BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY
Discover a useful word, hear its pronunciation and use it in a sentence.
YOUR WORD COLLECTION
Choose a letter to browse the full collection. Numbers show how many words are available.
IPA /ˈkɒntəmˌpleɪt/
To consider a possible action carefully before deciding whether you want to do it or whether it would be suitable.
We began to contemplate moving somewhere closer to our family.
IPA /kəmˈpɛlɪŋ/
Strong and convincing enough to make someone accept an idea or believe that a particular action is worth taking.
The lower rent gave us a compelling reason to move.
IPA /ˌrɛsɪˈprɒsɪtɪ/
A situation in which people or groups give help, benefits or opportunities to each other, with both sides contributing.
Their friendship was built on reciprocity: each helped when the other needed support.
IPA /əˈsɜːtɪv/
Confident and direct when expressing your needs, opinions or rights, so that other people understand what you want.
She was assertive about needing some quiet time after work.
IPA /ˈskruːtɪˌnaɪz/
To examine something very carefully and pay close attention to its details, often to check accuracy or discover information.
She took time to scrutinise the bill before paying for dinner.
IPA /ˈnjuːɑːnst/
Showing small but meaningful differences within an idea or situation, rather than treating it as completely simple or one-sided.
Our conversation gave me a more nuanced view of my neighbour's complaint.
IPA /sɪˈrɛnɪtɪ/
A peaceful state of mind in which you feel calm and are not troubled by worry, anger or excitement.
Listening to the rain filled her with a sense of serenity.
IPA /ˈtændʒəbəl/
Real and definite enough to be clearly noticed or demonstrated, rather than existing only as a vague idea or hope.
The lower electricity bill was tangible proof that our changes were working.
IPA /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/
The ability to notice what needs doing and take useful action without waiting for someone else to tell you.
He showed initiative by organising a clean-up of our shared garden.
IPA /ˈfruːɡəl/
Careful about spending money or using resources, trying to avoid waste and make what you have last longer.
Our frugal neighbour repairs clothes instead of replacing them.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Choose a word, say it aloud and write a sentence about your day. Then try a short practice to check your understanding.
