Synonyms and antonyms
A synonym has a similar meaning. An antonym has an opposite meaning. The right word depends on the sentence.
LightHeavy“This bag is light enough to carry.”
- Synonym
- lightweight
- Antonym
- heavy
LightHeavy
Light blueDark blue
TidyMessy
DenseSparse
UprightUpside down
TangledUntangled
FoldedUnfolded
ThickThin
RawCooked
AboveBelow
NearbyFar away
SoakedDry
CreasedSmooth
ShutOpen
IndoorsOutdoors
FullEmpty
IntactBroken
CrowdedDeserted
AscendDescendSynonyms and antonyms: meaning and examples
Synonyms are words with the same or a similar meaning in a particular context, such as begin and start. Antonyms are words with opposite meanings in that context, such as begin and finish.
| Word and meaning | Synonym | Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| brief (duration) | short | lengthy |
| light (weight) | lightweight | heavy |
| light (colour) | pale | dark |
| begin (an activity) | start | finish |
| permit (give permission) | allow | forbid |
Compare: “We had a brief meeting.” A short meeting keeps the meaning; a lengthy meeting reverses it. Check the whole sentence before replacing a word.
Can synonyms always replace each other?
No. Their grammar, tone or usual word combinations may differ. Begin and start both fit “Let’s ___ the lesson”, but “start the car” is natural while “begin the car” is not.
Does every word have one antonym?
No. Some words have no simple opposite, and a word with several meanings may have different opposites. A light bag contrasts with a heavy bag; a light colour contrasts with a dark colour.
Start with the searchable word bank, try the synonyms and antonyms quiz, or choose a topic practice set. These activities are free for English learners worldwide.
Explore word pairs
Compare similar and opposite words. Open an entry for its meaning and an example.
Garden and desk words
dense · plants growing in a patch
Containing many things close together in a given space.
- Similar meaning
- closely packed
- Opposite meaning
- sparse
The mint grew in a dense patch, with barely any soil showing between the leaves.
In the next bed the seedlings were sparse, with wide gaps between them. Both beds take up the same amount of space.
Try the garden quizupright · which way a pot stands
Standing in its usual vertical position.
- Similar meaning
- right side up
- Opposite meaning
- upside down
I set the pot upright so I could fill it with soil.
After washing the spare pot, I left it upside down on its rim. Its base and drainage hole faced the sky.
Try the garden quiztangled · a charging cable
Twisted around itself or other things in a way that is hard to separate.
- Similar meaning
- twisted up
- Opposite meaning
- untangled
My charging cable got tangled in the desk drawer.
Once I pulled the loops apart, the cable was untangled. It could still curve across the desk.
Try the desk quizfolded · a sheet of paper bent in half
Bent so that one part lies over another.
- Similar meaning
- doubled over
- Opposite meaning
- unfolded
I tucked a folded sheet of paper into my notebook.
At my desk I spread the unfolded sheet flat. The line down the middle showed where the paper had been folded.
Try the desk quizBreakfast and position words
thick · a slice of bread
Having a large distance between two opposite surfaces.
- Similar meaning
- deep from front to back
- Opposite meaning
- thin
I cut a thick slice of bread to dip in my soup.
For a sandwich, I cut two thin slices from the same loaf. Look at the side of each slice to see how far apart its cut faces are.
Try the breakfast quizraw · food before cooking
In its uncooked state.
- Similar meaning
- uncooked
- Opposite meaning
- cooked
I cracked a raw egg into the pan for breakfast.
After frying, I slid the cooked egg onto my toast. Raw and cooked describe what has happened to the food.
Try the breakfast quizabove · position on a bookcase
At a higher level than something else.
- Similar meaning
- higher than
- Opposite meaning
- below
I put the blue book on the shelf above the red book.
Later I moved the blue book to the shelf below the red book. The red book stayed on the middle shelf.
Try the position quiznearby · distance from a person
A short distance from the person or place you are talking about.
- Similar meaning
- close by
- Opposite meaning
- far away
Mia stayed by the path, and the ball landed nearby.
After a strong kick, the ball landed far away, by the tree at the other end of the field. In both sentences the distance is measured from Mia.
Try the position quizEveryday picture pairs
soaked · a towel after use
Wet all the way through.
- Similar meaning
- wet through
- Opposite meaning
- dry
I used the towel to mop up a spill, and it was soaked.
I hung it in the sun until it was dry. A damp towel is only slightly wet.
Try the laundry quizcreased · the surface of a shirt
Marked by lines where the fabric has folded.
- Similar meaning
- wrinkled
- Opposite meaning
- smooth
My shirt came out of the laundry basket creased.
After I ironed it, the front was smooth. Both examples describe the surface of the same shirt.
Try the laundry quizshut · the position of a gate
In a position that closes the entrance.
- Similar meaning
- closed
- Opposite meaning
- open
The garden gate was shut, so Ravi lifted the latch before walking through.
He held the gate open while his sister wheeled her bike through. A shut gate can still be unlocked.
Try the at-home quizindoors · where an activity happens
In or into a building.
- Similar meaning
- inside
- Opposite meaning
- outdoors
I watered the basil indoors, beside the kitchen window.
Then I went outdoors to water the pots by the garden fence. Indoors and outdoors tell us where the activity happens.
Try the at-home quizWords in pictures
full · a container
Holding all it can hold.
- Similar meaning
- filled to the brim
- Opposite meaning
- empty
The jar was full, so Meera put the last handful of chickpeas in another jar.
The second jar is empty, ready for the next handful. A jar with just a few chickpeas is neither full nor empty.
Try the jars and bowls quizintact · the condition of an object
Still whole, with no damage.
- Similar meaning
- undamaged
- Opposite meaning
- broken
Even after the move, the turquoise bowl was intact.
The other bowl was broken into pieces when its box fell. Intact describes the condition of the bowl before the fall.
Try the jars and bowls quizcrowded · a place with many people
So full of people that there is little space between them.
- Similar meaning
- packed
- Opposite meaning
- deserted
The bus stop was crowded as learners waited for the morning bus.
After the last bus left, the stop was deserted. A quiet stop can still be crowded if everyone is silent.
Try the bus stop and stairs quizascend · the direction of movement
To move from a lower place to a higher one.
- Similar meaning
- go up
- Opposite meaning
- descend
We ascend the steps to reach the lookout.
On the way home, we descend the same steps. Ascend and descend describe the direction, however fast or slowly we walk.
Try the bus stop and stairs quizEveryday descriptions
quiet · room
Making little noise.
- Similar meaning
- hushed
- Opposite meaning
- noisy
The room grew quiet when the story began.
A hushed room is especially quiet. A quiet room can still have some sound.
brave · choice
Willing to act despite fear.
- Similar meaning
- courageous
- Opposite meaning
- cowardly
Leena described the decision as brave.
Courageous also praises someone for facing fear. Cowardly turns that praise into strong criticism.
quick · movement
Taking little time to move or act.
- Similar meaning
- swift
- Opposite meaning
- slow
A quick movement of his hand caught the falling cup.
Swift fits smooth or speedy movement. It sounds more formal than quick.
tidy · space
Arranged neatly.
- Similar meaning
- neat
- Opposite meaning
- messy
We cleared the papers and left the desk tidy.
Neat and tidy both describe the desk. Messy describes a desk with things scattered about.
bright · room
Filled with light.
- Similar meaning
- well-lit
- Opposite meaning
- dim
We moved the reading group to a bright room with two large windows.
Well-lit fits a room. A bright idea has a different meaning.
light · weight
Weighing little.
- Similar meaning
- lightweight
- Opposite meaning
- heavy
The hiker lifted a light backpack onto the scale.
Lightweight keeps the focus on weight. A heavy backpack weighs more. Its colour could be pale or dark in either case.
light · colour
Pale in colour.
- Similar meaning
- pale
- Opposite meaning
- dark
Nila chose light blue paint for the wall.
Pale blue is close in colour to light blue. Dark blue gives the opposite contrast.
polite · manner
Showing good manners towards someone.
- Similar meaning
- courteous
- Opposite meaning
- rude
Even when they disagreed, his reply was polite.
Courteous is a more formal choice. A rude reply shows poor manners.
narrow · width
Having little space from side to side.
- Similar meaning
- thin
- Opposite meaning
- wide
A narrow blue stripe ran down each sleeve.
A thin stripe also measures little from side to side. A wide stripe takes up more space. All three words describe the stripe’s width.
damp · slight wetness
Slightly wet.
- Similar meaning
- moist
- Opposite meaning
- dry
I pressed a finger into the soil. It felt damp.
Moist fits the soil too. Dry reverses the meaning. The noun matters: a baker might praise a moist cake, while a camper might complain about a damp blanket.
sturdy · strength of an object
Strong enough to stand up to use without bending or breaking easily.
- Similar meaning
- strong
- Opposite meaning
- flimsy
Jo tested the sturdy handle on the basket.
Strong also describes the handle. Sturdy suggests it will hold up in use. A flimsy handle feels as though it might bend or break.
loose · tension in a rope or line
Hanging with some give instead of being pulled tight.
- Similar meaning
- slack
- Opposite meaning
- taut
The rope between the two posts was loose.
Slack describes a rope with little tension. A taut rope is stretched tight. Here loose describes how the rope hangs, even if its ends are firmly tied.
blunt · cutting edge
Having an edge that does not cut easily.
- Similar meaning
- dull
- Opposite meaning
- sharp
Mara tested the blunt blade on a scrap of leather.
Dull describes the blade’s edge here. A sharp edge cuts easily. A blunt reply has a different sense: the speaker says something very directly.
vacant · availability of a seat
Available because nobody is using it.
- Similar meaning
- empty
- Opposite meaning
- occupied
The seat beside the window was vacant.
Empty also describes a seat with nobody in it. Vacant is common on signs and in notices about available places. Occupied means someone is using the seat.
spacious · space inside a place
Having plenty of room to move around.
- Similar meaning
- roomy
- Opposite meaning
- cramped
The musicians practised in a spacious attic.
Roomy also suggests plenty of space and sounds more conversational. Cramped suggests the players have too little room to move comfortably.
chilly · temperature
Cold enough to feel a little uncomfortable.
- Similar meaning
- cool
- Opposite meaning
- warm
The air in the kitchen felt chilly that morning.
Cool can feel pleasant. Chilly suggests you would like a little more warmth. Warm reverses the temperature contrast.
crooked · physical shape
Not straight; bending or turning somewhere along its length.
- Similar meaning
- bent
- Opposite meaning
- straight
Leena laid the crooked nail on her workbench.
Bent suits a nail that has lost its straight shape. A road can be crooked simply because it twists and turns.
sleepy · ready to fall asleep
Feeling as though you could fall asleep soon.
- Similar meaning
- drowsy
- Opposite meaning
- alert
By the last stop on the bus, I felt sleepy.
Drowsy often suggests you’re struggling to keep your eyes open. Alert means you’re awake and paying attention.
bumpy · the surface of a path or road
Having raised spots or dips that you can feel as you travel over them.
- Similar meaning
- uneven
- Opposite meaning
- smooth
The lane beside the orchard was bumpy.
Uneven covers many kinds of surface. Bumpy suggests the little jolts you might feel riding over it.
ripe · fruit at the stage for eating
Grown to the stage when its flavour and texture are right for eating.
- Similar meaning
- ready to eat
- Opposite meaning
- unripe
By Friday the pears in the blue bowl were ripe.
Say “a ripe pear” or “the pear is ready to eat”. An unripe pear still needs time to develop its full flavour.
costly · high in price
Costing a lot of money.
- Similar meaning
- expensive
- Opposite meaning
- cheap
The copper pots at the market were costly.
Expensive is a common way to say this in conversation. Cheap gives the opposite price and can sometimes suggest poor quality as well.
fresh · bread made recently
Made recently enough to keep the taste and texture of good bread.
- Similar meaning
- newly baked
- Opposite meaning
- stale
The rolls on the counter were fresh.
Newly baked tells you the rolls came out of the oven recently. They can cool down and still taste fresh. Stale rolls may feel dry or tough to chew.
steep · the angle of a slope
Rising or falling sharply over a short distance.
- Similar meaning
- sharply sloping
- Opposite meaning
- gentle
The hillside above the footbridge is steep.
Sharply sloping describes the same angle. A gentle hillside gains height more slowly over the same distance. These words describe a hill’s slope, whatever its height.
windy · weather with a lot of moving air
With enough wind blowing for you to notice it easily.
- Similar meaning
- blustery
- Opposite meaning
- still
It was windy on the ridge that morning.
Blustery suggests strong gusts that come in bursts. Windy also fits when the wind blows steadily. In still air, leaves barely move.
lively · full of energy in a performance
Showing plenty of energy and enthusiasm.
- Similar meaning
- energetic
- Opposite meaning
- lifeless
The cast gave a lively performance on Friday.
Energetic highlights the effort and movement. Calling a performance lifeless is a strong criticism that it lacks energy or expression.
nervous · worried before an event
Feeling worried or uneasy about what might happen.
- Similar meaning
- anxious
- Opposite meaning
- at ease
I felt nervous before my first audition.
Anxious brings out the worry in this sentence. At ease describes feeling comfortable in the same situation.
plain · a design with little decoration
Simple in appearance, with few or no decorative details.
- Similar meaning
- undecorated
- Opposite meaning
- ornate
The notebook on the librarian’s desk had a plain cover.
Undecorated says there is no decoration at all. A plain cover might still have a narrow border. Ornate suggests lots of decorative detail.
familiar · recognised from earlier experience
Known to you because you have seen or encountered it before.
- Similar meaning
- recognisable
- Opposite meaning
- unfamiliar
The handwriting in the margin looked familiar.
Recognisable suggests you can identify the handwriting. It may look familiar even while you’re trying to remember whose it is.
glossy · the shine on a surface
Having a surface that shines when light falls on it.
- Similar meaning
- shiny
- Opposite meaning
- matt
The paint on the cupboard door is glossy.
Shiny is the everyday word. Glossy often describes a finish on paint, paper or a photograph. A matt finish gives off little shine.
level · the position of a surface
Horizontal, with neither end higher than the other.
- Similar meaning
- horizontal
- Opposite meaning
- tilted
The shelf above my workbench is level.
Horizontal describes the position precisely. A smooth shelf can still be tilted if one end sits higher than the other.
shady · a place sheltered from direct sunlight
Receiving little direct sunlight because something blocks it.
- Similar meaning
- shaded
- Opposite meaning
- sunny
The bench beside the shed is shady in the afternoon.
Shaded draws attention to what blocks the light, such as a roof or a tree. A shady bench can still be bright enough for reading.
fragrant · giving off a pleasant smell
Having a pleasant scent that you can notice.
- Similar meaning
- sweet-smelling
- Opposite meaning
- scentless
The white roses by our gate are fragrant.
Sweet-smelling fits these roses. Fragrant also suits a spicy herb with a pleasant scent. Scentless means there is no noticeable smell.
early · before the expected time
Before the time someone planned or expected.
- Similar meaning
- ahead of schedule
- Opposite meaning
- late
Our train reached the coast early.
Ahead of schedule compares the arrival with a timetable. Early can also describe a time of day, as in “an early breakfast”.
cheerful · a happy mood
Feeling or showing a happy mood.
- Similar meaning
- happy
- Opposite meaning
- gloomy
The passengers sounded cheerful on the ride home.
Happy names the feeling. Cheerful often suggests you can hear or see that happiness in someone’s voice or manner.
crisp · the texture of food that snaps when bitten
Firm enough to break with a snap when you bite it.
- Similar meaning
- crunchy
- Opposite meaning
- soggy
The edges of the pancake were crisp.
Crunchy draws attention to the sound of a bite. Soggy describes an edge that has absorbed moisture and no longer snaps.
spicy · a taste that makes your mouth feel hot
Having a peppery taste that gives your mouth a burning feeling.
- Similar meaning
- hot
- Opposite meaning
- mild
The red pepper dip tasted spicy.
Hot can describe either flavour or temperature. For a chilli dip, mild means there is little heat from the chilli, even if the dip has plenty of flavour.
muddy · with mud on the surface
Marked or covered with wet earth.
- Similar meaning
- mud-covered
- Opposite meaning
- clean
Sam left his muddy boots by the changing-room door.
A few splashes can make boots muddy. Mud-covered suggests that mud hides much of the surface.
nimble · quick and light on your feet
Able to move quickly and easily, even when you change direction.
- Similar meaning
- agile
- Opposite meaning
- clumsy
For the relay around the cones, the coach chose a nimble runner.
Nimble suggests light, easy movement. Agile is especially useful when someone can turn or dodge quickly and keep their balance.
Everyday actions
begin · activity
To start doing something.
- Similar meaning
- start
- Opposite meaning
- finish
We begin rehearsal at four.
Start keeps four as the time the rehearsal opens. Finish makes four the time it ends.
accept · invitation
To agree to an offer or invitation.
- Similar meaning
- say yes to
- Opposite meaning
- decline
I was happy to accept the invitation to lunch.
Say yes to is a conversational alternative. Decline is a polite way to say no.
expand · size
To become larger.
- Similar meaning
- grow
- Opposite meaning
- shrink
We watched the balloon expand.
Grow also means the balloon gets bigger. Shrink means it gets smaller. If its size stays the same, neither change takes place.
remember · information
To bring something back to mind.
- Similar meaning
- recall
- Opposite meaning
- forget
I usually remember the number on the gate.
Recall also means to bring the number back to mind and sounds a little more formal. Forget means the number slips from memory.
permit · give permission
To allow someone to do something.
- Similar meaning
- allow
- Opposite meaning
- forbid
The gallery rules permit photography.
Allow sounds more conversational. Forbid reverses the rule. With a person, use “permit visitors to take photos” or “allow visitors to take photos”.
conceal · keep out of sight
To keep something from being seen.
- Similar meaning
- hide
- Opposite meaning
- reveal
The guide chose to conceal the inscription.
Hide is an everyday alternative. Reveal means to show the writing so others can see it.
gather · people forming a group
To come together in one place.
- Similar meaning
- assemble
- Opposite meaning
- disperse
At the signal, the volunteers will gather.
Assemble sounds more formal and suits an organised group. Disperse means the people spread out or go their separate ways.
fasten · closing a strap
To close or fix something so it stays in place.
- Similar meaning
- secure
- Opposite meaning
- unfasten
Could you fasten the strap on my bag?
Secure stresses that the strap will stay in place. Fasten focuses on closing it, perhaps with a buckle. Unfasten means to open or release it.
mend · fix physical damage
To make something usable again after it has been torn or broken.
- Similar meaning
- repair
- Opposite meaning
- damage
A single stitch could mend the fabric.
Repair also fits and applies to anything from clothes to engines. Mend is especially natural for small repairs to cloth. Damage would leave the fabric in worse condition.
postpone · rescheduling an event
To arrange for something to happen later than planned.
- Similar meaning
- delay
- Opposite meaning
- bring forward
The opening ceremony was postponed by two days.
Delayed also puts the ceremony later. Postponed suggests a decision to change the schedule. Brought forward by two days moves it earlier.
lift · move something upwards
To move something to a higher position.
- Similar meaning
- raise
- Opposite meaning
- lower
Sam used both hands to lift the lid a few centimetres.
Raise keeps the upward movement. Lower changes the direction while keeping the same object and distance.
soothe · ease someone’s distress
To help someone feel less worried or upset.
- Similar meaning
- calm
- Opposite meaning
- upset
A message from home could soothe the nervous traveller.
Soothe suggests giving comfort. Calm stresses the change to a more settled feeling. Upset would mean the message caused distress.
praise · express approval
To say what you think someone did well.
- Similar meaning
- commend
- Opposite meaning
- criticise
The judges praised the choir’s timing.
Commend sounds more formal than praise. If the judges criticised the timing, they found fault with it.
push · move something by pressing against it
To press against something to move it away from you or along a surface.
- Similar meaning
- shove
- Opposite meaning
- pull
We had to push the piano across the stage.
Shove suggests a harder or rougher push. Pull changes how you move the piano: you draw it towards you.
whisper · speak very softly
To speak using your breath so that your words make very little sound.
- Similar meaning
- murmur
- Opposite meaning
- shout
When it was my turn, I whispered the password.
Murmur suggests a low, soft voice. A whisper sounds like breath. Shouting takes the volume in the opposite direction.
enter · move into a place
To move from outside a place to the inside.
- Similar meaning
- go into
- Opposite meaning
- leave
Visitors enter the courtyard through the south gate.
Enter sounds slightly more formal than go into. Say enter the courtyard or go into the courtyard. Leave takes you back out.
purchase · get something by paying for it
To pay money to get something.
- Similar meaning
- buy
- Opposite meaning
- sell
Some stallholders purchase second-hand tools.
Buy is the everyday verb. Purchase sounds more formal. Sell switches the stallholders’ role from paying for the tools to receiving money for them.
pack · put goods into a container
To put things into a container for carrying, sending or storing.
- Similar meaning
- box
- Opposite meaning
- unpack
At the pottery stall, I pack the teacups myself.
Box tells you which container I use. I can also pack things in a bag. If I unpack the cups, I take them out.
approach · move closer to a place
To move towards something so the distance between you and it gets smaller.
- Similar meaning
- draw near to
- Opposite meaning
- move away from
The hikers approach the stone arch in single file.
Say “approach the arch” or “draw near to the arch”. Both describe getting closer. You can approach the arch and stop before you reach it.
accelerate · increase speed
To start moving faster than you were moving before.
- Similar meaning
- speed up
- Opposite meaning
- slow down
The cyclists accelerate after the bend.
Speed up is the everyday phrase. Accelerate describes a change in speed. Even a slow rider can accelerate.
applaud · clap to show approval
To strike your palms together to show you enjoyed what you saw or heard.
- Similar meaning
- clap
- Opposite meaning
- boo
When the puppeteer took her bow, the children began to applaud.
Clap names the hand movement. Applaud also tells you what that movement means here. To boo is to voice disapproval.
include · make something part of a programme
To make an item part of something larger.
- Similar meaning
- feature
- Opposite meaning
- omit
Our spring concert will include a solo by Leena.
Feature gives the solo some attention. Include simply tells you it is on the programme. Omit leaves it out.
borrow · take something for a time and give it back
To receive something with the understanding that you will return it.
- Similar meaning
- take out
- Opposite meaning
- lend
I’ve found the atlas I want to borrow.
Take out fits when you borrow a library book. You borrow the atlas from the library. The library lends it to you.
sort · put items in order or into groups
To arrange things according to a rule, such as colour, date or subject.
- Similar meaning
- organise
- Opposite meaning
- mix up
Please sort the index cards.
Sort suggests a rule for where each card goes. Organise is broader and could include making labels for the trays. Mix up means to disturb the order.
install · put a part in place for use
To put something in position so it is ready to use.
- Similar meaning
- fit
- Opposite meaning
- remove
We’ll install the shelf brackets after lunch.
Fit works well for a part that needs to sit in a particular place. Install suggests setting it up for use. Remove takes the part out of that place.
shorten · reduce the length of an object
To make something shorter from end to end.
- Similar meaning
- trim
- Opposite meaning
- lengthen
We need to shorten the cord for the window blind.
Trim suggests cutting a little off the end. You can also shorten a cord by tying a knot and leaving both ends intact.
bury · put something beneath the soil
To put something in the ground and cover it with soil.
- Similar meaning
- cover with soil
- Opposite meaning
- dig up
These are the bulbs we plan to bury.
Cover with soil describes the covering step. Bury also tells you where the bulbs end up. To dig them up, you bring them back out of the ground.
protect · keep something safe from harm
To keep someone or something from being hurt or damaged.
- Similar meaning
- shield
- Opposite meaning
- endanger
The new fence could protect the young trees.
Shield often suggests a barrier between something and a danger. Endanger means put at risk, even if no harm has happened yet.
board · get on a vehicle to travel
To get onto a train, bus, boat or aircraft for a journey.
- Similar meaning
- get on
- Opposite meaning
- get off
We board the train at platform two.
Board is common in announcements. Get on is the everyday phrase. Say “board the train” or “get on the train”.
cancel · call off a planned event or trip
To decide that something already arranged will no longer take place as planned.
- Similar meaning
- call off
- Opposite meaning
- go ahead with
We may cancel tomorrow’s excursion.
Call off is common in conversation. If we postpone the excursion, we still plan to take it later. If we go ahead with it, it takes place.
melt · change from solid to liquid
To turn from a solid into a liquid, usually as something warms up.
- Similar meaning
- liquefy
- Opposite meaning
- solidify
We watched the chocolate melt in the bowl.
Melt is the usual kitchen word; liquefy sounds more technical. Solidify describes the reverse change, as when liquid chocolate sets.
dilute · make a liquid less strong
To make a liquid weaker by mixing another liquid into it.
- Similar meaning
- water down
- Opposite meaning
- concentrate
The cook decided to dilute the stock for the soup.
Water down is a common way to say dilute when you add water. To concentrate stock, you can simmer it so some water escapes and the flavour grows stronger.
attack · trying to score in a team game
To take play towards the other team’s goal and try to score.
- Similar meaning
- go on the offensive
- Opposite meaning
- defend
In the last minute of the match, our team chose to attack.
Go on the offensive suggests a switch to trying to score. Defend describes the other job on the pitch, keeping the opposing team from scoring.
overtake · pass someone in a race
To come from behind someone and move in front of them.
- Similar meaning
- move ahead of
- Opposite meaning
- fall behind
On the final bend, I began to overtake the runner in blue.
If you catch up with a runner, you can still be level with them. To overtake them in a race, you have to get ahead.
More precise words
abundant · supply
Available in large amounts.
- Similar meaning
- plentiful
- Opposite meaning
- scarce
Fresh mangoes are abundant in our market in summer.
Plentiful also describes a large supply. Scarce means there are too few or they are difficult to find.
reluctant · willingness
Hesitant or unwilling to do something.
- Similar meaning
- hesitant
- Opposite meaning
- eager
Maya was reluctant to lend her only copy of the book.
Hesitant stresses uncertainty. Reluctant suggests she would prefer not to lend it.
diligent · work habits
Showing steady care and effort.
- Similar meaning
- industrious
- Opposite meaning
- lazy
Her supervisor described the apprentice as diligent.
Diligent suggests care as well as effort. Industrious stresses hard work. Lazy criticises the apprentice for making little effort.
cursory · examination
Quick and lacking close attention.
- Similar meaning
- superficial
- Opposite meaning
- thorough
Ravi described the inspection as cursory.
Superficial stresses the lack of depth. Cursory suggests the inspector spent little time on the details. Thorough describes a close inspection, even when it is done quickly.
brief · duration
Lasting only a short time.
- Similar meaning
- short
- Opposite meaning
- lengthy
We had a brief meeting before lunch.
Short keeps the meaning and lengthy reverses it. Both describe how long the meeting lasted. Brief sounds slightly more formal than short.
deliberate · intentional action
Done on purpose rather than by chance.
- Similar meaning
- intentional
- Opposite meaning
- accidental
Mina said the spelling mistake was deliberate.
Intentional means the writer put it there on purpose. Accidental means it happened by mistake. A deliberate pace has a different sense: slow and careful.
optional · choice about taking part
Left for each person to choose.
- Similar meaning
- voluntary
- Opposite meaning
- compulsory
Participation in the afternoon rehearsal is optional.
Voluntary emphasises that the decision belongs to the participant. Compulsory means everyone concerned is required to take part.
genuine · authenticity
Really what something is claimed to be.
- Similar meaning
- authentic
- Opposite meaning
- fake
The collector asked whether the signature was genuine.
An authentic signature was written by the person named. A fake signature imitates it. With a feeling, as in genuine concern, genuine can mean sincere.
temporary · a limited period of use
Intended to last for a limited time.
- Similar meaning
- short-term
- Opposite meaning
- permanent
The club rented a temporary office above the bakery.
Short-term suggests a fairly short stay. Temporary tells you the arrangement will end, even if it lasts longer than expected. Permanent suggests the office is intended to stay.
impartial · fairness in a decision
Judging fairly without favouring one person or side.
- Similar meaning
- unbiased
- Opposite meaning
- biased
Both teams asked whether the referee had been impartial.
Unbiased also means judging without a preference for one side. A biased referee favours a side. An impartial referee can still reach a firm decision.
approximate · a number or measurement
Close to the actual amount, with some room for error.
- Similar meaning
- rough
- Opposite meaning
- exact
The carpenter wrote down the approximate width of the shelf.
A rough width is an estimate. An exact width gives the precise measurement. Here rough describes the measurement, while a rough surface would feel uneven.
plausible · an explanation
Reasonable enough to believe.
- Similar meaning
- believable
- Opposite meaning
- far-fetched
The editor found Maya’s explanation for the missing page plausible.
Believable means the explanation could be true. Far-fetched suggests it takes a stretch of the imagination to accept it. Even a plausible explanation can turn out to be wrong.
frugal · careful use of money or supplies
Using only what you need so that little goes to waste.
- Similar meaning
- thrifty
- Opposite meaning
- wasteful
My flatmates noticed my frugal shopping habits.
Thrifty often sounds approving. Frugal describes how someone uses what they have; it doesn’t tell you how much money they have.
transparent · a material you can see through
Letting light through so you can see clearly what is on the other side.
- Similar meaning
- see-through
- Opposite meaning
- opaque
We wrapped the flowers in transparent plastic.
See-through is the everyday word for this property. A transparent wrapper can have a colour and still show the flowers clearly.
constant · a rate that stays the same
Keeping the same value throughout a period of time.
- Similar meaning
- steady
- Opposite meaning
- variable
The pump delivered water at a constant rate.
Steady fits everyday speech. Constant is more exact here because the pump delivers the same amount of water each minute.
candid · speaking openly in an answer
Saying plainly what you think or know, even if it is awkward to say.
- Similar meaning
- frank
- Opposite meaning
- evasive
The director’s answers about the cancelled show were candid.
Frank can sound blunt, especially when someone gives criticism. Evasive describes an answer that skirts what the person was asked.
flexible · a schedule that can change
Able to change to suit what people need.
- Similar meaning
- open to change
- Opposite meaning
- fixed
Our Saturday delivery schedule is flexible.
Flexible leaves room to change the plan even if nobody asks for a change. A fixed schedule commits you to the agreed times.
identical · matching in every detail
Exactly the same in the details being compared.
- Similar meaning
- exactly alike
- Opposite meaning
- different
The labels on the two honey jars were identical.
Similar labels might share a colour but carry different names. Identical is a stronger claim that the wording and design match throughout.
passable · a route people can get through
Open enough for someone to travel along or across it.
- Similar meaning
- usable
- Opposite meaning
- impassable
After the storm, the track to the cabin was passable.
Usable is a broader word. Passable tells you specifically that you can get through. A muddy track can be passable even when the going is hard.
intermittent · stopping and starting again
Happening in stretches with breaks in between.
- Similar meaning
- on and off
- Opposite meaning
- continuous
The rain was intermittent during our walk.
On and off is the everyday way to put it. Intermittent tells you there are breaks, whether they last seconds or hours.
audible · a sound someone can hear
Loud enough for someone to hear from where they are.
- Similar meaning
- loud enough to hear
- Opposite meaning
- inaudible
The actor’s whisper was audible from the back row.
Even a faint whisper can be audible. If you also call the words clear, you are saying the listener can make them out.
spontaneous · done on the spur of the moment
Done because an idea or feeling comes to you at that moment.
- Similar meaning
- unplanned
- Opposite meaning
- planned
The dancer’s final turn was spontaneous.
Unplanned tells you the turn was never arranged beforehand. Spontaneous also suggests the dancer felt like doing it just then.
fictional · invented for a story
Made up for a story.
- Similar meaning
- imaginary
- Opposite meaning
- real
The village in this mystery is fictional.
Imaginary can describe anything you imagine. Fictional tells you the village belongs to a story. A story can also take place in a real village.
unabridged · a version that keeps the full text
Containing the whole original text of a work.
- Similar meaning
- complete
- Opposite meaning
- abridged
The recording of Grandpa’s favourite novel is unabridged.
Complete can describe many things. Unabridged tells you specifically that the text has been kept in full. An abridged version cuts material.
durable · able to stand up to repeated use
Able to last a long time while staying in good condition.
- Similar meaning
- long-lasting
- Opposite meaning
- short-lived
The protective coating on the bench was durable.
Long-lasting tells you how long the coating lasts. Durable also suggests that it stands up to wear, such as tools rubbing against it.
reversible · a change that can be undone
Able to be undone so that things can return to the way they were.
- Similar meaning
- possible to undo
- Opposite meaning
- irreversible
The change to the cabinet layout is reversible.
Possible to undo says the same thing in everyday words. Reversible tells you the earlier state can be restored, however long the work takes.
edible · suitable for eating
Fit to be eaten as food.
- Similar meaning
- suitable to eat
- Opposite meaning
- inedible
The gardener checked whether the seed pods were edible.
Edible tells you something can serve as food. A pod can be edible even if you dislike its taste.
dormant · a living plant in a resting stage
Alive and in a period of little or no visible growth.
- Similar meaning
- inactive
- Opposite meaning
- actively growing
The buds on our apple tree are dormant.
Inactive is a general word. Dormant describes a resting stage that can end when conditions allow growth to start again.
valid · a ticket accepted for a particular use
Meeting the rules for use on the journey in question.
- Similar meaning
- accepted
- Opposite meaning
- invalid
My pass is valid for the return journey.
Accepted describes what happens when you show the pass. Valid tells you it meets the rules. A pass can be valid for one route and invalid for another.
stationary · staying in one position
Remaining in the same place without moving.
- Similar meaning
- motionless
- Opposite meaning
- in motion
The shuttle bus was stationary when I photographed it.
Motionless fits the same sentence. A stationary bus can have its engine running while it waits at a stop.
perishable · how quickly a food can spoil
Likely to go bad in a short time.
- Similar meaning
- quick to spoil
- Opposite meaning
- non-perishable
Some of the food in the delivery is perishable.
Perishable describes how well food keeps. It does not mean the food has already gone bad. Non-perishable food keeps for a long time.
airtight · a container that keeps air from passing through
Closed so that air cannot get in or out.
- Similar meaning
- tightly sealed
- Opposite meaning
- leaky
The biscuit tin was airtight.
Tightly sealed describes how the tin is closed. Airtight tells you what the seal keeps out. Here, leaky means that air can pass through a gap.
eligible · meeting the rules for entry
Allowed to take part because you meet the stated conditions.
- Similar meaning
- qualified
- Opposite meaning
- ineligible
Mina is eligible to enter the junior race.
Eligible points to entry rules such as age. Qualified can also describe someone who has earned a place through a trial or a previous result.
unanimous · every member of a group agreeing
All agreeing on the same choice or opinion.
- Similar meaning
- in complete agreement
- Opposite meaning
- divided
The judges were unanimous about the award for fair play.
Unanimous is stronger than a majority. Four votes out of five give a majority, but all five must agree for the judges to be unanimous.
Try the word in the sentence
“We had a brief meeting before lunch.” Read it again with short, then with lengthy. With short, the meeting still lasts only a little while. With lengthy, it takes a long time. In all three sentences, the meeting happens before lunch.
What else can change when you swap a word?
Grammar. “I accept the invitation” becomes “I say yes to the invitation.” Keep the whole phrase together.
Word choice. A thin stripe can be a narrow stripe. Thin ice tells you how thick the ice is. Say the whole phrase to check what your word describes.
Tone. “They permit photography” suits a notice. “They allow photos” sounds natural in conversation. Both give permission.
Degree. A meeting can last an ordinary amount of time. Saying it wasn’t brief leaves open whether it was lengthy.
Choose the word that fits
Read the whole sentence. Does the question ask you to keep the meaning or reverse it?
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Pale. Yellow tells you the sentence is about colour. Pale yellow describes a light shade.
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Noisy. Hushed means very quiet. A noisy hall would make the speech harder to hear.
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A thorough check. A thorough check examines the details. A cursory check gives them little attention.
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Replace scarce with plentiful. Plentiful means there is a large supply. Limited and hard to find both keep the sense of scarcity.
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Brief. Only thirty seconds tells you the power returned quickly. Unexpected would describe surprise.
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Forbid. Must stay outside means guests can no longer enter. Allow would keep the old permission.
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Intentional. To confuse visitors gives the purpose of moving the sign, so the act was done on purpose. Deliberate can mean slow and careful when describing a pace, but that is not its meaning here.
Practise another set
Choose a topic. Try saying your answer before you look at the choices.
In the garden (4 questions)
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Closely packed describes the small gaps between plants. The picture shows their spacing, not how fast they grew.
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Sparse means there are few plants spread across the bed. Short describes their height.
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Right side up means the pot stands on its base, with its opening at the top ready for soil.
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Upside down fits because the base is now at the top. A sideways pot would rest on its curved side.
On the desk (4 questions)
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Twisted up fits the loops caught around one another. A neatly rolled cable can have loops that are easy to separate.
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Untangled means the loops are free. The curve on the right shows why a cable can be untangled without being straight.
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Doubled over means one half lies on top of the other. The paper is still one sheet.
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Unfolded describes its open position. A crease can remain after you open the sheet.
Breakfast in pictures (4 questions)
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Thickness is the distance between the two cut faces of a slice. The broad side of the left slice shows that distance.
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Thin describes how little bread there is between the two cut faces. A thin slice can be just as tall as a thick slice.
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Uncooked describes the egg before cooking. Cracking the shell changes the shell, but the egg inside is still raw.
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Frying cooks the egg. Warm describes temperature, and fresh describes how recently food was produced or prepared.
Position in pictures (4 questions)
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Higher than compares their levels. The blue book is on the top shelf and the red book is on the middle shelf.
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Below means at a lower level. The blue book is now on the bottom shelf, while the red book is still in the middle.
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Close by tells us the distance is short. On the ground tells us where the ball rests but gives no distance from Mia.
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Far away is the opposite of nearby. The stretch of grass between Mia and the ball shows that the distance has grown.
Laundry in pictures (4 questions)
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Wet through means the water has reached all the way through the cloth. Slightly wet is closer to damp.
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A dry towel has no moisture left. Warm tells us its temperature and soft tells us how it feels.
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Wrinkled describes lines made by folds. Stripes are part of a pattern, and a tear is a break in the cloth.
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Smooth describes the even fabric after ironing. A shirt can be clean or loose and still have creases.
At home in pictures (4 questions)
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Closed describes the position of the gate. Locked adds a separate detail about whether a lock is fastened.
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Open is the opposite of shut here. Even a narrow gate can be open if it has swung clear of the entrance.
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Inside keeps the meaning because the plant is in the kitchen. Indoors does not tell us which floor of a building someone is on.
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Outdoors means outside a building. The garden is outdoors even though it is close to the kitchen.
Objects in pictures (4 questions)
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Filled to the brim means the contents reach the top. A half-filled jar still has room.
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Empty means there is nothing inside. A jar can feel lighter even while a few chickpeas remain.
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Undamaged keeps the meaning. An old bowl can arrive intact, and a repaired bowl was damaged at some point.
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Broken describes what happened to the bowl itself. Empty describes what it contains, and old describes its age.
Places and movement in pictures (4 questions)
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Packed captures how closely people stand together. A stop can be busy throughout the day without being packed at any one moment.
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Deserted tells us nobody is there. Quiet tells us about sound and can describe a place where people are still waiting.
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Go up keeps the upward direction of ascend. Along and across describe other directions.
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Descend means to go down. Pause means to stop briefly, and hurry tells us about speed.
Picture pairs (3 questions)
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Lightweight means it weighs little. A bag can be lightweight and still have something inside. Pale describes colour.
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Dark is the opposite of light when we describe a shade. Heavy would describe how much the mug weighs.
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Neat and tidy both describe a space where things are in order. Messy describes the desk on the right.
Light, width and moisture (4 questions)
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Well-lit. Sunlight makes it easy to see. Pale would describe colour.
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Lightweight. Weighs very little points to weight. Red tells you its colour but gives no clue about its weight.
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Thin. Thin describes the small distance across the stripe. Wide reverses that idea and pale describes colour.
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Keep it dry. Dry soil lacks the moisture the seedlings need. Cool describes temperature.
Choices, movement and manners (4 questions)
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Courageous. She spoke despite her fear. Courageous keeps the praise in brave.
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Swift. In an instant points to speed. Wide would describe the shape of the turn.
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Neat. The cups and plates are in order. They are still on the shelves, so empty changes the meaning.
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Courteous. Thanking Jo and giving her time to speak show good manners. A quiet voice alone would tell you only about volume.
Everyday actions (5 questions)
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We finish packing at noon. Finish makes noon the end of the activity. Start keeps noon as the beginning.
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Decline. The second reply gives a definite no. Postpone would mean putting something off until later.
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Shrinks. Shrinks means gets smaller. Softens changes how the sponge feels.
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Recalled. Hearing the tune brought the words back to mind. Repeated would mean saying or singing them again.
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Concealed. Behind a cushion keeps the gift out of sight. Revealed would mean they showed it.
Willingness, effort and pace (3 questions)
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Eager. Could hardly wait shows a strong wish to go. Hesitant would keep a sense of uncertainty.
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Industrious. Every morning for weeks shows sustained effort. Diligent also draws attention to her care.
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Slow and careful. Pace describes how she read. Several seconds over each syllable tells you about her speed and care.
Strength, movement and choice (6 questions)
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Strong. Holding the pots tells you about the shelf’s strength. Heavy describes the pots’ weight.
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Taut. Stretched tight means the sag has gone. A slack line would still hang loose.
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Came together. The fans themselves formed a group around the booth. The sentence tells you where they went, but not whether they collected any tickets.
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Unfastened. Releasing the catch undid the fastening. Adjusting a buckle can change its fit while it stays closed.
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Voluntary. Guests may choose either activity. Scheduled tells you a time has been set, while compulsory would take away the choice.
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Authentic. The potter confirms who made the bowl. That establishes its origin. It tells us nothing about its age or whether it has flaws.
Tools, timing and fair decisions (6 questions)
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Dull. The scissors failed to cut the paper. It was the paper that bent. Sharpening changed the edges from dull to sharp.
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Occupied. The passenger is now sitting there. Reserved would mean the seat had been set aside for someone.
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Repaired. A tear is damage to the net. Mending it closes the tear. Discovering the tear would only mean noticing it.
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Postponed it. Thursday comes after the planned Monday date. The reading still has a date, so it was postponed. Bringing it forward would move it earlier.
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Short-term. The path is there for the repair period. Occasional would describe how often it is used.
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Biased. Giving her own team extra points for the same work shows a preference. A strict judge could apply demanding rules equally to both teams.
Space, feelings and estimates (6 questions)
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Roomy. Being able to stretch out tells you about the space inside. Sturdy would describe how well the tent stands up to use.
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Slightly cold. Ana feels the water on her skin, so chilly describes temperature. A chilly welcome would describe someone’s manner.
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Lowered. Back down gives the direction. Folding changes the shape of a curtain and raising moves it upwards.
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Calmed. Slower breathing and the end of the trembling show that Isha’s fear eased. Startled would suggest a sudden fright.
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Close to the actual distance. About and estimated tell you that twelve kilometres is an estimate. The actual distance could be a little longer or shorter.
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It sounds believable. Could explain gives a possible reason. Ravi can find it believable while still needing evidence that the power went out.
From crooked to transparent (6 questions)
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It had a bend. The kink is a change in direction. That clue tells you about the wire’s shape, without telling you its length or how it feels.
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Alert. Spotting every missing comma shows Noor is awake and paying close attention. Someone can be calm or patient and still be sleepy.
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Commended. The editor singles out something the writer did well. She expresses approval of the ending rather than retelling it or raising doubts about it.
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Shoved it. Hard and with both hands point to a shove. A nudge is gentle, and pulling the drawer would bring it towards Luis.
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He avoids waste. Only enough and every piece show that Bo uses what he buys. The sentence gives no price and doesn’t say he buys large quantities.
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Opaque. Blocks all the light is the clue to opaque. A tinted lid can still let coloured light through; a translucent lid lets some light through but blurs the view.
From bumpy to candid (6 questions)
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Uneven. The roots lifted some stones above the others, making the surface uneven. A steep path slopes sharply and can still be smooth.
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It was ready to eat. The sweet smell and slight softness are clues that this peach has reached a good stage for eating. They tell you little about when someone picked it.
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Shouted it. Someone across the field needs a loud voice. A murmur stays quiet, and mouthing the words makes no sound.
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Went into. The dancers started outside. Entered tells you they crossed into the hall. Going past the hall would leave them outside.
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It stayed the same. Two kilometres every minute gives the same distance in each equal stretch of time. A slower train could also travel at a constant speed.
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Evasive. Switching from the timetable to the posters lets the organiser avoid the question. A brief or blunt reply could still answer it directly.
At the market (6 questions)
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Expensive. The price is what makes Lina hesitate. Too expensive keeps the focus on what she would have to pay.
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Just cooked. Straight from the pan tells you when the flatbread was made. The same recipe could have been in the family for years.
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Sold the lamp. Nina paid and took the lamp, so she bought it. Ravi received the money and handed over the lamp, so he sold it.
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Boxed. Each jar went into a box. Stacking would put one jar on top of another, and wrapping would put material around each jar.
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Fixed. Nine sharp and no exceptions rule out moving the time. A fixed time can be early or late.
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Exactly alike. Both copies share even the mistake. Two lists can match in every detail and still give the wrong price.
On the trail (6 questions)
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Sharply sloping. The height gained in those few steps tells you how sharply the path rises. Bends describe turns, and roughness describes the surface.
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Still. The hanging flag and the grass that barely moves point to very little wind. Chilly would describe the temperature.
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Drew near to. The window frames came into view as the distance grew smaller. Ivo drew near to the lighthouse and may still be on his way there.
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Sped up. Twelve is faster than eight, so Jo gained speed. Her speed before the change gives you the clue.
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They can get through. Clearing the fallen tree removed the obstacle. Hikers can get past that spot even if the trail ahead is steep or muddy.
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Continuous. Removing the silences makes the ringing continuous. A faint or distant sound can still stop and start.
In the theatre (6 questions)
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Energetic. The springy rhythm and tapping feet suggest energy. The tune could be new to everyone and still be lively.
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At ease. Her hands have steadied and she feels comfortable. At ease captures that change from worry to calm.
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Clapped. His stinging palms are the clue. Cheering and whistling can also show approval, but clapping brings the palms together.
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Omitted it. Left out altogether means the song is gone. Moving or shortening it would still give it a place in the show.
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She could hear them. Ava heard voices. That is enough to call them audible, even though she could not tell what the actors said.
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Unplanned. Then and there tells you when Ben thought of the joke. He chose to say it without having prepared it before the show.
At the library (6 questions)
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Ornate. The vines, flowers and pearls are all decorations. Glossy describes shine, which even a plain cover can have.
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Sal recognised the design. Sal has seen that fox before. The clue is her own experience with her uncle’s books.
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Lent it. The library gave Asha the globe for a limited time, so it lent it. Asha borrowed it and will return it on Friday.
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Organised. Ella used colour to decide where each token belonged. She could organise them that way without counting them or adding labels.
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Imaginary. Invented is the clue. The author made up the whole town, even though her map shows it in detail.
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The first recording. The first narrator keeps every word. The second leaves out two chapters. Reading speed changes the running time, but the cuts determine which version is abridged.
In the workshop (6 questions)
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Shiny. The reflection follows the light as Mira tilts the photograph. That shine tells you about the paper’s surface, whatever colours are in the picture.
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Tilted. The ends now hang at different heights, so the sign tilts. A sign can hang low and still be level.
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Fitted it. The handle is on the drawer and ready to use. Measuring or choosing it could happen before it was attached.
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Lengthened it. Letting out the fold increased the distance the strap could reach. Lengthened reverses shortened here.
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Long-lasting. The lettering has survived years of use. That gives you evidence for long-lasting, even if the label has never been near water.
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It can be undone. Putting the peg back restores the original height. That ability to return to the starting point makes the change reversible.
In the garden (6 questions)
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Shaded. The branches block the sun, so the patch is shaded. The grass could be dry and easy to see.
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Scentless. Yasmin’s nose gives her the clue. The second bunch has no noticeable scent, even though it looks like the first.
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Dug it up. The hose came out of the ground. Digging it up reverses the earlier act of burying it.
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Shielded them. The shrubs stood between the wind and the seedlings. By taking the force of the wind, they shielded the smaller plants.
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It is suitable to eat. The baker made the flower from a food ingredient. Edible describes whether it can be eaten, whatever its shape or flavour.
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It was alive and resting. The same bud opened in spring, so it was alive through winter. Its growth had paused.
At the station (6 questions)
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Ahead of schedule. Compare 4:10 with the expected time of 4:20. The train arrived ten minutes ahead of schedule, even though it was afternoon.
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Gloomy. His sinking spirits and bleak view of the trip point to a gloomy mood. The sentence gives you two clues about his feelings.
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Got on it. Rosa ended up on the ferry’s deck. She got on the vessel, taking her bicycle with her.
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Went ahead with it. The trip took place on the original date. The club went ahead with its plan.
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It is invalid for this route. Thursday is within the date limit. The ticket covers the coastal line, and Lina wants the hill line. That makes it invalid for this journey.
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Its position stayed the same. The wheels stayed in one spot. The sound of the engine tells you it was running, while the wheels tell you the locomotive was stationary.
In the kitchen (6 questions)
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Crunchy. The snap you hear when Maya bites is the clue. Chewy toast takes work to bite through; crumbly toast falls apart in little pieces.
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Spicy. The dip is cold, so hot cannot mean its temperature. The bite of chilli tells you what caused the heat in the mouth.
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Solidify. The second batch went from liquid to firm enough to hold its shape. That is the reverse of melting.
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Watered down the juice. Noor added water, so each spoonful had less lime flavour. Straining would remove pieces; concentrating would make the flavour stronger.
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They can go bad quickly. “Look perfect” tells you their condition now. “Use them first” tells you the cook does not expect them to keep for long.
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Leaky. The gap lets air through. A dent might change the shape of a jar without breaking its seal, and a shallow jar can still be airtight.
At the sports ground (6 questions)
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Clean. Scrubbing removed all the dirt, so the boots are clean. They are still wet. Polished would suggest a shine.
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Agile. The quick turns and steady footing show that Isha could change direction easily. That is what makes agile fit.
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Defend. The Reds drop back to guard their own goal. Their job now is to stop a goal. A counterattack would take them forward again.
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Ahead of Ali. Dev first drew level with Ali. Overtook describes what happened next, when Dev moved in front.
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She meets the age rule to enter. Being 13 puts Priya inside the age range. She can enter the run whether or not she has signed up yet.
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All three choose Asha. All three votes go to the same player. Two votes would give Asha a majority, while unanimous requires every judge to agree.
Put it in your own words
Say or write each sentence before opening the examples.
Change an answer
“On Friday, Tara accepted the invitation to dinner.” Change her answer to a refusal. Keep the day and the invitation the same.
Compare your rewrite
“On Friday, Tara declined the invitation to dinner.” You could also say she turned down the invitation. Both give a definite no. If Tara says she’ll decide tomorrow, her answer is still open. Use declined or turned down for the past action.
Keep the duration
“The conversation lasted only a short time.” Rewrite the sentence using brief.
Compare your rewrite
“The conversation was brief.” Or: “We had a brief conversation.” Both keep the idea of a short duration. A delayed conversation would start later.
Change the rule
“The hall permits photography during rehearsals.” Rewrite the rule so people must put their cameras away. Keep the place and the occasion.
Compare your rewrite
“The hall forbids photography during rehearsals.” Or: “Photography is forbidden in the hall during rehearsals.” In both versions, the rule applies during rehearsals.