Vocabulary Expansion: Mastering Essential English Words

Essential English Vocabulary

CLIMB: To go up, or to go towards the top of something. Example: The sun climbed higher in the sky.

UNLIKELY: Not probable or likely to happen. Example: It's pretty unlikely that they'll turn up now.

RISE: To move upwards. Example: At 6 a.m. we watched the sun rise.

FALL: To suddenly go down onto the ground. Example: He fell badly and broke his leg.

WONDER: To ask yourself questions. Example: Your parents will be wondering where you are.

WONDERFUL: Extremely good. Example: He's a wonderful cook.

HEART: The organ in your chest. Example: Isabel's heart was beating fast with fright.

JEWEL: A precious stone that is used to decorate valuable objects. Example: She was wearing a large gold necklace set with jewels.

BORROW: To get or receive something from someone with the intention of giving it back after a period of time. Example: He borrowed a novel from the library.

SHRINE: A place for worship that is holy because of a connection with a holy person or object. Example: Islam's most sacred shrine is at Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

MURDER: The crime of intentionally killing a person. Example: There were three murders in the town last year.

BRIEF: Lasting only a short time. Example: His acceptance speech was mercifully brief.

HEGEMONY: The position of being the strongest and most powerful and therefore able to control others. Example: The three nations competed for regional hegemony.

SEEK: To try to find or get something. Example: "Are you actively seeking jobs?" she asked.

HEIR: A person who will legally receive money, property, or a title from another person. Example: Despite having a large family, they still had no son and heir.

MARRY: To become the legally accepted husband or wife. Example: Paul married Lucy four years ago.

CONFINE: To limit an activity. Example: Please confine your use of the phone to business calls.

FAIL: To not succeed in what you are trying to achieve. Example: He failed in his attempt to break the record.

ENGAGE: To employ someone. Example: I have engaged a secretary to deal with all my paperwork.

DEAL: An agreement, especially in business. Example: She got a good deal on her new house.

CATCH: To take hold of something. Example: He caught hold of my arm.

REMOVE: To take something away. Example: This detergent will remove even old stains.

PARTNER: A person or organization you are closely involved with in some way. Example: He gave up his job as a police officer after his partner was killed.

MATTER: A situation that is being dealt with or considered. Example: Allen denied any knowledge of the matter.

THRONE: The state of being a ruler. Example: Queen Victoria was on the throne.