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Words 3801–3900 of 10,000Independent bank · American English

grabverbTake hold of so as to seize or restrain or stop the motion of.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Grab the elevator door!

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Arabic, Middle 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) ↗

gracenounElegance and beauty of movement or expression.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A beautiful figure which she used in subtle movements of unparalleled grace.

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) ↗

gracefullyadverbIn a graceful manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She swooped gracefully.

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) ↗

gracelessadjectiveLacking grace; clumsy.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A graceless production of the play.

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) ↗

graciousadjectiveCharacterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Gracious even to unexpected visitors.

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) ↗

graciouslyadverbIn a gracious or graceful manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He did not have a chance to grow up graciously.

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) ↗

gradenounA relative position or degree of value in a graded group.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Lumber of the highest grade.

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) ↗

gradientnounThe property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the horizontal.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A five-degree gradient.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

gradingnounEvaluation of performance by assigning a grade or score.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

What he disliked about teaching was all the grading he had to do.

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

gradualadjectiveProceeding in small stages.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A gradual increase in prices.

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) ↗

graduallyadverbIn a gradual manner.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The snake moved gradually toward its victim.

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) ↗

graduateverbMake fine adjustments or divide into marked intervals for optimal measuring.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Graduate a cylinder.

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

graftverbCause to grow together parts from different plants.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Graft the cherry tree branch onto the plum tree.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle Dutch, 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) ↗

grainnounThe physical composition of something (especially with respect to the size and shape of the small constituents of a substance).beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Sand of a fine grain.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle 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) ↗

grainyadjectiveComposed of or covered with particles resembling meal in texture or consistency.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The photographs were grainy and indistinct.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle 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) ↗

grammaticaladjectiveOf or pertaining to grammar.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Grammatical gender.

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

grandadjectiveOf behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

In the grand manner.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

grandeurnounThe quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

An imaginative mix of old-fashioned grandeur and colorful art.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle French, 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) ↗

grandlyadverbIn a grand manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The mansion seemed grandly large by today's standards.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

grandstandverbPerform ostentatiously in order to impress the audience and with an eye to the applause.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She never misses a chance to grandstand.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle Dutch, 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) ↗

grantverbBe willing to concede.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I grant you this much.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

grantornounA person who makes a grant in legal form.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Conveyed from grantor to grantee.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman.

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

graphicadjectiveEvoking lifelike images within the mind.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Graphic accounts of battle.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

grapplingnounThe act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

We watched his grappling and wrestling with the bully.

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

graspnounAn intellectual hold or understanding.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A terrible power had her in its grasp.

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) ↗

graspingadjectiveImmoderately desirous of acquiring e.g. wealth.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A grasping old miser.

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

grassrootsadjectiveOf or involving the common people as constituting a fundamental political and economic group.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A grassroots movement for nuclear disarmament.

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

grateverbMake a grating or grinding sound by rubbing together.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Grate one's teeth in anger.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, 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) ↗

gratefuladjectiveFeeling or showing gratitude.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Grateful for the tree's shade.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, Latin, Medieval 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) ↗

gratificationnounState of being gratified or satisfied.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Dull repetitious work gives no gratification.

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) ↗

gratifyingadjectiveAffording satisfaction or pleasure.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Found her praise gratifying.

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

gratisadverbWithout payment.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I'll give you this gratis.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

gratitudenounA feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was overwhelmed with gratitude for their help.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

gratuitousadjectiveWithout cause.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A gratuitous insult.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

gratuitouslyadverbIn an uncalled-for manner.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He insulted us gratuitously.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

gravenounA place for the burial of a corpse (especially beneath the ground and marked by a tombstone).intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He put flowers on his mother's grave.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Gaulish, Latin, Medieval Latin, Middle English, Middle French, 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) ↗

gravitateverbMove due to the pull of gravitation.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The stars gravitate towards each other.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, New 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) ↗

gravitationnounA figurative movement toward some attraction.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The gravitation of the middle class to the suburbs.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, New 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) ↗

gravitynoun(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The more remote the body the less the gravity.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

grazedadjectiveScraped or touched lightly in passing.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His grazed and bleeding arm proved he had been in the line of fire.

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

greatadjectiveRelatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A great juicy steak.

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) ↗

greatlyadverbTo an extraordinary extent or degree.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He improved greatly.

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) ↗

greedyadjectiveImmoderately desirous of acquiring e.g. wealth.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Greedy for money and power.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French, Scots. 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) ↗

greenadjectiveHaving the color of fresh grass or many leaves.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He picked up the green pencil.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

Original teaching entry. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

greenlyadverbWith green color.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The countryside rolled greenly down into the valley.

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) ↗

greenwoodnounWoodlands in full leaf.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The greenwood was Robin Hood's home.

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) ↗

gregariousadjectiveInstinctively or temperamentally seeking and enjoying the company of others.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He is a gregarious person who avoids solitude.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

griefnounSomething that causes great unhappiness.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Her death was a great grief to John.

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) ↗

grievousadjectiveCausing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Grievous bodily harm.

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) ↗

grievouslyadverbIn a grievous manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The resolute but unbroken Germany, grievously wounded but far from destruction, was able to lay the firm foundations for military revival.

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) ↗

grillnounA framework of metal bars used as a partition or a grate.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He cooked hamburgers on the grill.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, 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) ↗

grimadjectiveNot to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Grim determination.

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) ↗

grimacenounA contorted facial expression.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She made a grimace at the prospect.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, French, Middle French, 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) ↗

grimlyadverbIn a grim implacable manner.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was grimly satisfied.

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) ↗

grindverbReduce to small pieces or particles by pounding or abrading.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Grind the spices in a mortar.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Faroese, 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) ↗

gripnounThe act of grasping.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He has a strong grip for an old man.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

gripenounInformal terms for objecting.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I have a gripe about the service here.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, 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) ↗

grocerynounA marketplace where groceries are sold.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The grocery store included a meat market.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French.

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

groomedadjectiveNeat and smart in appearance; well cared for.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His horse was always groomed.

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

gropingadjectiveActing with uncertainty or hesitance or lack of confidence.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A groping effort to understand.

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

grossadjectiveLacking fine distinctions or detail.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The gross details of the structure appear reasonable.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, Latin, Medieval Latin, Middle English, Old French, Old High German. 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) ↗

grotesqueadjectiveDistorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal and hideous.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Tales of grotesque serpents eight fathoms long that churned the seas.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Italian, Latin, Middle 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) ↗

groundnounThe solid part of the earth's surface.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He dropped the logs on the ground.

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) ↗

groundingnounEducation or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A good grounding in mathematics.

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

groundlessadjectiveWithout a basis in reason or fact.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The allegations proved groundless.

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) ↗

groundsnounDregs consisting of solid particles (especially of coffee) that form a residue.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It is a Middle Eastern custom to read your future in your coffee grounds.

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

groundworknounPreliminary preparation as a basis or foundation.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

We are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago.

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) ↗

growverbIncrease in size by natural process.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Corn doesn't grow here.

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) ↗

growingadjectiveRelating to or suitable for growth.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Good growing weather.

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

growthnounA progression from simpler to more complex forms.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The growth of culture.

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) ↗

grubbyadjectiveThickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Grubby little fingers.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French, Scots. 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) ↗

grudgingadjectiveOf especially an attitude.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Gave grudging consent.

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

grudginglyadverbIn a grudging manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He grudgingly agreed to have a drink in a hotel close by.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

gruelingadjectiveCharacterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A grueling campaign.

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

gruesomeadjectiveShockingly repellent; inspiring horror.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Gruesome evidence of human sacrifice.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Frankish, Medieval Latin, Middle Dutch, Middle English, Middle Low German, 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) ↗

gruffadjectiveDeep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The dog's gruff barking.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Dutch, Middle Dutch, 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) ↗

grufflyadverbIn a gruff manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

`No,' he replied gruffly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Dutch, Middle Dutch, 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) ↗

gruntnounAn unskilled or low-ranking soldier or other worker.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He went from grunt to chairman in six years.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, 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) ↗

guaranteeverbPromise to do or accomplish.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Guarantee to free the prisoners.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, Old French, Spanish. 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) ↗

guardverbWatch over or shield from danger or harm; protect.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Guard my possessions while I'm away.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, 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) ↗

gubernatorialadjectiveRelating to a governor.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Gubernatorial election.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

guessverbExpect, believe, or suppose.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I guess she is angry at me for standing her up.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old Danish, 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) ↗

guidingadjectiveExerting control or influence.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A guiding principle.

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

guiltyadjectiveResponsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Secret guilty deeds.

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) ↗

guisenounAn artful or simulated semblance.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Under the guise of friendship he betrayed them.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, 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) ↗

gulfnounAn unbridgeable disparity (as from a failure of understanding).beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He felt a gulf between himself and his former friends.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Italian, 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) ↗

gullibleadjectiveNaive and easily deceived or tricked.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

At that early age she had been gullible and in love.

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) ↗

gulpnounA large and hurried swallow.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He finished it at a single gulp.

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) ↗

gurunounA recognized leader in some field or of some movement.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A guru of genomics.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Hindi, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Urdu. 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) ↗

gushnounA sudden rapid flow (as of water).beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

There was a little gush of blood.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Dutch, 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) ↗

gushingadjectiveExtravagantly demonstrative.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A large gushing female.

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

gustnounA strong current of air.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The tree was bent almost double by the gust.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle 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) ↗

gutlessadjectiveLacking courage or vitality.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was a yellow gutless worm.

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) ↗

gutsnounFortitude and determination.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He didn't have the guts to try it.

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

gutsyadjectiveMarked by courage and determination in the face of difficulties or danger; robust and uninhibited.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The gutsy...intensity of her musical involvement.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

gutternounMisfortune resulting in lost effort or money.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His career was in the gutter.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

gutturaladjectiveLike the sounds of frogs and crows.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Acres of guttural frogs.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle French, 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) ↗

guynounAn informal term for a youth or man.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The guy's only doing it for some doll.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Old French.

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

gymnasticadjectiveVigorously active.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Gymnastic exercises.

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

habitnounAn established custom.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It was their habit to dine at 7 every evening.

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) ↗

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.