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Words 6301–6400 of 10,000Independent bank · American English

perfunctoryadjectiveHasty and without attention to detail; not thorough.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Perfunctory courtesy.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin.

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

perilousadjectiveFraught with danger.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A perilous voyage across the Atlantic in a small boat.

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) ↗

periodnounAn amount of time.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Picasso's blue period.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

periodicadjectiveHappening or recurring at regular intervals.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The periodic appearance of the seventeen-year locust.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

peripateticadjectiveTraveling especially on foot.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Peripatetic country preachers.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

peripheraladjectiveOn or near an edge or constituting an outer boundary; the outer area.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Peripheral suburbs.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

perishableadjectiveLiable to perish; subject to destruction or death or decay.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

This minute and perishable planet.

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) ↗

perkyadjectiveCharacterized by liveliness and lightheartedness.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A perky little widow in her 70s.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

permanentadjectiveContinuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Literature of permanent value.

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) ↗

permanentlyadverbFor a long time without essential change.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He is permanently disabled.

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) ↗

permeableadjectiveAllowing fluids or gases to pass or diffuse through.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Permeable membranes.

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) ↗

permissibleadjectiveThat may be permitted especially as according to rule.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A permissible tax deduction.

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) ↗

permissionnounApproval to do something.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He asked permission to leave.

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) ↗

permissiveadjectiveGranting or inclined or able to grant permission; not strict in discipline.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Permissive parents.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

perpetrateverbPerform an act, usually with a negative connotation.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Perpetrate a crime.

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

perpetualadjectiveUninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The perpetual struggle to maintain standards in a democracy.

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) ↗

perplexedadjectiveFull of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Perplexed language.

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

perplexingadjectiveLacking clarity of meaning; causing confusion or perplexity.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Perplexing to someone who knew nothing about it.

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

perseverancenounContinued effort despite difficulty or delay.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Learning the piece required patience and perseverance.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Latin, through French

Original teaching entry.

persistentadjectiveRetained; not shed.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The persistent gills of fishes.

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) ↗

persistentlyadverbIn a persistent manner.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was asking questions, unavoidable questions, persistently...

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) ↗

personnounA human being.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

There was too much for one person to do.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

personaladjectiveConcerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

For your personal use.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

personalitynounA person of considerable prominence.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She is a Hollywood personality.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

personalizedadjectiveMade for or directed or adjusted to a particular individual.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Personalized advice.

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

personallyadverbIn the flesh; without involving anyone else.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I went there personally.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

personificationnounA person who represents an abstract quality.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She is the personification of optimism.

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

perspicaciousadjectiveMentally acute or penetratingly discerning.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Much too perspicacious to be taken in by so spurious an argument.

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

perspirationnounThe process of the sweat glands of the skin secreting a salty fluid.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Perspiration is a homeostatic process.

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) ↗

persuadeverbTo lead someone to agree through reasons or requests.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She tried to persuade her friends to join the club.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Latin, through French

Original teaching entry.

persuasionnounA personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I am not of your persuasion.

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) ↗

persuasiveadjectiveIntended or having the power to induce action or belief.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Persuasive eloquence.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

pertinentadjectiveHaving precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A list of articles pertinent to the discussion.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

perturbverbThrow into great confusion or disorder.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Fundamental Islamicists threaten to perturb the social order in Algeria and Egypt.

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) ↗

perturbationnounActivity that is a malfunction, intrusion, or interruption.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The term `distress' connotes some degree of perturbation and emotional upset.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

perturbingadjectiveCausing distress or worry or anxiety.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A revelation that was most perturbing.

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

peruseverbExamine or consider with attention and in detail.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Please peruse this report at your leisure.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

pervasiveadjectiveSpreading or spread throughout.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The pervasive odor of garlic.

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

perverseadjectiveMarked by a disposition to oppose and contradict.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Took perverse satisfaction in foiling her plans.

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

perversionnounThe action of perverting something (turning it to a wrong use).advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It was a perversion of justice.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

pervertedadjectiveDeviating from what is considered moral or right or proper or good.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A perverted sense of loyalty.

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

pesteredadjectiveTroubled persistently especially with petty annoyances.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Her poor pestered father had to endure her constant interruptions.

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

pesteringadjectiveCausing irritation or annoyance.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Swarms of pestering gnats.

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

petrifyverbMake rigid and set into a conventional pattern.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Slogans petrify our thinking.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

pettyadjectiveContemptibly narrow in outlook.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Petty little comments.

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) ↗

phagenounA virus that is parasitic (reproduces itself) in bacteria.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Phage uses the bacterium's machinery and energy to produce more phage until the bacterium is destroyed and phage is released to invade surrounding bacteria.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek.

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

phantomadjectiveSomething apparently sensed but having no physical reality.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Seemed to hear faint phantom bells.

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) ↗

pharaohnounA ruler of ancient Egypt.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The museum displayed a statue of a pharaoh.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Egyptian, through Hebrew and Greek

Original teaching entry.

pharmaceuticaladjectiveOf or relating to pharmacy or pharmacists.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The pharmaceutical industry.

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) ↗

phasenoun(astronomy) the particular appearance of a body's state of illumination (especially one of the recurring shapes of the part of Earth's moon that is illuminated by the sun).beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The full phase of the moon.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

phenomenaladjectiveOf or relating to a phenomenon.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Phenomenal science.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

philanthropicadjectiveGenerous in assistance to the poor.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Philanthropic contributions.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French.

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

philharmonicadjectiveComposing or characteristic of an orchestral group.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Philharmonic players.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, Italian, 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) ↗

philosophicadjectiveCharacterized by the attitude of a philosopher; meeting trouble with level-headed detachment.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A philosophic attitude toward life.

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) ↗

philosophicaladjectiveOf or relating to philosophy or philosophers.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Philosophical writing.

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) ↗

philosophicallyadverbIn a philosophic manner.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She took it philosophically.

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) ↗

philosophynounAny personal belief about how to live or how to deal with a situation.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Self-indulgence was his only philosophy.

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) ↗

phlegmaticadjectiveShowing little emotion.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A phlegmatic...and certainly undemonstrative man.

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) ↗

phoneticadjectiveOf or relating to speech sounds.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Phonetic transcription.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

photographverbUndergo being photographed in a certain way.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Children photograph well.

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

photographicadjectiveRelating to photography or obtained by using photography.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Photographic equipment.

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

phraseverbDivide, combine, or mark into phrases.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Phrase a musical passage.

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) ↗

physicaladjectiveInvolving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Physical suffering.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

physicallyadverbIn accord with physical laws.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It is physically impossible.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

physicsnounThe science of matter and energy and their interactions.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His favorite subject was physics.

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) ↗

physiologicaladjectiveOf or relating to the biological study of physiology.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Physiological psychology.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

physiquenounAlternative names for the body of a human being.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He has a strong physique.

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

pianoadjectiveUsed chiefly as a direction or description in music.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The piano passages in the composition.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Italian, Latin, 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) ↗

picaresqueadjectiveInvolving clever rogues or adventurers especially as in a type of fiction.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Waifs of the picaresque tradition.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Spanish.

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

picayuneadjective(informal) small and of little importance.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Giving a police officer a free meal may be against the law, but it seems to be a picayune infraction.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, French, Occitan, Provençal, 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) ↗

pickverbHarass with constant criticism.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Don't always pick on your little brother.

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) ↗

picketverbServe as pickets or post pickets.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Picket a business to protest the layoffs.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French.

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

pickingnounThe quantity of a crop that is harvested.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He sent the first picking of berries to the market.

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

pickingsnounThe act of someone who picks up or takes something.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The pickings were easy.

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

pickupnounAnything with restorative powers.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She needed the pickup that coffee always gave her.

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) ↗

picnicnounAny undertaking that is easy to do.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Marketing this product will be no picnic.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, French, 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) ↗

pictorialadjectivePertaining to or consisting of pictures.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Pictorial perspective.

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

picturenounA clear and telling mental image.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He had no clear picture of himself or his world.

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) ↗

picturedadjectiveSeen in the mind as a mental image.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The snow-covered Alps pictured in her imagination.

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

picturesqueadjectiveSuggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A picturesque village.

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) ↗

piecenounA separate part of a whole.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

An important piece of the evidence.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

piecemealadverbA little bit at a time.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The research structure has developed piecemeal.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Gaulish, Late 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) ↗

piercingadjectivePainful as if caused by a sharp instrument.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Piercing criticism.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Japanese, 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) ↗

piezoelectricadjectiveRelating to or involving piezoelectricity.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Piezoelectric plates.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

piggyadjectiveResembling swine; coarsely gluttonous or greedy.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The piggy fat-cheeked little boy and his porcine pot-bellied father.

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) ↗

piggybackverbBring into alignment with.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

An amendment to piggyback the current law.

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

pilenounThe yarn (as in a rug or velvet or corduroy) that stands up from the weave.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

For uniform color and texture tailors cut velvet with the pile running the same direction.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, 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) ↗

pillarnounA prominent supporter.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He is a pillar of the community.

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) ↗

pillaredadjectiveHaving pillars.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The pillared portico.

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) ↗

pilotverbOperate an airplane.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The pilot flew to Cuba.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

pilotlessadjectiveLacking a pilot.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A drone is a pilotless aircraft.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

pinverbAttach or fasten with pins or as if with pins.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Pin the needle to the shirt.

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) ↗

pinchnounA painful or straitened circumstance.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The pinch of the recession.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

pinchedadjectiveVery thin especially from disease or hunger or cold.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Small pinched faces.

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

pingverbSend a message from one computer to another to check whether it is reachable and active.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Ping your machine in the office.

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) ↗

pinnaclenounThe highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

...catapulted Einstein to the pinnacle of fame.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, 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) ↗

pinpointverbLocate exactly.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Can you pinpoint the position of the enemy?

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

pipeverbTransport by pipeline.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Pipe oil, water, and gas into the desert.

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) ↗

pipelinenounA pipe used to transport liquids or gases.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A pipeline runs from the wells to the seaport.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

pipingadverb(used of heat) extremely.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The casserole was piping hot.

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

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

No matching words.