Frolic
audio/easy/frolic.mp3
verb
to behave playfully; romp
The polar bear frolicked in the sun.
frolic.jpg
Sneer
audio/easy/sneer.mp3
noun
a facial expression that shows disgust
Using some props, the actor practiced his sneer.
sneer.jpg
Sleuth
noun
a detective
He liked pretending he was a sleuth.
sleuth.jpg
Expedition
audio/easy/expedition.mp3
noun
a journey or voyage made for a specific purpose
The scientists made an expedition to Alaska to study wildlife.
expedition.jpg
Enveloped
audio/easy/enveloped.mp3
adjective
wrapped up in a covering
The raccoon was enveloped in the blanket.
enveloped.jpg
Exhilarated
audio/easy/exhilarated.mp3
adjective
excited or stimulated; made joyful
The boy was exhilarated by the ride.
exhilarated3.jpg
Overcast
audio/easy/overcast.mp3
adjective
cloudy
It was a stormy and overcast day.
overcast.jpg
Petrified
audio/easy/petrified.mp3
adjective
scared to death
The petrified cat hid in the suitcase.
petrified.jpg
Ensemble
audio/easy/ensemble.mp3
noun
an outfit with more than one element
The dog was forced to wear the ensemble.
ensemble.jpg
Roost
audio/easy/roost.mp3
verb
to rest, sit, or sleep on a perch
The bird roosted on our snowman's nose.
roost.jpg
Distressed
audio/easy/distressed.mp3
adjective
having anxiety or mental suffering
She said she was fine, but we could see she was distressed.
distressed.jpg
Congested
audio/easy/congested.mp3
adjective
overcrowded or overfilled
Hong Kong is one of the most congested cities in the world.
congested.jpg
Relish
verb
to greatly enjoy
The boys relished the chips and queso.
relish.jpg
Overkill
audio/easy/overkill.mp3
noun
an excess of what is needed or necessary
If you want to catch a very small fish, that bait might be overkill.
disproportionate.jpg
Adorn
audio/easy/01+-+Intro+%5BInstrumental%5D.mp3
verb
to decorate or add beauty to; enhance
Statues adorn the temple walls.
adorn3.jpg
Recoil
audio/easy/recoil.mp3
verb
to move back in fear, horror, or disgust
She recoiled when the dentist approached.
recoil.jpg
Encumbered
audio/easy/encumbered.mp3
adjective
loaded down with something; burdened
The animal was encumbered by its load.
encumbered.jpg
Rupture
audio/easy/rupture.mp3
verb
to break or burst
The hose suddenly ruptured.
rupture.jpg
Dreary
audio/easy/dreary.mp3
adjective
having little cheer; depressing
Heavy pollution and little sun made the area dreary.
dreary.jpg
Plumage
audio/easy/plumage.mp3
noun
a bird's feathers
The parrot displayed colorful plumage.
plumage2.jpg
Hulking
audio/easy/hulking.mp3
adjective
so large as to appear clumsy
A hulking rhino stood before me.
hulking.jpg
Thunderstruck
adjective
astounded
He was thunderstruck by the news.
thunderstruck.jpg
Vast
adjective
of great size or range
My father planted a vast field of lavender.
vast.jpg
Remedy
audio/easy/remedy.mp3
noun
something that cures or relieves a problem
She gave me a remedy for my cough.
remedy.jpg
Cross
audio/easy/cross.mp3
adjective
angry and annoyed
I must have done something bad, because she looked cross.
cross.jpg
Apprehension
audio/easy/apprehension.mp3
noun
fearful or uneasy anticipation; dread
Haircuts filled him with apprehension.
apprehension.jpg
Scepter
audio/easy/sceptre.mp3
noun
a rod used as a symbol of authority
Priests, military leaders, royalty, and nobles once carried scepters.
scepter.jpg
Vacant
adjective
unoccupied
The hospital bed was vacant.
vacant.jpg
Zany
adjective
showing wild, clownish behavior
My grandfather has a zany personality.
zany2.jpg
Cerebral
audio/easy/cerebral.mp3
adjective
involving the brain or intellect
Chess is a cerebral sport.
cerebral.jpg
Melancholy
audio/easy/melancholy.mp3
adjective
sad or unhappy
The dogs at the pound looked melancholy.
melancholy.jpg
Cower
audio/easy/cower.mp3
verb
to cringe or crouch in fear
The dog cowered in the corner.
cower3.jpg
Festive
audio/easy/festive.mp3
adjective
appropriate for a festival or celebration
A Santa hat made the penguin look festive.
festive.jpg
Tresses
noun
long locks or curls of hair
She carefully combed her tresses.
tresses.jpg
Bay
audio/easy/bay.mp3
noun
a deep howl
We could hear the animal's bay as if it were right beside us.
bay.jpg
Elongated
audio/easy/elongated.mp3
adjective
extended or stretched out; long
Giraffes have elongated necks.
elongated.jpg
Fiery
adjective
like or suggestive of fire
Fiery lava poured from the volcano.
fiery2.jpg
Urban
adjective
having to do with or characteristic of cities
We looked down at the urban scene.
urban.jpg
Diverge
audio/easy/diverge.mp3
verb
to branch off
The road diverged into two paths.
diverge.jpg
Treacherous
adjective
violating trust; deceptive
A treacherous person pretends to be a friend and then betrays trust.
treachery.jpg
Rant
audio/easy/rant.mp3
verb
to speak violently or in a wild way
He ranted about the evils of office work.
rant3.jpg
Bovine
audio/easy/bovine.mp3
adjective
of or like a cow
A pair of bovine eyes stared at me.
bovine.jpg
Nuzzle
audio/easy/nuzzle.mp3
verb
to rub or push gently with the nose
The colt nuzzled its mother.
nuzzle.jpg
Dashing
audio/easy/dashing.mp3
adjective
elegant in appearance and manner
All the ladies thought he looked dashing.
dashing.jpg
Quench
audio/easy/quench.mp3
verb
to satisfy (thirst, desire, etc.)
The zebras quenched their thirst.
quench.jpg
Populous
audio/easy/populous.mp3
adjective
full of inhabitants
India's "Blue City" is populous.
populous.jpg
Bale
audio/easy/bale.mp3
noun
a large bundle
Bales of hay covered the field.
bale.jpg
Distraught
audio/easy/distraught.mp3
adjective
deeply upset
He was distraught when he received the news.
distraught.jpg
Nestle
audio/easy/nestle.mp3
verb
to settle snugly
A rat nestled between the fence's bars.
nestle3.jpg
Equine
audio/easy/equine.mp3
adjective
relating to horses
We had an equine visitor.
equine2.jpg
Bawl
audio/easy/bawl.mp3
verb
to cry loudly
The baby began to bawl.
bawl.jpg
Weathered
adjective
worn by exposure to weather
Even though it wasn't very old, the barn was weathered.
weathered.jpg
Agility
audio/easy/agility.mp3
noun
the ability to move quickly and easily
She possessed remarkable agility.
agile.jpg
Irrigate
audio/easy/irrigate.mp3
verb
to water land
The farmer frequently irrigated his land.
irrigate2.jpg
Breach
audio/easy/breach.mp3
noun
a gap, tear, or break
The accident caused an enormous breach.
breach3.jpg
Reprimand
audio/easy/reprimand.mp3
noun
a criticism, usually from someone in authority
My boss gave me a reprimand for poor work performance.
reprimand.jpg
Carcass
audio/easy/carcass.mp3
noun
the dead body of an animal
The mouse had become a dried-up carcass.
carcass.jpg
Inclined
audio/easy/inclined.mp3
adjective
sloping or slanted
Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa is inclined to one side.
inclined3.jpg
Endorsement
audio/easy/endorsement.mp3
noun
support or approval
He gave us his enthusiastic endorsement.
gratification.jpg
Foliage
audio/easy/foliage.mp3
noun
the leaves of a plant or tree
Those trees have beautiful foliage in the fall.
foliage.jpg
Frock
audio/easy/frock.mp3
noun
a dress
Someone had put a frock on the dog.
frock.jpg
Mangled
audio/easy/mangled.mp3
adjective
mutilated or disfigured
The accident left the car mangled.
mangled.jpg
Grave
audio/easy/grave.mp3
adjective
serious or solemn
He wore a grave expression.
grave.jpg
Staged
adjective
planned in order to produce an impression
I think that photo was staged--cats can't play chess!
staged.jpg
Spacious
audio/easy/spacious.mp3
adjective
containing a lot of space or room
They have a spacious living room.
spacious.jpg
Elated
audio/easy/elated.mp3
adjective
very happy or proud
The fisherman was elated by his big catch.
elated.jpg
Wake
noun
the track of waves left by a boat
The boat left a medium-sized wake as it moved through the water.
wake.jpg
Posterior
audio/easy/posterior.mp3
noun
the rear or back end of an animal or person
The photograph showed the posteriors of three zebras.
posterior.jpg
Bulwark
audio/easy/bulwark.mp3
noun
a wall built for defense
The sandbags formed a bulwark against flooding.
bulwark.jpg
Summit
noun
the highest point, as of a hill or mountain
Two of the climbers reached the summit.
summit.jpg
Luminous
audio/easy/luminous.mp3
adjective
radiating or reflecting light; bright
The jellyfish appeared luminous against the black of the sea.
luminous.jpg
Amused
audio/easy/amused.mp3
adjective
entertained; made to laugh or smile
They were highly amused by the joke.
hilarity.jpg
Slumber
audio/easy/slumber.mp3
verb
to sleep
The dog and I slumbered through the early morning.
slumber3.jpg
Underhanded
adjective
not straightforward; deceptive
His methods were underhanded.
underhanded.jpg
Gush
audio/easy/gush.mp3
verb
to flow out forcefully, often in large amounts
Water gushed down the waterfall.
gush.jpg
Modest
audio/easy/modest.mp3
adjective
limited in size; not showy
The house was an extremely modest one.
modest.jpg
Miscellaneous
audio/easy/miscellaneous.mp3
adjective
having a variety of kinds
The picture showed a miscellaneous group of bags.
miscellaneous.jpg
Pedestrian
audio/easy/pedestrian.mp3
noun
a person who is walking on foot
The pedestrians crossed the busy road.
pedestrians.jpg
Retract
audio/easy/retract.mp3
verb
to draw back or in
The frightened tortoise retracted its head and legs.
retract.jpg
Corridor
audio/easy/corridor.mp3
noun
a narrow hallway
The corridor had been painted green.
corridor.jpg
Bedraggled
audio/easy/bedraggled.mp3
adjective
wet or limp as if dragged through mud or water
The rainstorm left the parrot bedraggled.
bedraggled.jpg
Striking
adjective
attractive or impressive
Even though I know it's fake, that image is still striking.
fabricated.jpg
Taunt
verb
to make fun of in a particularly mean way
One of the girls taunted her.
taunted.jpg
Stroll
verb
to walk in a casual way
The woman strolled along the beach.
stroll.jpg
Alpine
audio/easy/alpine.mp3
adjective
pertaining to the Alps or other high mountains
We live in an alpine village.
alpine.jpg
Aloft
audio/easy/aloft.mp3
adjective
in the air or flying
The rider and his bike were aloft for several seconds.
aloft2.jpg
Arid
audio/easy/arid.mp3
adjective
extremely dry
The desert was hot and arid.
arid.jpg
Bask
audio/easy/bask.mp3
verb
to expose oneself to or to enjoy warmth
The dog basked in the sunlight.
bask.jpg
Indulge
audio/easy/indulge.mp3
verb
to give in to a desire
She tried to indulge her craving for cake without eating too much.
indulge.jpg
Badgered
audio/easy/badgered.mp3
adjective
nagged or pestered
He was constantly badgered.
badgered.jpg
Sow
verb
to scatter (seed) over land; to plant
My neighbor was sowing seeds in her garden.
sow.jpg
Arachnid
audio/easy/arachnid.mp3
noun
a type of arthropod (spiders, scorpions, mites)
Some arachnids have fangs.
arachnid.jpg
Chalet
audio/easy/chamber.mp3
noun
a dwelling resembling a ski lodge
The chalet was located in the Swiss Alps.
chalet.jpg
Vessel
noun
a boat or ship bigger than a rowboat
What kind of vessel is that?
vessel.jpg
Game
audio/easy/game.mp3
noun
wild animals that are hunted for sport or food
The dog always brought game directly to his master.
game.jpg
Matador
audio/easy/matador.mp3
noun
a bullfighter
The matador waved the red cape.
matador.jpg
Preen
audio/easy/preen.mp3
verb
to clean or trim feathers with the beak
The flamingo preened itself.
preen3.jpg
Immobile
audio/easy/immobile.mp3
adjective
not moving; motionless
The patient lay immobile on the operating table.
immobile.jpg
Apparel
audio/easy/apparel.mp3
noun
clothing, especially outerwear
The dog had been dressed in winter apparel.
apparel.jpg
Whirlpool
noun
water that is moving fast in a circular motion
We couldn't tell what caused the sudden whirlpool.
whirlpool.jpg
Forbidding
audio/easy/forbidding.mp3
adjective
frightening or threatening; suggesting danger
The sign that had seemed so funny during the day now looked forbidding.
forbidding.jpg
Cavern
audio/easy/cavern.mp3
noun
a cave or large compartment of a cave
A group of tourists walked through the cavern.
cavern.jpg
Pelt
audio/easy/pelt.mp3
noun
the skin of an animal with hair or fur still on it
The wolf pelt scared me for just a moment.
pelt.jpg
Subterranean
adjective
underground
We studied the subterranean rock formations.
subterranean.jpg
Restless
audio/easy/restless.mp3
adjective
unable to rest, relax, or stay still
The restless child kept getting up in the night.
restless.jpg
Dappled
audio/easy/dappled.mp3
adjective
spotted
We have three dappled horses.
dappled2.jpg
Unshod
adjective
without shoes
Her feet were unshod.
unshod.jpg
Casualty
audio/easy/casualty.mp3
noun
a person who is killed or injured in an accident
In the "Wizard of Oz," a wicked witch is a casualty of the storm.
casualty.jpg
Stature
noun
the height of a human or animal
He frequently measured his stature.
stature.jpg
Stench
noun
a bad smell; a stink
The diapers gave off a strong stench.
stench.jpg
Sound
audio/easy/sound.mp3
verb
to produce a sound
He sounded the horn.
sound.jpg
Inquiring
audio/easy/inquiring.mp3
adjective
as if asking a question; searching
She gave me an inquiring look.
inquiring.jpg
Auburn
audio/easy/auburn.mp3
adjective
a reddish or golden-brown color
She shook her auburn hair.
auburn.jpg
Cascade
audio/easy/cascade.mp3
noun
a waterfall or series of waterfalls over steep rocks
The water rushes through several cascades.
cascade.jpg
Bare
audio/easy/bare.mp3
verb
to expose
The wolf bared its teeth.
bare.jpg
Bizarre
audio/easy/bizarre.mp3
adjective
strikingly strange
Her taste in dress was bizarre.
bizarre.jpg
Wrath
noun
fierce anger
I was the victim of his wrath.
wrath.jpg
Defiance
audio/easy/defiance.mp3
noun
bold resistance or opposition to authority
Defiance showed in her eyes.
defiance.jpg
Solitude
audio/easy/solitude.mp3
noun
the state of being alone
He enjoyed the view in solitude.
solitude.jpg
Equestrian
audio/easy/equestrian.mp3
adjective
relating to riding horses
She demonstrated equestrian skill.
equestrian.jpg
Peer
audio/easy/peer.mp3
verb
to peep out
The baby kangaroo peered out of the pouch.
peer.jpg
Comical
audio/easy/comical.mp3
adjective
funny or amusing
She was comical with her glasses on.
comic.jpg
Canopy
audio/easy/canopy.mp3
noun
the cover formed by trees' branches
The trees in the park provide a lovely canopy.
canopy.jpg
Sheen
audio/easy/sheen.mp3
noun
the shine of reflected light
The bird's coat had a bluish sheen.
sheen3.jpg
Spellbound
audio/easy/spellbound.mp3
adjective
bound as if by a spell; fascinated
The boy was spellbound by the story.
spellbound.jpg
Turban
noun
a type of headwear
The man wore an orange turban.
turban.jpg
Moored
adjective
fixed in place by cables or the like
The ship was moored at the dock.
moored.jpg
Train
noun
a part of a dress or robe that drags on the ground
Her dress has a long train.
train.jpg
Chateau
audio/easy/chateau.mp3
noun
a castle or fortress, especially in France
The chateau was magnificent.
chateau.jpg
Clamor
audio/easy/clamor.mp3
verb
to express desire by making loud noises
The baby birds clamored for food.
clamor.jpg
Dilapidated
audio/easy/dilapidated.mp3
adjective
fallen into disrepair
The mansion had become a dilapidated ruin.
dilapidated.jpg
Sleek
audio/easy/sleek.mp3
adjective
graceful; streamlined
The sports car had sleek lines.
sleek.jpg
Offbeat
audio/easy/offbeat.mp3
adjective
unusual; different from what is expected
I found the doctor a little offbeat.
offbeat.jpg
Congregate
audio/easy/congregate.mp3
verb
to come together in large numbers
The flamingos congregated in the lake.
congregation.jpg
Lavatory
audio/easy/lavatory.mp3
noun
a bathroom with a toilet
The lavatory had red walls.
lavatory.jpg
Emit
audio/easy/emit.mp3
verb
to send forth; release
Mount St. Helen's emitted a small amount of ash and steam.
emit.jpg
Patriotic
audio/easy/patriotic.mp3
adjective
having or showing love for one's country
He posed for a very patriotic-looking portrait.
patriotic.jpg
Breaker
audio/easy/breaker.mp3
noun
a wave that breaks up into foam
The water swelled into a massive breaker.
breaker.jpg
Humble
adjective
simple, not fancy or of high quality
He lived in a humble cottage by the sea.
humble.jpg
Buck
audio/easy/buck.mp3
verb
to leap in order to throw a rider off
The horse bucked violently, but the cowboy stayed on.
buck.jpg
Steward
noun
an employee in charge of something
The wine steward carried the bottle and glasses.
steward.jpg
Medieval
audio/easy/medieval.mp3
adjective
pertaining to the Middle Ages (350 to 1450 A.D.)
The picture portrays a medieval scene.
medieval.jpg
Attire
audio/easy/attire.mp3
noun
clothes, especially fine ones
The dog was wearing evening attire.
attire.jpg
Chums
audio/easy/chums+1.mp3
noun
good friends
They were chums and were often seen together.
chums.jpg
Gaze
audio/easy/gaze.mp3
verb
to look or stare at something
The little girl gazed at the flower.
gaze.jpg
Bust
audio/easy/bust.mp3
noun
a sculpture showing the head and shoulders
Three busts were displayed on the patio.
bust.jpg
Stagnant
adjective
foul from not flowing (as in water)
The water appeared stagnant.
stagnant.jpg
Contorted
audio/easy/contorted.mp3
adjective
twisted out of shape
Her reflection was contorted.
contorted.jpg
Aggravated
audio/easy/aggravated.mp3
adjective
annoyed or irritated
Aggravated by our request, he glared at us.
aggravated.jpg
Facets
audio/easy/facets.mp3
noun
the flat, polished surfaces of a cut gem
The diamond had many facets.
facets.jpg
Haste
audio/easy/haste.mp3
noun
hurry or rush
In his haste to get to work, he took a shortcut.
haste.jpg
Garnish
audio/easy/garnish.mp3
noun
something placed around food to add decoration
The chef used mint as a garnish for the meal.
garnish.jpg
Loiter
audio/easy/loiter.mp3
verb
to hang around an area without much purpose
The man loitered in the alley.
loiter.jpg
Lofty
audio/easy/lofty.mp3
adjective
extending high in the air; towering
Peru's Machu Picchu has a lofty location.
lofty.jpg
Distort
audio/easy/distort.mp3
verb
to twist out of shape
The fishbowl distorted her reflection, making her face look huge.
distorted.jpg
Bustling
audio/easy/bustling.mp3
adjective
having noisy and energetic activity
The train station was bustling.
bustling.jpg
Conch
audio/easy/conch.mp3
noun
a type of shell
A big conch lay on the sand.
conch.jpg
Prominent
audio/easy/prominent.mp3
adjective
sticking out; immediately noticeable
Toucans have prominent beaks.
prominent2.jpg
Cask
audio/easy/cask.mp3
noun
a container like a barrel, intended to hold liquids
A number of casks were stored in the cellar.
cask.jpg
Tumultuous
adjective
wild or violent
The tumultuous waves crashed against the shore.
tumultuous.jpg
Recline
verb
to lean or lie back
He reclined in his seat.
recline2.jpg
Catwalk
audio/easy/catwalk.mp3
noun
a narrow, elevated walkway
A catwalk led into the ice cave.
catwalk.jpg
Glee
audio/easy/glee.mp3
noun
great delight or satisfaction
She waved her racquet with glee.
glee.jpg
Grisly
audio/easy/grisly.mp3
adjective
gruesome or horrible
The haunted house featured several grisly sights.
grisly.jpg
Peppy
audio/easy/peppy.mp3
adjective
lively or energetic
The dog was suddenly as peppy as a puppy.
peppy.jpg
Glacial
audio/easy/glacial.mp3
adjective
extremely cold
The glacial temperature kept the ice from melting.
glacial3.jpg
Turret
noun
a small tower on a larger structure
We admired the castle's turret.
turret.jpg
Guffaw
audio/easy/guffaw.mp3
noun
a loud laugh
The horse appeared to let out a guffaw.
guffaw3.jpg
Capsize
audio/easy/capsize.mp3
verb
to turn bottom up; to overturn
The canoe capsized in the rough water.
capsized.jpg
Homey
audio/easy/homey.mp3
adjective
like home; cozy
The inn felt homey.
homey.jpg
Berserk
audio/easy/berserk.mp3
adjective
crazed in a violent or destructive way
He suddenly went berserk and starting screaming.
berserk.jpg
Sibling
audio/easy/sibling.mp3
noun
a brother or sister
They looked like siblings.
siblings.jpg
Fleet
audio/easy/fleet.mp3
adjective
swift
She was fleet of foot.
fleet.jpg
Caress
audio/easy/caress.mp3
verb
to touch or stroke with affection
He gently caressed the horse.
caress.jpg
Expressive
audio/easy/expressive.mp3
adjective
clearly showing thoughts or emotions
She is an expressive baby; you can see everything she is feeling.
expressive.jpg
Beret
audio/easy/beret.mp3
noun
a flat, round cap
The Frenchman wore a beret.
beret.jpg
Blustery
audio/easy/blustery.mp3
adjective
blowing in strong gusts
The blustery winds caught us by surprise.
blustery.jpg
Retro
audio/easy/retro.mp3
adjective
suggestive of an earlier fashion in hair or clothes
Her style was retro.
retro.jpg
Toddler
noun
a young child learning to walk
The toddler took a few steps.
toddler.jpg
Hysterical
audio/easy/hysterical.mp3
adjective
uncontrollably emotional, often from fear
The man became hysterical every time he saw a bug.
hysteria.jpg
Caravan
audio/easy/caravan.mp3
noun
a group traveling together for protection
The caravan made its way through the desert.
caravan.jpg
Chamber
audio/easy/chamber.mp3
noun
a room in a house or apartment, often a bedroom
The chamber contained a large bed.
chamber.jpg
Solitary
audio/easy/solitary.mp3
adjective
without others; single
We saw a solitary tree.
solitary.jpg
Gawky
audio/easy/gawky.mp3
adjective
appearing awkward or clumsy
A drinking giraffe often looks gawky.
gawky.jpg
Vista
noun
a view, esp. one seen through a passageway
We enjoyed the vista.
vista.jpg
Meager
adjective
small in amount or quality
His meager dinner would not have fed even a child.
meager.jpg
Sluggish
audio/easy/sluggish.mp3
adjective
lacking energy; inactive
Our cat is sluggish during the day.
sluggish.jpg
Jalopy
audio/easy/jalopy.mp3
noun
an old, unreliable car
I love my car, but I have to admit that it's a jalopy.
jalopy.jpg
Grimy
audio/easy/grimy.mp3
adjective
dirty; covered with dirt or soot
The girl's face was grimy from playing in the dirt.
grimy.jpg
Aflame
audio/easy/aflame.mp3
adjective
on fire
The woods were all aflame.
aflame.jpg
Compact
adjective
taking up little space
That car has a compact size.
compact.jpg
Foyer
audio/easy/foyer.mp3
noun
a hall or room in a building near an entrance
We found ourselves in a large foyer.
foyer.jpg
Tranquility
noun
calmness or stillness; peacefulness
She enjoyed the tranquility.
tranquil3.jpg
Masquerade
audio/easy/masquerade.mp3
noun
a celebration in which elegant costumes are worn
They wore similar costumes to the masquerade.
masquerade.jpg
Gloomy
audio/easy/gloomy.mp3
adjective
very sad
Her mood was gloomy.
gloomy.jpg
Buoyancy
audio/easy/buoyancy.mp3
noun
the ability to float in water
A high level of salt in water gives swimmers buoyancy.
buoyancy.jpg
Flounder
audio/easy/flounder.mp3
verb
to struggle clumsily
The baby duck floundered helplessly.
flounder.jpg
Fret
audio/easy/fret.mp3
verb
to express worry or annoyance
When she fretted about something, she chewed her nails.
fretful.jpg
Elementary
audio/easy/elementary.mp3
adjective
easy; not complicated
The math equation was an elementary one.
elementary.jpg
Faux
audio/easy/faux.mp3
adjective
artificial or imitation; fake
The coats looked real, but they were made of faux fur.
faux3.jpg
Ascending
audio/easy/ascending.mp3
adjective
going or moving upward
The ascending steps led to a castle.
ascending.jpg
Precipitation
audio/easy/precipitation.mp3
noun
liquid falling to the earth, such as rain or snow
The precipitation made it hard to see clearly out the window.
precipitation.jpg
Carp
noun
a type of fish found in ponds and rivers
The carp gasped for breath.
carp.jpg
Jowls
audio/easy/jowels.mp3
noun
the flesh under the lower jaw
Our dog's jowls hang down like pouches.
jowls.jpg
Grove
audio/easy/grove.mp3
adjective
a group of trees without undergrowth
We came across a small grove.
grove.jpg
Sheer
audio/easy/sheer.mp3
adjective
of thin texture; able to be seen through
The sheer curtains allowed a lot of light into the room.
sheer.jpg
Silhouette
audio/easy/silhouette.mp3
noun
the outline of something
The golfer's silhouette could be seen in front of the setting sun.
silhouette.jpg
Scuffle
audio/easy/scuffle.mp3
noun
to fight or struggle in a confused or rough way
The young bears scuffled.
scuffle.jpg
Maimed
audio/easy/maimed.mp3
adjective
having a part of the body disabled or disfigured
The cat had been maimed in an accident.
maimed3.jpg
Neurotic
audio/easy/neurotic.mp3
adjective
affected with an emotional problem
My cousin can seem neurotic at times.
neurotic.jpg
Commode
audio/easy/commode.mp3
noun
a toilet
Somehow the cat got into the commode.
commode.jpg
Hilt
audio/easy/hilt.mp3
noun
the handle of a sword or similar weapon
The sword's hilt had a cool design.
hilt.jpg
Bleak
audio/easy/bleak.mp3
adjective
bare and often windswept; cheerless
The bleak landscape depressed me.
bleak.jpg
Gourd
audio/easy/gourd.mp3
noun
the hard-shelled fruit of certain plants
I bought three gourds.
gourds.jpg
Calamity
audio/easy/calamity.mp3
noun
a terrible disaster
The tsunami was a calamity for the city.
calamity.jpg
Gaping
audio/easy/gaping+1.mp3
adjective
wide open, as in a hole
The photo shows a cat and doll with gaping mouths.
gaping.jpg
Flamboyant
audio/easy/flamboyant.mp3
adjective
bold or showy
The performer wore a flamboyant costume.
flamboyant.jpg
Tiara
noun
a small jeweled crown worn by women
The tiara was placed on the bear's head.
tiara.jpg
Diagnostic
audio/easy/diagnostic.mp3
adjective
used in identifying a problem
The diagnostic test showed nothing wrong.
diagnostic.jpg
Gosling
noun
a young goose
The gosling walked through the park looking for its mother.
gosling.jpg
Strapping
adjective
powerfully built
He was a strapping young man.
strapping3.jpg
Downcast
audio/easy/downcast.mp3
adjective
low in spirits; depressed
The girl felt downcast.
downcast.jpg
Mount
audio/easy/mount.mp3
noun
a means of transportation, usually a horse
Her mount was large and well-groomed.
mount.jpg
Parasol
audio/easy/parasol.mp3
noun
a light umbrella used to provide shade
The woman carried a parasol.
parasol.jpg
Seafarer
audio/easy/seafarer.mp3
noun
a sailor or traveler on the sea
He pretended he was a seafarer sailing the ocean.
seafarer.jpg
Paunch
audio/easy/paunch.mp3
noun
a protruding stomach; potbelly
He was developing a paunch.
paunch.jpg
Flabbergasted
audio/easy/flabbergasted.mp3
adjective
speechless with amazement; astonished
The man was flabbergasted when smoke appeared.
flabbergasted.jpg
Garb
audio/easy/garb.mp3
noun
clothing, often specialized
The common garb of a Buddhist monk in some countries is a yellow or orange cloth.
garb.jpg
Ruffle
audio/easy/ruffle.mp3
verb
to raise (feathers)
The macaw ruffled its feathers.
ruffle.jpg
Muzzle
audio/easy/muzzle.mp3
noun
the jaws, mouth, and nose of some animals
The animal thrust its muzzle toward us.
muzzle.jpg
Helm
audio/easy/helm.mp3
noun
a wheel or device by which a ship is steered
The captain was at the ship's helm.
mariner.jpg
Bewildered
audio/easy/bewildered.mp3
adjective
completely confused
The little girl was bewildered by what she saw.
bewildered.jpg
Luster
audio/easy/luster.mp3
noun
the shine from reflected light
We admired the pearls' luster.
luster3.jpg
Famished
audio/easy/famished.mp3
adjective
extremely hungry
The poor dog was famished.
famished.jpg
Savor
audio/easy/savor+1.mp3
verb
to taste or smell something with pleasure
She savored the smell of the chocolate.
savor.jpg
Deter
audio/easy/deter.mp3
verb
to discourage
The sign was obviously meant to deter intruders.
deter3.jpg
Rejoice
audio/easy/rejoice.mp3
verb
to express great joy
He rejoiced when he won the lottery.
rejoice.jpg
Beefy
audio/easy/beefy.mp3
adjective
muscular and heavily built
He is a big, beefy guy.
beefy2.jpg
Receptacle
noun
a container or device that holds something
That looks like a receptacle of some kind.
receptacle.jpg
Relic
audio/easy/relic.mp3
noun
something remaining from the past
The object looked like a relic.
relic.jpg
Turbulent
adjective
full of commotion; having wildly irregular motion
The turbulent waters tossed the boat around.
turbulent.jpg
Rural
audio/easy/rural.mp3
adjective
of or having to do with the country
We enjoy rural areas.
rural.jpg
Bellow
audio/easy/bellow.mp3
verb
to make a loud sound; to roar
The man bellowed with rage.
bellow.jpg
Aghast
audio/easy/aghast.mp3
adjective
struck by shock or amazement
She was aghast when she saw the damage.
aghast.jpg
Terrace
noun
a deck or balcony
The terrace overlooked the sea.
terrace.jpg
Strewn
adjective
to be scattered or sprinkled over a surface
Rose petals were strewn across the floor.
strewn.jpg
Suspended
adjective
hung from above
The baby appeared to be suspended from the ceiling.
suspended.jpg
Labyrinth
audio/easy/labyrinth.mp3
noun
a system of interconnecting paths; a maze
The hedges form a labyrinth.
labyrinth.jpg
Pediatrician
audio/easy/pediatrician.mp3
noun
A doctor who specializes in the care of babies
The pediatrician checked the baby's heartbeat.
pediatrician.jpg
Adept
audio/easy/adept.mp3
adjective
very skilled; expert
The animal is an adept performer.
adept.jpg
Slovenly
audio/easy/slovenly.mp3
adjective
untidy or unclean in one's habits
Pigs are often thought of as slovenly.
slovenly.jpg
Auditory
audio/easy/auditory.mp3
adjective
relating to hearing
We tested the dog's auditory senses.
auditory.jpg
Brawn
audio/easy/brawn.mp3
noun
muscular strength and power
He showed off his brawn by striking a pose.
brawn.jpg
Frenzied
audio/easy/frenzied.mp3
adjective
violently excited or frantic
The driver was frenzied with anger.
frenzy.jpg
Loom
audio/easy/loom.mp3
verb
to come into view as large; to appear magnified
The statue loomed above us.
looming.jpg
Withered
adjective
dried or shriveled up
A withered rose lay on the table.
withered.jpg
Asymmetrical
audio/easy/asymmetrical.mp3
adjective
not identical on both sides of a central line
With only one side shaved, he had an asymmetrical appearance.
asymmetrical.jpg
Somber
audio/easy/somber.mp3
adjective
extremely serious
His somber expression made us wonder what was wrong.
somber.jpg
Frilly
audio/easy/frilly.mp3
adjective
having a lot of ruffles
She wore a frilly dress.
frilly.jpg
Transfixed
adjective
held motionless in amazement, terror, or interest
He was transfixed by the cookies and could not look away.
transfixed.jpg
Tote
verb
to carry
She was toting a number of bags.
tote.jpg
Lurk
verb
to move in a sneaky way
The strange figure lurked in the shadows.
lurk.jpg
Wilt
verb
to droop or become limp from lack of water
My flower wilted when I forgot to water it.
wilted.jpg
Douse
audio/easy/douse.mp3
verb
to splash with water; to drench
I doused my sister with water.
doused3.jpg
Delusion
noun
a false belief or opinion
She has the delusion that aliens are trying to read her mind.
paranoid.jpg
Toil
verb
to work hard at something exhausting
He toiled in the hot sun.
toil.jpg
Wallow
verb
to roll around in mud, snow, or something similar
The zebra wallowed in the dirt.
wallow.jpg
Alight
audio/easy/alight.mp3
verb
to settle down, as after a flight
The eagle prepared to alight on the branch.
alight.jpg
Bluff
audio/easy/bluff.mp3
noun
a cliff with a broad, steep front
The monastery lies on top of a bluff.
bluff.jpg
Eerie
audio/easy/eerie.mp3
adjective
strange, mysterious, or frightening
At night, the graveyard was eerie.
eerie.jpg
Dentures
audio/easy/dentures.mp3
noun
a full or partial set of artificial teeth
My grandfather removes his dentures every night.
dentures.jpg
Desolate
audio/easy/desolate.mp3
adjective
Deserted and lifeless
The landscape was bare and desolate.
desolate.jpg
Immerse
audio/easy/immerse.mp3
verb
to thrust or throw into liquid, often completely
The monkeys immersed themselves in the hot springs.
immerse.jpg
Recreation
audio/easy/recreation.mp3
noun
fun activity or play
He loves any kind of outdoor recreation.
recreation.jpg
Ailing
audio/easy/ailing.mp3
adjective
unwell; sickly
The teddy bear looked as if it were ailing.
ailing.jpg
Engulf
audio/easy/engulf.mp3
verb
to swallow up; cover completely
Flames engulfed the trees.
engulf.jpg
Cadaver
audio/easy/cadaver.mp3
noun
the body of a dead human being
Do you think that's a picture of an actual cadaver?
cadaver.jpg
Beam
audio/easy/beam.mp3
verb
to smile brightly
The man beamed with pleasure.
beam.jpg
Reckless
audio/easy/reckless.mp3
adjective
very careless; unconcerned about consequences
The reckless driver was drinking and driving.
reckless.jpg
Bejeweled
audio/easy/bejeweled.mp3
adjective
decorated with jewels or jewel-like stones
The shoe was heavily bejeweled.
bejeweled2.jpg
Cluttered
audio/easy/cluttered+1.mp3
adjective
filled with scattered things
Over the years, her office had become cluttered with papers.
cluttered.jpg
Radiant
audio/easy/radiant.mp3
adjective
bright with joy; glowing
The girl's expression was radiant.
radiant.jpg
Scowl
audio/easy/scowl.mp3
verb
to wrinkle the face in displeasure; frown
He scowled at us when we told him it was nap time.
scowl.jpg
Idle
audio/easy/idle.mp3
adjective
not working; inactive or doing nothing
He was often idle in the afternoon.
idle.jpg
Submerged
adjective
below the surface of something (often water)
He was submerged in the balls.
submerged.jpg
Haughty
audio/easy/haughty.mp3
adjective
arrogant or snobbish
She gave me a haughty look.
haughty.jpg
Culinary
audio/easy/culinary.mp3
adjective
relating to cooking or the kitchen
She taught a culinary class.
culinary.jpg
Nautical
audio/easy/nautical.mp3
adjective
having to do with ships, sailors, or navigation
The portrait had a nautical theme.
nautical.jpg
Dapper
audio/easy/dapper.mp3
adjective
neat and stylish in dress
He looked dapper in his pinstriped suit and hat.
dapper.jpg
Commence
audio/easy/commence.mp3
verb
to begin; start
The story commenced in a traditional way.
commence.jpg
Hieroglyphics
audio/easy/hieroglyphics.mp3
noun
a system of writing with symbols
Ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics.
hieroglyphics.jpg
Root (for)
audio/easy/root.mp3
verb
to cheer on; to encourage by cheering
They were rooting for their team.
root.jpg
Vulnerable
adjective
capable of being hurt or wounded
Baby seals which cannot yet swim are vulnerable and cannot defend themselves.
vulnerable.jpg
Engrossed
audio/easy/engrossed.mp3
adjective
absorbed in something
The cat was completely engrossed.
engrossed.jpg
Scribe
audio/easy/scribe+1.mp3
noun
a person who copies documents (esp. in past)
The scribe wrote by candlelight.
scribe.jpg
Slab
audio/easy/slab.mp3
noun
a thick slice of something
The cat eyed the slab of meat.
slab.jpg
Asylum
audio/easy/asylum.mp3
noun
an institution for the care of the mentally ill
The man was put into an asylum.
asylum.jpg
Predicament
audio/easy/predicament.mp3
noun
a difficult situation
The animal was left in a predicament.
predicament.jpg
Expel
audio/easy/expel.mp3
verb
to breathe out
The man expelled smoke.
expel.jpg
Weary
adjective
physically or mentally exhausted
The programmer was so weary that he fell asleep on the job.
weary.jpg
Maniacal
audio/easy/maniacal.mp3
adjective
suggesting craziness; typical of a maniac
He gave us a maniacal smile.
maniacal.jpg
Pucker
audio/easy/pucker.mp3
verb
to gather something together into a fold
He puckered his lips and then kissed the dog.
pucker.jpg
Gnarled
audio/easy/gnarled.mp3
adjective
bent or twisted
The tree was old and gnarled.
gnarled.jpg
Enticed
audio/easy/enticed.mp3
adjective
attracted or tempted
Th pets were enticed by the hamburger.
enticed.jpg
Loaf
audio/easy/loaf.mp3
verb
to lounge around in a lazy way
The squirrel loafed in the shade.
loaf.jpg
Prevail
audio/easy/prevail.mp3
verb
to triumph over or against someone or something
She prevailed over the mountain.
prevail.jpg
Traverse
verb
to cross over or pass through
The hikers traversed the mountainous area.
traverse.jpg
Flustered
audio/easy/flustered.mp3
adjective
nervous or confused; thrown off balance
The babysitter became flustered when she couldn't remember the house's address.
flustered.jpg
Suckle
verb
to take milk at the breast or udder; nurse
All but one of the piglets suckled.
suckle.jpg
Marina
audio/easy/marina.mp3
noun
a place where boats are docked
The marina was lit up at night.
marina.jpg
Numerous
audio/easy/numerous.mp3
adjective
very many
Numerous photographs lay scattered on the floor.
numerous.jpg
Conjurer
audio/easy/conjurer.mp3
noun
a wizard or sorceress
He pretended to be a conjurer.
conjurer.jpg
Stamp
verb
to hit by stepping down hard
The man stamped the ground.
stamp.jpg
Brooch
noun
a piece of jewelry that can be pinned to clothing
My grandmother gave me her brooch.
brooch.jpg
Chic
adjective
stylish
My grandma is chic!
chic.jpg
Print