English Vocabulary Definitions, Similes, and Phrases

English Vocabulary: Definitions and Examples

Word Definitions

Abundant

Existing or available in large quantities; plentiful.

Apparent

Clearly visible or understood; obvious.

Brainstorm

To generate a large number of ideas for the solution of a problem.

Coin

To invent a new word or phrase.

Colossal

Extremely large.

Documented

Recorded in detail, often officially.

Finite

Having limits or bounds; having an end.

Follow

Coworker. (Note: This definition seems unusual or potentially incorrect in standard English context.)

Index

To classify or arrange in a specific order.

Ingenuity

The quality of being clever, original, and inventive; creativity.

Innovative

Featuring new methods; advanced and original.

Inspiration

The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something creative; the origin of a new idea.

Intriguing

Arousing curiosity or interest; fascinating.

Originated

Having a specified beginning; created or initiated.

Passed away

A euphemism for died.

Term

A word or phrase used to describe a thing or express a concept.

Tire

To lose interest in something; become weary.

Unconventional

Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed; not typical.

Common Similes

A simile compares two different things using "like" or "as".

• As blind as a bat
• As cold as ice
• As dry as a bone
• As easy as pie
• As free as a bird
• As old as the hills
• As silent as the grave
• As strong as an ox
• As sweet as honey
• He’s as strong as an ox.
• I slept like a log last night.
• My brother is like a bull in a china shop (meaning clumsy).
• She’s quiet as a mouse.

Useful Collocations and Phrases

• Care for
• Coin a word
• Get/Collect data
• Get/have an idea
• Have a holiday / Take a holiday
• Look for information
• Search/explore/surf the internet
• Switch on / turn on a light
• Take/catch the bus
• Turn off / shut down the computer
• Turn up / turn down the music

Technology and Internet Terms

Data-mining

The practice of examining large databases to generate new information.

Digitally enhance

To modify or improve the quality of a digital image (e.g., using software like Photoshop).

Malware

Malicious software designed to harm or exploit computer systems (includes viruses).

Phishing

The fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information (like passwords or credit card details) by disguising as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication.

Podcast

A digital audio file series, often episodic, made available for downloading or streaming.

Social networking

The use of dedicated websites and applications (social media) to interact with other users.

Webinar

A seminar or presentation conducted over the internet, allowing participant interaction.

Wiki

A website that allows collaborative editing of its content and structure by its users.

Literary and Language Terms

Acronym

An abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words and pronounced as a word (e.g., NASA, NATO).

Alliteration

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words (e.g., sweet birds sang).

Anagram

A word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another (e.g., listen -> silent, amor -> roma).

Cliché

An overused phrase or opinion that lacks original thought (e.g., happily ever after).

Eponymous

Giving a name to something; often refers to a work named after its central character or creator, or a word derived from a person's name.

Simile

A figure of speech comparing one thing with another using "like" or "as" (e.g., as brave as a lion).

Toponymous

Relating to or derived from a place name (toponym).

Idioms and Expressions

• Make room: To create space. (Spanish: hacer espacio)
• Make a wish: To express a desire for something. (Spanish: deseo)