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Words 701–800 of 10,000Independent bank · American English
backstageadverbOut of view of the public; behind the scenes.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Many private deals were made backstage at the convention.

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

backstairsadjectiveSecret and sly or sordid.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Backstairs intimacies.

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

backstopnounA precaution in case of an emergency.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He acted as a backstop in case anything went wrong.

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

backupnoun(computer science) a copy of a file or directory on a separate storage device.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He made a backup in case the original was accidentally damaged or erased.

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

backwardadverbAt or to or toward the back or rear.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Tripped when he stepped backward.

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

backwaternounA place or condition in which no development or progress is occurring.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The country is an economic backwater.

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

bacterialadjectiveRelating to or caused by bacteria.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Bacterial infection.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

badadjectiveHaving undesirable or negative qualities.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Clothes in bad shape.

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) ↗

badgenounAn emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.).intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

They checked everyone's badge before letting them in.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

badlyadverbTo a severe or serious degree.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Fingers so badly frozen they had to be amputated.

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) ↗

bafflednounPeople who are frustrated and perplexed.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The children's faces clearly expressed the frustration of the baffled.

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

bafflingadjectiveMaking great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A baffling problem.

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

bagnounA flexible container with a single opening.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He stuffed his laundry into a large bag.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle 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) ↗

bailnoun(criminal law) money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The judge set bail at $10,000.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, 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) ↗

bakedadjectiveDried out by heat or excessive exposure to sunlight.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Land lying baked in the heat.

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

balancenounA steady position in which something does not fall over.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The dancer kept her balance on one foot.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

Original teaching entry. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

balancedadjectiveBeing in a state of proper equilibrium.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A balanced blend of whiskeys.

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

baldadjectiveLacking hair on all or most of the scalp.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A bald-headed gentleman.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

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

baldlyadverbIn a bald manner.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

This book is, to put it baldly, an uneven work.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

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

balefuladjectiveDeadly or sinister.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The Florida eagles have a fierce baleful look.

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) ↗

balknounThe area on a billiard table behind the balkline.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A player with ball in hand must play from the balk.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Dutch, 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) ↗

ballnounRound object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The mayor threw out the first ball.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

ballgamenounA particular situation that is radically different from the preceding situation.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

HDTV looks the same but it's really a whole new ballgame.

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

ballparknounA facility in which ball games are played (especially baseball games).intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Take me out to the ballpark.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

ballyadjectiveInformal intensifiers.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

What a bally (or blinking) nuisance.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ottoman Turkish.

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

balmyadjectiveMild and pleasant.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Balmy days and nights.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

balsamicadjectiveOf or relating to or containing balsam.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A balsamic fragrance.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

bandnounJewelry consisting of a circlet of precious metal (often set with jewels) worn on the finger.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He noted that she wore a wedding band.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

bandageverbDress by covering or binding.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Bandage an incision.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

bandagedadjectiveCovered or wrapped with a bandage.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The bandaged wound on the back of his head.

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

bandedadjectiveIdentified with a band especially around a leg.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Kept watch for the return of their banded birds.

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

bandingnounA stripe or stripes of contrasting color.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The black and yellow banding of bees and wasps.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

bandwagonnounA large ornate wagon for carrying a musical band.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The gaudy bandwagon led the circus parade.

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

banenounSomething causing misery or death.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The bane of my life.

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) ↗

bangnounA vigorous blow.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He got a bang on the head.

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) ↗

banknounSloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

They pulled the canoe up on the bank.

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

bankableadjectiveGuaranteed to bring a profit.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Without bankable stars the film script aroused no interest.

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

bankrollverbProvide with sufficient funds; finance.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Who will bankroll the restoration of the former East German economy?

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

bankruptadjectiveFinancially ruined.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A bankrupt company.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

bankruptcynounInability to discharge all your debts as they come due.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The company had to declare bankruptcy.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

banneradjectiveUnusually good; outstanding.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A banner year for the company.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

banquetnounA meal that is well prepared and greatly enjoyed.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A banquet for the graduating seniors.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

barnounA counter where you can obtain food or drink.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He bought a hot dog and a coke at the bar.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

barbarianadjectiveWithout civilizing influences.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Barbarian invaders.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

barbaricadjectiveWithout civilizing influences.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Barbaric practices.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek.

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

barbedadjectiveCapable of wounding.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A barbed compliment.

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

bareadjectiveHaving everything extraneous removed including contents.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The cupboard was bare.

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) ↗

barefootadverbWithout shoes on.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He chased her barefoot across the meadow.

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) ↗

barelyadverbOnly a very short time before.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

They could barely hear the speaker.

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) ↗

bargainnounAn advantageous purchase.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She got a bargain at the auction.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, 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) ↗

bargainernounNegotiator of the terms of a transaction.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He is a hard bargainer.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, 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) ↗

barometricadjectiveRelating to atmospheric pressure or indicated by a barometer.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Barometric pressure.

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

baroqueadjectiveHaving elaborate symmetrical ornamentation.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The building...frantically baroque.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

barragenounThe rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication (spoken or written).intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A barrage of questions.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, 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) ↗

barrelnounAny of various units of capacity.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A barrel of beer is 31 gallons and a barrel of oil is 42 gallons.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Frankish, Gothic, 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) ↗

barrenadjectiveCompletely wanting or lacking.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Writing barren of insight.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Frankish, 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) ↗

barricadenounA barrier (usually thrown up hastily) to impede the advance of an enemy.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

They stormed the barricade.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, Gaulish, Latin, Occitan, Old Occitan, 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) ↗

barricadedadjectivePreventing entry or exit or a course of action.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A barricaded street.

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

barriernounAny condition that makes it difficult to make progress or to achieve an objective.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Intolerance is a barrier to understanding.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

barternounAn equal exchange.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

We had no money so we had to live by barter.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

basaladjectiveEspecially of leaves; located at the base of a plant or stem; especially arising directly from the root or rootstock or a root-like stem.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Basal placentation.

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) ↗

baseverbUse as a basis for; found on.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Base a claim on some observation.

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) ↗

baseballnounA ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He played baseball in high school.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

basedadjectiveHaving a base of operations (often used as a combining form).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Carrier-based planes.

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) ↗

baselinenounAn imaginary line or standard by which things are measured or compared.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The established a baseline for the budget.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, 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) ↗

bashnounA vigorous blow.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He took a bash right in his face.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle 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) ↗

bashfuladjectiveSelf-consciously timid.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

I never laughed, being bashful; lowering my head, I looked at the wall.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

basicadjectivePertaining to or constituting a base or basis.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The basic ingredients.

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) ↗

basicallyadverbIn essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He is basically dishonest.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

basicsnounPrinciples from which other truths can be derived.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Let's get down to basics.

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

basinnounA bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She mixed the dough in a large basin.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

basisnounA relation that provides the foundation for something.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He worked on an interim basis.

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) ↗

basophilianounThe tendency of cells to stain with basic dyes.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Cytoplasmic basophilia.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek.

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

bastionnounA group that defends a principle.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A bastion against corruption.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, Italian, 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) ↗

batnoun(baseball) a turn trying to get a hit.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He was at bat when it happened.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

A batch of letters.

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) ↗

bateverbSoak in a special solution to soften and remove chemicals used in previous treatments.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Bate hides and skins.

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

batedadjectiveDiminished or moderated.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Our bated enthusiasm.

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

bathnounA vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She soaked the etching in an acid bath.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Hebrew, 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) ↗

bathenounThe act of swimming.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The Englishman said he had a good bathe.

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) ↗

battalionnounA large indefinite number.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A battalion of ants.

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

battenverbSecure with battens.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Batten down a ship's hatches.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

batteredadjectiveDamaged by blows or hard usage.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A battered old car.

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

batterynounA collection of related things intended for use together.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Took a battery of achievement tests.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, 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) ↗

battlenounA hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Grant won a decisive victory in the battle of Chickamauga.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: 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) ↗

baynounA compartment on a ship between decks; often used as a hospital.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

They put him in the sick bay.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Basque, French, Late Latin, 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) ↗

beachheadnounA bridgehead on the enemy's shoreline seized by an amphibious operation.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The Germans were desperately trying to contain the Anzio beachhead.

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) ↗

beadverbDecorate by sewing beads onto.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Bead the wedding gown.

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) ↗

beadedadjectiveCovered with beads of liquid.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A face beaded with sweat.

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

beaklikeadjectiveResembling the beak of a bird.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A grizzled man with a beaklike nose.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

beamnounThe broad side of a ship.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

They sighted land on the port beam.

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) ↗

beamishadjectiveSmiling with happiness or optimism.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Come to my arms, my beamish boy!

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

bearverbPut up with something or somebody unpleasant.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

I cannot bear his constant criticism.

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) ↗

beardedadjectiveHaving a growth of hairlike awns.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Bearded wheatgrass.

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) ↗

bearernounA messenger who bears or presents.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A bearer of good tidings.

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) ↗

bearingnounRelevant relation or interconnection.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Those issues have no bearing on our situation.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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

beatverbCome out better in a competition, race, or conflict.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

We beat the competition.

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) ↗

beatenadjectiveMuch trodden and worn smooth or bare.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Did not stray from the beaten path.

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) ↗

beautifuladjectiveDelighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A beautiful theory.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

beautifullyadverbIn a beautiful manner.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Her face was beautifully made up.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

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