VOA Special English Vocabulary

with Chinese character and Pinyin equivalents

wages   -  

n. money received for work done

wait   -  

v. to delay acting; to postpone

walk   -  

v. to move by putting one foot in front of the other

wall   -  

n. the side of a room or building formed by wood, stone or other material; a structure sometimes used to separate areas of land

want   -  

v. to desire; to wish for; to need

war   -  

n. fighting between nations, or groups in a nation, using weapons

warm   -  

ad. almost hot; having or feeling some heat

warn   -  

v. to tell of possible danger; to advise or inform about something bad that may happen

wash   -  

v. to make clean, usually with water

waste   -  

v. to spend or use without need or care; to make bad use of

n. a spending of money, time or effort with no value gained or returned; something thrown away as having no value; the liquid and solid substances that result from body processes and are passed out of the body

watch   -  

v. to look at; to observe closely; to look and wait for

water   -  

n. the liquid that falls from the sky as rain or is found in lakes, rivers and oceans

wave   -  

v. to move or cause to move one way and the other, as a flag in the wind; to signal by moving the hand one way and the other

n. a large mass of water that forms and moves on the surface of a lake or ocean

way   -   般 [ban1], 办法 [ban4 fa3], 道 [dao4], (方)法 [(fang1) fa3], 方式 [fang1 shi4], 路 [lu4], 途 [tu2], 途径 [tu2 jing4], 样 [yang4], 做法 [zuo4 fa3]

n. a path on land or sea or in the air; how something is done; method

we   -   (我|咱)们 [(wo3|zan2) men5]

pro. two or more people, including the speaker or writer

weak   -   (薄|脆|衰|虚)弱 [(bo2|cui4|shuai1|xu1) ruo4]

ad. having little power; easily broken, damaged or destroyed; opposite strong

wealth   -   财(帛|富) [cai2 (bo2|fu4)]

n. a large amount of possessions, money or other things of value

weapon   -   武器 [wu3 qi4]

n. anything used to cause injury or to kill during an attack, fight or war

wear   -   穿 [chuan1], 穿带 [chuan1 dai4], 带|戴 [dai4], 衣 [yi4], 着|ぴ [zhuo2]

v. to have on the body, as clothes

weather   -   天气 [tian1 qi4]

n. the condition of the atmosphere resulting from sun, wind, rain, heat or cold

week   -   星期 [xing1 qi1], 一周 [yi1 zhou1]

n. a period of time equal to seven days

weigh   -   称(重) [cheng1 (zhong4)], 约 [yao1]

v. to measure how heavy someone or something is

welcome   -   欢迎(光临) [huan1 ying2 (guang1 lin2)]

v. to express happiness or pleasure when someone arrives

well   -   (安|很|良)好 [(an1|hen3|liang2) hao3]

ad. in a way that is good or pleasing; in good health

n. a hole in the ground where water, gas or oil can be found

west   -   西 [xi1]

n. the direction in which the sun goes down

wet   -   湿 [shi1]

ad. covered with water or other liquid; not dry

what   -   什麽 [shen2 me5]

pro. used to ask about something

ad. which or which kind

wheat   -   麦(子) [mai4 (zi5)], 小麦 [xiao3 mai4]

n. a grain used to make bread; the plant that produces the grain

wheel   -   轮(子) [lun2 (zi5)]

n. a round structure that turns around a center

when   -   当 [dang1], 时 [shi2]

ad. at what time; at any time

conj. during or at the time

where   -   哪儿 [na3 er5], 哪里 [na3 li5], 那儿 [nar3]

ad., conj. at, to or in what place

which   -   那|哪(一个) [na3 (yi1 ge5)]

pro. used to ask about what one or what ones of a group

while   -   当时 [dang1 shi2], 一(下子|下儿) [yi2 (xia4 zi5|xiar4)], 一会儿 [yi4 huir3]

n. a space of time

conj. at or during the same time

white   -   白(色) [bai2 (se4)]

ad. having the color like that of milk or snow

who   -   谁 [shei2|shui2]

pro. what or which person or persons that; the person or persons

whole   -   全(部) [quan2 (bu4)], 完全 [wan2 quan2], 整(个|体|整) [zheng3 (ge4|ti3|zheng3)]

ad. the complete amount; all together; not divided; not cut into pieces

why   -   为什麽 [wei4 shen3 me5]

ad. for what cause or reason

conj. the reason for which

wide   -   广|宽(阔) [guang3|kuan1 (kuo4)], 大 [da4]

ad. having a great distance from one side to the other; not limited

wife   -   爱人 [ai4 ren5], 妻(子) [qi1 (zi5)], 太太 [tai4 tai5], 媳妇儿 [xi2 fur5]

n. a woman who is married

wild   -   猖(獗|披) [chang1 (jue2|pi1)], 野(生) [ye3 (sheng1)]

ad. living and growing in nature; angry; uncontrolled

will   -   将 [jiang1]

v. a word used with verbs to show future action

willing   -   愿(意) [yuan4 (yi4)]

ad. being ready or having a desire to

win   -   博 [bo2], 成 [cheng4], 赢 [ying2]

v. to gain a victory; to defeat another

wind   -   风 [feng1]

n. a strong movement of air

window   -   窗(户|子) [chuang1 (hu5|zi3)]

n. an opening in a wall to let in light and air, usually filled with glass

winter   -   冬天 [dong1 tian1]

n. the coldest time of year, between autumn and spring

wire   -   (电)线 [(dian4) xian4]

n. a long, thin piece of metal used to hang objects or to carry electricity or electronic communications

wise   -   聪 [cong1], 高明 [gao1 ming2], 睿智 [rui4 zhi4]

ad. having much knowledge

wish   -   巴 [ba1], 希望 [xi1 wang4], 想 [xiang3], 意愿 [yi4 yuan4], 欲 [yu4], 愿(望|意) [yuan4 (wang4|yi4)], 祝 [zhu4]

v. to want; to express a desire for

with   -   跟 [gen1]

prep. along or by the side of; together; using; having

withdraw   -   班师 [ban1 shi1], 撤(回) [che4 (hui2)], 辙 [che4], 收回 [shou1 hui2], 退避 [tui4 bi4], 退出 [tui4 chu1]

v. to take or move out, away or back; to remove

woman   -   女人 [nu:3 ren2]

n. an adult female human

wonder   -   奇迹 [qi2 ji1]

v. to ask oneself; to question

n. a feeling of surprise

wonderful   -   奇妙 [qi2 miao4]

ad. causing wonder; especially good

wood   -   木 [mu4]

n. the solid material of which trees are made

word   -   词 [ci2], 字 [zi4]

n. one or more connected sounds that form a single part of a language

work   -   工作 [gong1 zuo4]

v. to use physical or mental effort

n. the effort used to make or to do something; that which needs effort; the job one does

world   -   世界 [shi4 jie4]

n. the earth; the people who live on the earth

worry   -   担心 [dan1 xin1]

v. to be concerned; to continue thinking that something, possibly bad, can happen

worse   -   更坏 [geng4 huai4]

ad. more bad than

worth   -   价值 [jia4 zhi2]

n. value measured in money

wound   -   创 [chuang1], 伤 [shang1]

v. to injure; to hurt; to cause physical damage to a person or animal

n. an injury to the body

wreck   -   摧毁 [cui1 hui3], 破坏 [po4 huai4]

v. to damage greatly; to destroy

n. anything that has been badly damaged or broken

wreckage   -   残骸 [can2 hai2]

n. what remains of something severely damaged or destroyed

write   -   写 [xie3]

v. to use an instrument to make words appear on a surface, such as paper

wrong   -   错 [cuo4], 不对 [bu4 dui4]

ad. not correct; bad; not legal; opposite right

x-rays   -   爱克斯光 [ai4 ke4 si3 guang1]

n. a kind of radiation that can pass through most solid materials, often used in medicine

year   -   年 [nian2]

n. a period of time equal to twelve months

yellow   -   黄 [huang2]

ad. having the color like that of gold or the sun

yesterday   -   昨天 [zuo2 tian1]

n. the day before today

yet   -   还 [hai2]

ad. at some time before now; now

conj. however

you   -   你 [ni3]

pro. the person or persons being spoken to

young   -   年轻 [nian2 qing1]

ad. in the early years of life; not old

zero   -   零 [ling2]

n. the number meaning none or nothing

zoo   -   动物园 [dong4 wu4 yuan2]

n. a place where animals are kept for the public to look at and study


able   -  

v. having the power to do something

about   -  

ad. almost; of or having a relation to

above   -  

ad. at a higher place

accept   -  

v. to agree to receive

accident   -  

n. something that happens by chance or mistake; an unplanned event

accuse   -  

v. to say a person is responsible for an act or crime; to make a statement against someone

across   -  

ad. from side to side; to the other side

act   -  

v. to do something

activist   -  

n. one who seeks change through action

actor   -  

n. someone acting in a play or show

add   -  

v. to put (something) with another to make it larger; to say more

administration   -  

n. the executive part of a government, usually headed by a president or prime minister

admit   -  

v. to accept; to express one's guilt

adult   -  

n. a grown person

advise   -  

v. to help with information, knowledge or ideas in making a decision

affect   -  

v. to produce an effect on; to influence

afraid   -  

ad. feeling fear

after   -  

ad. later; behind

again   -  

ad. another time; as before

against   -  

ad. opposed to; not agreeing with something

age   -  

n. how old a person or thing is

agency   -  

n. an organization that is part of a larger group

aggression   -  

n. an attack against a person or country; the violation of a country's borders

ago   -  

ad. of time past; before now

agree   -  

v. to have the same belief as someone; to be willing to do something

agriculture   -  

n. farming

aid   -  

v. to help; to support

n. help, assistance

aim   -  

v. to point a gun at

n. a goal or purpose

air   -  

n. the mixture of gases around the earth, mostly nitrogen and oxygen, that we breathe

air force   -  

n. a military organization using airplanes

airplane   -  

n. a vehicle with wings that flies

airport   -  

n. a place where airplanes take off and land

album   -  

n. a collection of recorded music

alcohol   -  

n. a strong, colorless liquid, usually made from grain, used as a drug or in industrial products

alive   -  

ad. having life; not dead

all   -  

ad. everything; everyone; the complete amount

ally   -  

n. a nation or person joined with another for a special purpose

almost   -  

ad. a little less than completely

alone   -  

ad. separated from others

along   -  

ad. near or on

already   -  

ad. before now; even now

also   -  

ad. added to; too

although   -  

conj. even if it is true that

always   -  

ad. at all times; every time

ambassador   -  

n. a nation's highest diplomatic representative (to another government)

amend   -  

v. to add to or to change (a proposal or law)

ammunition   -  

n. the bullets or shells fired from guns

among   -  

ad. in or part of (a group)

amount   -  

n. the number, size or weight of anything

anarchy   -  

n. a lack of order; lawlessness

ancestor   -  

n. a family member from the past

ancient   -  

ad. very old; long ago

anger   -  

n. a strong emotion against someone or something

animal   -  

n. a living creature that moves, such as a dog or cat

anniversary   -  

n. a yearly celebration or observance of an event that happened in the past

announce   -  

v. to make known publicly; to declare officially

another   -  

ad. one more; a different one

answer   -  

n. a statement produced by a question

v. to make a statement after being asked a question

any   -  

ad. one or more of no special kind

apologize   -  

v. to express regret for a mistake or accident for which one accepts responsibility

appeal   -  

v. to take to a higher court, person or group for a decision; to call on somebody for help

appear   -  

v. to show oneself; to come into sight; to seem

appoint   -  

v. to name; to choose

approve   -  

v. to agree with; to agree to support

archeology   -  

n. the scientific study of past human life and activities

area   -  

n. any place or part of it

argue   -  

v. to offer reasons for or against something; to dispute; to disagree

arms   -  

n. military equipment; weapons

army   -  

n. military ground forces

around   -  

ad. on every side (of)

arrest   -  

v. to seize a person for legal action; to take as a prisoner

arrive   -  

v. to come to a place, especially at the end of a trip

art   -  

n. expressions or creations by humans, such as paintings, music, writing or statues

artillery   -  

n. big guns

ash   -  

n. the part left after something burns

ask   -  

v. to question; to say something is wanted

assist   -  

v. to help

astronaut   -  

n. a person who travels in space

astronomy   -  

n. the scientific study of stars and the universe

asylum   -  

n. political protection given by a government to a person from another country

at   -  

prep. in or near; where; when

atmosphere   -  

n. the gases surrounding any star or planet

atom   -  

a very small part of all things; the smallest part of an element that can join with parts of other elements

attach   -  

v. to tie together; to connect

attack   -  

n. a violent attempt to damage, injure or kill

v. to start a fight

attempt   -  

v. to work toward something; to try; to make an effort

attend   -  

v. to be present at

automobile   -  

n. a vehicle with wheels used to carry people; a car

autumn   -  

n. the time of the year between summer and winter

average   -  

n. something (a number) representing the middle

ad. common; normal

avoid   -  

v. to stay away from

awake   -  

ad. not sleeping

award   -  

n. an honor or prize for an act or service

away   -  

ad. not near

baby   -  

n. a newly born creature

back   -  

n. the part behind the front

ad. the other way from forward

bacteria   -  

living things that are one cell and can be seen only through a microscope; some cause disease

bad   -  

ad. wrong; acting against the law; not good

balance   -  

v. to make two sides or forces equal

ball   -  

n. something round

balloon   -  

n. a device of strong, light material that rises when filled with gas lighter than air

ballot   -  

n. a piece of paper used for voting

ban   -  

v. to not permit; to stop

n. an official restriction

bank   -  

n. an organization that keeps and lends money

bar   -  

v. to prevent or block

barrier   -  

n. anything that blocks or makes an action difficult

base   -  

n. a military center

v. to establish as a fact

battle   -  

n. a fight between opposing armed forces

be   -  

v. to live; to happen; to exist

beat   -  

v. to hit again and again

beauty   -  

ad. that which pleases the eye, ear or spirit

because   -  

prep. for the reason that

become   -  

v. to come to be

bed   -  

n. a sleeping place

before   -  

prep. earlier

begin   -  

v. to do the first part of an action; to start

behind   -  

ad. at the back of; in back of

believe   -  

v. to think; to feel sure of; to accept as true; to trust

bell   -  

n. an instrument that makes a musical sound

belong   -  

v. to be owned by; to be a member of

below   -  

ad. lower than

best   -  

ad. the most good

betray   -  

v. to turn against; to be false to

better   -  

ad. more good than

between   -  

ad. in the space or time that separates; from one to the other

big   -  

ad. of great size; not small

bill   -  

n. a legislative proposal

biology   -  

n. the scientific study of life or living things in all their forms

bird   -  

n. a creature that flies

bite   -  

v. to cut with the teeth

black   -  

ad. dark; having the color like that of the night sky

blame   -  

v. to accuse; to hold responsible

blanket   -  

n. a cloth cover used to keep warm

bleed   -  

v. to lose blood

blind   -  

ad. not able to see

block   -  

v. to stop something from being done; to prevent movement

blood   -  

n. red fluid in the body

blow   -  

v. to move with force, as in air

blue   -  

ad. having the color like that of a clear sky

boat   -  

n. something built to travel on water that carries people or goods

body   -  

n. all of a person or animal; the remains of a person or animal

boil   -  

v. to heat a liquid until it becomes very hot

bomb   -  

n. a device that explodes with great force

v. to attack or destroy with bombs

bone   -  

n. the hard material in the body

book   -  

n. a long written work for reading

border   -  

n. a dividing line between nations

born   -  

v. to come to life; to come into existence

borrow   -  

v. to take as a loan

both   -  

ad. not just one of two, but the two together

bottle   -  

n. a container, usually made of glass, to hold liquid

bottom   -  

ad. the lowest part of something

box   -  

n. something to put things into; a container, usually made of paper or wood

boy   -  

n. a young male person

boycott   -  

v. to refuse to take part in or deal with

brain   -  

n. the control center of thought, emotions and body activity of all creatures

brave   -  

ad. having no fear

bread   -  

n. a food made from grain

break   -  

v. to divide into parts by force; to destroy

breathe   -  

v. to take air into the body and let it out again

bridge   -  

n. a structure built over a waterway, valley or road

brief   -  

ad. short; not long

bright   -  

ad. giving much light; strong and clear in color

bring   -  

v. to come with something

broadcast   -  

v. to send information, stories or music by radio or television

n. a radio or television program

brother   -  

n. a male with the same father or mother as another person

brown   -  

ad. having the color like that of coffee

budget   -  

n. a spending plan

build   -  

v. to join materials together to make something

building   -  

n. anything built for use as a house, factory, office, school, store or place of entertainment

bullet   -  

n. a small piece of metal shot from a gun

burn   -  

v. to be on fire; to destroy or damage by fire

burst   -  

v. to break open suddenly

bury   -  

v. to put into the ground and cover with earth

bus   -  

n. a public vehicle to carry people

business   -  

n. one's work; buying and selling to earn money; trade

busy   -  

ad. doing something; very active

but   -  

conj. however; other than; yet

buy   -  

v. to get by paying something, usually money

cabinet   -  

n. a group of ministers that helps lead a government

call   -  

v. to give a name to; to ask for or request

calm   -  

ad. quiet; peaceful; opposite tense

camera   -  

n. a device for taking pictures

camp   -  

n. a place with temporary housing

campaign   -  

n. a competition by opposing political candidates seeking support from voters; a connected series of military actions during a war

can   -  

v. to be able to; to have the right to

n. a container used to hold liquid or food, usually made of metal

cancel   -  

v. to end; to stop

cancer   -  

n. a disease in which dangerous cells grow quickly and destroy parts of the body

candidate   -  

n. a person who seeks or is nominated for an office or an honor

capital   -  

n. the official center of a government; the city where a country's government is

capitalism   -  

n. an economic system in which the production of most goods and services is owned and operated for profit by private citizens or companies

capture   -  

v. to make a person or animal a prisoner; to seize or take by force; to get control of

car   -  

n. a vehicle with wheels used to carry people; an automobile; a part of a train

care   -  

v. to like; to protect; to feel worry or interest

careful   -  

ad. acting safely; with much thought

carry   -  

v. to take something or someone from one place to another

carry out   -  

to do; to put into effect

case (court)   -  

n. a legal action

case (medical)   -  

n. an incident of disease

cat   -  

n. a small animal that often lives with humans

catch   -  

v. to seize after a chase; to stop and seize with the hands

cause   -  

v. to make happen

n. the thing or person that produces a result

ceasefire   -  

n. a halt in fighting, usually by agreement

celebrate   -  

v. to honor a person or event with special activities

cell   -  

a small mass of living material that is part of all plants and animals

center   -  

n. the middle of something; the place in the middle; a place that is the main point of an activity

century   -  

n. one hundred years

ceremony   -  

n. an act or series of acts done in a special way established by tradition

chairman   -  

n. a person leading a meeting or an organized group

champion   -  

n. the best; the winner

chance   -  

n. a possibility of winning or losing or that something will happen

change   -  

v. to make different; to become different

charge   -  

v. to accuse someone of something, usually a crime

n. a statement in which someone is accused of something

chase   -  

v. to run or go after someone or something

cheat   -  

v. to get by a trick; to steal from

cheer   -  

v. to shout approval or praise

chemicals   -  

n. elements found in nature or made by people; substances used in the science of chemistry

chemistry   -  

n. the scientific study of substances an~ what they are made of

chief   -  

n. the head or leader of a group

ad. leading; most important

child   -  

n. a baby; a boy or girl

children   -  

n. more than one child

choose   -  

v. to decide between two or more

chromosome   -  

a line of genes; most human cells contain 46 chromosomes

circle   -  

n. a closed shape that has all its points equally distant from the center, like an "O"

citizen   -  

n. a person who is a member of a country by birth or by law

city   -  

n. any important large town

civil rights   -  

n. the political, economic and social rights given equally to all people of a nation

civilian   -  

ad. not military

claim   -  

v. to say something as a fact

clash   -  

n. a battle

v. to fight or oppose

clean   -  

v. to make pure

ad. free from dirt

clear   -  

ad. easy to see or see through; easily understood

clergy   -  

n. a body of officials within a religious organization

climate   -  

n. the normal weather conditions of a place

climb   -  

v. to go up or down something by using the feet and sometimes the hands

clock   -  

n. a device that measures and shows time

close   -  

v. to make something not open

ad. near to

cloth   -  

n. a material made from plants, chemicals, animal hair and other substances

clothes   -  

n. what people wear

cloud   -  

n. a mass of fog high in the sky

coal   -  

n. a solid black substance used as fuel

coalition   -  

n. forces, groups or nations joined together

coast   -  

n. land on the edge of the ocean

coffee   -  

n. a drink made from the plant of the same name

cold   -  

ad. not warm; having or feeling great coolness or a low temperature

collect   -  

v. to bring or gather together in one place; to demand and receive

college   -  

n. a small university

colony   -  

n. land controlled by another country or government

color   -  

n. the different effects of light on the eye, making blue, red, brown, black, yellow and others

combine   -  

v. to mix or bring together

come   -  

v. to move toward; to arrive

command   -  

v. to order; to have power over something

comment   -  

v. to say something about; to express an opinion about something

committee   -  

n. a group of people given special work

common   -  

ad. usual; same for all

communicate   -  

v. to tell; to give or exchange information

community   -  

n. a group of people living together in one place or area

company   -  

n. a business organized for trade, industrial or other purposes

compare   -  

v. to examine what is different or similar

compete   -  

v. to try to do as well as, or better than, another or others

complete   -  

ad. having all parts; ended or finished

complex   -  

ad. of or having many parts that are difficult to understand; not simple

compound   -  

a substance containing two or more elements

compromise   -  

n. the settlement of an argument where each side agrees to accept less than first demanded

computer   -  

n. an electronic machine for storing and organizing information, and for communicating with others

concern   -  

n. interest, worry

v. to fear

condemn   -  

v. to say a person or action is wrong or bad

condition   -  

n. something declared necessary to complete an agreement; a person's health

conference   -  

n. a meeting

confirm   -  

v. to approve; to say that something is true

conflict   -  

n. a fight; a battle, especially a long one

congratulate   -  

v. to praise a person or to express pleasure for success or good luck

Congress   -  

n. the organization of people elected to make the laws of the United States (the House of Representatives and the Senate); a similar organization in other countries

connect   -  

v. to join one thing to another; to unite; to link

conservative   -  

n. one who usually supports tradition and opposes great change

consider   -  

v. to give thought to; to think about carefully

constitution   -  

n. the written general laws and ideas that form a nation's system of government

contain   -  

v. to hold; to include

container   -  

n. a box, bottle or can used to hold something

continent   -  

n. any of the seven great land areas of the world

continue   -  

v. to go on doing or being

control   -  

v. to direct; to have power over

convention   -  

n. a large meeting for a special purpose

cook   -  

v. to heat food before eating it

cool   -  

ad. almost cold

cooperate   -  

v. to act or work together

copy   -  

v. to make something exactly like another

n. something made to look exactly like another

corn   -  

n. a food grain

correct   -  

ad. true; free from mistakes

v. to change to what is right

cost   -  

n. the price or value of something

v. to be valued at

cotton   -  

n. a material made from a plant of the same name

count   -  

v. to speak or add numbers

country   -  

n. a nation; the territory of a nation; land away from cities

court   -  

n. where trials take place; where judges make decisions about law

cover   -  

v. to put something over a person or thing

n. anything that is put over a person or thing

cow   -  

n. a farm animal used for its milk

crash   -  

v. to fall violently; to hit with great force

create   -  

v. to make; to give life or form to

creature   -  

n. any living being; any animal or human

credit   -  

n. an agreement that payments will be made at a later time

crew   -  

n. a group of people working together

crime   -  

n. an act that violates a law

criminal   -  

n. a person who is responsible for a crime

crisis   -  

n. an extremely important time when something may become much better or worse; a dangerous situation

criticize   -  

v. to say what is wrong with something or someone; to condemn; to judge

crops   -  

n. plants that are grown and gathered for food, such as grains, fruits and vegetables

cross   -  

v. to go from one side to another; to go across

crowd   -  

n. a large number of people gathered in one place

crush   -  

v. to damage or destroy by great weight; to defeat completely

cry   -  

v. to express or show sorrow or pain

culture   -  

n. all the beliefs, traditions and arts of a group or population

cure   -  

v. to improve health; to make well

n. something that makes a sick person well

curfew   -  

n. an order to people to stay off the streets or to close their businesses

current   -  

n. movement of air, water or electricity

ad. belonging to the present time

custom   -  

n. a long-established belief or activity of a people

customs   -  

n. taxes on imports

cut   -  

v. to divide or injure with a sharp tool; to make less; to reduce

dam   -  

n. a wall built across a river to hold back flowing water

damage   -  

v. to cause injury or destruction

n. harm; hurt or injury, usually to things

dance   -  

v. to move the body and feet to music

n. a series of steps, usually to music

danger   -  

n. a strong chance of suffering injury, damage or loss

dark   -  

ad. having little or no light

date   -  

n. an expression of time; a day, month and year

daughter   -  

n. a person's female child

day   -  

n. twenty-four hours; the hours of sunlight

dead   -  

ad. not living

deaf   -  

ad. not able to hear

deal   -  

v. to have to do with; to buy or sell

debate   -  

v. to argue for or against something

n. a public discussion or argument

debt   -  

n. something that is owed; the condition of owing

decide   -  

v. to choose; to settle; to judge

declare   -  

v. to say; to make a statement

decrease   -  

v. to make less in size or amount

deep   -  

ad. going far down; a long way from top to bottom

defeat   -  

v. to cause to lose in a battle or struggle

n. a loss; the condition of having lost

defend   -  

v. to guard or fight against attack; to protect

deficit   -  

n. a shortage that results when spending is greater than earnings, or imports are greater than exports

define   -  

v. to give the meaning of; to explain

degree   -  

n. a measure of temperature

delay   -  

v. to decide to do something at a later time; to postpone; to cause to be late

delegate   -  

n. one sent to act for another; one who represents another

demand   -  

v. to ask by ordering; to ask with force

democracy   -  

n. the system of government in which citizens vote to choose leaders

demonstrate   -  

v. to make a public show of opinions; to explain by using examples

denounce   -  

v. to accuse of being wrong or evil; to criticize severely

dense   -  

close together; thick

deny   -  

v. to declare that something is not true; to refuse a request

depend   -  

v. to need help and support

deplore   -  

v. to regret strongly; to express sadness

deploy   -  

v. to move forces or weapons into positions for action

depression   -  

n. severe unhappiness; a period of reduced business and economic activity during which many people lose their jobs

describe   -  

v. to give a word picture of something; to give details of something

desert   -  

n. a dry area of land

design   -  

v. to plan or create plans for

desire   -  

v. to want very much; to wish for

destroy   -  

v. to break into pieces; to end the existence of

detail   -  

n. a small part of something; a small piece of information

develop   -  

v. to grow; to create; to experience progress

device   -  

n. a piece of equipment made for a special purpose

dictator   -  

n. a ruler with complete power

die   -  

v. to become dead; to stop living; to end

diet   -  

n. usual daily food and drink

different   -  

ad. not the same

difficult   -  

ad. not easy; hard to do, make or carry out

dig   -  

v. to make a hole in the ground

dinner   -  

n. the main amount of food eaten at a usual time; a special event that includes food ("the official dinner")

diplomat   -  

n. a person who represents his or her government in dealing with another government

direct   -  

v. to lead; to aim or show the way

ad. straight to something; not through some other person or thing

direction   -  

n. the way (east, west, north, south); where someone or something came from or went to

dirt   -  

n. earth or soil

disappear   -  

v. to become unseen; to no longer exist

disarm   -  

v. to take away weapons; to no longer keep weapons; to make a bomb harmless by removing its exploding device

discover   -  

v. to find or learn something

discuss   -  

v. to talk about; to exchange ideas

disease   -  

n. a sickness in living things, often caused by viruses, germs or bacteria

dismiss   -  

v. to send away; to refuse to consider

dispute   -  

v. to oppose strongly by argument

n. an angry debate

dissident   -  

n. a person who strongly disagrees with his or her government

distance   -  

n. the amount of space between two places or objects

dive   -  

v. to jump into water head first

divide   -  

v. to separate into two or more parts

do   -  

v. to act; to make an effort

doctor   -  

n. a person trained in medicine to treat sick people

document   -  

n. an official piece of paper with facts written on it, used as proof or support of something

dog   -  

n. a small animal that often lives with humans

dollar   -  

n. United States money, one hundred cents

door   -  

n. an opening for entering or leaving a building or room

down   -  

ad. from higher to lower; in a low place

dream   -  

v. to have a picture or story in the mind during sleep

n. a picture or story in the mind during sleep; a happy idea about the future

drink   -  

v. to take liquid into the body through the mouth

drive   -  

v. to control a moving vehicle

drop   -  

v. to fall or let fall; to go lower

drown   -  

v. to die under water

drug   -  

n. anything used as a medicine or in making medicine; a chemical substance used to ease pain or to affect the mind

dry   -  

ad. not wet; without rain

during   -  

ad. through the whole time; while (something is happening)

dust   -  

n. pieces of matter so small that they can float in the air

duty   -  

n. one's job or responsibility; what one must do because it is right and just

each   -  

ad. every one by itself

early   -  

ad. at or near the beginning, especially the beginning of the day; opposite late

earn   -  

v. to be paid in return for work done

earth   -  

n. the planet we all live on; the ground or soil

earthquake   -  

n. a sudden, violent shaking of the earth's surface

ease   -  

v. to reduce; to make less difficult

east   -  

n. the direction from which the sun rises

easy   -  

ad. not difficult; not hard to do

eat   -  

v. to take food into the body through the mouth

ecology   -  

n. the scientific study of the environment and links among living and material things

economy   -  

n. the system by which money, industry and trade are organized

edge   -  

n. the line where something ends or begins

education   -  

n. the act of teaching

effect   -  

n. the result or change caused by something

effort   -  

n. an attempt; the work necessary to do something

egg   -  

n. the rounded object containing unborn young produced by female birds, fish or reptiles; a single cell in a female person or animal that can develop into a baby

either   -  

ad. one of two, but not the other

elect   -  

v. to choose by voting

electricity   -  

n. a form of energy that flows through wires to provide heat and light, and power to machines

electron   -  

a small part of an atom that has an electrical force

element   -  

one of more than 100 substances known to science that cannot be separated into other substances

embassy   -  

n. the offices of an ambassador and his or her assistants

emergency   -  

n. an unexpected and dangerous situation demanding quick action

emotion   -  

n. a strong feeling such as love, hate, fear or sadness

employ   -  

v. to give work in return for wages

empty   -  

ad. having nothing inside

v. to remove everything

end   -  

v. to stop; to finish

n. the part which comes last

enemy   -  

n. a person opposing or hating another; a person or people of the other side in a war

energy   -  

n. power used to do work, usually with machines; the ability and willingness to be active

enforce   -  

v. to make something be done

engine   -  

n. a machine that uses energy to cause movement or to do work

engineer   -  

n. a person who designs engines, machines, roads, bridges or railroads

enjoy   -  

v. to be pleased or satisfied by something

enough   -  

ad. as much as necessary; pro. the amount needed

enter   -  

v. to come or go into

environment   -  

n. all surrounding things, conditions and influences that affect life; the natural world of land, sea, air, plants and animals

enzyme   -  

a special kind of protein; it produces changes in other substances without being changed itself

equal   -  

ad. the same in amount, size, weight or value; having the same rights

equipment   -  

n. things, tools or machines needed for a purpose or activity

escape   -  

v. to get free; to get away from; to get out of

especially   -  

ad. more than others

establish   -  

v. to bring into existence; to create

estimate   -  

v. to form an opinion about a value, size or amount using less than complete information

ethnic   -  

ad. of or concerning people belonging to a large group because of their race, religion, language, tribe or where their ancestors lived

evaporate   -  

v. to change from a liquid into a gas

even   -  

ad. in a way not thought possible ("They survived, even though the building was destroyed.")

event   -  

n. that which happens, especially something of importance

ever   -  

ad. at any time

every   -  

ad. each one; all

evidence   -  

n. material or facts that prove something; a reason for believing

evil   -  

ad. not good; extremely bad

exact   -  

ad. having no mistakes; correct in every detail

examine   -  

v. to study closely

example   -  

n. a part that shows what the rest of a thing or group is like

excellent   -  

ad. extremely good

except   -  

prep. but for

exchange   -  

v. to trade; to give or receive one thing for another

excuse   -  

v. to take away blame; to pardon; to forgive

n. a reason (sometimes false) for an action

execute   -  

v. to kill

exercise   -  

n. an activity or effort for the purpose of improving the body or to stay in good health

exile   -  

v. to force a person to leave his or her country; to expel

n. a person who is forced to leave his or her country

exist   -  

v. to be; to live

expand   -  

v. to make larger; to grow larger

expect   -  

v. to think or believe that something will happen; to wait for an event

expel   -  

v. to force out; to remove from; to send away

experience   -  

v. to live through an event, situation or condition

n. something that one has done or lived through

experiment   -  

v. to test

n. a test or trial carried out to prove if an idea is true or false, or to discover something

expert   -  

n. a person with special knowledge or training

explain   -  

v. to give reasons for; to make clear; to tell about; to tell the meaning

explode   -  

v. to break apart violently with a loud noise, like a bomb

explore   -  

v. to travel in a place that is not well known to learn more about it; to make a careful search; to examine closely

export   -  

v. to send to another country

n. something sent to another country, usually for sale

express   -  

v. to say clearly

extend   -  

v. to stretch out in area or length; to continue for a longer time

extra   -  

ad. more than normal, expected or necessary

extreme   -  

ad. more than the usual or accepted

extremist   -  

n. a person with strong religious or political beliefs who acts in an extreme or violent way

face   -  

n. the front of the head: eyes, nose, mouth

v. to look toward; to turn toward; to have before you, such as a problem or danger

fact   -  

n. something known or proved to be true

factory   -  

n. a building or group of buildings where goods are made

fail   -  

v. to not succeed; to not reach a goal

fair   -  

ad. just; honest; what is right

fall   -  

v. to go down quickly; to come down; to drop to the ground or a lower position

false   -  

ad. not true; not correct

family   -  

n. the group that includes children and their parents

famous   -  

ad. known very well to many people

far   -  

ad. at, to or from a great distance

farm   -  

n. land used to grow crops and animals for food

fast   -  

ad. moving or working at great speed; quick

fat   -  

n. tissue in the bodies of humans and animals used to store energy and to keep warm

ad. thick; heavy

father   -  

n. the male parent; a man who has a child or children

fear   -  

v. to be afraid; to worry that something bad is near or may happen

n. a strong emotion when there is danger or trouble

federal   -  

ad. of or having to do with a national or central government

feed   -  

v. to give food to

feel   -  

v. to have or experience an emotion; to know by touching

female   -  

n. a woman or girl; the sex that gives birth

ad. of or about women

fence   -  

n. something around an area of land to keep animals or people in or out

fertile   -  

ad. rich in production of plants or animals; producing much

fetus   -  

unborn young

few   -  

ad. not many; a small number of

field   -  

n. an area of open land, usually used to grow crops or to raise animals

fierce   -  

ad. extremely strong; violent; angry

fight   -  

v. to use violence or force; to attempt to defeat or destroy an enemy

n. the use of force; a battle

fill   -  

v. to put or pour something into a container until there is space for no more

film   -  

v. to record something so it can be seen again; to make a motion picture or movie

n. a thin piece of material for making pictures with a camera; a movie

final   -  

ad. at the end; last

financial   -  

ad. of or about the system that includes the use of money, credit, investments and banks

find   -  

v. to discover or learn something by searching or by accident; to decide a court case

fine   -  

n. a payment ordered by a court to punish someone for a crime

ad. very good; very small or thin

finish   -  

v. to complete; to end

fire   -  

v. to shoot a gun

n. the heat and light produced by something burning

fireworks   -  

n. rockets producing bright fire in the sky, used in holiday celebrations

firm   -  

ad. not easily moved or changed

first   -  

ad. coming before all others

fish   -  

n. a creature that lives and can breathe in water

fission   -  

a splitting; in atomic fission, the nucleus of an atom is split to produce nuclear energy

fit   -  

v. to be of the correct size or shape

fix   -  

v. to make good or right again

flag   -  

n. a piece of colored cloth used to represent a nation, government or organization

flat   -  

ad. smooth; having no high places

flee   -  

v. to run away from

float   -  

v. to be on water without sinking; to move or be moved gently on water or through air

flood   -  

v. to cover with water

n. the movement of water out of a river, lake or ocean onto land

floor   -  

n. the bottom part of a room for walking on; the level of a building

flow   -  

v. to move like a liquid

flower   -  

n. the colored part of plants that carry seeds

fluid   -  

n. any substance that can flow, such as a liquid

fly   -  

v. to move through the air with wings, like a bird or airplane; to travel in an airplane or flying vehicle

fog   -  

n. a mass of wet air that is difficult to see through; a cloud close to the ground

follow   -  

v. to come or go after; to accept the rule or power of; to obey

food   -  

n. that which is taken in by all living things for energy, strength and growth

fool   -  

v. to make someone believe something that is not true; to trick

n. a person who is tricked easily

foot   -  

n. the bottom part of the leg; the part of the body that touches the ground when a person or animal walks

force   -  

v. to make someone do something or make something happen by using power

n. power, strength; strength used against a person or object; military power of a nation; a military group

foreign   -  

ad. of, about or from another nation; not from one's own place or country

forest   -  

n. a place of many trees

forget   -  

v. to not remember

forgive   -  

v. to pardon; to excuse; to remove guilt

form   -  

v. to make; to start; to shape

n. a kind

former   -  

ad. earlier in time; not now

forward   -  

ad. the direction in front of; toward the front

free   -  

v. to release

ad. not controlled by another or by outside forces; not in prison; independent; not limited by rules; without cost

freedom   -  

n. the condition of being free

freeze   -  

v. to cause or to become very cold; to make or to become hard by cold

fresh   -  

ad. newly made or gathered; recent

friend   -  

n. a person one likes and trusts

frighten   -  

v. to cause great fear

front   -  

n. the forward part; the opposite of back; the beginning; the first part

fruit   -  

n. food from trees and plants

fuel   -  

n. any substance burned to create heat or power

full   -  

ad. containing as much as a person or thing can hold; complete

fun   -  

n. anything that is pleasing and causes happiness

funeral   -  

n. a ceremony held in connection with the burial or burning of the dead

fusion   -  

a joining together; in atomic fusion, atomic particles are joined together to produce nuclear energy

future   -  

n. time after now

ad. in the time to come

gain   -  

v. to get possession of; to get more; to increase

game   -  

n. an activity with rules in which people or teams play or compete, usually sports

gas   -  

n. any substance that is not solid or liquid; any substance that burns to provide heat, light or power

gather   -  

v. to bring or come together into a group or place; to collect

general   -  

n. a high military leader

ad. without details; affecting or including all or almost all

genes   -  

parts of cells that control the growth and development of living things; genes from the mother and father are passed to the child; genes contain nucleic acid

genetic engineering   -  

the science of changing the genes of a living organism

gentle   -  

ad. soft; kind; not rough or violent

get   -  

v. to receive; to gain; to go and bring back; to become; to become the owner of

gift   -  

n. something given without cost

girl   -  

n. a young female person

give   -  

v. to present to another to keep without receiving payment

glass   -  

n. a hard, clear material that is easily broken, used most often for windows or for containers to hold liquids

go   -  

v. to move from one place to another; to leave

goal   -  

n. that toward which an effort is directed; that which is aimed at; the end of a trip or race

god   -  

n. the spirit that is honored as creator of all things; a spirit or being believed in many religions to have special powers

gold   -  

n. a highly valued yellow metal

good   -  

ad. pleasing; helpful; kind; correct; not bad

goods   -  

n. things owned or made to be sold

govern   -  

v. to control; to rule by military or political power

government   -  

n. a system of governing; the organization of people that rules a country, city or area

grain   -  

n. the seed of grass plants used for food, such as wheat, rice and corn

granddaughter   -  

n. the daughter of a person's daughter or son

grandfather   -  

n. the father of a person's father or mother

grandmother   -  

n. the mother of a person's father or mother

grandson   -  

n. the son of a person's daughter or son

grass   -  

n. a plant with long, narrow, green leaves

gravity   -  

the force that pulls things toward the center of the earth

gray   -  

ad. having the color like that made by mixing black and white

great   -  

ad. very large or more than usual in size or number; very good; important

green   -  

ad. having the color like that made by mixing yellow and blue; having the color like that of growing leaves and grass

grind   -  

v. to reduce to small pieces by crushing

ground   -  

n. land; the earth's surface; soil

group   -  

n. a number of people or things together; a gathering of people working for a common purpose

grow   -  

v. to develop or become bigger; to increase in size or amount

guarantee   -  

v. to promise a result; to promise that something will happen

guard   -  

v. to watch and protect a person, place or thing

n. a person or thing that watches or protects

guerrilla   -  

n. a person who fights as part of an unofficial army, usually against an official army or police

guide   -  

v. to lead to; to show the way

n. one who shows the way

guilty   -  

ad. having done something wrong or in violation of a law; responsible for a bad action

gun   -  

n. a weapon that shoots bullets

hair   -  

n. the fine material that grows from the skin, especially from the head

half   -  

n. one of two equal parts of something

halt   -  

v. to come or cause to come to a stop; to stop

hang   -  

v. to place something so the highest part is supported and the lower part is not; to kill by hanging

happen   -  

v. to become a fact or event; to take place

happy   -  

ad. pleased; satisfied; feeling good; not sad

hard   -  

ad. not easily cut or broken; solid; difficult to do or understand; needing much effort or force

harm   -  

v. to injure; to damage

n. damage; hurt

harvest   -  

v. to gather crops

n. the crop after it is gathered

hat   -  

n. a head cover

hate   -  

v. to have strong emotions against; to consider as an enemy; opposite love

have   -  

v. to possess; to own; to hold

he   -  

pro. the boy or man who is being spoken about

head   -  

v. to lead; to command

n. leader; chief; the top part of something; the highest position

headquarters   -  

n. the center from which orders are given; the main offices of a business or organization

heal   -  

v. to return to good health; to cure; to become well

health   -  

n. the general condition of the body and mind; the condition of being free from sickness or disease

hear   -  

v. to receive sound through the ears; to receive news about

heart   -  

pumps blood through the body

heat   -  

v. to make hot or warm

n. great warmth; that which is produced by burning fuel; energy from the sun

heavy   -  

ad. having much weight; not easy to lift; of great amount or force

helicopter   -  

n. a machine without wings that can fly up or down or remain in one place above the ground

help   -  

v. to give support; to assist; to make easier

n. support; aid

here   -  

ad. in, to or at this place

hero   -  

n. a person honored for being brave or wise

hide   -  

v. to prevent from being seen or found; to make secret

high   -  

ad. tall; far up; far above the ground; important; above others

hijack   -  

v. to seize or take control of a vehicle by force

hill   -  

n. a small mountain

history   -  

n. the written record or description of past events; the study of the past

hit   -  

v. to strike; to touch with force

hold   -  

v. to carry or support, usually in the hands or arms; to keep in one position; to keep as a prisoner; to contain; to possess; to occupy; to organize and be involved in

hole   -  

n. an opening; a torn or broken place in something

holiday   -  

n. a day when one does not work; a day on which no work is done to honor or remember a person or event

holy   -  

ad. greatly honored in religion

home   -  

n. the building where a person lives, especially with family; the place where one was born or comes from; the area or country where one lives

honest   -  

ad. truthful; able to be trusted

honor   -  

v. to obey; to show strong, good feelings for

n. an award

hope   -  

v. to expect; to believe there is a good chance that something will happen as wanted; to want something to happen

horrible   -  

ad. causing great fear; terrible

horse   -  

n. a large animal often used for racing, riding or farm work

hospital   -  

n. a place where sick or injured people are given medical care

hostage   -  

n. a person captured and held as a guarantee that a demand or promise will be honored

hostile   -  

ad. ready to fight; ready for war

hot   -  

ad. having or feeling great heat or a high temperature

hotel   -  

n. a building with rooms, and often food, for travellers

hour   -  

n. a measure of time; sixty minutes

house   -  

n. a building in which people live; a country's parliament or lawmaking group

how   -  

ad. in what way; to what amount

however   -  

conj. yet; but

huge   -  

ad. very big; of great size

human   -  

ad. of or about people

humor   -  

n. the ability to understand, enjoy or express what makes people laugh

hunger   -  

n. the need for food

hunt   -  

v. to search for animals to capture or kill them; to seek; to try to find

hurry   -  

v. to do or go fast

hurt   -  

v. to cause pain, injury or damage

husband   -  

n. a man who is married

ice   -  

n. frozen water

idea   -  

n. a thought or picture in the mind; a belief

identify   -  

v. to recognize someone or something and to say who or what they are

if   -  

conj. on condition; provided that

illegal   -  

ad. not legal; in violation of a law

image   -  

a reproduction of the appearance of a person or thing

imagine   -  

v. to make a picture in the mind; to form an idea

immediate   -  

ad. without delay; very near in time or place

import   -  

v. to bring from another country

n. something brought from another country, usually for sale

important   -  

ad. having great meaning, value or power

improve   -  

v. to make better; to become better

in   -  

prep. inside; held by; contained by; surrounded by; during

incident   -  

n. an event or something that happens

incite   -  

v. to urge or cause an action or emotion, usually something bad or violent

include   -  

v. to have; to make a part of

increase   -  

v. to make more in size or amount

independent   -  

ad. not influenced by or controlled by another or others; free; separate

individual   -  

n. one person

industry   -  

n. any business that produces goods or provides services; the work and related activity in factories and offices; all organizations involved in manufacturing

infect   -  

v. to make sick with something that causes disease

inflation   -  

n. a continuing rise in prices while the value of money goes down

influence   -  

v. to have an effect on someone or something; to cause change

inform   -  

v. to tell; to give knowledge to

information   -  

n. knowledge; facts

inject   -  

v. to force a fluid into, such as putting medicine or drugs into the body through the skin

injure   -  

v. to cause harm or damage to a person or animal

innocent   -  

ad. not guilty of a crime; not responsible for a bad action

insane   -  

ad. mentally sick

insect   -  

n. a very small creature, usually with many legs and sometimes with wings

inspect   -  

v. to look at something carefully; to examine, especially by an expert

instead   -  

ad. in the place of; taking the place of

instrument   -  

n. a tool or device designed to do something or to make something

insult   -  

v. to say something or to do something that makes another person angry or dishonored

intelligence   -  

n. the ability to think or learn; information gathered by spying

intelligent   -  

ad. quick to understand or learn

intense   -  

ad. very strong; extremely serious

interest   -  

n. what is important to someone; a share in owning a business; money paid for the use of money borrowed

interfere   -  

v. to get in the way of; to work against; to take part in the activities of others, especially when not asked to do so

international   -  

ad. of or about more than one nation or many nations; of the whole world

intervene   -  

v. to come between; to come between in order to settle or solve

intestines   -  

tubes through which food passes after it is broken down in the stomach; part of the intestines also remove solid wastes from the body

invade   -  

v. to enter an area or country by force with an army

invent   -  

v. to plan and make something never made before; to create a new thing or way of doing something

invest   -  

v. to give money to a business or organization with the hope of making more money

investigate   -  

v. to study or examine all information about an event, situation or charge; to search for the truth

invite   -  

v. to ask someone to take part in or join an event, organization or gathering

involve   -  

v. to take part in; to become a part of; to include

iron   -  

n. a strong, hard metal used to make machines and tools

island   -  

n. a land area with water all around it

issue   -  

n. an important problem or subject that people are discussing or arguing about

jail   -  

n. a prison for those waiting to be tried for a crime or for those serving sentences  for crimes that are not serious

jewel   -  

n. a valuable stone, such as a diamond or emerald

job   -  

n. the work that one does to earn money

join   -  

v. to put together or come together; to become part of or a member of

joint   -  

ad. shared by two or more

joke   -  

n. something done or said to cause others to laugh

judge   -  

v. to form an opinion about; to decide a question, especially a legal one

n. a public official who decides problems of law in a court

jump   -  

v. to push down on the feet and move up quickly into the air

jury   -  

n. a group of people chosen to decide what is true in a trial

just   -  

ad. only; very shortly before or after the present; at the same time; what is right or fair

keep   -  

v. to possess; to have for oneself

kick   -  

v. to hit with the foot

kidnap   -  

v. to seize and take away by force

kidney   -  

cleans liquid wastes from the body

kill   -  

v. to make dead; to cause to die

kind   -  

n. sort

ad. gentle; caring; helpful

kiss   -  

v. to touch with the mouth to show love or honor

knife   -  

n. a tool or weapon used to cut

know   -  

v. to understand something as correct; to have the facts about; to recognize someone because you have met and talked together before

knowledge   -  

n. that which is known; learning or understanding

labor   -  

n. work; workers as a group

laboratory   -  

n. a room or place where experiments in science are done

lack   -  

v. to be without

n. the condition of needing, wanting or not having

lake   -  

n. a large area of fresh water surrounded by land

land   -  

v. to come to the earth from the air

n. the part of the earth not covered by water; the ground

language   -  

n. words and their use; what people speak in a country, nation or group

large   -  

ad. big; being of more than usual size, amount or number; opposite small

laser   -  

an instrument that makes a thin, powerful light

last   -  

v. to continue

ad. after all others; the only one remaining

late   -  

ad. after the correct time; near the end; opposite early

laugh   -  

v. to make sounds to express pleasure or happy feelings

launch   -  

v. to put into operation; to begin; to send into the air or space

law   -  

n. all or any rules made by a government

lead   -  

v. to show the way; to command; to control; to go first

leak   -  

v. to come out of or to escape through a small opening or hole (usually a gas or liquid)

learn   -  

v. to get knowledge about; to come to know a fact or facts

leave   -  

v. to go away from; to let something stay where it is

left   -  

ad. on the side that is toward the west when one is facing north; opposite right

legal   -  

ad. of or in agreement with the law

legislature   -  

n. a government lawmaking group

lend   -  

v. to permit someone to use a thing temporarily; to make a loan of money

less   -  

ad. smaller in amount; not as much

let   -  

v. to permit to do or to be; to make possible

letter   -  

n. a message written on paper; a communication in writing sent to another person

level   -  

n. the amount or height that something reaches or rises to; the position of something or someone

liberal   -  

ad. one who usually supports social progress or change

lie   -  

v. to have one's body on the ground or other surface; to say something that one knows is not true

life   -  

n. the time between being born and dying; opposite death; all living things

lift   -  

v. to take or bring up to a higher place or level

light   -  

n. a form of energy that affects the eyes so that one is able to see; anything that produces light

ad. bright; clear; not heavy

lightning   -  

n. light produced by electricity in the air, usually during a storm

like   -  

v. to be pleased with; to have good feelings for someone or something

ad. in the same way as; similar to

limit   -  

v. to restrict to a number or amount

n. the greatest amount or number permitted

line   -  

n. a long, thin mark on a surface; a number of people or things organized; one after another; the edge of an area protected by military forces

link   -  

v. to connect; to unite one thing or event with another

n. a relation between two or more things, situations or events

liquid   -  

n. a substance that is not a solid or gas, and can move freely, like water

list   -  

v. to put in writing a number of names of people or things

n. a written series of names or things

listen   -  

v. to try to hear

literature   -  

n. all the poems, stories and writings of a period of time or of a country

little   -  

ad. not tall or big; a small amount

live   -  

v. to have life; to exist

ad. having life; alive

liver   -  

makes some proteins and enzymes; removes poisons from the blood

load   -  

v. to put objects on or into a vehicle or container

n. that which is carried

loan   -  

n. money borrowed that usually must be returned with interest payments; something borrowed

local   -  

ad. about or having to do with one place

lonely   -  

ad. feeling alone and wanting friends; visited by few or no people

long   -  

ad. not short; measuring from beginning to end; measuring much; for much time

look   -  

v. to turn the eyes toward so as to see; to search or hunt for; to seem to be

lose   -  

v. to have no longer; to not find; to fail to keep; to be defeated

loud   -  

ad. having a strong sound; full of sound or noise

love   -  

v. to like very much; to feel a strong, kind emotion (sometimes involving sex)

n. a strong, kind emotion for someone or something

low   -  

ad. not high or tall; below the normal height; close to the ground

loyal   -  

ad. showing strong friendship and support for someone or something

luck   -  

n. something that happens by chance

lung   -  

takes in and expels air from the body

machine   -  

n. a device with moving parts used to do work

magazine   -  

n. a publication of news, stories, pictures or other information

magnet   -  

a piece of iron or other material that has a pulling force; this pulling force is called magnetism

mail   -  

n. letters, papers and other things sent through an official system, such as a post office

main   -  

ad. the most important or largest

major   -  

ad. great in size, importance or amount

majority   -  

n. the greater number; more than half

make   -  

v. to produce; to create; to build; to do something or to carry out an action; to cause to be or to become

male   -  

n. a man or boy; the sex that is the father of children

ad. of or about men

man   -  

n. an adult male human

manufacture   -  

v. to make goods in large amounts

many   -  

ad. a large number or amount of

map   -  

n. a picture of the earth's surface or a part of it

march   -  

v. to walk in a group like soldiers; to walk together in a large group to protest about something

mark   -  

v. to make a sign or cut on something

market   -  

n. a place or area where goods are sold, bought or traded; system in which prices are decided by supply and demand

marry   -  

v. to join a man and woman together as husband and wife

mass   -  

n. an amount of matter having no special form and usually of a large size

mate   -  

v. to bring together a male and a female to create another creature

material   -  

n. the substance, substances or matter of which something is made

mathematics   -  

n. the science dealing with amounts, sizes and shapes, as explained by numbers and signs

matter   -  

n. anything that can be seen or felt; what things are made of

8

may   -  

v. a word used with an action word to mean permit or possible

mayor   -  

n. the chief official of a city or town government

meal   -  

n. food eaten to satisfy hunger, such as dinner

mean   -  

v. to want to; to give the idea of; to have the idea of

measure   -  

v. to learn the amount, size or distance of something

n. an action taken; a legislative proposal

meat   -  

n. the part of a dead animal used for food

media   -  

n. all public information organizations, including newspapers, television and radio

medicine   -  

n. a substance or drug used to treat disease or pain; the science or study of treating and curing disease or improving health

meet   -  

v. to come together with someone or something at the same time and place

melt   -  

v. to make a solid into a liquid by heating it

member   -  

n. one of a group

memorial   -  

n. something done or made to honor the memory of a person or event

memory   -  

n. a picture in the mind of past events; the ability to remember; a thing remembered

mental   -  

ad. about or having to do with the mind

mercy   -  

n. kindness toward those who should be punished; the power to be kind or to pardon

message   -  

n. written or spoken news or information; a note from one person to another person or group

metal   -  

n. a hard substance such as iron, steel or gold

method   -  

n. the way something is done

microscope   -  

n. a device used to make very small things look larger so they can be studied

middle   -  

n. the center; a place or time of equal distance from both sides or ends

ad. in the center

militant   -  

n. someone active in trying to cause political change, often by the use of force or violence

military   -  

n. the armed forces of a nation or group

ad. of or about the armed forces

milk   -  

n. the white liquid produced by female animals to feed their young

mind   -  

n. the thinking, feeling part of a person

mine   -  

v. to dig useful or valuable substances out of the earth

n. place where such substances are found; a bomb placed underground or underwater

mineral   -  

n. a substance found in nature that is not an animal or a plant, such as coal or salt

minister   -  

n. a member of a cabinet; a high government official

minor   -  

ad. small in size; of little importance

minority   -  

n. the smaller number; opposite majority

minute   -  

n. a measure of time; one of the sixty equal parts of an hour; sixty seconds

miss   -  

v. to fail to hit, see, reach or meet

missile   -  

n. any weapon that can be thrown or fired through the air and explodes when it reaches its target

missing   -  

ad. lost; not found

mistake   -  

n. a wrong action or decision; an action done without the knowledge that it was wrong

mix   -  

v. to put different things together to make one thing

mob   -  

n. a large group of wild or angry people

model   -  

n. an example; something, usually small, made to show how something will look or work

moderate   -  

ad. not extreme

modern   -  

ad. of the present or very recent time; the most improved

molecule   -  

the smallest amount of a chemical substance that can exist

money   -  

n. pieces of metal or paper used to pay for things

month   -  

n. one of the twelve periods of time into which a year is divided

moon   -  

n. the bright object often seen in the night sky that orbits the earth about every twenty-nine days

moral   -  

ad. concerning what is right or wrong in someone's actions

more   -  

ad. greater in size or amount

morning   -  

n. the early part of the day, from sunrise until noon

most   -  

ad. greatest in size or amount

mother   -  

n. the female parent; a woman who has a child or children

motion   -  

n. a movement; a continuing change of position or place

mountain   -  

n. a part of the earth's surface that rises high above the area around it

mourn   -  

v. to express or feel sadness

move   -  

v. to change position; to put or keep in motion; to go

movement   -  

n. the act of moving or a way of moving; a series of acts or efforts to reach a goal

movie   -  

n. a motion picture; a film

much   -  

ad. great in amount

murder   -  

v. to kill another person illegally

n. the crime of killing another person

music   -  

n. the making of sounds by singing or using a musical instrument

must   -  

v. a word used with an action word to mean necessary

mystery   -  

n. something that is not or cannot be explained or understood; a secret

name   -  

v. to appoint; to nominate; to give a name to

n. a word by which a person,  animal or thing is known or called

narrow   -  

ad. limited in size or amount; not wide; having a short distance from one side to the other

nation   -  

n. a country, together with its social and political systems

native   -  

n. someone who was born in a place, not one who moved there

natural   -  

ad. of or about nature; normal; common to its kind

nature   -  

n. all the plants, animals and other things on earth not created by humans; events or processes not caused by humans

navy   -  

n. the part of a country's military force trained to fight at sea

near   -  

ad. not far; close to

necessary   -  

prep. needed to get a result or effect; required

need   -  

v. to require; to want; to be necessary to have or to do

negotiate   -  

v. to talk about a problem or situation to find a common solution

neither   -  

ad. not one or the other of two

nerve   -  

a thin piece of tissue that sends information through the body to and from the brain

neutral   -  

ad. not supporting one side or the other in a dispute

never   -  

ad. at no time; not ever

new   -  

ad. not existing before; not known before; recently made, built, bought or grown; another; different

news   -  

n. information about any recent events, especially as reported by the media

next   -  

ad. coming immediately after; nearest

nice   -  

ad. pleasing; good; kind

night   -  

n. the time between when the sun goes down and when it rises, when there is little or no light

no   -  

ad. used to reject or to refuse; not any; not at all

noise   -  

n. sound, especially when loud

nominate   -  

v. to name someone as a candidate for an election; to propose a person for an office or position

noon   -  

n. the middle of the day; twelve o'clock in the daytime

normal   -  

n. the usual condition, amount or form

ad. usual; what is expected

north   -  

n. the direction to the left of a person facing the rising sun

not   -  

ad. a word showing that something is denied or untrue

note   -  

v. to talk about something already known

n. a word or words written to help a person remember; a short letter

nothing   -  

n. not anything; no thing

now   -  

ad. at this time; immediately

nowhere   -  

ad. not in, to or at any place

nuclear   -  

ad. of or about the energy produced by splitting atoms or bringing them together; of or about weapons that explode by using energy from atoms

nucleic acid   -  

a molecule that holds the genetic information necessary for life; there are two kinds: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid)

nucleus   -  

the center part of an atom or cell

number   -  

n. a word or sign used to show the order or amount of things

nutrient   -  

a food or substance that makes plants, humans or animals grow

obey   -  

v. to act as one is ordered to act

object   -  

v. to show that one does not like or approve; to protest

n. something not alive that can be seen or touched

observe   -  

v. to watch; to look at carefully; to celebrate or honor something

occupy   -  

v. to take and hold or to control by force

ocean   -  

n. the area of salt water that covers almost seventy-five percent of the earth's surface; any of the five main divisions of this water

off   -  

ad. away; at a distance; condition when something is no longer operating or continuing; not on; not connected

offensive   -  

n. a military campaign of attack

ad. having to do with attacking

offer   -  

v. to present or propose

n. the act of presenting or proposing; that which is presented or proposed

office   -  

n. a room or building where business or work is done; a public position to which one is elected or appointed

officer   -  

n. a person in the military who commands others; any person who is a member of a police force

official   -  

n. a person with power in an organization or government

ad. approved by the government

often   -  

ad. many times

oil   -  

n. a thick liquid that does not mix with water and that burns easily; a black liquid taken from the ground and used as fuel

old   -  

ad. not young or new; having lived or existed for many years

on   -  

prep. above and held up by; touching the upper surface of; supported by; about; at the time of

once   -  

ad. one time only

only   -  

ad. being the single one or ones; no more than

open   -  

v. to start

ad. not closed; not secret

operate   -  

v. to do work or a job; to cut into the body for medical reasons

opinion   -  

n. a belief based on one's own ideas and thinking

oppose   -  

v. to be against; to fight against

opposite   -  

ad. different as possible; completely different from

oppress   -  

v. to make others suffer; to control by the use of unjust and cruel force or power

or   -  

conj. giving another of two choices; giving the last of several choices

orbit   -  

v. to travel in space around a planet or other object

n. the path or way an object travels in space around another object or planet

order   -  

v. to give a command; to tell someone what to do

n. a command; the correct or normal way things are organized; a peaceful situation in which people obey laws

organ   -  

a part of the body that has a special purpose, such as the heart or brain

organism   -  

a living thing, often so small it can be seen only through a microscope

organize   -  

v. to put in order; to put together into a system

other   -  

ad. different; of another kind; the remaining one or ones of two or more

our   -  

ad. of or belonging to us

oust   -  

v. to force to leave; to remove by force

out   -  

ad. away from the inside; opposite of in

over   -  

conj. above; covering; across, in or on every part of

overthrow   -  

v. to remove from power; to defeat or end by force

owe   -  

v. to pay or have to repay (usually money) in return for something received

own   -  

v. to have or possess for oneself

pain   -  

n. a hurt or suffering somewhere in the body

paint   -  

v. to cover with a liquid color; to make a picture with liquid colors

n. a colored liquid used to cover or protect a surface

pan   -  

n. a metal container used for cooking

paper   -  

n. a thin, flat material made from plants or cloth often used for writing

parachute   -  

n. a device that permits a person or thing to fall slowly from an airplane or helicopter to the ground

parade   -  

n. a group of people and vehicles moving together to celebrate a special event or anniversary

pardon   -  

v. to forgive for a crime and release from punishment

parent   -  

n. a father or mother

parliament   -  

n. a government lawmaking group

part   -  

n. something less than the whole; not all of something

particle   -  

a very small piece of matter

party   -  

n. a group of people working together for a political purpose; a group of people or friends gathered together for enjoyment

pass   -  

v. to go by or move around something; to move along; to cause or permit to go

pass a bill   -  

approve

passenger   -  

n. a person travelling by airplane, train, boat or car who is not the pilot or driver

passport   -  

n. a document permitting a person to travel to another country

past   -  

n. the time gone by; the time before

ad. recent; immediately before; former

path   -  

n. a narrow way for walking; a way along which something moves

patient   -  

n. a person being treated by a doctor for a health problem

pay   -  

v. to give money for work done or for something bought

peace   -  

n. the condition of freedom from war, fighting or noise; rest; quiet

people   -  

n. any group of persons; all the persons

percent   -  

n. a part of every hundred

perfect   -  

ad. complete or correct in every way; completely right or good; without mistakes

perform   -  

v. to speak, dance or sing in front of others

period   -  

n. an amount of time within events, restrictions or conditions

permanent   -  

ad. never changing; lasting for a very long time or for all time

permit   -  

v. to let; to make possible

person   -  

n. a man, woman or child physical

ad. of the body

physics   -  

n. the study of motion, matter and energy

picture   -  

n. something that shows what another thing looks like; an idea or representation of something as seen by the eye; a painting; what is made with a camera

piece   -  

n. a part of something larger

pig   -  

n. a farm animal used for its meat

pilot   -  

n. one who guides or flies an airplane or helicopter

pipe   -  

n. a long, round piece of material used to move liquid or gas

place   -  

v. to put something somewhere

n. an area or a part of an area; space where a person or thing is; any room, building, town or country

plan   -  

v. to organize or develop an idea or method of acting or doing something

n. an organized or developed idea

planet   -  

n. a large object in space that orbits the sun

plant   -  

v. to put into the ground to grow

n. a living growth from the ground which gets its food from air, water and earth

plastic   -  

n. a material made from chemicals that can be formed and made into things

play   -  

v. to have fun; to not work; to take part in a sport; to make music on an instrument

n. a story acted in a theater

please   -  

v. to make one happy; to give enjoyment

plenty   -  

n. all that is needed; a large enough amount

plot   -  

v. to make secret plans

n. a secret plan to do something wrong or illegal

poem   -  

n. words and their sounds organized in a special way to express emotions

point   -  

v. to aim one's finger toward; to aim

n. the sharp end of something

poison   -  

n. a substance that can destroy life or damage health

police   -  

n. a government agency responsible for guarding the public, keeping order, and making sure people obey the law; members of that agency

policy   -  

n. an established set of plans or goals used to develop and make decisions in politics, economics or business

politics   -  

n. the activities of government and of those who are in public office

pollute   -  

v. to release dangerous or unpleasant substances into the air, soil or water

poor   -  

n. people with little or no money

ad. lacking money or goods; of bad quality

popular   -  

ad. liked by many people; generally approved by the public

population   -  

n. all the people in a place, city or country

port   -  

n. a city where ships load or unload goods; a place on a coast where ships can be safe from a storm

position   -  

n. a place; the way of holding the body; the way a thing is set or placed; a job (or level of a job) in an organization

possess   -  

v. to have; to own; to control or be controlled by

possible   -  

ad. able to be done; can happen or is expected to happen

postpone   -  

v. to delay action until a later time

pour   -  

v. to flow; to cause to flow

power   -  

n. the ability to control or direct others; control; strength; ruling force; force or energy used to do work

praise   -  

v. to say good things about; to approve

pray   -  

v. to make a request to a god or spirit; to praise a god or spirit

pregnant   -  

ad. carrying a child within the body before it is born; expecting to give birth to a baby

present   -  

v. to offer for consideration

n. a gift; now

ad. to be at a place

president   -  

n. the chief official of a country that is a republic; the leader of an organization

press   -  

v. to urge strongly

n. newspapers, magazines and other publications

pressure   -  

n. the force produced when something is pushed down or against something else

prevent   -  

v. to keep or stop from going or happening

price   -  

n. the amount of money for which anything is bought, sold or offered for sale

prison   -  

n. a place where a person is kept as punishment for a crime

private   -  

ad. of or about a person or group that is secret; opposite public

prize   -  

n. something offered or won in a competition; something of value that one must work hard for to get

probably   -  

ad. a good chance of taking place; a little more than possible

problem   -  

n. a difficult question or situation with an unknown or unclear answer

process   -  

n. an operation or series of changes leading to a desired result

produce   -  

v. to make; to create; to cause something to be; to manufacture

profession   -  

n. a job that requires special training

professor   -  

n. a teacher at a college or university

profit   -  

n. money gained from a business activity after paying all costs of that activity

program   -  

n. a plan of action; the different events or parts of a meeting or show

progress   -  

n. movement forward or toward improvement or a goal

project   -  

n. a planned effort to do something

propaganda   -  

n. ideas or information used to influence opinions

property   -  

n. anything owned by someone such as land, buildings or goods

propose   -  

v. to present or offer for consideration

prostate   -  

a part of the male reproductive system

protect   -  

v. to guard; to defend; to prevent from being harmed or damaged

proteins   -  

substances responsible for the growth of tissue and for fixing damaged tissue

protest   -  

v. to speak against; to object

prove   -  

v. to show to be true

provide   -  

v. to give something needed or wanted

public   -  

ad. of or about all the people in a community or country; opposite private

publication   -  

n. something that is published such as a book, newspaper or magazine

publish   -  

v. to make public something that is written; to include something in a book, newspaper or magazine

pull   -  

v. to use force to move something toward the person or thing using the force; opposite push

pump   -  

v. to force a gas or liquid up, into or through

punish   -  

v. to cause pain, suffering or loss for doing something bad or illegal

purchase   -  

v. to buy with money or with something of equal value

n. that which is bought

pure   -  

ad. free from anything that is different or that reduces value; clean

purpose   -  

n. the reason or desired effect for doing something; goal

push   -  

v. to use force to move something away from the person or thing using the force; opposite pull

put   -  

v. to place; to set in position

quality   -  

n. that which something is known to have or be; amount of value or excellence

question   -  

v. to ask; to express wonder or disbelief

n. a sentence or word used in asking for information; a problem; an issue to be discussed

quick   -  

ad. fast

quiet   -  

ad. with little or no noise; having little or no movement; calm

race   -  

v. to run; to take part in a competition to decide who or what can move fastest; to take part in a campaign for political office

n. one of the major groups that humans  can be divided into because of a common physical similarity, such as skin color

radar   -  

n. a device that uses radio signals to learn the position or speed of objects that may be too far away to be seen

radiation   -  

n. waves of energy from something that produces heat or light; energy from a nuclear substance, which can be dangerous

radio   -  

n. the system of sending and receiving signals or sounds through the air without wires

raid   -  

v. to make a sudden attack

n. a sudden attack carried out as an act of war, or for the purpose of seizing or stealing something

railroad   -  

n. a road for trains; a company that operates such a road and its stations and equipment

rain   -  

n. water falling from the sky

raise   -  

v. to lift up; to move to a higher position; to cause to grow; to increase

rare   -  

ad. not common; not usual; not often

rate   -  

n. speed; a measure of how quickly or how often something happens; the price of any thing or service that is bought or sold

reach   -  

v. to put a hand toward; to arrive at; to come to

react   -  

v. to act as a result of or in answer to

read   -  

v. to look at and understand the meaning of written words or numbers

ready   -  

ad. prepared; completed; organized; willing

real   -  

ad. true; truly existing; not false

realistic   -  

ad. in agreement with the way things are

reason   -  

n. the cause for a belief or act; purpose; something that explains

reasonable   -  

ad. ready to listen to reasons or ideas; not extreme; ready or willing to compromise

rebel   -  

v. to act against a government or power, often with force; to refuse to obey

n. one who opposes or fights against the government of his or her country

receive   -  

v. to get or accept something given, offered or sent

recent   -  

ad. a short time ago

recession   -  

n. a temporary reduction in economic activity, when industries produce less and many workers lose their jobs

recognize   -  

v. to know or remember something or someone that was known, known about or seen before; to accept another nation as independent and establish diplomatic ties with its government

record   -  

v. to write something in order to have it for future use; to put sound or pictures in a form that can be kept and heard or seen again

n. a writing that shows proof or facts about something

recover   -  

v. to get again something that was lost, stolen or taken away; to return to normal health

red   -  

ad. having the color like that of blood

reduce   -  

v. to make less or smaller in number, size or amount; to cut

reform   -  

v. to make better by changing; to improve

n. a change to a better condition

refugee   -  

n. a person who has been forced to flee because of unjust treatment, danger or war

refuse   -  

v. to reject; to not accept,