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Words 5401–5500 of 10,000Independent bank · American English
mergingnounThe act of joining together as one.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The merging of the two groups occurred quickly.

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

meridiannounAn imaginary great circle on the surface of the earth passing through the north and south poles at right angles to the equator.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

All points on the same meridian have the same longitude.

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

meritnounAny admirable quality or attribute.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Work of great merit.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

meritoriousadjectiveDeserving reward or praise.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Meritorious conduct.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

merryadjectiveFull of or showing high-spirited merriment.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Peals of merry laughter.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, 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) ↗

mesanounFlat tableland with steep edges.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The tribe was relatively safe on the mesa but they had to descend into the valley for water.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Spanish, 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) ↗

meshnounThe number of openings per linear inch of a screen; measures size of particles.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

100 mesh powdered cellulose.

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) ↗

meshedadjectiveResembling a network.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A meshed road system.

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

meshingnounContact by fitting together.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The meshing of gears.

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

mesmerizingadjectiveAttracting and holding interest as if by a spell.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The sheer force of his presence was mesmerizing.

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

messnounA state of confusion and disorderliness.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The house was a mess.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, 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) ↗

messagenounA communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He sent a three-word message.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

messyadjectiveDirty and disorderly.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A child's messy eating habits.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, 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) ↗

metallicadjectiveContaining or made of or resembling or characteristic of a metal.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A metallic compound.

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) ↗

metalworknounThe metal parts of something.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

There were bullet holes in the metalwork.

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) ↗

metamorphicadjectiveOf or relating to metamorphosis (especially of rocks).advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Marble is a metamorphic rock that takes a high polish.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

metaphoricaladjectiveExpressing one thing in terms normally denoting another.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A metaphorical expression.

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

metaphysicaladjectivePertaining to or of the nature of metaphysics.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Metaphysical philosophy.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

meteoricadjectiveLike a meteor in speed or brilliance or transience.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A meteoric rise to fame.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

meteorologicaladjectiveOf or pertaining to atmospheric phenomena, especially weather and weather conditions.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Meteorological chart.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

methodicaladjectiveCharacterized by method and orderliness.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A methodical scholar.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

methodicallyadverbIn a methodical manner.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She worked methodically.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

meticulousadjectiveMarked by extreme care in treatment of details.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A meticulous craftsman.

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

meticulouslyadverbIn a meticulous manner.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The set was meticulously authentic.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

metiernounAn occupation for which you are especially well suited.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

In law he found his true metier.

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

metricaladjectiveBased on the meter as a standard of measurement.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Metrical equivalents.

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) ↗

metricallyadverbWith regard to meter.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Metrically, these poems are matched.

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) ↗

metronounAn electric railway operating below the surface of the ground (usually in a city).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

In Paris the subway system is called the `metro' and in London it is called the `tube' or the `underground'.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

miasmanounUnhealthy vapors rising from the ground or other sources.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A miasma of cigar smoke.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek.

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

microscopenounMagnifier of the image of small objects.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The invention of the microscope led to the discovery of the cell.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

microscopicadjectiveOf or relating to or used in microscopy.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Microscopic analysis.

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

microscopicallyadverbBy using a microscope; so as to be visible only with a microscope; as seen with a microscope.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The seeds were microscopically small.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

midadjectiveUsed in combination to denote the middle.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A mid-June wedding.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

midairnounSome point in the air; above ground level.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The planes collided in midair.

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

middleadjectiveBeing neither at the beginning nor at the end in a series.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The middle point on a line.

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) ↗

middlingadjectiveLacking exceptional quality or ability.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The performance was middling at best.

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) ↗

midiadjectiveUsed of women's clothing having a hemline at mid-calf.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Wore her dresses midi length.

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

midnightnoun12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Young children should not be allowed to stay up until midnight.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

midstnounThe location of something surrounded by other things.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

In the midst of the crowd.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

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

mightilyadverb(Southern regional intensive) very; to a great degree.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

They rejoiced mightily.

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) ↗

mightyadjectiveHaving or showing great strength or force or intensity.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Struck a mighty blow.

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) ↗

migrantadjectiveHabitually moving from place to place especially in search of seasonal work.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Appalled by the social conditions of migrant life.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French.

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

migrateverbMove periodically or seasonally.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Birds migrate in the Winter.

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

milchadjectiveGiving milk; bred or suitable primarily for milk production.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Milch goats, milch camels.

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) ↗

mildadjectiveModerate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A mild winter storm.

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) ↗

mildlyadverbTo a moderate degree.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He was mildly interested.

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) ↗

milenounA large distance.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He missed by a mile.

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) ↗

milernoun(used only in combinations) the length of something in miles.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The race was a 30-miler.

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) ↗

militantadjectiveShowing a fighting disposition.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Militant in fighting for better wages for workers.

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) ↗

militarilyadverbWith respect to the military.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

On a militarily significant scale.

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) ↗

militarizeverbAdopt for military use.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Militarize the Civil Service.

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

militianounThe entire body of physically fit civilians eligible by law for military service.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Their troops were untrained militia.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

mimicadjectiveConstituting an imitation.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The mimic warfare of the opera stage.

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

mincenounFood chopped into small bits.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A mince of mushrooms.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, 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) ↗

mindverbBe offended or bothered by; take offense with, be bothered by.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

I don't mind your behavior.

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) ↗

mindedadjective(usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

I am not minded to answer any questions.

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) ↗

mindernounSomeone (usually in totalitarian countries) who is assigned to watch over foreign visitors.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

I turned around and there, a few hundred feet away, was our government minder, Li Wong Su, huffing and puffing toward us.

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) ↗

mindfuladjectiveBearing in mind; attentive to.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Ever mindful of her health.

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) ↗

mindlessadjectiveLacking the thinking capacity characteristic of a conscious being.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The shrieking of the mindless wind.

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) ↗

mindlesslyadverbIn an unreasonably senseless manner.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

These temples were mindlessly destroyed by the Red Guards.

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) ↗

mineverbGet from the earth by excavation.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Mine ores and metals.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

mineraladjectiveComposed of matter other than plant or animal.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The inorganic mineral world.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

mingleverbGet involved or mixed-up with.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He was about to mingle in an unpleasant affair.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Chinese, 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) ↗

miniatureadjectiveBeing on a very small scale.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A miniature camera.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Italian, 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) ↗

minimaladjectiveThe least possible.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Her grades were minimal.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Hindi, 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) ↗

minimallyadverbTo a minimal degree.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The cells minimally responsive to lines in this orientation will not fire.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Hindi, 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) ↗

minimizeverbMake small or insignificant.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Let's minimize the risk.

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

ministerverbAttend to the wants and needs of others.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

I have to minister to my mother all the time.

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) ↗

ministerialadjectiveOf or relating to a minister of religion or the minister's office.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Ministerial duties.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle French.

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

ministrynounThe work of a minister of religion.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He is studying for the ministry.

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) ↗

minoradjectiveOf lesser importance or stature or rank.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Had a minor part in the play.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

minoritynounBeing or relating to the smaller in number of two parts.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He held a minority position.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, 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) ↗

mintnoun(often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He made a mint on the stock market.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

minusnounAn arithmetic operation in which the difference between two numbers is calculated.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Four minus three equals one.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

minutelyadverbIn minute detail.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Our inability to see everything minutely and clearly is due merely to the infirmity of our senses.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

mirenounA difficulty or embarrassment that is hard to extricate yourself from.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Caught in the mire of poverty.

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) ↗

miredadjectiveEntangled or hindered as if e.g. in mire.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Brilliant leadership mired in details and confusion.

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

mirrornounA faithful depiction or reflection.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The best mirror is an old friend.

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) ↗

misappropriationnounWrongful borrowing.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His explanation was a misappropriation of sociological theory.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

miscellaneousadjectiveMade up of various kinds of things.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The drawer held miscellaneous buttons and ribbons.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Latin

Original teaching entry.

mischievousadjectiveFond of playful tricks that may cause trouble.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The mischievous puppy hid a shoe under the bed.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

French, through English

Original teaching entry.

misdirectverbPut a wrong address on.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Misdirect the letter.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

miserableadjectiveVery unhappy; full of misery.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He felt depressed and miserable.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

miserablyadverbIn a miserable manner.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

I bit my lip miserably and nodded.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

miserlyadjective(used of persons or behavior) characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He left a miserly tip.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

miserynounA state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The misery and wretchedness of those slums is intolerable.

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) ↗

misguidedadjectiveWrong in e.g. opinion or judgment.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Well-meaning but misguided teachers.

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

misinterpretverbInterpret in the wrong way.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Don't misinterpret my comments as criticism.

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) ↗

misinterpretationnounPutting the wrong interpretation on.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His misinterpretation of the question caused his error.

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) ↗

mislaidadjectiveLost temporarily; as especially put in an unaccustomed or forgotten place.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The mislaid hat turned up eventually.

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

misleadingadjectiveDesigned to deceive or mislead either deliberately or inadvertently.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A misleading similarity.

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) ↗

mismanagementnounManagement that is careless or inefficient.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He accomplished little due to the mismanagement of his energies.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

misplacedadjectivePut in the wrong place or position.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She was penalized for a spelling mistake or a misplaced accent.

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

misreadverbRead or interpret wrongly.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He misread the data.

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) ↗

missverbLeave undone or leave out.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

How could I miss that typo?

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) ↗

misshapenadjectiveSo badly formed or out of shape as to be ugly.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Misshapen old fingers.

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) ↗

missionnounA special assignment that is given to a person or group.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A confidential mission to London.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

misstepnounAn unintentional but embarrassing blunder.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Confusion caused his unfortunate misstep.

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) ↗

mistakenounA wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He made a bad mistake.

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) ↗

mistakenadjectiveArising from error.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A mistaken view of the situation.

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) ↗

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