THE US ENGLISH PRACTICE BANK

Meet your next word.

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

Want a path through the words?

Learn 1,000 words in a saved grade journey, ten at a time.

Open Spell Quest →

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

Words 5501–5600 of 10,000Independent bank · American English
mistakenlyadverbIn a mistaken manner.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He mistakenly believed it.

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) ↗

mistakingnounPutting the wrong interpretation on.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

There was no mistaking her meaning.

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

misunderstoodadjectiveWrongly understood.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A misunderstood question.

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

misusedadjectiveUsed incorrectly or carelessly or for an improper purpose.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Misused words are often laughable but one weeps for misused talents.

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

mitigatedadjectiveMade less severe or intense.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He gladly accepted the mitigated penalty.

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

mittnounThe (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He extended his mitt.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

mixverbAdd as an additional element or part.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Mix water into the drink.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

mixedadjectiveConsisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A mixed program of baroque and contemporary music.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

mixturenounAny foodstuff made by combining different ingredients.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He drank a mixture of beer and lemonade.

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) ↗

mnemonicnounA device or pattern that helps someone remember.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The rhyme served as a mnemonic for the order of the planets.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Greek

Original teaching entry.

mobileadjectiveCapable of changing quickly from one state or condition to another.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A highly mobile face.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

mockadjectiveConstituting a copy or imitation of something.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Boys in mock battle.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

modaladjectiveRelating to or constituting the most frequent value in a distribution.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The modal age at which American novelists reach their peak is 30.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Medieval 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) ↗

modenounHow something is done or how it happens.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Their nomadic mode of existence.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

modelnounA hypothetical description of a complex entity or process.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The computer program was based on a model of the circulatory and respiratory systems.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle French, Old Italian, 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) ↗

modeledadjectiveResembling sculpture.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Her finely modeled features.

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

moderateadjectiveBeing within reasonable or average limits; not excessive or extreme.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A moderate estimate.

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) ↗

moderatelyadverbWith moderation; in a moderate manner.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He drinks moderately.

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) ↗

moderationnounThe action of lessening in severity or intensity.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The object being control or moderation of economic depressions.

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) ↗

modernadjectiveRelating to a recently developed fashion or style.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Their offices are in a modern skyscraper.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, 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) ↗

modernitynounThe quality of being current or of the present.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A shopping mall would instill a spirit of modernity into this village.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, 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) ↗

modernizationnounMaking modern in appearance or behavior.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The modernization of Nigeria will be a long process.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

modernizedadjectiveBrought up to date.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Modernized methods.

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

modestadjectiveMarked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A modest apartment.

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

modestlyadverbWith modesty; in a modest manner.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The dissertation was entitled, modestly, `Remarks about a play by Shakespeare'.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

modicumnounA small or moderate or token amount.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

England still expects a modicum of eccentricity in its artists.

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) ↗

modificationnounSlightly modified copy; not an exact copy.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A modification of last year's model.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle French.

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

modifiedadjectiveChanged in form or character.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Their modified stand made the issue more acceptable.

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

modifyverbMake less severe or harsh or extreme.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Please modify this letter to make it more polite.

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) ↗

modulateverbFix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Modulate the pitch.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

modulusnounAn integer that can be divided without remainder into the difference between two other integers.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

2 is a modulus of 5 and 9.

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

moistadjectiveSlightly wet.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Eyes moist with tears.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

molaradjectivePertaining to large units of behavior.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Such molar problems of personality as the ego functions.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

moldnounA distinctive nature, character, or type.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A leader in the mold of her predecessors.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

moldedadjectiveShaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The molded steel plates.

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

moldyadjectiveCovered with or smelling of mold.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A moldy (or musty) odor.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

molecularadjectiveRelating to or produced by or consisting of molecules.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Molecular structure.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

mollifyverbCause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She managed to mollify the angry customer.

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) ↗

moltenadjectiveReduced to liquid form by heating.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A mass of molten rock.

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) ↗

momentnounA particular point in time.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The moment he arrived the party began.

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) ↗

momentarilyadverbFor an instant or moment.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

We paused momentarily before proceeding.

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) ↗

momentaryadjectiveLasting for a markedly brief time.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A momentary glimpse.

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) ↗

momentumnounAn impelling force or strength.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The car's momentum carried it off the road.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

monatomicadjectiveOf or relating to an element consisting of a single atom.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Helium and argon are monatomic gases.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

moneynounThe most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

We tried to collect the money he owed us.

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) ↗

moneyedadjectiveHaving an abundant supply of money or possessions of value.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Moneyed aristocrats.

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

moneylessadjectiveHaving no money.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Virtually moneyless rural regions.

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) ↗

monitorverbKeep tabs on; keep an eye on; keep under surveillance.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The police monitor the suspect's moves.

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

monitoringnounThe act of observing something (and sometimes keeping a record of it).intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The monitoring of enemy communications plays an important role in war times.

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) ↗

monogamousadjective(used of relationships and of individuals) having one mate.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Monogamous marriage.

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

monolingualadjectiveUsing or knowing only one language.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Monolingual speakers.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

monolithicadjectiveCharacterized by massiveness and rigidity and total uniformity.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A monolithic society.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

monopolizeverbHave or exploit a monopoly of.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

OPEC wants to monopolize oil.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

monopolynoun(economics) a market in which there are many buyers but only one seller.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A monopoly on silver.

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

monotonousadjectiveTediously repetitious or lacking in variety.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Nothing is so monotonous as the sea.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

monotonynounThe quality of wearisome constancy, routine, and lack of variety.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He had never grown accustomed to the monotony of his work.

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

monstrousadjectiveShockingly brutal or cruel.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

No excess was too monstrous for them to commit.

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) ↗

monthnounOne of the twelve divisions of the calendar year.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He paid the bill last month.

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) ↗

monthlongadjectiveLast through a month.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A monthlong stay in the hospital.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

monthlyadjectiveOf or occurring or payable every month.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The monthly newsletter.

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) ↗

monumentaladjectiveRelating or belonging to or serving as a monument.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Monumental sculptures.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Hindi, 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) ↗

moodnounThe prevailing psychological state.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The national mood had changed radically since the last election.

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) ↗

moodyadjectiveShowing a brooding ill humor.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He sat in moody silence.

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) ↗

moonnounThe natural satellite of the Earth.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Men first stepped on the moon in 1969.

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) ↗

moonlightnounThe light of the Moon.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Moonlight is the smuggler's enemy.

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) ↗

moonlitadjectiveLighted by moonlight.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The moonlit landscape.

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) ↗

mootnounA hypothetical case that law students argue as an exercise.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He organized the weekly moot.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Dutch, 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) ↗

moppingnounCleaning with a mop.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He gave it a good mopping.

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

moralnounThe significance of a story or event.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The moral of the story is to love thy neighbor.

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) ↗

moralismnounJudgments about another person's morality.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He could not stand her hectoring moralism.

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

moralizingnounIndulgence in moral pronouncements; the exposition (often superficially) of a particular moral code.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His constant moralizing drove me mad.

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

morallyadverbWith respect to moral principles.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Morally unjustified.

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) ↗

morbidadjectiveSuggesting an unhealthy mental state.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Morbid interest in death.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

morbiditynounAn abnormally gloomy or unhealthy state of mind.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His fear of being alone verges on morbidity.

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

morbidlyadverbIn a morbid manner or to a morbid degree.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He was morbidly fascinated by dead bodies.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

mordantadjectiveHarshly ironic or sinister.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Fun ranging from slapstick clowning ... to savage mordant wit.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

moreadjective(comparative of `much' used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

More than a gallon.

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) ↗

moribundadjectiveBeing on the point of death; breathing your last.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A moribund patient.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

morningnounThe time period between dawn and noon.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

I spent the morning running errands.

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) ↗

moroseadjectiveShowing a brooding ill humor.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A morose and unsociable manner.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

morrownounThe next day.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Whenever he arrives she leaves on the morrow.

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) ↗

morselnounA small quantity of anything.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A morsel of paper was all he needed.

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) ↗

mortallyadverbIn such a manner that death ensues (also in reference to hatred, jealousy, fear, etc.).intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A being of whom the forest Indians are said to be mortally afraid, with a hoof shaped like the heel of a bottle.

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) ↗

mortgagedadjectiveBurdened with legal or financial obligations.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His house, his business, indeed, his whole life was heavily mortgaged.

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

mortifiedadjectiveMade to feel uncomfortable because of shame or wounded pride.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Felt mortified by the comparison with her sister.

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

mostadjective(superlative of `many' used with count nouns and often preceded by `the') quantifier meaning the greatest in number.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Most people like eggs.

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) ↗

mothernounA condition that is the inspiration for an activity or situation.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Necessity is the mother of invention.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

motilitynounA change of position that does not entail a change of location.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Gastrointestinal motility.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

motionnounA change of position that does not entail a change of location.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The reflex motion of his eyebrows revealed his surprise.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

motivatedadjectiveProvided with a motive or given incentive for action.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A group of politically motivated men.

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

motivatingadjectiveImpelling to action.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Motivating arguments.

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

motivationnounThe psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

We did not understand his motivation.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

motornounA nonspecific agent that imparts motion.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Happiness is the aim of all men and the motor of all action.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

motorizedadjectiveEquipped with a motor or motors.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A motorized wheelchair.

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

moundnounThe position on a baseball team of the player who throws the ball for a batter to try to hit.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

They have a southpaw on the mound.

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) ↗

mountverbFix onto a backing, setting, or support.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Mount slides for macroscopic analysis.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Medieval 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) ↗

mountainousadjectiveLike a mountain in size and impressiveness.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A mountainous dark man.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Late Latin, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, 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) ↗

mountedadjectiveDecorated with applied ornamentation; often used in combination.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The trim brass-mounted carbine of the ranger.

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

mournfuladjectiveFilled with or evoking sadness.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stared with mournful eyes.

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) ↗

mousenounA hand-operated electronic device that controls the coordinates of a cursor on your computer screen as you move it around on a pad; on the bottom of the device is a ball that rolls on the surface of the pad.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A mouse takes much more room than a trackball.

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