English words starting with P

601 words, from Pace to Pyrrhic. Levels A1 to C2. Each one opens a full lesson.

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Pacenoun · The speed at which you walk, work, or happen.A2 Pacifyverb · To restore peace, or to calm someone who is angry (from calm, already in the dictionary).C1 Packverb · To put things into a bag or box, especially for a journey.A2 Packagenoun · A wrapped box or parcel sent in the post or by courier.A2 Packagingnoun · Materials used to wrap and protect goods (usually uncountable).B2 Packedadjective · Very full of people or things.A2 Packed Lunchnoun · Food brought from home to eat at school or work, usually in a box or bag (UK).B1 Packetnoun · A small box or bag that food or other things come in.A1 Padnoun · A number of sheets of paper fastened together for writing.A2 Paddlenoun · A short oar used to move a small boat; also a walk in shallow water as a verb.A2 Paeannoun · A song, speech, or piece of writing of enthusiastic praise (literary).C2 Pagenoun · One side of a piece of paper in a book.A1 Painnoun · An unpleasant feeling in your body when you are hurt or ill.A2 Painfuladjective · Causing physical pain, or making you feel very sad or awkward.A2 Paintnoun · A coloured liquid that you put on a wall, picture, or object.A1 Painternoun · A person whose job is to paint pictures, or to paint walls and doors.A2 Paintingnoun · A picture made with paint; also the activity of using paint.A2 Pairnoun · Two things of the same kind that are used together.A2 Palacenoun · A large, grand home of a king, queen, or important leader.A2 Palatableadjective · Pleasant to taste; of a proposal, acceptable enough to be swallowed.C2 Paleadjective · Light in colour; also looking white because you are ill or scared.A2 Palimpsestnoun · A text, surface, or place on which earlier layers can still be seen beneath later ones.C2 Palliateverb · To make a disease or problem less severe without curing it (formal).C2 Pallidadjective · Unhealthily pale; of writing or a performance, weak and lifeless.C2 Palmnoun · The inside part of your hand.A1 Palpableadjective · So obvious that you can almost touch or feel it (from feel, already in the dictionary).C1 Pamphletnoun · A thin booklet with information or an argument, often for the public.C1 Pannoun · A metal container you cook food in on the hob.A1 Panaceanoun · Something that people believe will solve all problems.C2 Panachenoun · A confident, stylish manner of doing something (from flair, already in the dictionary).C1 Pancakenoun · A thin flat cake made from milk, eggs, and flour, cooked in a pan.A1 Pandemicnoun · A disease prevalent over a whole country or the world (also adjective; from epidemic, already in the dictionary).C1 Panderverb · To pander to someone is to give them what they want, even if it is unwise or wrong (from indulge, already in the dictionary).C1 Panegyricnoun · A public speech or text of formal praise (formal).C2 Panelnoun · A small group of people chosen to discuss, judge, or advise on something.B2 Panicnoun · A sudden strong feeling of fear that makes it hard to think clearly.A2 Pantomimenoun · A comic Christmas theatre show for families, with songs and audience shouts (UK).B1 Papernoun · Thin material you write on, or a newspaper.A1 Paper Clipnoun · A small bent-wire clip that holds sheets of paper together.B1 Paperworknoun · Forms and official documents you must fill in or keep.A2 Paracetamolnoun · A common painkiller and fever medicine (UK; US acetaminophen).B1 Paradenoun · A public line of people, vehicles, or performers moving through the streets.A2 Paradigmnoun · A typical example, or a widely accepted model of how something works.C1 Paradoxnoun · A situation or statement that seems impossible or contradictory but may be true.C1 Paragonnoun · A person or thing that is a perfect example of a quality.C2 Paragraphnoun · A group of sentences about one idea in a piece of writing.A2 Paralleladjective · Similar and happening at the same time; of lines, the same distance apart and never meeting.C1 Parameternoun · A limit or rule that controls how something can be done; in statistics, a value that defines a model.C1 Paramountadjective · More important than anything else.C1 Paraphraseverb · To say or write the same idea in different words.B1 Parcelnoun · Something wrapped in paper to send or give (British).A1 Pardonexclamation · Said when you want someone to repeat what they said, or as a polite sorry.A2 Parentnoun · A mother or a father.A1 Pariahnoun · A person or group rejected and avoided by others; an outcast (from exclude, already in the dictionary).C1 Paritynoun · The state of being equal, especially in pay, status, or value (from equal, already in the dictionary).C1 Parknoun · A public area with grass and trees where people can walk and play.A1 Parkingnoun · The act of leaving a vehicle in a place, or the space for that.A2 Parliamentnoun · The group of elected people who make a country’s laws (in the UK, the Houses of Parliament).B2 Parlousadjective · Full of danger or uncertainty (literary / formal).C2 Parochialadjective · Narrow in outlook; also of a church parish.C2 Parodynoun · A humorous or mocking imitation of a style, work, or manner (also verb; from imitate, already in the dictionary).C1 Paroxysmnoun · A sudden, violent outburst of feeling or activity; also a sudden attack of a symptom.C2 Parsimoniousadjective · Extremely unwilling to spend money or use resources; mean.C2 Partnoun · A piece of something, not the whole.A1 Part-Timeadjective · For only part of the usual working or studying week, not full-time.B1 Partialadjective · Not complete; also unfairly favouring one side (partial to).C1 Participantnoun · A person who takes part in an activity, study, or event.B2 Participateverb · To take part in an activity.B1 Participationnoun · The act of taking part in something (participation in).B2 Particularadjective · Specific, or giving special attention to detail.B2 Particularlyadverb · Especially; more than usual.B2 Partisanadjective · Strongly supporting one party, group, or view, often unfairly.C1 Partlyadverb · To some degree, but not completely.A2 Partnernoun · A person you do something with, such as live with or work with.A2 Partnershipnoun · A relationship in which two people or organisations work together; also a type of business.B2 Partynoun · A social event with food, drink, and often music.A1 Passverb · To go past something, or to succeed in a test.A2 Passagenoun · A narrow corridor in a building; also a short part of a book.A2 Passengernoun · A person who is travelling in a vehicle but is not driving it.A2 Passionnoun · A very strong feeling of love, anger, or interest.A2 Passionateadjective · Having or showing very strong feelings.A2 Passportnoun · An official document you need to travel to another country.A1 Passwordnoun · A secret word or code that lets you use a computer, account, or door.A2 Pastnoun · The time before now.A2 Pastanoun · An Italian food made from flour and water, such as spaghetti.A1 Pasteverb · To put copied text or a picture into a document; also to stick with glue.A2 Patverb · To touch someone or something lightly several times with a flat hand.A2 Patchnoun · A small area that is different, or a piece of material used to cover a hole.A2 Paternalismnoun · The practice of limiting people’s freedom for their supposed good, as a father might.C1 Pathnoun · A way for walking, especially in a park or the countryside.A2 Pathosnoun · A quality in speech, writing, or events that evokes pity or sadness (from pity, already in the dictionary).C1 Patiencenoun · The ability to wait or keep trying without getting angry.A2 Patientadjective · Able to wait without getting angry.A2 Patronagenoun · Support given by a patron; also the power to grant jobs or favours (from sponsorship, already in the dictionary).C1 Patroniseverb · To treat someone as if they were less intelligent or important; also to be a regular customer (UK spelling).C1 Patternnoun · A repeated design, or a usual way things happen.B1 Paucitynoun · A lack of something; too small an amount.C2 Pauseverb · To stop for a short time before continuing.A2 Pavementnoun · The path beside a road for people who are walking (UK).B1 Payverb · To give money for something.A2 Pay Risenoun · An increase in the money you earn (UK; US pay raise).B1 Paymentnoun · An amount of money you pay, or the act of paying.A2 Peanoun · A small round green vegetable.A1 Peacenoun · A time without war, fighting, or noise; a calm state.A2 Peacefuladjective · Calm and quiet; without fighting or noise.A2 Peachnoun · A soft round fruit with yellow or pink skin and a large stone.A1 Peaknoun · The highest point of a mountain, or the busiest or strongest time.A2 Peanutnoun · A small brown nut that grows under the ground.A1 Pearnoun · A sweet fruit that is narrow at the top and wider at the bottom.A1 Peccadillonoun · A small, relatively unimportant fault or sin.C2 Peckishadjective · A little hungry (UK informal).B1 Pecuniaryadjective · Relating to money (formal; from financial, already in the dictionary).C1 Pedagoguenoun · A teacher, especially a strict, dry, or pedantic one (formal / often unkind).C2 Pedalnoun · The part of a bicycle or machine that you push with your foot.A2 Pedanticadjective · Too concerned with small rules and details, in a way that annoys people.C2 Pedestriannoun · A person walking in the street, not travelling in a vehicle.B1 Peelverb · To take the skin off a fruit or vegetable.A2 Pejorativeadjective · Expressing criticism or a low opinion.C2 Pelican Crossingnoun · A pedestrian crossing with lights that you press a button to change (UK).B1 Pellucidadjective · Transparently clear, of water, glass, prose, or argument (literary / formal).C2 Pennoun · A tool used for writing with ink.A1 Penaltynoun · A punishment, often money or a disadvantage, for breaking a rule.A2 Penchantnoun · A strong liking for something (a penchant for).C2 Pencilnoun · A thin wooden stick with a grey or coloured centre, used for writing or drawing.A1 Pencil Casenoun · A small case for pens, pencils, and a rubber.B1 Pendingadjective · Waiting to be decided, arranged, or completed.C1 Penguinnoun · A black and white sea bird that swims but cannot fly.A2 Penitentadjective · Feeling or showing sincere sorrow for having done wrong.C2 Pensionnoun · Money paid regularly by the state or a company after you stop work because of age.B1 Penuriousadjective · Extremely poor; also mean with money (formal).C2 Penurynoun · Extreme poverty (from poor, already in the dictionary).C1 Peoplenoun · Men, women, and children; more than one person.A1 Peppernoun · A hot powder used to flavour food; also a vegetable, green or red.A1 Pepper Potnoun · A small pot with holes in the lid for shaking pepper (UK).B1 Per Centnoun · One part in every hundred (British spelling: two words).A2 Perceiveverb · To notice or understand something, often in a particular way.B2 Percentagenoun · An amount expressed as a part of one hundred.B1 Perceptionnoun · The way you notice or understand something; also public opinion of a person or issue.B2 Peregrinationnoun · A long journey, especially on foot or from place to place (literary / humorous).C2 Peremptoryadjective · Expecting to be obeyed at once; allowing no discussion (formal, often rude).C2 Perfectadjective · As good as it can be; with no mistakes.A2 Perfectlyadverb · In a perfect way; also completely (perfectly clear).A2 Perfidiousadjective · Cannot be trusted; willing to betray (literary/formal).C2 Perfidynoun · Deceitful betrayal of trust (literary / formal).C2 Performverb · To do a play, song, or piece of work in front of people, or to do a task.B1 Performancenoun · The act of playing, singing, or acting for an audience; also how well someone works.A2 Performernoun · A person who sings, acts, or entertains in front of people.A2 Perfunctoryadjective · Done quickly, with little care or interest, just to get it done (formal).C2 Perhapsadverb · Used to say that something may be true.A2 Periodnoun · A length of time.B1 Peripateticadjective · Travelling from place to place, especially to work in more than one location (formal).C2 Peripheraladjective · Not as important as the main issue; also at the edge of something.C1 Permanentadjective · Lasting for a long time or for ever; not temporary.B2 Permanentlyadverb · In a way that lasts for all time, or for the foreseeable future.B2 Permissionnoun · The act of allowing someone to do something.B1 Permitnoun · An official document that allows you to do something (a work / parking permit).B2 Perniciousadjective · Harmful, especially in a slow or spreading way.C2 Perorationnoun · The concluding part of a speech, especially a rhetorical summing-up (formal).C2 Perpetuateverb · To make something, especially a problem or belief, continue for a long time.C1 Perplexverb · To confuse someone or make something hard to understand (from confuse, already in the dictionary).C1 Persistverb · To continue to do something, even when it is difficult.B2 Persistencenoun · The fact of continuing despite difficulty, or of something lasting.B2 Persistentadjective · Continuing for a long time, or refusing to give up.C1 Personnoun · A man, woman, or child; a human being.A2 Personaladjective · Belonging to or about one person; private.B1 Personalitynoun · The type of character a person has; the way they usually behave.A2 Personallyadverb · Used to give your own opinion, or meaning “by you yourself”.A2 Personnelnoun · The people who work for an organisation (uncountable).B2 Perspectivenoun · A particular way of thinking about something.B2 Perspicaciousadjective · Quick to notice and understand things.C2 Perspicuousadjective · Clearly expressed and easy to understand (from lucid, already in the dictionary).C1 Persuadeverb · To make someone agree to do something by talking to them.B1 Persuasionnoun · The act of making someone agree; also a belief or group of believers.B2 Pertinaciousadjective · Stubbornly persistent, especially in a demand or belief (formal).C2 Pertinentadjective · Directly related to the matter being discussed.C1 Pervasiveadjective · Spreading through every part of something (from spread and prevalent, already in the dictionary).C1 Petnoun · An animal that you keep at home for pleasure.A2 Petitionnoun · A written request signed by many people, asking an authority to do something.B2 Petrolnoun · The liquid fuel used in many cars (UK; US gasoline).B1 Petrol Stationnoun · A place that sells petrol and diesel for vehicles (UK; also a garage; US gas station).B1 Petulantadjective · Childishly sulky or bad-tempered when you do not get your way.C2 Phasenoun · A stage in a process of change or development.B2 Phenomenonnoun · A fact or event that can be observed, especially an unusual one.B2 Philanthropynoun · The practice of giving money or help to people in need, especially on a large scale (from charity, already in the dictionary).C1 Philosophernoun · A person who studies or writes about the meaning of life, knowledge, or right and wrong.B2 Philosophynoun · The study of existence, knowledge, and values; also a set of beliefs about how to live or work.B2 Phlegmaticadjective · Calm and not easily excited or upset.C2 Phonenoun · A device you use to call or message someone.A1 Phone Boxnoun · A public booth with a payphone (UK; US phone booth).B1 Photonoun · A picture made with a camera.A1 Photo Framenoun · A border that holds and displays a photograph.B1 Photocopiernoun · A machine that makes paper copies of documents.B1 Photocopynoun · A copy of a document or picture made by a machine.A2 Photographernoun · A person whose job is to take photographs.A2 Photographynoun · The skill, job, or process of taking photographs (usually uncountable).B2 Phrasenoun · A small group of words that belong together; also a way of expressing something.B2 Physicaladjective · Connected with the body, not the mind.B1 Physicallyadverb · In a way that relates to the body, or to material things rather than ideas.B2 Physicsnoun · The science of matter, energy, and how they behave.B2 Pianonoun · A large musical instrument with black and white keys.A1 Picaresqueadjective · Of a story: episodic adventures of a likeable rogue (literary).C2 Pickverb · To choose something, or to take something with your fingers.A2 Picnicnoun · A meal you eat outside, for example in a park.A1 Picnic Rugnoun · A blanket spread on the ground for an outdoor meal.B1 Picturenoun · A drawing, painting, or photo.A1 Pienoun · Fruit or meat cooked in pastry.A1 Piecenoun · A part of something, or one item of a set.A1 Pignoun · A farm animal with a flat nose and a short tail, kept for meat.A2 Pilenoun · A heap of things on top of one another; also to put things in a heap (verb).B2 Pillnoun · A small round piece of medicine to be swallowed; the pill often means contraception.B2 Pillageverb · To rob a place using violence, especially in war (from steal, already in the dictionary).C1 Pillownoun · A soft bag that you rest your head on in bed.A1 Pillowcasenoun · A removable cloth cover for a pillow.B1 Pilotnoun · A person who flies a plane.A1 Pinnoun · A small thin piece of metal used to hold paper or cloth together.A1 Pineapplenoun · A large fruit with a thick brown skin and sweet yellow inside.A1 Pinkadjective · A pale red colour, like some flowers.A1 Pinnaclenoun · The highest point of success, achievement, or quality (from peak, already in the dictionary).C1 Pinpointverb · To find or describe the exact position, time, or cause of something.C1 Pioneernoun · A person who is one of the first to do something new.B2 Piousadjective · Deeply religious, or making a show of virtue (from holy, already in the dictionary).C1 Pipenoun · A tube for carrying water, gas, or oil; also a musical instrument or a smoking tube.B2 Piquantadjective · Pleasantly sharp in taste; also interestingly provocative or stimulating.C2 Piquenoun · A feeling of irritation or wounded pride (also verb: to arouse interest; from irritation, already in the dictionary).C1 Pitchnoun · How high or low a sound is; also a sports field, or a persuasive talk.B2 Pitfallnoun · A hidden problem or danger, especially in a process or plan.C1 Pithnoun · The most important part of a speech or idea (from essence, already in the dictionary).C1 Pithyadjective · Short, clear, and full of meaning.C2 Pittancenoun · A very small amount of money, especially as pay (from small, already in the dictionary).C1 Pitynoun · A feeling of sympathy for someone’s suffering; what a pity means it is unfortunate.B2 Pizzanoun · A flat, round bread with tomato, cheese, and other food on top.A2 Placateverb · To make someone less angry or hostile, often by conceding something (from calm, already in the dictionary).C1 Placenoun · A particular area, town, building, or position.A1 Place Matnoun · A mat on a table under a person’s plate and cutlery.B1 Placementnoun · A job or training post arranged for someone; also the act of putting something in a place.B2 Placidadjective · Calm and not easily upset; of water, still (from quiet, already in the dictionary).C1 Plainadjective · Simple and not decorated; also clear, or a large flat area of land (noun).B2 Plaintiffnoun · The person or organisation that brings a civil case to court.C1 Plaintiveadjective · Sounding sad and mournful (from sad, already in the dictionary).C1 Plannoun · An idea about what you will do.A2 Planenoun · A vehicle that flies in the air and carries people.A1 Planetnoun · A large round object in space that moves around a star.B2 Plangentadjective · Loud, deep, and mournfully resonant (literary).C2 Planningnoun · The process of deciding how to do something; also official control of building (usually uncountable).B2 Plantnoun · A living thing such as a tree or flower that grows in the ground.A2 Plasternoun · A small sticky covering for a cut (British).A1 Plaster Castnoun · A hard plaster case that keeps a broken bone still while it heals (UK).B1 Plasticnoun · A light, strong material made from chemicals, used for many objects.A2 Platenoun · A flat dish that you eat food from.A1 Plateaunoun · A period when something stops rising after growth; also a high flat area of land.C1 Platformnoun · The raised area beside a railway track where you wait for a train.A1 Platitudenoun · A remark that is too ordinary and obvious to be useful or interesting (formal).C2 Platitudinousadjective · Full of dull, overused remarks; speaking in platitudes (formal / disapproving).C2 Plauditnoun · An expression of praise or approval (usually plaudits).C2 Plausibleadjective · Seeming reasonable or likely to be true.C1 Playverb · To do something for fun, or to take part in a game.A1 Playgroundnoun · An outdoor area where children play, often at a school or in a park.A1 Pleadverb · To ask in an emotional way; in court, to say you are guilty or not guilty.B2 Pleasantadjective · Enjoyable, attractive, or friendly in a mild way.B2 Pleaseadverb · A polite word you use when you ask for something.A1 Pleasurenoun · A feeling of happiness or enjoyment; something that causes it.B2 Plebeianadjective · Of the common people; also coarse or lacking refinement (often disapproving).C2 Pledgenoun · A serious promise to do or give something.C1 Plenaryadjective · Attended by all members; also full and complete (from full, already in the dictionary).C1 Plenitudenoun · A full amount; abundance (formal / literary).C2 Plentypronoun · A large amount; more than enough (plenty of).B2 Plethoranoun · A very large amount of something, often more than is needed.C1 Pliableadjective · Easy to bend; also easily influenced (from flexible, already in the dictionary).C1 Plightnoun · A dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation (from hardship, already in the dictionary).C1 Plotnoun · The events of a story; also a secret plan, or a small piece of land.B2 Ploynoun · A cunning plan used to gain an advantage.C1 Pluckyadjective · Brave and determined, especially when the odds are poor (from brave, already in the dictionary).C1 Plugnoun · The plastic part on the end of a wire that you put into a wall to use electricity.A1 Plug Holenoun · The hole in a sink or bath where water drains away (UK; also plughole).B1 Plug Socketnoun · The hole in a wall that you push a plug into for electricity (UK; also a socket).B1 Plumnoun · A small soft fruit with purple, red, or yellow skin and a stone.A1 Plumbverb · To measure depth or understand something fully; also (adverb) exactly (from exact, already in the dictionary).C1 Plunderverb · To steal goods using force, especially in war; also the stolen goods (from steal, already in the dictionary).C1 Plungeverb · To fall or push quickly downwards or into a worse state; also to jump in.C1 Pluspreposition · Added to; also an advantage (noun) or a plus sign.B2 Plutocratnoun · A person whose power comes from their wealth (often disapproving).C2 Pocketnoun · A small bag sewn into clothes, for carrying things.A1 Poemnoun · A piece of writing that uses rhythm and often rhyme to express ideas or feelings.A2 Poetnoun · A person who writes poems.B2 Poetrynoun · Poems in general; literature written in verse.B2 Poignantadjective · Evoking a keen sense of sadness, regret, or pity (from moving, already in the dictionary).C1 Pointnoun · An idea in a discussion, a mark in a game, or the sharp end of something.A2 Poisenoun · Calm self-control; also a balanced way of holding the body (from balance, already in the dictionary).C1 Poisonnoun · A substance that can kill or harm if you eat, drink, or absorb it; also to put that in (verb).B2 Poisonousadjective · Containing poison; also extremely unpleasant or likely to cause harm.B2 Polaradjective · Connected with the North or South Pole; also completely opposite (polar opposites).B2 Polariseverb · To divide people into two opposing groups.C1 Polenoun · A long thin stick of wood or metal; also the North or South Pole.B2 Polemicnoun · A strong written or spoken attack on a person, idea, or policy.C2 Polemicaladjective · Written or spoken as a strong attack on an opinion (from argument, already in the dictionary).C1 Policenoun · The official organisation that catches criminals and keeps people safe.A1 Policemannoun · A man whose job is to catch criminals and keep people safe.A1 Policynoun · A set of ideas or a plan used by a government, organisation, or person; also an insurance contract.B2 Polishverb · To make something smooth and shiny; also a substance for that, or to improve a piece of work.B2 Politeadjective · Behaving in a way that shows respect for other people.A2 Politicadjective · Sensible and likely to be advantageous; prudent (from wise, already in the dictionary).C1 Politicaladjective · Connected with government, parties, or power in a society.B2 Politiciannoun · A person whose job is politics, especially someone elected to a parliament or council.B2 Politicsnoun · The work of government and public decisions.B1 Pollnoun · A survey of people’s opinions; also the process of voting (go to the polls).B2 Pollutionnoun · Damage to air, water, or land caused by harmful substances.B2 Polymathnoun · A person of wide learning across many subjects (formal).C2 Pompousadjective · Self-important in speech or manner; showing off status (from arrogant, already in the dictionary).C1 Pondnoun · A small area of water, smaller than a lake.A1 Ponderousadjective · Slow and clumsy because of weight; also dull and laboured (from heavy, already in the dictionary).C1 Pontificateverb · To speak as if you were the sole authority, often at length (from lecture, already in the dictionary).C1 Poolnoun · A place with water for swimming.A1 Pooradjective · Having little money, or of low quality.A2 Popnoun · Popular music; also a short explosive sound, or to burst (verb).B2 Popcornnoun · Maize seeds heated until they open, often eaten at the cinema.A1 Poppadomnoun · A thin, crisp disc of spiced dough, served with Indian meals (UK spelling).B1 Popularadjective · Liked by many people.A2 Popularitynoun · The state of being liked by many people.B2 Populationnoun · The number of people who live in a place.B1 Populistadjective · Claiming to speak for ordinary people against elites (also noun; from popular, already in the dictionary).C1 Poreverb · To pore over something is to study it with close attention (from study, already in the dictionary).C1 Porridgenoun · A hot breakfast food made from oats and milk or water (British).A1 Portnoun · A town with a harbour; also the left side of a ship, or a fortified wine.B2 Portentnoun · A sign that something important, often bad, is going to happen (from sign, already in the dictionary).C1 Portentousadjective · As if of a portent; also overly solemn and self-important (often disapproving).C2 Portionnoun · A part of a whole; also an amount of food for one person.B2 Portraitnoun · A painting, photograph, or description of a person.B2 Portrayverb · To show or describe someone or something in a particular way.C1 Poseverb · To create a problem or a question, or to sit for a photo.B2 Positionnoun · The place where something is; also a job, or an opinion.B2 Positiveadjective · Hopeful and confident, or sure that something is true.B1 Possessverb · To have or own something; also to have a quality.B2 Possessionnoun · The fact of having something; also a thing you own.B2 Possibilitynoun · Something that might happen or be true.B2 Possibleadjective · Able to happen or be done.A2 Possiblyadverb · Perhaps; used to say that something might be true.B2 Postnoun · The official mail system; also a job, a message online, or to send/publish (verb).B2 Post Boxnoun · A public box in the street for posting letters (UK; also a pillar box; US mailbox).B1 Post Officenoun · A place that handles letters, parcels, and some government services (UK).B1 Postcardnoun · A card with a picture that you write on and send in the post.A1 Postcodenoun · A group of letters and numbers that marks a UK address for the post (US zip code).B1 Posternoun · A large picture or notice you put on a wall.A1 Posthumousadjective · Happening or published after the person’s death (from death, already in the dictionary).C1 Postmannoun · A man whose job is to bring letters and parcels (British).A1 Postponeverb · To arrange for something to happen at a later time than planned.B2 Postulateverb · To suggest something as a basis for reasoning, without yet proving it (from assume, already in the dictionary).C1 Postwomannoun · A woman whose job is to deliver letters and parcels (UK).B1 Potnoun · A deep round container for cooking, plants, or other things.A1 Potableadjective · Safe to drink (from drink, already in the dictionary).C1 Potatonoun · A round white vegetable that grows in the ground.A1 Potentadjective · Powerful and effective, or having a strong effect.C1 Potentialnoun · The ability to develop or succeed in the future.B2 Poundnoun · The money used in Britain; also a unit of weight.A1 Pourverb · To make a liquid flow from a container; also (of rain) to fall heavily.B2 Povertynoun · The state of being very poor (uncountable).B2 Powernoun · The ability to control people or things, or energy that makes machines work.A2 Power Cutnoun · A period when the electricity supply stops (UK; also a blackout).B1 Power Socketnoun · A point in a wall that you plug an electrical lead into (UK; US outlet).B1 Powerfuladjective · Having great strength, influence, or effect.B2 Practicaladjective · Connected with real situations rather than ideas; also useful and sensible.B2 Practicenoun · Doing something regularly to improve; also the usual way of doing things (UK noun; the verb is practise).B2 Practiseverb · To do something again and again so you get better.A2 Practitionernoun · Someone who works in a profession, especially medicine or law (a general practitioner).B2 Pragmaticadjective · Dealing with problems in a practical way.C1 Praiseverb · To express approval or admiration; also that approval (noun).B2 Pramnoun · A four-wheeled carriage for a baby lying down (UK; US baby carriage).B1 Prayverb · To speak to God; also to hope very much that something will happen.B2 Prayernoun · Words spoken to God, or the act of praying.B2 Pre-Eminentadjective · More distinguished or outstanding than all others (from outstanding, already in the dictionary).C1 Pre-Emptverb · To act first so as to prevent something or take its place (from prevent, already in the dictionary).C1 Precariousadjective · Not safe or certain; likely to fail or collapse.C1 Precautionnoun · Something you do to prevent possible harm or trouble (take precautions).B2 Precedeverb · To happen or come before something else.B2 Precedentnoun · An earlier action or decision that is used as an example or rule later.C1 Preceptnoun · A rule or principle that guides behaviour (formal).C2 Precipitateverb · To make something happen suddenly, often sooner than it should.C2 Preciseadjective · Exact and accurate.B2 Preciselyadverb · Exactly; also used to agree strongly with a point.B2 Precisionnoun · The quality of being exact, accurate, and careful.C1 Precludeverb · To make something impossible or prevent it from happening (from prevent, already in the dictionary).C1 Precociousadjective · Having developed abilities or interests unusually early, especially in a child (from gift, already in the dictionary).C1 Precursornoun · Something that comes before another and leads to it (from before, already in the dictionary).C1 Predecessornoun · The person or thing that came before another in a job or series.C1 Predicamentnoun · A difficult and unpleasant situation that is hard to get out of.C1 Predicateverb · To base a statement or plan on something (predicate on); also, in grammar, the part of a clause that says something about the subject.C1 Predictverb · To say what you think will happen in the future.B1 Predictionnoun · A statement about what you think will happen in the future.B2 Predilectionnoun · A preference for something (from preference, already in the dictionary).C1 Predominantlyadverb · Mainly; for the most part.C1 Preferverb · To like one thing more than another.A2 Preferencenoun · A greater liking for one option over another.B2 Pregnancynoun · The state of having a baby developing inside the body.B2 Pregnantadjective · Having a baby or young animal developing inside the body; also full of meaning (a pregnant pause).B2 Prejudicenoun · An unfair opinion formed without enough knowledge or without considering the facts.B2 Preliminaryadjective · Coming before the main event or the final result, often to prepare.C1 Prematureadjective · Happening too soon, before the right or ready time.C1 Premisenoun · A statement that you accept as true and use as the basis of an argument; premises are also a building and land.C1 Preparationnoun · The work of getting ready for something.B2 Prepareverb · To make something ready, or to get ready.A2 Preparedadjective · Ready to do something; willing (prepared to).B2 Prerequisitenoun · Something that must exist or happen before something else is possible.C1 Prerogativenoun · A right or privilege exclusive to a person or office (from privilege, already in the dictionary).C1 Presageverb · To be a sign that something, often bad, will happen (also noun; from predict, already in the dictionary).C1 Prescientadjective · Knowing or showing that you knew what would happen later (formal).C2 Prescriptionnoun · A doctor’s written order for medicine, or the medicine itself.B1 Presencenoun · The fact of being in a place; also a noticeable quality a person has.B2 Presentadjective · Happening now or current; also a noun meaning a gift.A2 Presentationnoun · A talk with slides; also the way something looks, or the act of giving something formally.B2 Preserveverb · To keep something as it is, especially so it is not damaged or lost.B2 Presideverb · To be in charge of a meeting or formal event (from lead, already in the dictionary).C1 Presidentnoun · The elected head of a republic, or the head of a society or company.B2 Pressnoun · Newspapers and journalists as a group (the press).B1 Pressurenoun · A feeling that you must do something, often from other people or time.B1 Prestidigitationnoun · Sleight of hand; skilful deception by quick fingers (formal / humorous).C2 Prestigenoun · Respect and admiration because of success, quality, or high status.C1 Prestigiousadjective · Respected and admired, often because of high status.C1 Presumablyadverb · Used to say that you think something is likely, though you are not sure.C1 Presumeverb · To suppose something is true without proof; also to act too boldly.C1 Presumptuousadjective · Going beyond what is polite or reasonable; too bold in assuming a right (from arrogant, already in the dictionary).C1 Pretencenoun · A false display intended to deceive; British spelling (from fake, already in the dictionary).C1 Pretendverb · To behave as if something is true when it is not.B2 Pretentiousadjective · Trying to appear more important, cultured, or clever than you are (not simply proud).C2 Pretextnoun · A false reason given to hide the real one (from excuse, already in the dictionary).C1 Prettyadjective · Attractive in a pleasant, not very strong, way.A2 Prevailverb · To win or be most common after a struggle; also to persuade (prevail on).C1 Prevalentadjective · Common in a particular place or at a particular time.C1 Prevaricateverb · To avoid telling the truth by speaking in a unclear or delaying way.C2 Preventverb · To stop something from happening.B1 Preventionnoun · The act of stopping something from happening (usually uncountable).B2 Previousadjective · Happening or existing before the one you are talking about.B1 Previouslyadverb · Before the time you are talking about.B2 Pricenoun · The amount of money you must pay.A2 Pridenoun · A feeling of pleasure in something you have done; also too high an opinion of yourself.B2 Priestnoun · A person who performs religious duties, especially in some Christian churches.B2 Primacynoun · The state of being first in importance (from first, already in the dictionary).C1 Primaladjective · Relating to an early stage; basic and important (from basic, already in the dictionary).C1 Primarilyadverb · Mainly; first of all.B2 Primaryadjective · Most important; also relating to the first years of school.B2 Primeadjective · Main or most important; also a prime number, or the best time (noun).B2 Primogeniturenoun · The system by which the eldest child, usually the eldest son, inherits the estate or title.C2 Primordialadjective · Existing from the beginning of time; original and basic (from ancient, already in the dictionary).C1 Princenoun · The son of a king or queen.A1 Princessnoun · A female member of a royal family, especially the daughter of a king or queen.B2 Principaladjective · Main or most important; as a noun, the head of a school or college.C1 Principlenoun · A basic moral rule or a general scientific or organisational idea (in principle).B2 Printverb · To produce words or pictures on paper; also printed letters, or a newspaper (noun).B2 Printernoun · A machine that puts words and pictures from a computer onto paper.A1 Prioradjective · Existing or happening before something else.B2 Prioritynoun · The thing that is most important and should be done first.B1 Prisonnoun · A place where people are kept as punishment for a crime.B2 Prisonernoun · A person who is kept in prison, or who is captured.B2 Pristineadjective · In its original condition; unspoilt, clean, or unused (from clean, already in the dictionary).C1 Privacynoun · Freedom from public attention, or from other people seeing your information.B2 Privateadjective · For one person or group only, not for everyone.A2 Privilegenoun · A special right or advantage that only some people have.B2 Prizenoun · Something you win for being the best in a competition.A2 Probableadjective · Likely to happen or to be true.B2 Probablyadverb · Very likely.A2 Probeverb · To investigate something closely; also (noun) a device that examines.C1 Problemnoun · Something that is difficult or wrong.A1 Problematicadjective · Causing difficulties, or not satisfactory or certain.C1 Procedurenoun · The official or usual way of doing something, especially in an organisation.B2 Proceedverb · To continue, especially after a pause or after permission; also to go in a direction.C1 Proceedingsnoun · The official events of a meeting, hearing, or court case (plural).C1 Processnoun · A series of actions that lead to a result.B1 Proclaimverb · To announce something publicly, often officially or in a loud way.C1 Proclivitynoun · A natural tendency to like or do something, often repeatedly.C2 Prodigaladjective · Wastefully generous with money or resources.C2 Prodigiousadjective · Very large or impressive in amount, skill, or degree (formal).C2 Prodigynoun · A young person with exceptional skill or talent (from talent, already in the dictionary).C1 Produceverb · To make or grow something.A2 Producernoun · A person or company that makes a film, programme, or goods.B2 Productnoun · Something that is made and sold.A2 Productionnoun · The process of making goods or a show; also a particular staging of a play.B2 Productiveadjective · Achieving a lot; producing a large amount of goods, crops, or ideas.B2 Productivitynoun · The rate at which work is done or goods are produced.C1 Profaneadjective · Not respectful of religion or what is treated as sacred; also (verb) to treat that way (from rude, already in the dictionary).C1 Professionnoun · A type of job that needs special training, such as teaching or medicine.A2 Professionaladjective · Connected with a job that needs special training; also showing high standards of behaviour at work.B2 Professornoun · A senior university teacher (UK); the highest academic rank in a department.B2 Profferverb · To offer something, especially for someone to accept (from offer, already in the dictionary).C1 Proficiencynoun · A high level of skill, especially in a language or practical task (proficiency in).B2 Proficientadjective · Skilled and able to do something well (proficient in / at).C1 Profilenoun · A short description of a person or group; also a side view, or public attention (high profile).B2 Profitnoun · Money gained from a business after costs are paid.B2 Profitableadjective · Making a profit; also useful because you gain something from it.B2 Profligateadjective · Recklessly wasteful with money or resources.C2 Profoundadjective · Very great or showing deep understanding.C1 Prognosisnoun · A forecast of how an illness or situation is likely to develop (from forecast, already in the dictionary).C1 Programmenoun · A planned series of events, broadcasts, or study (UK spelling).B2 Progressnoun · Improvement or movement towards a goal.B1 Progressiveadjective · In favour of new ideas and change; also happening or increasing gradually.B2 Prohibitverb · To officially forbid something.B2 Projectnoun · A piece of planned work with a goal.B1 Projectionnoun · An estimate of a future number or situation; also an image shown on a surface.C1 Proliferateverb · To increase rapidly in number.C1 Proliferationnoun · A rapid increase in the number or amount of something.C1 Prolificadjective · Producing a large amount of work, offspring, or results (from produce, already in the dictionary).C1 Prolixadjective · Tediously lengthy and wordy (formal / disapproving).C2 Prolongverb · To make something last longer.C1 Prominentadjective · Important and well known; also sticking out and easy to see.B2 Promiseverb · To say that you will definitely do something.A2 Promisingadjective · Showing signs that something or someone will be successful.B2 Promoteverb · To help something become more popular, or to give someone a better job.B1 Promotionnoun · A move to a higher job; also advertising that encourages people to buy or join.B2 Promptverb · To cause someone to do or say something; also done without delay (adjective), or a cue (noun).B2 Promptlyadverb · Without delay; at the arranged time.B2 Promulgateverb · To announce a law, doctrine, or decision officially (from announce, already in the dictionary).C1 Proneadjective · Likely to suffer from or do something, often something bad (prone to); also lying face down.C1 Pronunciationnoun · The way a word or language is spoken.B2 Proofnoun · Evidence that shows something is true; also a trial print.B2 Propagandanoun · Information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a cause or view.C1 Propagateverb · To spread an idea, or to breed plants or animals (from spread, already in the dictionary).C1 Propensitynoun · A natural tendency to behave in a particular way.C1 Properadjective · Correct or suitable; real rather than imitation.B2 Properlyadverb · In a correct or acceptable way.B2 Propertynoun · A building or land that is owned; also a quality of a substance, or something that belongs to someone.B2 Propinquitynoun · Nearness in place or kinship (formal).C2 Propitiateverb · To win back someone’s favour, often by a gift or concession (from calm, already in the dictionary).C1 Propitiousadjective · Giving a good chance of success; favourable (from favourable, already in the dictionary).C1 Proponentnoun · A person who argues in favour of an idea, plan, or cause (from advocate, already in the dictionary).C1 Proportionnoun · The size or amount of one part compared with the whole.B2 Proposalnoun · A formal plan or suggestion, often written.B2 Proposeverb · To suggest a plan or idea.B1 Propoundverb · To put forward an idea or theory for people to consider (from propose, already in the dictionary).C1 Proprietynoun · Correct or socially acceptable behaviour (from polite, already in the dictionary).C1 Prosaicadjective · Ordinary, dull, and lacking imagination.C2 Proscribeverb · To forbid something officially, especially by law (from ban, already in the dictionary).C1 Prosecuteverb · To officially accuse someone of a crime and try them in a court of law.C1 Proselytiseverb · To try to convert someone from one belief, party, or opinion to another (often disapproving).C2 Prospectnoun · The possibility of something happening; also a possible customer or candidate.B2 Prospectiveadjective · Expected or likely in the future; of a person, hoping to become one.C1 Prosperverb · To succeed, especially financially, or to grow strong (from thrive, already in the dictionary).C1 Prostrateadjective · Lying face down; also completely exhausted or overcome (from exhausted, already in the dictionary).C1 Protagonistnoun · The main character in a story, or a leading figure in a real event (from hero, already in the dictionary).C1 Proteanadjective · Able to change often or take many forms (from change, already in the dictionary).C1 Protectverb · To keep someone or something safe from harm.A2 Protectionnoun · The act of keeping someone or something safe.B2 Proteinnoun · A substance in food such as meat, eggs, and beans that the body needs to grow and repair.B2 Protestnoun · A public action showing strong disagreement (a protest against).B2 Protesternoun · A person who shows that they disagree with something, often in public.B2 Protocolnoun · An official system of rules for how something is done.C1 Protractverb · To make something last longer than necessary (from prolong, already in the dictionary).C1 Proudadjective · Pleased because of something you or someone close to you has done.A2 Proveverb · To show that something is true.B1 Provideverb · To give something that is needed.B1 Provincenoun · A large area that is an official part of a country; also a field of knowledge or responsibility.B2 Provincialadjective · Of the regions outside the capital; also limited or unsophisticated in outlook (from local, already in the dictionary).C1 Provisionnoun · The act of supplying something, or an arrangement in a law or contract; provisions are also supplies of food.C1 Provisionaladjective · Arranged for the present and likely to be changed (from temporary, already in the dictionary).C1 Provokeverb · To cause a strong reaction, often anger, or to cause something to happen.C1 Prowessnoun · Great skill or ability (from skill, already in the dictionary).C1 Proximitynoun · Nearness in space, time, or relationship (formal).C1 Proxynoun · A person or thing authorised to act for another (from substitute, already in the dictionary).C1 Prudentadjective · Careful and showing good judgement, especially about risk or money.C1 Pseudonymnoun · A false name used by a writer or other person instead of their real one (from name, already in the dictionary).C1 Psychologistnoun · A person who studies the mind and behaviour, or who treats related problems.B2 Psychologynoun · The scientific study of the mind and behaviour.B2 Pubnoun · A place that sells alcoholic drinks and often food (British); short for public house.A1 Publicadjective · For everyone; not private.A2 Publicationnoun · A book, journal, or report that has been published; also the act of publishing.B2 Publiciseverb · To make something widely known (British spelling).B2 Publicitynoun · Notice or attention from newspapers, television, or the public (usually uncountable).B2 Publishverb · To print a book, article, or report so people can read it.B1 Publishernoun · A person or company that prepares and issues books, journals, or software.B2 Puddingnoun · A sweet food you eat after a meal (British); also a cooked sweet dish.A1 Puerileadjective · Childish and silly, in a way that is irritating (from child, already in the dictionary).C1 Pugnaciousadjective · Eager to argue or fight.C2 Puissantadjective · Having great power or influence (literary / archaic).C2 Pulchritudenoun · Beauty, especially of a person (literary / formal).C2 Pullverb · To hold something and move it towards you.A2 Pulsenoun · The regular beat of blood in your arteries; also a single throb, or beans such as lentils.B2 Pumpnoun · A machine that forces liquid or gas to move; also to move something with that machine (verb).B2 Punchnoun · A hit with a closed hand; also a hole-making tool, a fruit drink, or to hit (verb).B2 Punctilionoun · A fine point of etiquette or procedure (formal).C2 Punctiliousadjective · Very careful to behave correctly or to get details right (from careful, already in the dictionary).C1 Punctualadjective · Arriving or happening at the arranged time.B2 Punctuationnoun · Marks such as commas, full stops, and question marks in writing (usually uncountable).B2 Punditnoun · A person who gives opinions as an expert, especially in the media (from expert, already in the dictionary).C1 Pungentadjective · Having a strong, sharp smell or taste; also (of remarks) biting (from smell, already in the dictionary).C1 Punishverb · To make someone suffer because they have done something wrong.B2 Punishmentnoun · The act of punishing someone, or a particular penalty.B2 Punitiveadjective · Intended as punishment, or extremely severe in that effect (from punish, already in the dictionary).C1 Pupilnoun · A child or young person who is taught at school (British).A1 Purchaseverb · To buy something, especially in a formal or business context; also something bought (noun).B2 Purelyadverb · Only; for no other reason.B2 Puritanicaladjective · Very strict in moral or religious matters (from strict, already in the dictionary).C1 Purloinverb · To steal something, often in a sneaky way (from steal, already in the dictionary).C1 Purpleadjective · A colour between red and blue.A1 Purportverb · To claim to be or to mean something, often when this is doubtful (from claim, already in the dictionary).C1 Purposenoun · The reason why you do something.A2 Pursueverb · To follow a plan, career, or question; also to chase.B2 Pursuitnoun · The act of following or trying to achieve something; also a hobby (a leisure pursuit).B2 Purveyverb · To supply goods, services, or information, especially regularly (from supply, already in the dictionary).C1 Pushverb · To use force to move something away from you.A2 Pushchairnoun · A folding chair on wheels for a baby or toddler (UK; also a buggy; US stroller).B1 Pusillanimousadjective · Showing a contemptible lack of courage (formal / disapproving).C2 Putverb · To move something to a place and leave it there.A1 Putativeadjective · Generally thought to be; supposed (from assume, already in the dictionary).C1 Pyjamasnoun · Loose clothes you wear in bed (British). Usually plural: a pair of pyjamas.A1 Pyrrhicadjective · A pyrrhic victory is won at too great a cost to be worthwhile (from victory, already in the dictionary).C1