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 /ɪkˈskɔːrieɪt/
To criticise someone or something very harshly, often by pointing out serious faults or failures in an angry way.
The journalist excoriated the government’s response as slow and incompetent.
IPA /dɪˈsɛmbəl/
To conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs; to disguise or hide under a false appearance.
She smiled politely, dissembling her disappointment at the rejection.
IPA /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/
A spoken curse; the act of invoking evil or misfortune upon someone.
The villain hurled an imprecation at the hero before vanishing into the shadows.
IPA /ˈdɪlətəri/
Slow to act or intended to cause delay; procrastinating or sluggish.
His dilatory response to the urgent email caused the team to miss the deadline.
IPA /ˈtrɛntʃənt/
Incisive, sharp, or forceful—especially in expression or style; often used to describe keen analysis or biting wit.
Her trenchant critique of the education system left no flaw unexposed.
IPA /vɪˈtjuːpərətɪv/
Bitter and abusive; full of harsh and angry criticism.
The debate turned vituperative as the candidates hurled personal insults.
IPA /ɪnˈvɛktɪv/
Very harsh, insulting language used to attack or criticise someone, especially when the speaker or writer is angry.
The politician’s speech was filled with invective aimed at his opponents.
IPA /əˈprəʊbriəm/
Harsh criticism or public disgrace arising from shameful conduct.
The athlete faced national opprobrium after being caught cheating.
IPA /ˌmælˈfiːzəns/
Wrongdoing or misconduct, especially by a public official or person in authority.
The mayor was removed from office after allegations of financial malfeasance surfaced.
IPA /rɪˈbɑːbətɪv/
Unpleasant, repellent, or unattractive, often in a way that pushes people away.
The professor's rebarbative tone made students hesitant to ask questions.
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.
