[转]VOA Special English 基本词汇

from: http://www.wwenglish.com/en/voa/res/3674.htm

 

n. (noun) - a name word

v. (verb) - an action word 

ad. (adjective/adverb) - a describing word 

prep. (preposition) - a word used to show a relation 

pro. (pronoun) - a word used in place of a noun 

conj. (conjunction) - a joining word 

 A

a (an) - ad. one; any; each

able - v. having the power to do something 

about - ad. almost ("about half"); of or having a relation to ("We talk about the weather.") 

above - ad. at a higher place 

accept - v. to agree to receive 

accident - n. something that happens by chance or mistake; an unplanned event 

accuse - v. to say a person is responsible for an act or crime; to make a statement against someone 

across - ad. from side to side; to the other side 

act - v. to do something 

activist - n. one who seeks change through action 

actor - n. someone acting in a play or show 

add - v. to put (something) with another to make it larger; to say more 

administration - n. the executive part of a government, usually headed by a president or prime minister 

admit - v. to accept ("admitted to the United Nations"); to express one's guilt or responsibility ("He admitted that what he did was wrong.") 

adult - n. a grown person 

advise - v. to help with information, knowledge or ideas in making a decision 

affect - v. to produce an effect on; to influence ("A lack of sleep affected the singer's performance.") 

afraid - ad. feeling fear

after - ad. later; behind 

again - ad. another time; as before 

against - ad. opposed to; not agreeing with something 

age - n. how old a person or thing is

agency - n. an organization that is part of a larger group ("an agency of the United Nations") 

aggression - n. an attack against a person or country; the violation of a country's borders 

ago - ad. of time past; before now 

agree - v. to have the same belief as someone; to be willing to do something 

agriculture - n. farming 

aid - v. to help; to support; n. help, assistance 

aim - v. to point a gun at; n. a goal or purpose 

air - n. the mixture of gases around the earth, mostly nitrogen and oxygen, that we breathe 

air force - n. a military organization using airplanes 

airplane - n. a vehicle with wings that flies 

airport - n. a place where airplanes take off and land 

album - n. a collection of recorded music 

alcohol - n. a strong, colorless liquid, usually made from grain, used as a drug or in industrial products 

alive - ad. having life; not dead 

all - ad. everything; everyone; the complete amount 

ally - n. a nation or person joined with another for a special purpose 

almost - ad. a little less than completely 

alone - ad. separated from others 

along - ad. near or on ("along the road") 

already - ad. before now; even now 

also - ad. added to; too 

although - conj. even if it is true that 

always - ad. at all times; every time 

ambassador - n. a nation's highest diplomatic representative (to another government) 

amend - v. to add to or to change (a proposal or law) 

ammunition - n. the bullets or shells fired from guns 

among - ad. in or part of (a group) 

amount - n. the number, size or weight of anything 

anarchy - n. a lack of order; lawlessness 

ancestor - n. a family member from the past 

ancient - ad. very old; long ago 

and - conj. also; in addition to; with 

anger - n. a strong emotion against someone or something 

animal - n. a living creature that moves, such as a dog or cat 

anniversary - n. a yearly celebration or observance of an event that happened in the past

announce - v. to make known publicly; to declare officially 

another - ad. one more; a different one 

answer - n. a statement produced by a question; v. to make a statement after being asked a question 

any - ad. one or more of no special kind 

apologize - v. to express regret for a mistake or accident for which one accepts responsibility 

appeal - v. to take to a higher court, person or group for a decision; to call on somebody for help 

appear - v. to show oneself; to come into sight; to seem 

appoint - v. to name; to choose ("appoint a judge") 

approve - v. to agree with; to agree to support 

archeology - n. the scientific study of past human life and activities 

area - n. any place or part of it 

argue - v. to offer reasons for or against something; to dispute; to disagree 

arms - n. military equipment; weapons 

army - n. military ground forces 

around - ad. on every side (of) 

arrest - v. to seize a person for legal action; to take as a prisoner 

arrive - v. to come to a place, especially at the end of a trip 

art - n. expressions or creations by humans, such as paintings, music, writing or statues 

artillery - n. big guns 

as - conj. equally ("as fast as"); when; while 

ash - n. the part left after something burns 

ask - v. to question; to say something is wanted ("We ask the teacher questions every day.") 

assist - v. to help 

astronaut - n. a person who travels in space 

astronomy - n. the scientific study of stars and the universe 

asylum - n. political protection given by a government to a person from another country 

at - prep. in or near ("at the edge"); where ("look at"); when ("at noon") 

atmosphere - n. the gases surrounding any star or planet 

attach - v. to tie together; to connect 

attack - n. a violent attempt to damage, injure or kill; v. to start a fight 

attempt - v. to work toward something; to try; to make an effort 

attend - v. to be present at 

automobile - n. a vehicle with wheels used to carry people; a car 

autumn - n. the time of the year between summer and winter 

average - n. something (a number) representing the middle; ad. common; normal 

avoid - v. to stay away from 

awake - ad. not sleeping

award - n. an honor or prize for an act or service 

away - ad. not near 

B

baby - n. a newly born creature

back - n. the part behind the front; ad. the other way from forward 

bad - ad. wrong; acting against the law; not good 

balance - v. to make two sides or forces equal 

ball - n. something round 

balloon - n. a device of strong, light material that rises when filled with gas lighter than air 

ballot - n. a piece of paper used for voting 

ban - v. to not permit; to stop; n. an official restriction 

bank - n. an organization that keeps and lends money 

bar - v. to prevent or block 

barrier - n. anything that blocks or makes an action difficult 

base - n. a military center; v. to establish as a fact ("Her research was based on experiments.") 

battle - n. a fight between opposing armed forces 

be - v. to live; to happen; to exist 

beat - v. to hit again and again 

beauty - ad. that which pleases the eye, ear or spirit 

because - prep. for the reason that ("He left because he was sick.") 

become - v. to come to be 

bed - n. a sleeping place 

before - prep. earlier 

begin - v. to do the first part of an action; to start 

behind - ad. at the back of; in back of 

believe - v. to think; to feel sure of; to accept as true; to trust 

bell - n. an instrument that makes a musical sound ("a church bell") 

belong - v. to be owned by; to be a member of 

below - ad. lower than 

best - ad. the most good 

betray - v. to turn against; to be false to 

better - ad. more good than 

between - ad. in the space or time that separates; from one to the other ("talks between two nations") 

big - ad. of great size; not small 

bill - n. a legislative proposal 

biology - n. the scientific study of life or living things in all their forms 

bird - n. a creature that flies 

bite - v. to cut with the teeth 

black - ad. dark; having the color like that of the night sky 

blame - v. to accuse; to hold responsible 

blanket - n. a cloth cover used to keep warm 

bleed - v. to lose blood 

blind - ad. not able to see 

block - v. to stop something from being done; to prevent movement 

blood - n. red fluid in the body 

blow - v. to move with force, as in air ("The wind blows.") 

blue - ad. having the color like that of a clear sky 

boat - n. something built to travel on water that carries people or goods 

body - n. all of a person or animal; the remains of a person or animal 

boil - v. to heat a liquid until it becomes very hot 

bomb - n. a device that explodes with great force; v. to attack or destroy with bombs 

bone - n. the hard material in the body 

book - n. a long written work for reading 

border - n. a dividing line between nations 

born - v. to come to life; to come into existence 

borrow - v. to take as a loan 

both - ad. not just one of two, but the two together 

bottle - n. a container, usually made of glass, to hold liquid 

bottom - ad. the lowest part of something 

box - n. something to put things into; a container, usually made of paper or wood 

boy - n. a young male person 

boycott - v. to refuse to take part in or deal with 

brain - n. the control center of thought, emotions and body activity of all creatures 

brave - ad. having no fear 

bread - n. a food made from grain 

break - v. to divide into parts by force; to destroy 

breathe - v. to take air into the body and let it out again 

bridge - n. a structure built over a waterway, valley or road so people and vehicles can cross from one side to the other 

brief - ad. short; not long 

bright - ad. giving much light; strong and clear in color 

bring - v. to come with something 

broadcast - v. to send information, stories or music by radio or television; n. a radio or television program 

brother - n. a male with the same father or mother as another person 

brown - ad. having the color like that of coffee 

budget - n. a spending plan 

build - v. to join materials together to make something 

building - n. anything built for use as a house, factory, office, school, store or place of entertainment 

bullet - n. a small piece of metal shot from a gun 

burn - v. to be on fire; to destroy or damage by fire 

burst - v. to break open suddenly 

bury - v. to put into the ground and cover with earth 

bus - n. a public vehicle to carry people 

business - n. one's work; buying and selling to earn money; trade 

busy - ad. doing something; very active 

but - conj. however; other than; yet 

buy - v. to get by paying something, usually money 

by - conj. near; at; next to ("by the road"); from ("a play by William Shakespeare"); not later than ("by midnight")

C

cabinet - n. a group of ministers that helps lead a government

call - v. to give a name to ("I call myself John."); to ask for or request ("They called for an end to the fighting.") 

calm - ad. quiet; peaceful; opposite tense 

camera - n. a device for taking pictures 

camp - n. a place with temporary housing 

campaign - n. a competition by opposing political candidates seeking support from voters; a connected series of military actions during a war 

can - v. to be able to; to have the right to; n. a container used to hold liquid or food, usually made of metal 

cancel - v. to end; to stop 

cancer - n. a disease in which dangerous cells grow quickly and destroy parts of the body 

candidate - n. a person who seeks or is nominated for an office or an honor 

capital - n. the official center of a government; the city where a country's government is 

capitalism - n. an economic system in which the production of most goods and services is owned and operated for profit by private citizens or companies

capture - v. to make a person or animal a prisoner; to seize or take by force; to get control of

car - n. a vehicle with wheels used to carry people; an automobile; a part of a train 

care - v. to like; to protect; to feel worry or interest 

careful - ad. acting safely; with much thought 

carry - v. to take something or someone from one place to another 

case (court) - n. a legal action 

case (medical) - n. an incident of disease ("There was only one case of chicken pox at the school.") 

cat - n. a small animal that often lives with humans 

catch - v. to seize after a chase; to stop and seize with the hands 

cause - v. to make happen; n. the thing or person that produces a result 

ceasefire - n. a halt in fighting, usually by agreement 

celebrate - v. to honor a person or event with special activities 

center - n. the middle of something; the place in the middle; a place that is the main point of an activity 

century - n. one hundred years 

ceremony - n. an act or series of acts done in a special way established by tradition 

chairman - n. a person leading a meeting or an organized group 

champion - n. the best; the winner 

chance - n. a possibility of winning or losing or that something will happen 

change - v. to make different; to become different 

charge - v. to accuse someone of something, usually a crime; n. a statement in which someone is accused of something 

chase - v. to run or go after someone or something 

cheat - v. to get by a trick; to steal from 

cheer - v. to shout approval or praise 

chemicals - n. elements found in nature or made by people; substances used in the science of chemistry 

chemistry - n. the scientific study of substances, what they are made of, how they act under different conditions, and how they form other substances 

chief - n. the head or leader of a group; ad. leading; most important 

child - n. a baby; a boy or girl 

children - n. more than one child 

choose - v. to decide between two or more 

circle - n. a closed shape that has all its points equally distant from the center, like an "O" 

citizen - n. a person who is a member of a country by birth or by law 

city - n. any important large town 

civilian - ad. not military

civil rights - n. the political, economic and social rights given equally to all people of a nation

claim - v. to say something as a fact

clash - n. a battle; v. to fight or oppose

clean - v. to make pure; ad. free from dirt or harmful substances ("clean water") 

clear - ad. easy to see or see through; easily understood

clergy - n. a body of officials within a religious organization 

climate - n. the normal weather conditions of a place 

climb - v. to go up or down something by using the feet and sometimes the hands 

clock - n. a device that measures and shows time 

close - v. to make something not open; ad. near to 

cloth - n. a material made from plants, chemicals, animal hair and other substances 

clothes - n. what people wear 

cloud - n. a mass of fog high in the sky 

coal - n. a solid black substance used as fuel 

coalition - n. forces, groups or nations joined together 

coast - n. land on the edge of the ocean 

coffee - n. a drink made from the plant of the same name 

cold - ad. not warm; having or feeling great coolness or a low temperature 

collect - v. to bring or gather together in one place; to demand and receive ("collect taxes") 

college - n. a small university 

colony - n. land controlled by another country or government 

color - n. the different effects of light on the eye, making blue, red, brown, black, yellow and others 

combine - v. to mix or bring together 

come - v. to move toward; to arrive 

command - v. to order; to have power over something 

comment - v. to say something about; to express an opinion about something 

committee - n. a group of people given special work 

common - ad. usual; same for all ("a common purpose") 

communicate - v. to tell; to give or exchange information 

community - n. a group of people living together in one place or area 

company - n. a business organized for trade, industrial or other purposes 

compare - v. to examine what is different or similar 

compete - v. to try to do as well as, or better than, another or others 

complete - ad. having all parts; ended or finished 

complex - ad. of or having many parts that are difficult to understand; not simple 

compromise - n. the settlement of an argument where each side agrees to accept less than first demanded 

computer - n. an electronic machine for storing and organizing information, and for communicating with others 

concern - n. interest, worry ("express concern about"); v. to fear ("to be concerned")

condemn - v. to say a person or action is wrong or bad 

condition - n. something declared necessary to complete an agreement; a person's health 

conference - n. a meeting 

confirm - v. to approve; to say that something is true 

conflict - n. a fight; a battle, especially a long one 

congratulate - v. to praise a person or to express pleasure for success or good luck 

Congress - n. the organization of people elected to make the laws of the United States (the House of Representatives and the Senate); a similar organization in other countries 

connect - v. to join one thing to another; to unite; to link 

conservative - n. one who usually supports tradition and opposes great change 

consider - v. to give thought to; to think about carefully 

constitution - n. the written general laws and ideas that form a nation's system of government 

contain - v. to hold; to include 

container - n. a box, bottle or can used to hold something 

continent - n. any of the seven great land areas of the world 

continue - v. to go on doing or being 

control - v. to direct; to have power over 

convention - n. a large meeting for a special purpose 

cook - v. to heat food before eating it 

cool - ad. almost cold 

cooperate - v. to act or work together 

copy - v. to make something exactly like another; n. something made to look exactly like another 

corn - n. a food grain 

correct - ad. true; free from mistakes; v. to change to what is right 

cost - n. the price or value of something ("The cost of the book is five dollars."); v. to be valued at ("The book costs five dollars.") 

cotton - n. a material made from a plant of the same name 

count - v. to speak or add numbers 

country - n. a nation; the territory of a nation; land away from cities 

court - n. where trials take place; where judges make decisions about law 

cover - v. to put something over a person or thing; n. anything that is put over a person or thing 

cow - n. a farm animal used for its milk 

crash - v. to fall violently; to hit with great force 

create - v. to make; to give life or form to 

creature - n. any living being; any animal or human 

credit - n. an agreement that payments will be made at a later time 

crew - n. a group of people working together 

crime - n. an act that violates a law 

criminal - n. a person who is responsible for a crime 

crisis - n. an extremely important time when something may become much better or worse; a dangerous situation 

criticize - v. to say what is wrong with something or someone; to condemn; to judge 

crops - n. plants that are grown and gathered for food, such as grains, fruits and vegetables 

cross - v. to go from one side to another; to go across 

crowd - n. a large number of people gathered in one place 

crush - v. to damage or destroy by great weight; to defeat completely 

cry - v. to express or show sorrow or pain 

culture - n. all the beliefs, traditions and arts of a group or population 

cure - v. to improve health; to make well ("The doctor can cure the disease."); n. something that makes a sick person well ("Antibiotics are a cure for infection.") 

curfew - n. an order to people to stay off the streets or to close their businesses 

current - n. movement of air, water or electricity; ad. belonging to the present time ("She found the report in a current publication.") 

custom - n. a long-established belief or activity of a people 

customs - n. taxes on imports 

cut - v. to divide or injure with a sharp tool; to make less; to reduce

D

dam - n. a wall built across a river to hold back flowing water

damage - v. to cause injury or destruction; n. harm; hurt or injury, usually to things 

dance - v. to move the body and feet to music; n. a series of steps, usually to music 

danger - n. a strong chance of suffering injury, damage or loss 

dark - ad. having little or no light ("The room was dark.") 

date - n. an expression of time; a day, month and year 

daughter - n. a person's female child 

day - n. twenty-four hours; the hours of sunlight 

dead - ad. not living 

deaf - ad. not able to hear 

deal - v. to have to do with ("The talks will deal with the problem of pollution."); to buy or sell ("Her company deals in plastic.") 

debate - v. to argue for or against something; n. a public discussion or argument 

debt - n. something that is owed; the condition of owing 

decide - v. to choose; to settle; to judge 

declare - v. to say; to make a statement 

decrease - v. to make less in size or amount 

deep - ad. going far down; a long way from top to bottom 

defeat - v. to cause to lose in a battle or struggle; n. a loss; the condition of having lost 

defend - v. to guard or fight against attack; to protect 

deficit - n. a shortage that results when spending is greater than earnings, or imports are greater than exports 

define - v. to give the meaning of; to explain 

degree - n. a measure of temperature 

delay - v. to decide to do something at a later time; to postpone; to cause to be late 

delegate - n. one sent to act for another; one who represents another 

demand - v. to ask by ordering; to ask with force 

democracy - n. the system of government in which citizens vote to choose leaders or to make other important decisions 

demonstrate - v. to make a public show of opinions or feelings ("The crowd demonstrated in support of human rights."); to explain by using examples ("The teacher demonstrated the idea with an experiment.") 

denounce - v. to accuse of being wrong or evil; to criticize severely 

deny - v. to declare that something is not true; to refuse a request 

depend - v. to need help and support 

deplore - v. to regret strongly; to express sadness 

deploy - v. to move forces or weapons into positions for action 

depression - n. severe unhappiness; a period of reduced business and economic activity during which many people lose their jobs 

describe - v. to give a word picture of something; to give details of something 

desert - n. a dry area of land 

design - v. to plan or create plans for 

desire - v. to want very much; to wish for 

destroy - v. to break into pieces; to end the existence of 

detail - n. a small part of something; a small piece of information 

develop - v. to grow; to create; to experience progress 

device - n. a piece of equipment made for a special purpose 

dictator - n. a ruler with complete power 

die - v. to become dead; to stop living; to end 

diet - n. usual daily food and drink 

different - ad. not the same 

difficult - ad. not easy; hard to do, make or carry out 

dig - v. to make a hole in the ground 

dinner - n. the main amount of food eaten at a usual time ("The family had its dinner at noon."); a special event that includes food ("The official dinner took place at the White House.") 

diplomat - n. a person who represents his or her government in dealing with another government 

direct - v. to lead; to aim or show the way ("He directed me to the theater."); ad. straight to something; not through some other person or thing ("The path is direct.") 

direction - n. the way (east, west, north, south); where someone or something came from or went to 

dirt - n. earth or soil 

disappear - v. to become unseen; to no longer exist 

disarm - v. to take away weapons; to no longer keep weapons; to make a bomb harmless by removing its exploding device 

discover - v. to find or learn something 

discuss - v. to talk about; to exchange ideas 

disease - n. a sickness in living things, often caused by viruses, germs or bacteria 

dismiss - v. to send away; to refuse to consider 

dispute - v. to oppose strongly by argument; n. an angry debate 

dissident - n. a person who strongly disagrees with his or her government 

distance - n. the amount of space between two places or objects ("The distance from my house to your house is two kilometers.") 

dive - v. to jump into water head first 

divide - v. to separate into two or more parts 

do - v. to act; to make an effort 

doctor - n. a person trained in medicine to treat sick people 

document - n. an official piece of paper with facts written on it, used as proof or support of something 

dog - n. a small animal that often lives with humans 

dollar - n. United States money, one hundred cents 

door - n. an opening for entering or leaving a building or room 

down - ad. from higher to lower; in a low place 

dream - v. to have a picture or story in the mind during sleep; n. a picture or story in the mind during sleep; a happy idea about the future 

drink - v. to take liquid into the body through the mouth 

drive - v. to control a moving vehicle 

drop - v. to fall or let fall; to go lower 

drown - v. to die under water 

drug - n. anything used as a medicine or in making medicine; a chemical substance used to ease pain or to affect the mind 

dry - ad. not wet; without rain 

during - ad. through the whole time; while (something is happening) 

dust - n. pieces of matter so small that they can float in the air 

duty - n. one's job or responsibility; what one must do because it is right and just

E

each - ad. every one by itself

early - ad. at or near the beginning, especially the beginning of the day; opposite late 

earn - v. to be paid in return for work done 

earth - n. the planet we all live on; the ground or soil 

earthquake - n. a sudden, violent shaking of the earth's surface 

ease - v. to reduce; to make less difficult 

east - n. the direction from which the sun rises 

easy - ad. not difficult; not hard to do 

eat - v. to take food into the body through the mouth 

ecology - n. the scientific study of the environment and links among living and material things 

economy - n. the system by which money, industry and trade are organized 

edge - n. the line where something ends or begins

education - n. the act of teaching 

effect - n. the result or change caused by something ("The storm had a serious effect on the economy.")

effort - n. an attempt; the work necessary to do something

egg - n. the rounded object containing unborn young produced by female birds, fish or reptiles; a single cell in a female person or animal that can develop into a baby

either - ad. one of two, but not the other 

elect - v. to choose by voting 

electricity - n. a form of energy that flows through wires to provide heat and light, and power to machines

embassy - n. the offices of an ambassador and his or her assistants

emergency - n. an unexpected and dangerous situation demanding quick action 

emotion - n. a strong feeling such as love, hate, fear or sadness

employ - v. to give work in return for wages 

empty - ad. having nothing inside; v. to remove everything 

end - v. to stop; to finish; n. the part which comes last 

enemy - n. a person opposing or hating another; a person or people of the other side in a war 

energy - n. power used to do work, usually with machines; the ability and willingness to be active 

enforce - v. to make something be done 

engine - n. a machine that uses energy to cause movement or to do work 

engineer - n. a person who designs engines, machines, roads, bridges or railroads

enjoy - v. to be pleased or satisfied by something 

enough - ad. as much as necessary; pro. the amount needed 

enter - v. to come or go into 

environment - n. all surrounding things, conditions and influences that affect life; the natural world of land, sea, air, plants and animals 

equal - ad. the same in amount, size, weight or value; having the same rights 

equipment - n. things, tools or machines needed for a purpose or activity 

escape - v. to get free; to get away from; to get out of 

especially - ad. more than others ("We liked the food, especially the fish.") 

establish - v. to bring into existence; to create

estimate - v. to form an opinion about a value, size or amount using less than complete information 

ethnic - ad. of or concerning people belonging to a large group because of their race, religion, language, tribe or where their ancestors lived

evaporate - v. to change from a liquid into a gas 

even - ad. in a way not thought possible ("They survived, even though the building was destroyed.") 

event - n. that which happens, especially something of importance 

ever - ad. at any time

every - ad. each one; all 

evidence - n. material or facts that prove something; a reason for believing 

evil - ad. not good; extremely bad 

exact - ad. having no mistakes; correct in every detail 

examine - v. to study closely 

example - n. a part that shows what the rest of a thing or group is like 

excellent - ad. extremely good 

except - prep. but for 

exchange - v. to trade; to give or receive one thing for another 

excuse - v. to take away blame; to pardon; to forgive; n. a reason (sometimes false) for an action

execute - v. to kill 

exercise - n. an activity or effort for the purpose of improving the body or to stay in good health

exile - v. to force a person to leave his or her country; to expel; n. a person who is forced to leave his or her country

exist - v. to be; to live 

expand - v. to make larger; to grow larger 

expect - v. to think or believe that something will happen; to wait for an event 

expel - v. to force out; to remove from; to send away 

experience - v. to live through an event, situation or condition ("She experienced great pain."); n. something that one has done or lived through ("The experience caused her great pain.") 

experiment - v. to test; n. a test or trial carried out to prove if an idea is true or false, or to discover something 

expert - n. a person with special knowledge or training 

explain - v. to give reasons for; to make clear; to tell about; to tell the meaning 

explode - v. to break apart violently with a loud noise, like a bomb

explore - v. to travel in a place that is not well known to learn more about it; to make a careful search; to examine closely

export - v. to send to another country; n. something sent to another country, usually for sale

express - v. to say clearly 

extend - v. to stretch out in area or length; to continue for a longer time

extra - ad. more than normal, expected or necessary 

extreme - ad. more than the usual or accepted 

extremist - n. a person with strong religious or political beliefs who acts in an extreme or violent way

F

face - n. the front of the head: eyes, nose, mouth; v. to look toward; to turn toward; to have before you, such as a problem or danger

fact - n. something known or proved to be true 

factory - n. a building or group of buildings where goods are made 

fail - v. to not succeed; to not reach a goal 

fair - ad. just; honest; what is right 

fall - v. to go down quickly; to come down; to drop to the ground or a lower position

false - ad. not true; not correct 

family - n. the group that includes children and their parents 

famous - ad. known very well to many people 

far - ad. at, to or from a great distance 

farm - n. land used to grow crops and animals for food 

fast - ad. moving or working at great speed; quick 

fat - n. tissue in the bodies of humans and animals used to store energy and to keep warm; ad. thick; heavy 

father - n. the male parent; a man who has a child or children 

fear - v. to be afraid; to worry that something bad is near or may happen ("He feared falling down."); n. a strong emotion when there is danger or trouble ("He had a fear that he would fall down.") 

federal - ad. of or having to do with a national or central government 

feed - v. to give food to 

feel - v. to have or experience an emotion; to know by touching 

female - n. a woman or girl; the sex that gives birth; ad. of or about women

fence - n. something around an area of land to keep animals or people in or out 

fertile - ad. rich in production of plants or animals; producing much

few - ad. not many; a small number of 

field - n. an area of open land, usually used to grow crops or to raise animals 

fierce - ad. extremely strong; violent; angry 

fight - v. to use violence or force; to attempt to defeat or destroy an enemy; n. the use of force; a battle

fill - v. to put or pour something into a container until there is space for no more 

film - v. to record something so it can be seen again; to make a motion picture or movie; n. a thin piece of material for making pictures with a camera; a movie 

final - ad. at the end; last 

financial - ad. of or about the system that includes the use of money, credit, investments and banks 

find - v. to discover or learn something by searching or by accident; to decide a court case ("The jury finds the man guilty of murder.") 

fine - n. a payment ordered by a court to punish someone for a crime; ad. very good; very small or thin 

finish - v. to complete; to end 

fire - v. to shoot a gun; n. the heat and light produced by something burning 

fireworks - n. rockets producing bright fire in the sky, used in holiday celebrations 

firm - ad. not easily moved or changed ("She is firm in her opinion.") 

first - ad. coming before all others 

fish - n. a creature that lives and can breathe in water 

fit - v. to be of the correct size or shape ("These shoes fit my feet.") 

fix - v. to make good or right again 

flag - n. a piece of colored cloth used to represent a nation, government or organization 

flat - ad. smooth; having no high places 

flee - v. to run away from 

float - v. to be on water without sinking; to move or be moved gently on water or through air 

flood - v. to cover with water; n. the movement of water out of a river, lake or ocean onto land 

floor - n. the bottom part of a room for walking on ("The book fell to the floor."); the level of a building ("The fire was on the first floor.") 

flow - v. to move like a liquid 

flower - n. the colored part of plants that carry seeds 

fluid - n. any substance that can flow, such as a liquid 

fly - v. to move through the air with wings, like a bird or airplane; to travel in an airplane or flying vehicle 

fog - n. a mass of wet air that is difficult to see through; a cloud close to the ground 

follow - v. to come or go after; to accept the rule or power of; to obey 

food - n. that which is taken in by all living things for energy, strength and growth 

fool - v. to make someone believe something that is not true; to trick; n. a person who is tricked easily 

foot - n. the bottom part of the leg; the part of the body that touches the ground when a person or animal walks 

for - prep. because of ("He is famous for his work."); in exchange ("Give me one dollar for the book."); through space or time ("They travelled for one hour."); representative of ("I speak for all people."); to be employed by ("She works for a computer company.") 

force - v. to make someone do something or make something happen by using power; n. power, strength; strength used against a person or object; military power of a nation; a military group 

foreign - ad. of, about or from another nation; not from one's own place or country 

forest - n. a place of many trees 

forget - v. to not remember 

forgive - v. to pardon; to excuse; to remove guilt 

form - v. to make; to start; to shape ("They formed a swim team."); n. a kind ("Swimming is a form of exercise.") 

former - ad. earlier in time; not now 

forward - ad. the direction in front of; toward the front 

free - v. to release; ad. not controlled by another or by outside forces; not in prison; independent; not limited by rules; without cost 

freedom - n. the condition of being free 

freeze - v. to cause or to become very cold; to make or to become hard by cold 

fresh - ad. newly made or gathered; recent 

friend - n. a person one likes and trusts 

frighten - v. to cause great fear 

from - prep. having a person, place or thing as a beginning or cause ("It is a message from the president."); at a place distant, not near ("The school is five kilometers from my home."); because of ("He is suffering from cancer.") 

front - n. the forward part; the opposite of back; the beginning; the first part 

fruit - n. food from trees and plants 

fuel - n. any substance burned to create heat or power 

full - ad. containing as much as a person or thing can hold; complete 

fun - n. anything that is pleasing and causes happiness 

funeral - n. a ceremony held in connection with the burial or burning of the dead 

future - n. time after now ("We can talk about it in the future."); ad. in the time to come ("All future meetings will be held in this room.")

G

gain - v. to get possession of; to get more; to increase

game - n. an activity with rules in which people or teams play or compete, usually sports 

gas - n. any substance that is not solid or liquid; any substance that burns to provide heat, light or power 

gather - v. to bring or come together into a group or place; to collect 

general - n. a high military leader; ad. without details; affecting or including all or almost all 

gentle - ad. soft; kind; not rough or violent 

get - v. to receive; to gain; to go and bring back; to become; to become the owner of 

gift - n. something given without cost 

girl - n. a young female person 

give - v. to present to another to keep without receiving payment 

glass - n. a hard, clear material that is easily broken, used most often for windows or for containers to hold liquids 

go - v. to move from one place to another; to leave 

goal - n. that toward which an effort is directed; that which is aimed at; the end of a trip or race 

god - n. the spirit that is honored as creator of all things ("They believe in God."); a spirit or being believed in many religions to have special powers 

gold - n. a highly valued yellow metal 

good - ad. pleasing; helpful; kind; correct; not bad 

goods - n. things owned or made to be sold 

govern - v. to control; to rule by military or political power 

government - n. a system of governing; the organization of people that rules a country, city or area 

grain - n. the seed of grass plants used for food, such as wheat, rice and corn; those plants that produce the seeds 

granddaughter - n. the daughter of a person's daughter or son 

grandfather - n. the father of a person's father or mother 

grandmother - n. the mother of a person's father or mother 

grandson - n. the son of a person's daughter or son 

grass - n. a plant with long, narrow, green leaves 

gray - ad. having the color like that made by mixing black and white 

great - ad. very large or more than usual in size or number; very good; important 

green - ad. having the color like that made by mixing yellow and blue; having the color like that of growing leaves and grass 

grind - v. to reduce to small pieces by crushing 

ground - n. land; the earth's surface; soil 

group - n. a number of people or things together; a gathering of people working for a common purpose 

grow - v. to develop or become bigger; to increase in size or amount 

guarantee - v. to promise a result; to promise that something will happen 

guard - v. to watch and protect a person, place or thing ("He guards the president."); n. a person or thing that watches or protects ("He is a prison guard.") 

guerrilla - n. a person who fights as part of an unofficial army, usually against an official army or police 

guide - v. to lead to; to show the way; n. one who shows the way 

guilty - ad. having done something wrong or in violation of a law; responsible for a bad action 

gun - n. a weapon that shoots bullets

 

H

hair - n. the fine material that grows from the skin, especially from the head

half - n. one of two equal parts of something 

halt - v. to come or cause to come to a stop; to stop 

hang - v. to place something so the highest part is supported and the lower part is not; to kill by hanging 

happen - v. to become a fact or event; to take place 

happy - ad. pleased; satisfied; feeling good; not sad 

hard - ad. not easily cut or broken; solid; difficult to do or understand; needing much effort or force 

harm - v. to injure; to damage; n. damage; hurt 

harvest - v. to gather crops; n. the crop after it is gathered 

hat - n. a head cover

hate - v. to have strong emotions against; to consider as an enemy; opposite love 

have - v. to possess; to own; to hold 

he - pro. the boy or man who is being spoken about 

head - v. to lead; to command; n. leader; chief; the top part of something; the highest position 

headquarters - n. the center from which orders are given; the main offices of a business or organization 

heal - v. to return to good health; to cure; to become well 

health - n. the general condition of the body and mind; the condition of being free from sickness or disease 

hear - v. to receive sound through the ears; to receive news about 

heat - v. to make hot or warm; n. great warmth; that which is produced by burning fuel; energy from the sun 

heavy - ad. having much weight; not easy to lift; of great amount or force 

helicopter - n. a machine without wings that can fly up or down or remain in one place above the ground 

help - v. to give support; to assist; to make easier; n. support; aid 

here - ad. in, to or at this place 

hero - n. a person honored for being brave or wise 

hide - v. to prevent from being seen or found; to make secret 

high - ad. tall; far up; far above the ground; important; above others 

hijack - v. to seize or take control of a vehicle by force 

hill - n. a small mountain 

history - n. the written record or description of past events; the study of the past 

hit - v. to strike; to touch with force 

hold - v. to carry or support, usually in the hands or arms; to keep in one position; to keep as a prisoner; to contain; to possess; to occupy; to organize and be involved in ("The two sides hold talks this week.") 

hole - n. an opening; a torn or broken place in something 

holiday - n. a day when one does not work; a day on which no work is done to honor or remember a person or event 

holy - ad. greatly honored in religion 

home - n. the building where a person lives, especially with family; the place where one was born or comes from; the area or country where one lives 

honest - ad. truthful; able to be trusted 

honor - v. to obey; to show strong, good feelings for ("to honor one's parents"); n. an award; an act of giving special recognition ("He received many honors for his efforts to help others.") 

hope - v. to expect; to believe there is a good chance that something will happen as wanted; to want something to happen

horrible - ad. causing great fear; terrible 

horse - n. a large animal often used for racing, riding or farm work 

hospital - n. a place where sick or injured people are given medical care 

hostage - n. a person captured and held as a guarantee that a demand or promise will be honored 

hostile - ad. ready to fight; ready for war 

hot - ad. having or feeling great heat or a high temperature 

hotel - n. a building with rooms, and often food, for travellers 

hour - n. a measure of time; sixty minutes 

house - n. a building in which people live; a country's parliament or lawmaking group ("House of Representatives") 

how - ad. in what way; to what amount 

however - conj. yet; but 

huge - ad. very big; of great size 

human - ad. of or about people 

humor - n. the ability to understand, enjoy or express what makes people laugh 

hunger - n. the need for food 

hunt - v. to search for animals to capture or kill them; to seek; to try to find 

hurry - v. to do or go fast 

hurt - v. to cause pain, injury or damage 

husband - n. a man who is married

I

I - pro. the person speaking

ice - n. frozen water 

idea - n. a thought or picture in the mind; a belief

identify - v. to recognize someone or something and to say who or what they are 

if - conj. on condition; provided that ("I will go if you go.") 

illegal - ad. not legal; in violation of a law 

imagine - v. to make a picture in the mind; to form an idea 

immediate - ad. without delay; very near in time or place 

import - v. to bring from another country; n. something brought from another country, usually for sale 

important - ad. having great meaning, value or power 

improve - v. to make better; to become better 

in - prep. inside; held by; contained by; surrounded by; during 

incident - n. an event or something that happens 

incite - v. to urge or cause an action or emotion, usually something bad or violent 

include - v. to have; to make a part of 

increase - v. to make more in size or amount 

independent - ad. not influenced by or controlled by another or others; free; separate 

individual - n. one person 

industry - n. any business that produces goods or provides services; the work and related activity in factories and offices; all organizations involved in manufacturing 

infect - v. to make sick with something that causes disease 

inflation - n. a continuing rise in prices while the value of money goes down 

influence - v. to have an effect on someone or something; to cause change 

inform - v. to tell; to give knowledge to 

information - n. knowledge; facts 

inject - v. to force a fluid into, such as putting medicine or drugs into the body through the skin 

injure - v. to cause harm or damage to a person or animal 

innocent - ad. not guilty of a crime; not responsible for a bad action 

insane - ad. mentally sick 

insect - n. a very small creature, usually with many legs and sometimes with wings 

inspect - v. to look at something carefully; to examine, especially by an expert 

instead - ad. in the place of; taking the place of 

instrument - n. a tool or device designed to do something or to make something 

insult - v. to say something or to do something that makes another person angry or dishonored 

intelligence - n. the ability to think or learn; information gathered by spying 

intelligent - ad. quick to understand or learn 

intense - ad. very strong; extremely serious 

interest - n. what is important to someone ("He acted to protect his interests." "She had a great interest in painting."); a share in owning a business; money paid for the use of money borrowed 

interfere - v. to get in the way of; to work against; to take part in the activities of others, especially when not asked to do so 

international - ad. of or about more than one nation or many nations; of the whole world 

intervene - v. to come between; to come between in order to settle or solve 

invade - v. to enter an area or country by force with an army 

invent - v. to plan and make something never made before; to create a new thing or way of doing something 

invest - v. to give money to a business or organization with the hope of making more money 

investigate - v. to study or examine all information about an event, situation or charge; to search for the truth 

invite - v. to ask someone to take part in or join an event, organization or gathering 

involve - v. to take part in; to become a part of; to include 

iron - n. a strong, hard metal used to make machines and tools 

island - n. a land area with water all around it 

issue - n. an important problem or subject that people are discussing or arguing about 

it - pro. a thing, place, event or idea that is being spoken about ("The sky is blue, but it also has a few white clouds.") J

jail - n. a prison for those waiting to be tried for a crime or for those serving sentences  for crimes that are not serious

jewel - n. a valuable stone, such as a diamond or emerald 

job - n. the work that one does to earn money 

join - v. to put together or come together; to become part of or a member of 

joint - ad. shared by two or more 

joke - n. something done or said to cause others to laugh 

judge - v. to form an opinion about; to decide a question, especially a legal one; n. a public official who decides problems of law in a court 

jump - v. to push down on the feet and move up quickly into the air 

jury - n. a group of people chosen to decide what is true in a trial 

just - ad. only ("Help me for just a minute."); very shortly before or after the present ("He just left."); at the same time ("He left just as I came in."); what is right or fair ("The law is just, in my opinion.")    

K

keep - v. to possess; to have for oneself

kick - v. to hit with the foot 

kidnap - v. to seize and take away by force 

kill - v. to make dead; to cause to die 

kind - n. sort ("What kind of dog is that?"); ad. gentle; caring; helpful 

kiss - v. to touch with the mouth to show love or honor 

knife - n. a tool or weapon used to cut 

know - v. to understand something as correct; to have the facts about; to recognize someone because you have met and talked together before 

knowledge - n. that which is known; learning or understanding

L

labor - n. work; workers as a group

laboratory - n. a room or place where experiments in science are done 

lack - v. to be without; n. the condition of needing, wanting or not having 

lake - n. a large area of fresh water surrounded by land 

land - v. to come to the earth from the air ("Airplanes land at airports."); n. the part of the earth not covered by water; the ground 

language - n. words and their use; what people speak in a country, nation or group 

large - ad. big; being of more than usual size, amount or number; opposite small 

last - v. to continue ("The talks will last three days."); ad. after all others; the only one remaining ("She is the last person in line.") 

late - ad. after the correct time; near the end; opposite early 

laugh - v. to make sounds to express pleasure or happy feelings 

launch - v. to put into operation; to begin; to send into the air or space 

law - n. all or any rules made by a government 

lead - v. to show the way; to command; to control; to go first 

leak - v. to come out of or to escape through a small opening or hole (usually a gas or liquid) 

learn - v. to get knowledge about; to come to know a fact or facts 

leave - v. to go away from; to let something stay where it is 

left - ad. on the side that is toward the west when one is facing north; opposite right 

legal - ad. of or in agreement with the law 

legislature - n. a government lawmaking group 

lend - v. to permit someone to use a thing temporarily; to make a loan of money 

less - ad. smaller in amount; not as much 

let - v. to permit to do or to be; to make possible 

letter - n. a message written on paper; a communication in writing sent to another person 

level - n. the amount or height that something reaches or rises to; the position of something or someone 

liberal - ad. one who usually supports social progress or change 

lie - v. to have one's body on the ground or other surface; to say something that one knows is not true 

life - n. the time between being born and dying; opposite death; all living things 

lift - v. to take or bring up to a higher place or level 

light - n. a form of energy that affects the eyes so that one is able to see; anything that produces light; ad. bright; clear; not heavy 

lightning - n. light produced by electricity in the air, usually during a storm 

like - v. to be pleased with; to have good feelings for someone or something; ad. in the same way as; similar to 

limit - v. to restrict to a number or amount; n. the greatest amount or number permitted 

line - n. a long, thin mark on a surface; a number of people or things organized; one after another; the edge of an area protected by military forces 

link - v. to connect; to unite one thing or event with another; n. a relation between two or more things, situations or events 

liquid - n. a substance that is not a solid or gas, and can move freely, like water 

list - v. to put in writing a number of names of people or things; n. a written series of names or things 

listen - v. to try to hear 

literature - n. all the poems, stories and writings of a period of time or of a country 

little - ad. not tall or big; a small amount 

live - v. to have life; to exist; ad. having life; alive 

load - v. to put objects on or into a vehicle or container; n. that which is carried 

loan - n. money borrowed that usually must be returned with interest payments; something borrowed 

local - ad. about or having to do with one place 

lonely - ad. feeling alone and wanting friends; visited by few or no people ("a lonely man") 

long - ad. not short; measuring from beginning to end; measuring much; for much time 

look - v. to turn the eyes toward so as to see; to search or hunt for; to seem to be 

lose - v. to have no longer; to not find; to fail to keep; to be defeated 

loud - ad. having a strong sound; full of sound or noise 

love - v. to like very much; to feel a strong, kind emotion (sometimes involving sex); n. a strong, kind emotion for someone or something; opposite hate 

low - ad. not high or tall; below the normal height; close to the ground 

loyal - ad. showing strong friendship and support for someone or something 

luck - n. something that happens by chance

 

M

machine - n. a device with moving parts used to do work 

magazine - n. a publication of news, stories, pictures or other information 

mail - n. letters, papers and other things sent through an official system, such as a post office 

main - ad. the most important or largest 

major - ad. great in size, importance or amount 

majority - n. the greater number; more than half 

make - v. to produce; to create; to build; to do something or to carry out an action; to cause to be or to become 

male - n. a man or boy; the sex that is the father of children; ad. of or about men 

man - n. an adult male human 

manufacture - v. to make goods in large amounts 

many - ad. a large number or amount of 

map - n. a picture of the earth's surface or a part of it 

march - v. to walk in a group like soldiers; to walk together in a large group to protest about something 

mark - v. to make a sign or cut on something 

market - n. a place or area where goods are sold, bought or traded; an economic system in which the prices of things are decided by how many there are and how much money people are willing to pay for them 

marry - v. to join a man and woman together as husband and wife; to become husband and wife (usually in a religious or civil ceremony) 

mass - n. an amount of matter having no special form and usually of a large size 

mate - v. to bring together a male and a female to create another creature 

material - n. the substance, substances or matter of which something is made or from which something can be made, such as wood, cloth or stone; anything that can be made into something else 

mathematics - n. the science dealing with amounts, sizes and shapes, as explained by numbers and signs 

matter - n. anything that can be seen or felt; what things are made of 

may - v. a word used with an action word to mean permit or possible ("May I go?" "They may leave tomorrow.") 

mayor - n. the chief official of a city or town government 

meal - n. food eaten to satisfy hunger, such as dinner 

mean - v. to want to; to give the idea of; to have the idea of 

measure - v. to learn the amount, size or distance of something; n. an action taken; a legislative proposal 

meat - n. the part of a dead animal used for food 

media - n. all public information organizations, including newspapers, television and radio 

medicine - n. a substance or drug used to treat disease or pain; the science or study of treating and curing disease or improving health 

meet - v. to come together with someone or something at the same time and place 

melt - v. to make a solid into a liquid by heating it 

member - n. one of a group 

memorial - n. something done or made to honor the memory of a person or event 

memory - n. a picture in the mind of past events; the ability to remember; a thing remembered 

mental - ad. about or having to do with the mind 

mercy - n. kindness toward those who should be punished; the power to be kind or to pardon 

message - n. written or spoken news or information; a note from one person to another person or group 

metal - n. a hard substance such as iron, steel or gold 

method - n. the way something is done 

microscope - n. a device used to make very small things look larger so they can be studied 

middle - n. the center; a place or time of equal distance from both sides or ends; ad. in the center 

militant - n. someone active in trying to cause political change, often by the use of force or violence 

military - n. the armed forces of a nation or group; ad. of or about the armed forces 

milk - n. the white liquid produced by female animals to feed their young 

mind - n. the thinking, feeling part of a person 

mine - v. to dig useful or valuable substances out of the earth; n. a place in the earth where such substances are found; a bomb placed under the ground or under water so it cannot be seen 

mineral - n. a substance found in nature that is not an animal or a plant, such as coal or salt 

minister - n. a member of a cabinet; a high government official ("prime minister," "foreign minister") 

minor - ad. small in size; of little importance 

minority - n. the smaller number; opposite majority 

minute - n. a measure of time; one of the sixty equal parts of an hour; sixty seconds 

miss - v. to fail to hit, see, reach or meet 

missile - n. any weapon that can be thrown or fired through the air and explodes when it reaches its target 

missing - ad. lost; not found 

mistake - n. a wrong action or decision; an action done without the knowledge that it was wrong 

mix - v. to put different things together to make one thing 

mob - n. a large group of wild or angry people 

model - n. an example; something, usually small, made to show how something will look or work 

moderate - ad. not extreme 

modern - ad. of the present or very recent time; the most improved 

money - n. pieces of metal or paper used to pay for things 

month - n. one of the twelve periods of time into which a year is divided 

moon - n. the bright object often seen in the night sky that orbits the earth about every twenty-nine days 

moral - ad. concerning what is right or wrong in someone's actions 

more - ad. greater in size or amount 

morning - n. the early part of the day, from sunrise until noon 

most - ad. greatest in size or amount 

mother - n. the female parent; a woman who has a child or children 

motion - n. a movement; a continuing change of position or place 

mountain - n. a part of the earth's surface that rises high above the area around it 

mourn - v. to express or feel sadness 

move - v. to change position; to put or keep in motion; to go 

movement - n. the act of moving or a way of moving; a series of acts or efforts to reach a goal 

movie - n. a motion picture; a film 

much - ad. great in amount 

murder - v. to kill another person illegally; n. the crime of killing another person 

music - n. the making of sounds by singing or using a musical instrument 

must - v. a word used with an action word to mean necessary ("You must go to school.") 

mystery - n. something that is not or cannot be explained or understood; a secret

N

name - v. to appoint; to nominate; to give a name to; n. a word by which a person,  animal or thing is known or called

narrow - ad. limited in size or amount; not wide; having a short distance from one side to the other 

nation - n. a country, together with its social and political systems 

native - n. someone who was born in a place, not one who moved there 

natural - ad. of or about nature; normal; common to its kind 

nature - n. all the plants, animals and other things on earth not created by humans; events or processes not caused by humans 

navy - n. the part of a country's military force trained to fight at sea 

near - ad. not far; close to 

necessary - ad. needed to get a result or effect; required 

need - v. to require; to want; to be necessary to have or to do 

negotiate - v. to talk about a problem or situation to find a common solution 

neither - ad. not one or the other of two 

neutral - ad. not supporting one side or the other in a dispute 

never - ad. at no time; not ever 

new - ad. not existing before; not known before; recently made, built, bought or grown; another; different 

news - n. information about any recent events, especially as reported by the media 

next - ad. coming immediately after; nearest 

nice - ad. pleasing; good; kind 

night - n. the time between when the sun goes down and when it rises, when there is little or no light 

no - ad. used to reject or to refuse; not any; not at all 

noise - n. sound, especially when loud 

nominate - v. to name someone as a candidate for an election; to propose a person for an office or position 

noon - n. the middle of the day; twelve o'clock in the daytime 

normal - n. the usual condition, amount or form; ad. usual; what is expected 

north - n. the direction to the left of a person facing the rising sun 

not - ad. a word showing that something is denied or untrue ("She is not going.") 

note - v. to talk about something already known; n. a word or words written to help a person remember; a short letter 

nothing - n. not anything; no thing 

now - ad. at this time; immediately 

nowhere - ad. not in, to or at any place 

nuclear - ad. of or about the energy produced by splitting atoms or bringing them together; of or about weapons that explode by using energy from atoms 

number - n. a word or sign used to show the order or amount of things

 

O

obey - v. to act as one is ordered to act

object - v. to show that one does not like or approve; to protest; n. something not alive that can be seen or touched 

observe - v. to watch; to look at carefully; to celebrate or honor something ("They will observe the anniversary of the day she was born.") 

occupy - v. to take and hold or to control by force 

ocean - n. the area of salt water that covers almost seventy-five percent of the earth's surface; any of the five main divisions of this water 

of - prep. made from; belonging to; about; connected to; included among 

off - ad. away; at a distance; condition when something is no longer operating or continuing; not on; not connected 

offensive - n. a military campaign of attack; ad. having to do with attacking 

offer - v. to present or propose; n. the act of presenting or proposing; that which is presented or proposed 

office - n. a room or building where business or work is done; a public position to which one is elected or appointed 

officer - n. a person in the military who commands others; any person who is a member of a police force 

official - n. a person with power in an organization; a representative of an organization or government; ad. of or about an office; approved by the government or someone in power 

often - ad. many times 

oil - n. a thick liquid that does not mix with water and that burns easily; a black liquid taken from the ground and used as fuel 

old - ad. not young or new; having lived or existed for many years 

on - prep. above and held up by; touching the upper surface of ("The book is on the table."); supported by ("He is on his feet."); about ("The report on the meeting is ready."); at the time of ("He left on Wednesday.") 

once - ad. one time only 

only - ad. being the single one or ones; no more than ("We have only two dollars.") 

open - v. to start ("They opened talks."); ad. not closed; not secret 

operate - v. to do work or a job; to cut into the body for medical reasons 

opinion - n. a belief based on one's own ideas and thinking 

oppose - v. to be against; to fight against 

opposite - ad. different as possible; completely different from; exactly the other way ("North is the opposite direction from south.") 

oppress - v. to make others suffer; to control by the use of unjust and cruel force or power 

or - conj. giving another of two choices; giving the last of several choices 

orbit - v. to travel in space around a planet or other object; n. the path or way an object travels in space around another object or planet 

order - v. to give a command; to tell someone what to do; n. a command; the correct or normal way things are organized; a peaceful situation in which people obey laws 

organize - v. to put in order; to put together into a system 

other - ad. different; of another kind; the remaining one or ones of two or more ("That man is short; the other is tall.") 

our - ad. of or belonging to us 

oust - v. to force to leave; to remove by force 

out - ad. away from the inside; opposite of in 

over - conj. above; covering; across, in or on every part of ("all over the world") 

overthrow - v. to remove from power; to defeat or end by force 

owe - v. to pay or have to repay (usually money) in return for something received 

own - v. to have or possess for oneself

P

pain - n. a hurt or suffering somewhere in the body

paint - v. to cover with a liquid color; to make a picture with liquid colors; n. a colored liquid used to cover or protect a surface 

pan - n. a metal container used for cooking 

paper - n. a thin, flat material made from plants or cloth often used for writing 

parachute - n. a device that permits a person or thing to fall slowly from an airplane or helicopter to the ground 

parade - n. a group of people and vehicles moving together to celebrate a special event or anniversary 

pardon - v. to forgive for a crime and release from punishment 

parent - n. a father or mother 

parliament - n. a government lawmaking group 

part - n. something less than the whole; not all of something 

party - n. a group of people working together for a political purpose; a group of people or friends gathered together for enjoyment 

pass - v. to go by or move around something; to move along; to cause or permit to go 

passenger - n. a person travelling by airplane, train, boat or car who is not the pilot or driver 

passport - n. a document permitting a person to travel to another country 

past - n. the time gone by; the time before; ad. recent; immediately before; former 

path - n. a narrow way for walking; a way along which something moves 

patient - n. a person being treated by a doctor for a health problem 

pay - v. to give money for work done or for something bought 

peace - n. the condition of freedom from war, fighting or noise; rest; quiet 

people - n. any group of persons; all the persons of a group, race, religion or nation ("the American people") 

percent - n. a part of every hundred ("Ten is ten percent of one hundred.") 

perfect - ad. complete or correct in every way; completely right or good; without mistakes 

perform - v. to speak, dance or sing in front of others 

period - n. an amount of time within events, restrictions or conditions 

permanent - ad. never changing; lasting for a very long time or for all time 

permit - v. to let; to make possible 

person - n. a man, woman or child 

physical - ad. of the body 

physics - n. the study of motion, matter and energy 

picture - n. something that shows what another thing looks like; an idea or representation of something as seen by the eye; a painting; what is made with a camera 

piece - n. a part of something larger 

pig - n. a farm animal used for its meat 

pilot - n. one who guides or flies an airplane or helicopter 

pipe - n. a long, round piece of material used to move liquid or gas 

place - v. to put something somewhere; n. an area or a part of an area; space where a person or thing is; any room, building, town or country 

plan - v. to organize or develop an idea or method of acting or doing something ("They plan to have a party."); n. an organized or developed idea or method ("The plan will not work.") 

planet - n. a large object in space that orbits the sun ("Earth is a planet.") 

plant - v. to put into the ground to grow; n. a living growth from the ground which gets its food from air, water and earth 

plastic - n. a material made from chemicals that can be formed and made into things 

play - v. to have fun; to not work; to take part in a sport; to make music on an instrument; n. a story acted in a theater 

please - v. to make one happy; to give enjoyment 

plenty - n. all that is needed; a large enough amount 

plot - v. to make secret plans; n. a secret plan to do something wrong or illegal 

poem - n. words and their sounds organized in a special way to express emotions 

point - v. to aim one's finger toward; to aim; n. the sharp end of something 

poison - n. a substance that can destroy life or damage health 

police - n. a government agency responsible for guarding the public, keeping order, and making sure people obey the law; members of that agency 

policy - n. an established set of plans or goals used to develop and make decisions in politics, economics or business 

politics - n. the activities of government and of those who are in public office 

pollute - v. to release dangerous or unpleasant substances into the air, soil or water 

poor - n. people with little or no money; ad. lacking money or goods; of bad quality 

popular - ad. liked by many people; generally approved by the public 

population - n. all the people in a place, city or country 

port - n. a city where ships load or unload goods; a place on a coast where ships can be safe from a storm 

position - n. a place; the way of holding the body; the way a thing is set or placed; a job (or level of a job) in an organization 

possess - v. to have; to own; to control or be controlled by 

possible - ad. able to be done; can happen or is expected to happen 

postpone - v. to delay action until a later time 

pour - v. to flow; to cause to flow 

power - n. the ability to control or direct others; control; strength; ruling force; force or energy used to do work ("Water power turns the wheel.") 

praise - v. to say good things about; to approve 

pray - v. to make a request to a god or spirit; to praise a god or spirit 

pregnant - ad. carrying a child within the body before it is born; expecting to give birth to a baby 

present - v. to offer for consideration ("We will present our idea to the committee."); n. a gift ("I gave them a present for their anniversary."); now ("The present time is a good time."); ad. to be at a place ("I was present at school yesterday.") 

president - n. the chief official of a country that is a republic; the leader of an organization 

press - v. to urge strongly; n. newspapers, magazines and other publications 

pressure - n. the force produced when something is pushed down or against something else 

prevent - v. to keep or stop from going or happening 

price - n. the amount of money for which anything is bought, sold or offered for sale 

prison - n. a place where a person is kept as punishment for a crime 

private - ad. of or about a person or group that is secret; opposite public 

prize - n. something offered or won in a competition; something of value that one must work hard for to get 

probably - ad. a good chance of taking place; a little more than possible 

problem - n. a difficult question or situation with an unknown or unclear answer 

process - n. an operation or series of changes leading to a desired result 

produce - v. to make; to create; to cause something to be; to manufacture 

profession - n. a job that requires special training 

professor - n. a teacher at a college or university 

profit - n. money gained from a business activity after paying all costs of that activity 

program - n. a plan of action; the different events or parts of a meeting or show 

progress - n. movement forward or toward improvement or a goal 

project - n. a planned effort to do something 

propaganda - n. ideas or information used to influence opinions 

property - n. anything owned by someone such as land, buildings or goods 

propose - v. to present or offer for consideration 

protect - v. to guard; to defend; to prevent from being harmed or damaged 

protest - v. to speak against; to object 

prove - v. to show to be true 

provide - v. to give something needed or wanted 

public - ad. of or about all the people in a community or country; opposite private 

publication - n. something that is published such as a book, newspaper or magazine 

publish - v. to make public something that is written; to include something in a book, newspaper or magazine 

pull - v. to use force to move something toward the person or thing using the force; opposite push 

pump - v. to force a gas or liquid up, into or through 

punish - v. to cause pain, suffering or loss for doing something bad or illegal 

purchase - v. to buy with money or with something of equal value; n. that which is bought 

pure - ad. free from anything that is different or that reduces value; clean 

purpose - n. the reason or desired effect for doing something; goal 

push - v. to use force to move something away from the person or thing using the force; opposite pull 

put - v. to place; to set in position

  Q

quality - n. that which something is known to have or be ("An important quality of steel  is its strength."); amount of value or excellence ("Their goods are of the highest quality.")

question - v. to ask; to express wonder or disbelief; n. a sentence or word used in asking for information; a problem; an issue to be discussed 

quick - ad. fast 

quiet - ad. with little or no noise; having little or no movement; calm

R

race - v. to run; to take part in a competition to decide who or what can move fastest;  to take part in a campaign for political office; n. one of the major groups that humans  can be divided into because of a common physical similarity, such as skin color

radar - n. a device that uses radio signals to learn the position or speed of objects that may be too far away to be seen 

radiation - n. waves of energy from something that produces heat or light; energy from a nuclear substance, which can be dangerous 

radio - n. the system of sending and receiving signals or sounds through the air without wires 

raid - v. to make a sudden attack; n. a sudden attack carried out as an act of war, or for the purpose of seizing or stealing something

railroad - n. a road for trains; a company that operates such a road and its stations and equipment 

rain - n. water falling from the sky 

raise - v. to lift up; to move to a higher position; to cause to grow; to increase 

rare - ad. not common; not usual; not often 

rate - n. speed; a measure of how quickly or how often something happens; the price of any thing or service that is bought or sold 

reach - v. to put a hand toward; to arrive at; to come to 

react - v. to act as a result of or in answer to 

read - v. to look at and understand the meaning of written words or numbers 

ready - ad. prepared; completed; organized; willing 

real - ad. true; truly existing; not false 

realistic - ad. in agreement with the way things are 

reason - n. the cause for a belief or act; purpose; something that explains 

reasonable - ad. ready to listen to reasons or ideas; not extreme; ready or willing to compromise 

rebel - v. to act against a government or power, often with force; to refuse to obey; n. one who opposes or fights against the government of his or her country 

receive - v. to get or accept something given, offered or sent 

recent - ad. a short time ago 

recession - n. a temporary reduction in economic activity, when industries produce less and many workers lose their jobs 

recognize - v. to know or remember something or someone that was known, known about or seen before; to accept another nation as independent and establish diplomatic ties with its government 

record - v. to write something in order to have it for future use; to put sound or pictures in a form that can be kept and heard or seen again; n. a writing that shows proof or facts about something 

recover - v. to get again something that was lost, stolen or taken away ("The police recovered the stolen money."); to return to normal health or normal conditions ("She is expected to recover from the operation.") 

red - ad. having the color like that of blood 

reduce - v. to make less or smaller in number, size or amount; to cut 

reform - v. to make better by changing; to improve; n. a change to a better condition 

refugee - n. a person who has been forced to flee because of unjust treatment, danger or war 

refuse - v. to reject; to not accept, give or do something 

regret - n. a feeling of sadness or sorrow about something that is done or that happens 

reject - v. to refuse to accept, use or believe 

relations - n. understandings or ties between nations; members of the same family; people connected by marriage or family ties 

release - v. to free; to permit to go; to permit to be known or made public 

religion - n. a belief in, or the honoring of, a god or gods 

remain - v. to stay in a place after others leave; to stay the same 

remains - n. a dead body 

remember - v. to think about the past; opposite forget 

remove - v. to take away or take off; to put an end to; to take out of a position or office 

repair - n. work done to fix something 

repeat - v. to say or do again 

report - v. to tell about; to give the results of a study or investigation; n. the story about an event; the results of a study or investigation; a statement in which the facts may not be confirmed 

represent - v. to act in the place of someone else; to substitute for; to serve as an example 

repress - v. to control or to restrict freedoms by force 

request - v. to ask for; n. the act of asking for 

require - v. to need or demand as necessary 

rescue - v. to free from danger or evil 

research - n. a careful study to discover correct information 

resign - v. to leave a position, job or office 

resist - v. to oppose; to fight to prevent 

resolution - n. an official statement of agreement by a group of people, usually reached by voting 

resource - n. anything of value that can be used or sold 

responsible - ad. having a duty or job to do ("He is responsible for preparing the report."); being the cause of ("They were responsible for the accident.") 

rest - v. to sit, lie down or sleep to regain strength; n. that which remains; the others 

restrain - v. to keep controlled; to limit action by a person or group 

restrict - v. to limit; to prevent from increasing or becoming larger 

result - v. to happen from a cause; n. that which follows or is produced by a cause; effect 

retire - v. to leave a job or position because one is old or in poor health 

return - v. to go or come back; to bring, give, take or send back 

revolt - v. to protest violently; to fight for a change, especially of government 

rice - n. a food grain 

rich - ad. having much money or goods; having plenty of something 

ride - v. to sit on or in and be carried along; to travel by animal, wheeled vehicle, airplane or boat 

right - n. what a person legally and morally should be able to do or have ("It is their right to vote."); ad. agreeing with the facts; good; correct; opposite wrong; on the side that is toward the east when one is facing north; opposite left 

riot - v. to act with many others in a violent way in a public place; n. a violent action by a large group of people 

rise - v. to go up; to go higher; to increase; to go from a position of sitting or lying to a position of standing 

risk - n. the chance of loss, damage or injury 

river - n. a large amount of water that flows across land into another river, a lake or an ocean 

road - n. a long piece of hard ground built between two places so people can walk, drive or ride easily from one place to the other 

rob - v. to take money or property secretly or by force; to steal 

rock - n. a hard piece of mineral matter 

rocket - n. a device shaped like a tube that moves through air or space by burning gases and letting them escape from the back or bottom, sometimes used as a weapon 

roll - v. to turn over and over; to move like a ball 

room - n. a separate area within a building with its own walls 

root - n. the part of a plant that is under the ground and takes nutrients from the soil 

rope - n. a long, thick piece of material made from thinner pieces of material, used for tying 

rough - ad. not flat or smooth; having an uneven surface; violent; not made well 

round - ad. having the shape of a ball or circle 

rub - v. to move something over the surface of another thing 

rubber - n. a substance made from the liquid of trees with the same name, or a similar substance made from chemicals 

ruin - v. to damage severely; to destroy 

rule - v. to govern or control; to decide; n. a statement or an order that says how something must be done 

run - v. to move quickly by steps faster than those used for walking

S

sabotage - v. to damage or destroy as an act against an organization or nation  ("The rebels sabotaged the railroad.")

sacrifice - v. to do without something or to suffer a loss for a belief, idea, goal or another person 

sad - ad. not happy 

safe - ad. away from harm or danger 

sail - v. to travel by boat or ship 

sailor - n. a person involved in sailing a boat or ship 

salt - n. a white substance found in sea water and in the ground, used to affect the taste of food 

same - ad. not different; not changed; like another or others 

sand - n. extremely small pieces of crushed rock found in large amounts in deserts and on coasts 

satellite - n. a small object in space that moves around a larger object; an object placed in orbit around the earth 

satisfy - v. to give or provide what is desired, needed or demanded

save - v. to make safe; to remove from harm; to keep for future use 

say - v. to speak; to express in words 

school - n. a place for education; a place where people go to learn 

science - n. the study of nature and the actions of natural things, and the knowledge gained about them

sea - n. a large area of salt water, usually part of an ocean 

search - v. to look for carefully 

season - n. one of the four periods of the year that is based on the earth's position toward the sun (spring, summer, autumn, winter); a period of time based on different weather conditions ("dry season", "rainy season"); a period during the year when something usually happens ("baseball season") 

seat - n. a thing to sit on; a place to sit or the right to sit there ("a seat in parliament") 

second - ad. the one that comes after the first 

secret - n. something known only to a few and kept from general knowledge; ad. hidden from others; known only to a few 

security - n. freedom from danger or harm; protection; measures necessary to protect a person or place ("Security was increased in the city.") 

see - v. to know or sense through the eyes; to understand or know 

seed - n. the part of a plant from which new plants grow 

seek(ing) - v. to search for ("They are seeking a cure for cancer."); to try to get ("She is seeking election to public office."); to plan to do ("Electric power companies are seeking to reduce their use of coal.") 

seem - v. to appear to be ("She seems to be in good health.") 

seize - v. to take quickly by force; to take control of quickly; to arrest 

self - n. all that which makes one person different from others 

sell - v. to give something in exchange for money 

Senate - n. the smaller of the two groups in the governments of some countries, such as in the United States Congress 

send - v. to cause to go; to permit to go; to cause to be carried, taken or directed to or away from a place 

sense - v. to come to know about by feeling, believing or understanding; n. any of the abilities to see, hear, taste, smell or feel 

sentence - v. to declare the punishment for a crime; n. the punishment for a crime 

separate - v. to set or keep people, things or ideas away from or independent from others; ad. not together or connected; different 

series - n. a number of similar things or events that follow one after another in time, position or order 

serious - ad. important; needing careful consideration; dangerous 

serve - v. to work as an official; to be employed by the government; to assist or help 

service - n. an organization or system that provides something for the public ("Schools and roads are services paid for by taxes."); a job that an organization or business can do for money; military organizations such as an army, navy or air force; a religious ceremony 

set - v. to put in place or position; to establish a time, price or limit 

settle - v. to end (a dispute); to agree about (a problem); to make a home in a new place 

several - ad. three or more, but not many 

severe - ad. not gentle; causing much pain, sadness or damage 

sex - n. either the male or female group into which all people and animals are divided because of their actions in producing young; the physical activity by which humans and animals can produce young 

shake - v. to move or cause to move in short, quick movements 

shape - v. to give form to; n. the form of something, especially how it looks 

share - v. to give part of something to another or others; n. a part belonging to, given to or owned by a single person or a group; any one of the equal parts of ownership of a business or company 

sharp - ad. having a thin edge or small point that can cut or hurt; causing hurt or pain 

she - pro. the girl or woman who is being spoken about 

sheep - n. a farm animal used for its meat and hair 

shell - v. to fire artillery; n. a metal container that is fired from a large gun and explodes when it reaches its target; a hard outside cover 

shelter - v. to protect or give protection to; n. something that gives protection; a place of safety 

shine - v. to aim a light; to give bright light; to be bright; to clean to make bright 

ship - v. to transport; n. a large boat 

shock - v. to cause to feel sudden surprise or fear; n. something that greatly affects the mind or emotions; a powerful shake, as from an earthquake 

shoe - n. a covering for the foot 

shoot - v. to cause a gun or other weapon to send out an object designed to kill; to use a gun 

short - ad. lasting only for a small period of time; not long; opposite tall 

should - v. used with another verb (action word) to show responsibility ("We should study."), probability ("The talks should begin soon."), or that something is believed to be a good idea ("Criminals should be punished.") 

shout - v. to speak very loudly 

show - v. to make something be seen; to make known; n. a play or story presented in a theater, or broadcast on radio or television, for enjoyment or education; something organized to be seen by the public 

shrink - v. to make or become less in size, weight or value 

sick - ad. suffering physically or mentally with a disease or other problem; not in good health 

sickness - n. the condition of being in bad health 

side - n. the outer surfaces of an object that are not the top or bottom; parts away from the middle; either the right or left half of the body 

sign - v. to write one's name; n. a mark or shape used to mean something; evidence that something exists or will happen; a flat piece of material with writing that gives information 

signal - v. to send a message by signs; n. an action or movement that sends a message 

silence - v. to make quiet; to stop from speaking or making noise; n. a lack of noise or sound 

silver - n. a valued white metal 

similar - ad. like something else but not exactly the same 

simple - ad. easy to understand or do; not difficult or complex 

since - prep. from a time in the past until now ("I have known her since we went to school together.") 

sing - v. to make music sounds with the voice 

single - ad. one only 

sink - v. to go down into water or other liquid 

sister - n. a female with the same father or mother as another person 

sit - v. to rest on the lower part of the body without the support of the legs; to become seated 

situation - n. the way things are during a period of time 

size - n. the space occupied by something; how long, wide or high something is 

skeleton - n. all the bones of a human or other animal together in their normal positions 

skill - n. the ability gained from training or experience 

skin - n. the outer covering of humans and most animals 

sky - n. the space above the earth 

slave - n. a person owned or controlled by another 

sleep - v. to rest the body and mind with the eyes closed 

slide - v. to move smoothly over a surface 

slow - v. to reduce the speed of; ad. not fast in moving, talking or other activities 

small - ad. little in size or amount; few in number; not important; opposite large 

smash - v. to break or be broken into small pieces by force; to hit or move with force 

smell - v. to sense through the nose; n. something sensed by the nose ("the smell of food cooking") 

smoke - v. to use cigarettes or other tobacco products by burning them and breathing in the smoke; n. that which can be seen rising into the air like a cloud from something burning 

smooth - ad. having a level surface; opposite rough 

snow - n. soft, white pieces of frozen water that fall from the sky, usually in winter or when the air temperature is very cold 

so - ad. in such a way that ("He held the flag so all could see it."); also; too ("She left early, and so did we."); very ("I am so sick."); as a result ("They were sick, so they could not come."); conj. in order that; for the purpose of ("Come early so we can discuss the plans.") 

social - ad. of or about people or a group 

soft - ad. not hard; easily shaped; pleasing to touch; not loud 

soil - n. earth in which plants grow 

soldier - n. a person in the army 

solid - ad. having a hard shape with no empty spaces inside; strong; not in the form of a liquid or gas 

solve - v. to find an answer; to settle 

some - ad. of an amount or number or part not stated; not all 

son - n. a person's male child 

soon - ad. not long after the present time; quickly 

sort - n. any group of people or things that are the same or are similar in some way; a kind of something 

sound - n. fast-moving waves of energy that affect the ear and result in hearing; that which is heard 

south - n. the direction to the right of a person facing the rising sunspace - n. the area outside the earth's atmosphere where the sun, moon, planets and stars are; the area between or inside things 

speak - v. to talk; to say words with the mouth; to express one's thoughts to others and exchange ideas; to give a speech to a group 

special - ad. of a different or unusual kind; not for general use; better or more important than others of the same kind 

speech - n. a talk given to a group of people 

speed - v. to make something go or move faster; n. the rate at which something moves or travels; the rate at which something happens or is done 

spend - v. to give as payment; to use ("He spends much time studying.") 

spill - v. to cause or permit liquid to flow out, usually by accident 

spirit - n. the part of a human that is not physical and is connected to thoughts and emotions; the part of a person that is believed to remain alive after death 

split - v. to separate into two or more parts; to divide or break into parts 

sport - n. any game or activity of competition involving physical effort or skill 

spread - v. to become longer or wider; to make or become widely known 

spring - n. the time of the year between winter and summer 

spy - v. to steal or get information secretly; n. one who watches others secretly; a person employed by a government to get secret information about another country 

square - n. a flat shape having four equal sides 

stab - v. to cut or push into or through with a pointed weapon 

stand - v. to move into or be in a position in which only the feet are on a surface; to be in one position or place 

star - n. a mass of gas that usually appears as a small light in the sky at night, but is not a planet; a famous person, usually an actor or singer 

start - v. to begin; to make something begin 

starve - v. to suffer or die from a lack of food 

state - v. to say; to declare; n. a political part of a nation 

station - n. a place of special work or purpose ("a police station"); a place where passengers get on or off trains or buses; a place for radio or television broadcasts 

statue - n. a form of a human, animal or other creature usually made of stone, wood or metal 

stay - v. to continue to be where one is; to remain; to not leave; to live for a time ("They stayed in New York for two years.") 

steal - v. to take without permission or paying 

steam - n. the gas that comes from hot water 

steel - n. iron made harder and stronger by mixing it with other substances 

step - v. to move by lifting one foot and placing it in a new position; n. the act of stepping; one of a series of actions designed to reach a goal 

stick - v. to attach something to another thing using a substance that will hold them together; to become fixed in one position so that movement is difficult ("Something is making the door stick."); n. a thin piece of wood 

still - ad. not moving ("The man was standing still."); until the present or a stated time  ("Was he still there?"); even so; although ("The job was difficult, but she still wanted to  do it.") 

stone - n. a small piece of rock 

stop - v. to prevent any more movement or action; to come or bring to an end 

store - v. to keep or put away for future use; n. a place where people buy things 

storm - n. violent weather, including strong winds and rain or snow 

story - n. the telling or writing of an event, either real or imagined 

stove - n. a heating device used for cooking 

straight - ad. continuing in one direction without turns 

strange - ad. unusual; not normal; not known 

street - n. a road in a city, town or village 

stretch - v. to extend for a distance; to pull on to make longer or wider 

strike - v. to hit with force; to stop work as a way to seek better conditions, more pay or to make other demands 

strong - ad. having much power; not easily broken, damaged or destroyed 

structure - n. the way something is built, made or organized; a system that is formed or organized in a special way; a building 

struggle - v. to try with much effort; to fight with; n. a great effort; a fight 

study - v. to make an effort to gain knowledge by using the mind; to examine carefully 

stupid - ad. not able to learn much; not intelligent 

subject - n. the person or thing being discussed, studied or written about 

submarine - n. an underwater ship 

substance - n. the material of which something is made (a solid, liquid or gas) 

substitute - v. to put or use in place of another; n. a person or thing put or used in place of another 

subversion - n. an attempt to weaken or destroy a political system or government, usually secretly 

succeed - v. to reach a goal or thing desired; to produce a planned result 

such - ad. of this or that kind; of the same kind as; similar to 

sudden - ad. not expected; without warning; done or carried out quickly or without preparation 

suffer - v. to feel pain in the body or mind; to receive or experience hurt or sadness 

sugar - n. a sweet substance made from liquids taken from plants 

suggest - v. to offer or propose something to think about or consider 

summer - n. the warmest time of the year, between spring and autumn 

sun - n. the huge star in the sky that provides heat and light to earth 

supervise - v. to direct and observe the work of others 

supply - v. to give; to provide; n. the amount of something that can be given or sold to others 

support - v. to carry the weight of; to hold up or in position; to agree with others and help them reach a goal; to approve 

suppose - v. to believe, think or imagine ("I suppose you are right."); to expect ("It is supposed to rain tonight.") 

suppress - v. to put down or to keep down by force; to prevent information from being known publicly 

sure - ad. very probable; with good reason to believe; true without question 

surface - n. the outer side or top of something ("The rocket landed on the surface of the moon.") 

surplus - n. an amount that is more than is needed; extra; ("That country has a trade surplus. It exports more than it imports.") 

surprise - v. to cause a feeling of wonder because something is not expected; n. something not expected; the feeling caused by something not expected 

surrender - v. to give control of oneself or one's property to another or others; to stop fighting and admit defeat 

surround - v. to form a circle around; to be in positions all around someone or something 

survive - v. to remain alive during or after a dangerous situation 

suspect - v. to imagine or believe that a person is guilty of something bad or illegal; n. a person believed to be guilty 

suspend - v. to cause to stop for a period of time 

swallow - v. to take into the stomach through the mouth 

swear in - v. to put an official into office by having him or her promise to carry out the duties of that office ("The chief justice will swear in the president.") 

sweet - ad. tasting pleasant, like sugar 

swim - v. to move through water by making motions with the arms and legs 

sympathy - n. a sharing of feelings or emotions with another person, usually feelings of sadness 

system - n. a method of organizing or doing something by following rules or a plan; a group of connected things or parts working together for a common purpose or goal

T

take - v. to put a hand or hands around something and hold it, often to move it  to another place; to carry something ; to seize; to capture; to begin to be in control  ("The president takes office tomorrow.")

talk - v. to express thoughts in spoken words; n. a meeting for discussion 

tall - ad. higher than others; opposite short 

tank - n. a large container for holding liquids; a heavy military vehicle with guns 

target - n. any person or object aimed at or fired at 

taste - v. to sense through the mouth ("The fruit tastes sweet.") 

tax - n. the money a person or business must pay to the government so the government can provide services 

tea - n. a drink made from the plant of the same name 

teach - v. to show how to do something; to provide knowledge; to cause to understand 

team - n. a group organized for some purpose, often for sports 

tear - v. to pull apart, often by force 

tears - n. the fluid that comes out of the eyes while crying 

technical - ad. involving machines, processes and materials in industry, transportation and communications; of or about a very special kind of subject or thing ("You need technical knowledge to understand how this system works.") 

technology - n. the use of scientific knowledge and methods to produce goods and services 

telephone - n. a device or system for sending sounds, especially the voice, over distances 

telescope - n. a device for making objects that are far away appear closer and larger 

television - n. a device that receives electronic signals and makes them into pictures and sounds; the system of sending pictures and sounds by electronic signals over a distance so others can see and hear them on a receiver 

tell - v. to give information; to make known by speaking; to order; to command 

temperature - n. the measurement of heat and cold 

temporary - ad. lasting only a short time 

tense - ad. having fear or concern; dangerous; opposite calm 

term - n. a limited period of time during which someone does a job or carries out a responsibility ("He served two terms in Congress."); the conditions of an agreement that have been accepted by those involved in it 

terrible - ad. very bad; causing terror or fear 

territory - n. a large area of land 

terror - n. extreme fear; that which causes great fear 

terrorist - n. a person who carries out acts of extreme violence as a protest or a way to influence a government 

test - v. to attempt to learn or prove what something is like or how it will act by studying or doing ("The scientists will test the new engine soon."); n. an attempt to learn or prove what something is like or how it will act by studying or doing ("The test of the new engine takes place today."); a group of questions or problems used to find out a person's knowledge ("The students did well on the language test.") 

than - conj. connecting word used to link things that may be similar, but are not equal ("My sister is taller than I am.") 

thank - v. to say that one has a good feeling toward another because that person did something kind ("I want to thank you for helping me.") 

that - ad. showing the person, place or thing being spoken about ("That man is a soldier."); pro. the person, place or thing being spoken about ("The building that I saw was very large.") 

the - pro. used in front of a name word to show that it is a person or thing that is known about or is being spoken about 

theater - n. a place where movies are shown or plays are performed 

them - pro. other people being spoken about 

then - ad. at that time; existing; and so 

theory - n. a possible explanation of why something exists or how something happens using experiments or ideas, but which is not yet proven ("Other scientists are debating his theory about the disappearance of dinosaurs.") 

there - ad. in that place or position; to or toward that place

these - pro. of or about the people, places or things nearby that have been spoken about already 

they - pro. those ones being spoken about 

thick - ad. having a large distance between two opposite surfaces ("The wall is two meters thick."); having many parts close together ("The forest is very thick."); almost solid, such as a liquid that does not flow easily; opposite thin 

thin - ad. having a small distance between two opposite surfaces; not fat; not wide; opposite thick 

thing - n. any object 

think - v. to produce thoughts; to form ideas in the mind; to consider; to believe 

third - ad. coming after two others 

this - pro. of or about the person, place or thing nearby that has been spoken about already 

threaten - v. to warn that one will do harm or cause damage 

through - prep. in at one end and out at the other; from front to back; from top to bottom; with the help of; by 

throw - v. to cause to go through the air by a movement of the arm 

tie - v. to join or hold together with some material; n. anything that joins or unites; links or connections ("The two nations have strong trade ties.") 

time - n. that which is measured in minutes, hours, days and years; a period that can be identified in hours and minutes and is shown on a clock; a period when an event should or will take place 

tired - ad. having less strength because of work or exercise; needing sleep or rest 

to - prep. showing the direction of an action; showing the person or place toward which an action is directed; showing a goal or purpose 

today - n. this day 

together - ad. in one group; at the same time or place; in cooperation 

tomorrow - n. the day after today 

tonight - n. this night 

too - ad. also; as well as; more than is necessary 

tool - n. any instrument or device designed to help one do work 

top - n. the upper edge or surface; the highest part; the cover of something 

torture - v. to cause severe pain; n. the act of causing severe pain in order to harm, to punish or to get information from 

total - n. the complete amount 

touch - v. to put the hand or fingers on 

toward - prep. in the direction of; leading to 

town - n. a center where people live, larger than a village but not as large as a city 

trade - v. to buy and sell or exchange products or services; n. the activity of buying, selling or exchanging products or services 

tradition - n. a ceremony, activity or belief that has existed for a long time 

traffic - n. the movement of people, vehicles or ships along a street, road or waterway 

tragic - ad. extremely sad; terrible 

train - v. to teach or learn how to do something; to prepare for an activity; n. an engine and the cars connected to it that move along a railroad 

transport - v. to move goods or people from one place to another 

transportation - n. the act or business of moving goods or people 

trap - v. to catch or be caught by being tricked; to be unable to move or escape; n. a device used to catch animals 

travel - v. to go from one place to another, usually for a long distance 

treason - n. the act of fighting against one's own country or of helping its enemies 

treasure - n. a large collection of money, jewels or other things of great value 

treat - v. to deal with; to act toward in a special way; to try to cure 

treatment - n. the act of treating; the use of medicine to try to cure or make better 

treaty - n. a written agreement between two or more nations 

tree - n. a very tall plant that is mostly wood, except for its leaves 

trial - n. an examination in a court of a question or dispute to decide if a charge is true 

tribe - n. a group of families ruled by a common chief or leader 

trick - v. to cheat; to fool a person so as to get something or make him or her do something 

trip - n. a movement from one place to another, usually a long distance 

troops - n. a number of soldiers in a large controlled group 

trouble - n. that which causes concern, fear, difficulty or problems 

truce - n. a temporary halt in fighting agreed to by all sides involved 

truck - n. a heavy vehicle used to carry goods 

true - ad. correct; not false 

trust - v. to believe that someone is honest and will not cause harm 

try - v. to make an effort; to take court action against a person to decide if he or she is guilty or innocent of a crime 

tube - n. a long, round structure through which liquids or gases can flow; a long, thin container in which they can be kept 

turn - v. to change direction; to move into a different position; to change color, form or shape

 

U

under - prep. below; below the surface of; less than; as called for by a law,  agreement or system ("The river flows under the bridge." "Such action is not  permitted under the law.")

understand - v. to know what is meant; to have knowledge of 

unite - v. to join together 

universe - n. all of space, including planets and stars 

university - n. a place of education that usually includes several colleges and research organizations 

unless - conj. except if it happens; on condition that ("I will not go, unless the rain stops.") 

until - conj. up to a time; before 

up - ad. to, in or at a higher position or value 

urge - v. to advise strongly; to make a great effort to get someone to do something 

urgent - ad. needing an immediate decision or action 

us - pro. the form of the word "we" used after a preposition ("He said he would write to us.") or used as an object of a verb ("They saw us yesterday.") 

use - v. to employ for a purpose; to put into action 

usual - ad. as is normal or common; as is most often done, seen or heard    

V

valley - n. a long area of land between higher areas of land

value - n. the quality of being useful, important or desired; the amount of money that could be received if something is sold 

vegetable - n. a plant grown for food 

vehicle - n. anything on or in which a person or thing can travel or be transported, especially anything on wheels; a car or truck 

version - n. the form of something with different details than earlier or later forms 

very - ad. extremely ("He was very late.") 

veto - v. to reject or refuse to approve 

vicious - ad. bad; dangerous; showing harm or hate 

victim - n. someone or something that is injured, killed or made to suffer; someone who is tricked 

victory - n. a success in a fight or competition 

village - n. a very small town 

violate - v. to fail to obey or honor; to break (an agreement) 

violence - n. the use of force to cause injury, death or damage 

visit - v. to go to or come to a place for a short time for friendly or business reasons 

voice - n. the sound made by creatures, especially humans, for speaking 

volcano - n. a hill or mountain around a hole in the earth's surface that can explode, sending hot, melted rock and ash into the air 

vote - v. to choose a candidate in an election; n. a choice or decision expressed by the voice, by hand or by writing

W

wages - n. money received for work done

wait - v. to delay acting; to postpone 

walk - v. to move by putting one foot in front of the other 

wall - n. the side of a room or building formed by wood, stone or other material; a structure sometimes used to separate areas of land 

want - v. to desire; to wish for; to need 

war - n. fighting between nations, or groups in a nation, using weapons 

warm - ad. almost hot; having or feeling some heat 

warn - v. to tell of possible danger; to advise or inform about something bad that may happen 

wash - v. to make clean, usually with water 

waste - v. to spend or use without need or care; to make bad use of; n. a spending of money, time or effort with no value gained or returned; something thrown away as having no value; the liquid and solid substances that result from body processes and are passed out of the body 

watch - v. to look at; to observe closely; to look and wait for 

water - n. the liquid that falls from the sky as rain or is found in lakes, rivers and oceans 

wave - v. to move or cause to move one way and the other, as a flag in the wind; to signal by moving the hand one way and the other; n. a large mass of water that forms and moves on the surface of a lake or ocean 

way - n. a path on land or sea or in the air; how something is done; method 

we - pro. two or more people, including the speaker or writer ("He and I will go together, and we will return together.") 

weak - ad. having little power; easily broken, damaged or destroyed; opposite strong 

wealth - n. a large amount of possessions, money or other things of value 

weapon - n. anything used to cause injury or to kill during an attack, fight or war 

wear - v. to have on the body, as clothes 

weather - n. the condition of the atmosphere resulting from sun, wind, rain, heat or cold 

week - n. a period of time equal to seven days 

weigh - v. to measure how heavy someone or something is 

welcome - v. to express happiness or pleasure when someone arrives or something develops 

well - ad. in a way that is good or pleasing; in good health; n. a hole in the ground where water, gas or oil can be found 

west - n. the direction in which the sun goes down 

wet - ad. covered with water or other liquid; not dry 

what - pro. used to ask about something or to ask for information about something ("What is this?"); ad. which or which kind ("He wants to know what you would like to drink.")

wheat - n. a grain used to make bread; the plant that produces the grain 

wheel - n. a round structure that turns around a center 

when - ad. at what time; at any time ("When will she come home?"); conj. during or at the time ("I studied hard when I was in school.") 

where - ad., conj. at, to or in what place ("Where is his house?" "The house where he lives is in the old part of the city.") 

which - pro. used to ask about what one or what ones of a group of things or people ("Which program do you like best?" "Which students will take the test?") 

while - n. a space of time ("Please come to my house for a while."); conj. at or during the same time ("It may not be a good idea to eat while you are running.") 

white - ad. having the color like that of milk or snow 

who - pro. what or which person or persons that ("Who wants to go?"); the person or persons ("They are the ones who want to go.") 

whole - ad. the complete amount; all together; not divided; not cut into pieces 

why - ad. for what cause or reason ("Why did she do it?"); conj. the reason for which ("I do not know why she did it.") 

wide - ad. having a great distance from one side to the other; not limited 

wife - n. a woman who is married 

wild - ad. living and growing in natural conditions and not organized or supervised by humans; angry; uncontrolled 

will - v. a word used with action words to show future action ("They will hold talks tomorrow.") 

willing - ad. being ready or having a desire to ("They are willing to talk about the problem.") 

win - v. to gain a victory; to defeat another or others in a competition, election or battle 

wind - n. a strong movement of air 

window - n. an opening in a wall to let in light and air, usually filled with glass

winter - n. the coldest time of year, between autumn and spring 

wire - n. a long, thin piece of metal used to hang objects or to carry electricity or electronic communications from one place to another 

wise - ad. having much knowledge and understanding; able to use knowledge and understanding to make good or correct decisions 

wish - v. to want; to express a desire for 

with - prep. along or by the side of; together; using ("He fixed it with a tool."); having ("the house with the red door") 

withdraw - v. to take or move out, away or back; to remove 

without - prep. with no; not having or using; free from; not doing 

woman - n. an adult female human 

wonder - v. to ask oneself; to question ("She wonders if it is true."); n. a feeling of surprise 

wonderful - ad. causing wonder; especially good 

wood - n. the solid material of which trees are made 

word - n. one or more connected sounds that form a single part of a language 

work - v. to use physical or mental effort to make or do something; n. the effort used to make or to do something; that which needs effort; the job one does to earn money 

world - n. the earth; the people who live on the earth 

worry - v. to be concerned; to continue thinking that something, possibly bad, can happen 

worse - ad. more bad than 

worth - n. value measured in money 

wound - v. to injure; to hurt; to cause physical damage to a person or animal; n. an injury to the body of a human or animal in which the skin is usually cut or broken 

wreck - v. to damage greatly; to destroy; n. anything that has been badly damaged or broken 

wreckage - n. what remains of something severely damaged or destroyed 

write - v. to use an instrument to make words appear on a surface, such as paper 

wrong - ad. not correct; bad; not legal; opposite right

Y

year - n. a period of time equal to twelve months

yellow - ad. having the color like that of gold or the sun 

yes - ad. used to express agreement or to permit 

yesterday - n. the day before today 

yet - ad. at some time before now ("Have they arrived yet?"); now; at this time ("I cannot tell you about it yet."); conj. however ("The sun was shining, yet it was cold.") 

you - pro. the person or persons being spoken to 

young - ad. in the early years of life; not old   Z

zero - n. the number meaning none or nothing

zoo - n. a place where animals are kept for the public to look at and study       COMMON PREFIXES

dis - not (dishonest, disobey) 

pro - for, supporting (pro-labor, pro-government) 

re - to do again (reorganize, reunite) 

self - used to show that the person or group acting is the one affected by the action, or to show that the action is done only by its own effort or power (self-declared, self-appointed) 

un - not (unusual, unhappy)   COMMON EXPRESSIONS

carry out - to do; to put into effect ("Please carry out the plan.") 

pass a bill - approve ("Congress is expected to pass a bill to cut taxes.") 

take steps - to start to do something ("The government will take steps to halt inflation.")     WORDS USED IN  VOA SPECIAL ENGLISH SCIENCE PROGRAMS

atom - a very small part of all things; the smallest part of an element that can join with parts of other elements 

bacteria - living things that are one cell and can be seen only through a microscope; some cause disease 

cell - a small mass of living material that is part of all plants and animals 

chromosome - a line of genes; most human cells contain 46 chromosomes 

compound - a substance containing two or more elements 

dense - close together; thick 

electron - a small part of an atom that has an electrical force 

element - one of more than 100 substances known to science that cannot be separated into other substances 

enzyme - a special kind of protein; it produces changes in other substances without being changed itself 

fetus - unborn young 

fission - a splitting; in atomic fission, the nucleus of an atom is split to produce nuclear energy 

fusion - a joining together; in atomic fusion, atomic particles are joined together to produce nuclear energy 

genes - parts of cells that control the growth and development of living things; genes from the mother and father are passed to the child; genes contain nucleic acid 

genetic engineering - the science of changing the genes of a living organism 

gravity - the force that pulls things toward the center of the earth 

image - a reproduction of the appearance of a person or thing 

laser - an instrument that makes a thin, powerful light 

magnet - a piece of iron or other material that has a pulling force; this pulling force is called magnetism 

molecule - the smallest amount of a chemical substance that can exist 

nerve - a thin piece of tissue that sends information through the body to and from the brain 

nucleus - the center part of an atom or cell 

nucleic acid - a molecule that holds the genetic information necessary for life; there are two kinds of nucleic acid: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid)

nutrient - a food or substance that makes plants, humans or animals grow 

organ - a part of the body that has a special purpose, such as the heart or brain 

organism - a living thing, often so small it can be seen only through a microscope 

particle - a very small piece of matter 

proteins - substances responsible for the growth of tissue and for fixing damaged tissue 

robot - a machine that moves and performs tasks 

tissue - living material; a group of cells that are similar in appearance and do the same thing 

virus - a kind of organism that causes disease 

x-rays - a kind of radiation that can pass through most solid materials, often used in medicine       ORGANS OF THE BODY

heart - pumps blood through the body 

intestines - tubes through which food passes after it is broken down in the stomach; part of the intestines also remove solid wastes from the body 

kidney - cleans liquid wastes from the body 

liver - makes some proteins and enzymes; removes poisons from the blood 

lung - takes in and expels air from the body 

prostate - a part of the male reproductive system 

stomach - breaks down food for the body to use 

uterus - a part of the female reproductive system where a fetus develops