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Words 4901–5000 of 10,000Independent bank · American English
knowledgeableadjectiveHighly educated; having extensive information or understanding.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A knowledgeable critic.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

knownadjectiveApprehended with certainty.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The limits of the known world.

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) ↗

labelnounA brief description given for purposes of identification.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The label Modern is applied to many different kinds of architecture.

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) ↗

labeledadjectiveBearing or marked with a label or tag.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Properly labeled luggage.

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

labornounProductive work (especially physical work done for wages).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His labor did not require a great deal of skill.

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

laboredadjectiveRequiring or showing effort.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The subject made for labored reading.

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

laboriousadjectiveCharacterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Spent many laborious hours on the project.

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

labyrinthnounA complicated network of paths or passages.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The garden contained a labyrinth of narrow paths.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Greek

Original teaching entry.

labyrinthineadjectiveResembling a labyrinth in form or complexity.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A labyrinthine network of tortuous footpaths.

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) ↗

laceverbDraw through eyes or holes.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Lace the shoelaces.

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) ↗

lacedadjectiveClosed with a lace.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Snugly laced shoes.

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

lacknounThe state of needing something that is absent or unavailable.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

There is a serious lack of insight into the problem.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

lackingadjectiveInadequate in amount or degree.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Lacking in stamina.

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

lacklusteradjectiveLacking luster or shine.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Staring with lackluster eyes.

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

laconicadjectiveBrief and to the point; effectively cut short.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The laconic reply; `yes'.

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) ↗

lactationnounThe period following birth during which milk is secreted.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Lactation normally continues until weaning.

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) ↗

lacticadjectiveOf or relating to or obtained from milk (especially sour milk or whey).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Lactic fermentation.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

lactosenounA sugar comprising one glucose molecule linked to a galactose molecule; occurs only in milk.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Cow's milk contains about 4.7% lactose.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, French, Hindi, Latin, Old Latin, Portuguese, 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) ↗

laddernounAscending stages by which somebody or something can progress.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He climbed the career ladder.

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) ↗

ladenadjectiveFilled with a great quantity.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Table laden with food.

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

ladynounA polite name for any woman.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A nice lady at the library helped me.

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) ↗

lamnounA rapid escape (as by criminals).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

After the expose he had to take it on the lam.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Arabic, 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) ↗

lamenounA fabric interwoven with threads of metal.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She wore a gold lame dress.

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) ↗

lamelyadverbIn a weak and unconvincing manner.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

`I don't know, Edward,' she answered lamely.

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) ↗

lamentableadjectiveBad; unfortunate.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A lamentable decision.

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) ↗

lamentedadjectiveMourned or grieved for.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The imprint of our wise and lamented friend.

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

laminateverbCover with a thin sheet of non-fabric material.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Laminate the table.

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

landnounMaterial in the top layer of the surface of the earth in which plants can grow (especially with reference to its quality or use).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The land had never been plowed.

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) ↗

landingnounThe act of coming down to the earth (or other surface).intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The plane made a smooth landing.

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

landlessadjectiveOwning no land.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The landless peasantry.

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) ↗

landlockedadjectiveSurrounded entirely or almost entirely by land.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A landlocked country.

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) ↗

landscapenounAn extensive mental viewpoint.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

We changed the landscape for solving the problem of payroll inequity.

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

landscapedadjective(of land) improved by gardening or landscape architecture.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Carefully landscaped gardens.

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

landscapingnounA garden laid out for esthetic effect.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

They spent a great deal of money on the landscaping.

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

landslidenounAn overwhelming electoral victory.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Roosevelt defeated Hoover in a landslide.

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) ↗

languagenounA system of words or signs used to communicate.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She is learning a new language at school.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

languidadjectiveLacking spirit or liveliness.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A languid wave of the hand.

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) ↗

lankadjectiveLong and thin and often limp.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Grown lank with fasting.

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) ↗

lankyadjectiveTall and thin and having long slender limbs.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A lanky kid transformed almost overnight into a handsome young man.

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) ↗

lapnounThe upper side of the thighs of a seated person.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He picked up the little girl and plopped her down in his lap.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Medieval 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) ↗

lapidaryadjectiveOf or relating to precious stones or the art of working with them.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The ring is of no lapidary value.

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

lapsenounA break or intermission in the occurrence of something.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A lapse of three weeks between letters.

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) ↗

largeadjectiveAbove average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A big (or large) barn.

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) ↗

largelyadverbIn large part; mainly or chiefly.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

These accounts are largely inactive.

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) ↗

largenessnounLarge or extensive in breadth or importance or comprehensiveness.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The might have repercussions of unimaginable largeness.

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) ↗

laryngealadjectiveOf or relating to or situated in the larynx.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Laryngeal infection.

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) ↗

lashingadjectiveViolently urging on by whipping or flogging.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Looked at the lashing riders.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

lastadjectiveImmediately past.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The last chapter we read.

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) ↗

lastingadjectiveExisting for a long time.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A long-lasting friendship.

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

lateadjectiveBeing or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Took a late flight.

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) ↗

latelyadverbIn the recent past.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Lately the rules have been enforced.

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) ↗

latentadjectivePotentially existing but not presently evident or realized.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A latent fingerprint.

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) ↗

lateradverbHappening at a time subsequent to a reference time.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He's going to the store but he'll be back here later.

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) ↗

lateraladjectiveSituated at or extending to the side.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The lateral branches of a tree.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

laterallyadverbIn a lateral direction or location.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The body is spindle-shaped and only slightly compressed laterally.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

latestadjectiveUp to the immediate present; most recent or most up-to-date.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The very latest scientific discoveries.

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) ↗

latitudenounFreedom from normal restraints in conduct.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Allowed his children considerable latitude in how they spent their money.

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) ↗

latteradjectiveReferring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

In the latter case.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Old English.

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

laudableadjectiveWorthy of high praise.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Laudable motives of improving housing conditions.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

laudatoryadjectiveFull of or giving praise.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A laudatory remark.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

laughnounA facial expression characteristic of a person laughing.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His face wrinkled in a silent laugh of derision.

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) ↗

laughableadjectiveArousing or provoking laughter.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

It would have been laughable if it hadn't hurt so much.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

laughinglyadverbWith laughter; while laughing.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He told the story laughingly.

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) ↗

laughternounThe activity of laughing; the manifestation of joy or mirth or scorn.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He enjoyed the laughter of the crowd.

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) ↗

launchverbPropel with force.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Launch the space shuttle.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, Latin, Malay, Middle English, Old French, Old Northern French, Old Portuguese, Portuguese. 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) ↗

laureateadjectiveWorthy of the greatest honor or distinction.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The nation's pediatrician laureate is preparing to lay down his black bag.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

lavishadjectiveVery generous.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Distributed gifts with a lavish hand.

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) ↗

lavishlyadverbIn a wasteful manner.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The United States, up to the 1920s, used fuel lavishly, mainly because it was so cheap.

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) ↗

lawnounThe collection of rules imposed by authority.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Civilization presupposes respect for the law.

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) ↗

lawfuladjectiveConformable to or allowed by law.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Lawful methods of dissent.

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) ↗

lawfullyadverbBy law; conforming to the law.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

We are lawfully wedded now.

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) ↗

lawlessadjectiveDisobedient to or defiant of law.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Lawless bands roaming the plains.

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) ↗

laxadjectiveLacking in rigor or strictness.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Lax in attending classes.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

layverbPut in a horizontal position.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Lay the books on the table.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

lazilyadverbIn a slow and lazy manner.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

I watched the blue smoke drift lazily away on the still air.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Middle Low German, 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) ↗

lazinessnounRelaxed and easy activity.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The laziness of the day helped her to relax.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Middle Low German, 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) ↗

lazyadjectiveDisinclined to work or exertion.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Too lazy to wash the dishes.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Middle Low German, 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) ↗

leadedadjective(of panes of glass) fixed in place by means of thin strips of lead.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Leaded windowpanes.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Gaulish, 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) ↗

leadenadjectiveDarkened with overcast.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The sky was leaden and thick.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Gaulish, 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) ↗

leadershipnounThe activity of leading.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His leadership inspired the team.

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

leadingadjectiveGreatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The country's leading poet.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Gaulish, 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) ↗

leafverbTurn over pages.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Leaf through a book.

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) ↗

leafedadjectiveHaving leaves or leaves as specified; often used in combination.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A fully leafed tree.

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

leaknounAn accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

One of the tires developed a leak.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

leakyadjectivePermitting the unwanted passage of fluids or gases.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A leaky defense system.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

lealadjectiveFaithful and true.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Leal to the core of her intrepid Scottish heart.

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) ↗

leanadjectiveLacking excess flesh.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Icelandic, 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) ↗

leaningadjectiveDeparting or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The leaning tower of Pisa.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

leapnounAn abrupt transition.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A successful leap from college to the major leagues.

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) ↗

leapfrognounAdvancing as if in the child's game, by leaping over obstacles or competitors.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The company still believes the chip is a leapfrog in integration and will pay huge dividends.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

leashnounA figurative restraint.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He's always gotten a long leash.

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) ↗

leastadjectiveThe superlative of `little' that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by `the'; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Didn't care the least bit.

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) ↗

leaveverbGo away from a place.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She didn't leave until midnight.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, 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) ↗

leavenedadjectiveMade light by aerating, as with yeast or baking powder; often used as a combining form.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Yeast-leavened breads.

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

leaveningnounAn influence that works subtly to lighten or modify something.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His sermons benefited from a leavening of humor.

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

lecturenounA speech that is open to the public.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He attended a lecture on telecommunications.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

leewardadjectiveOn the side away from the wind.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

On the leeward side of the island.

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) ↗

leftadjectiveBeing or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the west when facing north.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The left bank of a river is bank on your left side when you are facing downstream.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, 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) ↗

leftoversnounFood remaining from a previous meal.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He had leftovers for dinner last night.

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

legaladjectiveRelating to or characteristic of the profession of law.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The legal profession.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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