Explore curated word collections, themed lists, and daily challenges designed to help you master English one word at a time.
Top 500 most useful words every learner should know, structured by proficiency.
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Explore our extensive dictionary using different filters and categories.
Proven strategies to make vocabulary stick.
Consistency is key. Learn at least 5 new words every day and review them regularly to build long-term memory.
Use physical or digital flashcards with the word on one side and the meaning/example on the other for active recall.
Read books, articles, and news in English. Context helps you understand how words are naturally used in sentences.
Watch English movies, listen to podcasts, and hear native speakers to grasp pronunciation and intonation effortlessly.
Write sentences or short paragraphs using new words. This reinforces learning and highlights areas needing improvement.
Use new vocabulary in conversations. Speaking out loud helps solidify your memory and builds confidence.
Take this 50-question quiz to test your vocabulary knowledge.
1. To visit someone briefly is to ____ them.
2. What does 'run wild' mean?
3. What is an agenda used for in school?
4. What should you do to a spilled liquid on a carpet to prevent it from setting?
5. What does the 'C' in the CIA Triad stand for?
6. What does 'run across' mean?
7. What is the largest muscle in the human body?
8. What does 'give ground' mean in an argument?
9. What does ICYMI mean?
10. What does 'tempering' refer to in baking?
11. Which preposition is correct when referring to a specific date? 'The meeting is ___ October 5th.'
12. Which of these is considered the largest rodent in the world?
13. Which phrase means to start a sea voyage?
14. What is the term for a long bus with a flexible joint allowing it to turn corners?
15. In the Northern Hemisphere, which season begins in March?
16. Which word is a formal, legalistic way of saying 'as long as'?
17. What is 'chemotherapy'?
18. Which grain is traditionally used to make Italian pasta?
19. What is vital wheat gluten used for?
20. Which job involves flying a plane?
21. If a video 'goes viral', what is true about it?
22. How many yards does the offense need to gain to get a new set of downs?
23. What is a boutonniere?
24. Which historical disease led to the widespread consumption of citrus fruits like lemons by sailors?
25. What does it mean if an investment 'pays dividends'?
26. What does 'COB' stand for?
27. What is a 'double play'?
28. What is the primary use of an antacid?
29. What does 'Spoofing' mean?
30. What does 'look beyond' mean?
31. Who is responsible for taking your payment at a store?
32. What is the correct plural of 'brother-in-law'?
33. Which of these exercises is an isolation exercise?
34. Which garment is a heavy, double-breasted wool coat originally worn by sailors?
35. What is a layover?
36. Which wood is known for being extremely water-resistant and used for boat decks?
37. Which animal is a hybrid of a male donkey and a female horse?
38. Which month is known for April Fools' Day?
39. Which emotion is named after the Greek god of the wild who caused sudden terror?
40. Which sea animal is famous for the male carrying the eggs and giving birth?
41. If someone says 'spill the tea', what do they want?
42. Friday is named after which Norse goddess?
43. What is the study of earthquakes called?
44. Which furniture piece is a long, narrow table designed to sit against a wall?
45. Which bird is known for being flightless and living in Antarctica?
46. What does the term 'half-caf' refer to in a coffee shop?
47. Why are shopping carts larger than hand baskets?
48. Which of these is NOT a type of coffee?
49. What is the main difference between a macaron and a macaroon?
50. Which of these terms refers to a seasonal prevailing wind that brings heavy rains?
While native English speakers know between 20,000 and 30,000 words, you only need around 3,000 to 5,000 word families to understand about 95% of everyday conversations and texts. Fluency is more about mastering the core words and their multiple contexts than just memorizing thousands of rare terms.
Passive vocabulary consists of the words you understand when you read or hear them, but might not use yourself. Active vocabulary consists of the words you can comfortably recall and use in speaking or writing. The goal of vocabulary practice is to move words from your passive memory into your active vocabulary.
It depends on your goals. If you are moving to or working with the US, learn American English. If you are going to the UK, learn British English. However, the core vocabulary is 99% identical. Focus on learning standard English first, and pick up regional variations later.
Consistency is key. Learn at least 5 new words every day and review them regularly. Use flashcards, read extensively, and try to use new words in your own sentences. Contextual learning helps you remember words much better than rote memorization.
Learning words by topic helps your brain create semantic networks. When you learn related words together, you reinforce the category in your mind, making it easier to recall the specific words when you are talking about that subject.
