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.

Explore past bee words and study guides →

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

Words 6801–6900 of 10,000Independent bank · American English

protectedadjectiveKept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The most protected spot I could find.

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

protectingadjectiveShielding (or designed to shield) against harm or discomfort.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A protecting alibi.

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

protectionnounThe activity of protecting someone or something.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The witnesses demanded police protection.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

protectiveadjectiveIntended or adapted to afford protection of some kind.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Protective tariffs.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

protectivelyadverbIn a protective manner.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He bent protectively over the woman.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

protoadjectiveIndicating the first or earliest or original.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

`proto' is a combining form in a word like `protolanguage' that refers to the hypothetical ancestor of another language or group of languages.

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

prototypenounA standard or typical example.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He is the prototype of good breeding.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

protrudingadjectiveExtending out above or beyond a surface or boundary.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His protruding ribs.

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

protuberancenounSomething that bulges out or is protuberant or projects from its surroundings.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The occipital protuberance was well developed.

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

proudadjectiveFeeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Proud to serve his country.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

proudlyadverbWith pride; in a proud manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He walked proudly into town.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

provableadjectiveCapable of being demonstrated or proved.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Practical truth provable to all men.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

provenadjectiveEstablished beyond doubt.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A Soviet leader of proven shrewdness.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

proverbialadjectiveOf or relating to or resembling or expressed in a proverb.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The proverbial grasshopper.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

provideverbTake measures in preparation for.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Provide for the proper care of the passengers on the cruise ship.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

providentadjectiveProviding carefully for the future.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wild squirrels are provident.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

providentialadjectivePeculiarly fortunate or appropriate; as if by divine intervention.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A providential recovery.

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) ↗

provincenounThe proper sphere or extent of your activities.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It was his province to take care of himself.

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) ↗

provincialadjectiveOf or associated with a province.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Provincial government.

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) ↗

provisionnounA stipulated condition.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He accepted subject to one provision.

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) ↗

provisionaladjectiveUnder terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A provisional government.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle French.

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

provocationnounNeeded encouragement.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The result was a provocation of vigorous investigation.

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) ↗

provocativeadjectiveServing or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate; stimulating discussion or exciting controversy.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A provocative smile.

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) ↗

provokedadjectiveIncited, especially deliberately, to anger.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The provoked animal attacked the child.

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

provokingadjectiveCausing or tending to cause anger or resentment.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A provoking delay at the airport.

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

proximaladjectiveSituated nearest to point of attachment or origin.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The proximal end of a bone.

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

proximateadjectiveClosest in degree or order (space or time) especially in a chain of causes and effects.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

News of his proximate arrival.

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

prudentadjectiveCareful and sensible; marked by sound judgment.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Prudent hesitation.

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) ↗

prudentialadjectiveArising from or characterized by prudence especially in business matters.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He abstained partly for prudential reasons.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Hindi.

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

prudentlyadverbIn a prudent manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I had allotted my own bedroom for necking, prudently removing both the bed and the key, and taken both myself and my typewriter into my son's bedroom.

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) ↗

prunernounA worker who thins out and trims trees and shrubs.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Untouched by the pruner's axe.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

prurientadjectiveCharacterized by lust.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Prurient literature.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

pryverbTo move or force, especially in an effort to get something open.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Raccoons managed to pry the lid off the garbage pail.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

psychiatricadjectiveRelating to or used in or engaged in the practice of psychiatry.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Psychiatric disorder.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

psychoanalysisnounA set of techniques for exploring underlying motives and a method of treating various mental disorders; based on the theories of Sigmund Freud.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His physician recommended psychoanalysis.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, German, Medieval 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) ↗

psychoanalyticadjectiveOf or relating to or incorporating the methods and theory of psychiatric treatment originated by Sigmund Freud.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Psychoanalytic treatment.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

psychogenicadjectiveMental or emotional rather than physiological in origin.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A psychogenic disorder.

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

psychologicaladjectiveMental or emotional as opposed to physical in nature.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Psychological warfare.

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

psychologicallyadverbWith regard to psychology.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The event was very damaging to the child psychologically.

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

psychotherapeuticadjectiveOf or relating to or practicing psychotherapy.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Psychotherapeutic sessions.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

publicadjectiveNot private; open to or concerning the people as a whole.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Performers and members of royal families are public figures.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

publicitynounThe quality of being open to public view.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The publicity of the court room.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

publiclyadverbIn a manner accessible to or observable by the public; openly.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She admitted publicly to being a communist.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

publishverbPrepare and issue for public distribution or sale.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Publish a magazine or newspaper.

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) ↗

publishedadjectivePrepared and printed for distribution and sale.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The complete published works Dickens.

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

puddlenounSomething resembling a pool of liquid.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His chair sat in a puddle of books and magazines.

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) ↗

puffnounForceful exhalation through the nose or mouth.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He blew out all the candles with a single puff.

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) ↗

puffyadjectiveBlowing in puffs or short intermittent blasts.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Puffy off-shore winds.

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) ↗

pugilisticadjectiveOf or relating to pugilism or pugilists.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A pugilistic career.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

pugnaciousadjectiveReady and able to resort to force or violence.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Pugnacious spirits...lamented that there was so little prospect of an exhilarating disturbance.

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

pullnounThe act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The pull up the hill had him breathing harder.

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) ↗

pullbacknoun(military) the act of pulling back (especially an orderly withdrawal of troops).intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The pullback is expected to be over 25,000 troops.

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

pulpnounAny soft or soggy mass.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He pounded it to a pulp.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

pulverizeverbMake into a powder by breaking up or cause to become dust.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Pulverize the grains.

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

pulverizedadjectiveConsisting of fine particles.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Pulverized sugar is prepared from granulated sugar by grinding.

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

pumpverbDeliver forth.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Pump bullets into the dummy.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Arabic, Dutch, Javanese, Middle Dutch, Middle English, Middle Low German, Persian. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

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

pumpedadjectiveTense with excitement and enthusiasm as from a rush of adrenaline.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was so pumped he couldn't sleep.

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

punnounA humorous play on words.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I do it for the pun of it.

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) ↗

punctiliousadjectiveMarked by precise accordance with details.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Punctilious in his attention to rules of etiquette.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

punctualadjectiveActing or arriving or performed exactly at the time appointed.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He is not a particularly punctual person.

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

punctureverbCause to lose air pressure or collapse by piercing.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Puncture an air balloon.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin.

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

puncturedadjectiveHaving a hole cut through.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A punctured balloon.

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

pungentlyadverbWith pungency; in a pungent manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He wrote pungently about his contemporaries.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

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

punishverbImpose a penalty on; inflict punishment on.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

We had to punish the dog for soiling the floor again.

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) ↗

punishableadjectiveLiable to or deserving punishment.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Punishable offenses.

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) ↗

punishingadjectiveCharacterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Set a punishing pace.

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

puntnoun(football) a kick in which the football is dropped from the hands and kicked before it touches the ground.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The punt traveled 50 yards.

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

purchasenounThe acquisition of something for payment.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

They closed the purchase with a handshake.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

purchasingnounThe act of buying.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Shrewd purchasing requires considerable knowledge.

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

pureadjectiveFree of extraneous elements of any kind.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Pure air and water.

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) ↗

pureeverbRub through a strainer or process in an electric blender.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Puree the vegetables for the baby.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

purgenounAn abrupt or sudden removal of a person or group from an organization or place.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He died in a purge by Stalin.

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) ↗

purifyingadjectiveFreeing from noxious matter.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Filtration is a purifying agent.

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

purplenounOf imperial status.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was born to the purple.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

purposefuladjectiveHaving meaning through having an aim.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Led a happy purposeful life.

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) ↗

purposelessadjectiveServing no useful purpose; having no excuse for being.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A life essentially purposeless.

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) ↗

pursenounA sum of money offered as a prize.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The purse barely covered the winner's expenses.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

pursuantadjective(followed by `to') in conformance to or agreement with.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Pursuant to our agreement.

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

pursuednounA person who is being chased.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The film jumped back and forth from the pursuer to the pursued.

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

pursuernounA person who pursues some plan or goal.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A pursuer of truth.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

pursuingadjectiveFollowing in order to overtake or capture or as accompaniment to such pursuit.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The fox fled from the pursuing hounds.

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

pursuitnounThe act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The culprit started to run and the cop took off in pursuit.

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

pushnounThe act of applying force in order to move something away.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He gave the door a hard push.

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) ↗

pushingnounThe act of applying force in order to move something away.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The pushing is good exercise.

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

putverbCause to be in a certain state; cause to be in a certain relation.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Put your ideas in writing.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

putativeadjectivePurported; commonly put forth or accepted as true on inconclusive grounds.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The foundling's putative father.

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) ↗

putridadjectiveMorally corrupt or evil.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The putrid atmosphere of the court.

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) ↗

puttnounHitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His putting let him down today; he didn't sink a single putt over three feet.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

puttingnounHitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His putting let him down today; he didn't sink a single putt over three feet.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

puzzlenounA problem or game that takes thought to solve.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The last clue helped us solve the puzzle.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English

Original teaching entry.

puzzledadjectiveFilled with bewilderment.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Puzzled that she left without saying goodbye.

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

puzzlernounA particularly baffling problem that is said to have a correct solution.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

That's a real puzzler.

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

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

USAGE EXAMPLE

A puzzling statement.

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

pyrrhicadjectiveOf or relating to a war dance of ancient Greece.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Pyrrhic dance movements.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

quadraticadjectiveOf or relating to the second power.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Quadratic equation.

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) ↗

quadrupleadjectiveHaving four units or components.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Quadruple rhythm has four beats per measure.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

quaintadjectiveStrange in an interesting or pleasing way.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Quaint dialect words.

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) ↗

quaintlyadverbIn a quaint old-fashioned manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The room was quaintly furnished.

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) ↗

qualificationnounThe act of modifying or changing the strength of some idea.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His new position involves a qualification of his party's platform.

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) ↗

qualifiedadjectiveMeeting the proper standards and requirements and training for an office or position or task.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Many qualified applicants for the job.

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.