English words starting with A

591 words, from A to Axon. Levels A1 to C2. Each one opens a full lesson.

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Adeterminer · Used before a singular noun when you mean one, but not a particular one.A1 Abandonverb · To leave someone or something and not return.B1 Aberrationnoun · Something that is not typical and is usually a one-off mistake or oddity.C2 Abhorverb · To hate something because you think it is morally wrong.C2 Abideverb · To accept and follow a rule or decision (abide by); also (formal) to dwell.C1 Abilitynoun · The power or skill to do something.A2 Abjectadjective · Extreme and without hope or pride, often of a bad situation.C2 Abjureverb · To reject a former belief, claim, or practice formally and publicly (formal).C2 Ableadjective · Having the skill, power, or chance to do something.A2 Abnegateverb · To give up or renounce a right, claim, or responsibility (formal).C2 Abnegationnoun · Self-denial; the rejection of one’s own interests (formal).C2 Abnormaladjective · Different from what is usual, often in a way that signals a problem.C1 Abolishverb · To officially end a law, system, or practice.B2 Aboutpreposition · On the subject of; around a number or time: a book about animals; about ten.A1 Abovepreposition · In a higher place than something.A1 Abroadadverb · In or to a foreign country.A2 Abrogateverb · To repeal or cancel a law, right, or agreement formally.C2 Abruptadjective · Sudden, and often rather rude or sharp in manner.C1 Abscondverb · To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid arrest or a duty.C2 Absencenoun · The fact of not being present, or a lack of something.B2 Absentadjective · Not in a place where you are expected to be.A2 Absenteenoun · A person who is not present when they are expected; absentee also describes ownership from a distance (an absentee landlord).B2 Absoluteadjective · Complete and total; not limited in any way.B1 Absolutelyadverb · Completely; used to emphasise that something is true.B1 Absorbverb · To take in liquid, information, or energy.B1 Abstemiousadjective · Not self-indulgent, especially in food and drink; sparing (formal).C2 Abstractadjective · Existing as an idea, not as a physical thing.C1 Abstruseadjective · Hard to understand; obscure and theoretical (formal).C2 Absurdadjective · Completely unreasonable or ridiculous in a serious situation.B2 Abundancenoun · A very large quantity of something.C1 Abundantadjective · Existing in large quantities; plentiful.C1 Abusenoun · Cruel or violent treatment; also unfair use of power or of a drug (uncountable in many uses).B2 Academianoun · The world of universities, research, and scholarly work.C1 Academicadjective · Connected with education, schools, or study, not with practical work.B2 Academynoun · A school or college for special training; also a body that promotes a subject.B2 Accelerateverb · To happen or make something happen more quickly.B2 Accentnoun · A way of pronouncing a language that shows region or first language; also stress on a syllable or a written mark.B2 Acceptverb · To take something that is offered, or to agree that something is true.B1 Acceptableadjective · Good enough to be allowed or agreed; also socially OK.B2 Acceptancenoun · The act of agreeing to receive something; also a willingness to live with a fact.B2 Accessnoun · The right or opportunity to use or enter something (access to).B1 Accessibleadjective · Easy to reach, use, or understand.B2 Accessionnoun · The act of joining an organisation, or of a monarch coming to the throne.C1 Accessorynoun · Something added as an extra, often decorative; also a person who helps in a crime.C1 Accidentnoun · Something bad that happens by chance, not because someone planned it.A2 Accidentallyadverb · By chance, without intending to.B2 Accoladenoun · An award or public expression of praise.C1 Accommodateverb · To provide space or lodging, or to adapt in order to help.C1 Accommodationnoun · A place to live or stay; uncountable in British English.B1 Accompanyverb · To go with someone; also to happen at the same time as something.B2 Accomplicenoun · A person who helps someone else commit a crime or serious wrong.C1 Accomplishverb · To succeed in doing something, especially something that needed effort.B2 Accomplishmentnoun · Something completed successfully, often through skill or effort.C1 Accordancenoun · Agreement with a rule or request (in accordance with).B2 Accordingpreposition · Used in according to: as said by someone, or following a rule.A2 Accordinglyadverb · In a way that is suitable for the situation; as a result.B2 Accountnoun · A record of money, or a report of an event.B1 Accountabilitynoun · The fact of being responsible for decisions and having to explain them.C1 Accountableadjective · Required to explain your actions to someone, or responsible for something (accountable to / for).C1 Accountantnoun · A person whose job is to keep or check financial records.B1 Accountingnoun · The work of recording and checking a company’s money.B1 Accretionnoun · Gradual growth by the adding of layers or parts.C2 Accrueverb · To increase or be added gradually, especially of money, interest, or benefits.C1 Accumulateverb · To collect or increase over time.C1 Accumulationnoun · A gradual increase or build-up of something over time.C1 Accuracynoun · The quality of being correct and exact.B2 Accurateadjective · Correct and without mistakes.B1 Accuratelyadverb · Correctly and without mistakes.B2 Accusationnoun · A claim that someone has done something wrong.B2 Accuseverb · To say that someone has done something wrong (accuse of).B2 Accustomedadjective · Used to something, so it feels normal (accustomed to).B2 Achenoun · A continuous pain that is not sharp.A2 Achieveverb · To succeed in doing something after effort.A2 Achievementnoun · Something good that you have succeeded in doing, especially through effort.B1 Acknowledgeverb · To accept that something is true, or to show that you have noticed it.B2 Acquaintancenoun · A person you know slightly; also knowledge of a subject (a passing acquaintance).B2 Acquiesceverb · To accept something without protest, even if you are not happy about it (formal).C2 Acquireverb · To get something, especially knowledge, a skill, or a possession.B2 Acquisitionnoun · The act of getting something, or something that has been got.B2 Acreagenoun · An area of land measured in acres (often uncountable as a total).B2 Acrimoniousadjective · Angry and bitter, especially in speech or argument.C2 Acrimonynoun · Bitter, angry feeling in a dispute (formal).C2 Acrosspreposition · From one side of something to the other.A2 Actverb · To do something, or to perform in a play or film.A2 Actionnoun · The process of doing something; something done.A2 Activateverb · To make something start working.B2 Activeadjective · Always doing things; busy and energetic.A2 Activelyadverb · In a way that involves effort, action, or participation, not passivity.B2 Activismnoun · The use of campaigning and public action to push for political or social change (usually uncountable).B2 Activistnoun · A person who campaigns for social or political change.B2 Activitynoun · Something that you do, often for interest, work, or pleasure.A2 Actornoun · A person who acts in films, plays, or on television.A1 Actressnoun · A woman who acts in plays, films, or on television.A2 Actuallyadverb · In fact; used to add or correct information.B1 Acumennoun · The ability to make good judgements quickly, especially in business or politics.C2 Acuteadjective · Severe, or very sharp and strong (acute pain; acute awareness); not the same as cute.B2 Adnoun · A short public notice that tries to sell something (informal).A2 Adaptverb · To change so you can deal with a new situation.B1 Adaptabilitynoun · The ability to change so as to deal with new conditions (usually uncountable).B2 Adaptableadjective · Able to change in order to deal with a new situation.C1 Adaptationnoun · A change made to fit a new situation, or a film or play based on a book.B2 Addverb · To put something with something else to increase it or complete it.A2 Addictnoun · A person who cannot stop using a drug or doing something harmful.B2 Addictionnoun · A strong need to keep doing or using something, even when it is harmful.B2 Addictiveadjective · Making you want to do or take something again and again.B1 Additionnoun · The act of adding; also something extra that is added.A2 Additionaladjective · Extra; more than what was there before.B2 Additionallyadverb · Used to add another point (formal).B1 Addressnoun · The details of where a building is, used for letters or visits.A2 Adduceverb · To cite as evidence (formal).C2 Adeptadjective · Skilled at doing something (adept at).C1 Adequateadjective · Enough in quantity or good enough in quality.B2 Adhereverb · To stick to a surface, or to follow a rule or belief (adhere to).B2 Adjacentadjective · Next to something; very near.B2 Adjoiningadjective · Next to and joined or sharing a boundary with something.B2 Adjournverb · To stop a meeting or hearing for a time, intending to continue later.C1 Adjustverb · To change something slightly so that it works better or fits.B1 Adjustmentnoun · A small change to make something better, fairer, or more accurate.B1 Administerverb · To manage an organisation, or to give a drug or treatment.B2 Administrationnoun · The work of managing an organisation, or the people who do it.B2 Administrativeadjective · Connected with the management of an organisation.B2 Administratornoun · A person who manages the day-to-day work of an organisation.B2 Admirableadjective · Deserving respect, praise, or approval.C1 Admirationnoun · A feeling of respect and approval (usually uncountable; admiration for).B2 Admireverb · To respect and like someone or something very much.B1 Admissionnoun · Permission to enter a place, or a statement that something is true.B2 Admitverb · To agree that something is true, often unwillingly; also to allow someone in.B2 Admonishverb · To warn or tell someone off firmly but not harshly (formal).C2 Adolescencenoun · The period of life between childhood and adulthood (usually uncountable).B2 Adolescentnoun · A young person who is developing into an adult.B2 Adoptverb · To take a child legally as your own; also to start using a method or policy.B2 Adoptionnoun · The act of taking a child as your own, or of starting to use a new idea or method.B2 Adornverb · To decorate something, or to add something attractive to it.C1 Adriftadjective · Not fastened, or (of a plan or person) without direction or purpose.C1 Adroitadjective · Clever and skilful, especially in dealing with people or a difficult situation.C2 Adultnoun · A person who is fully grown; not a child.A2 Adumbrateverb · To outline faintly, or to foreshadow (formal).C2 Advanceverb · To move forward or to make progress.B1 Advancedadjective · At a high level; also far on in a process.B2 Advantagenoun · Something that helps you or puts you in a better position.B1 Advantageousadjective · Likely to help or to put someone in a better position (advantageous to / for).B2 Adventnoun · The coming or arrival of an important event, person, invention, or period.C1 Adventurenoun · An unusual, exciting, or slightly dangerous experience.A2 Adventurousadjective · Willing to take risks or try new things; also involving excitement and possible danger.B2 Adversarynoun · A person or group you are opposing in a contest, conflict, or dispute.C1 Adverseadjective · Harmful or likely to cause problems.B2 Adversitynoun · A difficult or unpleasant situation; serious hardship.C1 Advertnoun · A notice, film, or picture that tries to sell something (British).A2 Advertiseverb · To tell people about a product or job so they will buy it or apply.B1 Advertisementnoun · A notice or short film that tries to sell something or give information.B1 Advertisingnoun · The business of telling people about products so they will buy them.B1 Advicenoun · Suggestions about what someone should do (uncountable).B2 Advisableadjective · Sensible and worth doing in the circumstances; recommended.C1 Adviseverb · To tell someone what you think they should do.B1 Advisernoun · A person whose job is to give advice, especially at work or in official settings.B1 Advisoryadjective · Giving advice or recommendations, without being compulsory.C1 Advocateverb · To publicly support a person, idea, or change.C1 Aerialadjective · From the air; as a noun in British English, a metal rod that receives radio or TV signals.B2 Aeroplanenoun · A flying vehicle with wings that carries people (British).A2 Aerospacenoun · The industry of aircraft and spacecraft (often used before another noun).B2 Aesthetenoun · A person who has, or claims, a special love of art and beauty (UK spelling).C2 Aestheticadjective · Connected with beauty and how something looks or feels as art.C1 Affableadjective · Friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to.C2 Affairnoun · A matter or event that people are concerned with; also a secret romantic relationship.B1 Affectverb · To have an influence on someone or something.B1 Affectionnoun · A feeling of liking or gentle love.B2 Affiliateverb · To connect a person or group officially with a larger organisation (affiliate to/with).C1 Affinitynoun · A natural liking or sympathy; also a close resemblance or relationship.C1 Affirmverb · To state publicly that something is true, or to confirm it formally.C1 Afflictverb · To cause pain, trouble, or suffering, often of a disease, shortage, or group.C1 Affluentadjective · Having a lot of money and a comfortable life; wealthy.C1 Affordverb · To have enough money or time for something.B1 Affordableadjective · Cheap enough that most people can pay for it.B1 Afraidadjective · Feeling fear; frightened.A2 Afterpreposition · Later than a time or event.A1 Aftermathnoun · The period after a war, accident, or other bad event, when people deal with the results.B2 Afternoonnoun · The part of the day after midday and before evening.A1 Aftersnoun · Pudding or dessert, especially in informal UK speech.B1 Afterwardsadverb · At a later time; after the event you have just mentioned.B1 Againadverb · One more time; another time.A1 Againstpreposition · Opposing someone or something, or in contact with a surface.B1 Agenoun · How old a person or thing is.A2 Agedadjective · Of the age mentioned.A2 Ageingadjective · Becoming older; also used about a population with more older people.B1 Agencynoun · A business that provides a service, or a government organisation.B1 Agendanoun · A list of things to discuss at a meeting, or a hidden plan.B2 Agentnoun · A person who organises business for someone else, or who represents a company.B1 Aggravateverb · To make a problem, injury, or situation worse.B2 Aggregatenoun · A total amount made by combining several parts.B2 Aggressiveadjective · Ready to attack or argue; also very determined to succeed.B1 Agileadjective · Able to move quickly and easily; of a team, able to change method fast.C1 Agoadverb · Before now; used after a time word.A1 Agrarianadjective · Connected with farming and the use of land for crops or livestock.B2 Agreeverb · To have the same opinion as someone else.A2 Agreementnoun · A decision or contract that two sides accept; also the state of having the same opinion.B1 Agriculturaladjective · Connected with farming.B2 Agriculturenoun · Farming: growing crops and keeping animals for food.B1 Aheadadverb · In front; in the future; or making progress.A2 Aidnoun · Help, especially money, food, or medical care given to people in need.B1 Ailmentnoun · An illness, especially one that is not thought to be very serious.B2 Aimnoun · A result that you want to achieve.B1 Airnoun · The gas we breathe; the space above the ground.A1 Air Conditioningnoun · A system that cools (and sometimes heats) the air in a building (often uncountable).B1 Airborneadjective · Carried through the air; also of troops, dropped from aircraft.B2 Aircraftnoun · A plane, helicopter, or other vehicle that flies.B1 Airlinenoun · A company that flies passengers or goods from one place to another.B1 Airportnoun · A place where planes take off and land.A1 Airwaynoun · The passage through which air reaches the lungs; also a route used by aircraft.B2 Aislenoun · A passage between rows of seats, shelves, or pews.B2 Alacritynoun · Quick and cheerful willingness.C2 Alarmnoun · A warning sound or device, or a sudden feeling of fear.B1 Albeitconjunction · Although; used to introduce a contrast in a compact way.C2 Albumnoun · A collection of songs, or a book for photos or stamps.A2 Alcoholnoun · Drinks such as beer, wine, and spirits that can make you drunk.B1 Alcoholicadjective · Containing alcohol; as a noun, a person who cannot control their drinking.B1 Alertadjective · Watching carefully and ready to act; as a noun, a warning.B2 Algebranoun · The branch of mathematics that uses letters to stand for numbers (usually uncountable).B2 Algorithmnoun · A set of rules a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task.B2 Alienadjective · Very different from what you know; also (noun) a being from another world, or a foreigner in legal English.B2 Alienateverb · To make someone feel unwelcome or hostile, so that you lose their support.C1 Alignverb · To bring things into a straight line, or to share a position or aim (align with).B2 Alignmentnoun · The state of being in a straight line, or of sharing a position or aim.B2 Alikeadjective · Similar; looking or seeming the same.A2 Aliveadjective · Living; not dead.A2 Alkalinoun · A soluble base that forms a solution with pH above 7.B2 Alldeterminer · The whole number or amount; every one.A1 Allayverb · To make a fear, doubt, or pain less strong (formal).C2 Allegationnoun · A claim that someone has done something wrong, which is not yet proved.B1 Allegeverb · To say that someone has done something wrong, without proof.B2 Allegedlyadverb · Used when something is said to be true but is not yet proved.B2 Allegiancenoun · Loyalty and support owed to a person, country, or organisation.C1 Allergicadjective · Having an allergy (allergic to); also strongly opposed to something in informal writing.B2 Allergynoun · A medical condition in which food, dust, or an animal makes you ill.B1 Alleviateverb · To make pain, a problem, or suffering less severe.C1 Alleynoun · A narrow passage between buildings; also a long lane for bowling (a bowling alley).B2 Alliancenoun · An agreement to work together, especially between countries or groups.B2 Allocateverb · To give something, such as money or time, for a particular purpose.B2 Allocationnoun · The amount of something given for a particular purpose, or the act of giving it.B2 Allotverb · To give a share of something to someone for a particular purpose.C1 Allotmentnoun · A small plot of public land rented for growing food; also a share allocated to someone.B2 Allowverb · To say that someone may do something, or to make it possible.A2 Allowancenoun · Money given regularly for a purpose, or an amount of something you are allowed.B2 Alloynoun · A metal made by mixing two or more metals, or a metal with a non-metal.B2 Alludeverb · To mention something indirectly (allude to); not the same as elude.B2 Allynoun · A country or person that supports you, especially in a conflict.B2 Almondnoun · An oval nut from the almond tree, eaten as food or pressed for oil.B2 Almostadverb · Very nearly, but not completely.A2 Aloneadjective · Without other people.A2 Alongpreposition · From one end of something towards the other.A1 Alongsidepreposition · Next to; together with.B2 Aloofadjective · Not friendly or willing to take part; emotionally distant.C2 Aloudadverb · In a voice that other people can hear.A2 Alphabetnoun · The set of letters used to write a language, in a fixed order.B1 Alpineadjective · Of high mountains, especially the Alps; also of plants or climate at high altitude.B2 Alreadyadverb · Before now, or before a stated time.A2 Alrightadjective · Satisfactory, or unhurt; also used to check someone is OK.A2 Alsoadverb · In addition; too.A1 Altarnoun · The table or raised structure in a place of worship where offerings or rites take place.B2 Alterverb · To change something, often slightly.B2 Alterationnoun · A change made to something (an alteration to).C1 Alternateadjective · Happening in turns, one after the other (alternate days); not the same as alternative.B2 Alternativenoun · Something you can use or do instead of something else.B2 Alternativelyadverb · Used to offer a different possibility.B2 Althoughconjunction · Used to show a contrast: even if.A2 Altitudenoun · Height above sea level.B2 Altogetheradverb · Completely, or when everything is added together.B2 Altruismnoun · Unselfish concern for the welfare of others.C2 Aluminiumnoun · A light silver metal used in cans, aircraft, and wiring (UK spelling).B2 Alwaysadverb · At all times; every time.A1 Amverb · The form of “be” used with I in the present: I am tired.A1 Amalgamateverb · To combine two or more organisations, groups, or substances into one.C2 Amateuradjective · Doing something for pleasure, not as a paid job; also not very skilful.B1 Amazedadjective · Very surprised.A2 Amazingadjective · Very surprising and impressive; excellent.B1 Ambassadornoun · A senior official who represents a country abroad.B2 Ambernoun · A hard yellow-brown fossil resin; also the middle traffic-light colour, or a weather-warning level.B2 Ambiguitynoun · The state of having more than one possible meaning.B2 Ambiguousadjective · Having more than one possible meaning.C1 Ambitionnoun · A strong wish to succeed or reach a goal.B1 Ambitiousadjective · Having a strong wish to succeed, or needing a lot of effort.B2 Ambivalentadjective · Having mixed feelings; not sure whether you like something or not.C1 Ambulancenoun · A vehicle that takes sick or injured people to hospital.B1 Ameliorateverb · To make a bad situation better (formal); you ameliorate conditions, whereas you alleviate pain.C2 Amendverb · To change a text or a law in order to improve it.B2 Amendmentnoun · A change made to a law, document, or statement.B2 Amidpreposition · In the middle of, or during a situation.B2 Aminoadjective · Of the chemical group —NH₂; amino acids are the building units of proteins.B2 Amongpreposition · In the middle of a group.A2 Amongstpreposition · In the middle of, or included in, a group (a British variant of among).B2 Amountnoun · A quantity of something, especially something that cannot be counted as separate items.B2 Ampnoun · Short for ampere, the SI unit of electric current; also informal for an amplifier.B2 Amuseverb · To make someone laugh or smile, or to keep them interested.B2 Amusedadjective · Finding something funny; smiling because of it.A2 Amusingadjective · Funny in a gentle way; entertaining.A2 Andeterminer · The form of “a” used before a vowel sound: an apple, an hour.A1 Anachronismnoun · Something that belongs to a different time and therefore seems out of place.C2 Analogousadjective · Similar in a way that makes comparison useful (analogous to).C1 Analogueadjective · Not digital; using a continuously changing signal (UK spelling).B2 Analogynoun · A comparison that shows how two things are similar in one useful way.C1 Analyseverb · To examine something in detail in order to understand it.B2 Analysisnoun · A detailed study of something in order to understand it.B1 Analystnoun · A person whose job is to examine information and explain it.B2 Anathemanoun · Something you hate and reject completely (be anathema to).C2 Anatomynoun · The study of the structure of bodies, or that structure itself (the anatomy of).B2 Ancestornoun · A person in your family who lived a long time ago.B2 Ancestrynoun · A person’s family origin over many generations (usually uncountable).B2 Ancientadjective · Very old; from a long time ago.A2 Andconjunction · Used to join two words or ideas.A1 Anecdotaladjective · Based on personal stories rather than systematic evidence.C1 Anecdotenoun · A short, interesting story about a real event.C1 Angernoun · A strong feeling of being very annoyed.B1 Anglenoun · The space between two lines or surfaces that meet.B1 Angryadjective · Feeling strong displeasure about something unfair or wrong.A2 Anguishnoun · Severe mental or physical pain (usually uncountable).B2 Animalnoun · A living creature that is not a plant, such as a dog or a bird.A1 Animationnoun · The technique of making drawings or models appear to move; also liveliness.B2 Anklenoun · The joint between the foot and the leg.A2 Annexnoun · An extra section at the end of a document; as a verb /əˈneks/, to take land and add it to a state; a building extension is often annexe in British English.B2 Anniversarynoun · A date on which something important happened in a previous year.B2 Announceverb · To tell people about something officially or in public.B1 Announcementnoun · A public statement that gives people information.B1 Annoyverb · To make someone a little angry.A2 Annualadjective · Happening once every year.B2 Annuallyadverb · Once every year.B1 Anodenoun · The electrode at which oxidation occurs in a cell; the positive electrode in an electrolytic cell.B2 Anodyneadjective · Inoffensive and rather bland, of a statement or idea that will upset nobody.C2 Anomalynoun · Something that is different from what is usual or expected.C1 Anomienoun · A lack of the usual social or ethical standards in an individual or group.C2 Anonymousadjective · With a name that is not known or not given.B2 Anotherdeterminer · One more; a different one.A1 Answernoun · Something you say or write after a question.A1 Antnoun · A small insect that lives in large groups.A2 Antagonismnoun · Active dislike or opposition between people or groups.C1 Antagonistnoun · A person who opposes someone else, especially the main character in a story.C1 Antarcticadjective · Of the region around the South Pole (the Antarctic as a noun).B2 Antediluvianadjective · Extremely old-fashioned; of the time before the Flood (literary / humorous).C2 Antennanoun · A feeler on an insect’s head (plural antennae); also a metal aerial for radio (plural antennas).B2 Anthologynoun · A published collection of poems, stories, or other pieces by various writers.B2 Anthropologynoun · The study of human societies, cultures, and physical development (usually uncountable).B2 Antibioticnoun · A medicine that kills bacteria or stops them growing.B1 Antibodynoun · A protein made by the immune system that binds to a particular antigen.B2 Anticipateverb · To expect something and, often, to prepare for it.B2 Antigennoun · A substance that the immune system treats as foreign and may make antibodies against.B2 Antipathynoun · A strong feeling of dislike (formal).C2 Antiquenoun · An old object that is valuable because of its age.A2 Antisocialadjective · Harmful or annoying to other people; also not wanting to be with others.B1 Antithesisnoun · The exact opposite of something, or a sharp contrast.C2 Antonymnoun · A word that means the opposite of another word.B2 Anxietynoun · A feeling of worry or fear about what may happen.B1 Anxiousadjective · Worried and not able to relax.B1 Anydeterminer · Used in questions and negatives for an amount, or to mean “it does not matter which.”A1 Any Moreadverb · No longer; not now (British: usually two words).A2 Anybodypronoun · Any person; it does not matter who.A1 Anyonepronoun · Any person; it does not matter who: Can anyone help? I did not see anyone.A1 Anythingpronoun · A thing of any kind, used especially in questions and negatives.A1 Anywayadverb · In spite of that; also used to change the subject or return to a point.A2 Anywhereadverb · In or to any place.A2 Aortanoun · The main artery that carries blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.B2 Apartadverb · Separated by a distance, or not together.A2 Apartmentnoun · A set of rooms for living in, usually on one floor of a building.A2 Apathynoun · A lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.C1 Aperturenoun · An opening, especially the adjustable opening in a camera lens that controls light.B2 Apexnoun · The highest point of something; also the most successful point (the apex of).B2 Aphorismnoun · A short, memorable sentence that expresses a general truth.C2 Aplombnoun · Confident, calm self-possession, especially in a difficult situation.C2 Apocryphaladjective · Probably not true, although often repeated as if it were.C2 Apologianoun · A formal written defence of one’s opinions or conduct (not merely saying sorry).C2 Apologiseverb · To say you are sorry for something you have done (UK spelling).B1 Apologynoun · A statement that you are sorry for something you have done.B1 Aporianoun · An irresolvable internal contradiction or a state of puzzlement (formal / literary).C2 Apostatenoun · A person who abandons a former belief, party, or cause (formal / often hostile).C2 Apostrophenoun · The punctuation mark ’ used to show possession or missing letters; also a remark addressed to someone absent (rhetoric).B2 Apotheosisnoun · The perfect example of something, or the raising of a person to godlike status.C2 Apparatusnoun · Equipment designed for a particular purpose.B2 Apparentadjective · Easy to see or understand; also seeming to be true but perhaps not.B2 Apparentlyadverb · According to what you have heard or read; it seems.B1 Appealverb · To attract or interest someone, or to ask formally for help or a change (appeal for / against).B1 Appealingadjective · Attractive or interesting.B2 Appearverb · To start to be seen, or to seem.A2 Appearancenoun · The way someone or something looks.A2 Appendixnoun · Extra material at the end of a book, or a small organ in the body (not only extra pages).B2 Appetitenoun · A desire for food, or a strong wish for something (an appetite for reform).B2 Applaudverb · To clap in approval, or to praise an action or idea.B2 Applausenoun · Clapping as a sign of approval (usually uncountable).B2 Applenoun · A round fruit that is usually red, green, or yellow.A1 Appliancenoun · A machine designed to do a job in the home, such as a cooker or washing machine.B2 Applicableadjective · Relevant and able to be applied to a situation.B2 Applicantnoun · A person who applies for a job, course, or place.B2 Applicationnoun · A formal written request for a job, course, or official document.B1 Applyverb · To make a formal request for a job, a course, or something you want.A2 Appointverb · To choose someone for a job or position.B2 Appointmentnoun · A planned meeting at a set time, often with a doctor or office.B1 Appositeadjective · Very suitable for the occasion or argument (formal).C2 Appraisalnoun · A formal assessment of someone’s work.B2 Appraiseverb · To judge the quality, value, or nature of something.C1 Appreciateverb · To be grateful for something, or to understand its value.B1 Appreciationnoun · Understanding of the value of something, or a feeling of thanks.B2 Apprehensionnoun · Worry that something bad may happen; also (formal) arrest.C1 Apprenticenoun · A young person who learns a skilled job by working with an experienced worker.B1 Approachverb · To come nearer to someone or something.B1 Approbationnoun · Official or public approval (formal).C2 Appropriateadjective · Suitable or right for a particular situation.B2 Appropriatelyadverb · In a way that is suitable or right for the situation.B2 Approvalnoun · Official agreement, or a feeling that something is good.B2 Approveverb · To officially agree to a plan, or to think that something is good.B2 Approximateadjective · Almost correct, but not exact.B2 Approximatelyadverb · Close to a number or amount, but not exact.B1 Aprilnoun · The fourth month of the year.A1 Apronnoun · A piece of clothing worn over the front of your clothes to keep them clean, especially when cooking.B1 Aquariumnoun · A tank of water for keeping fish or other water animals; also a building that displays them.B2 Aquaticadjective · Living or happening in water.B2 Arableadjective · Of land, suitable for growing crops; also of farming that grows crops rather than livestock.B2 Arbiternoun · A person with the authority to settle a dispute or decide what is accepted.C2 Arbitraryadjective · Based on personal choice, not on a fair rule or reason.C1 Arcaneadjective · Understood by only a few; mysteriously obscure.C2 Archaeologistnoun · A person whose job is archaeology.B2 Archaeologynoun · The study of the past through objects and sites that remain (uncountable).B2 Archaicadjective · Very old-fashioned; no longer in ordinary use.C1 Archetypenoun · The original model of a type of person or thing, or a very typical example.C2 Archipelagonoun · A group of islands, or a sea with many islands.B2 Architectnoun · A person who designs buildings.B2 Architecturenoun · The design of buildings, or the style of a building.B2 Archivenoun · A collection of historical documents or records, stored for future use.B2 Arcticadjective · Of the region around the North Pole (the Arctic as a noun); also extremely cold in informal writing.B2 Ardournoun · Great enthusiasm, passion, or intensity of feeling (UK spelling).C2 Arduousadjective · Involving a lot of effort and lasting a long time.C1 Areverb · The form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun.A1 Areanoun · A part of a town, country, or surface.A2 Arenanoun · A place for sports or public events, or an area of activity and competition.B2 Arguablyadverb · Used to say that something can reasonably be claimed.B2 Argueverb · To speak angrily to someone because you disagree.A2 Argumentnoun · An angry disagreement, or a reason given to support an opinion.B1 Ariseverb · To happen or start to exist, especially a problem.B2 Arithmeticnoun · The branch of maths that deals with numbers and the four operations (usually uncountable).B2 Armnoun · The part of the body between the shoulder and the hand.A1 Armchairnoun · A big comfortable chair with sides for your arms.A1 Armedadjective · Carrying weapons.B1 Armournoun · A strong covering that protects the body in battle, or similar protection.B2 Armsnoun · The two long body parts from the shoulders to the hands.A2 Armynoun · A large group of soldiers who fight for a country.A2 Aromanoun · A distinctive, usually pleasant smell, especially of food or drink.B2 Aroundpreposition · On all sides of something, or approximately.A1 Arouseverb · To cause a feeling or reaction, or to wake someone from sleep.B2 Arrangeverb · To plan or organise something so that it can happen.A2 Arrangementnoun · A plan or agreement about what will happen.A2 Arrantadjective · Complete and unmitigated, used of something bad (arrant nonsense).C2 Arraynoun · An impressive range or collection of things.B2 Arrestverb · To take someone to a police station because they may have committed a crime.B1 Arrivalnoun · The act of reaching a place, or the time when someone or something gets there.B1 Arriveverb · To reach a place at the end of a journey.A2 Arrogantadjective · Behaving as if you are more important or more right than other people.B2 Arrownoun · A pointed stick shot from a bow; also a sign that shows direction.B1 Artnoun · Paintings, drawings, and other creative work; also the skill of making them.A2 Artefactnoun · An object made by a human, especially one of historical interest (British spelling; US artifact).B2 Arterynoun · A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart; also a main road (a traffic artery).B2 Arthritisnoun · A medical condition in which joints become painful, stiff, and often swollen (usually uncountable).B2 Articlenoun · A piece of writing in a newspaper or magazine.B1 Articulateverb · To express thoughts clearly in words.B2 Artificenoun · Clever trickery, or a skilful device used to deceive (formal).C2 Artificialadjective · Made by people, not natural; also not sincere.B2 Artisannoun · A skilled worker who makes things by hand, especially in a traditional trade.B2 Artistnoun · A person who creates art, such as paintings, drawings, or music.A2 Artisticadjective · Connected with art, or showing skill and imagination in an art form.B2 Artworknoun · Pictures or other art, especially in a book, exhibition, or design.B2 Aspreposition · In the role of, or in comparisons: work as a teacher; as big as.A1 Asbestosnoun · A fibrous mineral once used for insulation, now tightly controlled because of lung disease (usually uncountable).B2 Ascendverb · To go up, especially in a formal or gradual way.B2 Ascentnoun · A climb or the act of going up; also a rise in status (the ascent of).B2 Ascertainverb · To find something out for certain.C1 Asceticadjective · Choosing a severely simple life, without comfort or pleasure.C2 Ascribeverb · To say that something is caused by, or belongs to, a person or source (ascribe to).B2 Ashamedadjective · Feeling bad because you have done something wrong or embarrassing.B1 Askverb · To say something to get information.A1 Asleepadjective · Sleeping.A2 Aspectnoun · One part or feature of a situation, idea, or problem.B1 Asperitynoun · Harshness of tone or manner (formal).C2 Aspersionnoun · A critical or damaging remark (usually cast aspersions on).C2 Aspirationnoun · A hope or ambition to achieve something.B2 Aspireverb · To have a strong wish to achieve something (aspire to).B2 Aspirinnoun · A common painkilling tablet (often uncountable as a medicine).B1 Assassinnoun · A person who murders a political or public figure, often for pay or a cause.B2 Assassinationnoun · The murder of a famous or political person, usually for political reasons.B2 Assaultnoun · A violent physical attack, or a strong verbal attack.B2 Assembleverb · To gather people or things together, or to fit parts together.B2 Assemblynoun · A gathering of people, or the process of fitting parts together.B2 Assertverb · To state something firmly as true.C1 Assertionnoun · A firm statement that something is true.B2 Assessverb · To judge the quality, amount, or value of something.B2 Assessmentnoun · A judgement of quality or ability, often through a test or review.B1 Assetnoun · Something valuable that a person or company owns, or a useful quality.B2 Assiduousadjective · Working with great care and attention over time.C2 Assignverb · To give someone a job or a piece of work to do.B2 Assignmentnoun · A piece of work given to you as part of a job or course.B2 Assimilateverb · To take in and understand information, or to become part of a group.C1 Assistverb · To help someone do something.B2 Assistancenoun · Help or support.B2 Assistantnoun · A person who helps someone in their job.B2 Associateverb · To connect one thing with another in your mind, or to spend time with someone.B2 Associationnoun · An organisation of people with a shared interest, or a connection in the mind.B2 Assuageverb · To make an unpleasant feeling less strong (formal).C2 Assumeverb · To believe something is true without proof.B2 Assumptionnoun · Something you believe is true without proof.B2 Assurancenoun · A confident promise that something is true or will happen; also, in British English, a type of insurance (life assurance).B2 Assureverb · To tell someone that something is true, in order to make them less worried.B2 Asteroidnoun · A small rocky body orbiting the Sun, mainly in the belt between Mars and Jupiter.B2 Asthmanoun · A condition that makes breathing difficult, with wheezing and tight airways (usually uncountable).B2 Astonishverb · To surprise someone very much.B2 Astonishingadjective · Very surprising; hard to believe.B2 Astronautnoun · A person trained to travel in a spacecraft.B2 Astronomynoun · The scientific study of stars, planets, and other objects in space (usually uncountable).B2 Asylumnoun · Protection given by a country to someone who has left their own country for safety.B2 Atpreposition · Used for a point in time or a point in place: at six; at the station.A1 Ataraxianoun · A state of serene calmness and freedom from disturbance (literary / philosophy).C2 Atavisticadjective · Recurring as if from a distant ancestor; a throwback (formal).C2 Athletenoun · A person who is good at sports, especially in competitions.B2 Athleticadjective · Physically strong and good at sports.B2 Athleticsnoun · Sports such as running, jumping, and throwing (usually uncountable; track and field).B2 Atlasnoun · A book of maps, or a collection of maps in one volume.B2 Atmospherenoun · The mood in a place, or the air around the Earth.B1 Atomnoun · The smallest unit of a chemical element that still has its properties.B1 Atomicadjective · Relating to atoms; also relating to nuclear weapons or energy (the atomic age).B2 Atriumnoun · An upper chamber of the heart that receives blood; also a high open hall inside a building.B2 Atrocitynoun · An extremely cruel and violent act, especially in war.C1 Attachverb · To fasten or join one thing to another.B1 Attachmentnoun · A file sent with an email, or a feeling of liking and connection.B2 Attackverb · To try to hurt a person, animal, or place with violence.A2 Attainverb · To reach a goal, level, or age, often after effort.B2 Attemptnoun · An act of trying to do something, especially something difficult.B1 Attendverb · To go to an event, class, or meeting.A2 Attendancenoun · The fact of being present, or the number of people present.B2 Attentionnoun · The act of watching, listening, or thinking about something carefully.B1 Attenuateverb · To make something thinner or weaker (formal).C2 Attestverb · To show or prove that something is true (attest to).C1 Atticnoun · A room or space directly under the roof of a house.B1 Attitudenoun · The way you think or feel about something, shown in how you act.B1 Attorneynoun · A lawyer (especially US); in UK sources often the Attorney General, a law officer of the Crown.B2 Attractverb · To make someone interested, or to pull something towards you.B2 Attractionnoun · A feeling of liking, or something that draws people to a place.B2 Attractiveadjective · Pleasant to look at, or interesting and worth considering.B2 Attributeverb · To say that something is caused by a particular person or thing (attribute to).B2 Auberginenoun · A shiny purple vegetable (UK; US eggplant).B1 Auctionnoun · A public sale in which goods go to the person who offers the most money.B2 Audaciousadjective · Willing to take surprisingly bold risks; sometimes shockingly bold.C2 Audiencenoun · The people who watch or listen to a performance or talk.B1 Audioadjective · Connected with recorded or transmitted sound; as a noun, the sound itself.B2 Auditnoun · An official examination of accounts or processes.B2 Auditornoun · A person who officially examines accounts to check that they are correct.B2 Augurverb · To be a sign of what will happen (augur well / ill); also a noun: a soothsayer.C2 Augustnoun · The eighth month of the year.A1 Auntnoun · The sister of your mother or father, or your uncle’s wife.A1 Auspicenoun · A sign or omen; more often, patronage (under the auspices of).C2 Auspiciousadjective · Suggesting a good start or a likely good result.C2 Austereadjective · Very simple and without comfort or decoration; strict.C1 Authenticadjective · Real, not false; true to the original.B2 Authenticitynoun · The quality of being real, genuine, or true to a claimed origin.C1 Authornoun · A person who writes a book, article, or play.B2 Authoriseverb · To give official permission for something.B2 Authoritarianadjective · Demanding strict obedience and allowing little personal freedom.C1 Authoritynoun · The power to make decisions, or a person or book that people trust.B2 Autobiographynoun · A book in which a person writes about their own life.B2 Autodidactnoun · A person who is self-taught.C2 Automaticadjective · Working by itself without a person controlling each step.B2 Automaticallyadverb · By a machine or without thinking; as a regular result.B1 Autonomynoun · The right or ability to make your own decisions.C1 Autopsynoun · A medical examination of a dead body to find the cause of death.B2 Autumnnoun · The season between summer and winter, when leaves fall.A2 Auxiliaryadjective · Giving extra help; as a noun, a helper, or a verb such as be, have, or do that helps form a tense.B2 Availabilitynoun · The fact of being free to be used, obtained, or spoken to.B2 Availableadjective · Able to be used or seen, or free to talk.B1 Avalanchenoun · A large mass of snow, ice, and rock falling down a mountainside; also a sudden huge amount (an avalanche of).B2 Avaricenoun · Extreme greed for money or possessions (formal, disapproving).C2 Aververb · To state something firmly as a fact (formal / legal).C2 Averageadjective · Typical or around the usual level; not special.B1 Aversionnoun · A strong dislike of something (aversion to).C1 Avianadjective · Of or relating to birds (avian influenza).B2 Aviationnoun · The business or activity of flying aircraft.B1 Avocadonoun · A green fruit with a large stone and soft pale-green flesh.A1 Avoidverb · To stay away from someone or something, or to stop something happening.A2 Avowverb · To declare something openly and firmly (formal).C2 Awaitverb · To wait for something, especially something that will happen.B2 Awakeadjective · Not sleeping.A2 Awardnoun · A prize given for a special achievement.B1 Awareadjective · Knowing that something exists or is happening.B1 Awarenessnoun · Knowledge or understanding of a situation or subject.B2 Awayadverb · To or at a different place; not here.A1 Awesomeadjective · Very impressive or very good (informal).A2 Awfuladjective · Very bad or unpleasant.A2 Awkwardadjective · Making you feel embarrassed, or difficult to deal with or use.B2 Axiomnoun · A statement accepted as true without proof, as a starting point for further reasoning.C2 Axisnoun · A fixed reference line on a graph, or a line about which something rotates; also an alliance (the Axis in 1939–45).B2 Axonnoun · The long fibre of a neurone that carries impulses away from the cell body.B2