Voa Learning English: A Dictionary of The Most Useful Words For Learning American English

VOA LEARNING ENGLISH
A dictionary of the most

useful words for
learning American English
VOA LEARNING ENGLISH
WORD BOOK
A dictionary of the most
useful words for
learning American English
learningenglish.voanews.com
Contents
4
Foreword. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Letters of the English Alphabet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Parts of Speech.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Word List & Definitions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Special Words & Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Common Prefixes.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Common Expressions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Numbers, Days, Months. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Chemical Elements.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Organs of the Body.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Computer Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Business Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
United States Branches of Government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Map of the United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Map of the World.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Presidents of the United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
learningenglish.voanews.com 5
Welcome to VOA’s Learning English
6
Voice of America’s Learning English is a go-to resource to
learn English for millions of people worldwide. Our lessons,
videos and other resources are written for English learners
at the intermediate and upper-beginner level. Our programs
are read one-third slower than normal English speed. We
also use news and current affairs as learning tools. Online
texts, MP3s and podcasts let people read, listen to and learn
American English and much more.
Learning English began as Special English, which Voice .

of America launched in 1959. Special English lessons and
programs were a fixture of VOA’s international shortwave
broadcasts for more than half a century. In 2014, VOA
launched Learning English to provide more English teaching
materials, such as the popular Let’s Learn English videos and
Everyday Grammar teaching series.
This book explains the meaning of the words used in our .

lessons and offerings. The first edition was published in
1962. The list of words has changed since then, as the .
language itself has changed. We thank all those people at
VOA who started the process and who helped make this
edition possible.
Learning English articles, MP3s and videos are in the public

domain. They can be reprinted for educational purposes so
long as you give credit to learningenglish.voanews.com.
Learning English programs are also broadcast on radio .

and satellite TV, and are available on YouTube, Facebook, .
and Twitter.
VOA Learning English

Washington, DC, 2018
Letters of the English Alphabet
8
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee
Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk
Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp
Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu
Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
Parts of Speech
10
noun (n.) – a name word preposition (prep.) – a word used .
to show a relation
out
book
in
verb (v.) — an action word pronoun (pro.) – a word used in .

place of a noun
it
speak
adjective/adverb (ad.) – . conjunction (conj.) – a joining word

a describing word
happy and
A
a (an) – ad. one; any; each guilt or responsibility (“He admitted
that what he did was wrong.”)
able – v. having the power to do
something adult – n. a grown person
about – adj. almost (“about half”); advertise – v. to show or present the
of or having a relation to (“We talk qualities of a product to increase
about the weather.”) sales
above – ad. at a higher place advise – v. to help with informa-
tion, knowledge or ideas in making a.
abuse – n. bad treatment causing
decision
harm or injury
affect – v. to produce an effect on;
accept – v. to agree to receive
to influence (“A lack of sleep affected
accident – n. something that. the singer’s performance.”)
happens by chance or mistake; an
afraid – ad. feeling fear
unplanned event
after – ad. later; behind
accuse – v. to say a person is respon-
sible for an act or crime; to make a again – ad. another time; as before
statement against someone
against – ad. opposed to; not agree-
across – ad. from side to side; to the ing with something
other side
age – n. how old a person or thing is
act – v. to do something
agency – n. an organization that is
activist – n. one who seeks change part of a larger group (“an agency of
through action the United Nations”)
actor – n. someone acting in a play. aggression – n. an attack against a
or show person or country; the violation of a
country’s borders
add – v. to put (something) with.
another to make it larger; to say more ago – ad. of time past; before now
administration – n. the executive part. agree – v. to have the same belief.
of a government, usually headed by a as someone; to be willing to do
president or prime minister something
admit – v. to accept (“admitted to the agriculture – n. farming
United Nations”); to express one’s
12
a (an) • animal
aid – v. to help; to support; n. help, almost – ad. a little less than.

assistance completely
aim – v. to point a gun at; n. a goal. alone – ad. separated from others
or purpose
along – ad. near or on (“along the
air – n. the mixture of gases around road”)
the earth, mostly nitrogen and.
already – ad. before now; even now
oxygen, that we breathe
also – ad. added to; too
air force – n. a military organization
using airplanes although – conj. even if it is true that
airplane – n. a vehicle with wings always – ad. at all times; every time
that flies
ambassador – n. a nation’s highest
diplomatic representative (to anoth-
er government)
amend – v. to add to or to change.
(a proposal or law)
ammunition – n. the bullets or shells
airplane fired from guns
among – ad. in or part of (a group)
airport – n. a place where airplanes amount – n. the number, size or
take off and land weight of anything
album – n. a collection of recorded anarchy – n. a lack of order; lawlessness
music
ancestor – n. a family member from
alcohol – n. a strong, colorless liquid,. the past
usually made from grain, used in
ancient – ad. very old; long ago
drinks or in industrial products
and – conj. also; in addition to; with
alive – ad. having life; not dead
anger – n. a strong emotion against
all – ad. everything; everyone; the
someone or something
complete amount
animal – n. a living creature that
ally – n. a nation or person joined
moves, such as a dog or cat
with another for a special purpose
anniversary – n. a yearly celebration. argue – v. to offer reasons for or
or observance of an event that. against something; to dispute; to
happened in the past disagree
announce – v. to make known. arms – n. military equipment; weapons
publicly; to declare officially
army – n. military ground forces
another – ad. one more; a different
around – ad. on every side (of)
one
arrest – v. to seize a person for legal
answer – n. a statement produced by
action; to take as a prisoner
a question; v. to make a statement
after being asked a question arrive – v. to come to a place,.
especially at the end of a trip
antibodies – n. special proteins.
produced in the blood that kill. art – n. expressions or creations by
harmful bacteria humans, such as paintings, music,
writing or statues
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
art
appoint – v. to name; to choose.
(“appoint a judge”) artillery – n. big guns
approve – v. to agree with; to agree as – conj. equally (“as fast as”); when;
to support while
archeology – n. the scientific study of ash – n. the part left after something
past human life and activities burns
area – n. any place or part of it
14
anniversary • away
ask – v. to question; to say some- attempt – v. to work toward some-

thing is wanted (“We ask the teacher thing; to try; to make an effort
questions every day.”)
attend – v. to be present at
assist – v. to help
attention – n. close or careful observ-
astronaut – n. a ing of, or listening to, someone or
person who travels something (“The student paid atten-
in space tion to his teacher.”)
astronomy – n. the automobile – n. a vehicle with wheels
scientific study of used to carry people; a car
stars and the .
autumn – n. the time of the year.
universe astronaut between summer and winter
asylum – n. political protection given
available – ad. present and ready for
by a government to a person from
use; willing to serve or help. (“There
another country
was a list of available candidates.”)
at – prep. in or near (“at the edge”);
average – n. something (a number)
where (“look at”); when (“at noon”)
representing the middle; ad. common;
atmosphere – n. the gases surround- normal
ing any star or planet
avoid – v. to stay away from
atom – n. a very small part of all
awake – ad. not sleeping
things; the smallest part of an.
element that can join with parts of award – n. an honor or prize for an
other elements act or service
attach – v. to tie together; to connect away – ad. not near
attack – n. a violent attempt to dam-
age, injure or kill; v. to start a fight
B
baby – n. a newly born creature base – n. a military center; v. to.
establish as a fact (“Her research was
back – n. the part behind the front;
based on experiments.”)
ad. the other way from forward
battle – n. a fight between opposing
bacteria – n. living things that are
armed forces
one cell and can be seen only through
a microscope; some cause disease be – v. to live; to happen; to exist
bad – ad. wrong; acting against the beat – v. to hit again and again
law; not good
beauty – n. that which pleases the
balance – v. to make two sides or eye, ear or spirit
forces equal
because – prep. for the reason that
ball – n. something round (“He left because he was sick.”)
become – v. to come to be
bed – n. a sleeping place
ball before – prep. earlier
begin – v. to do the first part of an.
action; to start
behavior – n. the way in which a
balloon – n. a device of strong, light person or animal acts (“The child’s
material that rises when filled with behavior was bad because he fought
gas lighter than air with other children.”)
ballot – n. a piece of paper used for behind – ad. at the back of; in back of
voting
believe – v. to think; to feel sure of; to
ban – v. to not permit; to stop; n. an accept as true; to trust
official restriction
belong – v. to be owned by; to be a
bank – n. an organization that keeps member of
and lends money
below – ad. lower than
bar – v. to prevent or block
best – ad. the most good
barrier – n. anything that blocks or
betray – v. to turn against; to be.
makes an action difficult
false to
16
baby • boy
better – ad. more good than bomb – n. a device that explodes

with great force; v. to attack or.
between – ad. in the space or time
destroy with bombs
that separates; from one to the other
(“talks between two nations”) bone – n. the hard material in .
the body
big – ad. of great size; not small
book – n. a long written work .
bill – n. a legislative proposal
for reading
biology – n. the scientific study of life
or living things in all their forms book
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
bleed – v. to lose blood border – n. a dividing line between
blind – ad. not able to see nations
block – v. to stop something from. born – v. to come to life; to come into

being done; to prevent movement existence
blood – n. red fluid in the body borrow – v. to take as a loan

blow – v. to move with force, as in air both – ad. not just one of two, but
(“The wind blows.”) the two together
blue – ad. having the color like that bottle – n. a container, usually made
of a clear sky of glass, to hold liquid
boat – n. something built to travel on bottom – ad. the lowest part of
water that carries people or goods something
body – n. all of a person or animal; box – n. something to put things
the remains of a person or animal into; a container, usually made of.
paper or wood
boil – v. to heat a liquid until it.
becomes very hot boy – n. a young male person
boycott – v. to refuse to take part in brother – n. a male with the same.
or deal with father or mother as another person
brain – n. the control center of brown – ad. having the color like that
thought, emotions and body activity of coffee
of all creatures
budget – n. a spending plan
brave – ad. having no fear
build – v. to join materials together
bread – n. a food made from grain to make something
break – v. to divide into parts by building – n. anything built for use as
force; to destroy a house, factory, office, school, store
or place of entertainment
breathe – v. to take air into the body
and let it out again bullet – n. a small piece of metal shot
from a gun
bridge – n. a structure built over a
waterway, valley or road so people burn – v. to be on fire; to destroy or
and vehicles can cross from one side damage by fire
to the other
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.
bridge active
brief – ad. short; not long
but – conj. however; other than; yet
bright – ad. giving much light; strong
buy – v. to get by paying something,
and clear in color
usually money
bring – v. to come with something
by – conj. near; at; next to (“by the
broadcast – v. to send information, road”); from (“a play by William
stories or music by radio or televi- Shakespeare”); not later than (“by
sion; n. a radio or television program midnight”)
18
C
cabinet – n. a group of ministers that capture – v. to make a person or.
helps lead a government animal a prisoner; to seize or take by
force; to get control of
call – v. to give a name to (“I call myself
John.”); to ask for or request (“They car – n. a vehicle with wheels used to
called for an end to the fighting.”) carry people; an automobile; a part
of a train
calm – ad. quiet; peaceful; opposite
tense care – v. to like; to protect; to feel
worry or interest
camera – n. a
device for taking career – n. a chosen profession; a per-
pictures son’s working life (“The actor’s career
lasted for thirty years.”)
camp – n. a place
with temporary careful – ad. acting safely; with much
housing camera thought
campaign – n. a competition by op- carry – v. to take something or some-
posing political candidates seeking one from one place to another
support from voters; a connected.
case (court) – n. a legal action
series of military actions during a war
case (medical) – n. an incident of
can – v. to be able to; to have the
disease (“There was only one case of
right to; n. a container used to hold
chicken pox at the school.”)
liquid or food, usually made of metal
cat – n. a small animal that often
cancel – v. to end; to stop
lives with humans
cancer – n. a disease in which dan-
catch – v. to seize after a chase; to
gerous cells grow quickly and destroy
stop and seize with the hands
parts of the body
cause – v. to make happen; n. the
candidate – n. a person who seeks.
thing or person that produces a result
or is nominated for an office or an
honor ceasefire – n. a halt in fighting,.
usually by agreement
capital – n. the official center of.
a government; the city where a. celebrate – v. to honor a person or
country’s government is event with special activities
cell – n. a small mass of living material how they act under different con-
that is part of all plants and animals ditions, and how they form other.
substances
center – n. the middle of something;
the place in the middle; a place that chief – n. the head or leader of a
is the main point of an activity group; ad. leading; most important
century – n. one hundred years child – n. a baby; a boy or girl
ceremony – n. an act or series of acts children – n. more than one child
done in a special way established by
choose – v. to decide between two.
tradition
or more
chairman – n. a person leading a
chromosome – n. a line of genes;
meeting or an organized group
most human cells contain 46.
champion – n. the best; the winner chromosomes
chance – n. a possibility of winning or circle – n. a closed shape that has all
losing or that something will happen its points equally distant from the
center, like an “O”
change – v. to make different; to.
become different citizen – n. a person who is a member
of a country by birth or by law
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 city
city – n. any important large town
cheer – v. to shout approval or praise
civilian – ad. not military
chemicals – n. elements found in.
nature or made by people; substances civil rights – n. the political, economic
used in the science of chemistry and social rights given equally to all
people of a nation
chemistry – n. the scientific study of
substances, what they are made of, claim – v. to say something as a fact
20
cell • come
clash – n. a battle; v. to fight or oppose cloud – n. a mass of fog high in.

the sky
class – n. a group of students who
meet to study the same subject; also coal – n. a solid black substance used
a social or economic group. (“They as fuel
were members of the middle class.”)
coalition – n. forces, groups or nations
clean – v. to make pure; ad. free. joined together
from dirt or harmful substances
coast – n. land on the
(“clean water”)
edge of the ocean
clear – ad. easy to see or see through;
coffee – n. a drink
easily understood
made from the plant
clergy – n. a body of officials within a of the same name coffee
religious organization
cold – ad. not warm; having or.
climate – n. the normal weather. feeling great coolness or a low.
conditions of a place temperature
climb – v. to go up or down some- collapse – v. to fall down or inward
thing by using the feet and some- suddenly; to break down or fail.
times the hands suddenly in strength, health or power.
(“The building collapsed in the earth-
clock – n. a device that measures and
quake.” “The government collapsed
shows time
after a vote in parliament.”)
close – v. to make something not
collect – v. to bring or gather together
open; ad. near to
in one place; to demand and receive
cloth – n. a material made from (“collect taxes”)
plants, chemicals, animal hair and
college – n. a small university
other substances
colony – n. land controlled by another
clothes – n. what people wear
country or government
color – n. the different effects of light
on the eye, making blue, red, brown,
black, yellow and others
clothes combine – v. to mix or bring together
come – v. to move toward; to arrive
command – v. to order; to have power compound – n. a substance containing
over something two or more elements
comment – v. to say something compromise – n. the settlement of
about; to express an opinion about an argument where each side agrees
something to accept less than first demanded
computer – n. an electronic machine
I think... for storing and organizing information,
and for communicating with others
concern – n. interest, worry (“express
comment
concern about”); v. to fear (“to be
concerned”)
condemn – v. to say a person or.
committee – n. a group of people. action is wrong or bad
given special work
condition – n. something declared
common – ad. usual; same for all. necessary to complete an agree-
(“a common purpose”) ment; a person’s health
communicate – v. to tell; to give or conference – n. a meeting
exchange information
confirm – v. to approve; to say that
community – n. a group of people. something is true
living together in one place or area
conflict – n. a fight; a battle, especially
company – n. a business organized for a long one
trade, industrial or other purposes
congratulate – v. to praise a person
compare – v. to examine what is. or to express pleasure for success or
different or similar good luck
compete – v. to try to do as well as, or Congress – n. the organization of
better than, another or others people elected to make the laws of
the United States (the House of Rep-
complete – ad. having all parts;.
resentatives and the Senate); a simi-
ended or finished
lar organization in other countries
complex – ad. of or having many
connect – v. to join one thing to.
parts that are difficult to under-
another; to unite; to link
stand; not simple
22
command • create
conservative – n. one who usually copy – v. to make something exactly

supports tradition and opposes great like another; n. something made to
change look exactly like anoth-
er
consider – v. to give thought to; to
think about carefully corn – n. a food grain
constitution – n. the written general correct – ad. true; free
laws and ideas that form a nation’s from mistakes; v. to
system of government change to what is right
contact – n. the act of touching or corruption – n. actions corn
being close to a person or thing (“He taken to gain money or power that
was in contact with animals that had are legally or morally wrong
the disease.”) v. to meet or communi-
cost – n. the price or value of some-
cate with (“He wanted to contact his
thing (“The cost of the book is five
local official.”)
dollars.”); v. to be valued at
contain – v. to hold; to include
cotton – n. a material made from a
container – n. a box, bottle or can plant of the same name
used to hold something
count – v. to speak or add numbers
continent – n. any of the seven great
country – n. a nation; the territory of
land areas of the world
a nation; land away from cities
continue – v. to go on doing or being
court –n. where trials take place; where
control – v. to direct; to have . judges make decisions about law
power over
cover – v. to put something over a
convention – n. a person or thing; n. anything that is
large meeting for put over a person or thing
a special purpose
cow – n. a farm animal used for its milk
cook – v. to heat
crash – v. to fall violently; to hit with
food before eat-
great force
ing it
cook
create – v. to make; to give life or
cool – ad. almost cold
form to
cooperate – v. to act or work together
creature – n. any living being; any. crush – v. to damage or destroy by
animal or human great weight; to defeat completely
credit – n. an agreement that pay- cry – v. to express or show sorrow.
ments will be made at a later time or pain
crew – n. a group of people working culture – n. all the beliefs, traditions
together and arts of a group or population
crime – n. an act that violates a law cure – v. to improve health; to
make well (“The doctor can cure the
criminal – n. a person who is respon-
disease.”); n. something that makes
sible for a crime
a sick person well (“Antibiotics are a
crisis – n. an extremely important cure for infection.”)
time when something may become
curfew – n. an order to people to
much better or worse; a dangerous
stay off the streets or to close their.
situation
businesses
criticize – v. to say what is wrong
current – n. movement of air, water
with something or someone; to con-
or electricity; ad. belonging to the
demn; to judge
present time (“She found the report
crops – n. plants that are grown and in a current publication.”)
gathered for food, such as grains,
custom – n. a long-established belief
fruits and vegetables
or activity of a people
cross – v. to go from one side to.
customs – n. taxes on imports
another; to go across
cut – v. to divide or injure with a
crowd – n. a large number of people
sharp tool; to make less; to reduce
gathered in one place
24
D
dam – n. a wall built across a river to deal – v. to have to do with (“The talks
hold back flowing water will deal with the problem of pollu-
tion.”); to buy or sell (“Her company
deals in plastic.”) n. an agreement
debate – v. to argue for or against
something; n. a public discussion or
argument
debt – n. something that is owed;
the condition of owing
dam
decide – v. to choose; to settle;.
to judge
damage – v. to cause injury or.
declare – v. to say; to make a statement
destruction; n. harm; hurt or injury,
usually to things decrease – v. to make less in size.
or amount
dance – v. to move the body and feet
to music; n. a series of steps, usually deep – ad. going far down; a long
to music way from top to bottom
danger – n. a strong chance of suffer- defeat – v. to cause to lose in a battle
ing injury, damage or loss or struggle; n. a loss; the condition of
having lost
dark – ad. having little or no light
(“The room was dark.”) defend – v. to guard or fight against
attack; to protect
date – n. an expression of time; a day,
month and year deficit – n. a shortage that results
when spending is greater than earn-
daughter – n. a person’s female child
ings, or imports are greater than.
day – n. twenty–four hours; the exports
hours of sunlight
define – v. to give the meaning of;.
dead – ad. not living to explain
deaf – ad. not able to hear degree – n. a measure of temperature
delay – v. to decide to do something describe – v. to give a word picture.
at a later time; to postpone; to cause of something; to give details of
to be late something
delegate – n. one sent to act for. desert – n. a dry area of land
another; one who represents another
desert
demand – v. to ask by ordering; to
ask with force
democracy – n. the system of gov-
ernment in which citizens vote to
choose leaders or to make other im-
portant decisions
demonstrate – v. to make a public
show of opinions or feelings (“The
crowd demonstrated in support of design – v. to plan or create plans for
human rights.”); to explain by using
desire – v. to want very much; to.
examples (“The teacher demonstrated
wish for
the idea with an experiment.”)
destroy – v. to break into pieces; to
dense – ad. close together; thick
end the existence of
denounce – v. to accuse of being
detail – n. a small part of something;
wrong or evil; to criticize severely
a small piece of information
deny – v. to declare that something is
detain – v. to keep or hold (“The
not true; to refuse a request
police detained several suspects for
depend – v. to need help and support questioning.”)
deplore – v. to regret strongly; to. develop – v. to grow; to create; to.
express sadness experience progress
deploy – v. to move forces or weap- device – n. a piece of equipment
ons into positions for action made for a special purpose
depression – n. severe unhappi- dictator – n. a ruler with complete
ness; a period of reduced business power
and economic activity during which
die – v. to become dead; to stop living;
many people lose their jobs
to end
26
delay • doctor
diet – n. usual daily food and drink disaster – n. an event causing wide-
spread destruction or loss of life,
different – ad. not the same
such as an earthquake or plane crash
difficult – ad. not easy; hard to do,
discover – v. to find or learn something
make or carry out
discrimination – n. unfair treatment
dig – v. to make a hole in the ground
or consideration based on opinions
dinner – n. the main amount of food about a whole group instead of on
eaten at a usual time (“The family had the qualities of an individual. (“He
its dinner at noon.”); a special event was accused of discrimination against
that includes food (“The official dinner people from other countries.”)
took place at the White House.”)
discuss – v. to talk about; to exchange
diplomat – n. a person who rep- ideas
resents his or her government in
disease – n. a sickness in living things,
dealing with another government
often caused by viruses, germs or
direct – v. to lead; to aim or show bacteria
the way (“He directed me to the
dismiss – v. to send away; to refuse
theater.”); ad. straight to something;
to consider
not through some other person or
thing (“The path is direct.”) dispute – v. to oppose strongly by.
argument; n. an angry debate
direction – n. the
way (east, west, dissident – n. a person who strongly
north, south); disagrees with his or her government
where someone or
distance – n. the amount of space
something came
dirt between two places or objects (“The
from or went to
distance from my house to your house
dirt – n. earth . is two kilometers.”)
or soil
dive – v. to jump into water head first
disappear – v. to
divide – v. to separate into two or
become unseen; to no longer exist
more parts
disarm – v. to take away weap-
do – v. to act; to make an effort
ons; to no longer keep weap-
ons; to make a bomb harmless by. doctor – n. a person trained in medicine
removing its exploding device to treat sick people
document – n. an official piece of. down – ad. from higher to lower; in
paper with facts written on it, used a low place
as proof or support of something
dream – v. to have a picture or story
dog – n. a small animal that often in the mind during sleep; n. a picture
lives with humans or story in the mind during sleep; a
happy idea about the future
dollar – n. United States money, one
hundred cents drink – v. to take liquid into the body
through the mouth
dollar
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
donate – v. to present something
as a gift to an organization, country dry – ad. not wet; without rain
or cause. (“She donated money to
during – ad. through the whole time;
the Red Cross to help survivors of the
while (something is happening)
earthquake.”)
dust – n. pieces of matter so small
door – n. an opening for entering or
that they can float in the air
leaving a building or room
duty – n. one’s job or responsibility;
double – v. to increase two times as
what one must do because it is right
much in size, strength or number.
and just
28
E
each – ad. every one by itself effort – n. an attempt; the work.
necessary to do something
early – ad. at or near the beginning,
especially the beginning of the day; egg – n. the rounded object containing
opposite late unborn young produced by female
earn – v. to be birds, fish or reptiles; a single cell in
paid in return for a female person or animal that can
work done develop into a baby
earth – n. the either – ad. one of two, but not.

planet we all live the other
on; the ground elect – v. to choose by voting
or soil earth
electron – n. a small part of an atom
earthquake – n. a sudden, violent that has an electrical force
shaking of the earth’s surface
electricity – n. a form of energy that
ease – v. to reduce; to make less. flows through wires to provide heat
difficult and light, and power to machines
east – n. the direction from which element – n. one of more than 100
the sun rises substances known to science that
easy – ad. not difficult; not hard to do cannot be separated into other.
substances
eat – v. to take food into the body
through the mouth embassy – n. the offices of an ambas-
sador and his or her assistants
ecology – n. the scientific study of
the environment and links among embryo – n. a human or animal in the
living and material things earliest stages of its development
economy–n. the system by which mon- emergency – n. an unexpected and
ey, industry and trade are organized dangerous situation demanding
quick action
edge – n. the line where something
ends or begins emotion – n. a strong feeling such as
education – n. the act of teaching love, hate, fear or sadness
effect – n. the result or change employ – v. to give work in return for

caused by something (“The storm wages
had a serious effect on the economy.”)
empty – ad. having nothing inside;. equipment – n. things, tools or ma-
v. to remove everything chines needed for a purpose or activity
end – v. to stop; to finish; n. the part escape – v. to get free; to get away
which comes last from; to get out of
enemy – n. a person opposing or. especially – ad. more than others
hating another; a person or people of (“We liked the food, especially the fish.”)
the other side in a war
establish – v. to bring into existence;
energy – n. power used to do work, to create
usually with machines; the ability
estimate – v. to form an opinion
and willingness to be active
about a value, size or amount using
enforce – v. to make something be done less than complete information
engine – n. a machine that uses ener- ethnic – ad. of or concerning people
gy to cause movement or to do work belonging to a large group because
of their race, religion, language, tribe
engineer – n. a person who designs
or where their ancestors lived
engines, machines, roads, bridges or
railroads evaporate – v. to change from a liquid
into a gas
enjoy – v. to be pleased or satisfied
by something even – ad. in a way not thought.
possible (“They survived, even though
enough – ad. as much as necessary
the building was destroyed.”)
enter – v. to come or go into
event – n. that which happens, espe-
environment – n. all surrounding cially something of importance
things, conditions and influences
ever – ad. at any time
that affect life; the natural world of
land, sea, air, plants and animals every – ad. each one; all
enzyme – n. a special kind of protein; evidence – n. material or facts that
it produces changes in other sub- prove something; a reason for believing
stances without being changed itself
evil – ad. not good; extremely bad
equal – ad. the same in amount, size,
exact – ad. having no mistakes;.
weight or value; having the same
correct in every detail
rights
examine – v. to study closely
30
empty • extremist
example – n. a part that shows what experiment – v. to test; n. a test or

the rest of a thing or group is like trial carried out to prove if an idea is
true or false, or to discover something
excellent – ad. extremely good
expert – n. a person with special
except – prep. but for
knowledge or training
exchange – v. to trade; to give or.
explain – v. to give reasons for; to
receive one thing for another
make clear; to tell about; to tell the
excuse – v. to take away blame; to meaning
pardon; to forgive; n. a reason (some-
explode – v. to break apart violently
times false) for an action
with a loud noise, like a bomb
execute – v. to kill
explore – v. to travel in a place that is
exercise – n. an activity or effort for not well known to learn more about
the purpose of improving the body or it; to make a careful search; to exam-
to stay in good health ine closely
exile – v. to force a person to leave export – v. to send to another coun-
his or her country; to expel; n. a per- try; n. something sent to another
son who is forced to leave his or her country, usually for sale
country
express – v. to say clearly
exist – v. to be; to live
extend – v. to stretch out in area or
expand – v. to make larger; to grow length; to continue for a longer time
larger
extra – ad. more than normal, expected
expect – v. to think or believe that or necessary
something will happen; to wait for
extraordinary– ad. far greater or better
an event
than the usual or normal
expel – v. to force out; to remove
extreme – ad. more than the usual or
from; to send away
accepted
experience – v. to live through an
extremist – n. a person with strong
event, situation or condition (“She
religious or political beliefs who acts
experienced great pain.”); n. some-
in an extreme or violent way
thing that one has done or lived
through (“The experience caused her
great pain.”)
F
face – n. the front of the head: eyes, to keep warm; ad. thick; heavy
nose, mouth; v. to look toward; to
father – n. the male parent; a man
turn toward; to have before you, such
who has a child or children
as a problem or danger
favorite – ad. liked more than others
fact – n. something known or proved
(“Ice cream was her favorite food.”)
to be true
fear – v. to be afraid; to worry that
factory – n. a building or group of
something bad is near or may hap-
buildings where goods are made
pen (“He feared falling down.”); n. a
fail – v. to not succeed; to not reach strong emotion when there is dan-
a goal ger or trouble (“He had a fear that he
would fall down.”)
fair – ad. just; honest; what is right
federal – ad. of or having to do with a
fall – v. to go down quickly; to come
national or central government
down; to drop to the ground or a
lower position feed – v. to give food to
false – ad. not true; not correct feel – v. to have or experience an
emotion; to know by touching
family – n. the group that includes
children and their parents female – n. a woman or girl; the sex
that gives birth; ad. of or about women
famous – ad. known very well to
many people fence – n. something around an area
of land to keep animals or people in
fan – n. a person who actively sup-
or out
ports a sport, activity or performer
(“The baseball fan attended every fertile – ad. rich in production of
game his team played.”) plants or animals; producing much
far – ad. at, to or from a great distance fetus – n. unborn young
farm – n. land used to grow crops and few – ad. not many; a small number of
animals for food
field – n. an area of open land, usu-
fast – ad. moving or working at great ally used to grow crops or to raise
speed; quick animals
fat – n. tissue in the bodies of humans fierce – ad. extremely strong; violent;
and animals used to store energy and angry
32
face • flood
fight – v. to use violence or force;. firm – ad. not easily moved or

to attempt to defeat or destroy an. changed (“She is firm in her opinion.”)
enemy; n. the use of force; a battle
first – ad. coming before all others
fill – v. to put or pour something into
fish – n. a creature that lives and can
a container until there is space for.
breathe in water
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
fish
financial – ad. of or about the system
that includes the use of money, cred-
fission – n. a splitting; in atomic.
it, investments and banks
fission, the nucleus of an atom is
find – v. to discover or learn some- split to produce nuclear energy
thing by searching or by accident; to
fit – v. to be of the correct size or
decide a court case (“The jury finds
shape (“These shoes fit my feet.”)
the man guilty of murder.”)
fix – v. to make good or right again
fine – n. a payment ordered by a
court to punish someone for a crime; flag – n. a piece of colored cloth used
ad. very good; very small or thin to represent a nation, government or
organization
finish – v. to com-
plete; to end flat – ad. smooth; having no high
places
fire – v. to shoot
a gun; n. the heat flee – v. to run away from
and light produced
float – v. to be on water without sink-
by something
ing; to move or be moved gently on
burning fire
water or through air
fireworks – n. rockets producing
flood – v. to cover with water; n. the
bright fire in the sky, used in holiday
movement of water out of a river,
celebrations
lake or ocean onto land
floor – n. the bottom part of a room one dollar for the book.”); through
for walking on (“The book fell to the space or time (“They traveled for one
floor.”); the level of a building (“The hour.”); representative of (“I speak for
fire was on the first floor.”) all people.”); to be employed by (“She
works for a computer company.”)
flow – v. to move like a liquid
force – v. to make someone do some-
flower – n. the col-
thing or make something happen
ored part of plants
by using power; n. power, strength;
that carry seeds
strength used against a person or
fluid – n. any sub- object; military power of a nation; a
stance that can flow, military group
such as a liquid
foreign – ad. of, about or from anoth-
flower
fly – v. to move er nation; not from one’s own place
through the air with wings, like a bird or country
or airplane; to travel in an airplane or
forest – n. a place of many trees
flying vehicle
forget – v. to not remember
fog – n. a mass of wet air that is.
difficult to see through; a cloud close forgive – v. to pardon; to excuse; to
to the ground remove guilt
follow – v. to come or go after; to. form – v. to make; to start; to shape
accept the rule or power of; to obey (“They formed a swim team.”); n. a
kind (“Swimming is a form of exercise.”)
food – n. that which is taken in by all
living things for energy, strength and former – ad. earlier in time; not now
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 forest
34
floor • future
forward – ad. the direction in front fun – n. anything that is pleasing and
of; toward the front causes happiness
free – v. to release; ad. not controlled funeral – n. a ceremony held in con-
by another or by outside forces; not nection with the burial or burning of
in prison; independent; not limited the dead
by rules; without cost
fusion – n. a joining together; in
freedom – n. the condition of being atomic fusion, atomic particles are
free joined together to produce nuclear
energy
freeze – v. to cause or to become
very cold; to make or to become hard. future – n. time after now (“We can
by cold talk about it in the future.”); ad. in the
time to come (“All future meetings
fresh – ad. newly made or gathered;
will be held in this room.”)
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
G
gain – v. to get possession of; to get get – v. to receive; to gain; to go and
more; to increase bring back; to become; to become
the owner of
game – n. an activity with rules in
which people or teams play or com- gift – n. something given without
pete, usually sports cost
gas – n. any substance that is not. girl – n. a young female person
solid or liquid; any substance that
give – v. to present to another to
burns to provide heat, light or power
keep without receiving payment
gather – v. to bring or come together
glass – n. a hard,
into a group or place; to collect
clear material that
general – n. a high military leader; is easily broken,
ad. without details; affecting or in- used most often
cluding all or almost all for windows or for
containers to hold
generation – n. a group of individuals
liquids glass
born and living about the same time.
(“The mother and daughter represented go – v. to move from one place to.
two generations.”) another; to leave
genes – n. parts of cells that control goal – n. that toward which an effort
the growth and development of liv- is directed; that which is aimed at;
ing things; genes from the mother the end of a trip or race
and father are passed to the child;
god – n. the spirit that is honored as
genes contain nucleic acid
creator of all things (“They believe in
genetic engineering – n. the science God.”); a spirit or being believed in
of changing the genes of a living. many religions to have special powers
organism
gold – n. a highly valued yellow metal
genocide – n. a plan of action to kill
good – ad. pleasing; helpful; kind;
or destroy a national, religious, racial
correct; not bad
or ethnic group
goods – n. things owned or made to
gentle – adj. soft; kind; not rough or
be sold
violent
36
gain • gun
govern – v. to control; to rule by. ground – n. land; the earth’s surface;

military or political power soil
government – n. a system of govern- group – n. a number of people or
ing; the organization of people that things together; a gathering of people
rules a country, city or area working for a common purpose
grain – n. the seed grow – v. to develop or become bigger;
of grass plants to increase in size or amount
used for food,
guarantee – v. to promise a result; to
such as wheat,
promise that something will happen
rice and corn;
those plants that guard – v. to watch and protect a per-
produce the seeds grain son, place or thing (“He guards the
president.”); n. a person or thing that
grass – n. a plant with long, narrow,
watches or protects (“He is a prison
green leaves
guard.”)
gravity – n. the force that pulls things
guerrilla – n. a person who fights as
toward the center of the Earth
part of an unofficial army, usually
gray – ad. having the color like that against an official army or police
made by mixing black and white
guide – v. to lead to; to show the
great – ad. very large or more than way; n. one who shows the way
usual in size or number; very good;
guilty – ad. having done some-
important
thing wrong or in violation of a law;.
green – ad. having the color like that responsible for a bad action
made by mixing yellow and blue;
gun – n. a weapon that shoots bullets
having the color like that of growing
leaves and grass
grind – v. to reduce to small pieces.
by crushing
H
hair – n. the fine material that grows have – v. to possess; to own; to hold
from the skin, especially from the head
he – pro. the boy or man who is being
half – n. one of two equal parts of spoken about
something
head – v. to lead; to command;.
halt – v. to come or cause to come to n. leader; chief; the top part of some-
a stop; to stop thing; the highest position
hang – v. to place something so the headquarters – n. the center from
highest part is supported and the which orders are given; the main.
lower part is not; to kill by hanging offices of a business or organization
happen – v. to become a fact or event; heal – v. to return to good health; to
to take place cure; to become well
happy – ad. pleased; satisfied; feel- health – n. the general condition of
ing good; not sad 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 pro-
duced by burning fuel; energy from
happy the sun
hard – ad. not easily cut or broken; heavy – ad. having much weight; not
solid; difficult to do or understand; easy to lift; of great amount or force
needing much effort or force
helicopter – n. a machine without
harm – v. to injure; to damage;. wings that can fly up or down or.
n. damage; hurt remain in one place above the ground
harvest – v. to gather crops; n. the
crop after it is gathered
hat – n. a head cover
helicopter
hate – v. to have strong emotions
against; to consider as an enemy;.
opposite love
38
hair • hospital
help – v. to give support; to assist; to home – n. the building where a per-

make easier; n. support; aid son lives, especially with family; the
place where one was born or comes
here – ad. in, to or at this place
from; the area or country where.
hero – n. a person honored for being one lives
brave or wise
honest – ad. truthful; able to be
hide – v. to prevent from being seen trusted
or found; to make secret
honor – v. to obey; to show strong,
high – ad. tall; far up; far above the good feelings for (“to honor one’s
ground; important; above others parents”); n. an award; an act of giv-
ing special recognition (“He received
hijack – v. to seize or take control of a
many honors for his efforts to help
vehicle by force
others.”)
hill – n. a small mountain
hope – v. to expect; to believe there
history – n. the written record or. is a good chance that something will
description of past events; the study happen as wanted; to want some-
of the past thing to happen
hit – v. to strike; to touch with force horrible – ad. causing great fear;.
terrible
hold – v. to carry or support, usually.
in the hands or arms; to keep in one horse – n. a large animal often used
position; to keep as a prisoner; to for racing, riding or farm work
contain; to possess; to occupy; to.
hospital – n. a place where sick or.
organize and be involved in (“The two
injured people are given medical care
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
hospital
hostage – n. a person captured and however – conj. yet; but
held as a guarantee that a demand or
huge – ad. very big; of great size
promise will be honored
human – ad. of or about people
hostile – ad. ready to fight; ready.
for war humor – n. the ability to understand,
enjoy or express what makes people
hot – ad. having or feeling great heat
laugh
or a high temperature
hunger – n. the need for food
hotel – n. a building with rooms, and
often food, for travelers hunt – v. to search for animals to
capture or kill them; to seek; to try.
hour – n. a measure of time; sixty
to find
minutes
hurry – v. to do or go fast
house – n. a building in which people
live; a country’s parliament or lawmak- hurt – v. to cause pain, injury or.
ing group (“House of Representatives”) damage
how – ad. in what way; to what husband – n. a man who is married
amount
40
I
I – pro. the person speaking in – prep. inside; held by; contained
by; surrounded by; during
ice – n. frozen water
incident – n. an event or something
idea – n. a thought or picture in the
that happens
mind; a belief
incite – v. to urge or cause an action
identify – v. to recognize someone or
or emotion, usually something bad
something and to say who or what
or violent
they are
include – v. to have; to make a part of
if – conj. on condition; provided that
(“I will go if you go.”) increase – v. to make more in size or
amount
ignore – v. to pay no attention to.
or refuse to consider (“The president independent – ad. not influenced by
ignored the protesters outside his or controlled by another or others;
office.”) free; separate
illegal – ad. not legal; in violation of individual – n. one person
a law
industry – n. any business that pro-
image – n. a reproduction of the. duces goods or provides services;
appearance of a person or thing the work and related activity in fac-
tories and offices; all organizations
imagine – v. to make a picture in the
involved in manufacturing
mind; to form an idea
infect – v. to make sick with some-
immediate – ad. without delay; very
thing that causes disease
near in time or place
inflation – n. a continuing rise in
immigrant – n. a person who arrives
prices while the value of money.
in a country to live there
goes down
import – v. to bring from another
influence – v. to have an effect on
country; n. something brought from
someone or something; to cause
another country, usually for sale
change
important – ad. having great mean-
inform – v. to tell; to give knowledge to
ing, value or power
information – n. knowledge; facts
improve – v. to make better; to be-
come better
inject – v. to force a fluid into, such instrument – n. a tool or device de-
as putting medicine or drugs into the signed to do something or to make
body through the skin something
injure – v. to cause harm or damage insult – v. to say something or to do
to a person or animal something that makes another per-
son angry or dishonored
innocent – ad. not guilty of a crime;
not responsible for a bad action intelligence – n. the ability to think
or learn; information gathered by
insane – ad. mentally sick
spying
insect – n. a very small creature, usu-
intelligent – ad. quick to understand
ally with many legs and sometimes
or learn
with wings
intense – ad. very strong; extremely
serious
insect
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
inspect – v. to look at something
carefully; to examine, especially by international – ad. of or about more
an expert than one nation or many nations; of
the whole world
instead – ad. in the place of; taking
the place of
42
inject • it
Internet – n. the extensive communica- issue – n. an important problem or

tions system that connects computers subject that people are discussing or
around the world arguing about
intervene – v. to come between; to it – pro. a thing, place, event or idea
come between in order to settle or that is being spoken about (“The sky
solve is blue, but it also has a few white
clouds.”)
invade – v. to enter an area or coun-
try by force with an army
invent – v. to plan and make some-
thing never made before; to create a
new thing or way of doing something
invest – v. to give money to a busi-
ness or organization with the hope
of making more money
investigate – v. to study or examine
all information about an event, situa-
tion 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
JK
jail – n. a prison for those waiting keep – v. to possess; to have for
to be tried for a crime or for those. oneself
serving sentences for crimes that are
kick – v. to hit with the foot
not serious
kidnap – v. to seize and take away by
jewel – n. a valuable stone, such as a
force
diamond or emerald
kill – v. to make dead; to cause to die
job – n. the work that one does to
earn money kind – n. sort (“What kind of dog is
that?”); ad. gentle; caring; helpful
join – v. to put together or come.
together; to become part of or a kiss – v. to touch with the mouth to
member of show love or honor
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; knife
to decide a question, especially a.
legal one; n. a public official who. knife – n. a tool or weapon used to cut
decides problems of law in a court
know – v. to understand something
jump – v. to push down on the feet as correct; to have the facts about;
and move up quickly into the air to recognize someone because you
have met and talked together before
jury – n. a group of people chosen to
decide what is true in a trial knowledge – n. that which is known;
learning or understanding
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.”)
justice – n. the quality of being right,
fair or lawful
44
L
labor – n. work; workers as a group law – n. all or any rules made by a
government
laboratory – n. a room or place where
experiments in science are done lead – v. to show the way; to.
command; to control; to go first
lack – v. to be without; n. the condition
of needing, wanting or not having leak – v. to come out of or to escape
through a small opening or hole
lake – n. a large area of fresh water
(usually a gas or liquid)
surrounded by land
learn – v. to get knowledge about; to
land – v. to come to the earth from
come to know a fact or facts
the air (“Airplanes land at airports.”);
n. the part of the earth not covered leave – v. to go away from; to let
by water; the ground something stay where it is
language – n. words and their use; left – ad. on the
what people speak in a country, nation side that is toward
or group the west when one
is facing north; op-
large – ad. big; being of more than
posite right left
usual size, amount or number; oppo-
site small legal – ad. of or in agreement with
the law
laser – n. an instrument that makes a
thin, powerful light legislature – n. a government .
lawmaking group
last – v. to continue (“The talks will
last three days.”); ad. after all others; lend – v. to permit someone to use a
the only one remaining (“She is the thing temporarily; to make a loan of
last person in line.”) money
late – ad. after the correct time; near less – ad. smaller in amount; not as
the end; opposite early much
laugh – v. to make sounds to express let – v. to permit to do or to be; to
pleasure or happy feelings make possible
launch – v. to put into operation; to
begin; to send into the air or space
letter – n. a message written on. lightning – n. light produced by.
paper; a communication in writing electricity in the air, usually during.
sent to another person a storm
letter
level – n. the amount or height that

something reaches or rises to; the
position of something or someone lightning
liberal – ad. one who usually.

like – v. to be pleased with; to have
supports social progress or change
good feelings for someone or some-
lie – v. to have one’s body on the thing; ad. in the same way as; similar to
ground or other surface; to say some-
limit – v. to restrict to a number or
thing that one knows is not true
amount; n. the greatest amount or
life – n. the time between being born number permitted
and dying; opposite death; all living
line – n. a long, thin mark on a surface;
things
a number of people or things orga-
lift – v. to take or bring up to a higher nized; one after another; the edge of
place or level an area protected by military forces
light – n. a form of energy that. link – v. to connect; to unite one
affects the eyes so that one is able thing or event with another;.
to see; anything that produces light;. n. a relation between two or more
ad. bright; clear; not heavy things, situations or events
46
letter • luck
liquid – n. a substance that is not a look – v. to turn the eyes toward so as

solid or gas, and can move freely, like to see; to search or hunt for; to seem
water to be
list – v. to put in writing a number of lose – v. to have no longer; to not
names of people or things; n. a writ- find; to fail to keep; to be defeated
ten series of names or things
loud – ad. having a strong sound; full
listen – v. to try to hear of sound or noise
literature – n. all the poems, stories love – v. to like very much; to feel.
and writings of a period of time or of a strong, kind emotion (sometimes
a country involving sex); n. a strong, kind.
emotion for someone or something;
little – ad. not tall or big; a small
opposite hate
amount
low – ad. not high or tall; below the
live – v. to have life; to exist; ad. having
normal height; close to the ground
life; alive
loyal – ad. showing strong friendship
load – v. to put objects on or into a
and support for someone or some-
vehicle or container; n. that which is
thing
carried
luck – n. something that happens.
loan – n. money borrowed that usu-
by chance
ally must be returned with interest
payments; something borrowed
local – ad. about or having to do with
one place
lonely – ad. feeling alone
long – ad. not short; measuring from
beginning to end; measuring much;
for much time
M
machine – n. a device with moving many – ad. a large number or amount
parts used to do work of
magazine – n. a publication of news, map – n. a picture of the earth’s.
stories, pictures or other information surface or a part of it
magnet – n. a
piece of iron or
other material
that has a pulling
force; this pull-
ing force is called
magnetism magnet
mail – n. letters, papers and other

things sent through an official sys- map
tem, such as a post office
march – v. to walk in a group like
main – ad. the most important or soldiers; to walk together in a large
largest group to protest about something
major – ad. great in size, importance mark – v. to make a sign or cut on
or amount something
majority – n. the greater number; market – n. a place or area where
more than half goods are sold, bought or traded; an
economic system in which the prices
make – v. to produce; to create; to
of things are decided by how many
build; to do something or to carry
there are and how much money peo-
out an action; to cause to be or to
ple are willing to pay for them
become
marry – v. to join a man and woman.
male – n. a man or boy; the sex that
together as husband and wife; to.
is the father of children; ad. of or
become husband and wife (usually in
about men
a religious or civil ceremony)
man – n. an adult male human
mass – n. an amount of matter hav-
manufacture – v. to make goods in ing no special form and usually of a
large amounts large size
48
machine • microscope
mate – v. to bring together a male medicine – n. a substance or drug

and a female to create another creature used to treat disease or pain; the.
science or study of treating and.
material – n. the substance, substanc-
curing disease or improving health
es or matter of which something
is made or from which something meet – v. to come together with
can be made, such as wood, cloth or someone or something at the same
stone; anything that can be made time and place
into something else
melt – v. to make a solid into a liquid
mathematics – n. the science dealing by heating it
with amounts, sizes and shapes, as
member – n. one of a group
explained by numbers and signs
memorial – n. something done or
matter – n. anything that can be
made to honor the memory of a.
seen or felt; what things are made of
person or event
may – v. a word used with an action
memory – n. a picture in the mind of
word to mean permit or possible
past events; the ability to remember;
(“May I go?” “They may leave tomor-
a thing remembered
row.”)
mental – ad. about or having to do
mayor – n. the chief official of a city
with the mind
or town government
message – n. written or spoken news
meal – n. food eaten to satisfy.
or information; a note from one.
hunger, such as dinner
person to another person or group
mean – v. to want to; to give the idea
metal – n. a hard substance such as
of; to have the idea of
iron, steel or gold
measure – v. to learn the amount,
method – n. the way something.
size or distance of something; n. an
is done
action taken; a legislative proposal
microscope – n. a
meat – n. the part of a dead animal
device used to make
used for food
very small things
media – n. all public information or- look larger so they
ganizations, including newspapers, can be studied
television and radio
microscope
middle – n. the center; a place or time mineral – n. a substance found in.
of equal distance from both sides or nature that is not an animal or a
ends; ad. in the center 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;
middle
opposite majority
militant – n. someone active in trying
minute – n. a measure of time; one of
to cause political change, often by
the sixty equal parts of an hour; sixty
the use of force or violence
seconds
military – n. the armed forces of a
miss – v. to fail to hit, see, reach or
nation or group; ad. of or about the
meet
armed forces
missile – n. any weapon that can be
militia – n. an army of citizens instead
thrown or fired through the air and
of professional soldiers; an armed
explodes when it reaches its target
force or private army
missing – ad. lost; not found
milk – n. the white liquid produced by
female animals to feed their young mistake – n. a wrong action or de-
cision; an action done without the
mind – n. the thinking, feeling part of
knowledge that it was wrong
a person
mix – v. to put different things to-
mine – v. to dig useful or valuable
gether to make one thing
substances out of the earth; n. a
place in the earth where such sub- mob – n. a large group of wild or.
stances are found; a bomb placed angry people
under the ground or under water so
model – n. an example; something,
it cannot be seen
usually small, made to show how
something will look or work
50
middle • mystery
moderate – ad. not extreme mountain – n. a part of the earth’s

surface that rises high above the
modern – ad. of the present or very
area around it
recent time; the most improved
molecule – n. the smallest amount of
a chemical substance that can exist mountain
money – n. pieces of metal or paper

used to pay for things
money
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
month – n. one of the twelve periods
a way of moving; a series of acts or
of time into which a year is divided
efforts to reach a goal
moon – n. the bright object often
movie – n. a motion picture; a film
seen in the night sky that orbits the
earth about every twenty-nine days much – ad. great in amount
moral – ad. concerning what is right murder – v. to kill another person.
or wrong in someone’s actions illegally; n. the crime of killing.
another person
more – ad. greater in size or amount
music – n. the making of sounds by
morning – n. the early part of the day,
singing or using a musical instrument
from sunrise until noon
must – v. a word used with an action
most – ad. greatest in size or amount
word to mean necessary (“You must
mother – n. the female parent; a go to school.”)
woman who has a child or children
mystery – n. something that is not or
motion – n. a movement; a continuing cannot be explained or understood;
change of position or place a secret
N
name – v. to appoint; to nominate; to neither – ad. not one or the other.
give a name to; n. a word by which of two
a person, animal or thing is known.
nerve – n. a thin piece of tissue that
or called
sends information through the body
narrow – ad. limited in size or to and from the brain
amount; not wide; having a short
neutral – ad. not supporting one side
distance from one side to the other
or the other in a dispute
nation – n. a country, together with
never – ad. at no time; not ever
its social and political systems
new – ad. not existing before; not
native – n. someone who was born in
known before; recently made, built,
a place, not one who moved there
bought or grown; another; different
natural – ad. of or about nature;.
news – n. information about any r.
normal; common to its kind
ecent events, especially as reported
nature – n. all the plants, animals by the media
and other things on earth not created
next – ad. coming immediately after;
by humans; events or processes not
nearest
caused by humans
nice – ad. pleasing; good; kind
navy – n. the part of a country’s.
military force trained to fight at sea night – n. the time between when
the sun goes down and when it rises,
near – ad. not far; close to
when there is little or no light
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 com-
mon solution
neighbor – n. a person or country
that is next to or near another
night
52
name • number
no – ad. used to reject or to refuse; nucleic acid – n. a molecule that

not any; not at all holds the genetic information nec-
essary for life; there are two kinds of
noise – n. sound, especially when loud
nucleic acid; DNA (deoxyribonucleic
nominate – v. to name someone as a acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid)
candidate for an election; to propose
nucleus – n. the center part of an
a person for an office or position
atom or cell
noon – n. the middle of the day;
nutrient – n. a food or substance that
twelve o’clock in the daytime
makes plants, humans or animals
normal – n. the usual condition, grow
amount or form; ad. usual; what is
number – n. a word or sign used to
expected
show the order or amount of things
north – n. the direction to the left of
a person facing the rising sun
not – ad. a word showing that some-
thing 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 number
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 us-
ing energy from atoms
O
obey – v. to act as one is ordered to act offer – v. to present or propose; n. the
act of presenting or proposing; that
object – v. to show that one does not
which is presented or proposed
like or approve; to protest; n. some-
thing not alive that can be seen or office – n. a room or building where
touched business or work is done; a public
position to which one is elected or
observe – v. to watch; to look at care-
appointed
fully; to celebrate or honor something
(“They will observe the anniversary of officer – n. a person in the military
the day she was born.”) who commands others; any person
who is a member of a police force
occupy – v. to take and hold or to.
control by force official – n. a person with power in an
organization; a representative of an
ocean – n. the area of salt water that
organization or government; ad. of
covers almost seventy-five percent
or about an office; approved by the
of the earth’s surface; any of the five
government or someone in power
main divisions of this water
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
ocean
on – prep. above and held up by;
of – prep. made from; belonging to;. touching the upper surface of (“The
about; connected to; included among book is on the table.”); supported by
(“He is on his feet.”); about (“The re-
off – ad. away; at a distance; condi-
port on the meeting is ready.”); at the
tion when something is no longer
time of (“He left on Wednesday.”)
operating or continuing; not on; not
connected once – ad. one time only
offensive – n. a military campaign of only – ad. being the single one or
attack; ad. having to do with attacking ones; no more than (“We have only
two dollars.”)
54
obey • own
open – v. to start (“They opened organ – n. a part of the body that has
talks.”); ad. not closed; not secret a special purpose, such as the heart
or brain
operate – v. to do work or a job; to
cut into the body for medical reasons organism – n. a living thing, often so
small it can be seen only through a
opinion – n. a belief based on one’s
microscope
own ideas and thinking
organize – v. to put in order; to put
oppose – v. to be against; to fight
together into a system
against
other – ad. different; of another kind;
opposite – ad. different as possible;
the remaining one or ones of two or
completely different from; exactly
more (“That man is short; the other
the other way (“North is the opposite
is tall.”)
direction from south.”)
our – ad. of or belonging to us
oppress – v. to make others suffer; to
control by the use of unjust and cruel oust – v. to force to leave; to remove
force or power by force
or – conj. giving another of two choices; out – ad. away from the inside;.
giving the last of several choices opposite of in
orbit – v. to travel in space around a over – conj. above; covering; across,
planet or other object; n. the path or in or on every part of (“all over the
way an object travels in space around world”)
another object or planet
overthrow – v. to remove from power;
to defeat or end by force
orbit
owe – v. to pay or have to repay (usu-
ally money) in return for something
received
own – v. to have or possess for oneself
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
P
pain – n. a hurt or suffering some- part – n. something less than the
where in the body whole; not all of something
paint – v. to cover with a liquid color; particle –n. a very small piece of matter
to make a picture with liquid colors;
partner – n. a person who takes part
n. a colored liquid used to cover or
in some activity in common with an-
protect a surface
other or others. (“The two men were
paper – n. a thin, flat material made business partners.”)
from plants or cloth often used for
party – n. a group of people working
writing
together for a political purpose; a
parachute – n. a device that permits a group of people or friends gathered
person or thing to fall slowly from an together for enjoyment
airplane or helicopter to the ground
pass – v. to go by or move around
something; to move along; to cause
or permit to go
passenger – n. a person traveling by
airplane, train, boat or car who is not
the pilot or driver
parachute
parade – n. a group of people and.

vehicles moving together to celebrate.
passport
a special event or anniversary
pardon – v. to forgive for a crime and
release from punishment
passport – n. an official government
parent – n. a father or mother document that shows a person’s
identity and citizenship and permits
parliament – n. a government law-
a citizen to travel to another country
making group
past – n. the time gone by; the time
before; ad. recent; immediately be-
fore; former
56
pain • planet
path – n. a narrow way for walking; physical – ad. of the body

a way along which something moves
physics – n. the study of motion,
patient – n. a person being treated by matter and energy
a doctor for a health problem
picture – n. something that shows
pay – v. to give money for work done what another thing looks like; an
or for something bought idea or representation of something
as seen by the eye; a painting; what
peace – n. the condition of freedom
is made with a camera
from war, fighting or noise; rest; quiet
piece – n. a part of something larger
people – n. any group of persons; all
the persons of a group, race, religion pig – n. a farm animal used for its
or nation (“the American people”) meat
percent – n. a part of every hundred pilot – n. one who guides or flies an
(“Ten is ten percent of one hundred.”) airplane or helicopter
perfect – ad. complete or correct in pipe – n. a long, round piece of mate-
every way; completely right or good; rial used to move liquid or gas
without mistakes
place – v. to put something some-
perform – v. to speak, dance or sing where; n. an area or a part of an area;
in front of others space where a person or thing is; any
room, building, town or country
period – n. an amount of time within
events, restrictions or conditions plan – v. to organize or develop an
idea or method of acting or doing
permanent – ad. never changing;
something (“They plan to have a
lasting for a very long time or for.
party.”); n. an organized or developed
all time
idea or method (“The plan will not
permit – v. to let; to make possible work.”)
person – n. a man, woman or child planet – n. a large object in space that
orbits the sun (“Earth is a planet.”)
persuade – v. to cause someone to do
something by explaining or urging
(“The police persuaded the criminal to
surrender his weapon.”)
plant – v. to put into the ground to poison – n. a substance that can.
grow; n. a living growth from the destroy life or damage health
ground which gets its food from air,
police – n. a government agency re-
water and earth
sponsible for guarding the public,
keeping order, and making sure peo-
ple obey the law; members of that
agency
policy – n. an established set of plans
plant
or goals used to develop and make
decisions in politics, economics or
business
politics – n. the activities of govern-
ment and of those who are in public
plastic – n. a material made from office
chemicals that can be formed and
pollute – v. to release dangerous or
made into things
unpleasant substances into the air,
play – v. to have fun; to not work; to soil or water
take part in a sport; to make music
poor – n. people with little or no
on an instrument; n. a story acted in
money; ad. lacking money or goods;
a theater
of bad quality
please – v. to make one happy; to
popular – ad. liked by many people;
give enjoyment
generally approved by the public
plenty – n. all that is needed; a large
population – n. all the people in a
enough amount
place, city or country
plot – v. to make secret plans; n. a.
port – n. a city where ships load or
secret plan to do something wrong
unload goods; a place on a coast
or illegal
where ships can be safe from a storm
poem – n. words and their sounds
position – n. a place; the way of hold-
organized in a special way to express
ing the body; the way a thing is set or
emotions
placed; a job (or level of a job) in an
point – v. to aim one’s finger toward; organization
to aim; n. the sharp end of something
58
plant • probably
possess – v. to have; to own; to control president – n. the chief official of a

or be controlled by country that is a republic; the leader
of an organization
possible – ad. able to be done; can
happen or is expected to happen press – v. to urge strongly;.
n. newspapers, magazines and other
postpone – v. to delay action until a
publications
later time
pressure – n. the force produced
pour – v. to flow; to cause to flow
when something is pushed down or
poverty – n. the condition of being against something else
poor
prevent – v. to keep or stop from.
power – n. the ability to control or di- going or happening
rect others; control; strength; ruling
price – n. the amount of money for
force; force or energy used to do work
which anything is bought, sold or.
(“Water power turns the wheel.”)
offered for sale
praise – v. to say good things about;
prison – n. a place where a person is
to approve
kept as punishment for a crime
pray – v. to make a request to a god
private – ad. of or about a person or
or spirit; to praise a god or spirit
group that is secret; opposite public
predict – v. to say what one believes
prize – n. something offered or won
will happen in the future. (“The
in a competition; something of value
weather scientist predicted a cold
that one must work hard for
winter.”)
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 com-
mittee.”); n. a gift (“I gave them a
present for their anniversary.”); ad.
prize
now (“The present time is a good
time.”); ad. to be at a place (“I was probably – ad. a good chance of tak-
present at school yesterday.”) ing place; a little more than possible
problem – n. a difficult question or propose – v. to present or offer for
situation with an unknown or un- consideration
clear answer
protect – v. to guard; to defend;.
process – n. an operation or series of to prevent from being harmed or
changes leading to a desired result damaged
produce – v. to make; to create;. proteins – n. substances responsible
to cause something to be; to manu- for the growth of tissue and for fix-
facture ing damaged tissue
profession – n. a job that requires protest – v. to speak against; to object
special training
prove – v. to show to be true
professor – n. a teacher at a college
provide – v. to give something needed
or university
or wanted
profit – n. money gained from a busi-
public – ad. of or about all the people
ness activity after paying all costs of
in a community or country; opposite
that activity
private
program – n. a plan of action; the.
publication – n. something that is
different events or parts of a meeting
published such as a book, newspaper
or show
or magazine
progress – n. movement forward or publication
toward improvement or a goal
project – n. a planned effort to do
something
promise – v. to say one will do some-
thing; n. a spoken or written agree-
ment to do something
publish – v. to make public something
propaganda – n. ideas or information that is written; to include something
used to influence opinions in a book, newspaper or magazine
property – n. anything owned by pull – v. to use force to move some-
someone such as land, buildings or thing toward the person or thing.
goods using the force; opposite push
60
Q
pump – v. to force a gas or liquid up, quality – n. that which something
into or through is known to have or be (“An import-
ant quality of steel is its strength.”);
punish – v. to cause pain, suffering
amount of value or excellence (“Their
or loss for doing something bad or
goods are of the highest quality.”)
illegal
question – v. to ask; to express.
purchase – v. to buy with money
wonder or disbelief; n. a sentence or
or with something of equal value;.
word used in asking for information;
n. that which is bought
a problem; an issue to be discussed
pure – ad. free from anything that is
quick – ad. fast
different or that reduces value; clean
quiet – ad. with little or no noise;
purpose – n. the reason or desired.
having little or no movement; calm
effect for doing something; goal
push – v. to use force to move some-
thing away from the person or thing
using the force; opposite pull
push
put – v. to place; to set in position
R
race – v. to run; to take part in a com- rain – n. water falling from the sky
petition to decide who or what can
raise – v. to lift up; to move to a
move fastest; to take part in a cam-
higher position; to cause to grow; to.
paign for political office; n. one of the
increase
major groups that humans can be
divided into because of a common rape – v. to carry out a sexual attack
physical similarity, such as skin color by force against a person
radar – n. a device that uses radio. rare – ad. not common; not usual;
signals to learn the position or speed not often
of objects that may be too far away
rate – n. speed; a measure of how
to be seen
quickly or how often something.
radiation – n. waves of energy from happens; the price of any thing or
something that produces heat or service that is bought or sold
light; energy from a nuclear sub-
reach – v. to put a hand toward; to
stance, which can be dangerous
arrive at; to come to
radio – n. the system of sending and
react – v. to act as a result of or in.
receiving signals or sounds through
answer to
the air without wires
read – v. to look at and understand
raid – v. to make a sudden attack;.
the meaning of written words or
n. a sudden attack carried out as an
numbers
act of war, or for the purpose of seiz-
ing or stealing something ready – ad. prepared; completed;.
organized; willing
railroad – n. a road for trains; a com-
pany that operates such a road and real – ad. true; truly existing; not false
its stations and equipment
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
railroad
62
race • remains
rebel – v. to act against a govern- reduce – v. to make less or smaller in

ment or power, often with force; to number, size or amount; to cut
refuse to obey; n. one who opposes
reform – v. to make better by chang-
or fights against the government of
ing; to improve; n. a change to a.
his or her country
better condition
receive – v. to get or accept some-
refugee – n. a person who has been
thing given, offered or sent
forced to flee because of unjust
recent – ad. a short time ago treatment, danger or war
recession – n. a temporary reduction refuse – v. to reject; to not accept,
in economic activity, when industries give or do something
produce less and many workers lose
register – v. to have one’s name.
their jobs
officially placed on a list of people
recognize – v. to know or remember permitted to vote in an election or
something or someone that was take part in an educational program
known, known about or seen before;
regret – n. a feeling of sadness or.
to accept another nation as indepen-
sorrow about something that is done
dent and establish diplomatic ties
or that happens
with its government
reject – v. to refuse to accept, use.
record – v. to write something in.
or believe
order to have it for future use; to put
sound or pictures in a form that can relations – n. understandings or ties
be kept and heard or seen again; n. between nations; members of the
a writing that shows proof or facts same family; people connected by
about something marriage or family ties
recover – v. to get again something release – v. to free; to permit to go; to
that was lost, stolen or taken away permit to be known or made public
(“The police recovered the stolen
religion – n. a belief in, or the honoring
money.”); to return to normal health
of, a god or gods
or normal conditions (“She is expected
to recover from the operation.”) remain – v. to stay in a place after
others leave; to stay the same
red – ad. having the color like that.
of blood remains – n. a dead body
remember – v. to think about the research – n. a careful study to.
past; opposite forget discover correct information
remove – v. to take away or take off; resign – v. to leave a position, job.
to put an end to; to take out of a. or office
position or office
resist – v. to oppose; to fight to prevent
repair – n. work done to fix something
resolution – n. an official statement
repeat – v. to say or do again of agreement by a group of people,
usually reached by voting
report – v. to tell about; to give the
results of a study or investigation;. resource – n. anything of value that
n. the story about an event; the re- can be used or sold
sults of a study or investigation; a
respect – v. to feel or show honor to
statement in which the facts may
a person or thing (“All citizens should
not be confirmed
respect the law.”)
responsible – ad. having a duty or
job to do (“He is responsible for pre-
paring the report.”); being the cause.
of (“They were responsible for the
accident.”)
rest – v. to sit, lie down or sleep to re-
report
gain strength; n. that which remains;
the others
represent – v. to act in the place of
restaurant – n. a place where people
someone else; to substitute for; to
can buy and eat meals
serve as an example
restrain – v. to keep controlled; to
repress – v. to control or to restrict
limit action by a person or group
freedoms by force
restrict – v. to limit; to prevent from
request – v. to ask for; n. the act of
increasing or becoming larger
asking for
result – v. to happen from a cause; n.
require – v. to need or demand as
that which follows or is produced by
necessary
a cause; effect
rescue – v. to free from danger or evil
64
remember • room
retire – v. to leave a job or position road – n. a long piece of hard ground

because one is old or in poor health built between two places so people
can walk, drive or ride easily from
return – v. to go or come back; to
one place to the other
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 road
right – n. what a person legally and

rob – v. to take money or property.
morally should be able to do or have
secretly or by force; to steal
(“It is their right to vote.”); ad. agree-
ing with the facts; good; correct; robot – n. a machine that moves and
opposite wrong; on the side that is performs work
toward the east when one is facing
rock – n. a hard piece of mineral matter
north; opposite left
rocket – n. a device shaped like a
riot – v. to act with many others in a
tube that moves through air or space
violent way in a public place; n. a vio-
by burning gases and letting them.
lent action by a large group of people
escape from the back or bottom,
rise – v. to go up; to go higher; to. sometimes used as a weapon
increase; to go from a position of sit-
roll – v. to turn over and over; to
ting or lying to a position of standing
move like a ball
risk – n. the chance of loss, damage
room – n. a separate area within a
or injury
building with its own walls
river – n. a large amount of water
that flows across land into another
river, a lake or an ocean
root – n. the part of a plant that is rubber – n. a substance made from
under the ground and takes nutri- the liquid of trees with the same
ents from the soil 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
root
rope – n. a long, thick piece of mate-

rial made from thinner pieces of ma-
terial, used for tying run
rough – ad. not flat or smooth; hav-
ing an uneven surface; violent; not rural – ad. describing areas away
made well from cities which may include farms,
small towns and unpopulated areas.
round – ad. having the shape of a ball
or circle
rub – v. to move something over the
surface of another thing
66
S
sabotage – v. to damage or destroy satisfy – v. to give or provide what is
as an act against an organization or desired, needed or demanded
nation
save – v. to make safe; to remove
sacrifice – v. to do without some- from harm; to keep for future use
thing or to suffer a loss for a belief,
say – v. to speak; to express in words
idea, goal or another person
school – n. a place for education; a
sad – ad. not happy
place where people go to learn
safe – ad. away from harm or danger
science – n. the study of nature and
sail – v. to travel by boat or ship the actions of natural things, and the
knowledge gained about them
sea – n. a large area of salt water,
usually part of an ocean
sail
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
sailor – n. a person involved in sailing of time based on different weather
a boat or ship conditions (“dry season”, “rainy sea-
son”); a period during the year when
salt – n. a white substance found in
something usually happens (“base-
sea water and in the ground, used to
ball season”)
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
seasons
seat – n. a thing to sit on; a place to self – n. all that which makes one
sit or the right to sit there (“a seat in person different from others
parliament”)
sell – v. to give something in exchange
second – ad. the one that comes after for money
the first
Senate – n. the smaller of the two
secret – n. something known only to groups in the governments of some
a few and kept from general knowl- countries, such as in the United
edge; ad. hidden from others; known States Congress
only to a few
send – v. to cause to go; to permit to
security – n. freedom from danger or go; to cause to be carried, taken or.
harm; protection; measures necessary directed to or away from a place
to protect a person or place (“Security
sense – v. to come to know about by
was increased in the city.”)
feeling, believing or understanding;
see – v. to know or sense through the n. any of the abilities to see, hear,
eyes; to understand or know taste, smell or feel
sentence – v. to declare the punish-
ment for a crime; n. the punishment
for a crime
see
separate – v. to set or keep people,
things or ideas away from or indepen-
seed – n. the part of a plant from
dent from others; ad. not together or
which new plants grow
connected; different
seek(ing) – v. to search for (“They are
series – n. a number of similar things
seeking a cure for cancer.”); to try to
or events that follow one after another
get (“She is seeking election to public
in time, position or order
office.”); to plan to do (“Electric power
companies are seeking to reduce their serious – ad. important; needing
use of coal.”) careful consideration; dangerous
seem – v. to appear to be (“She seems serve – v. to work as an official; to
to be in good health.”) be employed by the government; to.
assist or help
seize – v. to take quickly by force; to
take control of quickly; to arrest
68
seat • shoe
service – n. an organization or. sharp – ad. having a thin edge or

system that provides something for small point that can cut or hurt;
the public (“Schools and roads are causing hurt or pain
services paid for by taxes.”); a job that
she – pro. the girl or woman who is
an organization or business can do
being spoken about
for money; military organizations
such as an army, navy or air force; a sheep – n. a farm animal used for its
religious ceremony meat and hair
set – v. to put in place or position; to shell – v. to fire artillery; n. a metal
establish a time, price or limit container that is fired from a large
gun and explodes when it reaches its
settle – v. to end (a dispute); to agree
target; a hard outside cover
about (a problem); to make a home
in a new place shelter – v. to protect or give protec-
tion to; n. something that gives pro-
several – ad. three or more, but not
tection; a place of safety
many
shine – v. to aim a light; to give
severe – ad. not gentle; causing
bright light; to be bright; to clean to.
much pain, sadness or damage
make bright
sex – n. either the male or the female
ship – v. to transport; n. a large boat
group into which all people and an-
imals 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
ship
shape – v. to give form to; n. the form
of something, especially how it looks shock – v. to cause to feel sudden
surprise or fear; n. something that
share – v. to give part of something
greatly affects the mind or emotions;
to another or others; n. a part be-
a powerful shake, as from an earth-
longing to, given to or owned by a
quake
single person or a group; any one
of the equal parts of ownership of a shoe – n. a covering for the foot
business or company
shoot – v. to cause a gun or other sickness – n. the condition of being in
weapon to send out an object de- bad health
signed to kill; to use a gun
side – n. the outer surfaces of an ob-
short – ad. lasting only for a small ject that are not the top or bottom;
period of time; not long; opposite tall parts away from the middle; either
the right or left half of the body
should – v. used with another verb
(action word) to show responsibility. sign – v. to write one’s name; n. a mark
(“We should study.”), probability (“The or shape used to mean something;
talks should begin soon.”), or that evidence that something exists or
something is believed to be a good. will happen; a flat piece of material
idea (“Criminals should be punished.”) with writing that gives information
shout – v. to speak very loudly signal – v. to send a message by
signs; n. an action or movement that
show – v. to make something be seen;
sends a message
to make known; n. a play or story.
presented in a theater, or broadcast silence – v. to make quiet; to stop
on radio or television, for enjoyment from speaking or making noise; n. a
or education; something organized lack of noise or sound
to be seen by the public
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
show
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
shrink – v. to make or become less in the voice
size, weight or value
single – ad. one only
sick – ad. suffering physically or.
sink – v. to go down into water or
mentally with a disease or other
other liquid
problem; not in good health
70
shoot • social
sister – n. a female with the same. slow – v. to reduce the speed of;.
father or mother as another person ad. not fast in moving, talking or oth-
er activities
sit – v. to rest on the lower part of
the body without the support of the small – ad. little in size or amount;
legs; to become seated few in number; not important; oppo-
site large
situation – n. the way things are
during a period of time smash – v. to break or be broken into
small pieces by force; to hit or move
size – n. the space occupied by.
with force
something; how long, wide or high
something is smell – v. to sense through the nose;
n. something sensed by the nose
skeleton – n. all the bones of a human.
(“the smell of food cooking”)
or other animal together in their.
normal positions 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
skeleton
snow – n. soft, white pieces of frozen
skill – n. the ability gained from train-
water that fall from the sky, usually
ing or experience
in winter or when the air tempera-
skin – n. the outer covering of humans ture is very cold
and most animals
so – ad. in such a way that (“He held
sky – n. the space above the earth the flag so all could see it.”); also; too
(“She left early, and so did we.”); very
slave – n. a person owned or con-
(“I am so sick.”); as a result (“They were
trolled by another
sick, so they could not come.”); conj. in
sleep – v. to rest the body and mind order that; for the purpose of (“Come
with the eyes closed early so we can discuss the plans.”)
slide – v. to move smoothly over a social – ad. of or about people or a
surface group
soft – ad. not hard; easily shaped; speak – v. to talk; to say words with
pleasing to touch; not loud the mouth; to express one’s thoughts
to others and exchange ideas; to give
soil – n. earth in which plants grow
a speech to a group
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
speak
some – ad. of an amount or number
or part not stated; not all
special – ad. of a different or unusual
son – n. a person’s male child
kind; not for general use; better or
soon – ad. not long after the present more important than others of the
time; quickly same kind
sort – n. any group of people or speech – n. a talk given to a group.
things that are the same or are similar of people
in some way; a kind of something
speed – v. to make something go
sound – n. fast–moving waves of. or move faster; n. the rate at which
energy that affect the ear and result something moves or travels; the.
in hearing; that which is heard rate at which something happens or
is done
south – n. the direction to the right of
a person facing the rising sun spend – v. to give as payment; to use
(“He spends much time studying.”)
space – n. the area outside the
earth’s atmosphere where the sun, spill – v. to cause or permit liquid to
moon, planets and stars are; the area flow out, usually by accident
between or inside things
spirit – n. the part of a human that
is not physical and is connected to
thoughts and emotions; the part of
space a person that is believed to remain
alive after death
72
soft • step
split – v. to separate into two or more station – n. a place of special work.

parts; to divide or break into parts or purpose (“a police station”); a
place where passengers get on or off
sport – n. any game or activity of
trains or buses; a place for radio or
competition involving physical effort
television broadcasts
or skill
statue – n. a form of a human, animal
spread – v. to become longer or wider;
or other creature usually made of
to make or become widely known
stone, wood or metal
spring – n. the time of the year.
stay – v. to continue to be where one
between winter and summer
is; to remain; to not leave; to live for
spy – v. to steal or get information a time (“They stayed in New York for
secretly; n. one who watches others two years.”)
secretly; a person employed by a gov-
steal – v. to take without permission
ernment to get secret information
or paying
about another country
steam – n. the gas that comes from
square – n. a flat shape having four
hot water
equal sides
stab – v. to cut or push into or through
with a pointed weapon
stand – v. to move into or be in a po-
sition in which only the feet are on a
surface; to be in one position or place
star – n. a mass of gas that usually steam
appears as a small light in the sky at
night, but is not a planet; a famous
person, usually an actor or singer
steel – n. iron made harder and stronger
start – v. to begin; to make some- by mixing it with other substances
thing begin
step – v. to move by lifting one foot
starve – v. to suffer or die from a lack and placing it in a new position;.
of food n. the act of stepping; one of a series
of actions designed to reach a goal
state – v. to say; to declare; n. a political
part of a nation
stick – v. to attach something to an- stretch – v. to extend for a distance;
other thing using a substance that will to pull on to make longer or wider
hold them together; to become fixed
strike – v. to hit with force; to stop
in one position so that movement is
work as a way to seek better con-
difficult (“Something is making the
ditions, more pay or to make other.
door stick.”); n. a thin piece of wood
demands
still – ad. not moving (“The man was
strong – ad. having much power; not
standing still.”); until the present or
easily broken, damaged or destroyed
a stated time (“Was he still there?”);
even so; although (“The job was structure – n. the way something is
difficult, but she still wanted to do it.”) built, made or organized; a system
that is formed or organized in a spe-
stone – n. a small piece of rock
cial way; a building
stop – v. to prevent any more move-
struggle – v. to try with much effort;
ment or action; to come or bring to
to fight with; n. a great effort; a fight
an end
study – v. to make an effort to gain
store – v. to keep or put away for.
knowledge by using the mind; to.
future use; n. a place where people
examine carefully
buy things
stupid – ad. not able to learn much;
storm – n. violent weather, including
not intelligent
strong winds and rain or snow
subject – n. the person or thing being
story – n. the telling or writing of an
discussed, studied or written about
event, either real or imagined
submarine – n. an underwater ship
stove – n. a heating device used.
for cooking
straight – ad. continuing in one direc-
tion without turns
strange – ad. unusual; not normal;
not known
street – n. a road in a city, town.
or village
submarine
74
stick • suffer
substance – n. the material of which supply – v. to give; to provide; n. the

something is made (a solid, liquid. amount of something that can be
or gas) given or sold to others
substitute – v. to put or use in place support – v. to carry the weight of; to
of another; n. a person or thing put hold up or in position; to agree with
or used in place of another others and help them reach a goal;.
to approve
subversion – n. an attempt to weak-
en or destroy a political system or suppose – v. to believe, think or imag-
government, usually secretly ine (“I suppose you are right.”); to ex-
pect (“It is supposed to rain tonight.”)
succeed – v. to reach a goal or thing
desired; to produce a planned result suppress – v. to put down or to keep
down by force; to prevent information
such – ad. of this or that kind; of the
from being known publicly
same kind as; similar to
sure – ad. very probable; with good rea-
sudden – ad. not expected; without
son to believe; true without question
warning; done or carried out quickly
or without preparation surface – n. the outer side or top of
something (“The rocket landed on the
suffer – v. to feel pain in the body or
surface of the moon.”)
mind; to receive or experience hurt
or sadness surplus – n. an amount that is more
than is needed; extra; (“That country
sugar – n. a sweet substance made
has a trade surplus. It exports more
from liquids taken from plants
than it imports.”)
suggest – v. to offer or propose some-
surprise – v. to cause a feeling of
thing to think about or consider
wonder because something is not
suicide – n. the act of killing oneself expected; n. something not expected;.
the feeling caused by something.
summer – n. the warmest time of the
not expected
year, between spring and autumn
suffer – v. to give control of oneself or
sun – n. the huge star in the sky that
one’s property to another or others;
provides heat and light to earth
to stop fighting and admit defeat
supervise – v. to direct and observe
the work of others
surround – v. to form a circle around; sweet – ad. tasting pleasant, like sugar
to be in positions all around some-
swim – v. to move through water by
one or something
making motions with the arms and
survive – v. to remain alive during or legs
after a dangerous situation
sympathy – n. a sharing of feelings or
suspect – v. to imagine or believe emotions with another person, usu-
that a person is guilty of something ally feelings of sadness
bad or illegal; n. a person believed to
system – n. a method of organizing
be guilty
or doing something by following
suspend – v. to cause to stop for a. rules or a plan; a group of connected
period of time things or parts working together for
a common purpose or goal
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.”)
76
T
take – v. to put a hand or hands of or about a very special kind of
around something and hold it, often subject or thing (“You need technical
to move it to another place; to carry knowledge to understand how this
something; to seize; to capture; to system works.”)
begin to be in control (“The president
technology – n. the use of scientific
takes office tomorrow.”)
knowledge and methods to produce
talk – v. to express thoughts in spoken goods and services
words; n. a meeting for discussion
telephone – n. a device or system for
tall – ad. higher than others; oppo- sending sounds, especially the voice,
site short over distances
tank – n. a large container for hold- telescope – n. a device for making ob-
ing liquids; a heavy military vehicle. jects that are far away appear closer
with guns and larger
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 busi-
ness must pay to the government so telescope
the government can provide services
tea – n. a drink made from the plant
television – n. a device that receives
of the same name
electronic signals and makes them
teach – v. to show how to do some- into pictures and sounds; the system
thing; to provide knowledge; to of sending pictures and sounds by
cause to understand electronic signals over a distance so
others can see and hear them on a
team – n. a group organized for some
receiver
purpose, often for sports
tell – v. to give information; to make
tear – v. to pull apart, often by force
known by speaking; to order; to.
technical – ad. involving machines, command
processes and materials in industry,.
temperature – n. the measurement
transportation and communications;.
of heat and cold
temporary – ad. lasting only a short than – conj. connecting word used to
time link things that may be similar, but
are not equal (“My sister is taller than
tense – ad. having fear or concern;
I am.”)
dangerous; opposite calm
thank – v. to say that one has a good
term – n. a limited period of time
feeling toward another because that
during which someone does a job
person did something kind (“I want
or carries out a responsibility (“He
to thank you for helping me.”)
served two terms in Congress.”); the
conditions of an agreement that have that – ad. showing the person, place
been accepted by those involved in it or thing being spoken about (“That
man is a soldier.”); pro. the person,
terrible – ad. very bad; causing terror
place or thing being spoken about
or fear
(“The building that I saw was very
territory – n. a large area of land large.”)
terror – n. extreme fear; that which the – pro. used in front of a name
causes great fear word to show that it is a person or
thing that is known about or is being
terrorist – n. a person who carries out
spoken about
acts of extreme violence as a protest
or a way to influence a government theater – n. a place where movies are
shown or plays are performed
test – v. to attempt to learn or prove
what something is like or how it will them – pro. other people being spo-
act by studying or doing (“The scien- ken about
tists will test the new engine soon.”);
then – ad. at that time; existing;.
n. an attempt to learn or prove what
and so
something is like or how it will act by.
studying or doing (“The test of the new theory – n. a possible explanation of
engine takes place today.”); a group why something exists or how some-
of questions or problems used to find thing happens using experiments or
out a person’s knowledge (“The stu- ideas, but which is not yet proven
dents did well on the language test.”) (“Other scientists are debating his
theory about the disappearance of
dinosaurs.”)
78
temporary • too
there – ad. in that place or position; throw – v. to cause to go through the

to or toward that place air by a movement of the arm
these – pro. of or about the people, tie – v. to join or hold together with
places or things nearby that have some material; n. anything that joins
been spoken about already or unites; links or connections (“The
two nations have strong trade ties.”)
they – pro. those ones being spoken
about time – n. that which is measured in
minutes, hours, days and years; a.
thick – ad. having a large distance
period that can be identified in hours
between two opposite surfaces (“The
and minutes and is shown on a clock;
wall is two meters thick.”); having
a period when an event should or will
many parts close together (“The for-
take place
est is very thick.”); almost solid, such
as a liquid that does not flow easily; tired – ad. having less strength.
opposite thin because of work or exercise; needing
sleep or rest
thin – ad. having a small distance
between two opposite surfaces; not tissue – n. living material; a group of
fat; not wide; opposite thick cells that are similar in appearance
and do the same thing
thing – n. any object
to – prep. showing the direction of an
think – v. to produce thoughts; to
action; showing the person or place
form ideas in the mind; to consider;
toward which an action is directed;
to believe
showing a goal or purpose
third – ad. coming after two others
today – n. this day
this – pro. of or about the person,
together – ad. in one group; at the
place or thing nearby that has been
same time or place; in cooperation
spoken about already
tomorrow – n. the day after today
threaten – v. to warn that one will do
harm or cause damage tonight – n. this night
through – prep. in at one end and out too – ad. also; as well as; more than
at the other; from front to back; from is necessary
top to bottom; with the help of; by
tool – n. any instrument or device. traffic – n. the movement of people,
designed to help one do work 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
tool
transport – v. to move goods or.
top – n. the upper edge or surface; people from one place to another
the highest part; the cover of some-
transportation – n. the act or business
thing
of moving goods or people
torture – v. to cause severe pain;.
trap – v. to catch or be caught by.
n. the act of causing severe pain in
being tricked; to be unable to move
order to harm, to punish or to get in-
or escape; n. a device used to catch
formation from
animals
total – n. the complete amount
travel – v. to go from one place to.
touch – v. to put the hand or fingers on another, usually for a long distance
toward – prep. in the direction of; treason – n. the act of fighting
leading to against one’s own country or of help-
ing its enemies
town – n. a center where people live,
larger than a village but not as large treasure – n. a large collection of
as a city money, jewels or other things of
great value
trade – v. to buy and sell or exchange
products or services; n. the activity of treat – v. to deal with; to act toward
buying, selling or exchanging prod- in a special way; to try to cure
ucts or services
treatment – n. the act of treating;
tradition – n. a ceremony, activity or the use of medicine to try to cure or
belief that has existed for a long time make better
treaty – n. a written agreement.
between two or more nations
80
tool • turn
tree – n. a very tall plant that is mostly true – ad. correct; not false
wood, except for its leaves
trust – v. to believe that someone is
trial – n. an examination in a court honest and will not cause harm
of a question or dispute to decide if
try – v. to make an effort; to take
a charge is true
court action against a person to de-
tribe – n. a group of families ruled by cide if he or she is guilty or innocent
a common chief or leader of a crime
trick – v. to cheat; to fool a person so tube – n. a long, round structure
as to get something or make him or through which liquids or gases can
her do something flow; a long, thin container in which
they can be kept
trip – n. a movement from one place
to another, usually a long distance turn – v. to change direction; to move
into a different position; to change
troops – n. a number of soldiers in a
color, form or shape
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
truck
U
under – prep. below; below the sur- up – ad. to, in or at a higher position
face of; less than; as called for by a or value
law, agreement or system (“The river
urge – v. to advise strongly; to make
flows under the bridge.” “Such action
a great effort to get someone to do
is not permitted under the law.”)
something
understand – v. to know what is
urgent – ad. needing an immediate
meant; to have knowledge of
decision or action
unite – v. to join together
us – pro. the form of the word “we”
universe – n. all of space, including used after a preposition (“He said
planets and stars he would write to us.”) or used as an
object of a verb (“They saw us yester-
university – n. a place of education
day.”)
that usually includes several colleges
and research organizations use – v. to employ for a purpose; to
put into action
unless – conj. except if it happens; on
condition that (“I will not go, unless usual – ad. as is normal or common;
the rain stops.”) as is most often done, seen or heard
until – conj. up to a time; before
82
V
vacation – n. a holiday; a period of time video – n. a method of recording im-
for travel, pleasure or rest, especially ages and sound without a traditional
one with pay given to an employee film camera to be shown on a televi-
sion, computer or other device
vaccine – n. a substance containing
killed or weakened organisms given. village – n. a very small town
to a person or animal to produce.
violate – v. to fail to obey or honor; to
protection against a disease
break (an agreement)
valley – n. a long area of land between
violence – n. the use of force to cause
higher areas of land
injury, death or damage
value – n. the quality of being useful,
virus – n. a kind of organism that
important or desired; the amount
causes disease
of money that could be received if
something is sold visa – n. the official permission given
to a person to enter a country where
vegetable – n. a plant grown for food
he or she is not a citizen
vehicle – n. anything on or in which
visit – v. to go to or come to a place for
a person or thing can travel or be
a short time for friendly or business
transported, especially anything on
reasons
wheels; a car or truck
voice – n. the sound made by creatures,
version – n. the form of something
especially humans, for speaking
with different details than earlier or
later forms volcano – n. a hill or mountain
around a hole in the earth’s sur-
very – ad. extremely (“He was very
face that can explode, sending hot,.
late.”)
melted rock and ash into the air
veto – v. to reject or refuse to approve
volunteer – n. a person who choos-
victim – n. someone or something es to do something without being
that is injured, killed or made to suffer; asked, usually without being paid
someone who is tricked
vote – v. to choose a candidate in an
victory – n. a success in a fight or election; n. a choice or decision ex-
competition pressed by the voice, by hand or by
writing
W
wages – n. money received for work watch – v. to look at; to observe
done closely; to look and wait for
wait – v. to delay acting; to postpone water – n. the liquid that falls from
the sky as rain or is found in lakes,.
walk – v. to move by putting one foot
rivers and oceans
in front of the other wall – n. the
side of a room or building formed wave – v. to move or cause to move
by wood, stone or other material; a one way and the other, as a flag in the
structure sometimes used to sepa- wind; to signal by moving the hand
rate areas of land one way and the other; n. a large
mass of water that forms and moves
on the surface of a lake or ocean
wall way – n. a path on land or sea or

in the air; how something is done;
method
we – pro. two or more people, includ-
want – v. to desire; to wish for; to need
ing the speaker or writer (“He and I
war – n. fighting between nations, or will go together, and we will return
groups in a nation, using weapons together.”)
warm – ad. almost hot; having or weak – ad. having little power; easily
feeling some heat broken, damaged or destroyed; op-
posite strong
warn – v. to tell of possible danger;
to advise or inform about something wealth – n. a large amount of pos-
bad that may happen sessions, money or other things.
of value
wash – v. to make clean, usually with
water weapon – n. anything used to cause
injury or to kill during an attack, fight
waste – v. to spend or use without
or war
need or care; to make bad use of; n.
a spending of money, time or effort wear – v. to have on the body, as clothes
with no value gained or returned;
weather – n. the condition of the.
something thrown away as having
atmosphere resulting from sun,
no value; the liquid and solid sub-
wind, rain, heat or cold
stances that result from body pro-
cesses and are passed out of the body
84
wages • white
Web site – n. a collection of informa- wheel – n. a round structure that

tion prepared by a person or organi- turns around a center
zation on the World Wide Web of the
Internet
week – n. a period of time equal to
seven days wheel
weigh – v.
to measure
how heavy
someone or when – ad. at what time; at any time
something is (“When will she come home?”); conj.
welcome – during or at the time (“I studied hard
v. to express when I was in school.”)
happiness where – ad., conj. at, to or in what
or pleasure place (“Where is his house?” “The
weigh
when some- house where he lives is in the old part
one arrives or something develops of the city.”)
well – ad. in a way that is good or whether – conj. if it be the case or
pleasing; in good health; n. a hole in fact that (“He did not know whether
the ground where water, gas or oil he was right or wrong.”)
can be found
which – pro. used to ask about what
west – n. the direction in which the one or what ones of a group of things
sun goes down or people (“Which program do you
wet – ad. covered with water or other like best?” “Which students will take
liquid; not dry the test?”)
what – pro. used to ask about some- while – n. a space of time (“Please
thing or to ask for information about come to my house for a while.”);.
something (“What is this?”); ad. conj. at or during the same time.
which or which kind (“He wants to (“It may not be a good idea to eat
know what you would like to drink.”) while you are running.”)
wheat – n. a grain used to make white – ad. having the color like that
bread; the plant that produces the of milk or snow
grain
who – pro. what or which person or window – n. an opening in a wall.
persons that (“Who wants to go?”); to let in light and air, usually filled
the person or persons (“They are the with glass
ones who want to go.”)
whole – ad. the complete amount;
all together; not divided; not cut into window
pieces
why – ad. for what cause or reason
(“Why did she do it?”); conj. the rea-
son for which (“I do not know why
winter – n. the coldest time of year,
she did it.”)
between autumn and spring
wide – ad. having a great distance
wire – n. a long, thin piece of metal
from one side to the other; not limited
used to hang objects or to carry elec-
wife – n. a woman who is married tricity or electronic communications
from one place to another
wild – ad. living and growing in.
natural conditions and not organized wise – ad. having much knowledge
or supervised by humans; angry;. and understanding; able to use
uncontrolled knowledge and understanding to
make good or correct decisions
will – v. a word used with action
words to show future action (“They wish – v. to want; to express a desire
will hold talks tomorrow.”) for
willing – ad. being ready or having with – prep. along or by the side of;
a desire to (“They are willing to talk together; using (“He fixed it with a
about the problem.”) tool.”); having (“the house with the
red door”)
win – v. to gain a victory; to defeat
another or others in a competition, withdraw – v. to take or move out,
election or battle away or back; to remove
wind – n. a strong movement of air without – prep. with no; not having
or using; free from; not doing
86
who • wrong
witness – n. a person who saw and wound – v. to injure; to hurt; to cause

can tell about an action or event, physical damage to a person or ani-
sometimes in a court of law mal; n. an injury to the body of a hu-
man or animal in which the skin is
woman – n. an adult female human
usually cut or broken
wonder – v. to ask oneself; to ques-
wreck – v. to damage greatly; to.
tion (“She wonders if it is true.”); n. a
destroy; n. anything that has been
feeling of surprise
badly damaged or broken
wonderful – ad. causing wonder;.
wreckage – n. what remains of some-
especially good
thing severely damaged or destroyed
wood – n. the solid material of which
write – v. to use an instrument to
trees are made
make words appear on a surface,
word – n. one or more connected such as paper
sounds that form a single part of a
language
write
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
wrong – ad. not correct; bad; not.
live on the earth
legal; opposite right
worry – v. to be concerned; to contin-
ue thinking that something, possibly
bad, can happen
worse – ad. more bad than
worth – n. value measured in money
XYZ
x-ray – n. a kind of radiation that can zero – n. the number meaning none
pass through most solid material,. or nothing
often used in medicine
zoo – n. a place where animals are
kept for the public to look at and study
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
88
x-ray • zoo
Special Words & Information
90
Common Prefixes Common Expressions
anti – against, opposed to (anti- a lot of – much or many (“We had a
government) lot of rain.”)
dis – not (dishonest, disobey) carry out – to do; to put into effect.
(“Please carry out the plan.”)
mis – badly, wrongly (mistreat,
misunderstand) pass a bill – approve (“Congress is
expected to pass a bill to cut taxes.”)
pro – for, supporting (pro-labor,
pro-government) take steps – to start to do something
(“The government will take steps to
re – to do again (reorganize, reunite)
halt inflation.”)
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)
Numbers
0 zero 10 ten
1 one 20 twenty
2 two 50 fifty
3 three 100 one hundred
4 four
5 five 1,000 one thousand
6 six 1,000,000 one million
7 seven 1,000,000,000 one billion
8 eight 1,000,000,000,000 one trillion.
9 nine
Days of the Week Months of the Year

Monday January
Tuesday February
Wednesday March
Thursday April
Friday May
Saturday June
Sunday July
August
September
October
November
December
92
Chemical Elements Some Organs of the Body
(in order of atomic weight)
breast – produces mothers’ milk to
hydrogen iron feed a baby
helium nickel
heart – pumps blood through the
carbon copper
body
nitrogen zinc
oxygen silver intestines – tubes through which
sodium tin food passes after it is broken down.
magnesium iodine in the stomach; a part of the intes-
tines also removes solid wastes from
aluminum platinum
the body
silicon gold
phosphorus mercury kidneys – clean liquid wastes from
sulfur lead the body
chlorine radon liver – makes some proteins and.
potassium radium enzymes; removes poisons from.
calcium uranium the blood
titanium plutonium
lungs – take in and expel air from.
the body
prostate – a part of the male repro-
ductive system
stomach – breaks down food for the
body to use
uterus – a part of the female repro-
ductive system where a fetus develops
Computer Terms
application – n. a computer program, without permission, usually to steal
usually downloaded to a wireless. information and/or cause damage
device (often shortened to app)
malware – n. harmful computer.
artificial – ad. human-made, unreal programs
but very similar
network – n. a group of computers
blog – n. short term for Web log, or other devices, such as telephones,
a personal Web site where people connected by telecommunications
write about whatever they want links
cyber – ad. of or relating to the. screen – n. a flat, usually four-sided
internet, computers and information space on which to show images
technology
smart – ad. under computer control
database – n. information gathered
trend – v. to be shared and discussed
and stored in a computer in a system-
widely on social media within a short
atic way so computers can search it
time period
hack – v. to enter a computer or
virtual – ad. existing on computers
network through non-traditional.
and/or the internet; not real or physical
methods, often secretly and.
94
Business Terms
account – n. a record of financial deal- dividend – n. part of a company’s
ings. For example, a bank account is a earnings that is given to sharehold-
record of how much money a person ers. Not all stocks pay dividends.
or company has in a bank
index – n. a way of measuring the
bond – n. an agreement to pay inter- value of a group of securities. For.
est on a loan, generally for a period. example, a stock index measures the
of years, until the loan is repaid. A value of a group of stocks.
bond can be bought or sold.
security – n. evidence of ownership
capital – n. money or property used that has financial value, such as a
to create more wealth stock or bond. Security can also mean
a financial contract that has value.
contract – n. a legal agreement.
between people or groups to do,. stock – n. a share in ownership of a
provide or trade something company. The stock of public compa-
nies is traded on stock exchanges.
corporation – n. a business that is or-
ganized as a legal company separate
from its owners and workers
United States Branches of Government
National Archives and Records Administration
The U.S. Constitution
The Constitution of the United States describes

the structure of the government. Governmental
power and functions in the United States rest in
three branches of government: the legislative,
judicial, and executive.
96
Senate
House of .
Representatives
The Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch makes
laws for the nation.
Departments
Executive .
President
Agencies
Vice President Independent.

Agencies
The Executive Branch

The Executive Branch enforces
the laws of the land.
District .
Court
Supreme . Court of .
Court Appeals
Other Federal
Courts
The Judicial Branch

Courts decide arguments about
the meaning of laws, how they are
applied, and whether they break
the rules of the Constitution.
Map of the United States
98
Map of the World
100
Presidents of the United States
George Washington Unaffiliated 1789–97

John Adams Federalist 1797–1801
Thomas Jefferson Democratic-Republican 1801–9
James Madison Democratic-Republican 1809–17
James Monroe Democratic-Republican 1817–25
John Quincy Adams Democratic-Republican 1825–29
Andrew Jackson Democratic 1829–37
Martin Van Buren Democratic 1837–41
William Henry Harrison Whig 1841
John Tyler Whig 1841–45
James K. Polk Democratic 1845–49
Zachary Taylor Whig 1849–50
Millard Fillmore Whig 1850–53
Franklin Pierce Democratic 1853–57
James Buchanan Democratic 1857–61
Abraham Lincoln Republican 1861–65
Andrew Johnson Democratic/National Union 1865–69
Ulysses S. Grant Republican 1869–77
Rutherford B. Hayes Republican 1877–81
James Garfield Republican 1881
Chester A. Arthur Republican 1881–85
Grover Cleveland Democratic 1885–89
Benjamin Harrison Republican 1889–93
102
Grover Cleveland Democratic 1893–97
William McKinley Republican 1897–1901
Theodore Roosevelt Republican 1901–9
William Howard Taft Republican 1909–13
Woodrow Wilson Democratic 1913–21
Warren G. Harding Republican 1921–23
Calvin Coolidge Republican 1923–29
Herbert Hoover Republican 1929–33
Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic 1933–45
Harry S. Truman Democratic 1945–53
Dwight D. Eisenhower Republican 1953–61
John F. Kennedy Democratic 1961–63
Lyndon B. Johnson Democratic 1963–69
Richard M. Nixon Republican 1969–74
Gerald R. Ford Republican 1974–77
James Carter Democratic 1977–81
Ronald Reagan Republican 1981–89
George H. W. Bush Republican 1989–93
William J. Clinton Democratic 1993–2001
George W. Bush Republican 2001–2009
Barack Obama Democratic 2009–2017
Donald J. Trump Republican 2017
Notes
104
Notes
106
Notes
108
Notes
110
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Voa Learning English: A Dictionary of The Most Useful Words For Learning American English

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Voa Learning English: A Dictionary of The Most Useful Words For Learning American English

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VOA LEARNING ENGLISH

A dictionary of the most

Letters of the English Alphabet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Word List & Definitions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Special Words & Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Numbers, Days, Months. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Organs of the Body.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

United States Branches of Government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Map of the United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Map of the World.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Presidents of the United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Learning English began as Special English, which Voice .

This book explains the meaning of the words used in our .

Learning English articles, MP3s and videos are in the public

Learning English programs are also broadcast on radio .

VOA Learning English

verb (v.) — an action word pronoun (pro.) – a word used in .

adjective/adverb (ad.) – . conjunction (conj.) – a joining word

aid – v. to help; to support; n. help, almost – ad. a little less than.

ask – v. to question; to say some- attempt – v. to work toward some-

better – ad. more good than bomb – n. a device that explodes

bird – n. a creature that flies

block – v. to stop something from. born – v. to come to life; to come into

blood – n. red fluid in the body borrow – v. to take as a loan

clash – n. a battle; v. to fight or oppose cloud – n. a mass of fog high in.

conservative – n. one who usually copy – v. to make something exactly

earth – n. the either – ad. one of two, but not.

effect – n. the result or change employ – v. to give work in return for

example – n. a part that shows what experiment – v. to test; n. a test or

fight – v. to use violence or force;. firm – ad. not easily moved or

govern – v. to control; to rule by. ground – n. land; the earth’s surface;

help – v. to give support; to assist; to home – n. the building where a per-

Internet – n. the extensive communica- issue – n. an important problem or

level – n. the amount or height that

liberal – ad. one who usually.

liquid – n. a substance that is not a look – v. to turn the eyes toward so as

mail – n. letters, papers and other

mate – v. to bring together a male medicine – n. a substance or drug

moderate – ad. not extreme mountain – n. a part of the earth’s

money – n. pieces of metal or paper

no – ad. used to reject or to refuse; nucleic acid – n. a molecule that

order – v. to give a command; to tell

parade – n. a group of people and.

path – n. a narrow way for walking; physical – ad. of the body

possess – v. to have; to own; to control president – n. the chief official of a

put – v. to place; to set in position

rebel – v. to act against a govern- reduce – v. to make less or smaller in

retire – v. to leave a job or position road – n. a long piece of hard ground

right – n. what a person legally and

rope – n. a long, thick piece of mate-

service – n. an organization or. sharp – ad. having a thin edge or

split – v. to separate into two or more station – n. a place of special work.

substance – n. the material of which supply – v. to give; to provide; n. the

there – ad. in that place or position; throw – v. to cause to go through the

wall way – n. a path on land or sea or

Web site – n. a collection of informa- wheel – n. a round structure that

witness – n. a person who saw and wound – v. to injure; to hurt; to cause

Days of the Week Months of the Year

The U.S. Constitution

The Constitution of the United States describes

The Legislative Branch

Vice President Independent.

The Executive Branch