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Words 4101–4200 of 10,000Independent bank · American English

hiveverbStore, like bees.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Bees hive honey and pollen.

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) ↗

hoaradjectiveShowing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Whose beard with age is hoar.

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) ↗

hoaryadjectiveShowing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Nodded his hoary head.

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) ↗

hobbleverbStrap the foreleg and hind leg together on each side (of a horse) in order to keep the legs on the same side moving in unison.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Hobble race horses.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

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

hoistverbRaise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Hoist the bicycle onto the roof of the car.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Dutch.

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

holdverbKeep in mind or convey as a conviction or view.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I hold him personally responsible.

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) ↗

holdernounA holding device.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

An umbrella holder.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Chinese, 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) ↗

holdoutnounA negotiator who hopes to gain concessions by refusing to come to terms.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Their star pitcher was a holdout for six weeks.

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) ↗

holdovernounSomething that has survived from the past.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A holdover from the sixties.

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

holidaynounLeisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

We took a short holiday in Puerto Rico.

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) ↗

hollownounA small valley between mountains.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Appalachians.

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) ↗

holocaustnounAn act of mass destruction and loss of life (especially in war or by fire).intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A nuclear holocaust.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

homenounThe place where a person or family lives.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Our home has a small garden.

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) ↗

homegrownadjectiveGrown or originating in a particular place.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Stands selling homegrown fruits and vegetables.

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) ↗

homelessnounPoor people who unfortunately do not have a home to live in.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The homeless became a problem in the large cities.

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) ↗

homelyadjectiveLacking in physical beauty or proportion.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Several of the buildings were downright homely.

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) ↗

homeopathicadjectiveOf or relating to the practice of homeopathy.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Homeopathic medicine.

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) ↗

homespunadjectiveCharacteristic of country life.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The air of homespun country boys.

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) ↗

hometownnounThe town (or city) where you grew up or where you have your principal residence.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He never went back to his hometown again.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Gaulish, 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) ↗

homewardadjectiveOriented toward home.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

In a homeward direction.

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) ↗

homeyadjectiveHaving a feeling of home; cozy and comfortable.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A homey little inn.

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) ↗

homingadjectiveOrienting or directing homeward or to a destination.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The homing instinct.

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

homogeneitynounThe quality of being similar or comparable in kind or nature.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

There is a remarkable homogeneity between the two companies.

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

homogeneousadjectiveAll of the same or similar kind or nature.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A close-knit homogeneous group.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

homogenizationnounThe act of making something homogeneous or uniform in composition.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The homogenization of cream.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Medieval 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) ↗

homogenizeverbCause to become equal or homogeneous as by mixing.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Homogenize the main ingredients.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Medieval 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) ↗

homologousadjectiveCorresponding or similar in position or structure or function or characteristics; especially derived from an organism of the same species.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A homologous tissue graft.

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) ↗

homozygousadjectiveHaving identical alleles at corresponding chromosomal loci.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

These two fruit flies are homozygous for red eye color.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek.

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

honestadjectiveTruthful and fair in words and actions.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She gave an honest answer to the question.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

French, from Latin

Original teaching entry.

honestlyadverb(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Honestly, I don't believe it.

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) ↗

honeymoonverbSpend a holiday after one's marriage.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

They plan to honeymoon in Hawai'i.

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) ↗

honorverbShow respect towards.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Honor your parents!

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) ↗

honorableadjectiveWorthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Led an honorable life.

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) ↗

honorablyadverbIn an honorable manner.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He acted honorably.

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) ↗

honoraryadjectiveGiven as an honor without the normal duties.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

An honorary degree.

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) ↗

honorificadjectiveConferring or showing honor or respect.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Honorific social status commonly attaches to membership in a recognized profession.

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

hoofedadjectiveHaving or resembling hoofs.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Horses and other hoofed animals.

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) ↗

hookingnounA golf shot that curves to the left for a right-handed golfer.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He took lessons to cure his hooking.

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

hooksnounLarge strong hand (as of a fighter).beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wait till I get my hooks on him.

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

hoopnounA rigid circular band of metal or wood or other material used for holding or fastening or hanging or pulling.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

There was still a rusty iron hoop for tying a horse.

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) ↗

hootverbTo utter a loud clamorous shout.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The toughs and blades of the city hoot and bang their drums, drink arak, play dice, and dance.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old Swedish. 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) ↗

hopverbTraverse as if by a short airplane trip.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Hop the Pacific Ocean.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

hopeverbExpect and wish.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I hope she understands that she cannot expect a raise.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Icelandic, 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) ↗

hopefuladjectiveHaving or manifesting hope.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Found a hopeful way of attacking the problem.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Icelandic, 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) ↗

hopefullyadverbWith hope; in a hopeful manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

We searched hopefully for a good position.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Icelandic, 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) ↗

hopelessadjectiveWithout hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

In an agony of hopeless grief.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Icelandic, 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) ↗

hopelesslyadverbIn a hopeless manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He is hopelessly romantic.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Icelandic, 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) ↗

horizonnounThe range of interest or activity that can be anticipated.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It is beyond the horizon of present knowledge.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

horizontaladjectiveParallel to or in the plane of the horizon or a base line.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A horizontal surface.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle French.

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

hornedadjectiveHaving a horn or horns or hornlike parts or horns of a particular kind.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Long-horned cattle.

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) ↗

hornyadjectiveHaving horns or hornlike projections.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Horny (or horned) frog.

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) ↗

horrendousadjectiveCausing fear or dread or terror.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Horrendous explosions shook the city.

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) ↗

horribleadjectiveProvoking horror.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

War is beyond all words horrible.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

horridadjectiveExceedingly bad.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

When she was bad she was horrid.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

horrifyingadjectiveProvoking horror.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

An alarming, even horrifying, picture.

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

horrornounSomething that inspires dislike; something horrible.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The painting that others found so beautiful was a horror to him.

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) ↗

horsenounTroops trained to fight on horseback.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

500 horse led the attack.

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) ↗

horsebackadverbOn the back of a horse.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He rode horseback to town.

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

hospitableadjectiveFavorable to life and growth.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A hospitable environment.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

hostnounAny organization that provides resources and facilities for a function or event.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Atlanta was chosen to be host for the Olympic Games.

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) ↗

hostileadjectiveNot belonging to your own country's forces or those of an ally.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Hostile naval and air forces.

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) ↗

hostilitiesnounFighting; acts of overt warfare.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The outbreak of hostilities.

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

hostilitynounA hostile (very unfriendly) disposition.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He could not conceal his hostility.

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) ↗

hotadjectiveUsed of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She's hot and tired.

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) ↗

hotbednounA situation that is ideal for rapid development (especially of something bad).beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It was a hotbed of vice.

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) ↗

hotlyadverbIn a heated manner.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The children were arguing hotly.

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) ↗

hournounA period of time equal to 1/24th of a day.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The job will take more than an hour.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

hourlongadjectiveLasting for an hour.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

An hourlong examination.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

hourlyadverbEvery hour; by the hour.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Daily, hourly, I grew stronger.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

hoursnounA period of time assigned for work.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

They work long hours.

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

housenounA dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He has a house on Cape Cod.

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) ↗

housefulnounAs many as a house will accommodate.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

They entertained a houseful of guests.

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) ↗

howeveradverbDespite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession).intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

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

howlnounA long loud emotional utterance.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He gave a howl of pain.

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) ↗

howlingnounA long loud emotional utterance.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Their howling had no effect.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

hubnounA center of activity or interest or commerce or transportation; a focal point around which events revolve.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The airport is the economic hub of the area.

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

huddleverbCrowd or draw together.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Let's huddle together--it's cold!

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

huddledadjectiveCrowded or massed together.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Give me...your huddled masses.

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

huffyadjectiveRoused to anger.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Stayed huffy a good while.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

hugnounA tight or amorous embrace.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Come here and give me a big hug.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Old Norse.

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

hugeadjectiveUnusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Huge country estates.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, 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) ↗

hulkingadjectiveOf great size and bulk.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A hulking figure of a man.

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

humnounA humming noise.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The hum of distant traffic.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

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

humanadjectiveRelating to a person.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The experiment was conducted on 6 monkeys and 2 human subjects.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

humaneadjectivePertaining to or concerned with the humanities.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A humane education.

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) ↗

humanelyadverbIn a humane manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Let's treat the prisoners of war humanely.

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) ↗

humanistadjectiveOf or pertaining to a philosophy asserting human dignity and man's capacity for fulfillment through reason and scientific method and often rejecting religion.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The humanist belief in continuous emergent evolution.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle French.

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

humanisticadjectivePertaining to or concerned with the humanities.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Humanistic studies.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle French.

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

humanitarianadjectiveMarked by humanistic values and devotion to human welfare.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Released the prisoner for humanitarian reasons.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

humanizeverbMake more humane.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The mayor tried to humanize life in the big city.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

humankindnounAll of the living human inhabitants of the earth.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She always used `humankind' because `mankind' seemed to slight the women.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

humbleverbCause to be unpretentious.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

This experience will humble him.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

humblingadjectiveCausing awareness of your shortcomings.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Golf is a humbling game.

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

humblyadverbIn a humble manner.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He humbly lowered his head.

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) ↗

humdingernounSomeone of remarkable excellence.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A humdinger of a secretary.

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) ↗

humdrumnounThe quality of wearisome constancy, routine, and lack of variety.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was sick of the humdrum of his fellow prisoners.

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

humiliatedadjectiveMade to feel uncomfortable because of shame or wounded pride.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Humiliated that his wife had to go out to work.

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

humilitynounA disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Not everyone regards humility as a virtue.

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) ↗

humornounThe trait of appreciating (and being able to express) the humorous.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She didn't appreciate my humor.

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

humorlessadjectiveLacking humor.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It was a humorless wink; a wink of warning.

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

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