Most common English verbs
All 498 verbs among the 5,000 most common English words, commonest first. Each carries the forms of it that are also on the list — “go” with “went”, “gone”, “going” — counted once, under its base word.
RankWord
Definition
PronunciationPart of speech
LevelExample
0018
beis, was, are, were, been, being, am
to exist, or to have some quality
/ˈbi/
verb
A1
Try to be patient.
0104
workworking, works, worked
to do a job; or paid effort
/ˈwɝk/
verb, noun
A1
I work in a hospital.
0106
taketook, taken, taking, takes
to reach out and hold, or carry off
/ˈteɪk/
verb
A1
Take an umbrella with you.
0111
knowknown, knew, knows, knowing
to have information about, or be acquainted with
/ˈnoʊ/
verb
A1
I know the answer.
0142
thinkthought, thinking, thinks
to hold an idea in the mind
/ˈθɪŋk/
verb
A1
I think you are right.
0153
helphelped, helping, helps
to make things easier for someone
/ˈhɛlp/
verb, noun
A1
Can you help me?
0173
showshows, showed, shown, showing
to let something be seen
/ˈʃoʊ/
verb, noun
A1
Show me the photo.
0177
setsets
to place; or a group belonging together
/ˈsɛt/
verb, noun
A2
She set the plates on the table.
0194
findfound, finding, finds
to discover after searching
/ˈfaɪnd/
verb
A1
I cannot find my glasses.
0207
playplaying, played, plays
to take part in a game; to act a part
/ˈpleɪ/
verb
A1
The children play outside.
0248
changechanged, changes, changing
to make or become different
/ˈtʃeɪndʒ/
verb, noun
A1
I want to change my ticket.
0285
supportsupported, supporting, supports
to hold up, or to back
/səˈpɔɹt/
verb, noun
B1
They support the local school.
0305
stopstopped, stops, stopping
to cease moving or doing
/ˈstɑp/
verb, noun
A1
Stop at the corner.
0319
closeclosed, closer, closing, closest
to shut; or near
/ˈkloʊs/
verb, adjective
A1
Please close the window.
0381
turnturned, turns, turning
to move round, or to change direction
/ˈtɝn/
verb, noun
A1
Turn left at the lights.
0390
returnreturned, returning, returns
to come or give back
/ɹɪˈtɝn/
verb, noun
A2
We return on Sunday.
0406
bringbrought, bringing, brings
to carry toward the speaker
/ˈbɹɪŋ/
verb
A1
Bring a jacket with you.
0466
understandunderstood
to grasp the meaning of
/ˌʌndɚˈstænd/
verb
A1
I do not understand this word.
0522
fightfighting, fought, fights
to struggle against someone
/ˈfaɪt/
verb, noun
A2
They fight about money.
0532
shareshares, shared, sharing
to divide and give a part
/ˈʃɛɹ/
verb, noun
A2
We share an office.
0562
breakbroke, broken, breaking, breaks
to come apart in pieces
/ˈbɹeɪk/
verb, noun
A1
Let us take a break.
0569
fallfell, falling, falls, fallen
to drop toward the ground
/ˈfɔl/
verb, noun
A2
Be careful not to fall.
0620
watchwatching, watched
to look at for a while
/ˈwɑtʃ/
verb, noun
A1
We watch the news at eight.
0636
offeroffered, offering, offers
to hold out for acceptance
/ˈɔfɚ/
verb, noun
A2
They offer free coffee.
0644
studystudies, studied, studying
to learn about carefully
/ˈstʌdi/
verb, noun
A1
I study in the evening.
0664
provideprovided, provides, providing
to supply what is needed
/pɹəˈvaɪd/
verb
B1
They provide breakfast.
0671
standstanding, stands, stood
to be upright on the feet
/ˈstænd/
verb
A1
Please stand over there.
0679
createcreated, creating, creates
to bring into being
/kɹiˈeɪt/
verb
B1
We want to create something new.
0688
releasereleased, releases
to set free, or to make public
/ɹiˈlis/
verb, noun
B1
They will release the film in June.
0723
savesaved, saving
to rescue, or to keep for later
/ˈseɪv/
verb
A1
We save a little every month.
0731
speakspeaking, spoke, spoken, speaks
to say words aloud
/ˈspik/
verb
A1
I speak a little Italian.
0767
checkchecked, checking, checks
to look at and make sure
/ˈtʃɛk/
verb, noun
A2
Check the time, please.
0778
visitvisited, visiting, visits
to go and spend time somewhere
/ˈvɪzɪt/
verb, noun
A1
We visit my parents on Sunday.
0786
remainremains, remained, remaining
to stay behind, or be left
/ɹɪˈmeɪn/
verb
B1
Two seats remain free.
0789
reachreached, reaching, reaches
to arrive at, or stretch out to
/ˈɹitʃ/
verb
A2
We reach the coast by noon.
0806
covercovered, covering, covers
to lay something over
/ˈkʌvɚ/
verb, noun
A2
Cover the pot for ten minutes.
0826
protectprotected, protecting
to keep from harm
/pɹəˈtɛkt/
verb
B1
Protect the plants from frost.
0843
includeincluded, includes
to take in as part of
/ˌɪnˈklud/
verb
B1
Does the price include breakfast?
0844
increaseincreased, increasing, increases
to grow, or make greater
/ˌɪnˈkɹis/
verb, noun
B1
Prices increase every year.
0872
focusfocused, focusing
to bring to a single point of attention
/ˈfoʊkəs/
verb, noun
B1
Focus on one thing.
0897
traveltraveling, travelling, traveled, travels, travelled
to go from place to place
/ˈtɹævəl/
verb, noun
A1
We travel by train.
0910
votevotes, voted, voting
to choose formally in an election
/ˈvoʊt/
verb, noun
B1
We vote on Sunday.
0915
sleepsleeping
to rest with the eyes shut and mind off
/ˈslip/
verb, noun
A1
I sleep badly in summer.
0940
loselost, losing, loses
to be unable to find, or to be beaten
/ˈluz/
verb
A2
Do not lose the key.
0967
carrycarried, carrying, carries
to take from one place to another
/ˈkæɹi/
verb
A2
Can you carry this bag?
0980
serveserved, serving, serves
to do work for; to hand food out
/ˈsɝv/
verb
B1
They serve lunch until three.
0997
considerconsidered, considering
to think over carefully
/kənˈsɪdɚ/
verb
B1
We consider it a good price.
1006
growgrowing, grew, grown, grows
to get bigger over time
/ˈɡɹoʊ/
verb
A1
Tomatoes grow well in the sun.
1009
dropdropped, dropping, drops
to let something fall
/ˈdɹɑp/
verb, noun
A2
Do not drop the glass.
1018
beatbeating, beaten, beats
to defeat in a game; or to hit again and again
/ˈbit/
verb, noun
B1
Spain beat Italy two to one.
1035
pickpicked, picking
to choose; or to pull off a fruit or flower
/ˈpɪk/
verb
A2
Pick a card, any card.
1041
drinkdrinking, drinks
to take liquid into the mouth and swallow
/ˈdɹɪŋk/
verb, noun
A1
I drink tea every morning.
1050
appearappears, appeared, appearing
to come into view; or to seem
/əˈpɪɹ/
verb
B1
Stars appear in the sky at night.
1085
crosscrossed
to go from one side to the other
/ˈkɹɔs/
verb, noun
A2
Look both ways before you cross.
1141
expectexpected, expecting
to think something will happen
/ɪkˈspɛkt/
verb
A2
I expect he will be late.
1145
avoidavoiding, avoided
to keep away from something
/əˈvɔɪd/
verb
B1
Try to avoid the city centre.
1151
receivereceived, receiving, receives
to get something that is sent or given
/ɹəˈsiv/
verb
B1
Did you receive my letter?
1170
choosechosen, chose, choosing
to decide which one you want
/ˈtʃuz/
verb
A2
Choose the colour you like.
1176
finishfinished, finishing
to come or bring to an end
/ˈfɪnɪʃ/
verb, noun
A1
Did you finish your homework?
1216
countcounts, counting, counted
to say numbers in order; or to find the total
/ˈkaʊnt/
verb
A2
Count to ten slowly.
1217
enjoyenjoyed, enjoying
to like doing or having something
/ˌɛnˈdʒɔɪ/
verb
A1
I really enjoy swimming.
1233
explainexplained, explains, explaining
to make something clear
/ɪkˈspleɪn/
verb
A2
Can you explain the rules?
1237
touchtouched, touching
to put your hand on something
/ˈtʌtʃ/
verb, noun
A2
Do not touch the paint.
1242
fitfits
to be the right size; or healthy and strong
/ˈfɪt/
verb, adjective
A2
These shoes do not fit.
1243
spendspent, spending
to pay out money; or to pass time
/ˈspɛnd/
verb
A2
How much did you spend?
1258
acceptaccepted, accepting
to take something offered; or to agree to it
/ækˈsɛpt/
verb
B1
Please accept our thanks.
1264
claimclaims, claimed, claiming
to say something is true without proof
/ˈkleɪm/
verb, noun
B2
They claim the money was stolen.
1334
produceproduced, producing, produces
to make or grow something
/pɹəˈdus/
verb
B1
These farms produce milk and cheese.
1392
handlehandled
to deal with something; or the part you hold
/ˈhændəl/
verb, noun
B1
She can handle the pressure.
1401
existexists, existed
to be real; to be present in the world
/ɪɡˈzɪst/
verb
B1
Do ghosts really exist?
1421
escapeescaped
to get away from a place or danger
/ɪˈskeɪp/
verb, noun
B1
The prisoner tried to escape.
1425
enterentered, entering
to go into a place; or to type information in
/ˈɛntɚ/
verb
A2
Please enter the room quietly.
1443
prevent
to stop something from happening
/pɹɪˈvɛnt/
verb
B1
Wash your hands to prevent illness.
1459
promisepromised, promises
to say you will certainly do something
/ˈpɹɑməs/
verb, noun
A2
I promise to call you.
1477
pushpushed, pushing
to press against something to move it away
/ˈpʊʃ/
verb, noun
A2
Push the door to open it.
1485
arrestarrested
to take someone away by police order
/ɚˈɛst/
verb, noun
B1
The police will arrest him.
1513
pullpulled, pulling
to move something toward you with force
/ˈpʊl/
verb, noun
A2
Pull the door to open it.
1542
drawdrew, drawn
to make a picture with a pencil or pen
/ˈdɹɔ/
verb
A1
She likes to draw animals.
1562
performperformed, performing
to act, sing or play for an audience
/pɚˈfɔɹm/
verb
B1
The band will perform tonight.
1564
throwthrew, thrown, throwing
to send something into the air using your arm
/ˈθɹoʊ/
verb
A2
Throw me the ball.
1590
launchlaunched
to start or introduce something new
/ˈlɔntʃ/
verb, noun
B2
They will launch a new phone next month.
1595
bet
to risk money on what will happen; or to feel sure
/ˈbɛt/
verb, noun
B1
I bet you cannot do it.
1602
ensure
to make certain that something happens
/ɛnˈʃʊɹ/
verb
B2
Please ensure the door is locked.
1631
rollrolling, rolled, rolls
to move along by turning over and over
/ˈɹoʊl/
verb, noun
B1
The ball began to roll down the hill.
1641
decidedecided, decides
to make a choice after thinking
/ˌdɪˈsaɪd/
verb
A2
I cannot decide what to wear.
1644
accused
said to have done something wrong or illegal
/əˈkjuzd/
verb
B2
He was accused of stealing.
1651
requirerequired, requires
to need something, often because of a rule
/ˌɹiˈkwaɪɚ/
verb
B2
Most jobs require some experience.
1659
transfertransferred
to move someone or something from one place to another
/tɹænˈsfɝ/
verb, noun
B1
I will transfer the money tomorrow.
1671
gaingained, gaining, gains
to get something useful, or more of something
/ˈɡeɪn/
verb, noun
B2
He hopes to gain more experience.
1689
improveimproved, improving
to make or become better
/ˌɪmˈpɹuv/
verb
A2
I want to improve my English.
1690
suggestsuggested, suggests, suggesting
to mention an idea or possible plan to others
/səˈdʒɛst/
verb
A2
I suggest we leave early.
1693
proposed
formally put forward a plan or idea
/pɹəˈpoʊzd/
verb
B2
She proposed a new plan at the meeting.
1717
forgetforgotten, forgot
to fail to remember something
/fɚˈɡɛt/
verb
A1
Do not forget your keys.
1722
developdeveloped, developing
to grow, or make something grow and improve
/dɪˈvɛləp/
verb
B1
The company plans to develop new products.
1732
noticenoticed
to see or become aware of something
/ˈnoʊtəs/
verb, noun
B1
Did you notice anything strange?
1752
jumpjumped, jumping
to push yourself off the ground into the air
/ˈdʒʌmp/
verb, noun
A1
The cat can jump onto the table.
1761
worry
to keep thinking about problems and feel uneasy
/ˈwɝi/
verb, noun
A2
Do not worry about me.
1788
removeremoved, removing
to take something away from a place
/ɹiˈmuv/
verb
B1
Please remove your shoes.
1793
maintainmaintained, maintaining
to keep something in good condition or at the same level
/meɪnˈteɪn/
verb
B2
It is hard to maintain an old house.
1796
discussdiscussed, discussing
to talk about something with others
/dɪˈskʌs/
verb
A2
We need to discuss the plan.
1804
survivesurvived, surviving
to continue to live despite danger or difficulty
/sɚˈvaɪv/
verb
B1
Plants cannot survive without water.
1829
reducereduced, reducing
to make something smaller or less
/ɹəˈdus/
verb
B1
We must reduce our costs.
1830
treattreated, treating
to deal with someone in a certain way, or give medical care
/ˈtɹit/
verb, noun
B1
Doctors must treat every patient with care.
1843
seekseeking, sought, seeks
to try to find or get something
/ˈsik/
verb
B2
He decided to seek advice.
1852
mentionmentioned
to speak or write about something briefly
/ˈmɛnʃən/
verb, noun
B1
Did she mention her plans?
1879
deliverdelivered, delivering
to take goods or letters to a place
/dɪˈlɪvɚ/
verb
B1
They will deliver the sofa on Monday.
1892
achieveachieved
to succeed in doing something through effort
/əˈtʃiv/
verb
B1
You can achieve anything if you try.
1915
stickstuck
to fix one thing to another with glue
/ˈstɪk/
verb, noun
B1
Stick the stamp on the envelope.
1947
representrepresents, represented, representing
to act or speak for someone else
/ˌɹɛpɹɪˈzɛnt/
verb
B2
She will represent our school.
1955
blowblowing, blown
to move air, as wind does or from the mouth
/ˈbloʊ/
verb, noun
B1
The wind began to blow hard.
1959
switchswitched
to turn a machine on or off; or to change
/ˈswɪtʃ/
verb, noun
B1
Switch off the light, please.
1961
applyapplied, applying
to ask formally for a job or place, usually in writing
/əˈplaɪ/
verb
B1
I want to apply for the job.
1967
prepareprepared, preparing
to get ready, or make something ready
/pɹiˈpɛɹ/
verb
A2
I need to prepare for the exam.
1976
measuremeasures, measured
to find the size, length or amount of something
/ˈmɛʒɚ/
verb, noun
B1
Measure the room before buying a carpet.
1978
managemanaged, managing
to succeed in doing something difficult; or to run a business
/ˈmænədʒ/
verb
B1
Did you manage to finish the work?
1993
suspectsuspected, suspects
to think something is probably true, often something bad
/səˈspɛkt/
verb, noun
B2
I suspect she knows the truth.
1995
identifyidentified
to recognise and say who or what someone is
/aɪˈdɛntəˌfaɪ/
verb
B2
Can you identify the man in the photo?
1997
teachtaught, teaching
to help someone learn something
/ˈtitʃ/
verb
A1
Can you teach me to swim?
2027
expressexpressed
to show a thought or feeling in words or actions
/ɪkˈspɹɛs/
verb
B1
It is hard to express my feelings.
2051
destroydestroyed, destroying
to damage something so badly it no longer exists
/dɪˈstɹɔɪ/
verb
B1
The fire could destroy the whole forest.
2059
recognizerecognized
to know someone or something seen before
/ˈɹɛkəɡˌnaɪz/
verb
B1
I did not recognize her at first.
2085
celebratecelebrated, celebrating
to do something enjoyable for a special occasion
/ˈsɛləˌbɹeɪt/
verb
A2
Let us celebrate your birthday.
2086
determinedetermined
to find out or decide exactly
/dəˈtɝmən/
verb
B2
Tests will determine the cause.
2092
strugglestruggling, struggled
to try very hard to deal with a difficulty
/ˈstɹʌɡəl/
verb, noun
B1
Many families struggle to pay the rent.
2121
attendattended, attending
to be present at an event
/əˈtɛnd/
verb
B1
Over a hundred people will attend the meeting.
2142
convertconverted
to change something into a different form
/ˈkɑnvɚt/
verb
B2
We plan to convert the garage into an office.
2147
inspired
gave someone the idea or wish to do something
/ˌɪnˈspaɪɚd/
verb
B2
The book inspired a famous film.
2172
replacereplaced, replacing
to put something new in the place of another
/ˌɹiˈpleɪs/
verb
B1
We need to replace the old windows.
2189
operateoperating, operated, operates
to make a machine work; or to do surgery
/ˈɑpɚˌeɪt/
verb
B2
Can you operate this machine?
2216
describedescribed, describes, describing
to say what someone or something is like
/dɪˈskɹaɪb/
verb
A2
Can you describe the man you saw?
2233
realizerealized
to suddenly understand or become aware
/ˈɹiəˌlaɪz/
verb
B1
I did not realize it was so late.
2246
affectaffected, affects
to have an effect on, or change
/əˈfɛkt/
verb
B1
The weather can affect your mood.
2250
mix
to put different things together and stir them
/ˈmɪks/
verb, noun
B1
Mix the flour and the eggs.
2269
liftlifted
to raise something to a higher position
/ˈlɪft/
verb, noun
B1
Can you help me lift this box?
2298
appointed
chose someone officially for a job
/əˈpɔɪntɪd/
verb
B2
She was appointed head of the team.
2323
hidehidden, hiding
to put something where no one can find it
/ˈhaɪd/
verb
B1
Where did you hide the money?
2330
burnburning, burned, burns
to damage or destroy with fire or heat
/ˈbɝn/
verb
B1
Be careful not to burn the toast.
2337
defenddefending, defended
to protect against attack or criticism
/dɪˈfɛnd/
verb
B1
He tried to defend his family.
2355
capturecaptured
to catch and hold a person or animal
/ˈkæptʃɚ/
verb
B2
The police tried to capture the thief.
2362
conductconducted, conducting
to organise and carry out an activity
/ˈkɑndəkt/
verb
B2
They will conduct a survey next month.
2397
threatened
said that he or she would do something harmful
/ˈθɹɛtənd/
verb
B2
He threatened to call the police.
2418
containcontains, contained, containing
to have something inside, or as a part
/kənˈteɪn/
verb
B1
These foods contain a lot of fat.
2421
respondresponded
to answer or react to something
/ɹɪˈspɑnd/
verb
B2
She did not respond to my email.
2463
arrivearrived, arriving, arrives
to reach a place at the end of a journey
/ɚˈaɪv/
verb
A1
What time does the train arrive?
2498
assumeassumed, assuming
to think something is true without proof
/əˈsum/
verb
B2
I assume you have already eaten.
2509
packpacked
to put things into a bag or box for travel
/ˈpæk/
verb, noun
A2
I need to pack my suitcase.
2515
argueargued, arguing
to disagree angrily with words; or to give reasons
/ˈɑɹɡju/
verb
B1
They often argue about money.
2525
hanghanging, hung
to fix something at the top so it falls free below
/ˈhæŋ/
verb
B1
Hang your coat on the hook.
2533
introduceintroduced
to present one person to another; or to bring in something new
/ˌɪntɹəˈdus/
verb
A2
Let me introduce my wife.
2539
organized
arranged or planned in advance; tidy and efficient
/ˈɔɹɡəˌnaɪzd/
verb, adjective
B1
The trip was well organized.
2576
connectconnected, connecting
to join two things together
/kəˈnɛkt/
verb
B1
Connect the printer to your laptop.
2577
attached
fixed or joined to something; or fond of
/əˈtætʃt/
verb, adjective
B1
A photo is attached to the email.
2587
broadcast
to send out a programme on TV or radio
/ˈbɹɔdˌkæst/
verb, noun
B2
The match will be broadcast live.
2598
settlesettled
to end a disagreement; or to make a home somewhere
/ˈsɛtəl/
verb
B2
We need to settle this argument.
2607
exposed
left without cover or protection; or made known
/ɪkˈspoʊzd/
verb, adjective
B2
Their skin was exposed to the sun.
2609
blameblamed
to say someone is responsible for something bad
/ˈbleɪm/
verb, noun
B1
Do not blame me for the mistake.
2644
establishestablished
to set up something that is meant to last
/ɪˈstæblɪʃ/
verb
B2
They want to establish a new school.
2697
collectcollected, collecting
to gather things together, as a hobby or job
/kəˈlɛkt/
verb
A2
She likes to collect old coins.
2700
suffersuffered, suffering
to feel pain or have something bad happen to you
/ˈsʌfɚ/
verb
B1
Many people suffer from back pain.
2708
reservereserves, reserved
to arrange to keep something for later use, like a seat
/ɹɪˈzɝv/
verb, noun
B1
I would like to reserve a table.
2747
dragdragged
to pull something heavy along the ground
/ˈdɹæɡ/
verb
B2
He had to drag the box across the floor.
2754
rushrushed, rushing
to hurry or move very quickly
/ˈɹʌʃ/
verb, noun
B1
Do not rush, we have plenty of time.
2757
registerregistered
to put your name on an official list
/ˈɹɛdʒɪstɚ/
verb, noun
B1
You must register to vote.
2764
monitormonitoring
to watch and check something over a period of time
/ˈmɑnətɚ/
verb, noun
B2
Doctors monitor her heart rate.
2770
appreciate
to be grateful for something; or to value it
/əˈpɹiʃiˌeɪt/
verb
B1
I really appreciate your help.
2773
printprinted
to put words or pictures on paper with a machine
/ˈpɹɪnt/
verb
A2
Please print two copies.
2798
revealrevealed, reveals
to make known something that was secret or hidden
/ɹɪˈvil/
verb
B2
She refused to reveal her name.
2842
admitadmitted
to agree that something bad is true
/ədˈmɪt/
verb
B1
He refused to admit his mistake.
2872
competecompeting
to try to win against others
/kəmˈpit/
verb
B1
Ten teams will compete in the final.
2907
stealstolen, stole, stealing
to take something that is not yours without permission
/ˈstil/
verb
B1
Someone tried to steal my bag.
2937
belongbelongs, belonged
to be owned by someone; or to be a member
/bɪˈlɔŋ/
verb
A2
Does this bag belong to you?
2957
suspended
stopped from working or playing for a time; or hung up
/səˈspɛndɪd/
verb
C1
The player was suspended for three games.
2987
engage
to attract someone's interest and attention; or to take part
/ɛnˈɡeɪdʒ/
verb
C1
The teacher tries to engage the students.
3003
expandexpanded, expanding
to grow larger, or make larger
/ɪkˈspænd/
verb
B1
The company plans to expand abroad.
3036
indicateindicated, indicates
to show or point to
/ˈɪndəˌkeɪt/
verb
B2
The results indicate a problem.
3052
discoverdiscovered
to find something for the first time
/dɪˈskʌvɚ/
verb
A2
Scientists discover new species every year.
3063
arranged
planned or put in order, in the past
/ɚˈeɪndʒd/
verb
B1
We arranged a meeting for Monday.
3064
laughlaughing, laughs
to make sounds showing you find something funny
/ˈlæf/
verb, noun
A1
Her jokes always make me laugh.
3068
encourageencouraged
to give someone support or confidence to do something
/ɛnˈkɝɪdʒ/
verb
B1
Teachers encourage students to read.
3081
rid
to free a place or person of something unwanted
/ˈɹɪd/
verb
B1
I want to get rid of this old sofa.
3086
reverse
to change to the opposite; or drive backwards
/ɹɪˈvɝs/
verb, noun
B2
She had to reverse the car.
3104
promotepromoted, promoting
to encourage or advertise; or move up in rank
/pɹəˈmoʊt/
verb
B2
They want to promote healthy eating.
3154
explore
to travel around a place to learn about it
/ɪkˈsplɔɹ/
verb
B1
Let's explore the old town.
3156
guaranteeguaranteed
to promise firmly; or a written promise to repair
/ˌɡɛɹənˈti/
verb, noun
B2
I can't guarantee it will work.
3181
extendextended
to make longer or larger
/ɪkˈstɛnd/
verb
B2
They decided to extend the deadline.
3185
insisted
said firmly that something must happen, in the past
/ˌɪnˈsɪstəd/
verb
B2
He insisted on paying.
3195
reflectreflected
to send back light or heat; or to think carefully
/ɹɪˈflɛkt/
verb
B2
Mirrors reflect light.
3206
referreferred, referring, refers
to mention, or to look at for information
/ɹəˈfɝ/
verb
B1
Please refer to the manual.
3218
swing
to move back and forth from a fixed point
/ˈswɪŋ/
verb, noun
B2
The children like to swing in the park.
3221
yield
to produce crops or profit; or to give way
/ˈjild/
verb, noun
C1
The trees yield a lot of fruit.
3222
estimateestimated, estimates
to guess a number or size roughly
/ˈɛstəmət/
verb, noun
B2
Can you estimate the cost?
3232
foster
to care for a child who is not your own; or encourage
/ˈfɑstɚ/
verb, adjective
C1
They foster children in need.
3257
dismissed
removed from a job, or rejected as unimportant
/dɪˈsmɪst/
verb
C1
He was dismissed from his job.
3275
regardregarded
to think of in a particular way
/ɹɪˈɡɑɹd/
verb, noun
B2
I regard him as a friend.
3277
updateupdated
to bring up to date with the latest information
/əpˈdeɪt/
verb, noun
B1
Please update your password.
3291
recoverrecovered
to get well again after illness or difficulty
/ɹɪˈkʌvɚ/
verb
B2
He needs time to recover.
3294
confirmconfirmed
to say or show that something is true or definite
/kənˈfɝm/
verb
B1
Please confirm your booking.
3300
commitcommitted
to do something wrong or illegal; or to pledge yourself
/kəˈmɪt/
verb
B2
He did not commit the crime.
3321
installed
put equipment in place ready for use, in the past
/ˌɪnˈstɔld/
verb
B2
We installed a new heating system.
3323
investigateinvestigating
to examine carefully to find the facts
/ˌɪnˈvɛstəˌɡeɪt/
verb
B2
Police will investigate the crime.
3340
selectselected
to choose carefully from a group
/səˈlɛkt/
verb
B2
Select an option from the menu.
3373
concluded
ended; or decided after thinking, in the past
/kənˈkludəd/
verb
B2
The meeting concluded at noon.
3429
involveinvolving, involves
to include as a necessary part
/ˌɪnˈvɑlv/
verb
B1
The job will involve some travel.
3478
deservedeserves
to have earned something by your actions
/dɪˈzɝv/
verb
B2
You deserve a holiday.
3492
spell
to say or write the letters of a word in order
/ˈspɛl/
verb
A1
How do you spell your name?
3493
pursue
to follow, or try to achieve, something
/pɚˈsu/
verb
C1
She wants to pursue a career in law.
3507
overcome
to succeed in dealing with a difficulty
/ˈoʊvɚˌkʌm/
verb
B2
She worked hard to overcome her fear.
3526
bow
to bend the head or body forward to show respect
/ˈbaʊ/
verb, noun
B2
The actors stepped forward to bow.
3540
slide
to move smoothly over a surface
/ˈslaɪd/
verb, noun
B1
The children love to slide on the ice.
3541
trigger
to cause something to start happening
/ˈtɹɪɡɚ/
verb, noun
B2
Stress can trigger a headache.
3556
restorerestored
to bring back to an earlier good condition
/ɹɪˈstɔɹ/
verb
B2
They plan to restore the old castle.
3568
hirehired
to employ someone; or to pay to use something
/ˈhaɪɚ/
verb
B1
We decided to hire a car for the week.
3596
obtainobtained
to get something, often with effort
/əbˈteɪn/
verb
B2
You must obtain a visa before you travel.
3606
contributecontributed
to give money, help or ideas toward something
/kənˈtɹɪbjut/
verb
B2
Everyone should contribute to the cost.
3617
dependdepends, depending
to be decided by something else; or to rely on
/dɪˈpɛnd/
verb
B1
Our plans depend on the weather.
3628
trace
to find where something came from or went
/ˈtɹeɪs/
verb, noun
B2
The police could not trace the call.
3629
denydenied
to say that something is not true
/dɪˈnaɪ/
verb
B2
He continues to deny the charges.
3637
generategenerated
to produce or create something
/ˈdʒɛnɚˌeɪt/
verb
B2
The wind farm will generate electricity.
3643
convinceconvinced
to make someone believe or agree
/kənˈvɪns/
verb
B2
I tried to convince him to come.
3646
communicate
to share information or feelings with others
/kəˈmjunəˌkeɪt/
verb
B2
We communicate mostly by email.
3656
encounterencountered
to meet or face something unexpectedly
/ɪnˈkaʊntɚ/
verb, noun
C1
We may encounter some problems.
3658
refuserefused
to say you will not do or accept something
/ɹəˈfjuz/
verb
B1
I refuse to answer that question.
3698
advised
told someone what you think they should do
/ædˈvaɪzd/
verb
B2
The doctor advised me to rest.
3699
emerged
came out or appeared from somewhere hidden
/ɪˈmɝdʒd/
verb
C1
A man emerged from the shadows.
3734
attractattracted
to make people want to come or look
/əˈtɹækt/
verb
B2
The beach will attract many tourists.
3758
chat
to talk in a friendly, informal way
/ˈtʃæt/
verb, noun
A2
We chat on the phone every evening.
3778
proceed
to go on, or move forward, to the next step or place
/pɹəˈsid/
verb
C1
Please proceed to the exit.
3821
preserve
to keep something safe or in good condition
/pɹəˈzɝv/
verb
B2
We must preserve the forests.
3828
definedefined
to say exactly what something means
/dɪˈfaɪn/
verb
B2
How would you define success?
3852
accompanied
gone somewhere together with someone
/əˈkʌmpənid/
verb
B2
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
3885
associateassociated, associates
to connect something with something else in your mind
/əˈsoʊsiət/
verb, noun
B2
I associate that song with my childhood.
3887
constructed
built, put together from parts
/kənˈstɹʌktəd/
verb
B2
The bridge was constructed in 1890.
3891
retreat
to move back away from danger or an enemy
/ɹiˈtɹit/
verb, noun
C1
The army was forced to retreat.
3892
click
to press a button on a computer mouse
/ˈklɪk/
verb, noun
A2
Click here to download the file.
3896
resolve
to find an answer to a problem or end an argument
/ɹiˈzɑlv/
verb
C1
We need to resolve this problem quickly.
3905
surrender
to stop fighting and admit defeat
/sɚˈɛndɚ/
verb, noun
C1
The soldiers refused to surrender.
3943
triple
to become or make three times as much
/ˈtɹɪpəl/
verb, adjective
C1
Sales could triple next year.
3977
evolved
developed gradually over time
/ɪˈvɑlvd/
verb
B2
The company has evolved over the years.
4000
informinformed
to tell someone facts officially
/ˌɪnˈfɔɹm/
verb
B1
Please inform us of any changes.
4111
screaming
crying out loudly in fear, pain or anger
/ˈskɹimɪŋ/
verb
B1
The baby was screaming all night.
4113
regret
to feel sorry about something you did
/ɹəˈɡɹɛt/
verb, noun
B1
I regret saying that to her.
4115
comparecompared
to look at how two things are alike or different
/kəmˈpɛɹ/
verb
A2
Compare the two prices before you buy.
4133
invented
created something new for the first time
/ˌɪnˈvɛntəd/
verb
B1
Who invented the telephone?
4147
predictpredicted
to say what will happen before it does
/pɹɪˈdɪkt/
verb
B1
Nobody can predict the future.
4148
composed
wrote a piece of music
/kəmˈpoʊzd/
verb
B2
Mozart composed his first symphony as a child.
4157
shake
to move quickly up and down or from side to side
/ˈʃeɪk/
verb
B1
Shake the bottle before use.
4167
floating
resting on water or air without sinking
/ˈfloʊtɪŋ/
verb
B1
Leaves were floating on the water.
4182
distributed
shared out or delivered to many people
/dɪˈstɹɪbjətəd/
verb
B2
Food was distributed to the villagers.
4200
investinvested
to put money into something to make a profit
/ˌɪnˈvɛst/
verb
B2
He wants to invest in property.
4206
seized
took hold of suddenly, or by force
/ˈsizd/
verb
C1
Police seized the drugs at the border.
4214
exhibit
to show publicly in a museum or gallery
/ɪɡˈzɪbɪt/
verb, noun
B2
The museum will exhibit her paintings.
4230
forgive
to stop being angry with someone who did wrong
/fɚˈɡɪv/
verb
B1
Please forgive me for being late.
4232
announceannounced
to tell people something officially
/əˈnaʊns/
verb
B1
They will announce the winner tonight.
4238
resist
to fight against, or say no to
/ɹɪˈzɪst/
verb
B2
I could not resist another piece of cake.
4244
inviteinvited
to ask someone to come to an event
/ˌɪnˈvaɪt/
verb
A2
We want to invite you to dinner.
4245
slip
to slide by accident and lose your balance
/ˈslɪp/
verb
B2
Be careful not to slip on the ice.
4257
transformtransformed
to change completely
/tɹænˈsfɔɹm/
verb
B2
The new park will transform the area.
4289
assured
told firmly that something is true
/əˈʃʊɹd/
verb
C1
They assured us that the water was safe.
4322
recommendrecommended
to suggest something as good
/ˌɹɛkəˈmɛnd/
verb
B1
Can you recommend a good hotel?
4326
embrace
to hold someone close in your arms; or to accept eagerly
/ɛmˈbɹeɪs/
verb
C1
She ran to embrace her son.
4335
breathebreathing
to take air into the lungs and let it out
/ˈbɹið/
verb
B1
Breathe in slowly through your nose.
4346
demonstratedemonstrated
to show clearly how something works
/ˈdɛmənˌstɹeɪt/
verb
B2
Let me demonstrate how it works.
4380
hop
to jump in small steps, often on one foot
/ˈhɑp/
verb
B2
The bird began to hop across the grass.
4388
withdraw
to take money out of an account; or to pull back
/wɪðˈdɹɔ/
verb
C1
I need to withdraw some cash.
4393
condemned
said publicly that something is very wrong
/kənˈdɛmd/
verb
C1
Leaders condemned the attack.
4413
dominated
controlled, or had the most power over
/ˈdɑməˌneɪtəd/
verb
C1
One team dominated the whole game.
4419
disappeardisappeared
to go out of sight
/ˌdɪsəˈpɪɹ/
verb
B1
The sun began to disappear behind the hills.
4421
cancelcancelled
to stop something planned from happening
/ˈkænsəl/
verb
A2
We had to cancel the trip.
4423
adoptadopted
to take another's child as your own; or to start using
/əˈdɑpt/
verb
B2
They plan to adopt a child.
4427
observeobserved
to watch carefully; or to notice
/əbˈzɝv/
verb
B2
Scientists observe the birds every day.
4432
resolved
found an answer to a problem or dispute
/ɹiˈzɑlvd/
verb
C1
The problem was resolved quickly.
4440
detectdetected
to notice or discover something hidden
/dɪˈtɛkt/
verb
B2
The test can detect the disease early.
4458
nominated
officially put forward for a prize or job
/ˈnɑməˌneɪtəd/
verb
C1
She was nominated for an Oscar.
4521
twist
to turn something round; or an unexpected change
/ˈtwɪst/
verb, noun
B2
Twist the lid to open it.
4540
resigned
gave up a job or position officially
/ɹɪˈzaɪnd/
verb
B2
The minister resigned last week.
4559
translated
put into another language
/tɹænzˈleɪtɪd/
verb
B1
The book was translated into French.
4579
ruinruined
to spoil or destroy something completely
/ˈɹuən/
verb, noun
B2
The rain will ruin our picnic.
4583
submitsubmitted
to hand in for judgement; or to give in
/səbˈmɪt/
verb
B2
Please submit your work by Friday.
4609
sail
to travel on water by boat; or a cloth catching the wind
/ˈseɪl/
verb, noun
B1
We plan to sail around the island.
4617
enhance
to improve the quality or value of
/ɛnˈhæns/
verb
C1
Good lighting will enhance the room.
4619
tackle
to deal with a difficult problem; or to try to take the ball
/ˈtækəl/
verb, noun
B2
We must tackle this problem now.
4622
modified
changed in a small way
/ˈmɑdəˌfaɪd/
verb, adjective
B2
The design was modified slightly.
4623
pose
to create a problem or threat; or to sit for a photo
/ˈpoʊz/
verb, noun
B2
The storm could pose a danger.
4643
approveapproved
to think well of, or to accept officially
/əˈpɹuv/
verb
B1
My parents did not approve of him.
4650
freezefrozen
to turn to ice, or become very cold
/ˈfɹiz/
verb
B1
Water will freeze at zero degrees.
4690
deployed
sent soldiers or equipment into action
/dɪˈplɔɪd/
verb
C1
More troops were deployed to the border.
4730
retireretired
to stop working, usually because of age
/ɹɪˈtaɪɹ/
verb
B1
My father wants to retire next year.
4732
publishpublished
to print and sell a book or put it online
/ˈpʌblɪʃ/
verb
B1
They will publish her novel next year.
4733
incorporated
included as a part of something larger
/ˌɪnˈkɔɹpɚˌeɪtɪd/
verb
C1
Your ideas were incorporated into the plan.
4760
adjust
to change slightly to make better
/əˈdʒʌst/
verb
B2
You can adjust the height of the chair.
4782
negotiate
to discuss to reach an agreement
/nəˈɡoʊʃiˌeɪt/
verb
B2
They agreed to negotiate a new deal.
4800
abandonabandoned
to leave behind forever, or to give up
/əˈbændən/
verb
B2
They had to abandon the car.
4850
implement
to put a plan or decision into action
/ˈɪmpləmənt/
verb
C1
The plan will be hard to implement.
4857
recogniserecognised
to know someone or something seen before
/ˈɹɛkəɡˌnaɪz/
verb
B1
I did not recognise you!
4858
kidnapped
taken away by force and held prisoner
/ˈkɪdˌnæpt/
verb
C1
The businessman was kidnapped last year.
4866
concentrate
to give all your attention to something
/ˈkɑnsənˌtɹeɪt/
verb
B1
I cannot concentrate with this noise.
4876
adapted
changed to suit a new use or situation
/əˈdæptɪd/
verb
B2
The novel was adapted for television.
4890
locatelocated
to find the exact position of
/ˈloʊˌkeɪt/
verb
B2
We could not locate the problem.
4933
initiated
started or caused to begin
/ˌɪˈnɪʃiˌeɪtəd/
verb
C1
She initiated the project in 2010.
4937
diagnosed
identified as having a particular illness
/ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊst/
verb
C1
She was diagnosed with diabetes.
4956
donated
gave something to a charity or good cause
/ˈdoʊˌneɪtɪd/
verb
B2
She donated money to the hospital.
4963
executeexecuted
to carry out a plan; or to kill as a legal punishment
/ˈɛksəˌkjut/
verb
C1
They will execute the plan next week.
4991
upgrade
to improve to a newer or better version
/əpˈɡɹeɪd/
verb, noun
B2
I need to upgrade my computer.
4998
crushed
pressed so hard that it broke or lost shape
/ˈkɹʌʃt/
verb
B2
The car was crushed by a tree.