Core words 3

Descriptions, directions and everyday actions

50 entries. Read the meaning, try to make your own sentence, then reveal the example. These are topic collections, not a CEFR assessment.

Pronunciation is optional. A Listen button appears only for an approved fixed recording. IPA is shown only when the curated lexicon has one unambiguous reading; unsupported pronunciation is omitted.

Speed

important

adjective

having great value or effect

/ˌɪmˈpɔːrtənt/ · General American

Reveal an example

It is important to keep a copy of the receipt.

different

adjective

not the same as something else

/ˈdɪfɚənt/ · General American

Reveal an example

These two words have different meanings.

small

adjective

not large in size

/smɔːl/ · General American

Reveal an example

We booked a small room near the station.

large

adjective

greater than usual in size

/lɑːrdʒ/ · General American

Reveal an example

A large bag will not fit under this seat.

old

adjective

having existed for a long time

/oʊld/ · General American

Reveal an example

The old bridge is closed for repairs.

young

adjective

having lived for a short time

/jʌŋ/ · General American

Reveal an example

The young adult joined an evening class.

right

adjective

correct or suitable

/raɪt/ · General American

Reveal an example

Check that you have the right ticket.

wrong

adjective

not correct

/rɔːŋ/ · General American

Reveal an example

I entered the wrong number.

left

adjective

on the side opposite the right

/lɛft/ · General American

Reveal an example

Hold the bag in your left hand.

high

adjective

far above the ground or another level

/haɪ/ · General American

Reveal an example

The shelf is too high for me to reach.

low

adjective

not far above the ground or another level

Reveal an example

A low wall surrounds the garden.

number

noun

a word or symbol that represents an amount

/ˈnʌmbɚ/ · General American

Reveal an example

Write the number of tickets you need.

part

noun

one piece or section of a whole

/pɑːrt/ · General American

Reveal an example

This part of the form is optional.

use

verb

to do something with a tool or resource

Reveal an example

Use the map to find the entrance.

find

verb

to discover the position of something

/faɪnd/ · General American

Reveal an example

I cannot find my keys.

need

verb

to require something for a purpose

/niːd/ · General American

Reveal an example

You need a ticket to enter.

write

verb

to produce words on paper or a screen

/raɪt/ · General American

Reveal an example

Write your answer in the space below.

read

verb

to understand written words

Reveal an example

Please read the instructions before you start.

learn

verb

to gain knowledge or a skill

/lɝːn/ · General American

Reveal an example

I want to learn how to repair a bicycle.

try

verb

to make an effort to do something

/traɪ/ · General American

Reveal an example

Try opening the file again.

big

adjective

large in size or amount

/bɪɡ/ · General American

Reveal an example

The office has a big window.

fast

adjective

moving or happening quickly

/fæst/ · General American

Reveal an example

We took a fast train to the airport.

slow

adjective

moving or happening at a low speed

Reveal an example

The slow bus stops at every village.

easy

adjective

not difficult to do

Reveal an example

The first question is easy.

happy

adjective

feeling pleased

/ˈhæpi/ · General American

Reveal an example

I am happy with the new schedule.

early

adjective

before the expected or usual time

/ˈɝːli/ · General American

Reveal an example

We took an early train to the meeting.

late

adjective

after the expected or usual time

Reveal an example

A late delivery delayed our work.

ready

adjective

prepared for use or action

/ˈrɛdi/ · General American

Reveal an example

Your room is ready now.

strong

adjective

having a lot of physical power

/strɔːŋ/ · General American

Reveal an example

We need a strong box for these tools.

weak

adjective

having little strength

Reveal an example

The weak handle broke when I lifted the bag.

clean

adjective

free from dirt

Reveal an example

Please use a clean towel.

dirty

adjective

covered with dirt

Reveal an example

Leave your dirty shoes by the door.

hard

adjective

firm and difficult to bend or press

/hɑːrd/ · General American

Reveal an example

The chair has a hard wooden seat.

soft

adjective

easy to press or bend

Reveal an example

This soft blanket is comfortable.

hot

adjective

having a high temperature

/hɑːt/ · General American

Reveal an example

The soup is still hot.

cold

adjective

having a low temperature

/koʊld/ · General American

Reveal an example

The water is cold this morning.

warm

adjective

pleasantly high in temperature

/wɔːrm/ · General American

Reveal an example

The room is warm enough without a coat.

cool

adjective

slightly cold

Reveal an example

A cool drink was welcome after the walk.

full

adjective

containing as much as it can hold

/fʊl/ · General American

Reveal an example

The bus is full.

empty

adjective

containing nothing

Reveal an example

Please put the empty bottle in the bin.

free

adjective

costing no money

Reveal an example

Entry to the exhibition is free.

busy

adjective

having a lot to do

Reveal an example

The office is busy on Mondays.

sure

adjective

feeling certain about something

/ʃʊr/ · General American

Reveal an example

Are you sure this is our stop?

true

adjective

matching the facts

/truː/ · General American

Reveal an example

Every statement in this report must be true.

false

adjective

not matching the facts

Reveal an example

The message contains a false claim.

real

adjective

existing rather than imagined

Reveal an example

The exercise uses a real train timetable.

nice

adjective

pleasant or enjoyable

Reveal an example

We had a nice meal after the meeting.

kind

adjective

caring about other people

/kaɪnd/ · General American

Reveal an example

It was kind of you to help with the bags.

poor

adjective

having little money or few resources

Reveal an example

The service helps poor families find housing.

rich

adjective

having a lot of money or valuable resources

Reveal an example

The rich owner donated the building.

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