Glossary
Every word tagged in an English Reader story ends up here, with its definition, part of speech, CEFR level, and a short note on usage or word history. Tap any highlighted word in a story to jump straight to its page.
- accumulation A gradual gathering or build-up of something over time.
- adrift Floating without direction or control, carried by current or wind.
- afterimage A visual impression that remains after the original source of light or image has disappeared.
- aimless Wandering with no particular destination in mind.
- airwaves The radio frequencies used for broadcasting.
- algorithm A fixed set of steps a computer follows to get an answer.
- alignment The arrangement of things in a straight line, or the state of being correctly lined up with each other.
- amid In the middle of, or surrounded by — a more formal, literary word for "among" or "in the midst of."
- amplitude How big a wave or vibration swings from its center.
- analog Using traditional, non-digital methods; measured continuously rather than in exact digital steps.
- anxiety A common word for ongoing worry or unease, stronger than simple nervousness.
- arc A curved shape or path; an "arc lamp" produces light from an electric current jumping across a gap.
- artificial Not natural — built or created by a person or machine.
- asteroid A small rocky body orbiting the sun, too small to be called a planet.
- astronomical Relating to astronomy, the scientific study of stars, planets, and space.
- atom The tiniest building block that all matter is made of.
- autonomous Often used for machines or vehicles (like drones) that can act on their own, without a human directly controlling them.
- bacterium A single-celled microorganism; the singular form of "bacteria."
- barrier Can be a physical wall or fence, or something more abstract, like a barrier to communication or trust.
- baton A thin stick used by a conductor, a relay runner, or a police officer.
- bearer Someone who carries something, often in a ceremony.
- bewildered So confused you don't know what's going on.
- biological Relating to living things and biology.
- bizarre A common word for something odd enough to catch your attention or make you uneasy.
- blockade The act of sealing off a place, such as a port or strait, to prevent entry or exit.
- blur To become unclear or unfocused in shape, so the edges are hard to make out.
- bonfire A big fire built outdoors, often for a festival or ritual.
- brilliance Can describe literal shining light, or figuratively, someone's exceptional talent or cleverness.
- brim The projecting edge of a hat, or the topmost edge of a container.
- bud A small swelling on a plant that develops into a flower or leaf.
- bulletin A short public notice or announcement, as on a "bulletin board."
- burrow To dig a hole or tunnel in the ground, especially as a shelter.
- camouflage Originally a military term for hiding soldiers or equipment; now also used for anything designed to blend in and go unnoticed.
- careless Used to describe a mistake or action that happens because someone wasn't paying close enough attention.
- carp A common pond and river fish, often symbolic in Japan.
- ceasefire A common word in news about conflicts — a pause or halt in fighting, agreed by both sides.
- censorship The practice of officially suppressing or restricting information, speech, or media.
- certificate An official document that states or proves a fact.
- cherish To hold something or someone dear, protecting and valuing them deeply.
- clad Wearing or covered in a certain kind of clothing (often literary).
- clarity The quality of being clear, easy to see through, or easy to understand.
- cling To hold on tightly to something, or to stick closely to a surface.
- clumsy Moving or doing things in an awkward way, often knocking things over or dropping them.
- cluster A tight little group of things bunched together.
- cobblestone A rounded stone used to pave old streets.
- cocktail A drink made by mixing different ingredients together.
- coexistence Often used for different groups, ideas, or species living alongside each other without conflict.
- collapse To fall down or give way suddenly, losing form or structure.
- commemorate To remember and honor someone or something, often with a special event or date.
- commotion A sudden burst of noisy confusion or excitement.
- compact Small and tightly packed, without wasted space.
- compassion More than sympathy alone — compassion includes wanting to ease another person's pain.
- composed Describes someone who stays calm and steady, even in a difficult or emotional moment.
- comrades Often used for companions who have shared hardship together, like fellow travelers or soldiers.
- concealing A more formal word for hiding — often used when something is deliberately kept secret.
- confession Telling someone a secret or truth you'd been hiding.
- conquest Taking over or winning control of something.
- consciousness Can mean simple wakefulness, or more broadly, self-awareness — as in 'self-consciousness,' being overly aware of how others see you.
- contagious Spreading easily from one person to another, whether an illness, a laugh, or an attitude.
- continuous Going on and on without stopping.
- contract A binding agreement between two sides.
- conviction Used for a belief someone holds firmly, or the confident tone of someone who is certain they're right.
- coordinates A set of numbers or values used to pinpoint an exact location.
- copper A reddish-brown metal; also used as a color name.
- cormorant A diving waterbird sometimes trained to catch fish for people.
- court The household and attendants of a king, emperor, or other royal figure.
- courtesy Polite, respectful behavior toward others.
- coveralls A one-piece protective garment worn over regular clothes, especially for manual work.
- crank A handle you turn by hand to make an old machine work.
- creaking Making a thin squeaky sound, like old wood does.
- crimson A deep, rich red color.
- croquette A small breaded food, fried until crisp on the outside.
- crumbled Used for something solid falling apart into small pieces, literally (like earth) or figuratively (like a plan).
- crumpled Crushed into a wrinkled ball or messy shape.
- curse Used for a supposed magical harm, or more loosely, for anything that seems to bring bad luck.
- daikon A large, mild-tasting white Japanese radish.
- dampness A mild, gentle kind of wetness — not soaking, just faintly moist.
- dawn The time of day when light first appears in the sky, just before sunrise.
- dazzling So bright or amazing it's almost overwhelming.
- debt Can mean money owed, or more broadly, a sense of owing someone thanks or a favor.
- declare To announce something clearly and firmly.
- defeat To beat someone, or overcome a big problem.
- defenseless Used for someone or something exposed and unprotected, without a way to guard against harm.
- deftly Describes an action done with impressive skill and little visible effort.
- deliberately The opposite of accidentally — used when an action was intended and thought through.
- demon An evil spirit, or something used to represent a powerful threat.
- departure The moment of leaving to start a trip.
- destabilized Often used for something that was previously steady or in balance being thrown off course.
- detached Describes a calm, distant way of looking at something, without getting emotionally caught up in it.
- determinism The idea that everything that happens was already fixed by earlier causes.
- detour A longer, roundabout way instead of the direct path.
- devotion Used for a strong, faithful attachment — to a person, a belief, or a practice.
- diagnosis The identification of an illness or problem based on its signs and symptoms.
- dictation Words spoken or written down for someone else to record.
- dim Not very bright — giving off only weak light.
- dipper A long-handled cup used to scoop up water.
- disguise To change your appearance so that people cannot recognize who you really are.
- dispersed Scattered apart instead of staying together.
- dissolve To gradually disappear or blend into something else, as if melting away.
- division One of the parts that something is separated into.
- domain An area or field that something has control or influence over.
- domination Often used (sometimes playfully or dramatically) for the idea of taking control over an area or group.
- doubtful Used for a feeling of uncertainty, or for something whose outcome is not clear.
- doughy Soft and pale like uncooked bread dough.
- downy Describes something soft and fluffy, like the fine hair on a baby bird — or a person's first faint facial hair.
- dragonflies Slender insects with long wings that dart around near water.
- drift To be carried slowly by a current of air or water, without effort or control.
- dusk The time of day just before night, when the sky is getting dark but the sun has already set.
- eagerness Describes enthusiastic keenness — wanting something so much you can hardly wait.
- earthworm A long thin worm that lives underground in soil.
- eclipse An event where one astronomical body passes into the shadow of another, temporarily blocking light.
- embankment A common word in descriptions of rivers or railways — the raised ground running alongside them.
- embarrassment A very common word for the uncomfortable feeling of being caught out or looking foolish.
- emerald A bright green precious gemstone, also used to describe that shade of green.
- emerge To come out from somewhere hidden or enclosed, becoming visible.
- engraved Used literally for carving into a surface, and figuratively for a memory or feeling that will never fade.
- enshrined Used literally for a deity honored in a shrine, or figuratively for an idea protected and treasured.
- equinoctial Relating to the equinox, the time when day and night are equal in length.
- equinox One of the two days a year when day and night are of equal length.
- era Used for a notable stretch of history — like an era of peace, or the Shōwa era.
- essence Used for the true core or heart of something — 'the essence of' a teaching means its deepest, truest point.
- exasperated A stronger word than simply 'annoyed' — it suggests someone has reached their limit of patience.
- expedition Often used for scientific or exploratory journeys, especially to remote or difficult places.
- fabric Cloth or textile material made by weaving or knitting fibers together.
- fade To slowly become less bright, less clear, or less strong, until it almost disappears.
- faint Weak or slight, not clear or strong (of a sound, light, smell, or feeling).
- fallout Radioactive dust that falls after a nuclear explosion; also the harmful results of an event.
- faltered Hesitated or lost your footing/confidence partway through.
- fatal Used literally for something deadly, or more loosely for a fatal mistake — one with very serious consequences.
- fellow A man or boy; a casual, slightly old-fashioned word for a person.
- fertilizer Something added to soil to help plants grow well.
- fierce Can describe a wild animal, a storm, or an intense feeling or effort.
- filament A very thin wire or thread, especially the glowing part inside an old-style lightbulb.
- flame The glowing, burning part of a fire.
- flaw A small imperfection or fault in something otherwise good.
- flawless Used for something so well done that no fault can be found in it.
- flee To run away fast from danger.
- flicker To shine or move unsteadily, with quick, small movements, like a candle flame in the wind.
- flushed Describes a face that has turned red — often from being embarrassed or flustered.
- foe A literary word for enemy.
- footfall The sound made by a footstep.
- formality Used for the polished, official manner expected at serious or ceremonial occasions.
- fortress A common word for a well-defended stronghold, literal or figurative.
- fragment A small piece or part broken off from something larger.
- fragrance Used for a pleasing scent — usually something naturally sweet, like flowers.
- frail Weak and delicate, like it could break easily.
- frayed Worn thin at the edge, with loose threads showing.
- friction The rubbing resistance between two surfaces.
- frustrated Feeling annoyed or discouraged because you cannot achieve or do something.
- frustration A very common word for the annoyed, stuck feeling when something isn't working out.
- furoshiki A traditional Japanese cloth used to wrap and carry things.
- furrow To wrinkle or crease, especially the brow, often from concentration or worry.
- fuss A lot of unnecessary excitement or worry over something.
- gauge Used both for the measuring tool itself (like a tire gauge) and the act of estimating something's size or level.
- geology The science of studying the earth's rock and soil layers.
- gesture Can mean a physical movement, or more broadly, a kind act meant to show feeling.
- glamour Used for a dazzling, exciting kind of attractiveness — often associated with fame or high society.
- glance To look at something quickly, for only a short moment.
- gleaming Used for something that reflects light brightly, often because it has just been cleaned or polished.
- glimpsed Used when you catch sight of something quickly, often by chance, not by looking closely.
- gloom Can describe literal darkness or, more often here, a heavy, sad mood.
- glow A soft, steady light, without flame or flickering — like the light of a sunset, embers, or a lamp seen through fog.
- goodwill Used for kind, generous feelings between people, especially when there's no direct benefit expected in return.
- gracefully Describes movement or behavior that is smooth, elegant, and pleasing to watch.
- grand Large, impressive, and important; in baseball, a "grand slam" is a home run hit with all three bases loaded.
- granted Used when something is formally given or agreed to — a wish, a request, or a permission.
- gratitude A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.
- gravel Small loose stones used to cover a path.
- greenery Green plants and leaves, especially seen together.
- groove A thin, carved channel cut into a hard surface.
- groundless Used for a fear, belief, or claim that has no real foundation — it just isn't backed up by anything.
- groundwork Preliminary or basic work that forms the foundation for a larger project or achievement.
- guardian Can describe a legal protector of a child, or more broadly, anything that watches over and protects a place or person.
- gust Used for a brief but powerful burst of wind, stronger than a normal breeze.
- haiku A short, three-line traditional Japanese poem.
- hairpin A small pin used to hold hair in place.
- handwritten Written by hand, using a pen or pencil, rather than typed or printed.
- haze Softer and less dense than fog — a light blurring of the air, from moisture, dust, or smoke.
- headline The big title printed at the top of a news article.
- heron A tall, long-legged bird that wades and fishes in shallow water.
- hesitation A pause caused by not being sure what to do.
- hexagonal Having six straight sides, like a honeycomb cell.
- hibernate To spend the winter in a deep sleep, as some animals do.
- hideout A secret place where someone hides.
- hina Small ornamental dolls displayed in Japan for Hinamatsuri, representing the imperial court.
- hint A small sign or trace of something, suggesting it without stating it directly.
- hoarse Rough and harsh-sounding, especially of a voice affected by illness or strain.
- hoarseness The quality of being hoarse; a rough, strained state of the voice.
- hoisting Lifting something heavy up, often onto your shoulders.
- hollow Empty inside, not solid all the way through.
- horizon The line far in the distance where the sky seems to meet the land or sea.
- horizontal Lying flat and level, side to side.
- huddle To crowd or curl closely together, often for warmth or protection.
- humidity How much moisture is in the air.
- hydrogen The lightest chemical element, a colorless gas; also used in "hydrogen bomb."
- ignorance A common word for simply not knowing — sometimes used to explain why fear or misunderstanding exists.
- illogical Used for something that doesn't make rational sense — the opposite of logical.
- illuminated Lit up brightly with light.
- immortal Never dying — lasting forever.
- imperceptibly So slowly or slightly that you can't notice it happening.
- impregnable Often used for a fortress or defense so strong it cannot be broken through.
- improvisation Common in music (especially jazz) and performance — making something up in the moment.
- inefficient Not working in the best or fastest way — a bit wasteful.
- inherited Received something passed down from someone before you.
- inland Used to describe movement or location away from the sea, toward the middle of a landmass.
- inning One of the divisions of a baseball game in which both teams bat once.
- insist To say firmly that something is true, or to demand that something happen even if others disagree.
- insole A removable inner layer placed inside a shoe for comfort or fit.
- instinctively Done automatically, without stopping to think.
- intense A very common word for something felt strongly — an intense feeling, heat, or effort.
- intentional Done on purpose, not by accident.
- intermittently Happening on and off, stopping and starting.
- intertwine Used literally for threads twisted together, or figuratively for stories or fates that become closely connected.
- inverted Turned upside down or reversed.
- investigate To examine or study something carefully in order to find out the truth about it.
- irrigate To bring water to fields or crops artificially.
- issue To officially give out or produce something, such as a document or statement.
- itch A restless urge, like the feeling that makes you want to scratch.
- justice A core concept word — fairness, especially in how people are treated or judged.
- keichitsu One of the 24 traditional East Asian seasonal divisions, marking when hibernating insects awaken in early spring.
- kendama A traditional Japanese skill toy with a ball, string, and spike.
- kimono A traditional Japanese robe tied with a sash.
- kindred Most often seen in the phrase 'kindred spirit' — someone who shares your outlook or feelings, even a stranger.
- lacquered Coated with a hard, glossy varnish (lacquer), often in traditional Japanese and Chinese craft.
- laden Heavily loaded down with something.
- lamplight The soft light given off by a lamp.
- landslide Earth or rock suddenly sliding down a slope.
- latitude A measurement of how far north or south a place is.
- lattice A criss-cross frame, like a garden trellis or a window screen.
- lavish Very generous, rich, or elaborate, often spending a lot of money or effort.
- ledger An official book for keeping written records.
- legendary Very famous or well-known, often described in stories passed down over time.
- leisurely In a relaxed way, with no hurry at all.
- limp Soft and floppy instead of firm.
- loneliness A very common word for the sad, isolated feeling of being without company.
- loquat A small orange fruit that ripens in early summer.
- lord A powerful ruler or master, especially over land.
- lovable Easy to love; having qualities that inspire affection, often despite imperfection.
- loyalty Used for steady faithfulness — staying true to someone or something, even when it's difficult.
- lukewarm Only a little warm — not hot, not cold.
- lump A solid mass or piece of something without a regular shape.
- magistrate A local official with the power to judge minor legal cases, especially in earlier historical periods.
- magnificent Extremely beautiful, impressive, or grand; often used with humor for something merely large.
- maintenance A common word for upkeep — regular care that prevents things from breaking down.
- manicured Neatly and carefully maintained, especially describing lawns or gardens.
- manifest To become clearly visible or show itself.
- manuscript A written document, especially before it's published.
- mascot A character used to represent and bring luck to a place or team.
- maze A confusing network of paths you have to find your way through.
- mechanical Can describe an actual machine, or figuratively, an action done automatically, like a habit, without real feeling behind it.
- mechanism A system of moving parts, or the process behind how something works.
- mellow Used for a calm, easygoing quality — a mellow light, mood, or sound.
- membrane A thin, flexible layer of skin-like material.
- mercy Kindness or forgiveness shown to someone; a "mercy rule" ends a lopsided game early to spare the losing side.
- metaphor A literary term for an implied comparison — calling a bridge a symbol of connection is a metaphor.
- meteor The scientific word for what people commonly call a 'shooting star.'
- meticulous Extremely careful and precise about every small detail.
- micromoon A full moon that looks smaller because it's farther from Earth.
- milestone Used figuratively for a significant achievement or turning point, like a major anniversary.
- mimosa A tree or shrub with small, fluffy yellow flowers, associated with International Women's Day in Italy.
- mingled Mixed together with something else.
- mirage A trick of light that makes you see something not really there.
- mischievous Used for lighthearted troublemaking — playful, not truly malicious.
- mockery Making fun of someone or something to laugh at it.
- molecule The smallest unit of a substance made of two or more atoms bonded together.
- momentum The force or speed that keeps something moving or growing.
- monument A structure, such as a statue or stone marker, built to honor a person or event.
- moss A soft green plant that grows on damp rocks or tree bark.
- mound A small raised pile or hill of earth.
- mourn Used for the act of grieving — feeling and expressing deep sadness over a loss.
- muffled Used for a sound that is dulled, as if something is blocking or covering it — like a voice through a mask.
- mumbled Spoke in a quiet, unclear way.
- murmur To say something in a low, soft, and unclear voice.
- mustered Often used with 'courage' — 'mustered the courage' means gathered up enough bravery to do something.
- nameless Having no name, or with a name unknown or not given.
- nerve Courage or boldness to do something hard.
- nibble To eat something by taking small bites.
- nostalgic Describes a bittersweet, fond longing for a past time or place.
- nourishment Food or care that helps something stay healthy and grow.
- nuance Used for subtle distinctions — small but meaningful differences that aren't obvious at first glance.
- observance The formal marking or celebration of a day or custom.
- okonomiyaki A savory Japanese pancake made from flour and cabbage.
- ominous Used for something that feels like a warning sign of trouble to come.
- orbit The curved path that one object in space travels around another, such as a planet around the sun.
- otherworldly So strange it feels like it belongs to another world.
- outnumber To be more in number than the other thing.
- overcast Covered with clouds; a gray, sunless sky.
- overlay To place one layer of something over another.
- overwhelm To affect someone so strongly they can't cope.
- overwhelming Describes a feeling, force, or amount so large that it feels impossible to control.
- packet A small unit or package, often of data.
- paddy A flooded field where rice is grown.
- panorama A wide view that takes in everything at once.
- parallel Running alongside something, always the same distance apart.
- parameters The settings or factors that define how something works.
- passionate A common word for strong, heartfelt emotion or enthusiasm.
- pathetic Can mean genuinely pitiable, or (more casually) disappointingly poor in quality.
- peacekeeping Often used for organized efforts, official or informal, to maintain calm and prevent conflict.
- pedestal A base that a statue or object sits on.
- peer To look closely or with difficulty at something, especially because it's hard to see clearly.
- pendulum A weight that swings back and forth from a fixed point.
- perched Sat balanced on the edge of something narrow or high.
- perspective A very common word for a personal point of view or way of seeing a situation.
- petal One of the colored, leaf-like parts that make up a flower.
- phenomena Unusual events or facts, especially ones hard to explain.
- phenomenon A fact, occurrence, or event that can be observed, especially one that is unusual or interesting.
- pi The mathematical constant (≈3.14159...) representing the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.
- pillar A tall post that holds up a building, or something central to an idea.
- pinnacle The very highest point or best example of something.
- pioneer Someone who is among the first to try or build something new.
- pitiful So weak or sad it makes you feel sorry for it.
- plaster Used for the material builders spread on walls, or as a verb meaning to cover something thickly and smoothly.
- plaza An open public square in a town or city, often used for gathering.
- pliers A gripping hand tool with two handles, used to bend or hold things.
- poisonous A basic word for anything harmful if eaten, touched, or breathed in.
- pollinate To carry pollen to a flower so it can make seeds.
- portable Easy to carry or move around.
- portrayed Used for how something or someone is shown or described, especially in a story or artwork.
- precise A common word for exactness — precise numbers, words, or movements leave no room for error.
- precision The quality of being exact and accurate.
- predict To say what will happen before it does.
- prediction A statement about what will happen in the future.
- presumably Used to soften a guess that seems very probable, without stating it as a fact.
- probability How likely it is that something will happen.
- procession Used for an organized line of people or vehicles moving together, often ceremonially.
- profile The outline of a face or figure seen from the side.
- profundity Used for an idea or statement that seems especially wise or deep — sometimes with a hint of irony, when the depth is only pretended.
- prototype A first version of something, made to test an idea.
- pulse A regular beat or rhythm, like a heartbeat.
- quarterfinals The round of a tournament in which eight teams or players remain, just before the semifinals.
- quell Often used with fears or unrest — 'to quell someone's fears' means to calm and end them.
- radial Spreading outward from a center point, like spokes on a wheel.
- radioactive Giving off dangerous energy (radiation) from the breakdown of atoms.
- railing A fence-like bar or rail, often along the edge of a bridge, staircase, or balcony, that people can hold onto or lean against.
- rapeseed A yellow-flowered crop grown for its oil-rich seeds.
- rasp A rough, grating sound or quality, especially in a voice.
- reassurance Used for comforting words or actions meant to ease worry and restore confidence.
- reckless Acting without thinking about danger or consequences; careless of risk.
- reclaimed Used for taking something back — land, an identity, or a quality that had been lost.
- reeds Tall thin plants that grow near water.
- reflect To throw back light, heat, or an image from a surface, such as water or a mirror.
- refuge A safe place you can escape to from danger.
- rejection A common word for being turned down or refused — an offer, a request, or a proposal.
- reserved Holding back — quiet and not showing much emotion openly.
- resolve As a verb, to settle a problem; as a noun, strong determination — 'to resolve a conflict' or 'to act with resolve.'
- resonance A rich, echoing quality of sound, or a strong shared vibration.
- restoration Used for repair work that brings something back to how it used to be, or should be.
- retail Relating to the sale of goods directly to consumers, as opposed to wholesale.
- retrieve A common word for fetching or recovering something, especially something that has fallen, been lost, or is hard to reach.
- reverently Describes an action done with great, almost sacred, respect.
- revolution Often used loosely for any dramatic, transformative change — a 'logistics revolution,' for example.
- ridgeline The long top edge of a mountain or hill range.
- rigidly Describes something held or done in a completely stiff, unmoving manner.
- rim The outer edge of something round.
- ripen To become ready to eat, like fruit turning sweet and soft.
- ripple A small wave or series of small waves on the surface of water.
- ritual A fixed set of ceremonial actions, done in a set order.
- riverbed The ground that a river flows over.
- robe A long, loose piece of clothing, often worn for ceremony or comfort.
- robust Strong and tough — hard to break or damage.
- rotation The action of spinning around a fixed center.
- rustle A soft crackling sound, like dry leaves moving.
- sack A large strong bag for carrying things.
- sacred A common word for anything treated as holy or too important to disrespect.
- sakura The Japanese word for cherry blossom, widely used in English to refer to the flower itself.
- salvation Something that saves or rescues a person from difficulty or distress.
- sanctuary A sacred, safe place where you're protected.
- sarcastic Using irony or mockery to say the opposite of what you mean, often to criticize.
- scar A mark left on the skin after an old wound heals.
- scarecrow A human-shaped figure put in a field to scare birds off.
- scatter To throw or spread things loosely over a wide area, rather than in one tight group.
- scavenged Searched through waste to find and collect usable parts.
- scholar A person with deep knowledge from years of study.
- scrub To rub something hard with a brush to clean it.
- seafloor The solid ground at the bottom of the sea or ocean.
- seam The line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together.
- seasonal Relating to, or happening during, a particular season of the year.
- seclusion Being alone and cut off from other people.
- seep To slowly flow or leak through tiny gaps.
- seldom Not often — rarely.
- sensor A device that detects changes, such as movement or pressure, and passes the information to another device.
- shatter Used for something breaking apart suddenly and completely, often with force — like glass, or a comet.
- shift To move or change slightly from one position or state to another.
- shimmer To shine with a soft, trembling, wavering light.
- shortcoming A gentle way of describing a flaw or weak point, especially one someone is self-conscious about.
- shortfall The gap between what you have and what you need.
- shoulder To carry a heavy load, or take on a responsibility.
- shriek A loud high-pitched scream.
- shutter The part of a camera that opens to let in light and take a photo.
- sigh A long, deep breath let out audibly, expressing tiredness, relief, or sadness.
- signature A person's name written by hand; also used for something distinctively their own, like a "signature song."
- simulator A device or program that imitates real conditions, used for testing or training.
- sincerity Used for genuine, heartfelt honesty — the opposite of pretending.
- skewer A thin stick or rod used to hold pieces of food together, especially for grilling or eating.
- skimmed Moved fast and light over a surface, barely touching it.
- skirt To go around the edge of something instead of through it.
- slippery So smooth or wet that you can easily slide or lose your footing.
- snorted Made a short loud sound through the nose, showing doubt or amusement.
- solemn Used for a tone, occasion, or promise that is serious and formal, not lighthearted.
- solidarity People standing together and supporting one another for a shared cause.
- sooty Blackened or covered with soot from fire.
- soundlessly Without making any sound at all.
- spacecraft A vehicle designed to travel and operate in outer space.
- species A group of living things of the same basic kind.
- spectacularly Used to emphasize that something happened in a dramatic, attention-grabbing way — often something going wrong in an amusing way.
- spike A thin, sharp, pointed piece.
- spiraling Moving in a continuous curve that winds around a center point, getting closer or farther as it goes.
- sprig A small stem or twig with leaves, taken from a larger plant.
- sprout A new, young growth on a plant, such as a shoot or seedling.
- stab To push a pointed object, such as a needle or knife, into something.
- stain A mark on something that's hard to remove.
- startled Suddenly and slightly shocked by something unexpected.
- static Crackling or hissing noise interference on a radio or phone signal.
- stealth Used for cautious, silent movement or action — as in a 'stealth hero' who works unseen.
- stethoscope A medical instrument used to listen to sounds inside the body, especially the heart and lungs.
- stitch A single loop of thread made by sewing.
- straighten To make something straight, or to stand up tall and correct your posture.
- strain To make a great effort, stretching your body or mind to its limit.
- streamer A long narrow strip of material, often flown in the wind.
- stride A long confident step while walking.
- stroke To gently rub a hand over something, or one motion in a repeated movement.
- stubbornly Refusing to give in or change your mind, no matter what.
- stun To shock or amaze someone so much they can't react.
- sturdy A common word for something (or someone) physically strong and solid.
- subtly Describes something happening or expressed in a slight, understated way — easy to miss if you're not paying attention.
- subtraction The math of taking one number away from another.
- summit The very top of a mountain.
- surge To increase suddenly and powerfully, like a wave.
- suspicion A feeling that something's wrong, even without proof.
- suspiciously Describes a wary, doubting way of looking at or asking about something.
- sustained Kept going steadily over a long time.
- swarm A large group of insects, like bees, moving together.
- sway To move slowly and smoothly back and forth or from side to side.
- sweetfish A small river fish, traditionally caught by trained cormorants.
- swirl A twisting, spinning movement or pattern.
- symmetry When two halves of something match each other exactly.
- tacky Cheap, tasteless, or lacking style; also, slightly sticky (an unrelated sense).
- takoyaki A round fried Japanese snack filled with diced octopus.
- tasteless Can describe bland food, or figuratively, something done without proper sensitivity or elegance.
- thicken To become thicker or heavier, like clouds before a storm.
- thorn Used literally for the sharp points on rose bushes and similar plants, or figuratively for something that causes a persistent, nagging discomfort.
- thrash Used for wild, uncontrolled movement, as when someone struggles or flails about.
- threshold The starting point of something, or the entrance to a place.
- thump A dull, heavy banging sound.
- tier One of a series of rows or levels placed one above another.
- till To dig up and prepare soil for planting.
- tilt To move so that one side becomes higher than the other; to lean or slope at an angle.
- tinge A small trace of a color or feeling mixed in.
- tint To color something slightly or faintly.
- tolerant Able to withstand something difficult without breaking down.
- townsperson A person who lives in a particular town; an ordinary resident.
- trailing Used for something (like a tail, a comet's tail, or a person) drawn out behind, moving or hanging loosely.
- trampled Stepped on and crushed something underfoot.
- transcending Going beyond the usual limits of something, such as time or ordinary experience.
- transfer Moving something from one place or person to another.
- translucent Between transparent (fully clear) and opaque (fully blocked) — light passes through, but details are blurred.
- tremble To shake slightly, usually because of fear, cold, weakness, or strong emotion.
- tremor A small shaking or vibrating movement, often used for a slight earthquake or a shiver of fear.
- tripod A three-legged stand that holds up a camera.
- trotting Moving with quick small steps, faster than walking.
- tsunami A very large, powerful ocean wave, usually caused by an underwater earthquake.
- tuberculosis A serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs, caused by a bacterium.
- tug To pull something suddenly and firmly.
- turbulent Used for chaotic, unsettled times, conditions, or emotions.
- twinge Often used with feelings like guilt, jealousy, or sadness — 'a twinge of guilt' is a short, sharp pang of it.
- unbreakable Used literally for something physically indestructible, or figuratively, like an unbreakable bond.
- uncharacteristically In a way that is not typical or usual for a particular person.
- uncomputable Something that can't be worked out or calculated, even in theory.
- undeniable So clearly true that no one could argue against it.
- undoing Used for the very thing that leads to someone's failure — often something they themselves caused.
- unerring Never wrong — always accurate.
- ungainly Describes something (often a body or a machine) that moves clumsily, without grace.
- unglamorous Not glamorous; plain, ordinary, or lacking excitement or beauty.
- unhurried Relaxed and slow, with no rush at all.
- unidentified Not known or identified — unrecognized.
- unleash To suddenly set loose something powerful.
- unmistakable Used when something is so obvious or distinct that there's no chance of confusing it with anything else.
- unravel To undo something twisted, knitted, or tangled; figuratively, to slowly come apart or become clear.
- unsettled Can describe a person's uneasy feelings, or a situation (like weather or politics) that remains uncertain.
- unspeakable So overwhelming it's hard to put into words.
- untranslatable Used for a word, feeling, or expression so tied to its original language or culture that no other language can capture it exactly.
- unwavering Steady and firm — never weakening or changing.
- unwaveringly Describes something done with complete steadiness and certainty, without wavering at all.
- urge As a noun, a strong inner impulse; as a verb, to push or encourage someone to act.
- vacant Empty — not lived in or occupied.
- vaguely In an unclear, imprecise way.
- vanity Used for excessive self-admiration or concern with one's own looks or image.
- velocity How fast something is moving in a given direction.
- ventilation Fresh air flowing into and through a space.
- veranda A roofed, open platform along the outside of a house.
- verse A section of a song or poem, usually one of several with a repeating structure.
- vessel Used literally for a container or ship, and figuratively for anything that carries or contains something important, like feelings or ideas.
- vigilance Careful, continuous watchfulness for danger.
- vitality Energy and liveliness — being full of life.
- vivid A common word for something strikingly clear, bright, or intense — a vivid memory, color, or description.
- vortex A spinning mass of air or water, like a storm's center.
- vow A solemn promise you're bound to keep.
- waning Gradually becoming smaller or weaker, like the moon after full.
- wards Sections of a hospital, each caring for certain patients.
- warp To bend or twist something out of its normal, flat, or true shape.
- wavered Used for physical unsteadiness (like a flickering light) or a person hesitating between choices.
- wavering Moving unsteadily, or feeling uncertain and hesitant.
- weep To cry; also used for branches that droop downward, as in "weeping" willow or cherry trees.
- wheat A grain crop used to make flour and bread.
- wick The string in a candle that burns to make the flame.
- wilted Drooping and losing freshness, like a plant needing water.
- windowpane One sheet of glass that makes up part of a window.
- wingbeat One single flap of a wing.
- withered Dried up and shriveled from losing moisture.
- wobbled A common, slightly playful word for shaky, unsteady movement — like a bicycle just starting to move.
- wordplay A clever or humorous use of words, especially multiple meanings or similar sounds.
- wring To twist something tightly, often to squeeze out liquid.
- wryly Describes a subtle, ironic kind of humor — a wry smile suggests amusement mixed with irony.