Definition and example cards

Read the meaning and try to recall the English word. Reveal the answer, read its example, then close it to try again.

55 cards in three practice groups. The groups are an editorial guide, not a CEFR assessment. Each card teaches one meaning; a word may have other uses.

Everyday essentials

Short, frequent words for daily life, travel and work

noun

the clear liquid that people drink

Reveal word and example

water

Could I have a glass of water?

noun

the place where you live

Reveal word and example

home

Our home is near the station.

noun

a written work with pages or a digital edition

Reveal word and example

book

I borrowed the book from the library.

noun

a device used to call, message and go online

Reveal word and example

phone

My phone needs to be charged.

noun

a seat for one person

Reveal word and example

chair

Please take a chair near the window.

noun

a piece of furniture with a flat top

Reveal word and example

table

Your order is ready at the table.

noun

what people or animals eat

Reveal word and example

food

There is food in the kitchen.

noun

a dark drink made from roasted beans

Reveal word and example

coffee

She ordered coffee without sugar.

noun

a large road vehicle for many passengers

Reveal word and example

bus

The last bus leaves at eleven.

noun

a place that rents rooms to travellers

Reveal word and example

hotel

The hotel is beside the station.

noun

paid work that a person does

Reveal word and example

job

He starts his new job on Monday.

noun

a large town where many people live and work

Reveal word and example

city

The city centre is busy at lunchtime.

noun

a person trained to treat illness

Reveal word and example

doctor

The doctor explained the test result.

noun

a person whose work is helping others learn

Reveal word and example

teacher

Ask the teacher after class.

noun

the temperature, wind and rain outside

Reveal word and example

weather

The weather changed during our trip.

Useful choices

Common verbs, descriptions and practical situations

verb

to reach a place

Reveal word and example

arrive

Please arrive ten minutes before the appointment.

verb

to choose after thinking

Reveal word and example

decide

We need to decide which train to take.

verb

to take pleasure in something

Reveal word and example

enjoy

I enjoy walking to work in good weather.

verb

to make something clear by giving details

Reveal word and example

explain

Could you explain this charge on the bill?

verb

to ask someone to come or take part

Reveal word and example

invite

They invited us to dinner on Friday.

verb

to make something ready

Reveal word and example

prepare

I prepare lunch before I leave home.

adjective

very pleasing to see or hear

Reveal word and example

beautiful

The old bridge is beautiful at night.

adjective

pleasant to use, wear or be in

Reveal word and example

comfortable

These shoes are comfortable enough for travel.

adjective

likely to cause harm

Reveal word and example

dangerous

It is dangerous to drive when you are very tired.

adjective

needing a lot of effort or skill

Reveal word and example

difficult

The form was difficult to understand.

adjective

costing a lot of money

Reveal word and example

expensive

A taxi is faster but more expensive.

adjective

having great value or effect

Reveal word and example

important

It is important to keep a copy of the receipt.

noun

a person who buys goods or services

Reveal word and example

customer

The customer asked for a refund.

noun

a business organization

Reveal word and example

company

The company opened a new office.

noun

a substance used to treat or prevent illness

Reveal word and example

medicine

Take the medicine with food.

noun

a situation that needs a solution

Reveal word and example

problem

Please call if there is a problem with the booking.

noun

the way that someone or something moves or faces

Reveal word and example

direction

The sign points in the right direction.

noun

the set of conditions at a particular time

Reveal word and example

situation

The manager handled the situation calmly.

Work and study

Longer words used in professional and academic English

verb

to share information or ideas

Reveal word and example

communicate

Good teams communicate clearly and early.

verb

to talk about something in order to understand or decide it

Reveal word and example

discuss

We will discuss the proposal tomorrow.

verb

to say that something is a good choice

Reveal word and example

recommend

Can you recommend a reliable repair service?

verb

to know the meaning or reason for something

Reveal word and example

understand

I understand the instructions now.

verb

to present a person or idea for the first time

Reveal word and example

introduce

Let me introduce the next speaker.

verb

to keep or bring something back to mind

Reveal word and example

remember

Remember to attach the document.

adjective

connected with trade, industry and money

Reveal word and example

economic

The report describes the region's economic growth.

adjective

involving more than one country

Reveal word and example

international

She works with an international team.

adjective

needed for a purpose

Reveal word and example

necessary

No special equipment is necessary.

adjective

specific rather than general

Reveal word and example

particular

Is there a particular date that suits you?

adjective

connected with government or public affairs

Reveal word and example

political

The article gives historical and political context.

adjective

connected with new tools, machines or methods

Reveal word and example

technological

Technological change has altered many jobs.

noun

knowledge or skill gained by doing something

Reveal word and example

experience

She has five years of customer service experience.

noun

a useful chance to do something

Reveal word and example

opportunity

The course is an opportunity to practise presentations.

noun

the natural world or the conditions around a person

Reveal word and example

environment

A quiet environment makes it easier to concentrate.

noun

the process of teaching and learning

Reveal word and example

education

Adult education classes begin in September.

noun

facts or details about a subject

Reveal word and example

information

The website provides information about local services.

noun

a duty that you are expected to handle

Reveal word and example

responsibility

Safety is everyone's responsibility.

noun

a group with a shared purpose or a planned arrangement

Reveal word and example

organization

The organization offers free legal advice.

noun

the process of growing, changing or becoming more advanced

Reveal word and example

development

Professional development is part of the job.

noun

protection from danger, loss or unauthorized access

Reveal word and example

security

Use a different password for better security.

noun

an institution for advanced study and research

Reveal word and example

university

The university library is open to the public.

Use these meanings in Word groups, or hear the words in Listening choices.