abate (verb): become less intense or widespread
abet (verb): encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime or other offense
abhor (verb): regard with disgust and hatred
ability (noun): possession of the means or skill to do something
ablution (noun): the act of washing oneself (often used for humorously formal effect)
abode (noun): a place of residence; a house or home
abolish (verb): formally put an end to (a system, practice, or institution)
abrogate (verb): repeal or do away with (a law, right, or formal agreement)
abrupt (adjective): sudden and unexpected
abscond (verb): leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection of or arrest for an unlawful action such as theft
absorb (verb): take in or soak up (energy or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action
absurd2 (noun): an absurd state of affairs
abundant (adjective): existing or available in large quantities; plentiful
bountiful (adjective): large in quantity; abundant
plentiful (adjective): existing in or yielding great quantities; abundant
abuse (noun): the improper use of something
accelerate (verb): begin to move more quickly
accentuate (verb): make more noticeable or prominent
access1 (noun): a means of approaching or entering a place
access2 (verb): approach or enter (a place)
accident (noun): an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury
acclaim1 (verb): praise enthusiastically and publicly
extol (verb): praise enthusiastically
acclaim2 (noun): enthusiastic and public praise
acclimatize (verb): acclimate
accommodate (verb): provide lodging or sufficient space for
accomplish (verb): achieve or complete successfully
achieve (verb): successfully bring about or reach (a desired objective, level, or result) by effort, skill, or courage
accord1 (verb): give or grant someone (power, status, or recognition)
accord2 (noun): an official agreement or treaty
accretion (noun): the process of growth or increase, typically by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matter
accumulate (verb): gather together or acquire an increasing number or quantity of
accurately (adverb): in a way that is correct in all details; exactly
accuse (verb): charge (someone) with an offense or crime
achievement (noun): a thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill
acknowledge (verb): accept or admit the existence or truth of
acquiesce (verb): accept something without protest
acquire (verb): buy or obtain (an asset or object) for oneself
acrid (adjective): having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell
act1 (verb): take action; do something
act2 (noun): a thing done; a deed
active (adjective): engaging or ready to engage in physically energetic pursuits
actual (adjective): existing in fact; typically as contrasted with what was intended, expected, or believed
adamant1 (adjective): refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind
adamant2 (noun): a legendary rock or mineral to which many, often contradictory, properties were attributed, formerly associated with diamond or lodestone
adapt (verb): make (something) suitable for a new use or purpose; modify
addict (noun): a person who is addicted to a particular substance, typically an illegal drug
address1 (noun): the particulars of the place where someone lives or an organization is situated
address2 (verb): write the name and address of the intended recipient on (an envelope, letter, or package)
adept (noun): a person who is skilled or proficient at something
adhere (verb): stick fast to (a surface or substance)
adjacent (adjective): next to or adjoining something else
adjust (verb): alter or move (something) slightly in order to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result
administer (verb): manage and be responsible for the running of (a business, organization, etc.)
admonish (verb): warn or reprimand someone firmly
adopt (verb): legally take (another's child) and bring it up as one's own
adulation (noun): obsequious flattery; excessive admiration or praise
advance1 (verb): move forward in a purposeful way
advance2 (noun): a forward movement
advance3 (adjective): done, sent, or supplied beforehand
advantage1 (noun): a condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable or superior position
advantage2 (verb): put in a favorable or more favorable position
advice (noun): guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action
advocate (verb): publicly recommend or support
affinity (noun): a spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something
affliction (noun): something that causes pain or suffering
afford (verb): have enough money to pay for
aggressive (adjective): ready or likely to attack or confront; characterized by or resulting from aggression
belligerent1 (adjective): hostile and aggressive
agile (adjective): able to move quickly and easily
agitate (verb): make (someone) troubled or nervous
agony (noun): extreme physical or mental suffering
anguish1 (noun): severe mental or physical pain or suffering
agree (verb): have the same opinion about something; concur
aid1 (noun): help, typically of a practical nature
aid2 (verb): help, assist, or support (someone or something) in the achievement of something
assist1 (verb): help (someone), typically by doing a share of the work
aim1 (verb): point or direct (a weapon or camera) at a target
aim2 (noun): a purpose or intention; a desired outcome
ajar (adjective): slightly open
akin (adjective): of similar nature or character
al fresco1 (adverb): in the open air
al fresco2 (adjective): done or eaten in the open air
alacrity (noun): brisk and cheerful readiness
alert1 (adjective): quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances; vigilant
alert2 (noun): the state of being watchful for possible danger
alert3 (verb): warn (someone) of a danger, threat, or problem, typically with the intention of having it avoided or dealt with
alias1 (adverb): used to indicate that a named person is also known or more familiar under another specified name
alias2 (noun): a false or assumed identity
alias3 (verb): misidentify (a signal frequency), introducing distortion or error
alienate (verb): cause (someone) to feel isolated or estranged
align (verb): place or arrange (things) in a straight line
allege (verb): claim or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof that this is the case
allegiance (noun): loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause
alleviate (verb): make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe
ease2 (verb): make (something unpleasant, painful, or intense) less serious or severe
mitigate (verb): make less severe, serious, or painful
allot (verb): give or apportion (something) to someone as a share or task
allow (verb): give (someone) permission to do something
allure1 (noun): the quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating
allure2 (verb): powerfully attract or charm; tempt
aloof (adjective): not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant
alter (verb): change or cause to change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way
alternate1 (adjective): every other; every second
alternate2 (noun): a person who acts as a deputy or substitute
alternative1 (adjective): available as another possibility
alternative2 (noun): one of two or more available possibilities
altitude (noun): the height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level
altruistic (adjective): showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others, without care for one's own interests; unselfish
amalgamate (verb): combine or unite to form one organization or structure
merge1 (verb): combine or cause to combine to form a single entity
amaze (verb): surprise (someone) greatly; fill with astonishment
astonish (verb): surprise or impress (someone) greatly
astound (verb): shock or greatly surprise
ambition (noun): a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work
ambivalent (adjective): having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
ambush1 (noun): a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position
ambush2 (verb): make a surprise attack on (someone) from a concealed position
ameliorate (verb): make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better
amend (verb): make minor changes in (a text) in order to make it fairer, more accurate, or more up-to-date
amicable (adjective): having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement or rancor
amiss1 (adjective): not quite right; inappropriate or out of place
amiss2 (adverb): wrongly or inappropriately
ample (adjective): enough or more than enough; plentiful
amuse (verb): cause (someone) to find something funny; entertain
anachronistic (adjective): belonging or appropriate to a period other than that being portrayed
analogy (noun): a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification
analyze (verb): examine methodically and in detail the constitution or structure of (something, especially information), typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation
anarchy (noun): a state of disorder due to absence or nonrecognition of authority or other controlling systems
anathema (noun): something or someone that one vehemently dislikes
ancestor (noun): a person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended
ancient1 (adjective): belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence
ancient2 (noun): the people of ancient times, especially the Greeks and Romans of classical antiquity
ancillary1 (adjective): providing support to the primary activities or operation of an organization, system, etc
ancillary2 (noun): a person whose work provides support to the primary activities of an organization, system, etc
anguish2 (verb): be extremely distressed about something
animosity (noun): strong hostility
annihilate (verb): destroy utterly; obliterate
obliterate (verb): destroy utterly; wipe out
annual1 (adjective): occurring once every year
annual2 (noun): a book or magazine that is published once a year under the same title but with different contents
anonymous (adjective): not identified by name; of unknown name
antagonist (noun): a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary
enemy (noun): a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something
antagonize (verb): cause (someone) to become hostile or angry
anthropology (noun): the study of human societies and cultures and their development
anticipate (verb): regard as probable; expect or predict
antics (noun): foolish, outrageous, or amusing behavior
anxious (adjective): experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome
apprehensive (adjective): anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen
apathy (noun): lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
apparel1 (noun): clothing
apparel2 (verb): clothe (someone)
habit2 (verb): dress; clothe
apparent (adjective): clearly visible or understood; obvious
appeal1 (verb): make a serious or urgent request, typically to the public
appeal2 (noun): a serious or urgent request, typically one made to the public
appellation (noun): a name or title
apportion (verb): divide and allocate
apposite (adjective): apt in the circumstances or in relation to something
pertinent (adjective): relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite
appreciate (verb): recognize the full worth of
apprehend (verb): arrest (someone) for a crime
approach1 (verb): come near or nearer to (someone or something) in distance or time
approach2 (noun): a way of dealing with something
approximate (verb): come close or be similar to something in quality, nature, or quantity
approximately (adverb): used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or exact; roughly
arbitrary (adjective): based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system
archaeologist (noun): a person who studies human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains
archaic (adjective): very old or old-fashioned
arctic1 (adjective): relating to the regions around the North Pole
arctic2 (noun): the regions around the North Pole
ardent (adjective): enthusiastic or passionate
arduous (adjective): involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring
strenuous (adjective): requiring or using great effort or exertion
arena (noun): a level area surrounded by seats for spectators, in which sports, entertainments, and other public events are held
arid (adjective): having little or no rain; too dry or barren to support vegetation
aroma (noun): a distinctive, typically pleasant smell
arrange (verb): put (things) in a neat, attractive, or required order
arrest1 (verb): seize (someone) by legal authority and take into custody
arrest2 (noun): the action of seizing someone to take into custody
arrive (verb): reach a place at the end of a journey or a stage in a journey
arrogant (adjective): having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities
articulate (verb): express (an idea or feeling) fluently and coherently
ascend (verb): go up or climb
ashamed (adjective): embarrassed or guilty because of one's actions, characteristics, or associations
aspersion (noun): an attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something
aspirational (adjective): having or characterized by aspirations to achieve social prestige and material success
aspire (verb): direct one's hopes or ambitions towards achieving something
assailant (noun): a person who physically attacks another
assert (verb): state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully
assess (verb): evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of
assiduous (adjective): showing great care and perseverance
assimilate (verb): take in (information, ideas, or culture) and understand fully
assist2 (noun): an instance of touching the puck or ball in a play in which a teammate scores, or the batter is put out
associate1 (noun): a partner or colleague in business or at work
associate2 (adjective): joined or connected with an organization or business
assuage (verb): make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense
assume (verb): suppose to be the case, without proof
presume (verb): suppose that something is the case on the basis of probability
assumption (noun): a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof
astonishing (adjective): extremely surprising or impressive; amazing
astute (adjective): having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage
atrocity (noun): an extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury
attach (verb): fasten; join
attack1 (verb): take aggressive action against (a place or enemy forces) with weapons or armed force, typically in a battle or war
attack2 (noun): an aggressive and violent action against a person or place
attempt1 (verb): make an effort to achieve or complete (something, typically a difficult task or action)
attempt2 (noun): an act of trying to achieve something, typically one that is unsuccessful or not certain to succeed
attend (verb): be present at (an event, meeting, or function)
attention (noun): notice taken of someone or something; the regarding of someone or something as interesting or important
attentively (adverb): while paying close attention
attitude (noun): a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior
attract (verb): cause to come to a place or participate in a venture by offering something of interest, favorable conditions, or opportunities
attractive (adjective): pleasing or appealing to the senses
attribute1 (verb): regard something as being caused by (someone or something)
attribute2 (noun): a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something
audacious (adjective): showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks
bold1 (adjective): showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous
augment (noun): Linguistics a vowel prefixed to past tenses of verbs in Greek and other Indo-European languages
austere (adjective): severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance
authority1 (noun): the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience
authorize (verb): give official permission for or approval to (an undertaking or agent)
sanction2 (verb): give official permission or approval for (an action)
autobiography (noun): an account of a person's life written by that person
autonomy (noun): the right or condition of self-government
avail (verb): help or benefit
available (adjective): able to be used or obtained; at someone's disposal
avalanche1 (noun): a mass of snow, ice, and rocks falling rapidly down a mountainside
avalanche2 (verb): descend rapidly down a mountainside
average1 (noun): a number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data, in particular the mode, median, or (most commonly) the mean, which is calculated by dividing the sum of the values in the set by their number
average2 (adjective): constituting the result obtained by adding together several quantities and then dividing this total by the number of quantities
average3 (verb): achieve or amount to as an average rate or amount over a period of time
averse (adjective): having a strong dislike of or opposition to something
avert (verb): turn away (one's eyes or thoughts)
avid (adjective): having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something
avoid (verb): keep away from or stop oneself from doing (something)
award1 (verb): give or order the giving of (something) as an official payment, compensation, or prize to (someone)
award2 (noun): a prize or other mark of recognition given in honor of an achievement
aware (adjective): having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact
cognizant (adjective): having knowledge or being aware of
awe1 (noun): a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder
awe2 (verb): inspire with awe
awkward (adjective): causing difficulty; hard to do or deal with
awry (adjective): away from the appropriate, planned, or expected course; amiss
bachelor (noun): a man who is not and has never been married
baggage (noun): personal belongings packed in suitcases for traveling; luggage
balmy (adjective): pleasantly warm
ban1 (verb): officially or legally prohibit
prohibit (verb): formally forbid (something) by law, rule, or other authority
ban2 (noun): an official or legal prohibition
banquet1 (noun): an elaborate and formal meal for many people
banquet2 (verb): entertain with a banquet
banter1 (noun): the playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks
banter2 (verb): talk or exchange remarks in a good-humored teasing way
barbarous (adjective): savagely cruel; exceedingly brutal
bare1 (adjective): not clothed or covered
bare2 (verb): uncover (a part of the body or other thing) and expose it to view
bare3 (determiner): a large amount or number of
bare4 (adverb): very; really (used as an intensifier)
barrage1 (noun): a concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide area
barrage2 (verb): bombard (someone) with something
barren1 (adjective): too poor to produce much or any vegetation
barren2 (noun): a barren tract or tracts of land
barter1 (verb): exchange (goods or services) for other goods or services without using money
barter2 (noun): the action or system of exchanging goods or services without using money
base1 (noun): the lowest part or edge of something, especially the part on which it rests or is supported
base2 (verb): have as the foundation for (something); use as a point from which (something) can develop
basic1 (adjective): forming an essential foundation or starting point; fundamental
basic2 (noun): the essential facts or principles of a subject or skill
battle1 (noun): a sustained fight between large organized armed forces
battle2 (verb): fight or struggle tenaciously to achieve or resist something
beacon (noun): a fire or light set up in a high or prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration
bear (verb): carry the weight of; support
support1 (verb): bear all or part of the weight of; hold up
befriend (verb): act as a friend to (someone) by offering help or support
believe (verb): accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of
belittle (verb): make (someone or something) seem unimportant
belligerent2 (noun): a nation or person engaged in war or conflict, as recognized by international law
bellow1 (verb): emit a deep loud roar, typically in pain or anger
bellow2 (noun): a deep roaring shout or sound
beneficial (adjective): favorable or advantageous; resulting in good
benefit1 (noun): an advantage or profit gained from something
benefit2 (verb): receive an advantage; profit
benevolent (adjective): kind and with positive intentions
benign (adjective): gentle and kindly
benighted (adjective): in a state of pitiful or contemptible intellectual or moral ignorance, typically owing to a lack of opportunity
beseech (verb): ask (someone) urgently and fervently to do something; implore; entreat
entreat (verb): ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something
implore (verb): beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something
bestow (verb): confer or present (an honor, right, or gift)
beverage (noun): a drink, especially one other than water
bewilder (verb): cause (someone) to become perplexed and confused
biased (adjective): unfairly prejudiced for or against someone or something
bigot (noun): a person who is obstinately or unreasonably attached to a belief, opinion, or faction, especially one who is prejudiced against or antagonistic toward a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular group
bitter1 (adjective): having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet
bitter2 (noun): beer that is strongly flavored with hops and has a bitter taste
bizarre (adjective): very strange or unusual, especially so as to cause interest or amusement
peculiar1 (adjective): strange or odd; unusual
bland (adjective): lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting
blast1 (noun): a destructive wave of highly compressed air spreading outward from an explosion
blast2 (verb): blow up or break apart (something solid) with explosives
blast3 (exclamation): expressing annoyance
blasé (adjective): unimpressed or indifferent to something because one has experienced or seen it so often before
blatant (adjective): done openly and unashamedly
bleak (adjective): lacking vegetation and exposed to the elements
blend1 (verb): mix (a substance) with another substance so that they combine together
blend2 (noun): a mixture of different things or qualities
blizzard (noun): a severe snowstorm with high winds and low visibility
blossom1 (noun): a flower or a mass of flowers, especially on a tree or bush
blossom2 (verb): produce flowers or masses of flowers
blunder1 (noun): a stupid or careless mistake
blunder2 (verb): make a stupid or careless mistake; act or speak clumsily
board1 (noun): a long, thin, flat piece of wood or other hard material, used for floors or other building purposes
board2 (verb): get on or into (a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle)
boast1 (verb): talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities
boast2 (noun): an act of talking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction
boisterous (adjective): noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy
bold2 (noun): a bold typeface or letter
bonanza (noun): a situation or event that creates a sudden increase in wealth, good fortune, or profits
border1 (noun): a line separating two political or geographical areas, especially countries
border2 (verb): form an edge along or beside (something)
bounce1 (verb): move quickly up, back, or away from a surface after hitting it; rebound (once or repeatedly)
bounce2 (noun): a rebound of a ball or other object
bounty (noun): a sum paid for killing or capturing a person or animal
bourgeois1 (adjective): of or characteristic of the middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes
bourgeois2 (noun): a bourgeois person
boycott1 (verb): withdraw from commercial or social relations with (a country, organization, or person) as a punishment or protest
boycott2 (noun): a punitive ban that forbids relations with certain groups, cooperation with a policy, or the handling of goods
braggart (noun): a person who boasts about achievements or possessions
branch1 (noun): a part of a tree which grows out from the trunk or from a bough
branch2 (verb): divide into one or more subdivisions
brave1 (adjective): ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage
courageous (adjective): not deterred by danger or pain; brave
valiant (adjective): possessing or showing courage or determination
brave2 (noun): a warrior of an Indigenous people of North America
brave3 (verb): endure or face (unpleasant conditions or behavior) without showing fear
brawl1 (noun): a rough or noisy fight, especially one involving more than two people and in a public place
brawl2 (verb): fight in a rough or noisy way, especially in a public place
brief1 (adjective): of short duration
brief2 (noun): a concise statement or summary
brief3 (verb): instruct or inform (someone) thoroughly, especially in preparation for a task
bright1 (adjective): giving out or reflecting a lot of light; shining
brilliant1 (adjective): very bright and radiant
luminous (adjective): full of or shedding light; bright or shining, especially in the dark
radiant1 (adjective): sending out light; shining or glowing brightly
bright2 (adverb): luminously
bright3 (noun): bold and vivid colors
brilliant2 (noun): a diamond of brilliant cut
broadcast1 (verb): transmit (a program or some information) by radio or television
broadcast2 (noun): a radio or television program or transmission
broadcast3 (adjective): relating to radio or television transmission
broadcast4 (adverb): by scattering
broaden (verb): become larger in distance from side to side; widen
browse1 (verb): survey goods for sale in a leisurely and casual way
browse2 (noun): an act of casual looking or reading
brutality (noun): savage physical violence; great cruelty
budge (verb): make or cause to make the slightest movement
build1 (verb): construct (something) by putting parts or material together
build2 (noun): the dimensions or proportions of a person's or animal's body
bungle1 (verb): carry out (a task) clumsily or incompetently
bungle2 (noun): a task carried out in a clumsy or incompetent way
buoyant (adjective): able or apt to stay afloat or rise to the top of a liquid or gas
burden1 (noun): a load, typically a heavy one
burden2 (verb): load heavily
burgeoning (adjective): beginning to grow or increase rapidly; flourishing
burn1 (verb): produce flames and heat while consuming a material such as coal or wood
burn2 (noun): an injury caused by exposure to heat or flame
burrow1 (noun): a hole or tunnel dug by a small animal, especially a rabbit, as a dwelling
burrow2 (verb): make a hole or tunnel, typically for use as a dwelling
bystander (noun): a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part
cable1 (noun): a thick rope of wire or nonmetallic fiber, typically used for construction, mooring ships, and towing vehicles
cable2 (verb): contact or send a message to (someone) by cablegram
cache1 (noun): a collection of items of the same type stored in a hidden or inaccessible place
cache2 (verb): store away in hiding or for future use
cacophony (noun): a harsh discordant mixture of sounds
cadaverous (adjective): resembling a corpse in being very pale, thin, or bony
cage1 (noun): a structure of bars or wires in which birds or other animals are confined
cage2 (verb): confine in or as in a cage
calculate (verb): determine (the amount or number of something) mathematically
caliber (noun): the quality of someone's character or the level of their ability
callous1 (adjective): showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others
callous2 (noun): variant spelling of callus
calm1 (adjective): not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions
calm2 (noun): the absence of violent or confrontational activity within a place or group
calm3 (verb): make (someone) tranquil and quiet; soothe
camaraderie (noun): mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together
campaign1 (noun): an organized course of action to achieve a goal
campaign2 (verb): work in an organized and active way toward a particular goal, typically a political or social one
candid (adjective): truthful and straightforward; frank
canine1 (adjective): relating to or resembling a dog or dogs
canine2 (noun): a dog
canny (adjective): having or showing shrewdness and good judgment, especially in money or business matters
capable (adjective): having the ability, fitness, or quality necessary to do or achieve a specified thing
capacious (adjective): having a lot of space inside; roomy
capacity (noun): the maximum amount that something can contain
capital1 (noun): the most important city or town of a country or region, usually its seat of government and administrative center
capital2 (adjective): liable to the death penalty
capital3 (exclamation): used to express approval, satisfaction, or delight
capitulate (verb): cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender
capricious (adjective): given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
capsize1 (verb): overturn in the water
capsize2 (noun): an instance of capsizing
caption1 (noun): a title or brief explanation appended to an article, illustration, cartoon, or poster
caption2 (verb): provide (an illustration) with a title or explanation
captivity (noun): the condition of being imprisoned or confined
capture1 (verb): take into one's possession or control by force
capture2 (noun): the action of capturing or of being captured
cardinal (noun): a leading dignitary of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinals are nominated by the Pope, and form the Sacred College which elects succeeding popes (now invariably from among their own number)
career1 (noun): an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life and with opportunities for progress
career2 (verb): move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way in a specified direction
carefree (adjective): free from anxiety or responsibility
carouse1 (verb): drink plentiful amounts of alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively way
carouse2 (noun): a noisy, lively drinking party
carry1 (verb): support and move (someone or something) from one place to another
carry2 (noun): an act of lifting and transporting something from one place to another
cast1 (verb): cause (light or shadow) to appear on a surface
cast2 (noun): an object made by shaping molten metal or similar material in a mold
casual1 (adjective): relaxed and unconcerned
casual2 (noun): a person who does something irregularly
casualty (noun): a person killed or injured in a war or accident
catalyst (noun): a person or thing that precipitates an event
catastrophe (noun): an event causing great and usually sudden damage or suffering; a disaster
categorize (verb): place in a particular class or group
cater (verb): provide food and drink, typically at social events and in a professional capacity
cause1 (noun): a person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition
cause2 (verb): make (something, especially something bad) happen
cautiously (adverb): in a way that deliberately avoids potential problems or dangers
cavort (verb): jump or dance around excitedly
censorship (noun): the suppression or removal of writing, artistic work, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security
center1 (noun): the middle point of a circle or sphere, equidistant from every point on the circumference or surface
center2 (verb): occur mainly in or around (a specified place)
century (noun): a period of one hundred years
certain1 (adjective): known for sure; established beyond doubt
certain2 (pronoun): some but not all
challenge1 (noun): a call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a duel
challenge2 (verb): invite (someone) to engage in a contest
chamber1 (noun): a large room used for formal or public events
chamber2 (verb): place (a bullet) into the chamber of a gun
change1 (verb): make (someone or something) different; alter or modify
change2 (noun): the act or instance of making or becoming different
character1 (noun): the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual
character2 (verb): inscribe; engrave
charismatic1 (adjective): exercising a compelling charm which inspires devotion in others
charismatic2 (noun): an adherent of the charismatic movement
chart1 (noun): a sheet of information in the form of a table, graph, or diagram
chart2 (verb): make a map of (an area)
chastise (verb): rebuke or reprimand severely
cheer1 (verb): shout for joy or in praise or encouragement
cheer2 (noun): a shout of encouragement, praise, or joy
chew1 (verb): bite and work (food) in the mouth with the teeth, especially to make it easier to swallow
chew2 (noun): a repeated biting or gnawing of something
chill1 (noun): an unpleasant feeling of coldness in the atmosphere, one's surroundings, or the body
chill2 (verb): make (someone) cold
chill3 (adjective): chilly
chirp1 (verb): utter a short, sharp, high-pitched sound
chirp2 (noun): a short, sharp, high-pitched sound
chivalrous (adjective): courteous and gallant, especially toward women (typically used of a man or his behavior)
chore (noun): a routine task, especially a household one
chorus1 (noun): a part of a song that is repeated after each verse, typically by more than one singer
chorus2 (verb): say the same thing at the same time
chronic (adjective): persisting for a long time or constantly recurring. Often contrasted with acute
chronicle1 (noun): a factual written account of important or historical events in the order of their occurrence
chronicle2 (verb): record (a related series of events) in a factual and detailed way
chronological (adjective): starting with the earliest and following the order in which they occurred
circa (preposition): approximately
circular1 (adjective): having the form of a circle
circular2 (noun): a letter or advertisement that is distributed to a large number of people
circumnavigate (verb): sail or travel all the way around (something, especially the world)
circumscribe (verb): restrict (something) within limits
circumvent (verb): find a way around (an obstacle)
citadel (noun): a fortress, typically on high ground, protecting or dominating a city
citrus (noun): a tree of a genus that includes citron, lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit. Native to Asia, citrus trees are widely cultivated in warm countries for their fruit, which has juicy flesh and a pulpy rind. Genus Citrus, family Rutaceae
civic (adjective): relating to a city or town, especially its administration; municipal
civilize (verb): bring (a place or people) to a stage of social and cultural development considered to be more advanced
clad (verb): past participle of clothe adjective
claim1 (verb): state or assert that something is the case, typically without providing evidence or proof
claim2 (noun): an assertion of the truth of something, typically one that is disputed or in doubt
clarify (verb): make (a statement or situation) less confused and more clearly comprehensible
clarity (noun): the quality of being coherent and intelligible
clash1 (noun): a violent confrontation
clash2 (verb): meet and come into violent conflict
clasp1 (verb): grasp (something) tightly with one's hand
grip1 (verb): take and keep a firm hold of; grasp tightly
clasp2 (noun): a device with interlocking parts used for fastening things together
classify (verb): arrange (a group of people or things) in classes or categories according to shared qualities or characteristics
claw1 (noun): a curved pointed horny nail on each digit of the foot in birds, lizards, and some mammals
claw2 (verb): scratch or tear something with the claws or the fingernails
clear1 (adjective): easy to perceive, understand, or interpret
clear2 (verb): remove an obstruction or unwanted item or items from
clever (adjective): quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent
climate (noun): the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period
climax1 (noun): the most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex
climax2 (verb): culminate in an exciting or impressive event; reach a climax
cling1 (verb): hold on tightly to
cling2 (noun): a clingstone peach
club1 (noun): an association or organization dedicated to a particular interest or activity
club2 (verb): go out to nightclubs
coalesce (verb): come together to form one mass or whole
coast1 (noun): the part of the land near the sea; the edge of the land
coast2 (verb): move easily without using power
codify (verb): arrange (laws or rules) into a systematic code
coerce (verb): persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats
coincide (verb): occur at or during the same time
collaborate (verb): work jointly on an activity, especially to produce or create something
collect1 (verb): bring or gather together (things, typically when scattered or widespread)
collect2 (adjective): paid for by the person receiving it
collect3 (adverb): in a way that is paid for by the person receiving it
collide (verb): hit with force when moving
colonize (verb): send a group of settlers to (a place) and establish political control over it
colossal (adjective): extremely large
huge (adjective): extremely large; enormous
immense (adjective): extremely large or great, especially in scale or degree
column (noun): an upright pillar, typically cylindrical and made of stone or concrete, supporting an entablature, arch, or other structure or standing alone as a monument
combat (verb): take action to reduce or prevent (something bad or undesirable)
combine (noun): a group of people or companies acting together for a commercial purpose
command1 (verb): give an authoritative order
command2 (noun): an authoritative order
commemorate (verb): recall and show respect for (someone or something)
commend (verb): praise formally or officially
commensurate (adjective): corresponding in size or degree; in proportion
commentary (noun): an expression of opinions or offering of explanations about an event or situation
communicate (verb): share or exchange information, news, or ideas
compact1 (verb): exert force on (something) to make it more dense; compress
compact2 (noun): a small flat case containing face powder, a mirror, and a powder puff. 2 something that is a small and conveniently shaped example of its kind
companion1 (noun): a person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time or with whom one travels
companion2 (verb): accompany
compare (verb): estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between
compassion (noun): sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others
compel (verb): force or oblige (someone) to do something
compensate (verb): give (someone) something, typically money, in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury incurred; recompense
competition (noun): the activity or condition of competing
compile (verb): produce (something, especially a list, report, or book) by assembling information collected from other sources
complacent (adjective): showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements
complete (adjective): having all the necessary or appropriate parts
complex1 (noun): a group of similar buildings or facilities on the same site
complex2 (verb): Chemistry make (an atom or compound) form a complex with another
comply (verb): act in accordance with a wish or command
component1 (noun): a part or element of a larger whole, especially a part of a machine or vehicle
component2 (adjective): constituting part of a larger whole; constituent
compose (verb): write or create (a work of art, especially music or poetry)
composure (noun): the state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself
comprehend (verb): grasp mentally; understand
comprehensively (adverb): in a way that includes or deals with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
compromise1 (noun): an agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions
compromise2 (verb): settle a dispute by mutual concession
compulsory (adjective): required by law or a rule; obligatory
compunction (noun): a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad
compute (verb): calculate or reckon (a figure or amount)
concentrate1 (verb): focus one's attention or mental effort on a particular object or activity
concentrate2 (noun): a substance made by removing water or other diluting agent; a concentrated form of something, especially food
concept (noun): an abstract idea; a general notion
conceptualize (verb): form a concept or idea of (something)
concern1 (verb): relate to; be about
concern2 (noun): anxiety; worry
concise (adjective): giving the relevant or necessary information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensive
conclude (verb): bring (something) to an end
terminate (verb): bring to an end
conclusion (noun): the end or finish of an event or process
concomitant1 (adjective): naturally accompanying or associated
concomitant2 (noun): a phenomenon that naturally accompanies or follows something
concur (verb): be of the same opinion; agree
condemn (verb): express complete disapproval of, typically in public; censure
conducive (adjective): making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible
conduct (verb): organize and carry out
confess (verb): admit or state that one has committed a crime or is at fault in some way
confident1 (adjective): feeling or showing confidence in oneself; self-assured
confident2 (noun): a confidant
confidential (adjective): intended to be kept secret
confine (noun): the borders or boundaries of a place, especially with regard to their restricting freedom of movement
confiscate (verb): take or seize (someone's property) with authority
conform (verb): comply with rules, standards, or laws
confront (verb): meet (someone) face to face with hostile or argumentative intent
confused (adjective): unable to think clearly; bewildered
congested (adjective): so crowded with traffic or people as to hinder freedom of movement
congratulate (verb): give (someone) one's good wishes when something special or pleasant has happened to them
conjecture1 (noun): an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information
conjecture2 (verb): form an opinion or supposition about (something) on the basis of incomplete information
conjunction (noun): a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause
conjure (noun): a folk religion combining traditional African rites with elements from other religious traditions, practised in parts of the southern US
connoisseur (noun): an expert judge in matters of taste
connotation (noun): an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning
conquer (verb): overcome and take control of (a place or people) by use of military force
conscientious (adjective): wishing to do what is right, especially to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly
consciousness (noun): the state of being awake and aware of one's surroundings
consensus (noun): a general agreement
consequence (noun): a result or effect of an action or condition
consequential (adjective): following as a result or effect
conservative1 (adjective): averse to change or innovation and holding traditional values
conservative2 (noun): a person who is averse to change and holds traditional values
conserve1 (verb): preserve (food, typically fruit) with sugar
conserve2 (noun): a sweet food made by preserving fruit with sugar; jam
preserve2 (noun): a sweet food made with fruit preserved in sugar, such as jam or marmalade
consider (verb): think carefully about (something), typically before making a decision
mull (verb): think about (a fact, proposal, or request) deeply and at length
ponder (verb): think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion
considerable (adjective): notably large in size, amount, or extent
consign (verb): deliver (something) to a person's custody, typically in order for it to be sold
conspicuous (adjective): standing out so as to be clearly visible
conspiracy (noun): a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful
constant1 (adjective): occurring continuously over a period of time
constant2 (noun): a situation or state of affairs that does not change
constitute (verb): be (a part) of a whole
construct (noun): an idea or theory containing various conceptual elements, typically one considered to be subjective and not based on empirical evidence
construe (verb): interpret (a word or action) in a particular way
consult1 (verb): seek information or advice from (someone with expertise in a particular area)
consult2 (noun): an act of consulting a professional; a consultation
contagious (adjective): spread from one person or organism to another by direct or indirect contact
contain (verb): have or hold (someone or something) within
contaminate (verb): make (something) impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance
contemporary1 (adjective): living or occurring at the same time
contemporary2 (noun): a person or thing living or existing at the same time as another
contempt (noun): the feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn
contend (verb): struggle to surmount (a difficulty or danger)
content1 (adjective): in a state of peaceful happiness
content2 (verb): satisfy (someone)
content3 (noun): a state of satisfaction
contention (noun): heated disagreement
contentious (adjective): causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial
contest (verb): engage in competition to attain (a position of power)
context (noun): the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed
contextualize (verb): place or study in context
continent (noun): any of the world's main continuous expanses of land (Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America)
contingent1 (adjective): subject to chance
contingent2 (noun): a group of people united by some common feature, forming part of a larger group
continuous (adjective): forming an unbroken whole; without interruption
contrary (noun): the opposite
contrast (verb): differ strikingly
contribute (verb): give (something, especially money) in order to help achieve or provide something
controversy (noun): disagreement, typically when prolonged, public, and heated
conundrum (noun): a confusing and difficult problem or question
convalesce (verb): recover one's health and strength over a period of time after an illness or operation
convene (verb): come or bring together for a meeting or activity; assemble
convenient (adjective): fitting in well with a person's needs, activities, and plans
conventional (adjective): based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed
convergence (noun): the process or state of converging
conversely (adverb): introducing a statement or idea which reverses one that has just been made or referred to
convert (noun): a person who has been persuaded to change their religious faith or other beliefs
convey (verb): transport or carry to a place
convince (verb): cause (someone) to believe firmly in the truth of something
convivial (adjective): friendly, lively, and enjoyable
cooperate (verb): work jointly toward the same end
cope (verb): deal effectively with something difficult
cordial1 (adjective): warm and friendly
cordial2 (noun): another term for liqueur
core1 (noun): the tough central part of various fruits, containing the seeds
core2 (adjective): central to the existence or character of someone or something
core3 (verb): remove the tough central part and seeds from (a fruit)
corner1 (noun): a place or angle where two or more sides or edges meet
corner2 (verb): force (a person or animal) into a place or situation from which it is hard to escape
correlation (noun): a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things
correspond (verb): have a close similarity; match or agree almost exactly
corroborate (verb): confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding)
corrupt1 (adjective): having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain
corrupt2 (verb): cause to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain
cosmic (adjective): relating to the universe or cosmos, especially as distinct from the earth
cosmopolitan1 (adjective): including or containing people from many different countries
cosmopolitan2 (noun): a cosmopolitan person
counterfeit1 (adjective): made in exact imitation of something valuable or important with the intention to deceive or defraud
counterfeit2 (noun): a fraudulent imitation of something else; a forgery
counterfeit3 (verb): imitate fraudulently
couple1 (noun): two individuals of the same sort considered together
couple2 (verb): combine
course1 (noun): the route or direction followed by a ship, aircraft, road, or river
course2 (verb): move without obstruction; flow
courteous (adjective): polite, respectful, or considerate in manner
cover1 (verb): put something on top of or in front of (something), especially in order to protect or conceal it
cover2 (noun): a thing which lies on, over, or around something, especially in order to protect or conceal it
coward1 (noun): a person who lacks the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things
coward2 (adjective): excessively afraid of danger or pain. 2 Heraldry (of an animal) depicted with the tail between the hind legs
craft1 (noun): an activity involving skill in making things by hand
craft2 (verb): exercise skill in making (something)
crafty (adjective): clever at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods
crave (verb): feel a powerful desire for (something)
crawl1 (verb): move forward on the hands and knees or by dragging the body close to the ground
crawl2 (noun): an act of moving on one's hands and knees or dragging one's body along the ground
craze1 (noun): an enthusiasm for a particular activity or object which appears suddenly and achieves widespread but short-lived popularity
craze2 (verb): make (someone) become wildly irrational or out of control
create (verb): bring (something) into existence
credible (adjective): able to be believed; convincing
creole1 (noun): a person of mixed European and Black descent, especially in the Caribbean
creole2 (adjective): relating to a Creole or Creoles
crew1 (noun): a group of people who work on and operate a ship, boat, aircraft, spacecraft, or train
crew2 (verb): provide (a craft or vehicle) with a group of people to operate it
critic (noun): a person who expresses an unfavorable opinion of something
critique1 (noun): a detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a creative work or a literary, philosophical, or political theory
critique2 (verb): evaluate (a theory, practice, or creative work) in a detailed and analytical way
crowd1 (noun): a large number of people gathered together in a disorganized or unruly way
crowd2 (verb): fill (a space) almost completely, leaving little or no room for movement
crucial (adjective): decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something
crumple1 (verb): crush (something, typically paper or cloth) so that it becomes creased and wrinkled
crumple2 (noun): a crushed fold, crease, or wrinkle
crunch1 (verb): crush (a hard or brittle foodstuff) with the teeth, making a loud but muffled grinding sound
crunch2 (noun): a loud muffled grinding sound made when crushing, moving over, or hitting something
crusade1 (noun): each of a series of medieval military expeditions made by Europeans to the Holy Land in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries
crusade2 (verb): lead or take part in a vigorous campaign for social, political, or religious change
culminate (verb): reach a climax or point of highest development
cultivate (verb): prepare and use (land) for crops or gardening
cumulative (adjective): increasing or increased in quantity, degree, or force by successive additions
curiously (adverb): in a way that shows eagerness to know or learn something
cursory (adjective): hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed
curtail (verb): reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on
custom (noun): a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time
customary1 (adjective): according to the customs or usual practices associated with a particular society, place, or set of circumstances
customary2 (noun): historical another term for custumal
cynical (adjective): believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity
damp1 (adjective): slightly wet
damp2 (noun): moisture diffused through the air or a solid substance or condensed on a surface, typically with detrimental or unpleasant effects
damp3 (verb): make (something) slightly wet
dangerous (adjective): able or likely to cause harm or injury
perilous (adjective): full of danger or risk
dash1 (verb): run or travel somewhere in a great hurry
dash2 (exclamation): used to express mild annoyance
dash3 (noun): an act of running somewhere suddenly and hastily
daub1 (verb): coat or smear (a surface) with a thick or sticky substance in a carelessly rough or liberal way
daub2 (noun): plaster, clay, or another substance used for coating a surface, especially when mixed with straw and applied to laths or wattles to form a wall
daunting (adjective): seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating
dawdle (verb): waste time; be slow
dearth (noun): a scarcity or lack of something
debacle (noun): a sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco
debate1 (noun): a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward
debut1 (noun): a person's first appearance or performance in a particular capacity or role
debut2 (verb): perform in public for the first time
decay1 (verb): rot or decompose through the action of bacteria and fungi
decay2 (noun): the state or process of rotting or decomposition
deceased1 (noun): a person who has died
deceased2 (adjective): dead; no longer living
deceive (verb): deliberately cause (someone) to believe something that is not true, especially for personal gain
deceptive (adjective): giving an appearance or impression different from the true one; misleading
decide (verb): come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration
decipher (verb): convert (a text written in code, or a coded signal) into normal language
declare (verb): say something in a solemn and emphatic manner
decline1 (verb): become smaller, fewer, or less; decrease
decline2 (noun): a gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, quality, or value
decontextualize (verb): consider (something) in isolation from its context
decorum (noun): behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety
decree1 (noun): an official order issued by a legal authority
decree2 (verb): order (something) by decree
dedicate (verb): devote (time, effort, or oneself) to a particular task or purpose
dedicated (adjective): devoted to a task or purpose; having single-minded loyalty or integrity
deduce (verb): arrive at (a fact or a conclusion) by reasoning; draw as a logical conclusion
deed1 (noun): an action that is performed intentionally or consciously
deed2 (verb): convey or transfer (property or rights) by legal deed
deep1 (adjective): extending far down from the top or surface
deep2 (noun): the sea
deep3 (adverb): far down or in; deeply
deepen (verb): make or become deep or deeper
deface (verb): spoil the surface or appearance of (something), for example by drawing or writing on it
defect (noun): a shortcoming, imperfection, or lack
defend (verb): resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger
defer (verb): put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone
deferential (adjective): showing deference; respectful
defiant (adjective): openly resisting or disobeying; showing defiance
deficient (adjective): not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient
define (verb): state or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of
deleterious (adjective): causing harm or damage
delicate1 (adjective): very fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship or quality
delicate2 (noun): a delicate fabric or garment made of such fabric
delineate (verb): describe or portray (something) precisely
deliver (verb): bring and hand over (a letter, parcel, or goods) to the proper recipient or address
deluge1 (noun): a severe flood
deluge2 (verb): inundate with a great quantity of something
demand1 (noun): an insistent and peremptory request, made as if by right
demand2 (verb): ask authoritatively or brusquely
demeanor (noun): outward behavior or bearing
demise1 (noun): a person's death
demise2 (verb): convey or grant (an estate) by will or lease
demonize (verb): portray as wicked and threatening
demonstrate (verb): give a practical exhibition and explanation of (how a machine, skill, or craft works or is performed)
denote (verb): be a sign of; indicate
dense (adjective): closely compacted in substance
depend (verb): be controlled or determined by
dependent1 (adjective): contingent on or determined by
dependent2 (noun): a person who relies on another, especially a family member, for financial support
depict (verb): show or represent by a drawing, painting, or other art form
deplete (verb): use up the supply or resources of
deplore (verb): feel or express strong disapproval of (something)
deploy (verb): move (troops or equipment) into position for military action
deposit1 (noun): a sum of money placed or kept in a bank account, usually to gain interest
deposit2 (verb): put or set down (something or someone) in a specific place, typically unceremoniously
deprecate (verb): express disapproval of
reprobate3 (verb): express or feel disapproval of
deprive (verb): deny (a person or place) the possession or use of something
derive (verb): obtain something from (a specified source)
derogatory (adjective): showing a critical or disrespectful attitude
descend (verb): move or fall downward
describe (verb): give an account in words of (someone or something), including all the relevant characteristics, qualities, or events
design1 (noun): a plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of a building, garment, or other object before it is built or made
design2 (verb): decide upon the look and functioning of (a building, garment, or other object), by making a detailed drawing of it
designate (adjective): appointed to an office or position but not yet installed
desire1 (noun): a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen
desire2 (verb): strongly wish for or want (something)
desist (verb): cease; abstain
desolate (verb): make (a place) bleakly and depressingly empty or bare
desperate (adjective): feeling, showing, or involving a hopeless sense that a situation is so bad as to be impossible to deal with
despondent (adjective): in low spirits from loss of hope or courage
destroy (verb): put an end to the existence of (something) by damaging or attacking it
destructive (adjective): causing great and irreparable harm or damage
detach (verb): disengage (something or part of something) and remove it
detect (verb): discover or identify the presence or existence of
deter (verb): discourage (someone) from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences
deteriorate (verb): become progressively worse
determine1 (verb): cause (something) to occur in a particular way; be the decisive factor in
detract (verb): diminish the worth or value of (a quality or achievement)
detrimental (adjective): tending to cause harm
devastate (verb): destroy or ruin (something)
develop (verb): grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate
deviate1 (noun): another term for deviant (noun)
deviate2 (adjective): departing from usual or accepted standards; deviant
deviation (noun): the action of departing from an established course or accepted standard
device (noun): a thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment
devious (adjective): showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals
devoid (adjective): entirely lacking or free from
devote (verb): give all or a large part of one's time or resources to (a person, activity, or cause)
devour (verb): eat (food or prey) hungrily or quickly
diagnose (verb): identify the nature of (an illness or other problem) by examination of the symptoms
diagram1 (noun): a simplified drawing showing the appearance, structure, or workings of something; a schematic representation
diagram2 (verb): represent (something) in graphic form
dialect (noun): a particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group
dialog1 (noun): conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or movie
dialog2 (verb): take part in a conversation or discussion to resolve a problem
diaspora (noun): the dispersion or spread of a people from their original homeland
dictate (noun): an order or principle that must be obeyed
digest (noun): a compilation or summary of material or information
dignified (adjective): having or showing a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect
dilemma (noun): a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones
diligent (adjective): having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties
diminish (verb): make or become less
diminutive1 (adjective): extremely or unusually small
diminutive2 (noun): a diminutive word or suffix
dire (adjective): extremely serious or urgent
disagree (verb): have or express a different opinion
discord2 (verb): disagree
disarray1 (noun): a state of disorganization or untidiness
disarray2 (verb): throw (someone or something) into a state of disorganization or untidiness
disaster (noun): a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of life
disband (verb): break up or cause to break up
discern (verb): perceive or recognize (something)
discipline1 (noun): the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, with punishment or other undesired consequences for those failing to comply
discipline2 (verb): train (someone) to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience
disclose (verb): make (secret or new information) known
reveal1 (verb): make (previously unknown or secret information) known to others
discord1 (noun): disagreement between people
discourage (verb): cause (someone) to lose confidence or enthusiasm
discreet (adjective): careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage
discretion (noun): the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information
discriminate (verb): make an unjust or prejudicial distinction in the treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of ethnicity, sex, age, or disability
discuss (verb): talk about (something) with another person or group of people
disdain1 (noun): the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt
disdain2 (verb): consider to be unworthy of one's consideration
disease (noun): a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that has a distinctive group of symptoms, signs, or anatomical changes and often a known cause
disenfranchise (verb): deprive (someone) of the right to vote
disgruntled (adjective): angry or dissatisfied
disheartened (adjective): having lost determination or confidence; dispirited
dismal (adjective): causing a mood of gloom or depression; depressing; dreary
dismantle (verb): take (a machine or structure) to pieces
disoriented (adjective): having lost one's sense of direction
disparate1 (adjective): essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison
disparate2 (noun): things so unlike that there is no basis for comparison
dispatch1 (verb): send off to a destination or for a purpose
dispatch2 (noun): the sending of someone or something to a destination or for a purpose
display1 (verb): make a prominent exhibition of (something) in a place where it can be easily seen
display2 (noun): a performance, show, or event intended for public entertainment
displeasure1 (noun): a feeling of annoyance or disapproval
displeasure2 (verb): annoy; displease
disposition (noun): a person's inherent qualities of mind and character
disrepute (noun): the state of being held in low esteem by the public
disseminate (verb): spread (something, especially information) widely
dissent1 (noun): the holding or expression of opinions at variance with those commonly or officially held
dissent2 (verb): hold or express opinions that are at variance with those commonly or officially held
dissociate (verb): disconnect or separate (used especially in abstract contexts)
dissolve1 (verb): become or cause to become incorporated into a liquid so as to form a solution
dissolve2 (noun): an act or instance of moving gradually from one picture to another
distant (adjective): far away in space or time
distinct (adjective): recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type
distort (verb): pull or twist out of shape
distract (verb): prevent (someone) from giving full attention to something
distraught (adjective): deeply upset and agitated
distress (noun): extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
misery (noun): a state or feeling of great distress or discomfort of mind or body
woe (noun): great sorrow or distress (often used hyperbolically)
distribute (verb): give shares of (something); deal out
dive1 (verb): plunge head first into water
dive2 (noun): a plunge head first into water
divergent (adjective): tending to be different or develop in different directions
diversion (noun): an instance of turning something aside from its course
diversity (noun): the state of being diverse; variety
divisive (adjective): tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people
docile (adjective): willing to accept control or instruction; submissive
doctrine (noun): a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, political party, or other group
document (verb): record (something) in written, photographic, or other form
dodge1 (verb): avoid (someone or something) by a sudden quick movement
dodge2 (noun): a sudden quick movement to avoid someone or something
domestic1 (adjective): relating to the running of a home or to family relations
domestic2 (noun): a person who is paid to help with menial tasks such as cleaning
dominate (verb): have a commanding influence on; exercise control over
dormant (adjective): having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; in or as if in a deep sleep
doubt1 (noun): a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction
doubt2 (verb): feel uncertain about
downright1 (adjective): utter; complete (used for emphasis)
downright2 (adverb): to an extreme degree; thoroughly
doze1 (verb): sleep lightly
doze2 (noun): a short, light sleep
drastic (adjective): likely to have a strong or far-reaching effect; radical and extreme
drift1 (verb): be carried slowly by a current of air or water
drift2 (noun): a continuous slow movement from one place to another
drone1 (verb): make a continuous low humming sound
drone2 (noun): a low continuous humming sound
dub (verb): give an unofficial name or nickname to (someone or something)
dubious (adjective): hesitating or doubting
dumbfounded (adjective): greatly astonished or amazed
duplicate1 (noun): one of two or more identical things
duplicate2 (verb): make or be an exact copy of
durable1 (adjective): able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; hard-wearing
durable2 (noun): short for durable goods
duration (noun): the time during which something continues
dusk1 (noun): the darker stage of twilight
dusk2 (verb): grow dark
dusk3 (adjective): shadowy, dim, or dark
dutiful (adjective): conscientiously or obediently fulfilling one's duty
dwell1 (verb): live in or at a specified place
dwell2 (noun): a slight regular pause in the motion of a machine. PHRASAL VERBS dwell on (also dwell upon) (dwell on something) think, speak, or write at length about a particular subject, especially one that is a source of unhappiness, anxiety, or dissatisfaction
dwindle (verb): diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength
eager (adjective): wanting to do or have something very much
earnest (adjective): resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction
ease1 (noun): absence of difficulty or effort
ebullient (adjective): cheerful and full of energy
eccentric1 (adjective): unconventional and slightly strange
eccentric2 (noun): a person of unconventional and slightly strange views or behavior
eclectic1 (adjective): deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources
eclectic2 (noun): a person who derives ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources
eclipse1 (noun): an obscuring of the light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the observer or between it and its source of illumination
eclipse2 (verb): obscure the light from or to (another celestial body)
economy1 (noun): the wealth and resources of a country or region, especially in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services
economy2 (adjective): offering the best value for the money
edible1 (adjective): fit or suitable to be eaten
edible2 (noun): items of food
edit1 (verb): prepare (written material) for publication by correcting, condensing, or otherwise modifying it
edit2 (noun): a change or correction made as a result of editing
eerie (adjective): strange and frightening
effect1 (noun): a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause
effect2 (verb): cause (something) to happen; bring about
efficacious (adjective): successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective
efficient (adjective): achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense
egregious (adjective): outstandingly bad; shocking
elaborate (verb): develop or present (a theory, policy, or system) in detail
elation (noun): great happiness and exhilaration
jubilation (noun): a feeling of great happiness and triumph
elegant (adjective): pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner
element (noun): a part or aspect of something abstract, especially one that is essential or characteristic
elephantine (adjective): of, resembling, or characteristic of an elephant or elephants, especially in being large, clumsy, or awkward
elicit (verb): evoke or draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone in reaction to one's own actions or questions
eligible (adjective): having the right to do or obtain something; satisfying the appropriate conditions
eliminate (verb): completely remove or get rid of (something)
elite (noun): a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society
elude (verb): evade or escape from (a danger, enemy, or pursuer), typically in a skillful or cunning way
emanate (verb): issue or spread out from (a source)
emancipate (verb): set free, especially from legal, social, or political restrictions
embargo1 (noun): an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country
embargo2 (verb): impose an official ban on (trade or a country or commodity)
embark (verb): go on board a ship or aircraft
embed (verb): fix (an object) firmly and deeply in a surrounding mass
embellish (verb): make (something) more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features
emblem (noun): a heraldic device or symbolic object as a distinctive badge of a nation, organization, or family
embodiment (noun): a tangible or visible form of an idea, quality, or feeling
emerge (verb): move out of or away from something and come into view
emigrate (verb): leave one's own country in order to settle permanently in another
emissary (noun): a person sent on a special mission, usually as a diplomatic representative
emphasize (verb): give special importance or prominence to (something) in speaking or writing
empirical (adjective): based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic
employ1 (verb): give work to (someone) and pay them for it
employ2 (noun): the state or fact of being employed for wages or a salary
emulate (verb): match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation
enable (verb): give (someone or something) the authority or means to do something
encapsulate (verb): express the essential features of (something) succinctly
encounter1 (verb): unexpectedly experience or be faced with (something difficult or hostile)
encounter2 (noun): an unexpected or casual meeting with someone or something
encourage (verb): give support, confidence, or hope to (someone)
encroach (verb): intrude on (a person's territory or a thing considered to be a right)
encumber (verb): restrict or burden (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult
endanger (verb): put (someone or something) at risk or in danger
endeavor1 (verb): try hard to do or achieve something
endeavor2 (noun): an attempt to achieve a goal
endorse (verb): declare one's public approval or support of
endure (verb): suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently
enervate (adjective): lacking in energy or vitality
enfeeble (verb): make weak or feeble
engage (verb): occupy, attract, or involve (someone's interest or attention)
engender (verb): cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition)
engrossing (adjective): absorbing all one's attention or interest
enhance (verb): intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of
enigma (noun): a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand
enlarge (verb): make or become bigger or more extensive
enraged (adjective): very angry; furious
enrapture (verb): give intense pleasure or joy to
ensue (verb): happen or occur afterward or as a result
entertain (verb): provide (someone) with amusement or enjoyment
enthral (verb): capture the fascinated attention of
enthusiastic (adjective): having or showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval
entire1 (adjective): with no part left out; whole
entire2 (noun): an uncastrated male horse
entrance (noun): an opening, such as a door, passage, or gate, that allows access to a place
entrenched (adjective): firmly established and difficult or unlikely to change; ingrained
envision (verb): imagine as a future possibility; visualize
envoy (noun): a messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission
envy1 (noun): a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck
envy2 (verb): desire to have a quality, possession, or other desirable attribute belonging to (someone else)
ephemeral1 (adjective): lasting for a very short time
transient1 (adjective): lasting only for a short time; impermanent
ephemeral2 (noun): an ephemeral plant
epic1 (noun): a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation
epic2 (adjective): relating to or characteristic of an epic or epics
epidemic1 (noun): a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time
epidemic2 (adjective): occurring widely in a community at a particular time
epitomize (verb): be a perfect example of
epoch (noun): a period of time in history or a person's life, typically one marked by notable events or particular characteristics
equivalent1 (adjective): equal in value, amount, function, meaning, etc
equivalent2 (noun): a person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, meaning, etc
equivocal (adjective): open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous
era (noun): a long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic
eradicate (verb): destroy completely; put an end to
erupt (verb): become active and eject lava, ash, and gases
escalate (verb): become more intense or serious
escape1 (verb): break free from confinement or control
escape2 (noun): an act of breaking free from confinement or control
espouse (verb): adopt or support (a cause, belief, or way of life)
espy (verb): catch sight of
essential1 (adjective): absolutely necessary; extremely important
integral1 (adjective): necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental
vital1 (adjective): absolutely necessary or important; essential
essential2 (noun): a thing that is absolutely necessary
establish (verb): set up (an organization, system, or set of rules) on a firm or permanent basis
esteem1 (noun): respect and admiration, typically for a person
honor1 (noun): high respect; great esteem
respect1 (noun): a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements
esteem2 (verb): respect and admire
honor2 (verb): regard with great respect
respect2 (verb): admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements
venerate (verb): regard with great respect; revere
estimate (noun): an approximate calculation or judgment of the value, number, quantity, or extent of something
ethereal (adjective): extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world
ethical (adjective): relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these
euphoria (noun): a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness
evade (verb): escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or trickery
evaluate (verb): form an idea of the amount, number, or value of; assess
eventful (adjective): marked by interesting or exciting events
evict (verb): expel (someone) from a property, especially with the support of the law
evident (adjective): plain or obvious; clearly seen or understood
evoke (verb): bring or recall to the conscious mind
evolve (verb): develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form
exacerbate (verb): make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
exactly (adverb): without discrepancy (used to emphasize the accuracy of a figure or description)
exaggerate (verb): represent (something) as being larger, better, or worse than it really is
examine (verb): inspect (someone or something) in detail to determine their nature or condition; investigate thoroughly
exasperation (noun): a feeling of intense irritation or annoyance
excavate (verb): make (a hole or channel) by digging
excel (verb): be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject
exceptional (adjective): unusual; not typical
excerpt (verb): take (a short extract) from a text
exchange1 (noun): an act of giving one thing and receiving another (especially of the same type or value) in return
exchange2 (verb): give something and receive something of the same kind in return
exclude (verb): deny (someone) access to or bar (someone) from a place, group, or privilege
exclusive1 (adjective): restricted or limited to the person, group, or area concerned
exclusive2 (noun): an item or story published or broadcast by only one source
excruciating (adjective): intensely painful
execrable (adjective): extremely bad or unpleasant
execute (verb): carry out or put into effect (a plan, order, or course of action)
implement (verb): put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect
exert (verb): apply or bring to bear (a force, influence, or quality)
exhibit1 (verb): publicly display (a work of art or item of interest) in an art gallery or museum or at a trade fair
exhibit2 (noun): an object or collection of objects on public display in an art gallery or museum or at a trade fair
exhort (verb): strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something
exigent (adjective): pressing; demanding
exiguous (adjective): very small in size or amount
tiny (adjective): very small
exodus (noun): a mass departure of people, especially emigrants
exotic1 (adjective): originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country
exotic2 (noun): an exotic plant or animal
expand (verb): become or make larger or more extensive
expanse (noun): an area of something, typically land or sea, presenting a wide continuous surface
expeditious (adjective): done with speed and efficiency
experiment (verb): perform a scientific procedure, especially in a laboratory, to determine something
explain (verb): make (an idea, situation, or problem) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas
explicit1 (adjective): stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt
explicit2 (noun): the closing words of a text, manuscript, early printed book, or chanted liturgical text
exploit (noun): a bold or daring feat
explore (verb): travel in or through (an unfamiliar country or area) in order to learn about or familiarize oneself with it
exponentially (adverb): more and more rapidly
expose (verb): make (something) visible by uncovering it
exposition (noun): a comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory
expulsion (noun): the action of depriving someone of membership in an organization
expunge (verb): erase or remove completely (something unwanted or unpleasant)
extinct (adjective): having no living members; no longer in existence
extract (noun): a short passage taken from a piece of writing, music, or film
extraordinary1 (adjective): very unusual or remarkable
extraordinary2 (noun): an item in a company's accounts not arising from its normal activities
extreme1 (adjective): reaching a high or the highest degree; very great
extreme2 (noun): either of two abstract things that are as different from each other as possible
extricate (verb): free (someone or something) from a constraint or difficulty
exuberant (adjective): filled with or characterized by a lively energy and excitement
exult (verb): feel or show triumphant elation or jubilation
fabricate (verb): invent (something) in order to deceive
facilitate (verb): make (an action or process) easy or easier
faction (combining form): a combining form in nouns of action derived from verbs ending in -fy
factor1 (noun): a circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result or outcome
factor2 (verb): Mathematics another term for factorize
fad (noun): an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived and without basis in the object's qualities; a craze
fair1 (adjective): impartial and just, without favoritism or discrimination
fair2 (adverb): without cheating or trying to achieve unjust advantage
fair3 (noun): a beautiful woman
fair4 (verb): dialect (of the weather) become fine
fallacy (noun): a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument
falsely (adverb): not in accordance with truth or fact; incorrectly
falter (verb): start to lose strength or momentum
famous (adjective): known about by many people
fan1 (noun): an apparatus with rotating blades that creates a current of air for cooling or ventilation
fan2 (verb): cool (especially a person or a part of the body) by waving something to create a current of air
fancy1 (adjective): elaborate in structure or decoration
fancy2 (verb): feel a desire or liking for
fancy3 (noun): a feeling of liking or attraction, typically one that is superficial or transient
fastidious (adjective): very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
fatal (adjective): causing death
fatigue1 (noun): extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness
fatigue2 (verb): cause (someone) to feel tired or exhausted
fearless (adjective): lacking fear
feasible (adjective): possible or practical to do; practical
feast1 (noun): a large meal, typically one in celebration of something
feast2 (verb): eat and drink sumptuously
feeble (adjective): lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness
feign (verb): pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury)
fend (verb): look after and provide for oneself, without any help from others
ferocious (adjective): savagely fierce, cruel, or violent
ferret1 (noun): a domesticated polecat kept as a pet or used, especially in Europe, for catching rabbits. It is typically albino or brown. Mustela putorius furo, family Mustelidae; descended mainly from the European polecat
ferret2 (verb): hunt with ferrets, typically for rabbits
feud1 (noun): a prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute
feud2 (verb): take part in a prolonged quarrel or conflict
fierce1 (adjective): having or displaying an intense or ferocious aggressiveness
fierce2 (adverb): Irish English informal very; extremely
figment (noun): a thing that someone believes to be real but that exists only in their imagination
final1 (adjective): coming at the end of a series
final2 (noun): the last game in a sports tournament or other competition, which decides the winner of the tournament
finesse1 (noun): intricate and refined delicacy
finesse2 (verb): do (something) in a subtle and delicate manner
finite (adjective): having limits or bounds
flabbergasted (adjective): greatly surprised or astonished
flagrant (adjective): conspicuously or obviously offensive
flair (noun): a special or instinctive aptitude or ability for doing something well
flap1 (verb): move (its wings) up and down when flying or preparing to fly
flap2 (noun): a piece of something thin, such as cloth, paper, or metal, hinged or attached only on one side, that covers an opening or hangs down from something
flaw1 (noun): a mark, fault, or other imperfection that mars a substance or object
flaw2 (verb): mar, weaken, or invalidate (something)
flee (verb): run away from a place or situation of danger
flexible (adjective): capable of bending easily without breaking
flippant (adjective): not showing a serious or respectful attitude
float1 (verb): rest or move on or near the surface of a liquid without sinking
float2 (noun): a thing that is buoyant in water
flood (noun): an overflowing of a large amount of water beyond its normal confines, especially over what is normally dry land
florescence (noun): the process of flowering
flourish1 (verb): grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment
flourish2 (noun): a bold or extravagant gesture or action, made especially to attract the attention of others
fluctuate (verb): rise and fall irregularly in number or amount
fluster1 (verb): make (someone) agitated or confused
fluster2 (noun): an agitated or confused state
flutter1 (verb): fly unsteadily or hover by flapping the wings quickly and lightly
flutter2 (noun): an act of fluttering
focus (noun): the center of interest or activity
foil1 (verb): prevent (something considered wrong or undesirable) from succeeding
foil2 (noun): Hunting the track or scent of a hunted animal. 2 archaic a setback in an enterprise; a defeat
fold1 (verb): bend (something flexible and relatively flat) over on itself so that one part of it covers another
fold2 (noun): a form or shape produced by the gentle draping of a loose, full garment or piece of cloth
folklore (noun): the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through the generations by word of mouth
force1 (noun): strength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement
force2 (verb): make a way through or into by physical strength; break open by force
foreboding1 (noun): fearful apprehension; a feeling that something bad will happen
foreboding2 (adjective): implying or seeming to imply that something bad is going to happen
forecast1 (verb): predict or estimate (a future event or trend)
forecast2 (noun): a prediction or estimate of future events, especially coming weather or a financial trend
forfeit1 (verb): lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing
forfeit2 (noun): a fine or penalty for wrongdoing or for a breach of the rules in a club or game
forfeit3 (adjective): lost or surrendered as a penalty for wrongdoing or neglect
forlorn (adjective): pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely
former1 (adjective): having previously filled a particular role or been a particular thing
former2 (noun): the first or first mentioned of two people or things
formidable (adjective): inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable
formulate (verb): create or devise methodically (a strategy or a proposal)
forsake (verb): abandon (someone or something)
forth (adverb): out from a starting point and forward or into view
fortify (verb): provide (a place) with defensive works as protection against attack
fortunate (adjective): favored by or involving good luck or fortune; lucky
foster1 (verb): encourage or promote the development of (something, typically something regarded as good)
foster2 (adjective): involving or concerned with fostering a child
fraction (noun): a numerical quantity that is not a whole number (e.g. 1/2, 0.5)
fragile (adjective): easily broken or damaged
frail1 (adjective): weak and delicate
frail2 (noun): a woman
frantic (adjective): wild or distraught with fear, anxiety, or other emotion
frequent (verb): visit (a place) often or habitually
fresh1 (adjective): recently made or obtained; not canned, frozen, or otherwise preserved
fresh2 (adverb): newly; recently
frighten (verb): make (someone) afraid or anxious
frigid (adjective): very cold in temperature
frontier (noun): a line or border separating two countries
fruitful (adjective): producing much fruit; fertile
fruitless (adjective): failing to achieve the desired results; unproductive or useless
fuel1 (noun): material such as coal, gas, or oil that is burned to produce heat or power
fuel2 (verb): supply or power (an industrial plant, vehicle, or machine) with fuel
fundamental1 (adjective): forming a necessary base or core; of central importance
fundamental2 (noun): a central or primary rule or principle on which something is based
furious (adjective): extremely angry
furtive (adjective): attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive
futile (adjective): incapable of producing any useful result; pointless
gallant1 (noun): a man who pays special attention to women
gallant2 (verb): flirt with (a woman)
galvanize1 (verb): shock or excite (someone) into taking action
galvanize2 (noun): West Indian English or dialect galvanized steel sheeting, as used for roofing or fencing
gambol1 (verb): run or jump about playfully
gambol2 (noun): an act of running or jumping about playfully
gamut (noun): the complete range or scope of something
gap (noun): a break or space in an object or between two objects
garish (adjective): obtrusively bright and showy; lurid
garrulous (adjective): excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters
gasp1 (verb): inhale suddenly with the mouth open, out of pain or astonishment
gasp2 (noun): a convulsive catching of breath
gaudy (adjective): extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless
gauge1 (noun): an instrument or device for measuring the magnitude, amount, or contents of something, typically with a visual display of such information
gauge2 (verb): estimate or determine the magnitude, amount, or volume of
gaunt (adjective): lean and haggard, especially because of suffering, hunger, or age
gaze1 (verb): look steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought
gaze2 (noun): a steady intent look
generalize (verb): make a general or broad statement by inferring from specific cases
generate (verb): cause (something, especially an emotion or situation) to arise or come about
generosity (noun): the quality of being kind and generous
genre (noun): a category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter
gentle1 (adjective): having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or character
gentle2 (verb): make or become gentle; calm or pacify
gesticulate (verb): use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasize one's words
ghastly (adjective): causing great horror or fear; frightful or macabre
gift1 (noun): a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present
gift2 (verb): give (something) as a gift, especially formally or as a donation or bequest
gigantic (adjective): of very great size or extent; huge or enormous
gingerly1 (adverb): in a careful or cautious manner
gingerly2 (adjective): showing great care or caution
gist1 (noun): the substance or essence of a speech or text
gist2 (verb): Nigerian English engage in chat or gossip
glamorous (adjective): attractive or appealing in an exotic or exciting way
glide1 (verb): move with a smooth continuous motion, typically with little noise
glide2 (noun): a smooth continuous movement
glisten1 (verb): shine; glitter
glisten2 (noun): a sparkling light reflected from something wet
gloat1 (verb): contemplate or dwell on one's own success or another's misfortune with smugness or malignant pleasure
gloat2 (noun): an act of gloating
globe1 (noun): the earth
globe2 (verb): form (something) into a globe
glossy1 (adjective): shiny and smooth
glossy2 (noun): a magazine printed on glossy paper, containing many color photographs and typically devoted to fashion, beauty, celebrities, etc
glow1 (verb): give out steady light without flame
glow2 (noun): a steady radiance of light or heat
glut1 (noun): an excessively abundant supply of something
glut2 (verb): supply or fill to excess
gorge1 (noun): a narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it
gorge2 (verb): eat a large amount greedily; fill oneself with food
grace1 (noun): simple elegance or refinement of movement
grace2 (verb): do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one's presence
gradually (adverb): in a gradual way; slowly; by degrees
grandiose (adjective): impressive and imposing in appearance or style, especially pretentiously so
grapple1 (verb): engage in a close fight or struggle without weapons; wrestle
grapple2 (noun): an act of grappling
grasp1 (verb): seize and hold firmly
grasp2 (noun): a firm hold or grip
gratify (verb): give (someone) pleasure or satisfaction
gratuitous (adjective): uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted
gravity (noun): the force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth, or toward any other physical body having mass
greedy (adjective): having or showing an intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth or power
gregarious (adjective): fond of company; sociable
grief (noun): deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone's death
grievous (adjective): very severe or serious
grim (adjective): forbidding or uninviting
grimy (adjective): covered with or characterized by grime
grip2 (noun): a firm hold; a tight grasp or clasp
grope1 (verb): feel about or search blindly or uncertainly with the hands
grope2 (noun): an act of fondling someone for sexual pleasure
grueling (adjective): extremely tiring and demanding
gruesome (adjective): causing repulsion or horror; grisly
guardian (noun): a person who protects or defends something
guide1 (noun): a person who advises or shows the way to others
guide2 (verb): show or indicate the way to (someone)
gullible (adjective): easily persuaded to believe something; credulous
habit1 (noun): a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up
habitat (noun): the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
habituate (verb): make or become accustomed or used to something
haggard (adjective): looking exhausted and unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering
haggle1 (verb): dispute or bargain persistently, especially over the cost of something
haggle2 (noun): a period of persistent bargaining
hail1 (noun): pellets of frozen rain which fall in showers from cumulonimbus clouds
hail2 (verb): hail falls
hamper (noun): a large basket with a lid used for laundry
hanker (verb): feel a strong desire for or to do something
haphazard (adjective): lacking any obvious principle of organization
hardship (noun): severe suffering or privation
harm1 (noun): physical injury or damage to health
harm2 (verb): physically injure or damage the health of
harrowing (adjective): acutely distressing
harsh (adjective): unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses
haste1 (noun): excessive speed or urgency of movement or action; hurry
haste2 (verb): term for hasten
haven (noun): a place of safety or refuge
sanctuary (noun): a place of refuge or safety
hazy (adjective): covered by a haze
headlong1 (adverb): with the head foremost
headlong2 (adjective): extremely or recklessly hasty
heal (verb): cause (a wound, injury, or person) to become sound or healthy again
hearty1 (adjective): loudly vigorous and cheerful
hearty2 (noun): a vigorously cheerful and sporty person
hefty (adjective): large, heavy, and powerful
hegemony (noun): leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others
herd1 (noun): a large group of animals, especially hoofed mammals, that live, feed, or migrate together or are kept together as livestock
herd2 (verb): move in a particular direction
heritage (noun): property that is or may be inherited; an inheritance
heroic1 (adjective): having the characteristics of a hero or heroine; very brave
heroic2 (noun): behavior or talk that is bold or dramatic, especially excessively or unexpectedly so
heterogeneous (adjective): diverse in character or content
hiatus (noun): a pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process
hierarchy (noun): a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority
hinder (verb): create difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction
hitch1 (verb): move (something) into a different position with a jerk
hitch2 (noun): a temporary interruption or problem
hoax1 (noun): a humorous or malicious deception
hoax2 (verb): deceive with a hoax
holistic (adjective): characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
homage (noun): special honor or respect shown publicly
homicide (noun): the killing of one person by another. See also culpable homicide,, justifiable homicide
homogeneous (adjective): consisting of parts all of the same kind
homonym (noun): each of two or more words having the same spelling or pronunciation but different meanings and origins. For example, pole1, and pole2
hospitable (adjective): friendly and welcoming to strangers or guests
host1 (noun): a person who receives or entertains other people as guests
host2 (verb): act as host at (an event) or for (a television or radio program)
hostile1 (adjective): unfriendly; antagonistic
hostile2 (noun): Gaming an enemy or opponent
hover1 (verb): remain in one place in the air
hover2 (noun): an act of remaining in the air in one place
humane (adjective): having or showing compassion or benevolence
humble1 (adjective): having or showing a modest estimate of one's value or importance; not arrogant or self-important
humble2 (verb): lower (someone) in dignity or importance
humiliated (verb): make (someone) feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and self-respect, especially publicly
hunt1 (verb): pursue and kill (a wild animal) for sport or food
hunt2 (noun): an act of hunting wild animals or game
hurtle (verb): move or cause to move at a great speed, typically in a wildly uncontrolled manner
hybrid1 (noun): the offspring of two plants or animals of different species or varieties, such as a mule (a hybrid of a donkey and a horse)
hybrid2 (adjective): bred as a hybrid from different species or varieties
hydrate1 (noun): Chemistry a compound, typically a crystalline one, in which water molecules are chemically bound to another compound or an element
hydrate2 (verb): cause to absorb water
hypothesize (verb): put (something) forward as a hypothesis
hypothetical1 (adjective): of, based on, or serving as a hypothesis
hypothetical2 (noun): a hypothetical proposition or statement
iconic (adjective): relating to or of the nature of an icon; regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration
idea (noun): a thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action
identical (adjective): similar in every detail; exactly alike
identity (noun): the fact of being who or what a person or thing is
idiom (noun): a group of words established by
idiosyncrasy (noun): a mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual
ignite (verb): catch fire or cause to catch fire
ignore (verb): refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; disregard intentionally
illiterate1 (adjective): unable to read or write
illiterate2 (noun): a person who is unable to read or write
illuminate (verb): make (something) visible or bright by shining light on it; light up
illusion (noun): a thing that is or is likely to be wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses
illustrate (verb): provide (a book, newspaper, etc.) with pictures
imagine (verb): form a mental image or concept of
imbue (verb): inspire or permeate with (a feeling or quality)
imitate (verb): take or follow as a model
imminent (adjective): about to happen
impact (verb): come into forcible contact with another object
impartial (adjective): treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just
impeccable (adjective): in accordance with the highest standards of propriety; faultless
impecunious (adjective): having little or no money
impede (verb): delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder
impel (verb): drive, force, or urge (someone) to do something
impending (adjective): about to happen; forthcoming
impenetrable (adjective): impossible to pass through or enter
imperative1 (adjective): of vital importance; crucial
imperative2 (noun): an essential or urgent thing
imperial1 (adjective): relating to an empire
imperial2 (noun): a small pointed beard growing below the lower lip (associated with Napoleon III of France)
impetus (noun): the force or energy with which a body moves
impious (adjective): not showing respect or reverence, especially for a god
implausible (adjective): not seeming reasonable or probable; failing to convince
implication (noun): the conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated
imply (verb): strongly suggest the truth or existence of (something not expressly stated)
impoverish (verb): make (a person or area) poor
imprecise (adjective): lacking exactness and accuracy of expression or detail
impress (noun): an act of making an impression or mark
impression (noun): an idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone, especially one formed without conscious thought or on the basis of little evidence
impressive (adjective): evoking admiration through size, quality, or skill; grand, imposing, or awesome
impromptu1 (adjective): done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed
impromptu2 (adverb): without being planned, organized, or rehearsed
impromptu3 (noun): a short piece of instrumental music, especially a solo, that is reminiscent of an improvisation
improvise (verb): create and perform (music, drama, or verse) spontaneously or without preparation
in situ1 (adverb): in the original place
in situ2 (adjective): situated in the original place
inadvertent (adjective): not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning
inaugurate (verb): begin or introduce (a system, policy, or period)
incapacitate (verb): prevent from functioning in a normal way
incense (verb): perfume with incense or a similar fragrance
incentive (noun): a thing that motivates or encourages one to do something
inception (noun): the establishment or starting point of an institution or activity
incessant (adjective): continuing without pause or interruption
inchoate (adjective): just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary
incident1 (noun): an event or occurrence
incident2 (adjective): likely to happen because of; resulting from
incisive (adjective): intelligently analytical and clear-thinking
incite (verb): encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behavior)
incoherent (adjective): expressed in an incomprehensible or confusing way; unclear
incongruity (noun): the state of being incongruous or out of keeping
incontrovertible (adjective): not able to be denied or disputed
incorporate (adjective): another term for incorporated
increase (noun): an instance of growing or making greater
incredulous (adjective): unwilling or unable to believe something
increment1 (noun): an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale
increment2 (verb): cause a discrete increase in (a numerical quantity)
incumbent1 (adjective): necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility
incumbent2 (noun): the holder of an office or post
indentation (noun): the action of indenting or the state of being indented
independent1 (adjective): free from outside control; not depending on another's authority
independent2 (noun): an independent person or body
indicate (verb): point out; show
indifferent (adjective): having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned
indigenous (adjective): originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native
individual1 (adjective): single; separate
individual2 (noun): a single human being as distinct from a group, class, or family
indolent (adjective): wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy
induce (verb): succeed in persuading or influencing (someone) to do something
industrious (adjective): diligent and hard-working
ineffective (adjective): not producing any significant or desired effect
inept (adjective): having or showing no skill; clumsy
inevitable1 (adjective): certain to happen; unavoidable
inevitable2 (noun): a situation that is unavoidable
inexorable (adjective): impossible to stop or prevent
infamous (adjective): well known for some bad quality or deed
notorious (adjective): famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed
infer (verb): deduce or conclude (information) from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements
inference (noun): a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
inferior1 (adjective): lower in rank, status, or quality
inferior2 (noun): a person lower than another in rank, status, or ability
infinite1 (adjective): limitless or endless in space, extent, or size; impossible to measure or calculate
infinite2 (noun): a space or quantity that is infinite
influence1 (noun): the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself
influence2 (verb): have an influence on
inform (verb): give (someone) facts or information; tell
infrastructure (noun): the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
infringe (verb): actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.)
infuriate (verb): make (someone) extremely angry and impatient
ingenious (adjective): clever, original, and inventive
inherent (adjective): existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute
inimical (adjective): tending to obstruct or harm
injure (verb): do physical harm or damage to (someone)
innocuous (adjective): not harmful or offensive
innovation (noun): the action or process of innovating
innovative (adjective): featuring new methods; advanced and original
innuendo (noun): an allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one
inquiring (adjective): showing an interest in learning new things
insinuate (verb): suggest or hint (something bad or reprehensible) in an indirect and unpleasant way
insouciant (adjective): showing a casual lack of concern; indifferent
inspire (verb): fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative
instantly (adverb): at once; immediately
instate (verb): set up in position; install or establish
instigate (verb): bring about or initiate (an action or event)
instill (verb): gradually but firmly establish (an idea or attitude, especially a desirable one) in a person's mind
institute1 (noun): a society or organization having a particular object or common factor, especially a scientific, educational, or social one
institute2 (verb): set in motion or establish (something, especially a program, system, or inquiry)
instrument1 (noun): a tool or implement, especially one for delicate or scientific work
instrument2 (verb): equip (something) with measuring instruments
integral2 (noun): Mathematics a function of which a given function is the derivative, i.e. which yields that function when differentiated, and which may express the area under the curve of a graph of the function. See also definite integral,, indefinite integral
integrate (verb): combine (one thing) with another so that they become a whole
intelligent (adjective): having or showing intelligence, especially of a high level
intelligibility (noun): the state or quality of being intelligible
intend (verb): have (a course of action) as one's purpose or objective; plan
intense (adjective): of extreme force, degree, or strength
intensify (verb): become or make more intense
interact (verb): act in such a way as to have an effect on another; act reciprocally
intercede (verb): intervene on behalf of another
intercept (noun): an act or instance of intercepting something
international1 (adjective): existing, occurring, or carried on between two or more nations
international2 (noun): a game or contest between teams representing different countries in a sport
interpret (verb): explain the meaning of (information, words, or actions)
interrogate (verb): ask questions of (someone) closely, aggressively, or formally
intervene (verb): come between so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events
intimidate (verb): frighten or overawe (someone), especially in order to make them do what one wants
intolerable (adjective): unable to be endured
intone (verb): say or recite with little rise and fall of the pitch of the voice
intractable (adjective): hard to control or deal with
intrepid (adjective): fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect)
intricate (adjective): very complicated or detailed
introduce (verb): bring (something, especially a product, measure, or concept) into use or operation for the first time
inundated (verb): overwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt with
inure (verb): accustom (someone) to something, especially something unpleasant
invective (noun): insulting, abusive, or highly critical language
invent (verb): create or design (something that has not existed before); be the originator of
inventive (adjective): having the ability to create or design new things or to think originally
inventory1 (noun): a complete list of items such as property, goods in stock, or the contents of a building
inventory2 (verb): make a complete list of
investigate (verb): carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth
invigorate (verb): give strength or energy to
invisible1 (adjective): unable to be seen; not visible to the eye
invisible2 (noun): invisible exports and imports
irascible (adjective): having or showing a tendency to be easily angered
irate (adjective): feeling or characterized by great anger
irreverent (adjective): showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously
irrevocable (adjective): not able to be changed, reversed, or recovered; final
island (noun): a piece of land surrounded by water
isolate (noun): a person or thing that has been or become isolated
itinerant1 (adjective): traveling from place to place
itinerant2 (noun): a person who travels from place to place
jagged (adjective): having rough, sharp points protruding
jeopardise (verb): put (someone or something) into a situation in which there is a danger of loss, harm, or failure
journey1 (noun): an act of traveling from one place to another
journey2 (verb): travel somewhere
jovial (adjective): cheerful and friendly
judicious (adjective): having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense
jurisdiction (noun): the official power to make legal decisions and judgments
justify (verb): show or prove to be right or reasonable
juxtapose (verb): place or deal with close together for contrasting effect
kin1 (noun): one's family and relations
kin2 (adjective): related. See also akin
knack (noun): an acquired or natural skill at performing a task
labor1 (noun): work, especially hard physical work
labor2 (verb): work hard; make great effort
lachrymose (adjective): tearful or given to weeping
lack1 (noun): the state of being without or not having enough of something
lack2 (verb): be without or deficient in
languish (verb): lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble
largesse (noun): generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others
laudable (adjective): deserving praise and commendation
launch1 (verb): set (a boat) in motion by pushing it or allowing it to roll into the water
launch2 (noun): an act or instance of launching something
lavish1 (adjective): sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious
lavish2 (verb): bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities on
leader (noun): the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country
leap1 (verb): jump or spring a long way, to a great height, or with great force
leap2 (noun): a forceful jump or quick movement
leeway (noun): the amount of freedom to move or act that is available
legacy1 (noun): an amount of money or property left to someone in a will
legacy2 (adjective): denoting or relating to software or hardware that has been superseded but is difficult to replace because of its wide use
legendary (adjective): of, described in, or based on legends
legislation (noun): laws, considered collectively
leisure (noun): free time
lenient (adjective): permissive, merciful, or tolerant
lethal (adjective): sufficient to cause death
lethargic (adjective): affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic
lexicon (noun): the vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge
liable (adjective): responsible by law; legally answerable
liaise (verb): establish a working relationship, typically in order to cooperate on a matter of mutual concern
liberal1 (adjective): willing to respect or accept behavior or opinions different from one's own; open to new ideas
liberal2 (noun): a supporter of policies that are socially progressive and promote social welfare. Often contrasted with conservative (noun)
liberate (verb): set (someone) free from a situation, especially imprisonment or slavery, in which their liberty is severely restricted
liberty (noun): the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views
licentiousness (adjective): promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters
lift1 (verb): raise to a higher position or level
lift2 (noun): a device incorporating a moving cable for carrying people, typically skiers, up or down a mountain
likeness (noun): the fact or quality of being alike; resemblance
limb (noun): an arm or leg of a person or four-legged animal, or a bird's wing
liminal (adjective): occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold
limit1 (noun): a point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass
limit2 (verb): set or serve as a limit to
limp1 (verb): walk with difficulty, typically because of a damaged or stiff leg or foot
limp2 (noun): a tendency to limp; a gait impeded by injury or stiffness
linchpin (noun): a person or thing vital to an enterprise or organization
linger (verb): stay in a place longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leave
loathe (verb): feel intense dislike or disgust for
local (adjective): belonging or relating to a particular area or neighborhood, typically exclusively so
locate (verb): discover the exact place or position of
location (noun): a particular place or position
logical (adjective): of or according to the rules of logic or formal argument
loll (verb): sit, lie, or stand in a lazy, relaxed way
lonely (adjective): sad because one has no friends or company
loyal (adjective): giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution
lucrative (adjective): producing a great deal of profit
lure1 (verb): tempt (a person or animal) to do something or to go somewhere, especially by offering some form of reward
lure2 (noun): something that tempts or is used to tempt a person or animal to do something
lurid (adjective): very vivid in color, especially so as to create an unpleasantly harsh or unnatural effect
lurk (verb): be or remain hidden so as to wait in ambush for someone or something
luxurious (adjective): extremely comfortable, elegant, or enjoyable, especially in a way that involves great expense
maelstrom (noun): a powerful whirlpool in the sea or a river
magnificent (adjective): impressively beautiful, elaborate, or extravagant; striking
magnitude (noun): the great size or extent of something
maiden1 (noun): a girl or young woman, especially an unmarried one
maiden2 (adjective): unmarried
major1 (adjective): important, serious, or significant
major2 (noun): an army officer of high rank, in particular (in the US Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps) an officer ranking above captain and below lieutenant colonel. [shortening of sergeant major, formerly a high rank]
major3 (verb): Australian and New Zealand English specialize in (a particular subject) at college or university
majority (noun): the greater number
makeshift1 (adjective): serving as a temporary substitute; sufficient for the time being
makeshift2 (noun): a temporary substitute or device
malevolent (adjective): having or showing a wish to do evil to others
malicious (adjective): characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm
mandatory1 (adjective): required by law or rules; compulsory
mandatory2 (noun): variant spelling of mandatary
manifestation (noun): an event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea
manipulate (verb): handle or control (a tool, mechanism, etc.), typically in a skillful manner
manufacture1 (verb): make (something) on a large scale using machinery
manufacture2 (noun): the making of articles on a large scale using machinery
march1 (verb): walk in a military manner with a regular measured tread
march2 (noun): an act or instance of marching
marginalize (verb): treat (a person, group, or concept) as insignificant or peripheral
marsh (noun): an area of low-lying land which is flooded in wet seasons or at high tide, and typically remains waterlogged at all times
marvel1 (verb): be filled with wonder or astonishment
marvel2 (noun): a wonderful or astonishing person or thing
mask1 (noun): a covering for all or part of the face, worn as a disguise, or to amuse or terrify other people
mask2 (verb): cover (the face) with a mask
massive (adjective): large and heavy or solid
master1 (noun): historical a man who has people working for him, especially servants or slaves
master2 (adjective): having or showing very great skill or proficiency
master3 (verb): acquire complete knowledge or skill in (an accomplishment, technique, or art)
material1 (noun): the matter from which a thing is or can be made
material2 (adjective): denoting or consisting of physical objects rather than the mind or spirit
maternal (adjective): relating to a mother, especially during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth
matriarchal (adjective): relating to or denoting a form of social organization in which a woman is the head
mature1 (adjective): fully developed physically; full-grown
mature2 (verb): become physically mature
maudlin (adjective): self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness
maul1 (verb): wound (a person or animal) by scratching and tearing
maul2 (noun): a tool with a heavy head and a handle, used for tasks such as ramming, crushing, and driving wedges; a beetle
maverick1 (noun): an unorthodox or independent-minded person
maverick2 (adjective): unorthodox
maximum1 (adjective): as great, high, or intense as possible or permitted
maximum2 (noun): the greatest or highest amount possible or attained
maximum3 (adverb): at the most
meadow (noun): a piece of grassland, especially one used for hay
meager (adjective): lacking in quantity or quality
mediate (adjective): connected indirectly through another person or thing; involving an intermediate agency
melancholy (noun): a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause
mellow1 (adjective): pleasantly smooth or soft; free from harshness
mellow2 (verb): make or become mellow
memoir (noun): a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources
menace1 (noun): a person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat or danger
menace2 (verb): threaten, especially in a malignant or hostile manner
mendacious (adjective): not telling the truth; lying
mention1 (verb): refer to something briefly and without going into detail
mention2 (noun): a reference to someone or something
mercenary1 (adjective): primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics
mercenary2 (noun): a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army
merchandise (verb): promote the sale of (goods), especially by their presentation in retail outlets
mere (adjective): that is solely or no more or better than what is specified
merge2 (noun): an act or instance of merging
mesmerize (verb): hold the attention of (someone) to the exclusion of all else or so as to transfix them
methodically (adverb): in an orderly or systematic manner
meticulous (adjective): showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise
punctilious (adjective): showing great attention to detail or correct behavior
mien (noun): a person's look or manner, especially one of a particular kind indicating their character or mood
migration (noun): seasonal movement of birds or animals from one region to another
mild (adjective): not severe, serious, or harsh
milieu (noun): a person's social environment
militant1 (adjective): combative and aggressive in support of a political or social cause, and typically favoring extreme, violent, or confrontational methods
militant2 (noun): a militant person
millennium (noun): a period of a thousand years, especially when calculated from the traditional date of the birth of Christ
mimic1 (verb): imitate (someone or their actions or words), especially in order to entertain or ridicule
mimic2 (noun): a person skilled in imitating the voice, mannerisms, or movements of others in an entertaining way
mimic3 (adjective): imitative of something, especially for amusement
miniature1 (adjective): of a much smaller size than normal; very small
miniature2 (noun): a thing that is much smaller than normal, especially a small replica or model
miniature3 (verb): represent on a smaller scale; reduce to miniature dimensions
minimize (verb): reduce (something, especially something unwanted or unpleasant) to the smallest possible amount or degree
minor1 (adjective): lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance
minor2 (noun): a person under the age of full legal responsibility
minor3 (verb): study or qualify in as a subsidiary subject at college or university
minute (noun): a period of time equal to sixty seconds or a sixtieth of an hour
mirage (noun): an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of a sheet of water in a desert or on a hot road caused by the refraction of light from the sky by heated air
mirror1 (noun): a reflective surface, now typically of glass coated with a metal amalgam, that reflects a clear image
mirror2 (verb): show a reflection of
mirth (noun): amusement, especially as expressed in laughter
mischief (noun): playful misbehavior or troublemaking, especially in children
missionary1 (noun): a person sent on a religious mission, especially one sent to promote Christianity in a foreign country
missionary2 (adjective): relating to or characteristic of a missionary or a religious mission
mistrust1 (verb): be suspicious of; have no confidence in
mistrust2 (noun): lack of trust; suspicion
misunderstood (adjective): incorrectly interpreted or understood
mock1 (verb): tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner
mock2 (adjective): not authentic or real, but without the intention to deceive
mock3 (noun): an object of derision
model1 (noun): a three-dimensional representation of a person or thing or of a proposed structure, typically on a smaller scale than the original
model2 (verb): fashion or shape (a three-dimensional figure or object) in a malleable material such as clay or wax
modern1 (adjective): relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past
modern2 (noun): a person who advocates or practices a departure from traditional styles or values
modest (adjective): unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements
modicum (noun): a small quantity of a particular thing, especially something considered desirable or valuable
modify (verb): make partial or minor changes to (something), typically so as to improve it or to make it less extreme
moisture (noun): water or other liquid diffused in a small quantity as vapor, within a solid, or condensed on a surface
momentous (adjective): of great importance or significance, especially in its bearing on the future
momentum (noun): the quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity. 2 the impetus gained by a moving object
monarch (noun): a sovereign head of state, especially a king, queen, or emperor
monitor1 (noun): an instrument or device used for observing, checking, or keeping a continuous record of a process or quantity
monitor2 (verb): observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review
monotonous (adjective): dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest
monstrous (adjective): having the ugly or frightening appearance of a monster
moral1 (adjective): concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character
moral2 (noun): a lesson, especially one concerning what is right or prudent, that can be derived from a story, a piece of information, or an experience
morale (noun): the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time
moribund (adjective): at the point of death
morose (adjective): gloomy, bad-tempered, and uncommunicative
sullen1 (adjective): bad-tempered and uncommunicative, especially on account of resentment
morsel (noun): a small piece or amount of food; a mouthful
mortal1 (adjective): subject to death
mortal2 (noun): a human being subject to death, often contrasted with a divine being
mortify (verb): cause (someone) to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated
motivate (verb): provide (someone) with a motive for doing something
motor1 (noun): a machine, especially one powered by electricity or internal combustion, that supplies motive power for a vehicle or for some other device with moving parts
motor2 (adjective): giving, imparting, or producing motion or action
motor3 (verb): travel in a motor vehicle, typically a car or a boat
mourn (verb): feel or show deep sorrow or regret for (someone or their death), typically by following conventions such as the wearing of black clothes
multiple1 (adjective): having or involving several parts, elements, or members
multiple2 (noun): a number that can be divided by another number without a remainder
mundane (adjective): lacking interest or excitement; dull
pedestrian2 (adjective): lacking inspiration or excitement; dull
mural1 (noun): a painting or other work of art executed directly on a wall
mural2 (adjective): of, like, or relating to a wall
murky (adjective): dark and gloomy, especially due to thick mist
muse (noun): each of nine goddesses, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, who preside over the arts and sciences. The Muses are generally listed as Calliope (epic poetry), Clio (history), Euterpe (flute playing and lyric poetry), Terpsichore (choral dancing and song), Erato (lyre playing and lyric poetry), Melpomene (tragedy), Thalia (comedy and light verse), Polyhymnia (hymns, and later mime), and Urania (astronomy)
muster1 (verb): assemble (troops), especially for inspection or in preparation for battle
muster2 (noun): a formal gathering of troops, especially for inspection, display, or exercise
myriad1 (noun): a countless or extremely great number
myriad2 (adjective): countless or extremely great in number
mystery (noun): something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain
mystify (verb): utterly bewilder or perplex (someone)
myth (noun): a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events
narcissistic (adjective): having an excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one's physical appearance
narrate (verb): give a spoken or written account of
narrative1 (noun): a spoken or written account of connected events; a story
narrative2 (adjective): in the form of or concerned with narration
narrator (noun): a person who narrates something, especially a character who recounts the events of a novel or narrative poem
nascent (adjective): just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential
nation (noun): a country considered as a body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular area or territory
nationalist1 (noun): a person who strongly identifies with their own nation and vigorously supports its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations
nationalist2 (adjective): relating to nationalists or nationalism
native1 (noun): a person born in a specified place or associated with a place by birth, whether subsequently resident there or not
native2 (adjective): relating to or denoting the place or circumstances of a person's birth
natural1 (adjective): existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind
natural2 (noun): a person regarded as having an innate gift or talent for a particular task or activity
natural3 (adverb): dialect naturally
navigate (verb): plan and direct the route or course of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transportation, especially by using instruments or maps
necessary1 (adjective): required to be done, achieved, or present; needed; essential
necessary2 (noun): the basic requirements of life, such as food and warmth
nectar (noun): a sugary fluid secreted by plants, especially within flowers to encourage pollination by insects and other animals. It is collected by bees to make into honey
nefarious (adjective): wicked or criminal
negate (verb): nullify; make ineffective
negative1 (adjective): consisting in or characterized by the absence rather than the presence of distinguishing features
negative2 (noun): a word or statement that expresses denial, disagreement, or refusal
negative3 (exclamation): no (usually used in a military context)
negative4 (verb): reject; refuse to accept; veto
negligent (adjective): failing to take proper care in doing something
negotiate (verb): obtain or bring about by discussion
neophyte (noun): a person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief
nervous (adjective): easily agitated or alarmed; tending to be anxious; highly strung
neutral1 (adjective): not helping or supporting either side in a conflict, disagreement, etc.; impartial
neutral2 (noun): an impartial or unbiased country or person
nibble1 (verb): take small bites out of
nibble2 (noun): an instance of nibbling something
niche1 (noun): a comfortable or suitable position in life or employment
niche2 (adjective): denoting products, services, or interests that appeal to a small, specialized section of the population
niche3 (verb): place (something) in a niche or recess
nimble (adjective): quick and light in movement or action; agile
noble1 (adjective): belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status; aristocratic
noble2 (noun): a person of noble rank or birth
noisome (adjective): having an extremely offensive smell
nomadic (adjective): living the life of a nomad; wandering
nonchalant (adjective): feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm
nonpareil1 (adjective): having no match or equal; unrivaled
nonpareil2 (noun): an unrivaled or matchless person or thing
noteworthy (adjective): interesting, significant, or unusual
notice1 (noun): the fact of observing or paying attention to something
notice2 (verb): become aware of
notify (verb): inform (someone) of something, typically in a formal or official manner
numerous (adjective): great in number; many
nursery (noun): a room in a house for the special use of young children
nurture1 (verb): care for and encourage the growth or development of
nurture2 (noun): the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something
oasis (noun): a fertile spot in a desert, where water is found
obedient (adjective): complying or willing to comply with orders or requests; submissive to another's will
obfuscate (verb): render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible
obituary (noun): a notice of a death, especially in a newspaper, typically including a brief biography of the deceased person
objective1 (adjective): not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts. Contrasted with subjective
objective2 (noun): a thing aimed at or sought; a goal
oblation (noun): a thing presented or offered to God or a god
oblivious (adjective): not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one
obnoxious (adjective): extremely unpleasant
obscure1 (adjective): not discovered or known about; uncertain
obscure2 (verb): keep from being seen; conceal
observe (verb): notice or perceive (something) and register it as being significant
obsolete1 (adjective): no longer produced or used; out of date
obsolete2 (verb): cause (a product or idea) to be or become obsolete by replacing it with something new
obstacle (noun): a thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress
occasion1 (noun): a particular time or instance of an event
occasion2 (verb): cause (something)
occupy (verb): reside or have one's place of business in (a building)
offend (verb): cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful
officious (adjective): assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters
offspring (noun): a person's child or children
omission (noun): a person or thing that has been left out or excluded
omnipotent1 (adjective): having unlimited power; able to do anything
omnipotent2 (noun): God
omniscient (adjective): knowing everything
onerous (adjective): involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome
onset (noun): the beginning of something, especially something unpleasant
onslaught (noun): a fierce or destructive attack
opponent (noun): someone who competes against or fights another in a contest, game, or argument; a rival or adversary
opposite1 (adjective): having a position on the other or further side of something; facing something, especially something of the same type
opposite2 (noun): a person or thing that is totally different from or the reverse of someone or something else
opposite3 (adverb): in a position facing a specified or implied subject
opposite4 (preposition): in a position on the other side of a specific area from; facing
oppressed (adjective): subject to harsh and authoritarian treatment
optimist (noun): a person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future or the success of something
oracle (noun): a priest or priestess acting as a medium through whom advice or prophecy was sought from the gods in classical antiquity
oration (noun): a formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial occasion
orbit1 (noun): the curved path of a celestial object or spacecraft around a star, planet, or moon, especially a periodic elliptical revolution
orbit2 (verb): move in orbit around (a star or planet)
orchard (noun): a piece of land planted with fruit trees
ordeal (noun): a painful or horrific experience, especially a protracted one
ordinary1 (adjective): with no special or distinctive features; normal
ordinary2 (noun): what is commonplace or standard
organize (verb): arrange into a structured whole; order
orient1 (noun): the countries of Asia, especially eastern Asia. Contrasted with Occident
orient2 (adjective): situated in or belonging to the east; oriental
orient3 (verb): align or position (something) relative to the points of a compass or other specified positions
origin (noun): the point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived
originate (verb): have a specified beginning
ornate (adjective): made in an intricate shape or decorated with complex patterns
ostensible (adjective): stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so
ostracize (verb): exclude (someone) from a society or group
oust (verb): drive out or expel (someone) from a position or place
outcome (noun): the way a thing turns out; a consequence
outstanding (adjective): exceptionally good
ovation (noun): a sustained and enthusiastic show of appreciation from an audience, especially by means of applause
overcome (verb): succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty)
overt (adjective): done or shown openly; plainly or readily apparent, not secret or hidden
overthrow (noun): a removal from power; a defeat or downfall
overwhelm (verb): bury or drown beneath a huge mass
overwrought (adjective): in a state of nervous excitement or anxiety
ownership (noun): the act, state, or right of possessing something
pacify (verb): quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of
pack1 (noun): a small cardboard or paper container and the items contained within it
pack2 (verb): fill (a suitcase or bag), especially with clothes and other items needed when away from home
painstaking (adjective): done with or employing great care and thoroughness
palatial (adjective): resembling a palace in being spacious and splendid
pale1 (adjective): light in color or having little color
pale2 (verb): become pale in one's face from shock or fear
pamper (verb): indulge with every attention, comfort, and kindness; spoil
panacea (noun): a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
pang (noun): a sudden sharp pain or painful emotion
panorama (noun): an unbroken view of the whole region surrounding an observer
pantheon (noun): a group of particularly respected, famous, or important people
parade1 (noun): a public procession, especially one celebrating a special day or event and including marching bands and floats
parade2 (verb): walk or march in public in a formal procession or in an ostentatious or attention-seeking way
paragon (noun): a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality
paranoid1 (adjective): unreasonably or obsessively anxious, suspicious, or mistrustful
paranoid2 (noun): a person who is paranoid
paraphrase1 (verb): express the meaning of (the writer or speaker or something written or spoken) using different words, especially to achieve greater clarity
paraphrase2 (noun): a rewording of something written or spoken by someone else
parched (adjective): dried out with heat
pardon1 (noun): the action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offense
pardon2 (verb): forgive or excuse (a person, error, or offense)
pardon3 (exclamation): a request to a speaker to repeat something because one did not hear or understand it
parody1 (noun): an imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect
parody2 (verb): produce a humorously exaggerated imitation of (a writer, artist, or genre)
participate (verb): take part in an action or endeavour
partition1 (noun): the action or state of dividing or being divided into parts
partition2 (verb): divide into parts
portion2 (verb): divide (something) into parts; share out
passage1 (noun): the act or process of moving through, under, over, or past something on the way from one place to another
passage2 (verb): subject (a strain of microorganisms or cells) to a passage
passenger (noun): a traveler on a public or private conveyance other than the driver, pilot, or crew
past1 (adjective): gone by in time and no longer existing
past2 (noun): the time or a period of time before the moment of speaking or writing
past3 (preposition): to or on the further side of
past4 (adverb): so as to pass from one side of something to the other
pastime (noun): an activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby
pasture (noun): land covered with grass and other low plants suitable for grazing animals, especially cattle or sheep
path (noun): a way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading
patriotic (adjective): having or expressing devotion to and vigorous support for one's country
patronize (verb): treat in a way that is apparently kind or helpful but that betrays a feeling of superiority
paucity (noun): the presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts; scarcity
pause1 (verb): interrupt action or speech briefly
pause2 (noun): a temporary stop in action or speech
peak1 (noun): the pointed top of a mountain
peak2 (verb): reach a highest point, either of a specified value or at a specified time
peak3 (adjective): greatest; maximum
peculiar2 (noun): a parish or church exempt from the jurisdiction of the diocese in which it lies, through being subject to the jurisdiction of the monarch or an archbishop
pedestrian1 (noun): a person walking along a road or in a developed area
peer (verb): look keenly or with difficulty at someone or something
peevish (adjective): easily irritated, especially by unimportant things
pellucid (adjective): translucently clear
pelt1 (verb): attack (someone) by repeatedly hurling things at them
pelt2 (noun): an act of hurling something at someone
penalty (noun): a punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract
penchant (noun): a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something
pending1 (adjective): awaiting decision or settlement
pending2 (preposition): until (something) happens or takes place
penitence (noun): the action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance
penniless (adjective): having no money; very poor
perceive (verb): become aware or conscious of (something); come to realize or understand
perceptions (noun): the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses
perennial1 (adjective): lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring
perennial2 (noun): a perennial plant
perform (verb): carry out, accomplish, or fulfill (an action, task, or function)
perimeter (noun): the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure
perish (verb): suffer death, typically in a violent, sudden, or untimely way
perjury (noun): the offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after having taken an oath or affirmation
permanent1 (adjective): lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely
permanent2 (noun): a perm for the hair
permit (noun): an official document giving someone authorization to do something
pernicious (adjective): having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way
perpetuate (verb): make (something, typically an undesirable situation or an unfounded belief) continue indefinitely
persecute (verb): subject (someone) to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation or their political beliefs
persevere (verb): continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success
persist (verb): continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty, opposition, or failure
perspective (noun): the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point. See also linear perspective, and aerial perspective
persuade (verb): cause (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument
perturb (verb): make (someone) anxious or unsettled
peruse (verb): read (something), typically in a thorough or careful way
pervade (verb): spread through and be perceived in every part of
pest (noun): a destructive insect or other animal that attacks crops, food, livestock, etc
petrified (adjective): so frightened that one is unable to move; terrified
phenomenon (noun): a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question
phlegmatic (adjective): having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition
pioneer1 (noun): a person who is among the first to explore or settle a country or area, especially one of the first Europeans to colonize the western US
pioneer2 (verb): develop or be the first to use or apply (a new method, area of knowledge, or activity)
pithy (adjective): concise and forcefully expressive. 2 (of a fruit or plant) containing much pith
pivotal (adjective): of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
plagiarize (verb): take (the work or an idea of someone else) and pass it off as one's own
plan1 (noun): a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something
plan2 (verb): decide on and arrange in advance
planet (noun): a celestial body moving in an elliptical orbit around a star
plausible (adjective): seeming reasonable or probable
plead (verb): make an emotional appeal
plethora (noun): a large or excessive amount of (something)
surfeit1 (noun): an excessive amount of something
plot1 (noun): a plan made in secret by a group of people to do something illegal or harmful
plot2 (verb): secretly make plans to carry out (an illegal or harmful action)
plummet1 (verb): fall or drop straight down at high speed
plummet2 (noun): a steep and rapid fall or drop
plunder1 (verb): steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder
plunder2 (noun): the violent and dishonest acquisition of property
plunge1 (verb): jump or dive quickly and energetically
plunge2 (noun): an act of jumping or diving into water
poignant (adjective): evoking a keenly felt sense of emotion, especially of bittersweet sadness or regret
pointless (adjective): having little or no sense, use, or purpose
poised (adjective): having a composed and self-assured manner
poison1 (noun): a substance that is capable of causing the illness or death of a living organism when introduced or absorbed
poison2 (verb): administer poison to (a person or animal), either deliberately or accidentally
popular (adjective): liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people or by a particular person or group
porous (adjective): having minute spaces or holes through which liquid or air may pass
portable1 (adjective): able to be easily carried or moved, especially because being of a lighter and smaller version than usual
portable2 (noun): a version of something, such as a small lightweight television or computer, that can be easily carried
portion1 (noun): a part of a whole
pose1 (verb): present or constitute (a problem, danger, or difficulty)
pose2 (noun): a particular way of standing or sitting, usually adopted for effect or in order to be photographed, painted, or drawn
possess (verb): have as belonging to one; own
possible1 (adjective): able to be done; within the power or capacity of someone or something
possible2 (noun): a person or thing that has the potential to become or do something, especially a potential candidate for a job or membership on a team
postulate (noun): a thing suggested or assumed as true as the basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief
potential1 (adjective): having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future
potential2 (noun): latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness
poverty (noun): the state of being extremely poor
practice1 (noun): the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it
practice2 (verb): perform (an activity) or exercise (a skill) repeatedly or regularly in order to improve or maintain one's proficiency
pragmatic (adjective): dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations
precarious (adjective): not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse
precious1 (adjective): of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly
precious2 (noun): used as a term of address for a beloved person
precipitous (adjective): dangerously high or steep
precise (adjective): marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail
precursor (noun): a person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner
predator (noun): an animal that naturally preys on others
predatory (adjective): relating to or denoting an animal or animals preying naturally on others
predicament (noun): a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation
predict (verb): say or estimate that (a specified thing) will happen in the future or will be a consequence of something
prophesy (verb): say that (a specified thing) will happen in the future
prefer (verb): like (one thing or person) better than another or others; tend to choose
prefix1 (noun): a word, letter, or number placed before another
prefix2 (verb): add (something) at the beginning as a prefix or introduction
prejudice1 (noun): preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience
prejudice2 (verb): give rise to prejudice in (someone); make biased
preliminary1 (adjective): denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important
preliminary2 (noun): an action or event preceding or preparing for something fuller or more important
premise1 (noun): Logic a previous statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion
premise2 (verb): base an argument, theory, or undertaking on
prepare (verb): make (something) ready for use or consideration
preponderance (noun): the quality or fact of being greater in number, quantity, or importance
preposterous (adjective): contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous
prescribe (verb): advise and authorize the use of (a medicine or treatment) for someone, especially in writing
present1 (adjective): in a particular place
present2 (noun): the period of time now occurring
preserve1 (verb): maintain (something) in its original or existing state
prestige (noun): widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of a perception of their achievements or quality
prevalent (adjective): widespread in a particular area or at a particular time
prevent (verb): keep (something) from happening or arising
previous (adjective): existing or occurring before in time or order
prior1 (adjective): existing or coming before in time, order, or importance
primary1 (adjective): of chief importance; principal
primary2 (verb): run against (the current holder of a political office) in the preliminary election a party uses to select its candidate for the general election
primate (noun): Christian church the chief bishop or archbishop of a province
primitive (adjective): relating to, denoting, or preserving the character of an early stage in the evolutionary or historical development of something
prior2 (noun): a previous criminal conviction
priority (noun): the fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important
privilege1 (noun): a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group
privilege2 (verb): grant a privilege or privileges to
probe1 (noun): a blunt-ended surgical instrument used for exploring a wound or part of the body
probe2 (verb): physically explore or examine (something) with the hands or an instrument
procedure (noun): an established or official way of doing something
proceed (verb): begin or continue a course of action
process1 (noun): a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end
process2 (verb): perform a series of mechanical or chemical operations on (something) in order to change or preserve it
proclaim (verb): announce officially or publicly
proclivity (noun): a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing
prodigious (adjective): remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree
prodigy (noun): a person, especially a young one, endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities
produce (noun): things that have been produced or grown, especially by farming
proficient1 (adjective): competent or skilled in doing or using something
proficient2 (noun): a person who is proficient
profound1 (adjective): very great or intense
profound2 (noun): the vast depth of the ocean or of the mind
project (verb): estimate or forecast (something) on the basis of present trends or data
proliferate (verb): increase rapidly in numbers; multiply
prominent (adjective): important; famous
promote (verb): further the progress of (something, especially a cause, venture, or aim); support or actively encourage
promulgate (verb): put (a law or decree) into effect by official proclamation
propel (verb): drive, push, or cause to move in a particular direction, typically forward
proponent (noun): a person who advocates a theory, proposal, or project
prosecute (verb): institute legal proceedings against (a person or organization)
prosper (verb): succeed in material terms; be financially successful
prostrate1 (adjective): lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward
prostrate2 (verb): lay oneself flat on the ground face downward, especially in reverence or submission
protagonist (noun): the leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text
protean (adjective): tending or able to change frequently or easily
protect (verb): keep safe from harm or injury
protrude (verb): extend beyond or above a surface
prove (verb): demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument
provide (verb): make available for use; supply
provoke (verb): stimulate or give rise to (a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one) in someone
prowess (noun): skill or expertise in a particular activity or field
pry (verb): inquire too closely into a person's private affairs
pseudonym (noun): a fictitious name, especially one used by an author
public1 (adjective): of or concerning the people as a whole
public2 (noun): ordinary people in general; the community
pugnacious (adjective): eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight
pump1 (noun): a mechanical device using suction or pressure to raise or move liquids, compress gases, or force air into inflatable objects such as tires
pump2 (verb): force (liquid, gas, etc.) to move by or as if by means of a pump
pungent (adjective): having a sharply strong taste or smell
punitive (adjective): inflicting or intended as punishment
purchase1 (verb): acquire (something) by paying for it; buy
purchase2 (noun): the action of buying something
pursue (verb): follow (someone or something) in order to catch or attack them
qualify (verb): be entitled to a particular benefit or privilege by fulfilling a necessary condition
qualms (noun): an uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one's own conduct; a misgiving
quandary (noun): a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation
quantify (verb): express or measure the quantity of
queasy (adjective): nauseated; feeling sick
quench1 (verb): satisfy (one's thirst) by drinking
quench2 (noun): an act of quenching something very hot
query1 (noun): a question, especially one addressed to an official or organization
query2 (verb): ask a question about something, especially in order to express one's doubts about it or to check its validity or accuracy
quest1 (noun): a long or arduous search for something
quest2 (verb): search for something
quixotic (adjective): exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical
raconteur (noun): a person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way
radiant2 (noun): a point or object from which light or heat radiates, especially a heating element in an electric or gas heater
ramification (noun): a consequence of an action or event, especially when complex or unwelcome
rampage1 (verb): rush around in a violent and uncontrollable manner
rampage2 (noun): a period of violent and uncontrollable behavior, typically involving a large group of people
random1 (adjective): made, done, happening, or chosen without method or conscious decision
random2 (noun): an unknown, unspecified, or odd person
rankle (verb): cause annoyance or resentment that persists
rant1 (verb): speak or shout at length in a wild, impassioned way
rant2 (noun): a spell of ranting; a tirade
rapid1 (adjective): happening in a short time or at a fast pace
swift1 (adjective): happening quickly or promptly
rapid2 (noun): a fast-flowing and turbulent part of the course of a river
rapport (noun): a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well
rapturous (adjective): characterized by, feeling, or expressing great pleasure or enthusiasm
rare (adjective): not occurring very often
raspy (adjective): hoarse or harsh-sounding
rate1 (noun): a measure, quantity, or frequency, typically one measured against some other quantity or measure
rate2 (verb): assign a standard or value to (something) according to a particular scale
ratify (verb): sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid
rational1 (adjective): based on or in accordance with reason or logic
rational2 (noun): Mathematics a rational number
rationale (noun): a set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or a particular belief
ravage1 (verb): cause severe and extensive damage to
ravage2 (noun): the severely damaging or destructive effects of something
realistic (adjective): having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected
reason1 (noun): a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event
reason2 (verb): think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic
reassure (verb): say or do something to remove the doubts or fears of (someone)
rebuke1 (verb): express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or actions
rebuke2 (noun): an expression of sharp disapproval or criticism
recalcitrant1 (adjective): having an obstinately uncooperative attitude, especially toward authority or discipline
recalcitrant2 (noun): a person with an obstinately uncooperative attitude
recall (noun): an act or instance of officially recalling someone or something
recent1 (adjective): having happened, begun, or been done not long ago or not long before; belonging to a past period of time comparatively close to the present
recent2 (noun): Geology the Holocene epoch
reception (noun): the action or process of receiving something sent, given, or inflicted
recite (verb): repeat aloud or declaim (a poem or passage) from memory before an audience
recline (verb): lean or lie back in a relaxed position with the back supported
recollect (verb): remember (something); call to mind
reconcile (verb): restore friendly relations between
recount1 (verb): tell someone about something; give an account of an event or experience
recount2 (noun): an act or instance of giving an account of an event or experience
recourse (noun): a source of help in a difficult situation
rectify (verb): put right; correct
recur (verb): occur again periodically or repeatedly
reduce (verb): make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size
redundant (adjective): not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous
reference1 (noun): the action of mentioning or alluding to something
reference2 (verb): provide (a book or article) with citations of sources of information
refine (verb): remove impurities or unwanted elements from (a substance), typically as part of an industrial process
reflect (verb): show an image of
refuge (noun): a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble
refulgent (adjective): shining brightly
refute (verb): prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove
regard1 (verb): consider or think of (someone or something) in a specified way
regard2 (noun): attention to or concern for something
regime (noun): a government, especially an authoritarian one
regress (noun): the action of returning to a former or less developed state
regular1 (adjective): arranged in or constituting a constant or definite pattern, especially with the same space between individual instances
regular2 (noun): a regular customer or member, for example of a bar, store, or team
regulation (noun): a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority
reign1 (verb): hold royal office; rule as king or queen
reign2 (noun): the period during which a sovereign rules
reinforce (verb): strengthen or support (an object or substance), especially with additional material
reiterate (verb): say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis or clarity
rejoice (verb): feel or show great joy or delight
rejuvenate (verb): give new energy or vigor to; revitalize
relax (verb): make or become less tense or anxious
release1 (verb): allow or enable to escape from confinement; set free
release2 (noun): the action or process of releasing or being released
relent (verb): abandon or mitigate a harsh intention or cruel treatment
relevant (adjective): closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered
reliable1 (adjective): consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted
reliable2 (noun): a person or thing with trustworthy qualities
reluctant (adjective): unwilling and hesitant; disinclined
rely (verb): depend on with full trust or confidence
remark1 (verb): say something as a comment; mention
remark2 (noun): a written or spoken comment
remedy1 (noun): a medicine or treatment for a disease or injury
remedy2 (verb): set right (an undesirable situation)
remiss (adjective): lacking care or attention to duty; negligent
remote1 (adjective): situated far from the main centers of population; distant
remote2 (noun): a remote control device
renounce (verb): formally declare one's abandonment of (a claim, right, or possession)
renovate (verb): restore (something old, especially a building) to a good state of repair
renowned (adjective): known or talked about by many people; famous
repeat1 (verb): say again something one has already said
repeat2 (noun): an action, event, or other thing that occurs or is done again
replicate1 (adjective): of the nature of a copy
replicate2 (noun): a close or exact copy; a replica
report1 (verb): give a spoken or written account of something that one has observed, heard, done, or investigated
report2 (noun): an account given of a particular matter, especially in the form of an official document, after thorough investigation or consideration by an appointed person or body
reprehensible (adjective): deserving censure or condemnation
represent (verb): be entitled or appointed to act or speak for (someone), especially in an official capacity
reprimand1 (noun): a rebuke, especially an official one
reprimand2 (verb): rebuke (someone), especially officially
reprobate1 (noun): an unprincipled person (often used humorously or affectionately)
reprobate2 (adjective): unprincipled (often used as a humorous or affectionate reproach)
repudiate (verb): refuse to accept or be associated with
repulsive (adjective): arousing intense distaste or disgust
request1 (noun): an act of asking politely or formally for something
request2 (verb): politely or formally ask for
require (verb): need for a particular purpose
requisite1 (adjective): made necessary by particular circumstances or regulations
requisite2 (noun): a thing that is necessary for the achievement of a specified end
rescue1 (verb): save (someone) from a dangerous or distressing situation
rescue2 (noun): an act of saving or being saved from danger or distress
research1 (noun): the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions
research2 (verb): investigate systematically
resemble (verb): have qualities or features, especially those of appearance, in common with (someone or something); look or seem like
resent (verb): feel bitterness or indignation at (a circumstance, action, or person)
resident1 (noun): a person who lives somewhere permanently or on a long-term basis
resident2 (adjective): living somewhere on a long-term basis
resilient (adjective): able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
resist1 (verb): withstand the action or effect of
resist2 (noun): a resistant substance applied as a coating to protect a surface during some process, for example to prevent dye or glaze adhering
resolute (adjective): admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering
steadfast (adjective): resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering
resolution (noun): a firm decision to do or not to do something
resolve1 (verb): settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter)
resolve2 (noun): firm determination to do something
resolved (adjective): firmly determined to do something
resource1 (noun): a stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively
resource2 (verb): provide (a person or organization) with materials, money, staff, and other assets necessary for effective operation
resourceful (adjective): having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties
respective (adjective): belonging or relating separately to each of two or more people or things
response (noun): a verbal or written answer
responsible (adjective): having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one's job or role
restore (verb): bring back (a previous right, practice, custom, or situation); reinstate
restrain (verb): prevent (someone or something) from doing something; keep under control or within limits
restrict (verb): limit the size, amount or range of (something); put a limit on
retain (verb): continue to have (something); keep possession of
retaliate (verb): make an attack or assault in return for a similar attack
reticent (adjective): not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily
retire (verb): leave one's job and cease to work, typically upon reaching the normal age for leaving employment
retort1 (verb): say something in answer to a remark or accusation, typically in a sharp, angry, or wittily incisive manner
retort2 (noun): a sharp, angry, or wittily incisive reply to a remark
retrieve1 (verb): get or bring (something) back; regain possession of
retrieve2 (noun): an act of retrieving something, especially game that has been shot
reveal2 (noun): a final revelation of information that has previously been kept from the characters or viewers
revelation (noun): a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way
revenge1 (noun): the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands
revenge2 (verb): inflict hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong done to (someone else)
revenue (noun): income, especially when of a company or organization and of a substantial nature
reverse1 (verb): move backward
reverse2 (adjective): going in or turned toward the direction opposite to that previously stated
reverse3 (noun): a complete change of direction or action
revert (noun): a person who has converted to the Islamic faith
revive (verb): restore to life or consciousness
revolutionize (verb): change (something) radically or fundamentally
ride1 (verb): sit on and control the movement of (an animal, especially a horse), typically as a recreation or sport
ride2 (noun): a journey made on horseback, on a bicycle or motorcycle, or in a vehicle
rife1 (adjective): of common occurrence; widespread
rife2 (adverb): in an unchecked or widespread manner
rigorous (adjective): extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate
risk1 (noun): a situation involving exposure to danger
risk2 (verb): expose (someone or something valued) to danger, harm, or loss
rivalry (noun): competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field
riveting (adjective): completely engrossing; compelling
robust (adjective): strong and healthy; vigorous
romanticize (verb): deal with or describe in an idealized or unrealistic fashion; make (something) seem better or more appealing than it really is
rotate (verb): move or cause to move in a circle around an axis or center
route1 (noun): a way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination
route2 (verb): send or direct along a specified course
routine1 (noun): a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program
routine2 (adjective): performed as part of a regular procedure rather than for a special reason
routine3 (verb): organize according to a routine
rubble (noun): waste or rough fragments of stone, brick, concrete, etc., especially as the debris from the demolition of buildings
rudimentary (adjective): involving or limited to basic principles
rue1 (verb): bitterly regret (something one has done or allowed to happen)
rue2 (noun): repentance; regret
rumor1 (noun): a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth
rumor2 (verb): be circulated as an unverified account
rupture1 (verb): break or burst suddenly
rupture2 (noun): an instance of breaking or bursting suddenly and completely
rural (adjective): in, relating to, or characteristic of the countryside rather than the town
sabotage1 (verb): deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct (something), especially for political or military advantage
sabotage2 (noun): the action of sabotaging something
saga (noun): a long story of heroic achievement, especially a medieval prose narrative in Old Norse or Old Icelandic
sage (noun): an aromatic plant with grayish-green leaves that are used as a culinary herb, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. Salvia officinalis, family Labiatae
salient1 (adjective): most noticeable or important
salient2 (noun): a piece of land or section of fortification that juts out to form an angle
salvage1 (verb): rescue (a wrecked or disabled ship or its cargo) from loss at sea
salvage2 (noun): the rescue of a wrecked or disabled ship or its cargo from loss at sea
sanction1 (noun): a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule
sanguine1 (adjective): optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation
sanguine2 (noun): a blood-red color
satiate1 (verb): another term for sate
satiate2 (adjective): satisfied to the full; satiated
saunter1 (verb): walk in a slow, relaxed manner, without hurry or effort
saunter2 (noun): a leisurely stroll
scatter1 (verb): throw in various random directions
scatter2 (noun): a small, dispersed amount of something
schedule1 (noun): a plan for carrying out a process or procedure, giving lists of intended events and times
schedule2 (verb): arrange or plan (an event) to take place at a particular time
scrutiny (noun): critical observation or examination
sculpt (verb): create or represent (something) by carving, casting, or other shaping techniques
seal1 (noun): a device or substance that is used to join two things together so as to prevent them from coming apart or to prevent anything from passing between them
seal2 (verb): fasten or close securely
search1 (verb): try to find something by looking or otherwise seeking carefully and thoroughly
search2 (noun): an act of searching for someone or something
secure1 (adjective): fixed or fastened so as not to give way, become loose, or be lost
secure2 (verb): fix or attach (something) firmly so that it cannot be moved or lost
sedative1 (adjective): promoting calm or inducing sleep
sedative2 (noun): a drug taken for its calming or sleep-inducing effect
segregate (noun): Genetics an allele that has undergone segregation. 2 Botany a species within an aggregate
seldom1 (adverb): not often; rarely
seldom2 (adjective): not common; infrequent
select1 (verb): carefully choose as being the best or most suitable
select2 (adjective): carefully chosen from a larger number as being the best or most valuable
senseless (adjective): unconscious
sensibility (noun): the ability to appreciate and respond to complex emotional or aesthetic influences; sensitivity
sensitive1 (adjective): quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences
sensitive2 (noun): a person who is believed to respond to occult influences
sentimental (adjective): of or prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia
sentinel1 (noun): a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch
sentinel2 (verb): station a soldier or guard by (a place) to keep watch
serene1 (adjective): calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil
serene2 (noun): an expanse of clear sky or calm sea
serpent (noun): a large snake
servile (adjective): having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others
settle (verb): resolve or reach an agreement about (an argument or problem)
sever (verb): divide by cutting or slicing, especially suddenly and forcibly
severe (adjective): very great; intense
shabby (adjective): in poor condition through long or hard use or lack of care
shackle1 (noun): a pair of fetters connected together by a chain, used to fasten a prisoner's wrists or ankles together
shackle2 (verb): chain with shackles
shallow1 (adjective): of little depth
shallow2 (noun): an area of the sea, a lake, or a river where the water is not very deep
shallow3 (verb): become less deep over time or in a particular place
sham1 (noun): a thing that is not what it is purported to be
sham2 (verb): falsely present something as the truth
shaman (noun): a person regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits, especially among some peoples of northern Asia and North America. Typically such people enter a trance state during a ritual, and practice divination and healing
shape1 (noun): the external form, contours, or outline of someone or something
shape2 (verb): give a particular shape or form to
share1 (noun): a part or portion of a larger amount which is divided among a number of people, or to which a number of people contribute
share2 (verb): have a portion of (something) with another or others
shelter1 (noun): a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger
shelter2 (verb): protect or shield from something harmful, especially bad weather
shield1 (noun): a broad piece of metal or another suitable material, held by straps or a handle attached on one side, used as a protection against blows or missiles
shield2 (verb): protect (someone or something) from a danger, risk, or unpleasant experience
shift1 (verb): move or cause to move from one place to another, especially over a small distance
shift2 (noun): a slight change in position, direction, or tendency
shirk1 (verb): avoid or neglect (a duty or responsibility)
shirk2 (noun): a person who shirks
shrivel (verb): wrinkle and contract or cause to wrinkle and contract, especially due to loss of moisture
shun (verb): persistently avoid, ignore, or reject (someone or something) through antipathy or caution
shy1 (adjective): being reserved or having or showing nervousness or timidity in the company of other people
shy2 (verb): start suddenly aside in fright at an object, noise, or movement
shy3 (noun): a sudden startled movement, especially of a frightened horse
siege (noun): a military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling the surrender of those inside
signal1 (noun): a gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions, typically by prearrangement between the parties concerned
signal2 (verb): transmit information or instructions by means of a gesture, action, or sound
significant (adjective): sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy
simulate (verb): imitate the appearance or character of
skeptical (adjective): not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations
skill1 (noun): the ability to do something well
skill2 (verb): train (a worker) to do a particular task
slander1 (noun): the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation
slander2 (verb): make false and damaging statements about (someone)
sleek1 (adjective): smooth and glossy
sleek2 (verb): make (the hair) smooth and glossy, typically by applying pressure or moisture to it
slight1 (adjective): small in degree; inconsiderable
slight2 (verb): insult (someone) by treating or speaking of them without proper respect or attention
slight3 (noun): an insult caused by a failure to show someone proper respect or attention
slither1 (verb): move smoothly over a surface with a twisting or oscillating motion
slither2 (noun): a slithering movement
sluggish (adjective): slow-moving or inactive
smite1 (verb): strike with a firm blow
smite2 (noun): a heavy blow or stroke with a weapon or the hand
snare1 (noun): a trap for catching birds or animals, typically one having a noose of wire or cord
snare2 (verb): catch (a bird or mammal) in a snare
sneak1 (verb): move or go in a furtive or stealthy manner
sneak2 (noun): a furtive and contemptible person
snicker1 (verb): give a half-suppressed, typically scornful laugh
snicker2 (noun): a half-suppressed, typically scornful laugh
soar (verb): fly or rise high in the air
sobriquet (noun): a person's nickname
soil (noun): the upper layer of earth in which plants grow, a black or dark brown material typically consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles
solar1 (adjective): relating to or determined by the sun
solar2 (noun): the sun's rays as a source of energy from which power for domestic or industrial use may be generated
sole1 (noun): the undersurface of a person's foot
sole2 (verb): put a new sole on to (a shoe)
solitary1 (adjective): done or existing alone
solitary2 (noun): a recluse or hermit
solo1 (adjective): done by one person alone; unaccompanied
solo2 (adverb): for or by one person alone
solo3 (noun): a piece or passage of vocal or instrumental music for one performer
solo4 (verb): perform a piece or passage of music unaccompanied or as the featured musician
solution (noun): a means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation
solve (verb): find an answer to, explanation for, or means of effectively dealing with (a problem or mystery)
sorcery (noun): the use of magic, especially black magic
source1 (noun): a place, person, or thing from which something comes or can be obtained
source2 (verb): obtain from a particular source
sovereignty (noun): supreme power or authority
sparse (adjective): thinly dispersed or scattered
species (noun): a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. The species is the principal natural taxonomic unit, ranking below a genus and denoted by a Latin binomial, e.g. Homo sapiens
specific1 (adjective): clearly defined or identified
specific2 (noun): a medicine or remedy effective in treating a particular disease or part of the body
specify (verb): identify clearly and definitely
speculate (verb): form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence
spiteful (adjective): showing or caused by malice
splatter1 (verb): splash with a sticky or viscous liquid
splatter2 (noun): a spot or trail of a sticky or viscous liquid splashed over a surface or object
splendid (adjective): magnificent; very impressive
spoil1 (verb): diminish or destroy the value or quality of
spoil2 (noun): goods stolen or taken forcibly from a person or place
spontaneous (adjective): performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus
sporadic (adjective): occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; scattered or isolated
spread1 (verb): open out (something) so as to extend its surface area, width, or length
spread2 (noun): the fact or process of spreading over an area
spurt1 (verb): gush out in a sudden and forceful stream
spurt2 (noun): a sudden gushing stream
squalor (noun): the state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect
squander (verb): waste (something, especially money or time) in a reckless and foolish manner
stable (adjective): not likely to give way or overturn; firmly fixed
steady1 (adjective): firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking or moving
staggering (adjective): deeply shocking; astonishing
stalwart1 (adjective): loyal, reliable, and hardworking
stalwart2 (noun): a loyal, reliable, and hardworking supporter or participant in an organization or team
stamina (noun): the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort
stance (noun): the way in which someone stands, especially when deliberately adopted (as in baseball, golf, and other sports); a person's posture
staple1 (noun): a piece of thin wire with a long center portion and two short end pieces that are driven by a stapler through sheets of paper to fasten them together
staple2 (verb): attach or secure with a staple or staples
starve (verb): suffer severely or die from hunger
state1 (noun): the particular condition that someone or something is in at a specific time
state2 (adjective): of, provided by, or concerned with the civil government of a country
state3 (verb): express something definitely or clearly in speech or writing
stationary (adjective): not moving or not intended to be moved
stature (noun): a person's natural height
status1 (noun): the relative social, professional, or other standing of someone or something
status2 (adjective): denoting or relating to a First Nations person who is registered with the federal government under the Indian Act
staunch (adjective): loyal and committed in attitude
steady2 (verb): make or become steady
steady3 (exclamation): used as a warning to someone to keep calm or take care
steady4 (noun): a person's regular boyfriend or girlfriend
stealthily (adverb): in a cautious and surreptitious manner, so as not to be seen or heard
steer1 (verb): guide or control the movement of (a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft), for example by turning a wheel or operating a rudder
steer2 (noun): a piece of advice or information concerning the development of a situation
stereotype1 (noun): a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing
stereotype2 (verb): view or represent as a stereotype
sting1 (noun): a small sharp-pointed organ at the end of the abdomen of bees, wasps, ants, and scorpions, capable of inflicting a painful or dangerous wound by injecting poison
sting2 (verb): wound or pierce with a sting
stint1 (verb): supply an ungenerous or inadequate amount of (something)
stint2 (noun): a person's fixed or allotted period of work
stodgy (adjective): dull and uninspired
strand1 (verb): leave (someone) without the means to move from somewhere
strand2 (noun): Irish English the shore of a sea, lake, or large river
strategy (noun): a plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim
stratified (adjective): formed or arranged into strata or layers
stream1 (noun): a small, narrow river
stream2 (verb): run or flow in a continuous current in a specified direction
strengthen (verb): make or become stronger
stricken1 (verb): past participle of strike (sense
stricken2 (adjective): seriously affected by an undesirable condition or unpleasant feeling
strident (adjective): loud and harsh; grating
strive (verb): make great efforts to achieve or obtain something
struggle1 (verb): make forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction
struggle2 (noun): a forceful or violent effort to get free of restraint or resist attack
study1 (noun): the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an academic subject, especially by means of books
study2 (verb): devote time and attention to acquiring knowledge on (an academic subject), especially by means of books
sturdy1 (adjective): strongly and solidly built
sturdy2 (noun): vertigo in sheep caused by a tapeworm larva encysted in the brain
subjugate (verb): bring under domination or control, especially by conquest
sublime1 (adjective): of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe
sublime3 (verb): Chemistry undergo a change of state from solid to gas without passing through the liquid phase, often forming a solid deposit again on cooling
subordinate1 (noun): a person under the authority or control of another within an organization
subordinate2 (verb): treat or regard as of lesser importance than something else
subsequent (adjective): coming after something in time; following
subside (verb): become less intense, violent, or severe
subsidize (verb): support (an organization or activity) financially
subsistence (noun): the action or fact of maintaining or supporting oneself at a minimum level
substantial (adjective): of considerable importance, size, or worth
substitute1 (noun): a person or thing acting or serving in place of another
substitute2 (verb): use or add in place of
subterranean (adjective): existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface
subtle (adjective): so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe
subtlety (noun): the quality or state of being subtle
subversive1 (adjective): seeking or intended to subvert an established system or institution
subversive2 (noun): a subversive person
succumb (verb): fail to resist pressure, temptation, or some other negative force
suffix (verb): append (something), especially as a suffix
suffocate (verb): die or cause to die from lack of air or inability to breathe
suitable (adjective): right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation
sullen2 (noun): a bad-tempered and uncommunicative mood
summarize (verb): give a brief statement of the main points of (something)
summit1 (noun): the highest point of a hill or mountain
summit2 (verb): reach the summit of (a mountain or hill)
supercilious (adjective): behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others
superior1 (adjective): higher in rank, status, or quality
superior2 (noun): a person or thing superior to another in rank, status, or quality, especially a colleague in a higher position
supersede (verb): take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use); supplant
supervise (verb): observe and direct the execution of (a task, project, or activity)
supple1 (adjective): bending and moving easily and gracefully; flexible
supple2 (verb): make more flexible
supplement (verb): add an extra element or amount to
support2 (noun): a thing that bears the weight of something or keeps it upright
suppress (verb): forcibly put an end to
supreme1 (adjective): superior to all others
supreme2 (noun): a rich cream sauce
surface1 (noun): the outside part or uppermost layer of something (often used when describing its texture, form, or extent)
surface2 (adjective): relating to or occurring on the upper or outer part of something
surface3 (verb): rise or come up to the surface of the water or the ground
surfeit2 (verb): cause (someone) to desire no more of something as a result of having consumed or done it to excess
surmise (noun): a supposition that something may be true, even though there is no evidence to confirm it
surmount (verb): overcome (a difficulty or obstacle)
surpass (verb): exceed; be greater than
surprise1 (noun): an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing
surprise2 (verb): cause (someone) to feel mild astonishment or shock
surreptitious (adjective): kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of
survey (noun): a general view, examination, or description of someone or something
survive (verb): continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship
susceptible (adjective): likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing
suspend (verb): temporarily prevent from continuing or being in force or effect
suspicious (adjective): having or showing a cautious distrust of someone or something
sustain1 (verb): strengthen or support physically or mentally
sustain2 (noun): Music an effect or facility on a keyboard or electronic instrument whereby a note can be sustained after the key is released
sustainable (adjective): able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
swarm1 (noun): a large or dense group of insects, especially flying ones
swarm2 (verb): move in or form a swarm
swelter1 (verb): be uncomfortably hot
swelter2 (noun): an uncomfortably hot atmosphere
swift2 (adverb): swiftly
swift3 (noun): a swift-flying insectivorous bird with long, slender wings and a superficial resemblance to a swallow, spending most of its life on the wing. Family Apodidae
sycophant (noun): a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage
symbiosis (noun): interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both
symbol1 (noun): a mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process, e.g. the letter or letters standing for a chemical element or a character in musical notation
symbol2 (verb): symbolize
symbolize (verb): be a symbol of
sympathize (verb): feel or express sympathy
synthesize (verb): make (something) by synthesis, especially chemically
tale (noun): a fictitious or true narrative or story, especially one that is imaginatively recounted
talent (noun): natural aptitude or skill
talon (noun): a claw, especially one belonging to a bird of prey
tamper1 (verb): interfere with (something) in order to cause damage or make unauthorized alterations
tamper2 (noun): a person or thing that tamps something down, especially a machine or tool for tamping down earth or ballast
tangible1 (adjective): perceptible by touch
tangible2 (noun): a thing that is perceptible by touch
tarnish1 (verb): lose or cause to lose luster, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture
tarnish2 (noun): dullness of color; loss of brightness
taunt1 (noun): a remark made in order to anger, wound, or provoke someone
taunt2 (verb): provoke or challenge (someone) with insulting remarks
technique (noun): a way of carrying out a particular task, especially the execution or performance of an artistic work or a scientific procedure
tedious (adjective): too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous
teem (verb): be full of or swarming with
teeming (adjective): full of people or things; crowded
telescope (noun): an optical instrument designed to make distant objects appear nearer, containing an arrangement of lenses, or of curved mirrors and lenses, by which rays of light are collected and focused and the resulting image magnified
temperate (adjective): relating to or denoting a region or climate characterized by mild temperatures
temporary1 (adjective): lasting for only a limited period of time; not permanent
temporary2 (noun): a person employed on a temporary basis, typically an office worker who finds employment through an agency. See also temp1
tenacious (adjective): tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely
tension1 (noun): the state of being stretched tight
tension2 (verb): apply a force to (something) which tends to stretch it
tentative (adjective): not certain or fixed; provisional
terrain (noun): a stretch of land, especially with regard to its physical features
terrify (verb): cause to feel extreme fear
territory (noun): an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state
terror (noun): extreme fear
terrorize (verb): create and maintain a state of extreme fear and distress in (someone); fill with terror
theory (noun): a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained
threat (noun): a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not done
thrifty (adjective): using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully
thrill1 (noun): a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure
thrill2 (verb): cause (someone) to have a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure
thrive (verb): grow or develop well or vigorously
throbbing (adjective): beating with a strong, regular rhythm; pulsating
thwart1 (verb): prevent (someone) from accomplishing something
thwart2 (noun): a structural crosspiece sometimes forming a seat for a rower in a boat
thwart3 (preposition): from one side to another side of (an area); across
thwart4 (adverb): from one side to another side of an area
tidy1 (adjective): arranged neatly and in order
tidy2 (noun): a receptacle for holding small objects or waste scraps
timorous (adjective): showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence
tirade (noun): a long, angry speech of criticism or accusation
tour1 (noun): a journey for pleasure in which several different places are visited
tour2 (verb): make a tour of (an area)
tower1 (noun): a tall, narrow building, either freestanding or forming part of a building such as a church or castle
tower2 (verb): rise to or reach a great height
towering (adjective): extremely tall, especially in comparison with the surroundings
toxic1 (adjective): harmful or dangerous to health or life when taken into the body; poisonous
toxic2 (noun): poisonous substances
trace (verb): find or discover by investigation
traditional (adjective): existing in or as part of a tradition; long-established
tragedy (noun): an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe
tragic (adjective): causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow
trait (noun): a distinguishing quality or characteristic, especially one belonging to a person
transfigure (verb): transform into something more beautiful or elevated
transform1 (verb): make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of
transform2 (noun): Mathematics Linguistics the product of a transformation
transient2 (noun): a person who is staying or working in a place for only a short time. 2 a momentary variation in current, voltage, or frequency
transition1 (noun): the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another
transition2 (verb): undergo or cause to undergo a process or period of transition
translate (verb): express the sense of (words or text) in another language
transmute (verb): change in form, nature, or substance
transport (noun): a system or means of conveying people or goods from place to place by means of a vehicle, aircraft, or ship
travel (verb): go from one place to another, typically over a distance of some length
treacherous (adjective): guilty of or involving betrayal or deception
treasure1 (noun): a quantity of precious metals, gems, or other valuable objects
treasure2 (verb): keep carefully (a valuable or valued item)
tremble1 (verb): shake involuntarily, typically as a result of anxiety, excitement, or frailty
tremble2 (noun): a trembling feeling, movement, or sound
trenchant (adjective): vigorous or incisive in expression or style
trepidation (noun): a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen
trickle1 (verb): flow in a small stream
trickle2 (noun): a small flow of liquid
trigger1 (noun): a small device that releases a spring or catch and so sets off a mechanism, especially in order to fire a gun
trigger2 (verb): cause (an event or situation) to happen or exist
triumph1 (noun): a great victory or achievement
triumph2 (verb): achieve a victory; be successful
trivial (adjective): of little value or importance
tropical (adjective): of, typical of, or peculiar to the tropics
troublesome (adjective): causing difficulty or annoyance
truculent (adjective): quick to argue or oppose; aggressively defiant
trust1 (noun): firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something
trust2 (verb): believe in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of
tune1 (noun): a melody, especially one that characterizes a particular piece of music
tune2 (verb): adjust (a musical instrument) to the correct or uniform pitch
turbulent (adjective): characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm
turmoil (noun): a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty
tycoon (noun): a wealthy, powerful person in business or industry
tyranny (noun): cruel and oppressive government or rule
ubiquitous (adjective): present, appearing, or found everywhere
ultimate1 (adjective): being or happening at the end of a process; final
ultimate2 (noun): the best achievable or imaginable of its kind
ultimately (adverb): finally; in the end
unanimous (adjective): fully in agreement
uncertainty (noun): the state of being uncertain
unearth (verb): find (something) in the ground by digging
uneasy (adjective): causing or feeling anxiety; troubled or uncomfortable
unfamiliar (adjective): not known or recognized
ungainly (adjective): awkward; clumsy
unify (verb): make or become united, uniform, or whole
unintelligible (adjective): impossible to understand
unique1 (adjective): being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else
unique2 (noun): a unique person or thing
universal1 (adjective): of, affecting, or done by all people or things in the world or in a particular group; applicable to all cases
universal2 (noun): a person or thing having universal effect, currency, or application
universe (noun): all existing matter and space considered as a whole; the cosmos. The universe is believed to be at least
unmoved (adjective): not affected by emotion or excitement
unpredictable (adjective): not able to be predicted
unravel (verb): undo (twisted, knitted, or woven threads)
unruly (adjective): disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control
unscathed (adjective): without suffering any injury, damage, or harm
unscrupulous (adjective): having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair
unveil (verb): remove a veil or covering from, in particular uncover (a new monument or work of art) as part of a public ceremony
upright1 (adjective): sitting or standing with the back straight
upright2 (adverb): in or into a vertical position
upright3 (noun): a post or rod fixed vertically, especially as a structural support
urban (adjective): in, relating to, or characteristic of a town or city, as opposed to the countryside or to a village
urge1 (verb): try earnestly or persistently to persuade (someone) to do something
urge2 (noun): a strong desire or impulse
urgent (adjective): requiring immediate action or attention
usage (noun): the action of using something or the fact of being used
utilitarian1 (adjective): designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive
utilitarian2 (noun): an adherent of utilitarianism
utilize (verb): make practical and effective use of
utmost1 (adjective): most extreme; greatest
utmost2 (noun): the greatest or most extreme extent or amount
vacant (adjective): having no fixtures, furniture, or inhabitants; empty
vacate (verb): leave (a place that one previously occupied)
vacillate (verb): alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive
vague (adjective): of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning
vain (adjective): having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth
value1 (noun): the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something
value2 (verb): estimate the monetary worth of (something)
vanish (verb): disappear suddenly and completely
vanquish (verb): defeat thoroughly
variety (noun): the quality or state of being different or diverse; the absence of uniformity, sameness, or monotony
vast1 (adjective): of very great extent or quantity; immense
vast2 (noun): an immense space
veneer1 (noun): a thin decorative covering of fine wood applied to a coarser wood or other material
veneer2 (verb): cover (something) with a decorative layer of fine wood
venerable (adjective): accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character
vengeance (noun): punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong
venture1 (noun): a risky or daring journey or undertaking
venture2 (verb): dare to do something or go somewhere that may be dangerous or unpleasant
verbose (adjective): using or expressed in more words than are needed
verdict (noun): a decision on a disputed issue in a civil or criminal case or an inquest
verge1 (noun): an edge or border
verge2 (verb): approach (something) closely; be close or similar to (something)
verify (verb): make sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified
versatile (adjective): able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities
vestige (noun): a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
vexed (adjective): difficult and much debated; problematic
viable (adjective): capable of working successfully; feasible
vibrant (adjective): full of energy and enthusiasm
vicious (adjective): deliberately cruel or violent
victor (noun): a person who defeats an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or other competition
victory (noun): an act of defeating an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or other competition
vie (verb): compete eagerly with someone in order to do or achieve something
vigor (noun): physical strength and good health
vilify (verb): speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner
village (noun): a group of houses and associated buildings, larger than a hamlet and smaller than a town, situated in a rural area
vindictive (adjective): having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge
violate (verb): break or fail to comply with (a rule or formal agreement)
virtuous (adjective): having or showing high moral standards
viscous (adjective): having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid; having a high viscosity
visible (adjective): able to be seen
vision1 (noun): the faculty or state of being able to see
vision2 (verb): imagine
visual1 (adjective): relating to seeing or sight
visual2 (noun): a picture, piece of film, or display used to illustrate or accompany something
vital2 (noun): the body's important internal organs, especially the gut or the genitalia
vitriol (noun): cruel and bitter criticism
vivid (adjective): producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind
vociferous (adjective): vehement or clamorous
volatile1 (adjective): easily evaporated at normal temperatures
volatile2 (noun): a volatile substance
volunteer1 (noun): a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task
volunteer2 (verb): freely offer to do something
voracious (adjective): wanting or devouring great quantities of food
vow1 (noun): a solemn promise
vow2 (verb): solemnly promise to do a specified thing
voyage1 (noun): a long journey involving travel by sea or in space
voyage2 (verb): go on a long journey, typically by sea or in space
vulnerable (adjective): susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm
wage1 (noun): a fixed regular payment, typically paid on a daily or weekly basis, made by an employer to an employee, especially to a manual or unskilled worker
wage2 (verb): carry on (a war or campaign)
waive (verb): refrain from insisting on or using (a right or claim)
wander1 (verb): walk or move in a leisurely, casual, or aimless way
wander2 (noun): an act or instance of wandering
wane (verb): have a progressively smaller part of its visible surface illuminated, so that it appears to decrease in size
warn (verb): inform someone in advance of an impending or possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation
warp1 (verb): become or cause to become bent or twisted out of shape, typically as a result of the effects of heat or dampness
warp2 (noun): a twist or distortion in the shape or form of something
wary (adjective): feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems
weak (adjective): lacking the power to perform physically demanding tasks; lacking physical strength and energy
wealthy (adjective): having a great deal of money, resources, or assets; rich
weary1 (adjective): feeling or showing extreme tiredness, especially as a result of excessive exertion
weary2 (verb): cause to become tired
weight1 (noun): a body's relative mass or the quantity of matter contained by it, giving rise to a downward force; the heaviness of a person or thing
weight2 (verb): hold (something) down by placing a heavy object on top of it
weird1 (adjective): suggesting something supernatural; uncanny
weird2 (noun): Scottish English a person's destiny. (weird someone out)
weird3 (verb): induce a sense of disbelief or alienation in someone
whim (noun): a sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained
whisper1 (verb): speak very softly using one's breath without one's vocal cords, especially for the sake of privacy
whisper2 (noun): a soft or confidential tone of voice; a whispered word or phrase
wicked (adjective): evil or morally wrong
wilderness (noun): an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region
wince1 (verb): give a slight involuntary grimace or shrinking movement of the body out of or in anticipation of pain or distress
wince2 (noun): a slight grimace or shrinking movement caused by pain or distress
wisdom (noun): the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise
wise (suffix): meaning “concerning or with respect to”
wit (noun): mental sharpness and inventiveness; keen intelligence
withdraw (verb): remove or take away (something) from a particular place or position
wither (verb): become dry and shriveled
witness1 (noun): a person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place
witness2 (verb): see (an event, typically a crime or accident) take place
wonder1 (noun): a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable
wonder2 (verb): desire or be curious to know something
worry1 (verb): feel anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems
worry2 (noun): a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems
wrangle1 (noun): a dispute or argument, typically one that is long and complicated
wrangle2 (verb): have a long and complicated dispute
wrath (noun): extreme anger
wrench1 (noun): a sudden violent twist or pull
wrench2 (verb): pull or twist (someone or something) suddenly and violently
writhe (verb): make continual twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body
yearn (verb): have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one been separated from or that is unattainable
yield1 (verb): produce or provide (a natural, agricultural, or industrial product)
yield2 (noun): the full amount of an agricultural or industrial product
zenith (noun): the time at which something is most powerful or successful
Unresolved entries (blank definitions)
derby (unknown):
domiciliate (unknown):
genesis (noun):
in vogue (unknown):
sublime2 (noun):
Tier 2 words
April 22, 2026