THE US ENGLISH PRACTICE BANK

Meet your next word.

Tap to listen. Shuffle to discover. Explore more than 10,000 words with definitions, examples, and a consistent American English voice.

Explore past bee words and study guides →

Pick a speaker to listen, or shuffle a fresh set of 12.

Words 2001–2100 of 10,000Independent bank · American English

crudeadjectiveNot carefully or expertly made.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Managed to make a crude splint.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

crudelyadverbIn a crude or unrefined manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was crudely bold.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cruellyadverbWith cruelty.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He treated his students cruelly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

crumbnounA very small quantity of something.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He gave only a crumb of information about his plans.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

crumpledadjectiveOf metal e.g.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A car with a crumpled front end.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

crunchnounThe sound of something crunching.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He heard the crunch of footsteps on the gravel path.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

crushverbTo compress with violence, out of natural shape or condition.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Crush an aluminum can.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, Late Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

crushingadjectivePhysically or spiritually devastating; often used in combination.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A crushing rejection.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

cryverbProclaim or announce in public.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Before we had newspapers, a town crier would cry the news.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, Late Latin, Medieval Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cryingnounThe process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds).beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I hate to hear the crying of a child.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, Late Latin, Medieval Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cryonicsnounThe freezing of a seriously ill or recently deceased person to stop tissues from decomposing; the body is preserved until new medical cures are developed that might bring the person back to life.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Cryonics is more science fiction than serious science.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

crypticadjectiveOf an obscure nature.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The new insurance policy is written without cryptic or mysterious terms.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Late Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

crystallineadjectiveConsisting of or containing or of the nature of crystals.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Granite is crystalline.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

crystallizeverbCause to take on a definite and clear shape.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He tried to crystallize his thoughts.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cubverbGive birth to cubs.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Bears cub every year.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

cuddlyadjectiveInviting cuddling or hugging.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A cuddly teddybear.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cullverbRemove something that has been rejected.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Cull the sick members of the herd.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

culminationnounA final climactic stage.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Their achievements stand as a culmination of centuries of development.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, French, Latin, Medieval Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

culpableadjectiveDeserving blame or censure as being wrong or evil or injurious.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Culpable negligence.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cultnounA religion or sect that is generally considered to be unorthodox, extremist, or false.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It was a satanic cult.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cultivateverbPrepare for crops.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Cultivate the land.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Medieval Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cultivatedadjectiveNo longer in the natural state; developed by human care and for human use.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Cultivated blackberries.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

cultivationnounSocialization through training and education to develop one's mind or manners.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Her cultivation was remarkable.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

culturaladjectiveOf or relating to the arts and manners that a group favors.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A person of broad cultural interests.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Hindi, Latin, Middle French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

culturallyadverbWith regard to a culture.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Culturally integrated.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Hindi, Latin, Middle French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

culturenoun(biology) the growing of microorganisms in a nutrient medium (such as gelatin or agar).intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The culture of cells in a Petri dish.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

culturedadjectiveMarked by refinement in taste and manners.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Cultured Bostonians.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

cumbersomeadjectiveDifficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A cumbersome piece of machinery.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cumulativeadjectiveIncreasing by successive addition.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The benefits are cumulative.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cunningadjectiveShowing inventiveness and skill.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The cunning maneuvers leading to his success.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cupnounA small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He put the cup back in the saucer.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, Latin, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

curarenounA toxic alkaloid found in certain tropical South American trees that is a powerful relaxant for striated muscles.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Curare acts by blocking cholinergic transmission at the myoneural junction.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

curativeadjectiveTending to cure or restore to health.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Curative powers of herbal remedies.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle French.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

curbsidenounThe side of a sidewalk that is bordered by a curb.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Policemen stood at intervals along the curbside.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cureverbBe or become preserved.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The apricots cure in the sun.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

curedadjectiveFreed from illness or injury.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The patient appears cured.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

curiousadjectiveEager to learn or find out more about something.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The curious child asked how the telescope worked.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Latin, through French

Original teaching entry.

curiouslyadverbIn a manner differing from the usual or expected.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Had a curiously husky voice.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

curlverbTwist or roll into coils or ringlets.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Curl my hair, please.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Dutch, Middle English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

curlyadjective(of hair) having curls or waves.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

They envied her naturally curly hair.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Dutch, Middle English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

currencynounGeneral acceptance or use.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The currency of ideas.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Medieval Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

currentadjectiveOccurring in or belonging to the present time.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Current negotiations.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

currentlyadverbAt this time or period; now.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Currently they live in Connecticut.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

curryverbTreat by incorporating fat.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Curry tanned leather.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old French, Tamil, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cursenounAn evil spell.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A witch put a curse on his whole family.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cursedadjectiveDeserving a curse; sometimes used as an intensifier.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His cursed stupidity.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cursoryadjectiveHasty and without attention to detail; not thorough.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A casual (or cursory) inspection failed to reveal the house's structural flaws.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

curtadjectiveBrief and to the point; effectively cut short.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A response so curt as to be almost rude.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

curtailverbPlace restrictions on.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Curtail drinking in school.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

curtainnounAny barrier to communication or vision.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A curtain of trees.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, Latin, Medieval Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

curtlyadverbIn a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He told me curtly to get on with it.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

curvaturenoun(medicine) a curving or bending; often abnormal.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Curvature of the spine.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

curvedadjectiveHaving or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The curved tusks of a walrus.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

curvyadjective(of a woman's body) having a large bosom and pleasing curves.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A curvy young woman in a tight dress.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cussnounA boy or man.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He's a likable cuss.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Medieval Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

custodialadjectiveProviding protective supervision; watching over or safeguarding.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Daycare that is educational and not just custodial.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Hindi.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

custodynounA state of being confined (usually for a short time).intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He is in the custody of police.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

customnounHabitual patronage.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I have given this tailor my custom for many years.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old French, Old Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

customaryadjectiveCommonly used or practiced; usual.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Took his customary morning walk.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

cutverbTurn sharply; change direction abruptly.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The car cut to the left at the intersection.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cutaneousadjectiveRelating to or existing on or affecting the skin.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A cutaneous infection.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, New Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cuteadjectiveObviously contrived to charm.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A child with intolerably cute mannerisms.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

cutthroatadjectiveRuthless in competition.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Cutthroat competition.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cuttingnounThe act of diluting something.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The cutting of whiskey with water.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cyborgnounA human being whose body has been taken over in whole or in part by electromechanical devices.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A cyborg is a cybernetic organism.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cyclenounAn interval during which a recurring sequence of events occurs.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The never-ending cycle of the seasons.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Late Latin, Middle English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cynicallyadverbWith cynicism; in a cynical manner.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Larsen's frost-blackened lips curved cynically.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Hindi, Latin, Middle English, Middle French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

cynosurenounSomething that strongly attracts attention and admiration.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

If he was the cynosure of all eyes he didn't notice.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, French, Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dabverbApply (usually a liquid) to a surface.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Dab the wall with paint.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dabbledadjectiveCovered with bright patches (often used in combination).intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Waves dabbled with moonlight.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

daintilyadverbIn a refined manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She nibbled daintily at her cake.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

daintyadjectiveEspecially pleasing to the taste.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A dainty dish to set before a kind.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

damagenounThe amount of money needed to purchase something.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

How much is the damage?

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

damagedadjectiveHarmed or injured or spoiled.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I won't buy damaged goods.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

damagingadjective(sometimes followed by `to') causing harm or injury.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Damaging to career and reputation.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French, Old Norse, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

damaskadjectiveHaving a woven pattern.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Damask table linens.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Medieval Latin, Middle English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dampadjectiveSlightly wet.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Clothes damp with perspiration.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dampernounA depressing restraint.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Rain put a damper on our picnic plans.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dandruffnounLoose scales shed from the scalp.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I could see the dandruff on her shoulders.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Old Norse.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dangernounThe condition of being susceptible to harm or injury.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

You are in no danger.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dangerousadjectiveInvolving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A dangerous bridge.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dangerouslyadverbIn a dangerous manner.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He came dangerously close to falling off the ledge.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dapperadjectiveMarked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A dapper young man.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Dutch, Middle English, Old Dutch. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dareverbTake upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

How dare you call my lawyer?

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

daredeviladjectivePresumptuously daring.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A daredevil test pilot having the right stuff.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

daringadjectiveDisposed to venture or take risks.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The most daring of contemporary fiction writers.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

darkadjectiveDevoid of or deficient in light or brightness; shadowed or black.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Sitting in a dark corner.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

darkenedadjectiveBecome or made dark by lack of light.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The darkened theater.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

darklyadverbWithout light.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The river was sliding darkly under the mist.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

darknessnounAn unilluminated area.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He moved off into the darkness.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dashnounDistinctive and stylish elegance.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He wooed her with the confident dash of a cavalry officer.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Danish, Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dastardlyadjectiveDespicably cowardly.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on...December 7th.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Norwegian, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

datenounThe specified day of the month.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

What is the date today?

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Arabic, Hebrew, Late Latin, Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

datelineverbMark with a date and place.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Dateline a newspaper article.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

daubverbCover (a surface) by smearing (a substance) over it.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Daub the ceiling with plaster.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old Northern French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

daughternounA female human offspring.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Her daughter cared for her in her old age.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

dawnnounThe first light of day.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

We got up before dawn.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

daynounTime for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

There are 30,000 passengers per day.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

daylongadverbDuring the entire day.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Light pours daylong into the parlor.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

daysnounThe time during which someone's life continues.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The monarch's last days.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

Definitions and usage examples in the expanded bank come from WordNet 3.0, with pronunciation references from CMUdict. Records are automatically screened and source-validated, not individually human reviewed. Practice difficulty is an estimate, not a grade level or official Scripps band. Sources and coverage ↗ · WordNet license · CMUdict license

No matching words.