Essential Words for English Learners
Must-know vocabulary • 441 essential words available
Filter by Letter
abandon
to leave completely or give up
Example:
"After the flood they had to abandon their home and move to higher ground."
abase
to lower in rank, prestige, or esteem
Example:
"The scandal served to abase the politician in the eyes of voters."
abash
to embarrass or make self-conscious
Example:
"The unexpected praise seemed to abash the otherwise confident speaker."
abate
to become less intense; to reduce
Example:
"When the storm began to abate, the rescue teams moved back into flooded areas."
abbreviate
to shorten (a word or text)
Example:
"Please abbreviate your answer to fit the word limit."
abduct
to carry off or kidnap by force
Example:
"The police arrested suspects who were accused of trying to abduct a child."
aberration
a change from what is typical or usual, especially a temporary change
Example:
"The sudden drop in temperature in summer was an aberration for this region."
abet
to encourage or assist (usually wrongdoing)
Example:
"He was accused of abetting the fraud by hiding documents."
abhor
to regard with disgust or hatred
Example:
"She abhors cruelty to animals and volunteers at shelters."
abide
to tolerate or remain; to stay
Example:
"He could not abide the constant noise and moved out."
abject
extremely bad, miserable, or contemptible
Example:
"They lived in abject poverty after the factory closed."
abjure
to formally reject or give up a belief, claim, or cause
Example:
"He decided to abjure his earlier political views publicly."
abnormal
not usual, typical, or expected; deviating from the norm
Example:
"The lab results showed abnormal levels that required follow-up."
aboriginal
original inhabitants of a region; indigenous
Example:
"The museum displayed aboriginal art from the region."
abortive
failing to produce the intended result; unsuccessful
Example:
"Their abortive attempt to merge companies left both weaker."
abridge
to shorten while retaining essence
Example:
"The editor asked her to abridge the chapter for the anthology."
abrupt
sudden and unexpected; curt
Example:
"The car made an abrupt stop, and everyone braced forward."
abscond
to leave secretly to avoid arrest or duty
Example:
"The accountant tried to abscond with company funds but was caught at the border."
absence
state of being not present; lack
Example:
"Her absence from the meeting was noticed by several colleagues."
absolute
total; not limited; complete
Example:
"The committee has absolute authority in this matter."
absolve
to free from guilt or to pardon someone
Example:
"The court absolved him of all charges after new evidence emerged."
absorb
to take in or assimilate; engross
Example:
"The sponge will absorb water quickly."
abstain
to deliberately avoid or give up something (often voting or consumption)
Example:
"Several members chose to abstain from the controversial vote."
abundant
more than enough; plentiful
Example:
"The region enjoyed abundant harvests this year."
adequate
sufficient for a purpose; satisfactory
Example:
"Her preparation was adequate to pass the exam but not to excel."
admire
to regard with respect or warm approval
Example:
"I admire her courage in speaking up for the oppressed."
affront
an action that insults or offends
Example:
"His rude remark was an affront to the entire committee."
aggravate
to make worse or more severe
Example:
"Scratching the wound will only aggravate the irritation."
alliance
a union formed for mutual benefit
Example:
"Several small parties formed an alliance ahead of the elections."
altercation
a noisy or angry argument
Example:
"The altercation outside the bar attracted police attention."