001

arbitrary (adj) (/ˈɑɚbəˌtreri/)

An arbitrary number has been assigned to each district.

caricature (noun) (/ˈkerıkəˌʧɚ/)

An artist was doing caricatures in the park.

convenience (noun) (/kənˈviːnjəns/)

An elevator was available for the shoppers' convenience.

clutch (verb) (/ˈklʌʧ/)

I had to clutch the counter to keep from falling.

bump (verb) (/ˈbʌmp/)

I have a bruise from where I bumped my head.

cracking (adj) (/ˈkrækıŋ/)

I think it's a cracking story.

contemplate (verb) (/ˈkɑːntəmˌpleıt/)

I stopped to contemplate (= ponder) what might have happened.

advise (verb) (/ədˈvaız/)

I strongly advise you to sell your old car.

calmness (noun) (/ˈkɑːm/)

I suddenly had a great feeling of calmness.

another (adj) (/əˈnʌðɚ/)

Should we open another bottle of wine?

copious (adj) (/ˈkoʊpijəs/)

The storm produced a copious amount of rain.

attachment (noun) (/əˈtæʧmənt/)

The vacuum cleaner attachments help clean in tight spaces.

cash (noun) (/ˈkæʃ/)

The vending machine only accepts cash.

chastise (verb) (/ʧæˈstaız/)

The waiter was chastised for forgetting the customer's order.

advertising (noun) (/ˈædvɚˌtaızıŋ/)

These is a lot of advertising in that magazine.

air (noun) (/ˈeɚ/)

These laws are meant to produce cleaner air.

correspondence (noun) (/ˌkorəˈspɑːndəns/)

They communicated by telephone and correspondence.

above (adv) (/əˈbʌv/)

They stood under the tree and looked at the branches above. (= overhead)

arrival (noun) (/əˈraıvəl/)

They were awaiting the arrival of guests.

capture (verb) (/ˈkæpʧɚ/)

They were captured by enemy soldiers.

chomp (verb) (/ˈʧɑːmp/)

They were chomping burgers at a picnic.

counterfeit (verb) (/ˈkaʊntɚˌfıt/)

They were counterfeiting money in his garage.

cereal (noun) (/ˈsirijəl/)

Wheat and barley are common cereals.

apprentice (noun) (/əˈprɛntəs/)

a carpenter's apprentice (= an apprentice to a carpenter)

canteen (noun) (/kænˈtiːn/)

the school canteen (= cafeteria)

boom (verb) (/ˈbuːm/)

the sound of the bass drum booming

aerial (adj) (/ˈerijəl/)

the spectacular aerial acrobatics of the circus performers

code (noun) (/ˈkoʊd/)

the state's criminal code

arc (noun) (/ˈɑɚk/)

He bent the twig into an arc.

bite (verb) (/ˈbaıt/)

He bit the apple.

brisk (adj) (/ˈbrısk/)

a brisk, no-nonsense manager

brown (adj) (/ˈbraʊn/)

a brown cow

bully (noun) (/ˈbʊli/)

Bullies would often pick on him or beat him up after school.

bum (noun) (/ˈbʌm/)

Bums (= vagrants) often sleep on the park's benches.

comprise (verb) (/kəmˈpraız/)

Each army division comprised 4,500 troops.

address (verb) (/əˈdrɛs/)

I've addressed the letter, but it still needs a stamp.

come (verb) (/ˈkʌm/)

Please come here for a minute. I want to show you something.

civilian (noun) (/səˈvıljən/)

The bomb injured 12 civilians.

catalyst (noun) (/ˈkætələst/)

The bombing attack was the catalyst for war.

circumstantial (adj) (/ˌsɚkəmˈstænʃəl/)

The evidence is purely circumstantial.

covetous (adj) (/ˈkʌvətəs/)

The expensive car drew many covetous looks.

build (verb) (/ˈbıld/)

The house is built (out) of brick/logs.

acre (noun) (/ˈeıkɚ/)

The house sits/is on two acres of land.

ablaze (adj) (/əˈbleız/)

The house was ablaze.

booze (noun) (/ˈbuːz/)

We bought some chips and booze for the party.

brutal (adj) (/ˈbruːtl̩/)

a brutal military dictatorship

bubbly (adj) (/ˈbʌbli/)

a bubbly liquid

bull (noun) (/ˈbʊl/)

a bull elephant

bunch (noun) (/ˈbʌnʧ/)

a bunch of flowers/grapes

carnivorous (adj) (/kɑɚˈnıvərəs/)

a carnivorous animal

courageous (adj) (/kəˈreıʤəs/)

a courageous soldier

covert (adj) (/ˈkoʊvɚt/)

a covert glance/look

coy (adj) (/ˈkoı/)

a coy flirt

cozy (adj) (/ˈkoʊzi/)

a cozy restaurant/cottage

cider (noun) (/ˈsaıdɚ/)

a cup of apple cider

coffee (noun) (/ˈkɑːfi/)

a cup of coffee

contagion (noun) (/kənˈteıʤən/)

a disease that spreads by contagion

commander (noun) (/kəˈmændɚ/)

the platoon/battalion commander

concentration (noun) (/ˌkɑːnsənˈtreıʃən/)

the power of concentration

assassin (noun) (/əˈsæsn̩/)

He's a hired assassin. (= someone hired to kill someone)

cheater (noun) (/ˈʧiːt/)

He's a liar and a cheat. (= cheater)

addicted (adj) (/əˈdıktəd/)

He's addicted to heroin/nicotine.

adept (adj) (/əˈdɛpt/)

He's adept in several languages.

carp (verb) (/ˈkɑɚp/)

He's always carping about his boss.

arrears (noun) (/əˈriɚz/)

He's been trying pay off the arrears on his mortgage.

bagpipe (noun) (/ˈbægˌpaıp/)

He's learning to play the bagpipes.

bother (verb) (/ˈbɑːðɚ/)

He's so easygoing. Nothing seems to bother him.

Broadway (noun) (/ˈbrɑːdˌweı/)

He's starring in a play on Broadway.

bottom (noun) (/ˈbɑːtəm/)

He's waiting at the bottom of the stairs.

birthday (noun) (/ˈbɚθˌdeı/)

Her birthday is September 30th.

adult (noun) (/əˈdʌlt, ˈæˌdʌlt/)

Her books appeal both to children and to adults.

ape (noun) (/ˈeıp/)

Her boyfriend's some big ape she met at a party.

breathing (noun) (/ˈbriːðəbəl/)

Her breathing is heavy/shallow/labored.

annoy (verb) (/əˈnoı/)

Her constant chatter annoyed (= irritated) all of us.

caffeine (noun) (/kæˈfiːn/)

Her doctor told her to avoid caffeine.

accomplishment (noun) (/əˈkɑːmplıʃmənt/)

Her family is proud of all her academic accomplishments.

blossom (noun) (/ˈblɑːsəm/)

Her hair smelled of apple/cherry/orange blossoms.

clod (noun) (/ˈklɑːd/)

Her husband's such a clod.

change (verb) (/ˈʧeınʤ/)

Her mood changes every hour.

ache (verb) (/ˈeık/)

Her muscles were aching from shoveling snow.

adjoin (verb) (/əˈʤoın/)

Her office adjoins the library.

adorn (verb) (/əˈdoɚn/)

Her paintings adorn the walls.

civilize (verb) (/ˈsıvəˌlaız/)

Her parents hoped that boarding school might civilize her some.

acclaim (noun) (/əˈkleım/)

Her performance in the ballet earned her critical acclaim.

characterize (verb) (/ˈkerıktəˌraız/)

How would you characterize the situation/problem?

conveniently (adv) (/kənˈviːnjənt/)

Several restaurants are conveniently located nearby.

carelessly (adv) (/ˈkeɚləs/)

She carelessly left the stove on.

cautiously (adv) (/ˈkɑːʃəs/)

She cautiously moved down the dark hall.

bible (noun) (/ˈbaıbəl/)

She gave each of her grandchildren a Bible.

caress (noun) (/kəˈrɛs/)

She gave the baby's cheek a gentle caress.

compliment (noun) (/ˈkɑːmpləmənt/)

She gave/paid me a compliment. (= she said something nice about me)

angrily (adv) (/ˈæŋgrəli/)

She glared at us angrily.

coldly (adv) (/ˈkoʊld/)

She looked at me coldly and turned away.

admiration (noun) (/ˌædməˈreıʃən/)

She looked at them in admiration.

ceramics (noun) (/səˈræmıks/)

She studied ceramics in Japan.

buff (noun) (/ˈbʌf/)

She's a tennis buff. (= fan, enthusiast)

a (indefinite article) (/ə, ˈeı/)

She's a very nice lady.

anti (prep) (/ˈænti, ˈænˌtaı/)

She's anti big corporations.

busy (adj) (/ˈbızi/)

She's busy preparing for her test.

chop (verb) (/ˈʧɑːp/)

She's in the kitchen chopping vegetables.

boob (noun) (/ˈbuːb/)

She's not the helpless boob she seems to be.

clue (noun) (/ˈkluː/)

The book gives the reader plenty of clues to solve the mystery.

constituent (noun) (/kənˈstıʧəwənt/)

She's pledged to help her elderly constituents.

botany (noun) (/ˈbɑːtəni/)

She's studying botany.

considerably (adv) (/kənˈsıdɚrəbli/)

The house was considerably more expensive than what we could afford.

closely (adv) (/ˈkloʊs/)

The houses on our street are crowded very closely together.

chain (noun) (/ˈʧeın/)

The neighbor's dog is kept on a chain. (= is connected to a chain that keeps it from getting away)

comedy (noun) (/ˈkɑːmədi/)

The new comedy is the network's most popular television show.

centrally (adv) (/ˈsɛntrəli/)

The new hospital will be centrally located.

captor (noun) (/ˈkæptɚ/)

The men fought their captors and escaped.

COD (abbr) (/kəˈkuːnıŋ/)

The merchandise was shipped C.O.D.

augment (verb) (/ɑgˈmɛnt/)

The money augmented his fortune.

comment (noun) (/ˈkɑːˌmɛnt/)

The most frequent comment was that the service was slow.

churn (verb) (/ˈʧɚn/)

The motorboats churned the water.

actual (adj) (/ˈækʧəwəl/)

The movie is based on actual events. (= on events that really happened)

assail (verb) (/əˈseıl/)

The movie was assailed by critics.

climax (noun) (/ˈklaıˌmæks/)

The movie's climax is a fantastic chase scene.

awful (adj) (/ˈɑːfəl/)

The music was awful.

complication (noun) (/ˌkɑːmpləˈkeıʃən/)

The negotiations stalled when complications arose.

caller (noun) (/ˈkɑːlɚ/)

The police have received information from an anonymous caller.

badge (noun) (/ˈbæʤ/)

The policeman flashed his badge.

choose (verb) (/ˈʧuːz/)

The political party chose a leader.

craft (noun) (/ˈkræft/)

The potter has been studying his craft (= handicraft) for two decades.

courage (noun) (/ˈkɚrıʤ/)

The troops showed great courage (= bravery) in battle.

artillery (noun) (/ɑɚˈtıləri/)

The troops were being bombarded by artillery.

ammunition (noun) (/ˌæmjəˈnıʃən/)

The troops were supplied with weapons and ammunition.

cancerous (adj) (/ˈkænsərəs/)

The tumor is not cancerous.

alike (adj) (/əˈlaık/)

The two cars are much alike.

country (noun) (/ˈkʌntri/)

The two countries have a lot in common.

consolidate (verb) (/kənˈsɑːləˌdeıt/)

The two funds will consolidate into one.

akin (adj) (/əˈkın/)

The two languages are closely akin.

antipathy (noun) (/ænˈtıpəθi/)

There has always been strong antipathy between the two groups.

asleep (adj) (/əˈsliːp/)

"Are you asleep?" "No, I'm awake."

ago (adv) (/əˈgoʊ/)

"How long ago did she arrive?" "A few hours ago."

catching (adj) (/kæʧɚ, ˈkɛʧɚ/)

"I have a cold." "Is it catching?"

antecedent (noun) (/ˌæntəˈsiːdənt/)

"John" is the antecedent of the pronoun "him" in "Mary saw John and thanked him."

abbreviation (noun) (/əˌbriːviˈeıʃən/)

"USA" is an abbreviation of (for) "United States of America."

abbreviate (verb) (/əˈbriːviˌeıt/)

"United States of America" is commonly abbreviated to (as) "USA."

coefficient (noun) (/ˌkowəˈfıʃənt/)

5 is the coefficient of y in the term 5y.

banner (noun) (/ˈbænɚ/)

A banner was hung over the street advertising the local theater production.

bomb (noun) (/ˈbɑːm/)

A bomb went off downtown.

breakaway (adj) (/ˈbreıkəˌweı/)

A breakaway faction formed a new party.

alight (verb) (/əˈlaıt/)

A butterfly alighted (= landed) on her hat.

canopy (noun) (/ˈkænəpi/)

A canopy hung over the altar.

clamor (noun) (/ˈklæmɚ/)

A clamor outside woke them in the night.

colleague (noun) (/ˈkɑːˌliːg/)

A colleague of mine will be speaking at the conference.

comparable (adj) (/ˈkɑːmpərəbəl/)

A comparable refrigerator today would cost a lot more than the one I bought 10 years ago.

cent (noun) (/ˈsɛnt/)

A dime is worth 10 cents.

burn (verb) (/ˈbɚn/)

A flame is kept constantly burning at the monument.

beware (verb) (/bıˈweɚ/)

A ghostly voice cried "Beware!"

challenge (verb) (/ˈʧælənʤ/)

A number of doctors are challenging the study's claims.

bullpen (noun) (/ˈbʊlˌpɛn/)

A relief pitcher is warming up in the bullpen.

absorb (verb) (/əbˈsoɚb/)

A sponge absorbs water.

canvass (verb) (/ˈkænvəs/)

A team of volunteers is canvassing the city for the Republican Party.

controversial (adj) (/ˌkɑːntrəˈvɚʃəl/)

Abortion is a highly controversial subject/issue/topic.

calculation (noun) (/ˌkælkjəˈleıʃən/)

According to experts' calculations, that star will explode within two billion years.

census (noun) (/ˈsɛnsəs/)

According to the latest census, the racial makeup of the town has changed dramatically in the last 50 years.

catharsis (noun) (/kəˈθɑɚsıs/)

Acting is a means of catharsis for her.

Afro-American (noun) (/ˌæfrowəˈmerəkən/)

Afro-American scientists

backpack (verb) (/ˈbækˌlɑːg/)

After college, she backpacked through/around Europe.

bargaining (noun) (/ˈbɑɚgən/)

After hours of hard bargaining, they came to an agreement.

backstage (adv) (/ˈbækˌsteıʤ/)

After the show, we went backstage to meet the band.

brag (verb) (/ˈbræg/)

After winning the race, she couldn't stop bragging.

chafe (verb) (/ˈʧeıf/)

After working outdoors for years, he chafed at being stuck in an office all day.

alter (verb) (/ˈɑːltɚ/)

Alcohol can alter a person's mood.

appliance (noun) (/əˈplajəns/)

All household/domestic appliances are now on sale.

confidentiality (noun) (/ˌkɑːnfəˌdɛnʃiˈæləti/)

All medical records are treated with complete confidentiality. (= are kept completely private)

activist (noun) (/ˈæktıvıst/)

Antiwar activists were protesting in the streets.

assistance (noun) (/əˈsıstəns/)

Any assistance you can give me would be appreciated.

cautious (adj) (/ˈkɑːʃəs/)

Any cautious tourist will guard her passport.

agreement (noun) (/əˈgriːmənt/)

Any changes to the plan require the agreement of everyone involved.

calligraphy (noun) (/kəˈlıgrəfi/)

Arabic calligraphy

acquainted (adj) (/əˈkweıntn̩s/)

Are you acquainted with the facts in this case? (= do you know the facts?)

aware (adj) (/əˈweɚ/)

Are you aware how important you are to me?

certain (adj) (/ˈsɚtn̩/)

Are you certain (= sure) you want to leave today?

balm (noun) (/ˈbɑːm/)

Art can be a balm to the soul.

bonus (noun) (/ˈboʊnəs/)

As a bonus for good behavior you can stay up late.

administer (verb) (/ədˈmınıstɚ/)

As a cost-saving measure, voters have elected to have the two towns administered jointly.

action (noun) (/ˈækʃən/)

As its first official action (= act), the committee elected Ms. Jones as its president.

any (adj) (/ˈɛni/)

Ask any man you meet, and he will tell you the same thing.

coupon (noun) (/ˈkuːˌpɑːn, ˈkjuːˌpɑːn/)

Bring in this coupon for a free oil change.

aspirin (noun) (/ˈæspərən/)

Aspirin is effective in controlling headaches.

blissful (adj) (/ˈblısfəl/)

At first, their time together was blissful.

athlete (noun) (/ˈæθˌliːt/)

Athletes from around the world will be competing at the Olympics.

attentive (adj) (/əˈtɛntıv/)

Attentive (= observant) readers might notice some mistakes in the book.

audition (noun) (/ɑˈdıʃən/)

Auditions will be held next week for the spring musical.

colonist (noun) (/ˈkɑːlənıst/)

British colonists settled the area in the 18th century.

bamboo (noun) (/bæmˈbuː/)

Bamboo grows in the grove near the house.

adequate (adj) (/ˈædıkwət/)

Be sure to allow adequate (= sufficient, enough) time for the paint to dry.

countdown (noun) (/ˈkaʊntˌdaʊn/)

Begin the countdown.

British (adj) (/ˈbrıtıʃ/)

British newspapers

chancy (adj) (/ˈʧænsi/)

Building your own home is a chancy business.

blend (verb) (/ˈblɛnd/)

Blend the fruit, yogurt, and milk (together).

circulate (verb) (/ˈsɚkjəˌleıt/)

Blood circulates through the body.

annihilate (verb) (/əˈnajəˌleıt/)

Bombs annihilated the city.

clinical (adj) (/ˈklınıkəl/)

Both experimental and clinical evidence show that the treatment is effective.

brace (verb) (/ˈbreıs/)

Brace yourself. (= prepare yourself) I have some bad news.

amass (verb) (/əˈmæs/)

By the time he was 21, he had already amassed (= accumulated) a great fortune.

bye (interj) (/ˈbaı/)

Bye. I'll see you tomorrow.

Christian (adj) (/ˈkrısənıŋ/)

Christian scriptures

carcinogen (noun) (/kɑɚˈsınəʤən/)

Cigarette smoke contains known carcinogens.

blush (verb) (/ˈblʌʃ/)

He blushed at the compliment.

catch (verb) (/ˈkæʧ, ˈkɛʧ/)

Catch the ball and throw it to first base.

bitter (adj) (/ˈbıtɚ/)

Cocoa beans have a bitter flavor.

combustion (noun) (/kəmˈbʌsʧən/)

Combustion may occur at high temperatures.

count (verb) (/ˈkaʊnt/)

Count the plates on the table.

court (noun) (/ˈkoɚt/)

Court is now in session.

cardboard (noun) (/ˈkɑɚdˌboɚd/)

Cover the windows with cardboard.

antisocial (adj) (/ˌænˌtaıˈsoʊʃəl/)

Crime is antisocial.

anybody (pronoun) (/ˈɛniˌbɑːdi, ˈɛniˌbʌdi/)

Did anybody call?

anyone (pronoun) (/ˈɛniˌwʌn/)

Did anyone call?

babysitter (noun) (/ˈbeıbiˌsıt/)

Did you pay the babysitter?

after (adv) (/ˈæftɚ/)

Dinner was at six and we arrived shortly after. (= thereafter)

bath (noun) (/ˈbæθ/)

Do you prefer baths or showers?

cab (noun) (/ˈkæb/)

Do you want to catch/get a cab? (= to get a taxi to stop and give you a ride)

afraid (adj) (/əˈfreıd/)

Don't be afraid (= frightened, scared)-the dog won't hurt you.

baloney (noun) (/bəˈloʊni/)

Don't believe all of that baloney.

blame (verb) (/ˈbleım/)

Don't blame me. You are responsible for your own problems.

bluff (verb) (/ˈblʌf/)

Don't listen to his threats-he's just bluffing. (= he will not really do what he threatens to do)

blot (verb) (/ˈblɑːt/)

Don't rub the wine stain. Blot it dry with a paper towel.

apt (adj) (/ˈæpt/)

Don't wake him; he's apt to become angry.

cheers (interj) (/ˈʧiɚz/)

Drink up, everybody. Cheers!

commonplace (adj) (/ˈkɑːmənˌpleıs/)

Drug use has become commonplace at rock concerts.

attenuate (verb) (/əˈtɛnjəˌweıt/)

Earplugs will attenuate the loud sounds of the machinery.

chimera (noun) (/kaıˈmirə/)

Economic stability in that country is a chimera.

ambassador (noun) (/æmˈbæsədɚ/)

Embassy officials met with the ambassador.

colonize (verb) (/ˈkɑːləˌnaız/)

England colonized Australia.

cognate (adj) (/ˈkɑːgˌneıt/)

English "eat" and German "essen" are cognate.

camp (noun) (/ˈkæmp/)

Fishing camps are located all along the river.

analogy (noun) (/əˈnæləʤi/)

He drew/made an analogy between flying a kite and fishing. (= he compared flying a kite to fishing; he said that flying a kite was like fishing)

apply (verb) (/əˈplaı/)

For further information, apply to the address below.

beautify (verb) (/ˈbjuːtəˌfaı/)

Fresh flowers beautify every room.

commiserate (verb) (/kəˈmızəˌreıt/)

Friends called to commiserate (= sympathize) when they heard that he had to cancel the trip.

beyond (adv) (/biˈɑːnd/)

From the house we can see the valley and the hills beyond.

chancellor (noun) (/ˈʧænsəlɚ/)

Germany's Chancellor Helmut Kohl

asset (noun) (/ˈæˌsɛt/)

Good looks can be an asset (= advantage) in an acting career.

condition (noun) (/kənˈdıʃən/)

Happiness is the state or condition of being happy.

before (adv) (/bıˈfoɚ/)

Haven't we met before?

abjure (verb) (/æbˈʤuɚ/)

He abjured (= renounced) allegiance to his native country.

abstain (verb) (/əbˈsteın/)

He abstained from taking part in the discussion.

abuse (verb) (/əˈbjuːz/)

He abused (= mistreated) his wife both mentally and physically.

applause (noun) (/əˈplɑːz/)

He accepted the award to thunderous applause. (= people applauded very loudly as he accepted the award)

bang (verb) (/ˈbæŋ/)

He accidentally banged his knee against the door.

accidentally (adv) (/ˌæksəˈdɛntl̩i/)

He accidentally deleted the file.

acquaint (verb) (/əˈkweınt/)

He acquainted the new employee with her duties. (= he told her about her duties)

admit (verb) (/ədˈmıt/)

He admitted (to me) that he didn't know the answer.

aim (verb) (/ˈeım/)

He aimed the gun carefully before shooting.

bone (noun) (/ˈboʊn/)

He broke a bone in his left arm.

call (verb) (/ˈkɑːl/)

He called to passersby for help.

barge (verb) (/ˈbɑɚgənˈbeısmənt/)

He came rushing down the stairs, barging into the crowd of people at the bottom.

canoe (verb) (/ˈkæni/)

He canoed down the river to the camp.

clench (verb) (/ˈklɛnʧ/)

He clenched his teeth and continued to look straight ahead.

click (verb) (/ˈklık/)

He clicked his heels together and saluted the officer.

aboard (adv) (/əˈboɚd/)

He climbed aboard just as the train was leaving.

commend (verb) (/kəˈmɛnd/)

He commended her honesty.

commute (verb) (/kəˈmjuːt/)

He commutes to work every day by train.

compile (verb) (/kəmˈpajəl/)

He compiled a book of poems.

comrade (noun) (/ˈkɑːmˌræd/)

He enjoys spending time with his old army comrades.

brazen (adj) (/ˈbreızn̩/)

He exhibited a brazen disregard for other people's feelings.

contempt (noun) (/kənˈtɛmpt/)

He feels that wealthy people view/regard him with contempt because he is poor.

compassion (noun) (/kəmˈpæʃən/)

He felt compassion for the lost child.

betrayal (noun) (/bıˈtrejəl/)

He felt that accepting the money would be a betrayal of his principles.

brim (noun) (/ˈbrım/)

He filled the glass to the brim. (= to the top)

bloodless (adj) (/ˈblʌdləs/)

He fought his bloodless battles in the courtroom.

adultery (noun) (/əˈdʌltəri/)

He found out that his wife had committed adultery.

blessing (noun) (/ˈblɛsəd/)

He gave his blessing to the plan. (= he approved the plan)

barber (noun) (/ˈbɑɚbɚ/)

He goes to a barber downtown.

breed (verb) (/ˈbriːd/)

He got into the business of breeding cattle.

bet (noun) (/ˈbɛt/)

He has a bet on the game.

cone (noun) (/ˈkoʊn/)

He scooped out the popcorn with a paper cone.

astonishing (adj) (/əˈstɑːnıʃıŋ/)

He showed an astonishing lack of concern for others.

adversity (noun) (/ædˈvɚsəti/)

He showed courage in the face of adversity.

bunk (noun) (/ˈbʌŋk/)

He sleeps in the top/bottom bunk.

butt (noun) (/ˈbʌt/)

He slipped and landed on his butt. (= (chiefly Brit) bum)

asunder (adv) (/əˈsʌndɚ/)

He split the log asunder with an ax.

asperity (noun) (/əˈsperəti/)

He spoke about his ex-wife with asperity. (= acrimony)

abusive (adj) (/əˈbjuːsıv/)

He spoke to her in an abusive manner. (= He was abusive when he spoke to her.)

aggressive (adj) (/əˈgrɛsıv/)

He started to get aggressive and began to shout.

all (adj) (/ˈɑːl/)

He stayed awake all night. (= the whole/entire night)

aside (adv) (/əˈsaıd/)

He stepped aside and let her pass.

apart (adv) (/əˈpɑɚt/)

He stood with his feet planted far/wide apart.

cheekbone (noun) (/ˈʧiːkˌboʊn/)

He suffered a broken cheekbone.

constant (adj) (/ˈkɑːnstənt/)

He suffers from constant headaches.

apostrophe (noun) (/əˈpʰɑːstrəfi/)

In the contraction "can't," an apostrophe replaces two of the letters in the word "cannot."

brainless (adj) (/ˈbreınləs/)

He thought most of his coworkers were brainless.

cop (noun) (/ˈkɑːp/)

He threatened to call the cops on us.

arouse (verb) (/əˈraʊz/)

He tried to sneak past without arousing suspicion. (= without causing people to become suspicious)

competence (noun) (/ˈkɑːmpətəns/)

He trusts in the competence of his doctor.

confederate (noun) (/kənˈfɛdərət/)

He turned to his confederates (= allies, accomplices) for help.

chairmanship (noun) (/ˈʧeɚmənˌʃıp/)

He volunteered for the committee chairmanship.

counter (noun) (/ˈkaʊntɚ/)

He walked up to the counter and ordered his food.

brave (adj) (/ˈbreıv/)

He was a brave (= courageous, fearless) soldier.

chubby (adj) (/ˈʧʌbi/)

He was always chubby as a child.

citation (noun) (/saıˈteıʃən/)

He was issued a citation.

bigot (noun) (/ˈbıgət/)

He was labeled a bigot after making some offensive comments.

birth (noun) (/ˈbɚθ/)

He was present at/for the birth of his daughter.

candid (adj) (/ˈkændəd/)

He was quite candid about his past.

consent (verb) (/kənˈsɛnt/)

He was reluctant at first but finally consented.

accuse (verb) (/əˈkjuːz/)

He was unjustly accused.

communicative (adj) (/kəˈmjuːnəˌkeıtıv, kəˈmjuːnəkətıv/)

He wasn't very communicative. (= talkative)

arrogance (noun) (/ˈerəgəns/)

Her arrogance has earned her a lot of enemies.

beauty (noun) (/ˈbjuːti/)

Her beauty is beyond compare. (= she is very beautiful; no one is as beautiful as she is)

better (adj) (/ˈbɛtɚ/)

Her second book is better than her first one.

audible (adj) (/ˈɑːdəbəl/)

Her voice was barely audible over the noise.

advantage (noun) (/ədˈvæntıʤ/)

Higher ground gave the enemy the/an advantage.

bossy (adj) (/ˈbɑːsi/)

His advice may be good, but he's much too bossy.

consolation (noun) (/ˌkɑːnsəˈleıʃən/)

His apology was of little/no consolation (to me). (= his apology did not make me feel much/any better)

bizarre (adj) (/bəˈzɑɚ/)

His behavior was bizarre.

apocalypse (noun) (/əˈpɑːkəˌlıps/)

His book tells of an environmental apocalypse.

act (noun) (/ˈækt/)

His first official act (= action) as President was to sign the bill.

clang (verb) (/ˈklæŋ/)

His fork clanged against the plate.

cataract (noun) (/ˈkætəˌrækt/)

His grandmother developed cataracts.

clinch (verb) (/ˈklınʧ/)

His home run clinched the victory.

admonish (verb) (/ædˈmɑːnıʃ/)

His mother admonished him for shouting.

built-in (adj) (/ˈbıltˈın/)

His new watch has a built-in calculator.

adversary (noun) (/ˈædvɚˌseri/)

His political adversaries tried to prevent him from winning the nomination.

aura (noun) (/ˈorə/)

His presence brought an aura of dignity to the proceedings.

circumscribe (verb) (/ˈsɚkəmˌskraıb/)

His role as president was carefully circumscribed by the board.

backup (noun) (/ˈbækˌʌp/)

His role on the team is to be a backup to the regular quarterback.

amuse (verb) (/əˈmjuːz/)

His silly jokes amused the audience. = The audience was amused by his silly jokes. (= the audience found his silly jokes funny/entertaining/amusing)

adaptation (noun) (/ˌæˌdæpˈteıʃən/)

His stage adaptation of the novel was a success.

consistency (noun) (/kənˈsıstənsi/)

His statements on this subject have lacked consistency.

admire (verb) (/ədˈmajɚ/)

I admired the way he handled the crisis. (= I admired how he handled the crisis.)

bathe (verb) (/ˈbeıð/)

I always bathe (= bath) in the morning.

cheap (adj) (/ˈʧiːp/)

I always buy the cheapest brand of cereal.

answer (noun) (/ˈænsɚ/)

I asked him a simple question and he gave me a long and confusing answer.

compliant (adj) (/kəmˈplajənt/)

I asked him for a favor, and he was compliant.

associate (verb) (/əˈsoʊʃiˌeıt/)

I associate flowers with spring.

assume (verb) (/əˈsuːm/)

I assumed he was coming, so I was surprised when he didn't show up.

bake (verb) (/ˈbeık/)

I baked you a cake. (= I baked a cake for you.)

audacity (noun) (/ɑˈdæsəti/)

I could not believe their audacity.

cooking (noun) (/ˈkʊki/)

I do most of the cooking in our house.

approve (verb) (/əˈpruːv/)

I don't care if all the other parents are letting their kids do it; I still don't approve.

but (conj) (/ˈbʌt, bət/)

I don't know her, but my husband does.

actually (adv) (/ˈækʧəwəli/)

I don't know what actually (= really) happened.

can (verb) (/kən, ˈkæn/)

I don't need any help. I can do it myself.

belt (noun) (/ˈbɛlt/)

I fastened/unfastened the buckle on my belt. (= I buckled/unbuckled my belt.)

challenging (adj) (/ˈʧælənʤıŋ/)

I find the job challenging and fun.

compulsion (noun) (/kəmˈpʌlʃən/)

I gave in to one of my compulsions and ordered the chocolate dessert.

cat (noun) (/ˈkæt/)

I have two dogs and a cat.

clack (verb) (/ˈklæk/)

I heard her heels clacking down the hall.

ankle (noun) (/ˈæŋkəl/)

I hurt/twisted/sprained/broke my ankle.

businessman (noun) (/ˈbıznəsˌmæn/)

I know it's hard for him to sell his paintings. He's always been a better artist than businessman.

assumption (noun) (/əˈsʌmpʃən/)

I made the assumption that he was coming, so I was surprised when he didn't show up.

constructive (adj) (/kənˈstrʌktıv/)

I tried to offer constructive criticism/suggestions/comments.

cornstarch (noun) (/ˈkoɚnˌstɑɚʧ/)

I used some cornstarch to thicken the gravy.

career (noun) (/kəˈriɚ/)

I want to make teaching my career. = I want to have a career as a teacher. (= I want to be a teacher)

chance (noun) (/ˈʧæns/)

I wanted to call you, but I never got/had the chance (to).

bridesmaid (noun) (/ˈbraıdzˌmeıd/)

I was a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding.

alone (adj) (/əˈloʊn/)

I was all alone (= by myself) in the office yesterday.

cogitate (verb) (/ˈkɑːʤəˌteıt/)

I was cogitating about/on my chances of failing.

bestiality (noun) (/ˌbɛsʧiˈæləti/)

I was shocked by the bestiality of their behavior.

coolness (noun) (/ˈkuːlıʃ/)

I was surprised by his coolness towards us.

commotion (noun) (/kəˈmoʊʃən/)

I went outside to see what all the commotion (= hubbub) was about.

clumsy (adj) (/ˈklʌmzi/)

I'm sorry about spilling your wine-that was very clumsy of me.

colorful (adj) (/ˈkʌlɚfəl/)

I wore a colorful outfit.

bid (verb) (/ˈbıd/)

I'll bid $100 for/on the lamp but no higher.

bring (verb) (/ˈbrıŋ/)

I'll bring a bottle of wine (with me) when I come to your party.

accrue (verb) (/əˈkruː/)

I'll get back all the money I invested, plus any interest and dividends that have accrued.

anyplace (adv) (/ˈɛniˌpleıs/)

I'll go anyplace you want.

car (noun) (/ˈkɑɚ/)

I'll wait in the car.

Capricorn (noun) (/ˈkæprıˌkoɚn/)

I'm a Capricorn. What are you?

baker (noun) (/ˈbeıkɚ/)

I'm a very good baker.

awhile (adv) (/əˈwajəl/)

I'm going to sit and rest awhile.

bloke (noun) (/ˈbloʊk/)

I'm just an ordinary bloke. (= guy, fellow, chap)

continuing (adj) (/kənˈtınju/)

I'm surprised by the film's continuing popularity.

bored (adj) (/ˈboɚ/)

I've never been so bored.

confused (adj) (/kənˈfjuːzd/)

I've never been so confused.

aspiration (noun) (/ˌæspəˈreıʃən/)

I've never had any aspiration to become famous. (= I've never wanted to become famous)

angry (adj) (/ˈæŋgri/)

I've never seen her look so angry.

brevity (noun) (/ˈbrɛvəti/)

I've omitted certain passages for the sake of brevity. (= because I want to be brief)

correctly (adv) (/kəˈrɛkt/)

If I remember correctly, he was a good baseball player in high school.

agitate (verb) (/ˈæʤəˌteıt/)

If I talk about the problem with him it just agitates him even more.

conifer (noun) (/ˈkɑːnəfɚ/)

Most conifers are evergreen.

balk (verb) (/ˈbɑːk/)

If this witness balks (= refuses to cooperate in court), our lawyers will not have enough evidence to win the case.

behave (verb) (/bıˈheıv/)

If you can't behave in the store we'll have to leave.

compel (verb) (/kəmˈpɛl/)

Illness compelled him to stay in bed.

adverb (noun) (/ˈædˌvɚb/)

In "arrived early," "runs slowly," "stayed home," and "works hard" the words "early," "slowly," "home," and "hard" are adverbs.

balanced (adj) (/ˈbælənst/)

Most news articles gave a balanced (= fair, unbiased) account of the event.

correspond (verb) (/ˌkorəˈspɑːnd/)

In some countries, the role of president corresponds to that of prime minister.

basic (adj) (/ˈbeısık/)

In this class, you will learn the basic principles of chemistry.

appendix (noun) (/əˈpɛndıks/)

In your textbooks, turn to Appendix 3: Glossary of Terms.

accusation (noun) (/ˌækjəˈzeıʃən/)

Investigators have made (brought/leveled) accusations of corruption against a group of former officials.

arsonist (noun) (/ˈɑɚsn̩ıst/)

Investigators suspect that the fire was set by an arsonist.

able (adj) (/ˈeıbəl/)

Is he able to swim? (= can he swim?)

acquaintance (noun) (/əˈkweıntn̩s/)

Is he an acquaintance of yours? (= have you met him?)

conscious (adj) (/ˈkɑːnʃəs/)

Is the patient conscious yet?

alive (adj) (/əˈlaıv/)

It feels great to be alive.

attune (verb) (/əˈtuːn/)

It is important to attune the company to the needs of its customers.

coax (verb) (/ˈkoʊks/)

It took almost an hour to coax the cat down from the tree.

century (noun) (/ˈsɛnʧəri/)

It took more than a century to complete the cathedral.

awe (noun) (/ˈɑː/)

It was a sight that filled me with awe and reverence.

adrenaline (noun) (/əˈdrɛnələn/)

It was a thrilling experience that really got our adrenaline going. (= got us very excited)

amid (prep) (/əˈmıd/)

It was hard to hear amid all the cheering.

bogus (adj) (/ˈboʊgəs/)

It was just a bogus claim.

coincidence (noun) (/koʊˈınsədəns/)

It was mere/pure/sheer coincidence that brought them together so far from Chicago.

clumsiness (noun) (/ˈklʌmzinəs/)

It was my own clumsiness that caused the accident.

con (noun) (/ˈkɑːn/)

It was not a good investment but a con (= swindle, scam) to rob them of their savings.

anyhow (adv) (/ˈɛniˌhaʊ/)

It's OK if we don't go to the movie. I'm not that interested in seeing it anyhow.

boy (noun) (/ˈboı/)

It's a boy! She gave birth to a baby boy this morning.

appropriate (adj) (/əˈproʊprijət/)

It's a formal occasion and appropriate attire/dress/clothing is expected. (= you are expected to wear formal clothing)

bound (adj) (/ˈbaʊnsi/)

It's bound to rain soon.

ambient (adj) (/ˈæmbijənt/)

Keep the chemicals at an ambient temperature of 70°F.

brute (noun) (/ˈbruːt/)

Let go of me, you brute!

breather (noun) (/ˈbriːðɚ/)

Let's take a breather.

chief (noun) (/ˈʧiːf/)

She's the chief of surgery (= the doctor who is in charge of the surgical department) at the hospital.

clergy (noun) (/ˈklɚʤi/)

Local clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service.

bunny (noun) (/ˈbʌni/)

Look at the cute little bunny!

behead (verb) (/bıˈhɛd/)

Louis XVI was beheaded in 1793.

check (verb) (/ˈʧɛk/)

Make sure to check your spelling.

allay (verb) (/æˈleı/)

Managers tried to allay (= calm, ease) fears that some workers would lose their jobs.

consumer (noun) (/kənˈsuːmɚ/)

Many consumers are still not comfortable making purchases on the Internet.

allergy (noun) (/ˈælɚʤi/)

Many people have some form of allergy.

announcement (noun) (/əˈnaʊnsmənt/)

Many people were surprised by the government's announcement that there will be a cut in taxes.

ambush (noun) (/ˈæmˌbʊʃ/)

Many soldiers were killed in the ambush.

colony (noun) (/ˈkɑːləni/)

Massachusetts was one of the original 13 British colonies that later became the United States.

beverage (noun) (/ˈbɛvrıʤ/)

May I offer you a beverage? (= drink)

advice (noun) (/ədˈvaıs/)

My advice is to sell your old car and get a new one.

ancestor (noun) (/ˈænˌsɛstɚ/)

My ancestors came to America during the 1800s.

assignment (noun) (/əˈsaınmənt/)

My assignment was to clean the equipment. (= They gave me the assignment of cleaning the equipment.)

belly (noun) (/ˈbɛli/)

My belly was full.

boyfriend (noun) (/ˈboıˌfrɛnd/)

My boyfriend and I have only been dating for a couple of months.

achy (adj) (/ˈeıki/)

My feet are tired and achy from walking all day.

contradiction (noun) (/ˌkɑːntrəˈdıkʃən/)

No one was surprised by the defendant's contradiction of the plaintiff's accusations.

Ark (noun) (/ˈɑɚk/)

Noah's Ark

alibi (noun) (/ˈæləˌbaı/)

Nobody could confirm his alibi that he was at the movies.

barrel (noun) (/ˈberəl/)

Oak barrels are used for aging the wine.

background (noun) (/ˈbækˌgraʊnd/)

Objects in the foreground are drawn larger than those in the background.

blubber (verb) (/ˈblowi/)

Oh, stop blubbering, you big baby!

boredom (noun) (/ˈboɚdəm/)

On days when few customers came to shop, Bob felt overwhelmed by boredom.

bile (noun) (/ˈbajəl/)

One writer objected to what she described as "the bile that is spewed from the newspaper's editorial page."

authority (noun) (/əˈθorəti/)

Only department managers have the authority (= right, power) to change the schedule.

chosen (adj) (/ˈʧoʊzn̩/)

Only the/a chosen few will get to go on the trip. (= only a few people will get to go)

avail (verb) (/əˈveıl/)

Our best efforts availed (= gained) us nothing.

afloat (adj) (/əˈfloʊt/)

Our boat remained/stayed afloat through the storm.

bank (noun) (/ˈbæŋk/)

Our paychecks are deposited in/into the bank automatically.

contingent (adj) (/kənˈtınʤənt/)

Our plans are contingent on the weather.

aspect (noun) (/ˈæˌspɛkt/)

Our proposal differs from theirs in one important aspect. (= respect)

continued (adj) (/kənˈtınju/)

Please accept our best wishes for your continued success.

carbohydrate (noun) (/ˌkɑɚboʊˈhaıˌdreıt/)

Pasta has a lot of carbohydrates. (= carbs)

bit (noun) (/bıt/)

Put all the broken bits back together.

broiler (noun) (/ˈbroılɚ/)

Put the steaks under the broiler.

abundant (adj) (/əˈbʌndənt/)

Rainfall is more abundant in summer.

chuck (verb) (/ˈʧʌk/)

Someone chucked a snowball at me.

civic (adj) (/ˈsıvık/)

Recent improvements to the downtown area are a point of civic pride.

accent (noun) (/ˈækˌsɛnt/)

Regional accents are common in the U.S.

breathe (verb) (/ˈbriːð/)

Relax and breathe deeply.

capitalize (verb) (/ˈkæpətəˌlaız/)

Remember to capitalize the I in Internet.

confirmation (noun) (/ˌkɑːnfɚˈmeıʃən/)

Reporters awaited confirmation from the army about the battle.

cellular (adj) (/ˈsɛljəlɚ/)

Researchers are observing the course of the disease at the cellular level.

anomalous (adj) (/əˈnɑːmələs/)

Researchers could not explain the anomalous test results.

breakthrough (noun) (/ˈbreıkˌθruː/)

Researchers say they have made/achieved a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.

absorbing (adj) (/əbˈsoɚbəbəl/)

The book includes an absorbing (= engrossing, fascinating) account of her childhood.

blare (verb) (/ˈbleɚ/)

Rock music blared through the store from the loudspeakers.

bishop (noun) (/ˈbıʃəp/)

Roman Catholic bishops

comb (noun) (/ˈkoʊm/)

Roosters have red combs.

cede (verb) (/ˈsiːd/)

Russia ceded Alaska to the U.S. in 1867.

burp (verb) (/ˈbɚnˌaʊt/)

Say "excuse me" when you burp.

brain (noun) (/ˈbreın/)

Scientists are learning more about how the human brain works.

coaster (noun) (/ˈkoʊstɚ/)

Set the glass on a coaster.

area (noun) (/ˈerijə/)

Settlers came to this area from the east.

browse (verb) (/ˈbraʊz/)

Several customers were browsing in the bookstore.

briefly (adv) (/ˈbriːfli/)

Several important issues are only briefly mentioned.

bilingual (adj) (/baıˈlıŋgwəl/)

Several of the employees are bilingual.

childish (adj) (/ˈʧaıldıʃ/)

She has a childish face.

college (noun) (/ˈkɑːlıʤ/)

She teaches art at a local college.

cavity (noun) (/ˈkævəti/)

Some birds nest in tree cavities.

cliff (noun) (/ˈklıf/)

Standing at the edge of the cliff, we watched the waves crash on the shore far below.

batter (verb) (/ˈbætɚ/)

Storms battered the shore.

classify (verb) (/ˈklæsəˌfaı/)

Students will be learning about the ways scientists classify animals.

brainwash (verb) (/ˈbreınˌwɑːʃ/)

Terrorists brainwashed the prisoners.

abandon (verb) (/əˈbændən/)

That house was abandoned years ago.

becoming (adj) (/bıˈkʌmıŋ/)

That jacket is very becoming on you.

chatterbox (noun) (/ˈʧætɚˌbɑːks/)

That little girl is a chatterbox.

annoying (adj) (/əˈnoı/)

That noise is very annoying.

cardinal (noun) (/ˈkɑɚdənəl/)

The Pope appointed two new cardinals this year.

annex (verb) (/əˈnɛks/)

The United States annexed Texas in 1845.

aggregate (verb) (/ˈægrıˌgeıt/)

The Web site aggregates content from many other sites.

blood (noun) (/ˈblʌd/)

The accident victim has already lost a lot of blood.

celebrity (noun) (/səˈlɛbrəti/)

The actress lived a life of celebrity.

addressee (noun) (/ˌæˌdrɛˈsiː/)

The addressee no longer lives here, so I've returned the letter to the post office.

advertisement (noun) (/ˌædvɚˈtaızmənt/)

The advertisement will appear in three magazines.

alarm (noun) (/əˈlɑɚm/)

The alarm went off when he opened the door.

continuous (adj) (/kənˈtınjuwəs/)

The album is divided into different tracks, but it is really one continuous song.

cheer (noun) (/ˈʧiɚ/)

The audience let out a cheer.

clink (verb) (/ˈklıŋk/)

The bottles clinked together.

contain (verb) (/kənˈteın/)

The box contains (= holds) an assortment of old papers.

brainpower (noun) (/ˈbreınˌpawɚ/)

The brainpower of the staff constitutes the company's greatest asset.

bouquet (noun) (/boʊˈkeı, buːˈkeı/)

The bride carried a bouquet of white and red roses.

aisle (noun) (/ˈajəl/)

The bride walked down/up the aisle to the altar.

charter (noun) (/ˈʧɑɚtɚ/)

The charter allows for unrestricted trading.

buttery (adj) (/ˈbʌtəri/)

The cheese has a buttery flavor.

accommodating (adj) (/əˈkɑːməˌdeıt/)

The chef can be very accommodating (= obliging), often cooking meals that aren't even on the menu.

ably (adv) (/ˈeıbəli/)

The chef was ably assisted by two helpers.

cocoon (noun) (/kəˈkuːn/)

The child was wrapped in a cocoon of blankets.

bedtime (noun) (/ˈbɛdˌtaım/)

The children are still up? It's way past their bedtimes.

audience (noun) (/ˈɑːdijəns/)

The concert attracted a large audience.

constellation (noun) (/ˌkɑːnstəˈleıʃən/)

The constellation Ursa Major contains the stars of the Big Dipper.

contestant (noun) (/kənˈtɛstənt/)

The contestant who catches the most fish wins.

contract (noun) (/ˈkɑːnˌtrækt/)

The contract requires him to finish work by the end of the year.

codify (verb) (/ˈkɑːdəˌfaı/)

The convention codified the rules of war.

autopsy (noun) (/ˈɑːˌtɑːpsi/)

The coroner performed an autopsy on the murder victim's body.

chagrin (noun) (/ʃəˈgrın/)

The fact that he'd been unable to attend the funeral was a source of chagrin for Ted.

blaze (noun) (/ˈbleız/)

The family escaped the blaze.

arable (adj) (/ˈerəbəl/)

The family is selling several acres of arable land.

accessible (adj) (/ıkˈsɛsəbəl/)

The inn is accessible by train and bus.

conclude (verb) (/kənˈkluːd/)

The investigation has not yet concluded.

adventurous (adj) (/ədˈvɛnʧərəs/)

The island attracts adventurous travelers.

conscience (noun) (/ˈkɑːnʃəns/)

The issue is a matter of (individual) conscience. (= something that people must decide about according to what they believe is morally right)

coverage (noun) (/ˈkʌvərıʤ/)

The issue is not getting much coverage in the mainstream press.

clemency (noun) (/ˈklɛmənsi/)

The judge ignored the prisoner's pleas for clemency. (= mercy)

bail (noun) (/ˈbeıl/)

The judge/court set bail at $1 million. (= The bail was set at $1 million.)

compelling (adj) (/kəmˈpɛlıŋ/)

The novel was so compelling that I couldn't put it down.

beehive (noun) (/ˈbiːˌhaıv/)

The office was a beehive of activity.

catastrophe (noun) (/kəˈtæstrəfi/)

The oil spill was an environmental catastrophe.

conference (noun) (/ˈkɑːnfərəns/)

The organization held/hosted its annual conference in New York this year.

conserve (verb) (/kənˈsɚv/)

The organization works to conserve (= save) our national forests/wildlife.

cost (noun) (/ˈkɑːst/)

The original cost (= price) of the house was $200,000.

adjacent (adj) (/əˈʤeısn̩t/)

The other group is meeting in the adjacent room. (= the room that is next to this room)

countenance (noun) (/ˈkaʊntn̩əns/)

The photograph showed his somber countenance.

askew (adv) (/əˈskjuː/)

The picture hung askew (= crookedly) on the wall.

bloom (noun) (/ˈbluːm/)

The plant's purple blooms attract butterflies.

congregation (noun) (/ˌkɑːŋgrıˈgeıʃən/)

The priest addressed the congregation.

ban (verb) (/ˈbæn/)

The school banned that book for many years.

competition (noun) (/ˌkɑːmpəˈtıʃən/)

The school fosters an atmosphere of competition rather than cooperation. (= it encourages students to compete against each other instead of work together)

audio (adj) (/ˈɑːdiˌoʊ/)

The school has new audio equipment. (= equipment used for recording sound or listening to recorded sound)

blameless (adj) (/ˈbleımləs/)

The school is not blameless for the children's poor skills.

adherence (noun) (/ædˈhirəns/)

The school requires adherence to a strict dress code.

caliber (noun) (/ˈkæləbɚ/)

The school will only hire teachers of the highest caliber. (= will only hire the best teachers)

believe (verb) (/bəˈliːv/)

The scientists believed the reports.

clause (noun) (/ˈklɑːz/)

The sentence "When it rained they went inside" consists of two clauses: "when it rained" and "they went inside."

closet (noun) (/ˈklɑːzət/)

The sheets and blankets are in the hall closet.

bracket (noun) (/ˈbrækət/)

The shelf is held up with two brackets.

convene (verb) (/kənˈviːn/)

The students convened (= assembled) in the gym.

compartment (noun) (/kəmˈpɑɚtmənt/)

The suitcase has a zippered compartment for personal items.

cloud (noun) (/ˈklaʊd/)

The sun is shining and there's not a cloud in the sky.

conceal (verb) (/kənˈsiːl/)

The sunglasses conceal her eyes.

container (noun) (/kənˈteınɚ/)

The tea leaves come in a small metal container.

calm (adj) (/ˈkɑːm/)

The teacher asked us to remain/stay calm after the fire alarm went off.

chalk (noun) (/ˈʧɑːk/)

The teacher handed her a piece of chalk and asked her to write the answer on the chalkboard.

attendance (noun) (/əˈtɛndəns/)

The team wants to double attendance at its games this season.

continue (verb) (/kənˈtınju/)

The team will continue with their drills until the coach is satisfied with their performance.

contaminate (verb) (/kənˈtæməˌneıt/)

The water was contaminated (= polluted) with chemicals.

cold (adj) (/ˈkoʊld/)

The water was too cold for swimming.

attraction (noun) (/əˈtrækʃən/)

The waterfall continues to be the main attraction at the park.

abrasive (adj) (/əˈbreısıv/)

The waves had an abrasive action on the rocks.

bleak (adj) (/ˈbliːk/)

The weather is bleak. (= cold, rainy, dark, etc.)

around (adv) (/əˈraʊnd/)

The wheel went/turned around (and around).

connote (verb) (/kəˈnoʊt/)

The word "childlike" connotes innocence.

antidote (noun) (/ˈæntıˌdoʊt/)

There is no antidote to/for this poison.

accolade (noun) (/ˈækəˌleıd/)

There is no higher accolade at this school than an honorary degree.

convict (verb) (/kənˈvıkt/)

There is sufficient evidence to convict.

chill (noun) (/ˈʧıl/)

There was a chill in the autumn air.

bare (adj) (/ˈbeɚ/)

There was a rug in the front room of the house, but the other floors were bare.

bug (noun) (/ˈbʌg/)

There's a bug in my soup!

contend (verb) (/kənˈtɛnd/)

These people contend that they have earned the right to the land.

arise (verb) (/əˈraız/)

These problems arise when people try to avoid responsibility.

allure (noun) (/əˈluɚ/)

These rare books hold special allure for collectors.

constrict (verb) (/kənˈstrıkt/)

These shoes are too small and constrict (= squeeze) my feet.

basis (noun) (/ˈbeısəs/)

These stories have very little basis (= foundation) in fact/reality. (= these stories are not based on or supported by facts/reality)

abhor (verb) (/əbˈhoɚ/)

They abhor (= hate, loathe) violence (racism).

acknowledge (verb) (/ıkˈnɑːlıʤ/)

They acknowledged that the decision was a mistake.

appease (verb) (/əˈpiːz/)

They appeased the dictator by accepting his demands in an effort to avoid war.

advertise (verb) (/ˈædvɚˌtaız/)

They are advertising the new edition of the book.

banking (noun) (/ˈbæŋkəbəl/)

They are both in banking.

claimant (noun) (/ˈkleımənt/)

They are claimants to the dead man's estate.

cotton (noun) (/ˈkɑːtn̩/)

They are in the field picking cotton.

assign (verb) (/əˈsaın/)

They assigned me the job of cleaning the equipment. (= They assigned the job of cleaning the equipment to me. = They assigned me to clean the equipment.)

commencement (noun) (/kəˈmɛnsmənt/)

They awaited the commencement of the trial.

betray (verb) (/bıˈtreı/)

They betrayed their country by selling its secrets to other governments.

boast (verb) (/ˈboʊst/)

They boasted to their friends about their son's salary.

audacious (adj) (/ɑˈdeıʃəs/)

They have audacious plans for the new school.

advancement (noun) (/ədˈvænsmənt/)

They have been unable to slow the advancement (= advance) of the enemy troops.

concern (noun) (/kənˈsɚn/)

They have expressed/voiced concern about the cost of the project.

advisedly (adv) (/ədˈvaızədli/)

They have misled us-and I use the word "misled" advisedly.

banquet (noun) (/ˈbæŋkwət/)

They held a banquet in his honor.

belong (verb) (/bıˈlɑːŋ/)

This book belongs (= goes) on the top shelf.

breach (noun) (/ˈbriːʧ/)

This is clearly a breach of the treaty.

church (noun) (/ˈʧɚʧ/)

This is the oldest church in town.

ail (verb) (/ˈeıl/)

This medicine is good for what/whatever ails you.

cinch (noun) (/ˈsınʧ/)

This recipe is a cinch.

cookie (noun) (/ˈkʊki/)

This recipe makes about two dozen cookies.

anywhere (adv) (/ˈɛniˌweɚ/)

This type of plant can grow just about anywhere.

china (noun) (/ˈʧaınə/)

This vase is (made of) china.

continual (adj) (/kənˈtınjuwəl/)

This week we experienced days of continual sunshine.

clutter (verb) (/ˈklʌtɚ/)

Tools cluttered the garage.

activate (verb) (/ˈæktəˌveıt/)

Touch the screen to activate the system.

achieve (verb) (/əˈʧiːv/)

This year, our company was able to achieve (= accomplish, attain) all of its production goals.

bleach (verb) (/ˈbliːʧ/)

Those pants will look nicer if you bleach them. (= use bleach to make them cleaner and whiter)

boundary (noun) (/ˈbaʊndri/)

Those two trees mark the boundary of our property.

behold (verb) (/bıˈhoʊld/)

Those who have beheld the beauty of the desert never forget it.

compete (verb) (/kəmˈpiːt/)

Thousands of applicants are competing for the same job.

char (verb) (/ˈʧɑɚ/)

Thousands of trees were charred in the fire.

carpet (noun) (/ˈkɑɚpət/)

We bought a new carpet for the bedroom.

bass (noun) (/ˈbeıs/)

Turn down the treble on your radio and turn up the bass.

campus (noun) (/ˈkæmpəs/)

Visitors crowded the campus on graduation day.

bedding (noun) (/ˈbɛdıŋ/)

Wash your cat's bedding regularly.

combination (noun) (/ˌkɑːmbəˈneıʃən/)

Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen.

agree (verb) (/əˈgriː/)

We agreed about some things, but we disagreed about others.

bait (noun) (/ˈbeıt/)

We always use live bait (= worms that are alive) when we fish.

cannot (—) (/ˈkænɑt, kəˈnɑːt/)

We cannot (= can't) allow that to happen.

affirm (verb) (/əˈfɚm/)

We cannot affirm that this painting is genuine.

caravan (verb) (/ˈkɑɚməˌlaız, ˈkerəməˌlaız/)

We caravaned to the campsite.

carve (verb) (/ˈkɑɚv/)

We carved an ice sculpture.

chat (verb) (/ˈʧæt/)

We chatted about our plans for the summer.

circumvent (verb) (/ˌsɚkəmˈvɛnt/)

We circumvented the problem by using a different program.

affability (noun) (/ˌæfəˈbıləti/)

We were greeted affably by our host.

brand (noun) (/ˈbrænd/)

What brand are those jeans you are wearing?

age (noun) (/ˈeıʤ/)

What is your age? (= how old are you?)

conclusion (noun) (/kənˈkluːʒən/)

What is your conclusion? (= what do you conclude?)

correct (adj) (/kəˈrɛkt/)

What's the correct answer/response to this question?

could (verb) (/ˈkʊd, kəd/)

When I was younger I could run fast, but I can't run fast now.

adapt (verb) (/əˈdæpt/)

When children go to a different school, it usually takes them a while to adapt.

convenient (adj) (/kənˈviːnjənt/)

When is a convenient time for you to meet?

clueless (adj) (/ˈkluːləs/)

When it comes to computers, I'm clueless.

brass (noun) (/ˈbræs/)

a candlestick made of brass

avoid (verb) (/əˈvoıd/)

Why do you keep avoiding me?

coldness (noun) (/ˈkoʊld/)

Why does he treat me with such coldness and reserve?

boss (noun) (/ˈbɑːs/)

Why don't you ask your boss for a raise?

benefactor (noun) (/ˈbɛnəˌfæktɚ/)

With the help of a rich benefactor he set up a charity.

annotation (noun) (/ˌænəˈteıʃən/)

Without the annotations, the diagram would be hard to understand.

brightness (noun) (/ˈbraıt/)

You can adjust the light's brightness.

anytime (adv) (/ˈɛniˌtaım/)

You can call me anytime. I'm always home.

absolute (adj) (/ˈæbsəˌluːt/)

You can't predict the future with absolute certainty.

bastard (noun) (/ˈbæstɚd/)

You dirty bastard!

coherence (noun) (/koʊˈhirəns/)

You make some interesting points, but the essay as a whole lacks coherence. (= it moves in a disorganized or confusing way from one idea to another)

comedian (noun) (/kəˈmiːdijən/)

You'll like my friend. He's a real comedian.

box (noun) (/ˈbɑːks/)

a cardboard box

consideration (noun) (/kənˌsıdəˈreıʃən/)

You should give some serious consideration to your retirement plans.

ambiguity (noun) (/ˌæmbəˈgjuːwəti/)

You should remove ambiguity (= vagueness) from your essay by adding more details.

appreciation (noun) (/əˌpriːʃiˈeıʃən/)

You've been so generous, and I'd like to show my appreciation by cooking a meal for you.

apathetic (adj) (/ˌæpəˈθɛtık/)

Young people are becoming increasingly apathetic.

bulb (noun) (/ˈbʌlb/)

a 100-watt bulb

bazaar (noun) (/bəˈzɑɚ/)

a charity bazaar

abortion (noun) (/əˈboɚʃən/)

a doctor who performs abortions

column (noun) (/ˈkɑːləm/)

a facade with marble columns

bristle (noun) (/ˈbrısəl/)

a face covered with bristles

centered (adj) (/ˈsɛntɚd/)

a family-centered hotel

architect (noun) (/ˈɑɚkəˌtɛkt/)

a famous architect

contest (noun) (/ˈkɑːnˌtɛst/)

a fiddle/fishing/singing contest (= competition)

boat (noun) (/ˈboʊt/)

a fishing boat

client (noun) (/ˈklajənt/)

a lawyer's clients

assassination (noun) (/əˌsæsəˈneıʃən/)

a leader whose life was tragically cut short by assassination

blindness (noun) (/ˈblaınd/)

a leading cause of blindness

binding (noun) (/ˈbaındıŋ/)

a leather binding

album (noun) (/ˈælbəm/)

a photo/stamp album

cheese (noun) (/ˈʧiːz/)

a piece of cheese

cloth (noun) (/ˈklɑːθ/)

a piece of cloth (= fabric)

cork (noun) (/ˈkoɚk/)

a piece of cork

art (noun) (/ˈɑɚt/)

a piece of modern/contemporary art

cracker (noun) (/ˈkrækɚ/)

a plate of cheese and crackers

calculator (noun) (/ˈkælkjəˌleıtɚ/)

a pocket calculator (= a calculator that can fit in a shirt pocket)

cartoon (noun) (/kɑɚˈtuːn/)

a political cartoon

cheerleader (noun) (/ˈʧiɚˌliːdɚ/)

a politician who is a cheerleader for the government's new economic plan

butterfly (noun) (/ˈbʌtɚˌflaı/)

a social butterfly

bowl (noun) (/ˈboʊl/)

a soup/salad/pasta bowl (= a bowl used for serving or eating soup/salad/pasta)

compassionate (adj) (/kəmˈpæʃənət/)

a very compassionate person

cane (noun) (/ˈkeın/)

a wooden cane

autopilot (noun) (/ˈɑːtoʊˌpaılət/)

an airplane equipped with an autopilot

alcoholic (adj) (/ˌælkəˈhɑːlık/)

an alcoholic odor

all-purpose (adj) (/ˈɑːlˈpɚpəs/)

an all-purpose tool/knife/cleanser

allergic (adj) (/əˈlɚʤık/)

an allergic reaction/response/condition

amorous (adj) (/ˈæmərəs/)

an amorous woman

amorphous (adj) (/əˈmoɚfəs/)

an amorphous shape

angel (noun) (/ˈeınʤəl/)

an angel from heaven

antibiotic (noun) (/ˌænˌtaıbaıˈɑːtık/)

an antibiotic pill

appetizing (adj) (/ˈæpəˌtaızıŋ/)

an appetizing (= delicious, tasty) meal

core (noun) (/ˈkoɚ/)

an apple core

archery (noun) (/ˈɑɚʧəri/)

an archery competition/contest

arid (adj) (/ˈerəd/)

an arid desert

armchair (adj) (/ˈɑɚməmənt/)

an armchair adventurer

conflict (noun) (/ˈkɑːnˌflıkt/)

an armed conflict

arrogant (adj) (/ˈerəgənt/)

an arrogant young attorney

artsy (adj) (/ˈɑɚtsi/)

an artsy neighborhood

assertive (adj) (/əˈsɚtıv/)

an assertive attitude

assortment (noun) (/əˈsoɚtmənt/)

an assortment of vegetables

admissible (adj) (/ədˈmısəbəl/)

admissible evidence

advanced (adj) (/ədˈvænst/)

advanced mathematics

biology (noun) (/baıˈɑːləʤi/)

advances in the field of biology

antiquarian (adj) (/ænˌtıpəˈdiːjən/)

antiquarian bookstores

antique (adj) (/ænˈtiːk/)

antique furniture

adverse (adj) (/ædˈvɚs, ˈædˌvɚs/)

adverse criticism/remarks

aerobic (adj) (/ˌeɚˈoʊbık/)

aerobic exercises like running and swimming

agricultural (adj) (/ˌægrıˈkʌlʧərəl/)

agricultural machinery

association (noun) (/əˌsoʊsiˈeıʃən/)

an athletic association (= league)

atrocious (adj) (/əˈtroʊʃəs/)

an atrocious period in the nation's history

artful (adj) (/ˈɑɚtfəl/)

artful writing

artificial (adj) (/ˌɑɚtəˈfıʃl̩/)

artificial lighting/plants

atheism (noun) (/ˈeıθiˌızəm/)

atheistic beliefs

atomic (adj) (/əˈtɑːmık/)

atomic (= nuclear) physics/particles

atonement (noun) (/əˈtʰoʊnmənt/)

atonement for his sins

bulging (adj) (/ˈbʌlʤ/)

big bulging eyes

bilateral (adj) (/baıˈlætərəl/)

bilateral trade agreements

billiards (noun) (/ˈbıljɚdz/)

billiard balls

biological (adj) (/ˌbajəˈlɑːʤıkəl/)

biological processes

branch (noun) (/ˈbrænʧ/)

birds singing from the branches of a tree

bite-size (adj) (/ˈbaıtˌsaız/)

bite-size pieces

black (adj) (/ˈblæk/)

black ink

cheery (adj) (/ˈʧiri/)

cheery words/colors

compound (noun) (/ˈkɑːmˌpaund/)

chemical/organic compounds

chic (adj) (/ˈʃiːk/)

chic clothes

broth (noun) (/ˈbrɑːθ/)

chicken broth

costume (noun) (/ˈkɑːˌstuːm/)

children in their Halloween costumes

approval (noun) (/əˈpruːvəl/)

children who never gained/won their parents' approval

civil (adj) (/ˈsıvəl/)

civil liberties/duties

classic (adj) (/ˈklæsık/)

classic novels/movies

compatible (adj) (/kəmˈpætəbəl/)

compatible colors

competitive (adj) (/kəmˈpɛtətıv/)

competitive sports

cooperative (adj) (/koʊˈɑːprətıv/)

cooperative children

artery (noun) (/ˈɑɚtəri/)

coronary arteries

cosmic (adj) (/ˈkɑːzmık/)

cosmic theories

cosmopolitan (adj) (/ˌkɑːzməˈpɑːlətən/)

cosmopolitan (= worldly, sophisticated) writers

alcohol (noun) (/ˈælkəˌhɑːl/)

cough medicine that contains alcohol

apple (noun) (/ˈæpəl/)

crisp juicy apples

aversion (noun) (/əˈvɚʒən/)

deep aversions

believer (noun) (/bəˈliːvəbli/)

devout believers

cognition (noun) (/kɑːgˈnıʃən/)

disabilities affecting cognition and judgment

breath (noun) (/ˈbrɛθ/)

gum that freshens your breath

atrocity (noun) (/əˈtrɑːsəti/)

the atrocities of war

beast (noun) (/ˈbiːst/)

dogs and other four-footed beasts

corn (noun) (/ˈkoɚn/)

driving past fields of corn

accessory (noun) (/ıkˈsɛsəri/)

fashion (clothing) accessories such as scarves, handkerchiefs, bracelets, and rings

austerity (noun) (/ɑˈsterəti/)

the austerity of the design

anxiety (noun) (/æŋˈzajəti/)

feelings of anger and anxiety

clip (noun) (/ˈklıp/)

hair clips

buzzing (noun) (/ˈbʌz/)

hear the buzzing of bees

April (noun) (/ˈeıprəl/)

in (early/middle/mid-/late) April

autumn (noun) (/ˈɑːtəm/)

in the autumn of last year

commerce (noun) (/ˈkɑːmɚs/)

interstate commerce (= trade)

canal (noun) (/kəˈnæl/)

irrigation canals

afternoon (noun) (/ˌæftɚˈnuːn/)

morning, afternoon, evening, and night

concerning (prep) (/kənˈsɚn/)

news concerning friends

beep (noun) (/ˈbiːp/)

the beep of a car horn

benefit (noun) (/ˈbɛnəˌfıt/)

the benefits of fresh air and sunshine

child (noun) (/ˈʧajəld/)

the birth of a child

blackness (noun) (/ˈblæk/)

the blackness of the night

blackout (noun) (/ˈblækˌaʊt/)

the blackouts of World War II

bond (noun) (/ˈbɑːnd/)

the bonds of friendship

breeding (noun) (/ˈbriːd/)

the breeding season

antarctic (adj) (/æntˈɑɚktık/)

off the antarctic coast

arctic (adj) (/ˈɑɚktık/)

off the arctic coast

brotherhood (noun) (/ˈbrʌðɚˌhʊd/)

the brotherhood of humankind

bygone (adj) (/ˈbaıˌgɑːn/)

the bygone days of our ancestors

army (noun) (/ˈɑɚmi/)

the armies of Alexander the Great

anthem (noun) (/ˈænθəm/)

patriotic anthems

cobbler (noun) (/ˈkɑːblɚ/)

peach cobbler

animal (noun) (/ˈænəməl/)

people and animals

boycott (verb) (/ˈboıˌkɑːt/)

plans to boycott American products

adulthood (noun) (/əˈdʌltˌhʊd/)

preparing children for their adulthoods

aroma (noun) (/əˈroʊmə/)

the aroma of fresh-baked bread

compromise (noun) (/ˈkɑːmprəˌmaız/)

the art of political compromise

aloud (adv) (/əˈlaʊd/)

read aloud

conformity (noun) (/kənˈfoɚməti/)

religious conformity

buoyancy (noun) (/ˈbojənsi/)

the natural buoyancy of cork

abyss (noun) (/əˈbıs/)

the ocean's abysses

bell (noun) (/ˈbɛl/)

ring/sound/toll a bell

chestnut (noun) (/ˈʧɛsˌnʌt/)

roasted chestnuts

cheek (noun) (/ˈʧiːk/)

rosy/chubby cheeks

blunt (adj) (/ˈblʌnt/)

scissors with blunt (= rounded) ends

concrete (noun) (/ˈkɑːnˌkriːt/)

slabs of concrete

anguish (noun) (/ˈæŋgwıʃ/)

tears/cries of anguish

champion (noun) (/ˈʧæmpijən/)

tennis champions

Arab (noun) (/ˈerəb/)

the Arab states

abhorrence (noun) (/əbˈhorəns/)

their abhorrence of violence (racism)

aggravation (noun) (/ˌægrəˈveıʃən/)

trying to avoid the aggravation of an existing back problem

accustom (verb) (/əˈkʌstəm/)

trying to gradually accustom the students to their new surroundings

bun (noun) (/ˈbʌn/)

tuna salad served on a bun (= roll)

chopped (adj) (/ˈʧɑːp/)

two cups of chopped onions

cinnamon (noun) (/ˈsınəmən/)

two teaspoons of cinnamon

bullying (noun) (/ˈbʊli/)

verbal/political bullying

boulevard (noun) (/ˈbʊləˌvɑɚd/)

walking down the boulevard

booty (noun) (/ˈbuːti/)

war booty (= loot, plunder, spoils)

alignment (noun) (/əˈlaınmənt/)

wheel alignment

basket (noun) (/ˈbæskıt/)

wicker/straw/wire baskets

assert (verb) (/əˈsɚt/)

"Poverty is the city's most serious problem," the authors assert. (= The authors assert that poverty is the city's most serious problem.)

bob (verb) (/ˈbɑːb/)

A cork was bobbing in the water.

courier (noun) (/ˈkɚrijɚ/)

A courier (= messenger) will deliver the photo this afternoon.

await (verb) (/əˈweıt/)

A crowd of people awaited the train.

clever (adj) (/ˈklɛvɚ/)

A few clever (= smart, bright) students have started a business recycling old computers.

beg (verb) (/ˈbɛg/)

A homeless man begs on that corner every day.

certify (verb) (/ˈsɚtəˌfaı/)

A judge must certify the contract.

beset (verb) (/bıˈsɛt/)

A lack of money is the greatest problem besetting the city today.

boisterous (adj) (/ˈboıstrəs/)

A large and boisterous crowd attended the concert.

bird (noun) (/ˈbɚd/)

A large bird flew overhead.

booth (noun) (/ˈbuːθ/)

A local sheep farmer has a booth at the county fair and is selling wool yarn.

access (noun) (/ˈækˌsɛs/)

All public buildings should provide wheelchair access. (= a way for people in wheelchairs to enter)

concentrate (verb) (/ˈkɑːnsənˌtreıt/)

All that noise makes it hard to concentrate.

almighty (adj) (/ɑlˈmaıti/)

Almighty God (= God Almighty)

although (conj) (/ɑlˈðoʊ/)

Although (= while, even though) he was hungry, he could not eat.

become (verb) (/bıˈkʌm/)

Although I've known him for years, we didn't become close friends until recently.

amazingly (adv) (/əˈmeızmənt/)

Amazingly (enough), the dog swam all the way across the lake.

alert (adj) (/əˈlɚt/)

An alert guard stopped the robbers.

circumference (noun) (/sɚˈkʌmfrəns/)

Calculate the circle's circumference.

camping (noun) (/ˈkæmpˌfajɚ/)

Camping is one of our favorite things to do.

borrow (verb) (/ˈbɑroʊ/)

Can I borrow your camera? (= will you lend me your camera)

clarify (verb) (/ˈklerəˌfaı/)

Can you clarify exactly what it is you're proposing?

connect (verb) (/kəˈnɛkt/)

Can you connect the hose to the sprinkler?

clasp (noun) (/ˈklæsp/)

Can you fasten the clasp on this bracelet for me?

cavalry (noun) (/ˈkævəlri/)

Cavalry is used to perform reconnaissance.

complicate (verb) (/ˈkɑːmpləˌkeıt/)

Changing jobs now would complicate her life.

choke (verb) (/ˈʧoʊk/)

Chew your food well so you don't choke.

chatter (verb) (/ˈʧætɚ/)

Children chattered in the middle of the playground.

assimilate (verb) (/əˈsıməˌleıt/)

Children need to assimilate new ideas/concepts.

apostle (noun) (/əˈpɑːsəɬ/)

Christ's apostles

barrier (noun) (/ˈberijɚ/)

Concrete barriers surround the race track to protect spectators.

construction (noun) (/kənˈstrʌkʃən/)

Construction of the new bridge will begin in the spring.

conductive (adj) (/kənˈdʌktıv/)

Copper is a conductive material.

buoyant (adj) (/ˈbojənt/)

Cork is very buoyant.

caw (verb) (/kəˈvoɚt/)

Crows cawed in the trees.

accuracy (noun) (/ˈækjərəsi/)

Each experiment is performed twice to ensure accuracy.

card (noun) (/ˈkɑɚd/)

Each player is dealt five cards.

allot (verb) (/əˈlɑːt/)

Each speaker will be allotted 15 minutes.

cousin (noun) (/ˈkʌzən/)

Everyone came to the wedding, including a distant cousin no one had heard from in years.

amiable (adj) (/ˈeımijəbəl/)

Everyone knew him as an amiable fellow.

beetle (verb) (/ˈbiːt/)

Everyone looked very busy, beetling (= scurrying) about the office.

against (prep) (/əˈgɛnst/)

Everyone was against them. (= everyone opposed them)

atmosphere (noun) (/ˈætməˌsfiɚ/)

Experts have noticed changes in the atmosphere.

censor (noun) (/ˈsɛnsɚ/)

Government censors deleted all references to the protest.

confiscate (verb) (/ˈkɑːnfəˌskeıt/)

Guards confiscated knives and other weapons from the prisoners.

chorus (noun) (/ˈkorəs/)

Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus"

alienate (verb) (/ˈeılijəˌneıt/)

He alienated most of his colleagues with his bad temper.

compass (noun) (/ˈkʌmpəs/)

He always carries a compass when he walks in the woods.

always (adv) (/ˈɑːlˌweız/)

He always tries, but he doesn't always succeed.

arrive (verb) (/əˈraıv/)

He arrived home at six o'clock.

bundle (noun) (/ˈbʌndəl/)

He arrived with several bundles (= packages, parcels) under his arms.

absolution (noun) (/ˌæbsəˈluːʃən/)

He asked the priest to give (grant) him absolution for his sins.

attack (verb) (/əˈtæk/)

He attacked the guard with a knife.

beat (verb) (/ˈbiːt/)

He beat the door with his fists. (= He beat his fists against/on the door.)

befriend (verb) (/bıˈfrɛnd/)

He befriended the new student.

assure (verb) (/əˈʃuɚ/)

He believed that hard work would assure his success. (= that hard work would make him sure to succeed)

contentment (noun) (/kənˈtɛntmənt/)

He believes that people can find peace and contentment in living simply.

corrupt (verb) (/kəˈrʌpt/)

He believes that violence on television and film is corrupting our children. (= teaching bad beliefs and behaviors to our children)

bellow (verb) (/ˈbɛloʊ/)

He bellowed at/to/for her to come over at once.

bow (verb) (/ˈbaʊ/)

He bowed politely and introduced himself to us.

bluster (verb) (/ˈblʌstɚ/)

He brags and blusters, but he never really does what he says he'll do.

brighten (verb) (/ˈbraıtn̩/)

He brightened the picture on the television.

confess (verb) (/kənˈfɛs/)

He confessed after being questioned for many hours.

confide (verb) (/kənˈfaıd/)

He confided that he was very unhappy with his job.

construe (verb) (/kənˈstruː/)

He construed my actions as hostile.

contribute (verb) (/kənˈtrıbjuːt/)

He contributed (= donated) 100 dollars to the charity.

Catholicism (noun) (/kəˈθɑːləˌsızəm/)

He converted to Catholicism.

convince (verb) (/kənˈvıns/)

He convinced me that the story was true.

anger (noun) (/ˈæŋgɚ/)

He couldn't hide his anger with/at us.

anew (adv) (/əˈnuː/)

He demonstrated anew that he's not a good leader.

blaspheme (verb) (/blæsˈfiːm/)

He did not curse or blaspheme.

antagonize (verb) (/ænˈtægəˌnaız/)

He didn't mean to antagonize you.

colon (noun) (/ˈkoʊlən/)

He died of colon cancer.

benediction (noun) (/ˌbɛnəˈdıkʃən/)

He dismissed the congregation with a benediction.

bookkeeper (noun) (/ˈbʊkˌkiːpɚ/)

He does the bookkeeping.

conservatively (adv) (/kənˈsɚvətıv/)

He dresses conservatively.

automobile (noun) (/ˌɑːtəmoʊˈbiːl/)

He drives an expensive automobile.

beard (noun) (/ˈbiɚd/)

He grew a beard and mustache.

bruise (noun) (/ˈbruːz/)

He had a bad bruise on his leg after he fell.

coke (noun) (/kəˈhoʊˌneıs/)

He had a great career before he started snorting/using/taking coke.

breadwinner (noun) (/ˈbrɛdˌwınɚ/)

He had always been the (family) breadwinner.

calling (noun) (/ˈkɑːlıŋ/)

He had always felt a calling to help others.

boyish (adj) (/ˈboııʃ/)

He has a boyish charm about him.

cameo (noun) (/ˈkæmiˌoʊ/)

He has a brief cameo in the film.

addiction (noun) (/əˈdıkʃən/)

He has a drug addiction.

appetite (noun) (/ˈæpəˌtaıt/)

He has a healthy/good/hearty appetite.

aggression (noun) (/əˈgrɛʃən/)

He has a lot of pent-up aggression.

as (adv) (/ˈæz, əz/)

He has a lot of time but I don't have as much. (= I have less time than he has)

attitude (noun) (/ˈætəˌtuːd/)

He has a positive/negative attitude about the changes.

amaze (verb) (/əˈmeız/)

He has amazed audiences around the world with his magic tricks.

angular (adj) (/ˈæŋgjəlɚ/)

He has an angular face.

circulation (noun) (/ˌsɚkjəˈleıʃən/)

He has bad circulation in his legs.

beginning (noun) (/bıˈgınıŋ/)

He has been working there since the beginning of the year.

arm (noun) (/ˈɑɚm/)

He has big, strong, muscular arms.

broad (adj) (/ˈbrɑːd/)

He has broad shoulders.

comprehension (noun) (/ˌkɑːmprıˈhɛnʃən/)

He has not the slightest comprehension of the subject. (= he does not understand the subject at all)

aunt (noun) (/ˈænt, ˈɑːnt/)

He has three aunts and two uncles.

countless (adj) (/ˈkaʊntləs/)

He has written countless (= numerous) magazine and newspaper articles.

balance (noun) (/ˈbæləns/)

He held on to the rail for balance. (= He held on to the rail to keep/maintain his balance.)

bloody (adj) (/ˈblʌdi/)

He hit me and gave me a bloody nose.

beneficial (adj) (/ˌbɛnəˈfıʃəl/)

He hopes the new drug will prove beneficial to/for many people.

cowardly (adj) (/ˈkawɚdli/)

He insisted on avoiding a cowardly retreat.

careful (adj) (/ˈkeɚfəl/)

He is a careful driver.

careless (adj) (/ˈkeɚləs/)

He is a careless worker.

charismatic (adj) (/ˌkerəzˈmætık/)

He is a charismatic leader.

consistent (adj) (/kənˈsıstənt/)

He is a consistent supporter of the museum.

confidant (noun) (/ˈkɑːnfəˌdɑːnt/)

He is a trusted confidant of the president.

comprehend (verb) (/ˌkɑːmprıˈhɛnd/)

He is able to fully comprehend (= understand completely) what is happening and react appropriately.

absolutely (adv) (/ˈæbsəˌluːtli/)

He is absolutely certain who will win.

adorable (adj) (/əˈdorəbəl/)

He is an adorable (= delightful) child.

avid (adj) (/ˈævəd/)

He is an avid admirer of horror movies.

collector (noun) (/kəˈlɛktɚ/)

He is an avid stamp collector.

chronically (adv) (/ˈkrɑːnıkli/)

He is chronically short of money.

cognizant (adj) (/ˈkɑːgnəzənt/)

He is cognizant of his duties as a father.

abolish (verb) (/əˈbɑːlıʃ/)

He is in favor of abolishing the death penalty.

charm (noun) (/ˈʧɑɚm/)

He keeps a horseshoe as a good luck charm.

choice (noun) (/ˈʧoıs/)

He knew he had to make a choice. (= choose one thing or another)

bonnet (noun) (/ˈbɑːnət/)

He lifted the car's bonnet to check the engine.

baseball (noun) (/ˈbeısˌbɑːl/)

He likes playing baseball.

carousel (noun) (/ˌkerəˈsɛl/)

He loves to ride on the carousel at the park.

abortive (adj) (/əˈboɚtıv/)

He made several abortive (= aborted) attempts to escape.

banal (adj) (/bəˈnæl, bəˈnɑːl, ˈbeınəl/)

He made some banal remarks about the weather.

chaser (noun) (/ˈʧeısɚ/)

He ordered whiskey with a beer chaser.

bill (noun) (/ˈbıl/)

He paid the telephone bill.

blur (noun) (/ˈblɚ/)

He passed by in a blur of motion.

content (noun) (/ˈkɑːnˌtɛnt/)

He poured/dumped/emptied the contents of the package/box/drawer onto the floor.

coherent (adj) (/koʊˈhirənt/)

He proposed the most coherent plan to improve the schools.

chamber (noun) (/ˈʧeımbɚ/)

He put three bullets into the chamber of the gun.

character (noun) (/ˈkerıktɚ/)

He rarely shows his true character-that of a kind and sensitive person.

bravery (noun) (/ˈbreıvəri/)

He received a medal for bravery.

affront (noun) (/əˈfrʌnt/)

He regarded her rude behavior as a personal affront.

absently (adv) (/ˈæbsənt/)

He replied absently to her question.

characteristic (adj) (/ˌkerıktəˈrıstık/)

He responded to their comments with characteristic good humor.

colonel (noun) (/ˈkɚnl̩/)

He retired as a colonel in the air force.

buggy (noun) (/ˈbʌgi/)

He rode into town on his horse and buggy.

company (noun) (/ˈkʌmpəni/)

He runs his own trucking company.

absolve (verb) (/əbˈzɑːlv/)

He was absolved of the responsibility of repaying the loan. (= he was not required to repay the loan)

assault (noun) (/əˈsɑːlt/)

He was accused of assault. (= He was charged with assault. = Assault charges were brought against him.)

communicate (verb) (/kəˈmjuːnəˌkeıt/)

He was asked to communicate the news to the rest of the people.

banish (verb) (/ˈbænıʃ/)

He was banished for life.

bore (verb) (/ˈboɚ/)

He was bored by the lecture. (= The lecture bored him.)

bounce (verb) (/ˈbaʊns/)

He was bouncing a tennis ball against/off the garage door.

built (adj) (/ˈbılt/)

He was built for fighting.

bury (verb) (/ˈberi/)

He was buried with full military honors.

avalanche (noun) (/ˈævəˌlænʧ/)

He was buried/trapped by an avalanche.

busily (adv) (/ˈbızəli/)

He was busily engaged in his work.

concealed (adj) (/kənˈsiːl/)

He was carrying a concealed (= hidden) weapon.

cashier (verb) (/kæˈʃiɚ/)

He was cashiered from the army.

coerce (verb) (/koʊˈɚs/)

He was coerced into signing the confession.

accomplice (noun) (/əˈkɑːmpləs/)

He was convicted as an accomplice to murder.

caste (noun) (/ˈkæst/)

He was from a higher caste.

comforter (noun) (/ˈkʌmfɚtɚ/)

He was her longtime confidant and comforter.

bullet (noun) (/ˈbʊlət/)

He was hit by a stray bullet. (= the bullet missed its target and hit him instead)

coma (noun) (/ˈkoʊmə/)

He went into a coma.

arduous (adj) (/ˈɑɚʤəwəs/)

He went through a long and arduous training program.

completion (noun) (/kəmˈpliːʃən/)

He will receive his degree upon completion of his studies.

collar (noun) (/ˈkɑːlɚ/)

He wore a shirt with a tight-fitting collar.

circus (noun) (/ˈsɚkəs/)

He worked for a small circus.

computer (noun) (/kəmˈpjuːtɚ/)

He works all day on/with a computer.

corporation (noun) (/ˌkoɚpəˈreıʃən/)

He works as a consultant for/to several large corporations.

consulting (noun) (/kənˈsʌlt/)

He works for a consulting company. (= a company that gives professional advice to other companies for a fee)

complain (verb) (/kəmˈpleın/)

He works hard but he never complains.

administration (noun) (/ədˌmınəˈstreıʃən/)

He works in hospital administration. (= his work involves management of a hospital)

bandage (noun) (/ˈbændıʤ/)

He wrapped a bandage around his knee.

cellophane (noun) (/ˈsɛləˌfeın/)

He wrapped the gift basket in cellophane.

chap (noun) (/ˈʧæp/)

He's a friendly sort of chap. (= fellow, guy)

cook (noun) (/ˈkʊk/)

He's a good cook. (= he cooks well)

actor (noun) (/ˈæktɚ/)

He's a talented actor, and his wife is a well-known actress.

borrowing (noun) (/ˈbɑrəwıŋ/)

He's compiling a list of Japanese borrowings in English.

conceit (noun) (/kənˈsiːt/)

His conceit has earned him many enemies.

affect (verb) (/əˈfɛkt/)

His decisions could affect (= influence) the lives of millions of people.

bruising (noun) (/ˈbruːz/)

His ego took a bruising when he lost.

compensate (verb) (/ˈkɑːmpənˌseıt/)

His enthusiasm compensates for his lack of skill.

believable (adj) (/bəˈliːvəbəl/)

His excuse was barely/scarcely believable.

bravado (noun) (/brəˈvɑːdoʊ/)

His stories are always told with bravado.

cause (noun) (/ˈkɑːz/)

His symptoms had no apparent physical causes.

barely (adv) (/ˈbeɚli/)

I barely recognized you with your hair cut short.

beseech (verb) (/bıˈsiːʧ/)

I beseech you, let me live! (= please, don't kill me)

balloon (noun) (/bəˈluːn/)

I blew up a balloon but then it burst.

buy (verb) (/ˈbaı/)

I bought a computer.

battery (noun) (/ˈbætəri/)

I bought new batteries for the flashlights.

brand-name (adj) (/ˈbrændˈneım/)

I buy only brand-name (= branded) products.

caddie (verb) (/ˈkædi/)

I caddied for Mr. Brewer yesterday.

attest (verb) (/əˈtɛst/)

I can attest to the truth of his statement.

abide (verb) (/əˈbaıd/)

I can't abide his bad moods. (=I can't stand his bad moods; I hate his bad moods)

authorization (noun) (/ˌɑːθərəˈzeıʃən/)

I can't approve the request without a written authorization.

circumstance (noun) (/ˈsɚkəmˌstæns/)

I can't imagine a circumstance in/under which I would do that.

catchy (adj) (/ˈkæʧi, ˈkɛʧi/)

I can't think of a catchy name/title for my blog.

appeal (noun) (/əˈpiːl/)

I can't understand the appeal of skydiving. (= I can't understand why some people like it)

completely (adv) (/kəmˈpliːt/)

I completely agree.

concede (verb) (/kənˈsiːd/)

I concede that the work has been slow so far, but it should speed up soon.

cake (noun) (/ˈkeık/)

I made/baked three cakes for the party.

connecting (adj) (/kəˈnɛktəbəl/)

I missed my connecting flight in Detroit.

ask (verb) (/ˈæsk/)

I need to ask a question.

anymore (adv) (/ˌɛniˈmoɚ/)

I never see them anymore.

bribe (noun) (/ˈbraıb/)

I offered the children a bribe for finishing their homework.

buck (noun) (/ˈbʌk/)

I owe you a buck.

carry-on (noun) (/ˈkeriˌɑːn/)

I packed the book in my carry-on.

allegiance (noun) (/əˈliːʤəns/)

I pledge allegiance to my country. (= I promise to be loyal to my country)

carrier (noun) (/ˈkerijɚ/)

I put the pet carrier in the car.

because (conj) (/bıˈkɑːz, bıˈkʌz/)

I ran because I was afraid.

childhood (noun) (/ˈʧajəldˌhʊd/)

I remember this place from (my) childhood.

ad (noun) (/ˈæd/)

I saw your ad in the newspaper.

bargain (noun) (/ˈbɑɚgən/)

I think everyone involved was satisfied with the bargain we made.

appointment (noun) (/əˈpoıntmənt/)

I'm late for an appointment.

betting (adj) (/ˈbɛt/)

I'm not a betting man myself. (= I'm not a man who likes to bet)

amusement (noun) (/əˈmjuːzmənt/)

I'm reading this novel for amusement.

cooperate (verb) (/koʊˈɑːpəˌreıt/)

It will be much easier if everyone cooperates.

certainly (adv) (/ˈsɚtn̩li/)

It will certainly rain tomorrow.

additional (adj) (/əˈdıʃənl̩/)

Larger windows will require additional work, but the additional light they will provide may be worth the extra trouble.

boil (verb) (/ˈbojəl/)

Let the water boil.

conductor (noun) (/kənˈdʌktɚ/)

Metal is a good conductor of electricity.

cookery (noun) (/ˈkʊkəri/)

Mexican cookery (= cooking, cuisine)

castle (noun) (/ˈkæsəl/)

Millionaires built their castles along the lake.

compose (verb) (/kəmˈpoʊz/)

Minorities composed (= made up) about a third of the attendees at the conference.

breakup (noun) (/ˈbreıkˌʌp/)

Money problems often lead to marital breakups.

ambition (noun) (/æmˈbıʃən/)

My first ambition as a child was to be in the circus.

attend (verb) (/əˈtɛnd/)

My husband and I will both attend the banquet.

coolly (adv) (/ˈkuːlıʃ/)

My idea was received coolly.

cosign (verb) (/ˈkoʊˌsaın/)

My mother cosigned the loan on my car.

building (noun) (/ˈbıldıŋ/)

My office is in that small brick building.

babble (verb) (/ˈbæbəl/)

Pay no attention to her. She's just babbling.

bewitch (verb) (/bıˈwıʧ/)

People believed the girls had been bewitched.

apathy (noun) (/ˈæpəθi/)

People have shown surprising apathy toward/about these important social problems.

amen (interj) (/ɑˈmɛn, eıˈmɛn/)

People in the crowd shouted "Amen!" when the speaker said that change was needed.

contact (noun) (/ˈkɑːnˌtækt/)

Physical contact between a mother and child is very important.

close (verb) (/ˈkloʊz/)

Please close the door.

confine (verb) (/kənˈfaın/)

Please confine (= restrict, limit) your comments to 200 words.

attached (adj) (/əˈtæʧt/)

Please fill out the attached application.

append (verb) (/əˈpɛnd/)

Please read the notes appended to each chapter.

again (adv) (/əˈgɛn/)

Please, come see us again.

clash (verb) (/ˈklæʃ/)

Police and protesters clashed yesterday.

chase (noun) (/ˈʧeıs/)

Police caught the bank robbers after a high-speed chase on the highway.

bottle (noun) (/ˈbɑːtl̩/)

Shall I open another bottle of wine?

alacrity (noun) (/əˈlækrəti/)

She accepted the invitation with alacrity. (= very quickly and willingly)

adore (verb) (/əˈdoɚ/)

She adores her son.

aggravate (verb) (/ˈægrəˌveıt/)

She aggravated an old knee injury.

Buddhist (noun) (/ˈbuːdıst, ˈbʊdıst/)

She and her husband are Buddhists.

albeit (conj) (/ɑlˈbiːjət/)

She appeared on the show, albeit briefly.

appear (verb) (/əˈpiɚ/)

She appears angry.

citizenship (noun) (/ˈsıtəzənˌʃıp/)

She applied for Polish citizenship.

appraise (verb) (/əˈpreız/)

She appraised the painting at $1.2 million. (= she said that the painting is worth $1.2 million)

argue (verb) (/ˈɑɚgju/)

She argued against the proposed law.

arrange (verb) (/əˈreınʤ/)

She arranged her pictures on her desk.

asylum (noun) (/əˈsaıləm/)

She asked for political asylum.

avow (verb) (/əˈvaʊ/)

She avowed her innocence. (= She avowed that she was innocent.)

bread (noun) (/ˈbrɛd/)

She bakes bread every day.

constrain (verb) (/kənˈstreın/)

She believes that too much instruction constrains (= limits) an artist's creativity.

blink (verb) (/ˈblıŋk/)

She blinked when the light flashed.

bus (noun) (/ˈbʌs/)

She boarded a bus in Nashville.

brand-new (adj) (/ˈbrændˈnuː/)

She bought a brand-new car.

carving (noun) (/ˈkɑɚvıŋ/)

She bought a small wooden carving of a Buddha.

auction (noun) (/ˈɑːkʃən/)

She bought the desk at an auction.

bind (verb) (/ˈbaınd/)

She bound her hair in a ponytail.

brandish (verb) (/ˈbrændıʃ/)

She brandished a stick at the dog.

broach (verb) (/ˈbroʊʧ/)

She broached the idea of getting another cat.

break (verb) (/ˈbreık/)

She broke the cup when she dropped it on the floor.

bustle (verb) (/ˈbʌsəl/)

She bustled around the kitchen getting ready for dinner guests.

carefully (adv) (/ˈkeɚfəl/)

She carefully picked up the vase.

cherish (verb) (/ˈʧerıʃ/)

She cherishes her friends/family.

chide (verb) (/ˈʧaıd/)

She chided us for arriving late.

chisel (verb) (/ˈʧɚpi/)

She chiseled the stone/wood/marble.

carrot (noun) (/ˈkerət/)

She chopped some carrots for the soup.

abduct (verb) (/æbˈdʌkt/)

She claims that she was abducted by aliens. (= that she was carried away in a spaceship by creatures from another world)

coddle (verb) (/ˈkɑːdl̩/)

She coddles (= pampers) her children.

coil (verb) (/ˈkojəl/)

She coiled the loose thread around her finger.

command (verb) (/kəˈmænd/)

She commanded us to leave.

console (verb) (/kənˈsoʊl/)

She consoled (= comforted) him after his wife died.

chunk (noun) (/ˈʧʌŋk/)

She cut the fruit into large chunks.

accuser (noun) (/əˈkjuːz/)

She deserves the chance to meet (confront) her accuser.

blister (noun) (/ˈblıstɚ/)

She developed a blister on her heel where her shoe rubbed against it.

barb (noun) (/ˈbɑɚb/)

She directed/aimed a few barbs at reporters who had hounded her.

ballet (noun) (/bæˈleı, ˈbæˌleı/)

She does tap dancing and ballet.

circle (noun) (/ˈsɚkəl/)

She drew a circle around the correct answer.

chute (noun) (/ˈʃuːt/)

She dropped the towels into the laundry chute.

consciousness (noun) (/ˈkɑːnʃəsnəs/)

She experienced a brief loss of consciousness. = She lost consciousness (= became unconscious) briefly.

annoyance (noun) (/əˈnojəns/)

She expressed annoyance at the slow service.

anxious (adj) (/ˈæŋkʃəs/)

She feels anxious and depressed.

awake (verb) (/əˈweık/)

She fell asleep immediately but awoke an hour later.

bash (verb) (/ˈbæʃ/)

She fell down and bashed (= banged) her knee against a rock.

apparatus (noun) (/ˌæpəˈrætəs/)

She fell off a gymnastics apparatus and broke her leg.

alien (adj) (/ˈeılijən/)

She felt lost in an alien (= strange) culture when she moved to the city.

abhorrent (adj) (/əbˈhorənt/)

She finds violence in films abhorrent.

affirmative (adj) (/əˈfɚmətıv/)

She gave an affirmative answer, not a negative answer.

amazing (adj) (/əˈmeızmənt/)

She gave an amazing (= wonderful) performance in her first film.

checkup (noun) (/ˈʧɛkˌʌp/)

She goes for a checkup every year.

carton (noun) (/ˈkɑɚtn̩/)

She got a carton of ice cream out of the freezer.

cheerfully (adv) (/ˈʧiɚfəl/)

She greeted us cheerfully.

anticipation (noun) (/ænˌtısəˈpeıʃən/)

She had a feeling of great anticipation before her graduation ceremony.

cinema (noun) (/ˈsınəmə/)

She had a long career in (the) cinema.

baby (noun) (/ˈbeıbi/)

She had the baby yesterday. (= She gave birth to the baby yesterday.)

avert (verb) (/əˈvɚt/)

She had to avert her eyes (= to look away) at the sight of the accident.

carefree (adj) (/ˈkeɚˌfriː/)

She has a carefree attitude toward life.

certificate (noun) (/sɚˈtıfıkət/)

She has a certificate in midwifery.

companion (noun) (/kəmˈpænjən/)

She has been my closest companion since childhood.

blotch (noun) (/ˈblɑːʧ/)

She has brown blotches (= splotches) on her hands.

booking (noun) (/ˈbʊkıŋ/)

She has several concert bookings this fall.

ability (noun) (/əˈbıləti/)

She has shown some ability with foreign languages.

accumulate (verb) (/əˈkjuːmjəˌleıt/)

She has slowly accumulated (= amassed) a fortune.

affection (noun) (/əˈfɛkʃən/)

She has/feels deep affection for her parents.

backache (noun) (/ˈbækˌeık/)

She has/gets frequent backaches.

commercialize (verb) (/kəˈmɚʃəˌlaız/)

She hates to see Christmas commercialized.

carry (verb) (/ˈkeri/)

She helped me carry (= transport) the boxes out to my car.

conviction (noun) (/kənˈvıkʃən/)

She hopes to avoid conviction.

away (adv) (/əˈweı/)

She hopes to get away early.

accustomed (adj) (/əˈkʌstəmd/)

She is accustomed to (= used to) life (living) on the farm.

adamant (adj) (/ˈædəmənt/)

She is an adamant (= strong) defender of women's rights.

ardent (adj) (/ˈɑɚdn̩t/)

She is an ardent (= fervent) believer in her religion. (= she believes very strongly in her religion)

awkward (adj) (/ˈɑːkwɚd/)

She is awkward at dancing.

broke (adj) (/ˈbroʊk/)

She is broke and homeless.

abet (verb) (/əˈbɛt/)

She is charged with aiding and abetting (= helping and encouraging) the thief in his getaway.

concept (noun) (/ˈkɑːnˌsɛpt/)

She is familiar with basic concepts of psychology.

constitutional (adj) (/ˌkɑːnstəˈtuːʃənl̩/)

She is in favor of a constitutional amendment (= an amendment to the constitution) to overturn the unpopular law.

advocacy (noun) (/ˈædvəkəsi/)

She is known for her advocacy of birth control. (= she is known for advocating/supporting birth control)

considerate (adj) (/kənˈsıdərət/)

She is one of the most considerate people I know.

abed (adv) (/əˈbɛd/)

She is still abed.

agile (adj) (/ˈæʤəl/)

She is the most agile (= nimble) athlete on the team.

biased (adj) (/ˈbajəs/)

She is too biased to write about the case objectively.

convent (noun) (/ˈkɑːnvənt/)

She joined a convent.

comatose (adj) (/ˈkoʊməˌtoʊs/)

She lay in a comatose state.

countryside (noun) (/ˈkʌntriˌsaıd/)

She lives in the countryside. (= country)

clock (noun) (/ˈklɑːk/)

She looked/glanced at the clock on the wall. It was now 2:30.

affliction (noun) (/əˈflıkʃən/)

She lost her sight and is now learning to live with her/the affliction.

cappuccino (noun) (/ˌkæpəˈʧiːnoʊ/)

She loves cappuccino.

contribution (noun) (/ˌkɑːntrəˈbjuːʃən/)

She made a 100-dollar contribution (= donation) to breast cancer research.

complimentary (adj) (/ˌkɑːmpləˈmɛntəri/)

She made complimentary remarks about his work.

charitable (adj) (/ˈʧerətəbəl/)

She makes a charitable donation/contribution every year.

cleaning (noun) (/ˈkliːnɚ/)

She needs someone to help her with the cleaning (= housecleaning) while she is recovering from surgery.

cogent (adj) (/ˈkoʊʤənt/)

She offers some cogent (= convincing, persuasive) reasons for building new schools.

blast (noun) (/ˈblæst/)

She opened the door and felt a cold blast.

bag (noun) (/ˈbæg/)

She packed her lunch in a paper bag.

amateur (noun) (/ˈæməˌtɚ/)

She played soccer as an amateur before turning professional.

basketball (noun) (/ˈbæskıtˌbɑːl/)

She plays basketball.

bleeding (noun) (/ˈbliːdıŋ/)

She pressed on the wound to stop the bleeding.

both (adj) (/ˈboʊθ/)

She put both feet in the stream.

coat (noun) (/ˈkoʊt/)

She put on her coat, hat, and gloves, and then she went outside.

cologne (noun) (/kəˈloʊn/)

She put on some cologne and combed her hair.

collateral (noun) (/kəˈlætərəl/)

She put up her house as collateral for the loan. (= she agreed that she would give up her house if she did not repay the loan)

brow (noun) (/ˈbraʊ/)

She raised her brows in surprise.

beggarly (adj) (/ˈbɛgɚli/)

She received a beggarly sum for her efforts.

academic (adj) (/ˌækəˈdɛmık/)

She received awards for her academic achievements (accomplishments).

brake (noun) (/ˈbreık/)

She released the brake slowly.

aloof (adj) (/əˈluːf/)

She remained aloof (= distant) despite their efforts to make friends.

cradle (noun) (/ˈkreıdl̩/)

She rocked the cradle.

bicycle (noun) (/ˈbaısıkəl/)

She rode her bicycle (= bike) to school.

bike (noun) (/ˈbaık/)

She rode her bike to school.

catering (noun) (/ˈkeıtɚrɚ/)

She runs a catering business.

altar (noun) (/ˈɑːltɚ/)

She sacrificed honesty on the altar of success. (= she chose to be dishonest in order to achieve success)

bedside (noun) (/ˈbɛdˌsaıd/)

She sat at his bedside until the fever broke.

beside (prep) (/bıˈsaıd/)

She sat beside him during dinner.

commission (noun) (/kəˈmıʃən/)

She served on the city's water commission.

accompaniment (noun) (/əˈkʌmpənimənt/)

She sings without musical accompaniment.

corridor (noun) (/ˈkorədɚ, ˈkorəˌdoɚ/)

She slowly walked down the long, dark corridor. (= hall, hallway)

candor (noun) (/ˈkændɚ/)

She spoke with candor about racism.

accelerate (verb) (/ıkˈsɛləˌreıt/)

She stepped on the gas and the car accelerated.

choreography (noun) (/ˌkoriˈɑːgrəfi/)

She studied choreography.

blindly (adv) (/ˈblaındli/)

She stumbled blindly in the dark.

concussion (noun) (/kənˈkʌʃən/)

She suffered a severe concussion after falling on the ice.

ailment (noun) (/ˈeılmənt/)

She suffered from a chronic back ailment.

collaborator (noun) (/kəˈlæbəˌreıtɚ/)

She thanked her collaborators on the project.

chemotherapy (noun) (/ˌkiːmoʊˈθerəpi/)

She underwent (a course of) chemotherapy.

care (noun) (/ˈkeɚ/)

She used care in selecting a doctor for her son.

clout (noun) (/ˈklaʊt/)

She used her political clout to have another school built.

broadcasting (noun) (/ˈbrɑːdˌkæst/)

She wants to have a career in broadcasting.

citizen (noun) (/ˈsıtəzən/)

She was a United States citizen but lived most of her life abroad.

blackmail (noun) (/ˈblækˌmeıl/)

She was a victim of blackmail.

bookworm (noun) (/ˈbʊkˌwɚm/)

She was always a bookworm when she was a kid.

bleed (verb) (/ˈbliːd/)

She was bleeding from the/her face and hands.

born (adj) (/ˈboɚn/)

She was born in a hospital.

back (noun) (/ˈbæk/)

She was carrying her little daughter on her back.

cough (verb) (/ˈkɑːf/)

She was coughing and sneezing all day.

bridle (verb) (/ˈbrıʤˌhɛd/)

She was forced to bridle her anger.

agony (noun) (/ˈægəni/)

She was in terrible agony after breaking her leg.

compliance (noun) (/kəmˈplajəns/)

She was rewarded for her compliance.

by (prep) (/ˈbaı, bə/)

She was standing by (= beside) the window.

aback (adv) (/əˈbæk/)

She was taken aback (= she was very surprised) by his rude response.

bashful (adj) (/ˈbæʃfəl/)

She was very bashful (= shy) as a child.

bowling (noun) (/ˈboʊlıŋ/)

She watches bowling on TV.

confession (noun) (/kənˈfɛʃən/)

She went to the police station and made/gave a full confession.

accompany (verb) (/əˈkʌmpəni/)

She will accompany me to the store.

a.m. (abbr) (/eɪˈɛm/)

She woke up at 6 a.m. and didn't go to bed until midnight.

blouse (noun) (/ˈblaʊs/)

She wore a blouse and a skirt to work.

chunky (adj) (/ˈʧʌŋki/)

She wore chunky earrings.

braid (noun) (/ˈbreıd/)

She wore her hair in a long braid. (= (chiefly Brit) plait)

cord (noun) (/ˈkoɚd/)

She wore the key on a cord around her neck.

coordinate (verb) (/koʊˈoɚdəˌneıt/)

She'll be coordinating the relief effort.

also (adv) (/ˈɑːlˌsoʊ/)

She's a talented singer and also a fine actress.

articulate (adj) (/ɑɚˈtıkjələt/)

She's an intelligent and articulate speaker.

add (verb) (/ˈæd/)

She's planning to add some new flowers to the garden.

begrudge (verb) (/bıˈgrʌʤ/)

She's worked hard to get where she is. You shouldn't begrudge her the success she's earned.

conjunction (noun) (/kənˈʤʌŋkʃən/)

Some common conjunctions are "and," "but," and "although."

battle (noun) (/ˈbætl̩/)

That two-day conflict has become one of the most famous battles in history.

bummer (noun) (/ˈbʌmɚ/)

That was a real bummer of a movie.

case (noun) (/ˈkeıs/)

That was true in all three cases. (= instances)

awfully (adv) (/ˈɑːfəli, ˈɑːfli/)

That's awfully nice of you.

consensus (noun) (/kənˈsɛnsəs/)

The (general) consensus (of the group) was to go ahead with the plan.

compilation (noun) (/ˌkɑːmpəˈleıʃən/)

The CD is a compilation of greatest hits.

conspiracy (noun) (/kənˈspirəsi/)

The CIA uncovered a conspiracy against the government.

appoint (verb) (/əˈpoınt/)

The President appointed (= named, designated) him (as) Secretary of Education.

alphabet (noun) (/ˈælfəˌbɛt/)

The Roman alphabet begins with "A" and ends with "Z."

channel (noun) (/ˈʧænl̩/)

The TV program airs at 8:00 p.m. on Channel 5.

bunker (noun) (/ˈbʌŋkɚ/)

The ammunition is stored in concrete bunkers.

conform (verb) (/kənˈfoɚm/)

The animals' behavior conforms to a common pattern.

annual (adj) (/ˈænjəwəl/)

The annual meeting is in July.

bold (adj) (/ˈboʊld/)

The area was settled by bold (= brave, courageous) pioneers.

besiege (verb) (/bıˈsiːʤ/)

The army beseiged the castle.

camouflage (noun) (/ˈkæməˌflɑːʒ/)

The army tanks were painted green and brown for camouflage.

applaud (verb) (/əˈplɑːd/)

The audience stood and applauded (= clapped) at the end of the show.

author (noun) (/ˈɑːθɚ/)

The author of the article didn't check his facts.

average (noun) (/ˈævrıʤ/)

The average of 16, 8, and 6 is 10.

cleave (verb) (/ˈkliːv/)

The ax easily cleaves the log.

coo (verb) (/ˈkuː/)

The baby cooed quietly in her crib.

burlap (noun) (/ˈbɚˌlæp/)

The bag is made of burlap.

cannon (verb) (/ˈkænəbəˌlaız/)

The ball cannoned off the goalpost and into the net.

between (prep) (/bıˈtwiːn/)

The ball rolled between the desk and the wall.

burst (verb) (/ˈbɚst/)

The balloon burst. (= popped)

band (noun) (/ˈbænd/)

The band's drummer is also the lead singer.

concurrence (noun) (/kənˈkɚrəns/)

The bill was passed with the full concurrence of the Senate. (= everyone in the Senate agreed to pass the bill)

conjecture (noun) (/kənˈʤɛkʧɚ/)

The biography includes conjectures about the writer's earliest ambitions.

chirp (verb) (/ˈʧɚp/)

The birds were chirping in the trees.

barbarian (noun) (/bɑɚˈberijən/)

The book describes tribes of barbarians massing on the borders of the Roman Empire.

assessment (noun) (/əˈsɛsmənt/)

The book is a careful assessment (= appraisal, evaluation) of the president's achievements.

bypass (noun) (/ˈbaıˌpæs/)

The bridge is being rebuilt so we'll have to take the bypass.

cable (noun) (/ˈkeıbəl/)

The bridge is held up by cables.

collapse (verb) (/kəˈlæps/)

The bridge/building collapsed.

avenge (verb) (/əˈvɛnʤ/)

The brothers vowed to avenge the death of their father.

bud (noun) (/ˈbʌd/)

The bush has plenty of buds but no flowers yet.

buyer (noun) (/ˈbajɚ/)

The buyer and seller must agree on a price for the property.

compact (adj) (/kəmˈpækt/)

The camera is compact.

consternation (noun) (/ˌkɑːnstɚˈneıʃən/)

The candidate caused consternation among his supporters by changing positions on a key issue.

charisma (noun) (/kəˈrızmə/)

The candidate was lacking in charisma.

captain (noun) (/ˈkæptən/)

The captain has turned off the "fasten seat belt" sign.

caption (noun) (/ˈkæpʃən/)

The caption on the picture says "This year's contest winners."

captive (adj) (/ˈkæptıv/)

The captive soldiers planned their escape.

advance (verb) (/ədˈvæns/)

The car advanced slowly down the street.

backfire (verb) (/ˈbækˌfajɚ/)

The car backfired.

careen (verb) (/kəˈriːn/)

The car careened (= careered) down the hill.

acceleration (noun) (/ıkˌsɛləˈreıʃən/)

The car delivers quick (rapid) acceleration.

adjust (verb) (/əˈʤʌst/)

The car is easier to drive since the clutch was adjusted.

collision (noun) (/kəˈlıʒən/)

The car was destroyed in the collision.

category (noun) (/ˈkætəˌgori/)

The cars belong to the same category.

approach (verb) (/əˈproʊʧ/)

The cat approached the baby cautiously.

aptly (adv) (/ˈæpt/)

The cat is aptly named "Stripe."

arson (noun) (/ˈɑɚsn̩/)

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but investigators suspect arson.

badger (verb) (/ˈbæʤ/)

The celebrity was being badgered (= pestered) by reporters.

cellar (noun) (/ˈsɛlɚ/)

The cellar has a dirt floor.

convert (verb) (/kənˈvɚt/)

The cells absorb light and convert it to energy.

adjourn (verb) (/əˈʤɚn/)

The chairperson has adjourned the meeting.

clamber (verb) (/ˈklæmbɚ/)

The children clambered over the rocks.

cling (verb) (/ˈklıŋ/)

The children clung together under the little umbrella waiting for the storm to pass.

chore (noun) (/ˈʧoɚ/)

The children were each assigned different household chores.

auntie (noun) (/ˈænti, ˈɑːnti/)

The children were happy to see their Auntie Mary.

council (noun) (/ˈkaʊnsəl/)

The city council is considering a ban on smoking in restaurants.

abundance (noun) (/əˈbʌndəns/)

The city has an abundance of fine restaurants. (= has many fine restaurants)

conquer (verb) (/ˈkɑːŋkɚ/)

The city was conquered by the ancient Romans.

confuse (verb) (/kənˈfjuːz/)

The city's winding streets confuse (= perplex) most visitors.

confidence (noun) (/ˈkɑːnfədəns/)

The class gave me more confidence.

comer (noun) (/ˈkʌmɚ/)

The class is open to all comers.

confident (adj) (/ˈkɑːnfədənt/)

The class made me more confident (about myself).

courteous (adj) (/ˈkɚtijəs/)

The clerks were helpful and courteous.

clinic (noun) (/ˈklınık/)

The clinic is offering free screening for diabetes.

addict (noun) (/ˈædıkt/)

The clinic provides counseling for (drug) addicts.

chime (noun) (/ˈʧaım/)

The clock chime struck four.

calmly (adv) (/ˈkɑːm/)

The coach calmly told her players what to do next.

cock (noun) (/ˈkɑːk/)

The cock was crowing.

bitterness (noun) (/ˈbıtɚ/)

The cocktail recipe called for a dash of bitters.

color (noun) (/ˈkʌlɚ/)

The color of blood is red.

agenda (noun) (/əˈʤɛndə/)

The committee set the agenda for the next several years of research.

aboveboard (adj) (/əˈbʌvˌboɚd/)

The committee tried to be fair and aboveboard in its hiring.

attract (verb) (/əˈtrækt/)

The company has a difficult time attracting good employees because of its poor pay and benefits.

approbation (noun) (/ˌæprəˈbeıʃən/)

The company has even received the approbation of its former critics.

apology (noun) (/əˈpɑːləʤi/)

The company issued/delivered an official apology to its customers for its error.

appreciate (verb) (/əˈpriːʃiˌeıt/)

The company strives to make its employees feel appreciated.

assuage (verb) (/əˈsweıʤ/)

The company tried to assuage (= soothe, calm, ease) investors' fears.

ambitious (adj) (/æmˈbıʃəs/)

The company was created by two very ambitious young men in the early 1900s.

conciliate (verb) (/kənˈsıliˌeıt/)

The company's attempts to conciliate the strikers have failed.

anticipate (verb) (/ænˈtısəˌpeıt/)

The cost turned out to be higher than anticipated.

abode (noun) (/əˈboʊd/)

The cottage became their abode (= home) for the summer.

central (adj) (/ˈsɛntrəl/)

The country is in central Africa. (= the area that is in the middle of Africa)

clement (adj) (/ˈklɛmənt/)

The country is known for its clement (= (more commonly) mild) weather.

armament (noun) (/ˈɑɚməmənt/)

The country's armament will take years.

amend (verb) (/əˈmɛnd/)

The country's constitution was amended to allow women to vote.

annulment (noun) (/əˈnʌlmənt/)

The couple has filed for annulment.

compensation (noun) (/ˌkɑmpənˈseıʃən/)

The court awarded the victims millions of dollars in compensation.

blemish (noun) (/ˈblɛmıʃ/)

The cream is supposed to prevent blemishes on the skin.

chant (verb) (/ˈʧænt/)

The crowd began chanting her name.

ante (noun) (/ˈænti/)

The dealer called for a dollar ante.

controversy (noun) (/ˈkɑːntrəˌvɚsi/)

The decision aroused/created much controversy among the students.

arraignment (noun) (/əˈreınmənt/)

The defendant failed to appear for arraignment.

confusion (noun) (/kənˈfjuːʒən/)

The detour caused much confusion. (= the detour confused many people; the detour made many people uncertain about which roads to use)

assist (verb) (/əˈsıst/)

The device assists those who can't climb stairs.

capability (noun) (/ˌkeıpəˈbıləti/)

The device has the capability of recording two television channels at once.

CD-ROM (noun) (/ˌsiːˌdiːˈrɑːm/)

The dictionary comes with a free CD-ROM.

achievement (noun) (/əˈʧiːvmənt/)

The discovery of DNA was a major scientific achievement.

among (prep) (/əˈmʌŋ/)

The disease spread quickly among the members of the community.

alleviate (verb) (/əˈliːviˌeıt/)

The doctor tried to alleviate (= relieve) her symptoms/suffering.

bark (verb) (/ˈbɑɚk/)

The dog only barks when someone approaches the house.

consume (verb) (/kənˈsuːm/)

The dogs consume (= eat) a bag of dog food each week.

anonymous (adj) (/əˈnɑːnəməs/)

The donor wishes to remain anonymous.

amount (noun) (/əˈmaʊnt/)

The drug is not being produced in adequate amounts.

counteract (verb) (/ˌkaʊntɚˈækt/)

The drug will counteract the poison.

claw (noun) (/ˈklɑː/)

The eagle was carrying a mouse in its sharp claws.

coincide (verb) (/ˌkowənˈsaıd/)

The earthquakes coincided.

barricade (noun) (/ˈberəˌkeıd/)

The enemy broke through the barricade.

adjustment (noun) (/əˈʤʌstmənt/)

The engine only needed a minor adjustment.

clarity (noun) (/ˈklerəti/)

The essays are edited for clarity.

cancel (verb) (/ˈkænsəl/)

The event was canceled at the last minute when the speaker didn't show up.

available (adj) (/əˈveıləbəl/)

The family kept emergency supplies available.

boost (verb) (/ˈbuːst/)

The farm has boosted (= increased) wheat production by 25 percent.

automatically (adv) (/ˌɑːtəˈmætıkli/)

The fee will be automatically added to the bill.

cast iron (noun) (/ˈkæstıŋ/)

The fence is made of cast iron.

commemorate (verb) (/kəˈmɛməˌreıt/)

The festival commemorates the town's founding.

commence (verb) (/kəˈmɛns/)

The festivities will commence with a parade.

adventure (noun) (/ədˈvɛnʧɚ/)

The field trip was an adventure for the students.

cease (verb) (/ˈsiːs/)

The fighting along the border has temporarily ceased.

admirable (adj) (/ˈædmrəbəl/)

The film does an admirable (= excellent) job of depicting life in the 1940s.

briskly (adv) (/ˈbrısk/)

The flowers have been selling briskly.

complicated (adj) (/ˈkɑːmpləˌkeıtəd/)

The game's rules are too complicated.

cover (verb) (/ˈkʌvɚ/)

The gardener covered the soil with mulch.

assent (verb) (/əˈsɛnt/)

The general proposed a detailed plan and the President assented.

announce (verb) (/əˈnaʊns/)

The government announced a cut in taxes.

amnesty (noun) (/ˈæmnəsti/)

The government gave/granted amnesty to/for all political prisoners.

accede (verb) (/ækˈsiːd/)

The government was forced to accede to their demands.

carnation (noun) (/kɑɚˈneıʃən/)

The groom wore a carnation in his buttonhole.

covering (noun) (/ˈkʌvərıŋ/)

The ground was hidden under a covering (= cover) of snow.

affair (noun) (/əˈfeɚ/)

The group conducts its affairs (= business) in private.

coalition (noun) (/ˌkowəˈlıʃən/)

The groups united to form a coalition.

crack (verb) (/ˈkræk/)

The hailstones were big enough to crack some windows.

cackle (verb) (/ˈkækəl/)

The hens were cackling in the henhouse.

activity (noun) (/ækˈtıvəti/)

The holidays always set off a lot of activity in our home.

charity (noun) (/ˈʧerəti/)

The holidays are a time for charity and good will.

contraction (noun) (/kənˈtrækʃən/)

The hot metal undergoes contraction as it cools.

accommodate (verb) (/əˈkɑːməˌdeıt/)

The hotel can only accommodate about 100 people. (= is only large enough for about 100 people)

amenity (noun) (/əˈmɛnəti/)

The hotel has every amenity you could want.

chef (noun) (/ˈʃɛf/)

The hotel's chef trained at the finest culinary institutes in Europe.

ceiling (noun) (/ˈsiːlıŋ/)

The house has low ceilings.

award (verb) (/əˈwoɚd/)

The judges will award a prize to the best speaker.

acquit (verb) (/əˈkwıt/)

The jury acquitted the defendant because there wasn't enough evidence to convict him of the crime.

belonging (noun) (/bıˈlɑːŋ/)

The kindness that they showed to her when she first arrived gave her a real sense/feeling of belonging.

abdicate (verb) (/ˈæbdıˌkeıt/)

The king was forced to abdicate.

benevolence (noun) (/bəˈnɛvələns/)

The king's benevolence (= kindness, generosity) was known throughout the land.

cherry (noun) (/ˈʧeri/)

The kitchen cabinets are made of cherry.

cloakroom (noun) (/ˈkloʊkˌruːm/)

The ladies' cloakroom (= bathroom, restroom) is down the hall.

choppy (adj) (/ˈʧɑːpi/)

The lake was choppy.

bleat (verb) (/ˈbliːt/)

The lamb bleated as I approached.

base (noun) (/ˈbeıs/)

The lamp has a heavy base.

confer (verb) (/kənˈfɚ/)

The lawyer and judge conferred about the ruling.

animate (adj) (/ˈænəmət/)

The lecture was about ancient worship of animate and inanimate objects.

crackle (verb) (/ˈkrækəl/)

The logs crackled in the fire.

chaos (noun) (/ˈkeıˌɑːs/)

The loss of electricity caused chaos throughout the city.

allusion (noun) (/əˈluːʒən/)

The lyrics contain biblical allusions.

astound (verb) (/əˈstaʊnd/)

The magician will astound you with his latest tricks.

claim (verb) (/ˈkleım/)

The man claimed (that) he was a long-lost relative.

brief (adj) (/ˈbriːf/)

The meeting will be brief.

carelessness (noun) (/ˈkeɚləs/)

The mistake was the result of carelessness.

accurate (adj) (/ˈækjərət/)

The model is accurate down to the tiniest details.

aptitude (noun) (/ˈæptəˌtuːd/)

The new test is supposed to measure the aptitudes of the students.

aghast (adj) (/əˈgæst/)

The news left her aghast.

apparent (adj) (/əˈperənt/)

The other team's superiority was apparent (= evident) in the first half of the game.

copy (noun) (/ˈkɑːpi/)

The paintings at the museum are originals, not copies. (= reproductions)

control (verb) (/kənˈtroʊl/)

The parents could not control their child.

assembly (noun) (/əˈsɛmbli/)

The parts are made in this factory and then shipped to another country for assembly.

caterer (noun) (/ˈkeıtɚrɚ/)

The party was serviced by the best caterer in the area.

coconut (noun) (/ˈkoʊkəˌnʌt/)

The pastry is covered with shredded coconut.

auditory (adj) (/ˈɑːdəˌtori/)

The patient has damage to the auditory nerve.

convulsion (noun) (/kənˈvʌlʃən/)

The patient suffers from convulsions.

catheter (noun) (/ˈkæθətɚ/)

The patient underwent cardiac catheterization.

below (adv) (/bıˈloʊ/)

The pencil rolled off the desk and fell to the floor below.

ancient (adj) (/ˈeınʃənt/)

The people in the village still observe the ancient customs/traditions of their ancestors.

captivate (verb) (/ˈkæptəˌveıt/)

The play has been captivating audiences for years.

cheat (verb) (/ˈʧiːt/)

The players were accused of cheating.

compare (verb) (/kəmˈpeɚ/)

The poet compared (= likened) his sweetheart to a beautiful rose.

conduct (verb) (/kənˈdʌkt/)

The police are conducting an investigation into last week's robbery.

allegation (noun) (/ˌælıˈgeıʃən/)

The police are investigating allegations that the mayor has accepted bribes.

arrest (verb) (/əˈrɛst/)

The police arrested him on drug charges.

cohort (noun) (/ˈkoʊˌhoɚt/)

The police arrested the gang's leader and his cohorts.

baptize (verb) (/ˈbæpˌtaız, bæpˈtaız/)

The priest baptized the baby.

bless (verb) (/ˈblɛs/)

The priest blessed their marriage at the wedding.

contrive (verb) (/kənˈtraıv/)

The prisoners contrived a way to escape.

captivity (noun) (/kæpˈtıvəti/)

The prisoners were released from captivity.

brilliance (noun) (/ˈbrıljəns/)

The professor was known for his brilliance.

abstinence (noun) (/ˈæbstənəns/)

The program promoted sexual abstinence for young people.

complacency (noun) (/kəmˈpleısn̩si/)

The public was lulled into complacency.

burrow (verb) (/ˈbɚ/)

The rabbit burrowed into the side of the hill.

cocoa (noun) (/ˈkoʊkoʊ/)

The recipe calls for three tablespoons of cocoa.

charred (adj) (/ʧɑɚd/)

The remains of the house were charred.

approximately (adv) (/əˈprɑːksəmət/)

The repair should cost approximately (= about, around, roughly) $200.

cooperation (noun) (/koʊˌɑːpəˈreıʃən/)

The report cited a lack of cooperation between state and local officials.

cater (verb) (/ˈkeıtɚ/)

The restaurant caters for parties/banquets/receptions.

capacity (noun) (/kəˈpæsəti/)

The restaurant has a large seating capacity. (= many people can sit in the restaurant; it has many seats)

buffet (noun) (/bəˈfeı/)

The restaurant offers a breakfast buffet.

abnormal (adj) (/æbˈnoɚməl/)

The results of the blood test were abnormal.

cleft (noun) (/ˈklɛft/)

The river begins as a trickle of water from a cleft in the rock.

anyway (adv) (/ˈɛniˌweı/)

The road got worse, but they kept going anyway.

bumpy (adj) (/ˈbʌmpi/)

The road is very bumpy.

ahead (adv) (/əˈhɛd/)

The road stretched ahead for many miles.

bed (noun) (/ˈbɛd/)

The room contains only a bed and a dresser.

appearance (noun) (/əˈpirəns/)

The room has a neat/fresh/clean appearance. (= look)

airy (adj) (/ˈeri/)

The room is open, light, and airy.

book (noun) (/ˈbʊk/)

The shelves in his office are filled with books.

anchor (noun) (/ˈæŋkɚ/)

The ship dropped anchor in a secluded harbor.

cargo (noun) (/ˈkɑɚgoʊ/)

The ship was carrying a cargo of crude oil.

clear (adj) (/ˈkliɚ/)

The show was a clear failure. (= it was clearly a failure; there is no doubt that the show was a failure)

clatter (verb) (/ˈklætɚ/)

The shutters clattered against the house.

attestation (noun) (/ˌæˌtɛsˈteıʃən/)

The signature required attestation.

convey (verb) (/kənˈveı/)

The singer was conveyed from her hotel to the airport by limousine.

clog (verb) (/ˈklɑːg/)

The sink was clogged by/with dirt and grease.

contrary (adj) (/ˈkɑːnˌtreri/)

The sisters gave contrary answers: one said "yes" and one said "no."

consequence (noun) (/ˈkɑːnsəˌkwɛns/)

The slightest error can have serious consequences.

cooler (noun) (/ˈkuːlɚ/)

The sodas are in the cooler.

bayonet (verb) (/ˈbeı/)

The soldier was bayoneted in the chest.

barracks (noun) (/ˈberəks/)

The soldier was moved to a different barracks.

cloak (noun) (/ˈkloʊk/)

The soldiers began their attack under (the) cloak of darkness.

addition (noun) (/əˈdıʃən/)

The soup was thickened by the addition of cream in the last stage of cooking.

comeback (noun) (/ˈkʌmˌbæk/)

The species was nearly extinct but is now making/staging a comeback.

attrition (noun) (/əˈtrıʃən/)

The staff has been thinned through attrition. (= the staff has become smaller because people have left)

adhere (verb) (/ædˈhiɚ/)

The stamp failed to adhere.

connection (noun) (/kəˈnɛkʃən/)

The state plans to improve roads that serve as connections between major highways.

constitution (noun) (/ˌkɑːnstəˈtuːʃən/)

The state's constitution has strict rules about what tax money can be used for.

consequently (adv) (/ˈkɑːnsəˌkwɛntli/)

The state's economy was poor. Consequently, many college graduates were forced to move elsewhere in order to find jobs.

broadcast (verb) (/ˈbrɑːdˌkæst/)

The station broadcasts the symphony live every Friday night.

business (noun) (/ˈbıznəs/)

The store will be open for business next week. (= the store will be ready for customers next week)

contrivance (noun) (/kənˈtraıvəns/)

The story is filled with plot contrivances that do not fit the ending.

confound (verb) (/kənˈfaʊnd/)

The strategy confounded our opponents.

broken (adj) (/ˈbroʊkən/)

The street was covered with broken glass.

baking (adj) (/ˈbeık/)

The streets were baking hot.

complacent (adj) (/kəmˈpleısn̩t/)

The strong economy has made people complacent.

commentary (noun) (/ˈkɑːmənˌteri/)

The television show features political commentary by well-known journalists.

bulletin (noun) (/ˈbʊlətən/)

The television/radio program was interrupted for a news bulletin.

changeable (adj) (/ˈʧeınʤəbəl/)

The terms of this contract are easily changeable.

abnormality (noun) (/ˌæbnɚˈmæləti/)

The test results showed several genetic abnormalities.

confirm (verb) (/kənˈfɚm/)

The tests confirmed the doctors' suspicions of cancer.

bedevil (verb) (/bıˈdɛvəl/)

The theory bedevils scientists, none of whom have been able to prove it true or false.

alias (adv) (/ˈeılijəs/)

The thief was identified as John Smith, alias Richard Jones. (= John Smith, who is also known as Richard Jones)

apprehension (noun) (/ˌæprıˈhɛnʃən/)

The thought of moving to a new city fills me with apprehension.

ash (noun) (/ˈæʃ/)

The town lay under a thick layer/blanket of ash.

butcher (noun) (/ˈbʊʧɚ/)

The town was small but had a grocery store and a butcher (store/shop).

chug (verb) (/ˈʧʌg/)

The train chugged up the hill.

breathtaking (adj) (/ˈbrɛθˌteıkıŋ/)

The train raced past with breathtaking speed.

buttress (verb) (/ˈbʌtn̩dˈʌp/)

The treaty will buttress the cause of peace.

cope (verb) (/ˈkoʊp/)

The trial has been difficult, but I'm learning to cope.

clan (noun) (/ˈklæn/)

The tribe is divided into clans.

barter (noun) (/ˈbɑɚˌtɛnd/)

The tribes use a system of barter.

collaborate (verb) (/kəˈlæbəˌreıt/)

The two companies agreed to collaborate.

angle (noun) (/ˈæŋgəl/)

The two lines form a sharp angle. (= The two lines meet/intersect at a sharp angle to each other).

converge (verb) (/kənˈvɚʤ/)

The two roads converge in the center of town.

concurrently (adv) (/kənˈkɚrənt/)

The two sentences will be served concurrently.

accord (noun) (/əˈkoɚd/)

The two sides were able to reach an accord.

bane (noun) (/ˈbeın/)

The ugly school uniforms were the bane of the students' lives.

bestow (verb) (/bıˈstoʊ/)

The university bestowed on/upon her an honorary degree.

christening (noun) (/ˈkrısənıŋ/)

The whole family was invited to the christening.

blow (verb) (/ˈbloʊ/)

The wind was blowing earlier but it's not blowing now. (= there was wind earlier but there isn't any wind now)

apparently (adv) (/əˈperəntli/)

The window had apparently been forced open.

copper (noun) (/ˈkɑːpɚ/)

The wires are (made of) copper.

adjective (noun) (/ˈæʤıktıv/)

The words blue in "the blue car," deep in "the water is deep," and tired in "I'm very tired" are adjectives.

casting (noun) (/ˈkæstıŋ/)

The workers make metal castings for truck engines.

bookie (noun) (/ˈbʊki/)

Their bookie is giving good odds.

adolescent (noun) (/ˌædəˈlɛsn̩t/)

Their children are now adolescents.

brook (verb) (/ˈbrʊk/)

Their coach brooks (= tolerates) no disagreement.

budge (verb) (/ˈbʌʤ/)

Their horses refused to budge.

bathroom (noun) (/ˈbæθˌruːm/)

Their house has three bathrooms.

bliss (noun) (/ˈblıʃ/)

Their religion promises eternal bliss (= joy) in heaven.

cohesive (adj) (/koʊˈhiːsıv/)

Their tribe is a small but cohesive group.

afterthought (noun) (/ˈæftɚˌθɑːt/)

Then I remembered, almost as an afterthought, to feed the cat.

class (noun) (/ˈklæs/)

There are 20 students in the class.

basically (adv) (/ˈbeısıkli/)

There are a few boring parts, but basically (= generally, for the most part), it's a very good book.

aplenty (adj) (/əˈplɛnti/)

There are books aplenty on this subject. (= there are many books on this subject)

aesthetic (adj) (/ɛsˈθɛtık, iːsˈθɛtık/)

There are practical as well as aesthetic reasons for planting trees.

corruption (noun) (/kəˈrʌpʃən/)

There are rumors of widespread corruption in the city government.

cohere (verb) (/koʊˈhiɚ/)

There are several themes in the story but they never cohere (with one another).

amusing (adj) (/əˈmjuːzıŋ/)

There are some amusing (= funny) twists to the story.

animosity (noun) (/ˌænəˈmɑːsəti/)

There has always been animosity (= hostility) between them. (= they have always disliked each other)

ado (noun) (/əˈduː/)

There has been much ado about the need for campaign reform.

burglary (noun) (/ˈbɚgləri/)

There have been a number of burglaries in the neighborhood in recent months.

abruptness (noun) (/əˈbrʌpt/)

There is an abruptness in her manner.

arch (noun) (/ˈɑɚʧ/)

There was a slight arch to her eyebrows.

ample (adj) (/ˈæmpəl/)

There was ample room for a garden. (= there was plenty of room for a garden)

abrupt (adj) (/əˈbrʌpt/)

There was an abrupt change in the weather.

absence (noun) (/ˈæbsəns/)

There was an absence (= lack) of enthusiasm in the crowd. (= the crowd was not enthusiastic)

browser (noun) (/ˈbraʊzɚ/)

There were a few browsers in the bookstore.

conspicuous (adj) (/kənˈspıkjəwəs/)

There were a number of conspicuous changes to the building.

baptism (noun) (/ˈbæpˌtızəm/)

There were over 100 baptisms at our church last year.

confrontation (noun) (/ˌkɑːnfrənˈteıʃən/)

There were several violent confrontations between rival gangs.

besides (prep) (/bıˈsaıdz/)

There's no one here besides (= except) me.

comfort (noun) (/ˈkʌmfɚt/)

These boots provide warmth and comfort in the coldest temperatures.

confidential (adj) (/ˌkɑːnfəˈdɛnʃəl/)

These documents are completely/strictly confidential.

brew (verb) (/ˈbruː/)

They brew the beer on the premises.

ambulance (noun) (/ˈæmbjələns/)

They called (for) an ambulance.

catapult (verb) (/ˈkætələst/)

They catapulted rocks toward the castle.

arrangement (noun) (/əˈreınʤmənt/)

They changed the arrangement of furniture in the room.

clap (verb) (/ˈklæp/)

They cheered and clapped (= applauded) for the band.

adoption (noun) (/əˈdɑːpʃən/)

They chose adoption because they couldn't have children of their own.

agriculture (noun) (/ˈægrıˌkʌlʧɚ/)

They cleared the land to use it for agriculture.

cohabit (verb) (/koʊˈhæbət/)

They cohabited in a small apartment in the city.

constantly (adv) (/ˈkɑːnstənt/)

They complained constantly about the noise.

confront (verb) (/kənˈfrʌnt/)

They confronted the invaders at the shore.

cower (verb) (/ˈkawɚ/)

They cowered at the sight of the gun.

clumsily (adv) (/ˈklʌmzəli/)

They dealt with the situation clumsily.

abort (verb) (/əˈboɚt/)

They decided to abort the pregnancy.

conceivable (adj) (/kənˈsiːvəbəl/)

They discussed the question from every conceivable angle.

bodyguard (noun) (/ˈbɑːdiˌgɑɚd/)

They entered the building surrounded by bodyguards.

burden (noun) (/ˈbɚdn̩/)

They feared the donkey would collapse under the extra burden.

coexist (verb) (/ˌkoʊıgˈzıst/)

They found proof that dinosaurs and turtles coexisted (with each other).

aid (verb) (/ˈeıd/)

They gave money in order to aid the cause.

courtship (noun) (/ˈkoɚtˌʃıp/)

They had a two-year courtship before marrying.

awareness (noun) (/əˈweɚ/)

They had an acute awareness of what was going on.

altogether (adv) (/ˌɑːltəˈgɛðɚ/)

They had an altogether new idea.

affinity (noun) (/əˈfınəti/)

They had much in common and felt a close affinity (for/to/with each other).

common (adj) (/ˈkɑːmən/)

They have a common ancestor.

accomplish (verb) (/əˈkɑːmplıʃ/)

They have accomplished (= done, achieved) much in a very short period of time.

contractor (noun) (/ˈkɑːnˌtræktɚ/)

They hired a contractor to remodel the kitchen.

collect (verb) (/kəˈlɛkt/)

They hope to collect over 1,000 signatures on the petition.

assurance (noun) (/əˈʃurəns/)

They lent us the money with the assurance that they would be repaid soon.

barn (noun) (/ˈbɑɚn/)

They live in a big barn of a house.

abject (adj) (/ˈæbˌʤɛkt/)

They live in abject misery (poverty).

concord (noun) (/ˈkɑːnˌkoɚd/)

They lived in peace and concord. (= harmony)

argument (noun) (/ˈɑɚgjəmənt/)

They made a compelling/convincing/persuasive/strong argument for our participation.

astray (adv) (/əˈstreı/)

They marked the trail so hikers wouldn't go astray. (= become lost)

board (noun) (/ˈboɚd/)

They nailed some boards over the broken window.

array (noun) (/əˈreı/)

They offer a wide/vast/bewildering array of products and services.

armed (adj) (/ˈɑɚmd/)

They planned an armed attack/assault on the country's capital.

burial (noun) (/ˈberijəl/)

They prepared the body for burial.

correction (noun) (/kəˈrɛkʃən/)

They ran/published a correction in today's paper. (= there was a statement in the newspaper saying that something printed in an earlier newspaper was not accurate)

carriage (noun) (/ˈkerıʤ/)

They rode to the city in carriages.

affluence (noun) (/ˈæfluwəns/)

They rose from poverty to affluence. (= they were poor and became rich)

bubble (noun) (/ˈbʌbəl/)

They saw air bubbles in the water.

cognizance (noun) (/ˈkɑːgnəzəns/)

They seemed to have no cognizance of the crime.

courtesy (noun) (/ˈkɚtəsi/)

They treated us with courtesy and kindness.

coercion (noun) (/koʊˈɚʒən, koʊˈɚʃən/)

They used coercion to obtain the confession.

calumny (noun) (/ˈkæləmni/)

They uttered calumnies against him.

ascend (verb) (/əˈsɛnd/)

They watched their balloons slowly ascend into the sky.

bay (noun) (/ˈbeı/)

They went fishing in the bay.

catechism (noun) (/ˈkætəˌkızəm/)

They went to school to learn their catechism.

bribery (noun) (/ˈbraıbəri/)

They were arrested on charges of bribery.

absent (adj) (/ˈæbsənt/)

They were talking about absent friends. (= friends who were not there)

ascertain (verb) (/ˌæsɚˈteın/)

They were unable to ascertain (= (more commonly) determine) the cause of the fire.

adopt (verb) (/əˈdɑːpt/)

They were unable to have children of their own, so they decided to adopt.

begin (verb) (/bıˈgın/)

They will begin construction on the new school soon.

convincingly (adv) (/kənˈvıns/)

They won convincingly.

bakery (noun) (/ˈbeıkəri/)

They work at/in a bakery.

agent (noun) (/ˈeıʤənt/)

They worked with a travel agent to plan their vacation.

beforehand (adv) (/bıˈfoɚˌhænd/)

They'd agreed beforehand (= ahead of time) to leave early.

acquire (verb) (/əˈkwajɚ/)

They're planning to acquire (= buy) a new home in the country.

apiece (adv) (/əˈpiːs/)

They're selling tickets at/for 10 dollars apiece. (= each ticket costs 10 dollars)

already (adv) (/ɑːlˈrɛdi/)

They've already agreed to come.

attempt (verb) (/əˈtɛmpt/)

They've attempted a climb up Mount Everest once before.

acrid (adj) (/ˈækrəd/)

Thick, acrid smoke rose from the factory.

alternate (verb) (/ˈɑːltɚˌneıt/)

To make the appetizer, you should alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese. (= you should place a layer of tomatoes, then a layer of cheese, then a layer of tomatoes, etc.)

context (noun) (/ˈkɑːnˌtɛkst/)

To really know a word, you must be able to use it in context. (= in a sentence with other words)

be (verb) (/ˈbiː/)

Today is Wednesday.

cloudy (adj) (/ˈklaʊdi/)

Tomorrow will be cloudy and cold.

clockwise (adv) (/ˈklɑːkˌwaız/)

Turn the screw clockwise to tighten it.

collide (verb) (/kəˈlaıd/)

Two football players collided on the field.

bystander (noun) (/ˈbaıˌstændɚ/)

Two innocent bystanders were injured in the shooting.

cosmetic (noun) (/kɑzˈmɛtık/)

Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.

brush (noun) (/ˈbrʌʃ/)

Use a wire brush to get the rust off the metal.

cheapen (verb) (/ˈʧiːpən/)

Using plastic instead of steel will cheapen (= lower) the quality of the car.

celebrate (verb) (/ˈsɛləˌbreıt/)

We are celebrating my birthday by going out to dinner.

consider (verb) (/kənˈsıdɚ/)

We are considering you for the job.

balcony (noun) (/ˈbælkəni/)

We asked for a hotel room with a balcony.

autograph (noun) (/ˈɑːtəˌgræf/)

We asked her for her autograph.

bacon (noun) (/ˈbeıkən/)

We ate bacon and eggs for breakfast.

bean (noun) (/ˈbiːn/)

We ate rice and beans for dinner.

batch (noun) (/ˈbæʧ/)

We baked two batches of cookies.

blunder (verb) (/ˈblʌndɚ/)

We blundered along through the woods until we finally found the trail.

concur (verb) (/kənˈkɚ/)

We concur that more money should be spent on education.

combine (verb) (/kəmˈbaın/)

We decided to combine both methods/techniques.

ashore (adv) (/əˈʃoɚ/)

We docked our boat and went ashore to visit the island.

appalling (adj) (/əˈpɑːlıŋ/)

We drove by an appalling accident on the highway.

avenue (noun) (/ˈævəˌnuː/)

We drove down the avenue.

attention (noun) (/əˈtɛnʃən/)

We focused our attention on this particular poem.

convention (noun) (/kənˈvɛnʃən/)

We go to the weeklong annual teachers' convention every summer.

accident (noun) (/ˈæksədənt/)

We got in a car accident. (= We had a car accident.)

breakdown (noun) (/ˈbreıkˌdaʊn/)

We had a breakdown on the highway. (= our car broke down on the highway; our car stopped working on the highway)

chicken (noun) (/ˈʧıkn̩/)

We had chicken for dinner.

cocktail (noun) (/ˈkɑːkˌteıl/)

We had cocktails before dinner.

crab (noun) (/ˈkræb/)

We had crab for dinner.

anatomy (noun) (/əˈnætəmi/)

We had to take a class on/in anatomy.

alternative (adj) (/ɑlˈtɚnətıv/)

We have alternative (= other) plans in case the weather is bad.

and (conj) (/ˈænd, ənd, ən/)

We have ice cream and cake for dessert.

corporate (adj) (/ˈkoɚpərət/)

We have to change the corporate structure to survive.

apartment (noun) (/əˈpɑɚtmənt/)

We lived in an apartment for several years before buying a house.

complaint (noun) (/kəmˈpleınt/)

We lodged a complaint with the hotel manager. (= we complained to the hotel manager)

collective (adj) (/kəˈlɛktıv/)

We made a collective decision to go on strike.

collage (noun) (/kəˈlɑːʒ/)

We made collages in art class.

breadth (noun) (/ˈbrɛtθ/)

We measured the height, breadth, and depth of each piece of furniture.

accommodation (noun) (/əˌkɑːməˈdeıʃən/)

We need overnight accommodations (= lodging) for four people.

able-bodied (adj) (/ˌeıbəlˈbɑːdid/)

We need several able-bodied men and women to help with the project.

alliance (noun) (/əˈlajəns/)

We need to form/forge/encourage a closer alliance between government and industry.

competitor (noun) (/kəmˈpɛtətɚ/)

We offer better rates than our competitors.

blueberry (noun) (/ˈbluːˌberi/)

We picked blueberries.

chess (noun) (/ˈʧɛs/)

We played (a game of) chess.

badly (adv) (/ˈbædli/)

We played badly.

correctness (noun) (/kəˈrɛkt/)

We question the correctness of his actions.

considerable (adj) (/kənˈsıdɚrəbəl/)

We received a considerable number of complaints.

cordial (adj) (/ˈkoɚʤəl/)

We received a cordial greeting from our hostess at the party.

cottage (noun) (/ˈkɑːtıʤ/)

We rented a cottage for the weekend.

bask (verb) (/ˈbæsk/)

We sat basking in the sun.

authentic (adj) (/əˈθɛntık/)

We saw authentic examples of ancient Roman sculpture.

bulk (noun) (/ˈbʌlk/)

We spent the bulk of the summer at the beach.

beach (noun) (/ˈbiːʧ/)

We spent the day at the beach.

backyard (noun) (/ˈbækˈjɑɚd/)

We spent the evening relaxing in the backyard.

active (adj) (/ˈæktıv/)

We stay/keep active during the cold winter months by skiing and ice skating.

condemn (verb) (/kənˈdɛm/)

We strongly condemn this attack against our allies.

across (prep) (/əˈkʰrɑːs/)

We took a ferry across the river.

cavernous (adj) (/ˈkævɚnəs/)

We toured the cavernous airplane hangar.

charge (verb) (/ˈʧɑɚʤ/)

We tried to charge the car's battery.

august (adj) (/ɑˈgʌst/)

We visited their august mansion and expansive grounds.

alongside (adv) (/əˈlɑːŋˈsaıd/)

We waited for the other boat to come alongside.

abate (verb) (/əˈbeıt/)

We waited for the wind (storm) to abate.

along (prep) (/əˈlɑːŋ/)

We walked along the beach.

barefoot (adv) (/ˈbeɚˌfʊt/)

We walked barefoot in the stream.

compatriot (noun) (/kəmˈpeıtrijət/)

We watched our compatriots compete in the Olympics.

bar (noun) (/ˈbɑɚ/)

We went to a bar for a drink.

anything (pronoun) (/ˈɛniˌθıŋ/)

We were allowed to do anything we wanted to.

classmate (noun) (/ˈklæsˌmeıt/)

We were classmates in high school.

ambiguous (adj) (/æmˈbıgjəwəs/)

We were confused by the ambiguous wording of the message.

blizzard (noun) (/ˈblızɚd/)

We were snowed in by a raging/fierce blizzard.

chew (verb) (/ˈʧuː/)

We were taught to chew our food thoroughly before swallowing.

clot (noun) (/ˈklɑːt/)

We were told that his stroke was caused by a clot in his brain.

afford (verb) (/əˈfoɚd/)

We were too poor to afford a doctor.

about (adv) (/əˈbaʊt/)

We're about ready to go.

almost (adv) (/ˈɑːlˌmoʊst/)

We're almost finished.

climbing (noun) (/ˈklaım/)

We're going to go climbing this weekend.

altitude (noun) (/ˈæltəˌtuːd/)

We're now flying at an altitude (= height) of 10,000 feet.

Christmas (noun) (/ˈkrısməs/)

We're spending Christmas with my parents.

at (prep) (/ˈæt, ət/)

We're staying at a hotel.

committed (adj) (/kəˈmıtl̩/)

We're very committed to the cause.

buddy (noun) (/ˈbʌdi/)

We've been buddies (= pals, (chiefly Brit) mates) since junior high school.

beastly (adj) (/ˈbiːstli/)

We've been having such beastly (= terrible) weather lately.

commitment (noun) (/kəˈmıtmənt/)

We've got commitments from several charities to donate food and clothing.

application (noun) (/ˌæpləˈkeıʃən/)

We've made an application for certification. (= we have applied to be certified)

abbey (noun) (/ˈæbi/)

Westminster Abbey

carnival (noun) (/ˈkɑɚnəvəl/)

Will you be in town for (the) Carnival this year?

cessation (noun) (/sɛˈseıʃən/)

With news of the treaty came a cessation of hostilities. (= fighting stopped when the treaty was announced)

constitute (verb) (/ˈkɑːnstəˌtuːt/)

Women constitute 70 percent of the student population at the college.

beer (noun) (/ˈbiɚ/)

Would you like beer with dinner?

clearly (adv) (/ˈkliɚli/)

You should try to speak more clearly.

caution (noun) (/ˈkɑːʃən/)

You should use caution when operating the electric saw.

best (adj) (/ˈbɛst/)

You should wear your best clothes tonight.

counsel (noun) (/ˈkaʊnsəl/)

You were unwise to reject my counsel.

afterward (adv) (/ˈæftɚwɚd/)

You'll feel better afterward.

clearance (noun) (/ˈklirəns/)

You'll have to get clearance (= approval) from management to go ahead with the project.

boot (noun) (/ˈbuːt/)

You'll need a pair of warm boots for winter.

convincing (adj) (/kənˈvıns/)

Your argument/story isn't very convincing.

catholic (adj) (/ˈkæθlık/)

a Catholic bishop/nun/priest

congress (noun) (/ˈkɑːŋgrəs/)

a Communist Party congress

cap (noun) (/ˈkæp/)

a Harvard University cap (= a cap that has the name or symbol of Harvard University on it)

antenna (noun) (/ænˈtɛnə/)

a Senator with sensitive political antennae (= a Senator who is very aware of political issues and attitudes)

bad (adj) (/ˈbæd/)

a bad repair job

cement (noun) (/sıˈmɛnt/)

a bag of cement

bald (adj) (/ˈbɑːld/)

a bald man

bale (noun) (/ˈbeıl/)

a bale of cotton/paper

clerk (noun) (/ˈklɚk/)

a bank/office clerk

bankrupt (adj) (/ˈbæŋkˌrʌpt/)

a bankrupt company

chocolate (noun) (/ˈʧɑːklət/)

a bar of chocolate

barren (adj) (/ˈberən/)

a barren (= desolate) landscape

bat (noun) (/ˈbæt/)

a baseball bat

baseless (adj) (/ˈbeısləs/)

a baseless (= unfounded) accusation

basin (noun) (/ˈbeısn̩/)

a basin of cold water

arena (noun) (/əˈriːnə/)

a basketball/hockey arena

corpse (noun) (/ˈkoɚps/)

a battlefield strewn with corpses

brunette (noun) (/bruˈnɛt/)

a beautiful brunette

admirer (noun) (/ədˈmajɚ/)

a beautiful woman who has many admirers

beautiful (adj) (/ˈbjuːtıfəl/)

a beautiful young woman/child

beautifully (adv) (/ˈbjuːtıfli/)

a beautifully written poem

beaver (noun) (/ˈbiːvɚ/)

a beaver dam (= a dam built by beavers)

beefy (adj) (/ˈbiːfi/)

a beefy football player

beige (adj) (/bıˈhuːv/)

a beige skirt

buckle (noun) (/ˈbʌkəl/)

a belt buckle

benevolent (adj) (/bəˈnɛvələnt/)

a benevolent company/government

benign (adj) (/bıˈnaın/)

a benign infection/disease

bent (adj) (/ˈbɛnt/)

a bent metal wire

big (adj) (/ˈbıg/)

a big house/room/field

comfy (adj) (/ˈkʌmfi/)

a big, comfy armchair

big-hearted (adj) (/ˈbıgıʃ/)

a big-hearted kid/person

breakfast (noun) (/ˈbrɛkfəst/)

a big/good/hearty breakfast

coal (noun) (/ˈkoʊl/)

a bin of coal

advocate (noun) (/ˈædvəkət/)

a birth control advocate = an advocate of birth control (= a person who advocates birth control)

blank (adj) (/ˈblæŋk/)

a blank sheet of paper

blind (adj) (/ˈblaınd/)

a blind person

block (noun) (/ˈblɑːk/)

a block of ice/cheese

blue (adj) (/ˈbluː/)

a blue house/car/shirt/pen

bluish (adj) (/ˈbluːwıʃ/)

a bluish green (= a shade of green that is somewhat blue)

boastful (adj) (/ˈboʊstfəl/)

a boastful person/remark

boiling (adj) (/ˈboılıŋ/)

a boiling sun

bolt (noun) (/ˈboʊlt/)

a bolt of lightning (= a lightning bolt)

appealing (adj) (/əˈpiːlıŋ/)

a book with an appealing title

boring (adj) (/ˈborıŋ/)

a boring job/routine

bouncing (adj) (/ˈbaʊnsıŋ/)

a bouncing baby boy

bout (noun) (/ˈbaʊt/)

a bout of fever

beech (noun) (/ˈbiːʧ/)

a box made of beech

candy (noun) (/ˈkændi/)

a box/bowl/piece of candy

boxing (noun) (/ˈbɑːksıŋ/)

a boxing glove

brash (adj) (/ˈbræʃ/)

a brash young executive

breaker (noun) (/ˈbreıkɚ/)

a breaker of records (= a record-breaker)

bridal (adj) (/ˈbraıdl̩/)

a bridal shop/gown

attendant (noun) (/əˈtɛndənt/)

a bride and her attendants (= bridesmaids)

bridge (noun) (/ˈbrıʤ/)

a bridge connecting the island to the mainland

beam (noun) (/ˈbiːm/)

a bright beam of light

bright (adj) (/ˈbraıt/)

a bright light

banana (noun) (/bəˈnænə/)

a bunch of bananas

abound (verb) (/əˈbaʊnd/)

a business in which opportunities abound (= a business in which there are many opportunities)

buzz (verb) (/ˈbʌz/)

a buzzing bee

cabin (noun) (/ˈkæbən/)

a cabin in the woods

birch (noun) (/ˈbɚʧ/)

a cabinet made of birch

carbon (noun) (/ˈkɑɚbən/)

a carbon of the document

cascade (noun) (/kæˈskeıd/)

a cascade of water

cashmere (noun) (/ˈkæʒˌmiɚ, ˈkæʃˌmiɚ/)

a cashmere sweater

cassette (noun) (/kəˈsɛt/)

a cassette player/recorder

casual (adj) (/ˈkæʒəwəl/)

a casual encounter on the sidewalk

conversation (noun) (/ˌkɑːnvɚˈseıʃən/)

a casual/telephone/private conversation

cleverness (noun) (/ˈklɛvɚ/)

a cat's cleverness

ceramic (adj) (/səˈræmık/)

a ceramic bead/bowl

certified (adj) (/ˈsɚtəˌfaıd/)

a certified instructor

chair (noun) (/ˈʧeɚ/)

a chair by the window

cedar (noun) (/ˈsiːdɚ/)

a chair made of cedar

charming (adj) (/ˈʧɑɚmıŋ/)

a charming little café by the sea

chart (noun) (/ˈʧɑɚt/)

a chart showing the number of cars sold each month

chaste (adj) (/ˈʧeıst/)

a chaste young woman

cheerful (adj) (/ˈʧiɚfəl/)

a cheerful face/person

cheerless (adj) (/ˈʧiɚləs/)

a cheerless day/place

cheesy (adj) (/ˈʧiːzi/)

a cheesy texture/odor

chilly (adj) (/ˈʧıli/)

a chilly morning

chronic (adj) (/ˈkrɑːnık/)

a chronic disease

cipher (noun) (/ˈsaıfɚ/)

a cipher that can't be decoded

circular (adj) (/ˈsɚkjəlɚ/)

a circular (= round) table

clown (noun) (/ˈklaʊn/)

a circus clown

armpit (noun) (/ˈɑɚmˌpıt/)

a city described as the armpit of America

clairvoyant (adj) (/ˌkleɚˈvojənt/)

a clairvoyant man/woman

classified (adj) (/ˈklæsəˌfaıd/)

a classified directory

classy (adj) (/ˈklæsi/)

a classy (= fancy, high-class, upscale) hotel

clay (noun) (/ˈkleı/)

a clay pot/pipe/tablet

clean (adj) (/ˈkliːn/)

a clean floor

concise (adj) (/kənˈsaıs/)

a clear and concise account of the accident

cloudless (adj) (/ˈklaʊdləs/)

a cloudless (= clear) blue sky

cove (noun) (/ˈkoʊv/)

a coastline dotted with coves

cocky (adj) (/ˈkɑːki/)

a cocky young athlete

colloquial (adj) (/kəˈloʊkwijəl/)

a colloquial word/expression

ant (noun) (/ˈænt/)

a colony of ants (= an ant colony)

colossal (adj) (/kəˈlɑːsəl/)

a colossal (= gigantic) statue

comely (adj) (/ˈkʌmli/)

a comely young lady

berth (noun) (/ˈbɚθ/)

a comfortable cabin with a deep berth

comfortable (adj) (/ˈkʌmftɚbəl/)

a comfortable chair/bed

comic (adj) (/ˈkɑːmık/)

a comic actor/writer

commandment (noun) (/kəˈmændmənt/)

a commandment from God

commonwealth (noun) (/ˈkɑːmənˌwɛlθ/)

a commonwealth of states

comparison (noun) (/kəmˈperəsən/)

a comparison of the data from the two studies

competent (adj) (/ˈkɑːmpətənt/)

a competent (= capable) teacher

complete (adj) (/kəmˈpliːt/)

a complete (= entire; whole) set of encyclopedias

complex (adj) (/kɑmˈplɛks/)

a complex system

comprehensive (adj) (/ˌkɑːmprıˈhɛnsıv/)

a comprehensive list

confectionery (noun) (/kənˈfɛkʃəˌneri/)

a confectionery shop

conservative (adj) (/kənˈsɚvətıv/)

a conservative newspaper columnist

consignment (noun) (/kənˈsaınmənt/)

a consignment of books/goods/cars

contagious (adj) (/kənˈteıʤəs/)

a contagious disease

contented (adj) (/kənˈtɛntəd/)

a contented smile

contraceptive (adj) (/ˈkɑːntrəˌbænd/)

a contraceptive device/method/pill

convertible (adj) (/kənˈvɚtəbəl/)

a convertible sofa (= a sofa that converts into a bed)

apron (noun) (/ˈeıprən/)

a cook's apron

cool (adj) (/ˈkuːl/)

a cool breeze

corny (adj) (/ˈkoɚni/)

a corny joke

corpulent (adj) (/ˈkoɚpjələnt/)

a corpulent (= obese) man

chapel (noun) (/ˈʧæpəl/)

a country chapel

covered (adj) (/ˈkʌvɚˌɑːl/)

a covered dish/container/jar/bowl

alley (noun) (/ˈæli/)

a dark alley

bowel (noun) (/ˈbawəl/)

a disease of the bowel

cluster (noun) (/ˈklʌstɚ/)

a flower cluster

chopper (noun) (/ˈʧɑːpɚ/)

a food/wood chopper

clove (noun) (/ˈkloʊv/)

a garlic clove (= a clove of garlic)

ale (noun) (/ˈeıl/)

a glass of ale

cola (noun) (/ˈkoʊlə/)

a glass of cola

burger (noun) (/ˈbɚgɚ/)

a grilled burger

cart (noun) (/ˈkɑɚt/)

a grocery cart

cage (noun) (/ˈkeıʤ/)

a hamster/monkey/parrot cage

couple (noun) (/ˈkʌpəl/)

a happily married couple

belief (noun) (/bəˈliːf/)

a heartfelt/deep/deep-seated/firm/strong/passionate belief

clipper (noun) (/ˈklıpɚ/)

a hedge clipper

brood (noun) (/ˈbruːd/)

a hen and her brood of chicks

cattle (noun) (/ˈkætl̩/)

a herd of cattle

clamp (noun) (/ˈklæmp/)

a hose clamp

airless (adj) (/ˈeɚləs/)

a hot, airless room

bedroom (noun) (/ˈbɛdˌruːm/)

a house with three bedrooms (= a 3-bedroom house)

being (noun) (/ˈbiːjıŋ/)

a human/alien/mythical being

chivalrous (adj) (/ˈʃıvəlrəs/)

a kind and chivalrous man

bog (noun) (/ˈbɑːg/)

a kind of plant that commonly grows in bogs

cabinet (noun) (/ˈkæbnıt/)

a kitchen/medicine cabinet

blade (noun) (/ˈbleıd/)

a knife blade

breeze (noun) (/ˈbriːz/)

a light/gentle/cool breeze

chest (noun) (/ˈʧɛst/)

a linen chest

bitty (adj) (/ˈbıti/)

a little bitty (= tiny) room

affable (adj) (/ˈæfəbəɬ/)

a lively, affable young fellow

casualty (noun) (/ˈkæʒəwəlti/)

a low number of casualties

article (noun) (/ˈɑɚtıkəl/)

a magazine/newspaper article

conjure (verb) (/ˈkɑːnʤɚ/)

a magician who conjures live doves from silk scarves

assistant (noun) (/əˈsıstənt/)

a magician's assistant (= helper)

airline (noun) (/ˈeɚˌlaın/)

a major airline

bearing (noun) (/ˈberɚ/)

a man of military/dignified/regal bearing

bust (noun) (/ˈbʌst/)

a marble/bronze bust

aristocracy (noun) (/ˌerəˈstɑːkrəsi/)

a member of the aristocracy

academy (noun) (/əˈkædəmi/)

a military (naval) academy

briefing (noun) (/ˈbriːf/)

a military briefing

coup (noun) (/ˈkuː/)

a military coup

allowance (noun) (/əˈlawəns/)

a monthly allowance for household expenses

bear (noun) (/ˈbeɚ/)

a mother bear and her cubs

cowboy (noun) (/ˈkaʊˌboı/)

a movie about cowboys in the old West

cadet (noun) (/kəˈdɛt/)

a naval cadet

biography (noun) (/baıˈɑːgrəfi/)

a new biography of Abraham Lincoln

bride (noun) (/ˈbraıd/)

a new bride

aircraft (noun) (/ˈeɚˌkræft/)

a new military aircraft

capable (adj) (/ˈkeıpəbəl/)

a new train capable of (reaching) very high speeds

cigarette (noun) (/ˌsıgəˈrɛt/)

a pack of cigarettes

ballot (noun) (/ˈbælət/)

a paper ballot (= a ballot paper)

bench (noun) (/ˈbɛnʧ/)

a park bench

beef (noun) (/ˈbiːf/)

a pound of beef

aspirant (noun) (/ˈæspərənt/)

a presidential aspirant = an aspirant to the presidency (= someone who wants to become president)

candidate (noun) (/ˈkændəˌdeıt, ˈkændədət/)

a presidential candidate

cell (noun) (/ˈsɛl/)

a prison/jail cell

chemistry (noun) (/ˈkɛməstri/)

a professor of chemistry

coward (noun) (/ˈkawɚd/)

a proven coward who had deserted his troops

couch (noun) (/ˈkaʊʧ/)

a psychiatrist's couch

attain (verb) (/əˈteın/)

a quest to attain enlightenment

beacon (noun) (/ˈbiːkən/)

a radio beacon

broker (noun) (/ˈbroʊkɚ/)

a real estate broker

allow (verb) (/əˈlaʊ/)

a religion that does not allow divorce

community (noun) (/kəˈmjuːnəti/)

a respectable member of the community

concert (noun) (/ˈkɑːnsɚt/)

a rock concert

coastline (noun) (/ˈkoʊstˌlaın/)

a rocky/sandy coastline (= shoreline)

bush (noun) (/ˈbʊʃ/)

a rose/mulberry bush

auto (noun) (/ˈɑːtoʊ/)

a rusty auto

auxiliary (adj) (/ɑgˈzıljəri/)

a sailboat with an auxiliary engine

anchovy (noun) (/ˈænˌʧoʊvi/)

a salad topped with garlic and anchovies

cafeteria (noun) (/ˌkæfəˈtirijə/)

a school cafeteria

analysis (noun) (/əˈnæləsis/)

a scientific analysis of the data

casserole (noun) (/ˈkæsəˌroʊl/)

a seafood casserole

callous (adj) (/ˈkæləs/)

a selfish and callous young man

connected (adj) (/kəˈnɛktəbəl/)

a series of connected rooms

arcade (noun) (/ɑɚˈkeıd/)

a shopping arcade

biopsy (noun) (/ˈbaıˌɑːpsi/)

a skin biopsy

button (noun) (/ˈbʌtn̩/)

a skirt/coat button

cliché (noun) (/kliˈʃeı, ˈkliːˌʃeı/)

a speech filled with clichés about "finding your way" and "keeping the faith"

celery (noun) (/ˈsɛləri/)

a stalk of celery

bronze (noun) (/ˈbrɑːnz/)

a statue cast in bronze

bin (noun) (/ˈbın/)

a storage/laundry bin

bead (noun) (/ˈbiːd/)

a string of beads

beginner (noun) (/bıˈgınɚ/)

a swimming class for complete beginners (= a beginner class)

collection (noun) (/kəˈlɛkʃən/)

a system of tax collection

carver (noun) (/ˈkɑɚv/)

a talented carver

acne (noun) (/ˈækni/)

a teenager with bad acne

ball (noun) (/ˈbɑːl/)

a tennis/soccer ball

canvas (noun) (/ˈkænvəs/)

a tent made of canvas

agrarian (adj) (/əˈgrerijən/)

a town founded in 1811 as an agrarian community

coach (noun) (/ˈkoʊʧ/)

a track/tennis star who has been working with a new coach

brochure (noun) (/broʊˈʃuɚ/)

a travel brochure

celebration (noun) (/ˌsɛləˈbreıʃən/)

a victory/birthday/holiday celebration

calendar (noun) (/ˈkæləndɚ/)

a wall/desk calendar

blanket (noun) (/ˈblæŋkət/)

a wool blanket

billion (noun) (/ˈbıljən/)

a/one/two billion (of them)

aboriginal (adj) (/ˌæbəˈrıʤənl̩/)

aboriginal (= native) plant species

abridge (verb) (/əˈbrıʤ/)

abridge a dictionary by omitting rare (uncommon) words

abstract (adj) (/æbˈstrækt, ˈæbˌstrækt/)

abstract thinking

accept (verb) (/ıkˈsɛpt/)

accept a gift

acceptance (noun) (/ıkˈsɛptəns/)

acceptance of a gift

acrobat (noun) (/ˈækrəˌbæt/)

acrobatic skill

consumption (noun) (/kənˈsʌmpʃən/)

alcohol/milk/chocolate consumption (= the consumption of alcohol/milk/chocolate)

allege (verb) (/əˈlɛʤ/)

allege a person's guilt

allocate (verb) (/ˈæləˌkeıt/)

allocate funds among charities

aluminum (noun) (/əˈluːmənəm/)

aluminum cans

amoral (adj) (/eıˈmorəl/)

amoral politicians

amplify (verb) (/ˈæmpləˌfaı/)

amplify a weak radio signal

abandoned (adj) (/əˈbændənd/)

an abandoned baby

absurd (adj) (/əbˈsɚd/)

an absurd situation

accidental (adj) (/ˌæksəˈdɛntl̩/)

an accidental discovery of oil

accounting (noun) (/əˈkaʊntıŋ/)

an accounting firm

accredited (adj) (/əˌkrɛdəˈteıʃən/)

an accredited college (hospital)

abroad (adv) (/əˈbrɑːd/)

an actress who is popular both here and abroad

acute (adj) (/əˈkjuːt/)

an acute (= critical, severe) fuel shortage

adroit (adj) (/əˈdroıt/)

an adroit negotiator

consultant (noun) (/kənˈsʌltn̩t/)

an advertising/management consultant

affluent (adj) (/ˈæfluwənt/)

an affluent country

agreeable (adj) (/əˈgriːjəbəl/)

an agreeable taste

aimless (adj) (/ˈeımləs/)

an aimless young person

attending (adj) (/əˈtɛndıŋ/)

an attending physician/surgeon

attractive (adj) (/əˈtræktıv/)

an attractive flower arrangement

automatic (adj) (/ˌɑːtəˈmætık/)

an automatic door (= a door that opens without being pushed)

avocado (noun) (/ˌɑːvəˈkɑːdoʊ/)

an avocado tree

campaign (noun) (/kæmˈpeın/)

an election campaign (= a campaign to win a political election)

bachelor (noun) (/ˈbæʧəlɚ/)

an eligible bachelor (= an unmarried man who is regarded as a desirable husband)

archly (adv) (/ˈɑɚʧ/)

an essay with an archly comic title

club (noun) (/ˈklʌb/)

an exclusive social/men's club

clothing (noun) (/ˈkloʊðıŋ/)

an expensive article/item/piece of clothing

aviation (noun) (/ˌeıviˈeıʃən/)

an expert in aviation

appellation (noun) (/ˌæpəˈleıʃən/)

an honorary appellation

abduction (noun) (/æbˈdʌkʃən/)

an increase in the incidence of child abduction

agency (noun) (/ˈeıʤənsi/)

an insurance/travel/employment agency

an (indefinite article) (/ˈæn, ən/)

an oak

cask (noun) (/ˈkæsk/)

an oak cask for wine

analyze (verb) (/ˈænəˌlaız/)

analyze a problem

baggy (adj) (/ˈbægi/)

baggy jeans/sweaters

attire (noun) (/əˈtajɚ/)

beach/business/golf attire

beaten (adj) (/ˈbiːtn̩/)

beaten gold

bedridden (adj) (/ˈbɛdˌrıdn̩/)

bedridden patients

bend (verb) (/ˈbɛnd/)

bend a wire into a circle

bestial (adj) (/ˈbɛsʧəl/)

bestial behavior

bodily (adj) (/ˈbɑːdəli/)

bodily functions/fluids

butter (noun) (/ˈbʌtɚ/)

bread and butter

cancer (noun) (/ˈkænsɚ/)

breast/lung cancer

coral (noun) (/ˈkorəl/)

brightly colored fishes swimming among the coral

brilliant (adj) (/ˈbrıljənt/)

brilliant jewels

brittle (adj) (/ˈbrıtl̩/)

brittle glass

bloat (noun) (/ˈblızɚd/)

budget/bureaucratic bloat

closure (noun) (/ˈkloʊʒɚ/)

business closures (= closings)

calculate (verb) (/ˈkælkjəˌleıt/)

calculate the volume of a cylinder

candied (adj) (/ˈkændid/)

candied fruit/ginger

canned (adj) (/ˈkænd/)

canned (= tinned) goods

capital (adj) (/ˈkæpətl̩/)

capital letters

caraway (noun) (/ˈkerəˌweı/)

caraway seeds

cardiac (adj) (/ˈkɑɚdiˌæk/)

cardiac problems/disease/surgery

cast (verb) (/ˈkæst/)

cast (= throw, toss) a stone

climb (verb) (/ˈklaım/)

climb a ladder/tree

clotted (adj) (/ˈklɑːt/)

clotted arteries (= arteries that are blocked by blood clots)

coarse (adj) (/ˈkoɚs/)

coarse sand/salt

coercive (adj) (/koʊˈɚsıv/)

coercive measures/techniques/policies

coincident (adj) (/koʊˈınsədənt/)

coincident events

colonial (adj) (/kəˈloʊnijəl/)

colonial possessions/administration

abreast (adv) (/əˈbrɛst/)

columns (rows) of five men abreast (= columns/rows of men five abreast)

combustible (adj) (/kəmˈbʌstəbəl/)

combustible gases/materials

commercial (adj) (/kəˈmɚʃəl/)

commercial property/regulations/vehicles

commit (verb) (/kəˈmıt/)

commit (= perpetrate) a crime

compress (verb) (/kəmˈprɛs/)

compress the air in a closed chamber

compulsive (adj) (/kəmˈpʌlsıv/)

compulsive behavior

compute (verb) (/kəmˈpjuːt/)

compute a batting average

concealment (noun) (/kənˈsiːlmənt/)

concealment of evidence

conceive (verb) (/kənˈsiːv/)

conceive an idea

conclusive (adj) (/kənˈkluːsıv/)

conclusive evidence/proof

congratulate (verb) (/kənˈgræʧəˌleıt, kənˈgræʤəˌleıt/)

congratulate the winner

amendment (noun) (/əˈmɛndmənt/)

constitutional amendments

consult (verb) (/kənˈsʌlt/)

consult a lawyer/accountant about a business matter

contemporary (adj) (/kənˈtɛmpəreri/)

contemporary (= modern) jazz/poetry/art/furniture

continental (adj) (/ˌkɑːntəˈnɛntl̩/)

continental glaciers (= glaciers that cover a large portion of a continent)

contradict (verb) (/ˌkɑːntrəˈdıkt/)

contradict a rumor

calamity (noun) (/kəˈlæməti/)

floods, earthquakes, and other calamities

bee (noun) (/ˈbiː/)

flowers pollinated by bees and other insects

coin (noun) (/ˈkoın/)

gold/silver/copper coins

ceremony (noun) (/ˈserəˌmoʊni/)

graduation/wedding ceremonies

barbecue (noun) (/ˈbɑɚbıˌkjuː/)

grill a steak on the barbecue

artistic (adj) (/ɑɚˈtıstık/)

her artistic achievements

aging (adj) (/əˈʤıləti/)

his aging parents

cow (noun) (/ˈkaʊ/)

horses, chickens, and cows

communication (noun) (/kəˌmjuːnəˈkeıʃən/)

human communication

clad (adj) (/ˈklæd/)

ivy-clad buildings

climate (noun) (/ˈklaımət/)

living in a cold/dry/mild/hot climate

behind (adv) (/bıˈhaınd/)

look behind

city (noun) (/ˈsıti/)

major/big cities like London, Tokyo, and Rome

civilization (noun) (/ˌsıvələˈzeıʃən, ˌsıvıˌlaıˈzeıʃən/)

modern civilization

brother (noun) (/ˈbrʌðɚ/)

my little/younger brother

beloved (adj) (/bıˈlʌvəd, bıˈlʌvd/)

my own beloved grandmother

coast (noun) (/ˈkoʊst/)

sea/rocky coasts (= shores)

arrow (noun) (/ˈeroʊ/)

shoot an arrow

bureaucracy (noun) (/bjʊˈrɑːkrəsi/)

state/city bureaucracies

clam (noun) (/ˈklæm/)

steamed clams

cleaner (noun) (/ˈkliːnɚ/)

street/window cleaners

applicant (noun) (/ˈæplıkənt/)

successful college/job applicants

alloy (noun) (/ˈæˌloı/)

testing the properties of various alloys

continent (noun) (/ˈkɑːntənənt/)

the African continent (= the continent of Africa)

Canadian (noun) (/kəˈneıdijən/)

the Canadian government

cape (noun) (/ˈkeıp/)

the Cape of Good Hope

Celsius (adj) (/ˈsɛlsijəs/)

the Celsius scale

axis (noun) (/ˈæksəs/)

the Earth's axis of rotation

bureau (noun) (/ˈbjɚroʊ/)

the Federal Bureau of Investigation

canyon (noun) (/ˈkænjən/)

the Grand Canyon

borough (noun) (/ˈbɚroʊ/)

the London borough of Brent

consulate (noun) (/ˈkɑːnsələt/)

the Russian consulate in Washington, D.C.

committee (noun) (/kəˈmıti/)

the Senate Judiciary Committee

corps (noun) (/ˈkoɚ/)

the U.S. Marine Corps

ace (noun) (/ˈeıs/)

the ace of spades (diamonds/hearts/clubs)

acid (noun) (/ˈæsəd/)

the acids in your stomach

acquisition (noun) (/ˌækwəˈzıʃən/)

the acquisition of knowledge

admission (noun) (/ədˈmıʃən/)

the admission of evidence in a court of law

adornment (noun) (/əˈdoɚnmənt/)

the adornment of the walls with her paintings

alteration (noun) (/ˌɑːltəˈreıʃən/)

the alteration of the pattern

amber (noun) (/ˈæmbɚ/)

the amber light of the late afternoon sun

anniversary (noun) (/ˌænəˈvɚsəri/)

the anniversary of the invasion/attack

appraisal (noun) (/əˈpreızəl/)

the appraisal of some jewelry

archaic (adj) (/ɑɚˈkejık/)

the archaic word "methinks"

ascension (noun) (/əˈsɛnʃən/)

the ascension (= (more commonly) ascent) of a balloon

awesome (adj) (/ˈɑːsəm/)

the awesome sight of an erupting volcano

bearer (noun) (/ˈberɚ/)

the bearer of a U.S. passport

border (noun) (/ˈboɚdɚ/)

the border between Poland and Slovenia

bounty (noun) (/ˈbaʊnti/)

the bounty of nature (= nature's bounty)

caprice (noun) (/kəˈpriːs/)

the caprices of the weather

bumper (noun) (/ˈbʌmpɚ/)

the car's front/rear bumper

center (noun) (/ˈsɛntɚ/)

the center of the room/circle

changeless (adj) (/ˈʧeınʤləs/)

the changeless (= unchanging) rhythms of nature

commissioner (noun) (/kəˈmıʃənɚ/)

the city's library commissioners

classical (adj) (/ˈklæsıkəl/)

the classical (= traditional) idea of beauty

clearing (noun) (/ˈklirıŋ/)

the clearing of the table

clone (noun) (/ˈkloʊn/)

the clone of an adult female sheep

closeness (noun) (/ˈkloʊs/)

the closeness felt by a parent and child

concourse (noun) (/ˈkɑːnˌkoɚs/)

the concourse of the bus terminal

corner (noun) (/ˈkoɚnɚ/)

the corner of a box/table/tablecloth

coronation (noun) (/ˌkorəˈneıʃən/)

the coronation of Queen Elizabeth

correlation (noun) (/ˌkorəˈleıʃən/)

the correlation of brain size and/with intelligence

clothe (verb) (/ˈkloʊð/)

the cost of feeding and clothing your children

course (noun) (/ˈkoɚs/)

the course of a river

Chinese (noun) (/ʧaıˈniːz/)

the customs of the Chinese

artless (adj) (/ˈɑɚtləs/)

the dancer's artless grace

account (noun) (/əˈkaʊnt/)

the difference between the debit and credit sides of an account

artist (noun) (/ˈɑɚtıst/)

the great artists of the Renaissance

championship (noun) (/ˈʧæmpijənˌʃıp/)

the heavyweight boxing championship

body (noun) (/ˈbɑːdi/)

the human body

county (noun) (/ˈkaʊnti/)

the largest school district in the county

beneath (adv) (/bıˈniːθ/)

the mountains and the towns beneath

capacious (adj) (/kəˈpeıʃəs/)

the museum's capacious (= spacious) rooms

ally (noun) (/ˈæˌlaı/)

the nation's closest ally

armory (noun) (/ˈɑɚməri/)

the nation's nuclear armory (= arsenal)

athletic (adj) (/æθˈlɛtık/)

the national athletic association

composition (noun) (/ˌkɑːmpəˈzıʃən/)

the painting's unique composition

childbirth (noun) (/ˈʧajəldˌbɚθ/)

the total number of childbirths (= (more commonly) births)

congestion (noun) (/kənˈʤɛsʧən/)

traffic/airport congestion

airplane (noun) (/ˈeɚˌpleın/)

traveling on/in an airplane (= traveling by airplane)

combat (noun) (/ˈkɑːmˌbæt/)

troops ready for combat

banter (noun) (/ˈbæntɚ/)