Essential English Vocabulary: Definitions and Usage

Classified in English

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Enhance your communication skills by understanding these key English words and phrases, complete with clear definitions and practical examples.

Outnumber

Definition: To be more in number than another group.

Example: In nursing, women still outnumber men by four to one.

Involving

Definition: Holding the attention or provoking interest.

Example: This is an involving book that you won't be able to put down.

Gripping

Definition: A gripping film, story, etc., is very exciting and interesting.

Example: The artwork is excellent and the story is quite gripping.

Dull

Definition: Boring.

Example: The book was so dull that I couldn't keep on reading it.

Moving

Definition: Making you feel strong emotions, especially sadness or sympathy.

Example: Attending the memorial service was a moving experience.

Game (Adjective)

Definition: Prepared to join in with or try a new, difficult, or dangerous activity.

Example: He is always game for anything.

Slippery

Definition: A surface, object, etc., that is difficult to move on or to hold because it is smooth, wet, or covered in something such as ice or oil.

Example: The sidewalks were slippery with ice.

Crystal Clear

Definition: Something extremely obvious or easy to understand.

Example: She made it crystal clear that she was in charge.

Reassuring

Definition: Something that makes you feel less worried.

Example: His reassuring manner convinced her she was safe.

Daring

Definition: Someone brave enough to do dangerous things.

Example: Specially trained troops carried out a daring rescue operation.

Knocked Down (British: Knock Over)

Definition: To hit someone with a vehicle so that they are injured or killed.

Example: She got knocked down by a taxi as she ran for the bus.

Coach Terminal

Definition: A place where coaches (vehicles) arrive and leave from.

Example: A new transport interchange was developed which included a coach terminal and an underground fast tram line.

Resolute

Definition: Determined in character, action, or ideas.

Example: Their resolute opposition to new working methods was difficult to overcome.

Daft

Definition: Silly or stupid.

Example: It was a pretty daft idea anyway.

Bleep (Verb)

Definition: To make a short, high sound, especially if repeated, made by a machine.

Example: I heard his alarm clock bleeping this morning.

Vessel (Formal Noun)

Definition: A large boat or a ship.

Example: A warning went out to fishing vessels in the region.

Venture (Verb)

Definition: To undertake a risky or daring journey or course of action.

Example: She rarely ventured outside, except when she went to stock up on groceries.

Windward

Definition: Facing the wind or on the side facing the wind.

Example: On the windward leg of the yacht race the wind was strong.

From the Outset

Definition: From the very beginning.

Example: It was clear from the outset that there were going to be problems.

Excruciatingly

Definition: Extremely.

Example: His poetry is excruciatingly bad.

Over the Top

Definition: So extreme or exaggerated that it seems offensive.

Example: His speech was a bit over the top.

Riveting

Definition: Fascinating.

Example: He gave a riveting performance.

Flat

Definition: A flat book, movie, performance, etc., lacks interest, excitement, or energy.

Example: Arsenal looked flat for large parts of the game.

Infuriating

Definition: Very annoying.

Example: He is always late! How infuriating!

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