a thing to sit on; a place to sit or the right to sit there (a seat in parliament)
second - ad. the one that comes after the first
secret - n. something known only to a few and kept from general knowledge; ad. hidden from others; known only to a few
security - n. freedom from danger or harm; protection; measures necessary to protect a person or place (Security was increased in the city.)
see - v. to know or sense through the eyes; to understand or know
seed - n. the part of a plant from which new plants grow
seek(ing) - v. to search for (They are seeking a cure for cancer.); to try to get (She is seeking election to public office.); to plan to do (Electric power companies are seeking to reduce their use of coal.)
seem - v. to appear to be (She seems to be in good health.)
seize - v. to take quickly by force; to take control of quickly; to arrest
self - n. all that which makes one person different from others
sell - v. to give something in exchange for money
Senate - n. the smaller of the two groups in the governments of some countries, such as in the United States Congress
send - v. to cause to go; to permit to go; to cause to be carried, taken or directed to or away from a place
sense - v. to come to know about by feeling, believing or understanding; n. any of the abilities to see, hear, taste, smell or feel
sentence - v. to declare the punishment for a crime; n. the punishment for a crime
separate - v. to set or keep people, things or ideas away from or independent from others; ad. not together or connected; different
series - n. a number of similar things or events that follow one after another in time, position or order
serious - ad. important; needing careful consideration; dangerous
serve - v. to work as an official; to be employed by the government; to assist or help
service - n. an organization or system that provides something for the public (Schools and roads are services paid for by taxes.); a job that an organization or business can do for money; military organizations such as an army, navy or air force; a religious ceremony
set - v. to put in place or position; to establish a time, price or limit
settle - v. to end (a dispute); to agree about (a problem); to make a home in a new place
several - ad. three or more, but not many
severe - ad. not gentle; causing much pain, sadness or damage
sex - n. either the male or female group into which all people and animals are divided because of their actions in producing young; the physical activity by which humans and animals can produce young
shake - v. to move or cause to move in short, quick movements
shape - v. to give form to; n. the form of something, especially how it looks
share - v. to give part of something to another or others; n. a part belonging to, given to or owned by a single person or a group; any one of the equal parts of ownership of a business or company
sharp - ad. having a thin edge or small point that can cut or hurt; causing hurt or pain
she - pro. the girl or woman who is being spoken about
sheep - n. a farm animal used for its meat and hair
shell - v. to fire artillery; n. a metal container that is fired from a large gun and explodes when it reaches its target; a hard outside cover
shelter - v. to protect or give protection to; n. something that gives protection; a place of safety
shine - v. to aim a light; to give bright light; to be bright; to clean to make bright
ship - v. to transport; n. a large boat
shock - v. to cause to feel sudden surprise or fear; n. something that greatly affects the mind or emotions; a powerful shake, as from an earthquake
shoe - n. a covering for the foot
shoot - v. to cause a gun or other weapon to send out an object designed to kill; to use a gun
short - ad. lasting only for a small period of time; not long; opposite tall
should - v. used with another verb (action word) to show responsibility (We should study.), probability (The talks should begin soon.), or that something is believed to be a good idea (Criminals should be punished.)
shout - v. to speak very loudly
show - v. to make something be seen; to make known; n. a play or story presented in a theater, or broadcast on radio or television, for enjoyment or education; something organized to be seen by the public
shrink - v. to make or become less in size, weight or value
sick - ad. suffering physically or mentally with a disease or other problem; not in good health
sickness - n. the condition of being in bad health
side - n. the outer surfaces of an object that are not the top or bottom; parts away from the middle; either the right or left half of the body
sign - v. to write one's name; n. a mark or shape used to mean something; evidence that something exists or will happen; a flat piece of material with writing that gives information
signal - v. to send a message by signs; n. an action or movement that sends a message
silence - v. to make quiet; to stop from speaking or making noise; n. a lack of noise or sound
silver - n. a valued white metal
similar - ad. like something else but not exactly the same
simple - ad. easy to understand or do; not difficult or complex
since - prep. from a time in the past until now (I have known her since we went to school together.)
sing - v. to make music sounds with the voice
single - ad. one only
sink - v. to go down into water or other liquid
sister - n. a female with the same father or mother as another person
sit - v. to rest on the lower part of the body without the support of the legs; to become seated
situation - n. the way things are during a period of time
size - n. the space occupied by something; how long, wide or high something is
skeleton - n. all the bones of a human or other animal together in their normal positions skill - n. the ability gained from training or experience
skin - n. the outer covering of humans and most animals
sky - n. the space above the earth
slave - n. a person owned or controlled by another
sleep - v. to rest the body and mind with the eyes closed
slide - v. to move smoothly over a surface
slow - v. to reduce the speed of; ad. not fast in moving, talking or other activities
small - ad. little in size or amount; few in number; not important; opposite large
smash - v. to break or be broken into small pieces by force; to hit or move with force
smell - v. to sense through the nose; n. something sensed by the nose (the smell of food cooking)
smoke - v. to use cigarettes or other tobacco products by burning them and breathing in the smoke; n. that which can be seen rising into the air like a cloud from something burning
smooth - ad. having a level surface; opposite rough
snow - n. soft, white pieces of frozen water that fall from the sky, usually in winter or when the air temperature is very cold
so - ad. in such a way that (He held the flag so all could see it.); also; too (She left early, and so did we.); very (I am so sick.); as a result (They were sick, so they could not come.); conj. in order that; for the purpose of (Come early so we can discuss the plans.)
social - ad. of or about people or a group
soft - ad. not hard; easily shaped; pleasing to touch; not loud
soil - n. earth in which plants grow
soldier - n. a person in the army
solid - ad. having a hard shape with no empty spaces inside; strong; not in the form of a liquid or gas
solve - v. to find an answer; to settle some - ad. of an amount or number or part not stated; not all
son - n. a person's male child
soon - ad. not long after the present time; quickly
sort - n. any group of people or things that are the same or are similar in some way; a kind of something
sound - n. fast-moving waves of energy that affect the ear and result in hearing; that which is heard
south - n. the direction to the right of a person facing the rising sun
space - n. the area outside the earth's atmosphere where the sun, moon, planets and stars are; the area between or inside things
speak - v. to talk; to say words with the mouth; to express one's thoughts to others and exchange ideas; to give a speech to a group
special - ad. of a different or unusual kind; not for general use; better or more important than others of the same kind
speech - n. a talk given to a group of people
speed - v. to make something go or move faster; n. the rate at which something moves or travels; the rate at which something happens or is done
spend - v. to give as payment; to use (He spends much time studying.)
spill - v. to cause or permit liquid to flow out, usually by accident
spirit - n. the part of a human that is not physical and is connected to thoughts and emotions; the part of a person that is believed to remain alive after death
split - v. to separate into two or more parts; to divide or break into parts
sport - n. any game or activity of competition involving physical effort or skill
spread - v. to become longer or wider; to make or become widely known
spring - n. the time of the year between winter and summer
spy - v. to steal or get information secretly; n. one who watches others secretly; a person employed by a government to get secret information about another country
square - n. a flat shape having four equal sides
stab - v. to cut or push into or through with a pointed weapon
stand - v. to move into or be in a position in which only the feet are on a surface; to be in one position or place
star - n. a mass of gas that usually appears as a small light in the sky at night, but is not a planet; a famous person, usually an actor or singer
start - v. to begin; to make something begin
starve - v. to suffer or die from a lack of food
state - v. to say; to declare; n. a political part of a nation
station - v. a place of special work or purpose (a police station); a place where passengers get on or off trains or buses; a place for radio or television broadcasts
statue - n. a form of a human, animal or other creature usually made of stone, wood or metal
stay - v. to continue to be where one is; to remain; to not leave; to live for a time (They stayed in New York for two years.)
steal - v. to take without permission or paying
steam - n. the gas that comes from hot water
steel - n. iron made harder and stronger by mixing it with other substances
step - v. to move by lifting one foot and placing it in a new position; n. the act of stepping; one of a series of actions designed to reach a goal
stick - v. to attach something to another thing using a substance that will hold them together; to become fixed in one position so that movement is difficult (Something is making the door stick.); n. a thin piece of wood still - ad. not moving (The man was standing still.); until the present or a stated time (Was he still there); even so; although (The job was difficult, but she still wanted to do it.)
stone - n. a small piece of rock
stop - v. to prevent any more movement or action; to come or bring to an end
store - v. to keep or put away for future use; n. a place where people buy things
storm - n. violent weather, including strong winds and rain or snow
story - n. the telling or writing of an event, either real or imagined
stove - n. a heating device used for cooking
straight - ad. continuing in one direction without turns
strange - ad. unusual; not normal; not known
street - n. a road in a city, town or village
stretch - v. to extend for a distance; to pull on to make longer or wider
strike - v. to hit with force; to stop work as a way to seek better conditions, more pay or to make other demands
strong - ad. having much power; not easily broken, damaged or destroyed
structure - n. the way something is built, made or organized; a system that is formed or organized in a special way; a building
struggle - v. to try with much effort; to fight with; n. a great effort; a fight
study - v. to make an effort to gain knowledge by using the mind; to examine carefully
stupid - ad. not able to learn much; not intelligent
subject - n. the person or thing being discussed, studied or written about
submarine - n. an underwater ship
substance - n. the material of which something is made (a solid, liquid or gas)
substitute - v. to put or use in place of another; n. a person or thing put or used in place of another
subversion - n. an attempt to weaken or destroy a political system or government, usually secretly
succeed - v. to reach a goal or thing desired; to produce a planned result
such - ad. of this or that kind; of the same kind as; similar to
sudden - ad. not expected; without warning; done or carried out quickly or without preparation
suffer - v. to feel pain in the body or mind; to receive or experience hurt or sadness
sugar - n. a sweet substance made from liquids taken from plants
suggest - v. to offer or propose something to think about or consider
summer - n. the warmest time of the year, between spring and autumn
sun - n. the huge star in the sky that provides heat and light to earth
supervise - v. to direct and observe the work of others
supply - v. to give; to provide; n. the amount of something that can be given or sold to others
support - v. to carry the weight of; to hold up or in position; to agree with others and help them reach a goal; to approve
suppose - v. to believe, think or imagine (I suppose you are right.); to expect (It is supposed to rain tonight.)
suppress - v. to put down or to keep down by force; to prevent information from being known publicly
sure - ad. very probable; with good reason to believe; true without question
surface - n. the outer side or top of something (The rocket landed on the surface of the moon.)
surplus - n. an amount that is more than is needed; extra; (That country has a trade surplus. It exports more than it imports.)
surprise - v. to cause a feeling of wonder because something is not expected; n. something not expected; the feeling caused by something not expected
surrender - v. to give control of oneself or one's property to another or others; to stop fighting and admit defeat
surround - v. to form a circle around; to be in positions all around someone or something
survive - v. to remain alive during or after a dangerous situation
suspect - v. to imagine or believe that a person is guilty of something bad or illegal; n. a person believed to be guilty
suspend - v. to cause to stop for a period of time
swallow - v. to take into the stomach through the mouth
swear in - v. to put an official into office by having him or her promise to carry out the duties of that office (The chief justice will swear in the president.)
sweet - ad. tasting pleasant, like sugar
swim - v. to move through water by making motions with the arms and legs
sympathy - n. a sharing of feelings or emotions with another person, usually feelings of sadness
system - n. a method of organizing or doing something by following rules or a plan; a group of connected things or parts working together for a common purpose or goal
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T
talk - v. to express thoughts in spoken words; n. a meeting for discussion
tall - ad. higher than others; opposite short
tank - n. a large container for holding liquids; a heavy military vehicle with guns
target - n. any person or object aimed at or fired at
taste - v. to sense through the mouth (The fruit tastes sweet.)
tax - n. the money a person or business must pay to the government so the government can provide services
tea - n. a drink made from the plant of the same name
teach - v. to show how to do something; to provide knowledge; to cause to understand
team - n. a group organized for some purpose, often for sports
tear - v. to pull apart, often by force
tears - n. the fluid that comes out of the eyes while crying
technical - ad. involving machines, processes and materials in industry, transportation and communications; of or about a very special kind of subject or thing (You need technical knowledge to understand how this system works.)
technology - n. the use of scientific knowledge and methods to produce goods and services telephone - n. a device or system for sending sounds, especially the voice, over distances
telescope - n. a device for making objects that are far away appear closer and larger
television - n. a device that receives electronic signals and makes them into pictures and sounds; the system of sending pictures and sounds by electronic signals over a distance so others can see and hear them on a receiver
tell - v. to give information; to make known by speaking; to order; to command
temperature - n. the measurement of heat and cold
temporary - ad. lasting only a short time
tense - ad. having fear or concern; dangerous; opposite calm
term - n. a limited period of time during which someone does a job or carries out a responsibility (He served two terms in Congress.); the conditions of an agreement that have been accepted by those involved in it
terrible - ad. very bad; causing terror or fear
territory - n. a large area of land
terror - n. extreme fear; that which causes great fear
terrorist - n. a person who carries out acts of extreme violence as a protest or a way to influence a government
test - v. to attempt to learn or prove what something is like or how it will act by studying or doing (The scientists will test the new engine soon.); n. an attempt to learn or prove what something is like or how it will act by studying or doing (The test of the new engine takes place today.); a group of questions or problems used to find out a person's knowledge (The students did well on the language test.)
than - conj. connecting word used to link things that may be similar, but are not equal (My sister is taller than I am.)
thank - v. to say that one has a good feeling toward another because that person did something kind (I want to thank you for helping me.)
that - ad. showing the person, place or thing being spoken about (That man is a soldier.); pro. the person, place or thing being spoken about (The building that I saw was very large.)
the - pro. used in front of a name word to show that it is a person or thing that is known about or is being spoken about
theater - n. a place where movies are shown or plays are performed
them - pro. other people being spoken about
then - ad. at that time; existing; and so
theory - n. a possible explanation of why something exists or how something happens using experiments or ideas, but which is not yet proven (Other scientists are debating his theory about the disappearance of dinosaurs.)
there - ad. in that place or position; to or toward that place
these - pro. of or about the people, places or things nearby that have been spoken about already
they - pro. those ones being spoken about
thick - ad. having a large distance between two opposite surfaces (The wall is two meters thick.); having many parts close together (The forest is very thick.); almost solid, such as a liquid that does not flow easily; opposite thin
thin - ad. having a small distance between two opposite surfaces; not fat; not wide; opposite thick
thing - n. any object
think - v. to produce thoughts; to form ideas in the mind; to consider; to believe
third - ad. coming after two others
this - pro. of or about the person, place or thing nearby that has been spoken about already
threaten - v. to warn that one will do harm or cause damage
through - prep. in at one end and out at the other; from front to back; from top to bottom; with the help of; by
throw - v. to cause to go through the air by a movement of the arm
tie - v. to join or hold together with some material; n. anything that joins or unites; links or connections (The two nations have strong trade ties.)
time - n. that which is measured in minutes, hours, days and years; a period that can be identified in hours and minutes and is shown on a clock; a period when an event should or will take place
tired - ad. having less strength because of work or exercise; needing sleep or rest
to - prep. showing the direction of an action; showing the person or place toward which an action is directed; showing a goal or purpose
today - n. this day
together - ad. in one group; at the same time or place; in cooperation
tomorrow - n. the day after today
tonight - n. this night
too - ad. also; as well as; more than is necessary
tool - n. any instrument or device designed to help one do work
top - n. the upper edge or surface; the highest part; the cover of something
torture - v. to cause severe pain; n. the act of causing severe pain in order to harm, to punish or to get information from
total - n. the complete amount
touch - v. to put the hand or fingers on
toward - prep. in the direction of; leading to
town - n. a center where people live, larger than a village but not as large as a city
trade - v. to buy and sell or exchange products or services; n. the activity of buying, selling or exchanging products or services
tradition - n. a ceremony, activity or belief that has existed for a long time
traffic - n. the movement of people, vehicles or ships along a street, road or waterway
tragic - ad. extremely sad; terrible
train - v. to teach or learn how to do something; to prepare for an activity; n. an engine and the cars connected to it that move along a railroad
transport - v. to move goods or people from one place to another
transportation - n. the act or business of moving goods or people
trap - v. to catch or be caught by being tricked; to be unable to move or escape; n. a device used to catch animals
travel - v. to go from one place to another, usually for a long distance
treason - n. the act of fighting against one's own country or of helping its enemies
treasure - n. a large collection of money, jewels or other things of great value
treat - v. to deal with; to act toward in a special way; to try to cure
treatment - n. the act of treating; the use of medicine to try to cure or make better
treaty - n. a written agreement between two or more nations
tree - n. a very tall plant that is mostly wood, except for its leaves
trial - n. an examination in a court of a question or dispute to decide if a charge is true
tribe - n. a group of families ruled by a common chief or leader
trick - v. to cheat; to fool a person so as to get something or make him or her do something
trip - n. a movement from one place to another, usually a long distance
troops - n. a number of soldiers in a large controlled group
trouble - n. that which causes concern, fear, difficulty or problems
truce - n. a temporary halt in fighting agreed to by all sides involved
truck - n. a heavy vehicle used to carry goods
true - ad. correct; not false
trust - v. to believe that someone is honest and will not cause harm
try - v. to make an effort; to take court action against a person to decide if he or she is guilty or innocent of a crime
tube - n. a long, round structure through which liquids or gases can flow; a long, thin container in which they can be kept
turn - v. to change direction; to move into a different position; to change color, form or shape
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U
understand - v. to know what is meant; to have knowledge of
unite - v. to join together
universe - n. all of space, including planets and stars
university - n. a place of education that usually includes several colleges and research organizations
unless - conj. except if it happens; on condition that (I will not go, unless the rain stops.)
until - conj. up to a time; before
up - ad. to, in or at a higher position or value
urge - v. to advise strongly; to make a great effort to get someone to do something
urgent - ad. needing an immediate decision or action
us - pro. the form of the word we used after a preposition (He said he would write to us.) or used as an object of a verb (They saw us yesterday.)
use - v. to employ for a purpose; to put into action
usual - ad. as is normal or common; as is most often done, seen or heard
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V
value - n. the quality of being useful, important or desired; the amount of money that could be received if something is sold
vegetable - n. a plant grown for food
vehicle - n. anything on or in which a person or thing can travel or be transported, especially anything on wheels; a car or truck
version - n. the form of something with different details than earlier or later forms
very - ad. extremely (He was very late.)
veto - v. to reject or refuse to approve
vicious - ad. bad; dangerous; showing harm or hate
victim - n. someone or something that is injured, killed or made to suffer; someone who is tricked
victory - n. a success in a fight or competition
village - n. a very small town
violate - v. to fail to obey or honor; to break (an agreement)
violence - n. the use of force to cause injury, death or damage
visit - v. to go to or come to a place for a short time for friendly or business reasons
voice - n. the sound made by creatures, especially humans, for speaking
volcano - n. a hill or mountain around a hole in the earth's surface that can explode, sending hot, melted rock and ash into the air
vote - v. to choose a candidate in an election; n. a choice or decision expressed by the voice, by hand or by writing
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W
wait - v. to delay acting; to postpone
walk - v. to move by putting one foot in front of the other
wall - n. the side of a room or building formed by wood, stone or other material; a structure sometimes used to separate areas of land
want - v. to desire; to wish for; to need
war - n. fighting between nations, or groups in a nation, using weapons
warm - ad. almost hot; having or feeling some heat
warn - v. to tell of possible danger; to advise or inform about something bad that may happen
wash - v. to make clean, usually with water
waste - v. to spend or use without need or care; to make bad use of; n. a spending of money, time or effort with no value gained or returned; something thrown away as having no value; the liquid and solid substances that result from body processes and are passed out of the body
watch - v. to look at; to observe closely; to look and wait for
water - n. the liquid that falls from the sky as rain or is found in lakes, rivers and oceans
wave - v. to move or cause to move one way and the other, as a flag in the wind; to signal by moving the hand one way and the other; n. a large mass of water that forms and moves on the surface of a lake or ocean
way - n. a path on land or sea or in the air; how something is done; method
we - pro. two or more people, including the speaker or writer (He and I will go together, and we will return together.)
weak - ad. having little power; easily broken, damaged or destroyed; opposite strong
wealth - n. a large amount of possessions, money or other things of value
weapon - n. anything used to cause injury or to kill during an attack, fight or war
wear - v. to have on the body, as clothes
weather - n. the condition of the atmosphere resulting from sun, wind, rain, heat or cold
week - n. a period of time equal to seven days
weigh - v. to measure how heavy someone or something is
welcome - v. to express happiness or pleasure when someone arrives or something develops
well - ad. in a way that is good or pleasing; in good health; n. a hole in the ground where water, gas or oil can be found
west - n. the direction in which the sun goes down
wet - ad. covered with water or other liquid; not dry
what - pro. used to ask about something or to ask for information about something (What is this); ad. whichor which kind (He wants to know what you would like to drink.)
wheat - n. a grain used to make bread; the plant that produces the grain
wheel - n. a round structure that turns around a center
when - ad. at what time; at any time (When will she come home); conj. during or at the time (I studied hard when I was in school.)
where - ad., conj. at, to or in what place (Where is his house The house where he lives is in the old part of the city.)
which - pro. used to ask about what one or what ones of a group of things or people (Which program do you like best Which students will take the test)
while - n. a space of time (Please come to my house for a while.); conj. at or during the same time (It may not be a good idea to eat while you are running.)
white - ad. having the color like that of milk or snow
who - pro. what or which person or persons that (Who wants to go); the person or persons (They are the ones who want to go.)
whole - ad. the complete amount; all together; not divided; not cut into pieces
why - ad. for what cause or reason (Why did she do it); conj. the reason for which (I do not know why she did it.)
wide - ad. having a great distance from one side to the other; not limited
wife - n. a woman who is married
wild - ad. living and growing in natural conditions and not organized or supervised by humans; angry; uncontrolled
will - v. a word used with action words to show future action (They will hold talks tomorrow.)
willing - ad. being ready or having a desire to (They are willing to talk about the problem.)
win - v. to gain a victory; to defeat another or others in a competition, election or battle
wind - n. a strong movement of air
window - n. an opening in a wall to let in light and air, usually filled with glass winter - n. the coldest time of year, between autumn and spring
wire - n. a long, thin piece of metal used to hang objects or to carry electricity or electronic communications from one place to another
wise - ad. having much knowledge and understanding; able to use knowledge and understanding to make good or correct decisions
wish - v. to want; to express a desire for
with - prep. along or by the side of; together; using (He fixed it with a tool.); having (the house with the red door)
withdraw - v. to take or move out, away or back; to remove
without - prep. with no; not having or using; free from; not doing
woman - n. an adult female human
wonder - v. to ask oneself; to question (She wonders if it is true.); n. a feeling of surprise
wonderful - ad. causing wonder; especially good
wood - n. the solid material of which trees are made
word - n. one or more connected sounds that form a single part of a language
work - v. to use physical or mental effort to make or do something; n. the effort used to make or to do something; that which needs effort; the job one does to earn money
world - n. the earth; the people who live on the earth
worry - v. to be concerned; to continue thinking that something, possibly bad, can happen
worse - ad. more bad than
worth - n. value measured in money
wound - v. to injure; to hurt; to cause physical damage to a person or animal; n. an injury to the body of a human or animal in which the skin is usually cut or broken
wreck - v. to damage greatly; to destroy; n. anything that has been badly damaged or broken
wreckage - n. what remains of something severely damaged or destroyed
write - v. to use an instrument to make words appear on a surface, such as paper
wrong - ad. not correct; bad; not legal; opposite right
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Y
yellow - ad. having the color like that of gold or the sun
yes - ad. used to express agreement or to permit
yesterday - n. the day before today
yet - ad. at some time before now (Have they arrived yet); now; at this time (I cannot tell you about it yet.); conj. however (The sun was shining, yet it was cold.)
you - pro. the person or persons being spoken to
young - ad. in the early years of life; not old
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Z
zoo - n. a place where animals are kept for the public to look at and study
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Common Prefixes
dis - not (dishonest, disobey)
pro - for, supporting (pro-labor, pro-government)
re - to do again (reorganize, reunite)
self - used to show that the person or group acting is the one affected by the action, or to show that the action is done only by its own effort or power (self-declared, self-appointed)
un - not (unusual, unhappy)
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Common Expressions
carry out - to do; to put into effect (Please carry out the plan.)
pass a bill - approve (Congress is expected to pass a bill to cut taxes.)
take steps - to start to do something (The government will take steps to halt inflation.)
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Words Used in VOA Special English Science Programs
atom - a very small part of all things; the smallest part of an element that can join with parts of other elements
bacteria - living things that are one cell and can be seen only through a microscope; some cause disease
cell - a small mass of living material that is part of all plants and animals
chromosome - a line of genes; most human cells contain 46 chromosomes
compound - a substance containing two or more elements
dense - close together; thick
electron - a small part of an atom that has an electrical force
element - one of more than 100 substances known to science that cannot be separated into other substances
enzyme - a special kind of protein; it produces changes in other substances without being changed itself
fetus - unborn young
fission - a splitting; in atomic fission, the nucleus of an atom is split to produce nuclear energy
fusion - a joining together; in atomic fusion, atomic particles are joined together to produce nuclear energy
genes - parts of cells that control the growth and development of living things; genes from the mother and father are passed to the child; genes contain nucleic acid
genetic engineering - the science of changing the genes of a living organism
gravity - the force that pulls things toward the center of the earth
image - a reproduction of the appearance of a person or thing
laser - an instrument that makes a thin, powerful light
magnet - a piece of iron or other material that has a pulling force; this pulling force is called magnetism
molecule - the smallest amount of a chemical substance that can exist
nerve - a thin piece of tissue that sends information through the body to and from the brain
nucleus - the center part of an atom or cell
nucleic acid - a molecule that holds the genetic information necessary for life; there are two kinds of nucleic acid DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid)
nutrient - a food or substance that makes plants, humans or animals grow
organ - a part of the body that has a special purpose, such as the heart or brain
organism - a living thing, often so small it can be seen only through a microscope
particle - a very small piece of matter
proteins - substances responsible for the growth of tissue and for fixing damaged tissue
robot - a machine that moves and performs tasks
tissue - living material; a group of cells that are similar in appearance and do the same thing
virus - a kind of organism that causes disease
x-rays - a kind of radiation that can pass through most solid materials, often used in medicine
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Organs of the Body
heart - pumps blood through the body
intestines - tubes through which food passes after it is broken down in the stomach; part of the intestines also remove solid wastes from the body
kidney - cleans liquid wastes from the body
liver - makes some proteins and enzymes; removes poisons from the blood
lung - takes in and expels air from the body
prostate - a part of the male reproductive system
stomach - breaks down food for the body to use
uterus - a part of the female reproductive system where a fetus develops.