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 6101–6200 of 10,000Independent bank · American English
overtimeadverbBeyond the regular time.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She often has to work overtime.

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) ↗

overturenounSomething that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Drinks were the overture to dinner.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

overviewnounA general summary of a subject.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The treasurer gave a brief overview of the financial consequences.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

overwhelmingadjectiveSo strong as to be irresistible.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

An overwhelming majority.

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

overwhelminglyadverbIncapable of being resisted.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The candy looked overwhelmingly desirable to the dieting man.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

overworknounThe act of working too much or too long.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He became ill from overwork.

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) ↗

overwriteverbWrite new data on top of existing data and thus erase the previously existing data.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Overwrite that file.

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) ↗

ownadjectiveBelonging to or on behalf of a specified person (especially yourself); preceded by a possessive.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She makes her own clothes.

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) ↗

ownedadjectiveHaving an owner; often used in combination.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

State-owned railways.

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

ownernoun(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He is the owner of a chain of restaurants.

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) ↗

oxidativeadjectiveTaking place in the presence of oxygen.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Oxidative rancidity.

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

oxidizedadjectiveCombined with or having undergone a chemical reaction with oxygen.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The oxidized form of iodine.

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

pacenounThe relative speed of progress or change.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He lived at a fast pace.

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) ↗

pacesetternounA leading instance in its field.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The new policy will be a pacesetter in community relations.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

pacificadjectivePromoting peace.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The result of this pacific policy was that no troops were called up.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle French.

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

pacificationnounThe act of appeasing someone or causing someone to be more favorably inclined.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A wonderful skill in the pacification of crying infants.

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

pacifyverbFight violence and try to establish peace in (a location).intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The U.N. troops are working to pacify Bosnia.

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) ↗

packverbArrange in a container.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Pack the books into the boxes.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Dutch, 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) ↗

packagingnounThe business of packing.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His business is packaging for transport.

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

packedadjectiveFilled to capacity.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stands jam-packed with fans.

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

packinghousenounA building where foodstuffs are processed and packed.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

They came from an apple packinghouse.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

padverbAdd padding to.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Pad the seat of the chair.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

pagingnounCalling out the name of a person (especially by a loudspeaker system).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The public address system in the hospital was used for paging.

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

paidadjectiveMarked by the reception of pay.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A paid announcement.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

painnounA symptom of some physical hurt or disorder.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The patient developed severe pain and distension.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

painedadjectiveHurt or upset.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Face had a pained and puzzled expression.

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

painfuladjectiveCausing physical or psychological pain.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Worked with painful slowness.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

painfullyadverbUnpleasantly.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His ignorance was painfully obvious.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

painlessadjectiveRequiring little hard work or exertion.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A painless solution to the problem.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

painlesslyadverbWithout pain.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

After the surgery, she could move her arms painlessly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

painstakingadjectiveCharacterized by extreme care and great effort.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Painstaking research.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

paintnounA substance used as a coating to protect or decorate a surface (especially a mixture of pigment suspended in a liquid); dries to form a hard coating.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Artists use `paint' and `pigment' interchangeably.

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) ↗

paintedadjectiveCoated with paint.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Freshly painted lawn furniture.

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

paintingnounGraphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A small painting by Picasso.

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

pairverbArrange in pairs.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Pair these numbers.

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) ↗

palacenounThe governing group of a kingdom.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The palace issued an order binding on all subjects.

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) ↗

palatableadjectiveAcceptable to the taste or mind.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A palatable solution to the problem.

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) ↗

palatialadjectiveSuitable for or like a palace.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Palatial furnishings.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, Latin, 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) ↗

palatineadjectiveRelating to or lying near the palate.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The palatine tonsils.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

paleadjective(of light) lacking in intensity or brightness; dim or feeble.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The pale (or wan) stars.

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) ↗

pallverbLose sparkle or bouquet.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Wine and beer can pall.

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) ↗

pallidadjectiveAbnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The pallid face of the invalid.

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

palpableadjectiveCapable of being perceived; especially capable of being handled or touched or felt.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A barely palpable dust.

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) ↗

palpablyadverbSo as to be palpable.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She was palpably nervous.

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) ↗

palpitatingadjectiveHaving a slight and rapid trembling motion.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

My palpitating heart.

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

paltryadjectiveNot worth considering.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He considered the prize too paltry for the lives it must cost.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Low 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) ↗

pamperverbTreat with excessive indulgence.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Grandparents often pamper the children.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

pamperingadjectiveGratifying tastes, appetites, or desires.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A very pampering cruise experience.

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

pandemicadjectiveExisting everywhere.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Pandemic fear of nuclear war.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek.

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

panelverbDecorate with panels.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Panel the walls with wood.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

pangnounA mental pain or distress.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A pang of conscience.

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) ↗

panhandlenounA relatively narrow strip of land projecting from some larger area.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Wheeling is located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

panicnounSudden mass fear and anxiety over anticipated events.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Panic in the stock market.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

panickedadjectiveThrown into a state of intense fear or desperation.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Felt panicked before each exam.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

panickyadjectiveThrown into a state of intense fear or desperation.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Became panicky as the snow deepened.

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) ↗

papaladjectiveProceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Papal dispensation.

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) ↗

papernounA medium for written communication.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The notion of an office running without paper is absurd.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

paperyadjectiveThin and paperlike.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Wasps that make nests of papery material.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

parnoun(golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Par for this course is 72.

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) ↗

parachutingnounDescent with a parachute.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He had done a lot of parachuting in the army.

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

paradenounAn extended (often showy) succession of persons or things.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A parade of witnesses.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

paradigmnounThe generally accepted perspective of a particular discipline at a given time.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He framed the problem within the psychoanalytic paradigm.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

paradoxnoun(logic) a statement that contradicts itself.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

`I always lie' is a paradox because if it is true it must be false.

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) ↗

paradoxicaladjectiveSeemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

It is paradoxical that standing is more tiring than walking.

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) ↗

paradoxicallyadverbIn a paradoxical manner.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Paradoxically, ice ages seem to occur when the sun gets hotter.

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) ↗

paralleladjectiveExtending in the same direction without meeting.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Draw two parallel lines across the page.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Greek, through Latin and French

Original teaching entry.

paralyticadjectiveRelating to or of the nature of paralysis.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Paralytic symptoms.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek.

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

parametricadjectiveOf or relating to or in terms of a parameter.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Parametric equation.

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

paranormaladjectiveNot in accordance with scientific laws.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

What seemed to be paranormal manifestations.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Ottoman Turkish, Persian, Serbo-Croatian. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

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

parasiticadjectiveOf plants or persons; having the nature or habits of a parasite or leech; living off another.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Parasitic vines that strangle the trees.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

parboilverbCook (vegetables) briefly.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Parboil the beans before freezing them.

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) ↗

parchedadjectiveToasted or roasted slightly.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Parched corn was a staple of the Indian diet.

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

pareverbRemove the edges from and cut down to the desired size.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Pare one's fingernails.

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) ↗

parenthoodnounThe state of being a parent.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

To everyone's surprise, parenthood reformed the man.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

paringnoun(usually plural) a part of a fruit or vegetable that is pared or cut off; especially the skin or peel.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She could peel an apple with a single long paring.

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

paritynoun(obstetrics) the number of liveborn children a woman has delivered.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The parity of the mother must be considered.

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

parknounA large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

There are laws that protect the wildlife in this park.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, 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) ↗

parkedadjectiveThat have been left.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

There were four parked cars across the street.

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

parkingnounSpace in which vehicles can be parked.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

There is plenty of parking behind the store.

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) ↗

parliamentaryadjectiveRelating to or having the nature of a parliament.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Parliamentary reform.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

parochialadjectiveNarrowly restricted in outlook or scope.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Little sympathy with parochial mentality.

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

parsimoniousadjectiveExcessively unwilling to spend.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Parsimonious thrift relieved by few generous impulses.

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) ↗

partnounSomething determined in relation to something that includes it.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He wanted to feel a part of something bigger than himself.

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) ↗

partialadjectiveBeing or affecting only a part; not total.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A partial monopoly.

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) ↗

partiallyadverbIn part; in some degree; not wholly.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He was partially paralyzed.

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) ↗

participatoryadjectiveAffording the opportunity for individual participation.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Participatory democracy.

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) ↗

particularadjectiveUnique or specific to a person or thing or category.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The particular demands of the job.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

particularlyadverbTo a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A particularly gruesome attack.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

partingnounThe act of departing politely.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

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

partitionverbSeparate or apportion into sections.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Partition a room off.

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) ↗

partlyadverbIn part; in some degree; not wholly.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

I felt partly to blame.

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) ↗

partnershipnounA cooperative relationship between people or groups who agree to share responsibility for achieving some specific goal.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The action teams worked in partnership with the government.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

partsnounThe local environment.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He hasn't been seen around these parts in years.

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

partynounAn organization to gain political power.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

In 1992 Perot tried to organize a third party at the national level.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

passnoun(military) a written leave of absence.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He had a pass for three days.

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) ↗

passableadjectiveAble to be passed or traversed or crossed.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The road is passable.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French.

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

passagenounA journey usually by ship.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The outward passage took 10 days.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

See the rest of the winners in our huge passel of photos.

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

passingnoun(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The coach sent in a passing play on third and long.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

passionnounAny object of warm affection or devotion.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He has a passion for cock fighting.

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) ↗

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