The glossary
178 words, each with pronunciation, meaning, and the thought it came from.
absorbing /əbˈzɔːr.bɪŋ/
adjectiveHolding the attention completely.
engrossing, gripping, captivating
seen in context →accumulate /əˈkjuː.mjə.leɪt/
verbTo gather or build up over time.
gather, amass, build up
seen in context →acquire /əˈkwaɪr/
verbTo gain or come to possess something, often through effort.
gain, obtain, learn
seen in context →agency /ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/
nounThe capacity to act and make your own choices.
control, power, autonomy
seen in context →argue /ˈɑːr.ɡjuː/
verbTo give reasons for or against something; to debate.
debate, dispute, contend
seen in context →attention /əˈten.ʃən/
nounThe act of focusing the mind on something.
focus, notice, awareness
seen in context →attitude /ˈæt.ə.tuːd/
nounA settled way of thinking or feeling about something.
outlook, stance, mindset
seen in context →attribute /əˈtrɪb.juːt/
verbTo regard something as caused by.
credit, ascribe, assign
seen in context →authentic /ɑːˈθen.tɪk/
adjectiveGenuine; true to one's own character.
genuine, real, sincere
seen in context →begin /bɪˈɡɪn/
verbTo start; to perform the first part of an action.
start, commence, launch
seen in context →belong /bɪˈlɔːŋ/
verbTo be the property of; to be rightly placed.
pertain, be owned by, fit
seen in context →bold /boʊld/
adjectiveWilling to take risks; confident and brave.
daring, fearless, audacious
seen in context →borrow /ˈbɑːr.oʊ/
verbTo take and use something temporarily, intending to give it back.
adopt, take on, use
seen in context →brevity /ˈbrev.ə.ti/
nounConcise and exact use of words.
conciseness, shortness, economy
seen in context →capable /ˈkeɪ.pə.bəl/
adjectiveHaving the ability to do something.
able, competent, skilled
seen in context →capacity /kəˈpæs.ə.ti/
nounThe ability to hold, do, or experience something.
ability, capability, power
seen in context →castle /ˈkæs.əl/
nounA large fortified building; figuratively, a grand dream.
fortress, stronghold
seen in context →certain /ˈsɜːr.tən/
adjectiveFirmly convinced; known without doubt.
sure, confident, positive
seen in context →circulate /ˈsɜːr.kjə.leɪt/
verbTo move continuously through a system or place.
flow, move, spread
seen in context →collective /kəˈlek.tɪv/
adjectiveShared by or done by all members of a group.
shared, common, joint
seen in context →comfort zone /ˈkʌm.fɚt zoʊn/
nounA situation where one feels safe and at ease.
safe space, familiar ground
seen in context →command /kəˈmænd/
verbTo deserve and receive attention, respect, or control.
demand, attract, dominate
seen in context →compound /kəmˈpaʊnd/
verbTo increase in value steadily, with gains building on previous gains.
accumulate, build, multiply
seen in context →concentrate /ˈkɑːn.sən.treɪt/
verbTo focus one's attention on a single thing.
focus, fix, center
seen in context →concise /kənˈsaɪs/
adjectiveGiving much information clearly in few words.
brief, succinct, terse
seen in context →conquer /ˈkɑːŋ.kɚ/
verbTo overcome and take control of; to defeat.
overcome, defeat, master
seen in context →constant /ˈkɑːn.stənt/
noun · adjectiveSomething unchanging; happening continuously.
steady, unchanging, permanent
seen in context →content /kənˈtent/
adjectiveSatisfied with what one has; not wanting more.
satisfied, at ease, fulfilled
seen in context →corridor /ˈkɔːr.ə.dɔːr/
nounA long passage in a building with doors leading off it.
hallway, passage, aisle
seen in context →courage /ˈkɜːr.ɪdʒ/
nounThe ability to do something that frightens you.
bravery, nerve, valor
seen in context →curiosity /ˌkjʊr.iˈɑː.sə.ti/
nounA strong desire to know or learn something.
interest, inquisitiveness, wonder
seen in context →curious /ˈkjʊr.i.əs/
adjectiveEager to know or learn something.
inquisitive, interested, questioning
seen in context →current /ˈkɜːr.ənt/
nounA steady flow of water, air, or events in one direction.
flow, stream, drift
seen in context →defeat /dɪˈfiːt/
noun · verbThe state of being beaten; to win against.
loss, downfall; beat
seen in context →deliberately /dɪˈlɪb.ɚ.ət.li/
adverbIn a careful, intentional way; on purpose.
intentionally, purposefully, consciously
seen in context →depth /depθ/
nounThe quality of being deep, intense, or profound.
profundity, intensity, richness
seen in context →difficulty /ˈdɪf.ə.kəl.ti/
nounA thing that is hard to accomplish or understand.
hardship, obstacle, trouble
seen in context →diligence /ˈdɪl.ə.dʒəns/
nounCareful and persistent effort.
care, industry, thoroughness
seen in context →direct /dɪˈrekt/
adjectiveGoing straight to the point; clear and without detour.
straightforward, plain, clear
seen in context →discipline /ˈdɪs.ə.plɪn/
nounControlled, consistent behavior in pursuit of a goal.
self-control, restraint, willpower
seen in context →dwell /dwel/
verbTo think or speak at length about something, often unhappily.
linger, brood, fixate
seen in context →embody /ɪmˈbɑː.di/
verbTo be a clear example of a quality or idea.
personify, represent, exemplify
seen in context →endurance /ɪnˈdʊr.əns/
nounThe ability to keep going through difficulty over time.
stamina, perseverance, staying power
seen in context →endure /ɪnˈdʊr/
verbTo last over time; to remain in existence.
last, persist, survive
seen in context →enlightenment /ɪnˈlaɪt.ən.mənt/
nounDeep understanding or insight, especially about oneself or life.
insight, awakening, clarity
seen in context →examine /ɪɡˈzæm.ɪn/
verbTo inspect or consider something carefully and in detail.
inspect, study, scrutinize
seen in context →excellence /ˈek.sə.ləns/
nounThe quality of being outstanding or extremely good.
greatness, distinction, mastery
seen in context →excuse /ɪkˈskjuːs/
nounA reason given to justify a fault or failure.
justification, pretext, alibi
seen in context →fear /fɪr/
noun · verbAn unpleasant feeling caused by expected danger.
dread, alarm, anxiety
seen in context →fluent /ˈfluː.ənt/
adjectiveAble to speak or write a language easily and accurately.
articulate, smooth, effortless
seen in context →footing /ˈfʊt.ɪŋ/
nounA secure grip or stable position for the feet.
balance, foothold, stability
seen in context →foreign /ˈfɔːr.ən/
adjectiveBelonging to or coming from a country other than your own.
external, unfamiliar, overseas
seen in context →forever /fɚˈev.ɚ/
adverbFor all future time; without ending.
eternally, always, endlessly
seen in context →forge /fɔːrdʒ/
verbTo create or shape something strong through effort.
build, form, hammer out
seen in context →fortune /ˈfɔːr.tʃən/
nounChance or luck, especially affecting one's life.
luck, chance, fate
seen in context →foundation /faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃən/
nounThe base on which something is built.
base, groundwork, footing
seen in context →freedom /ˈfriː.dəm/
nounThe power to act, speak, or think without restriction.
liberty, independence, latitude
seen in context →friction /ˈfrɪk.ʃən/
nounResistance when one surface moves over another; conflict.
resistance, rubbing, tension
seen in context →genius /ˈdʒiː.ni.əs/
nounExceptional creative or intellectual power.
brilliance, originality, gift
seen in context →glory /ˈɡlɔːr.i/
nounGreat honor, praise, or distinction earned by achievement.
honor, triumph, distinction
seen in context →grace /ɡreɪs/
nounSmooth, calm, and dignified composure or movement.
poise, elegance, composure
seen in context →gradually /ˈɡrædʒ.u.ə.li/
adverbSlowly, over a period of time.
steadily, progressively, little by little
seen in context →guarantee /ˌɡer.ənˈtiː/
verbTo make something certain to happen or be the case.
ensure, secure, assure
seen in context →habit /ˈhæb.ɪt/
nounA settled tendency or practice, often done without thinking.
routine, custom, pattern
seen in context →hollow /ˈhɑː.loʊ/
verbTo make a hole or empty space in something.
carve, excavate, wear away
seen in context →hope /hoʊp/
nounA feeling of expectation and desire for something good.
optimism, expectation, faith
seen in context →humble /ˈhʌm.bəl/
adjectiveModest; not thinking you are better than others.
modest, unassuming, down-to-earth
seen in context →humbling /ˈhʌm.blɪŋ/
adjectiveCausing one to feel modest or aware of one's limitations.
modest, sobering, grounding
seen in context →humility /hjuːˈmɪl.ə.ti/
nounA modest view of one's own importance; freedom from arrogance.
modesty, humbleness
seen in context →imagination /ɪˌmædʒ.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
nounThe ability to form ideas or images in the mind.
fantasy, invention, vision
seen in context →imitation /ˌɪm.əˈteɪ.ʃən/
nounThe act of copying or modeling on something.
copying, mimicry, modeling
seen in context →impediment /ɪmˈped.ə.mənt/
nounSomething that blocks or delays progress.
obstacle, barrier, hindrance
seen in context →inspiration /ˌɪn.spəˈreɪ.ʃən/
nounA sudden good idea or creative spark.
spark, insight, idea
seen in context →instructor /ɪnˈstrʌk.tɚ/
nounA person who teaches a subject or skill.
teacher, trainer, tutor
seen in context →instrument /ˈɪn.strə.mənt/
nounA tool or means used to achieve something.
tool, means, device
seen in context →interpret /ɪnˈtɜːr.prət/
verbTo explain or decide the meaning of something.
read, understand, construe
seen in context →invest /ɪnˈvest/
verbTo put time, effort, or money into something to gain a future benefit.
commit, devote, put in
seen in context →involve /ɪnˈvɑːlv/
verbTo include someone so they take an active part.
engage, include, immerse
seen in context →inward /ˈɪn.wɚd/
adjective · adverbToward the inside; concerning one's own mind or feelings.
internal, inner, introspective
seen in context →journey /ˈdʒɜːr.ni/
nounAn act of traveling from one place to another, often long.
trip, voyage, passage
seen in context →judgement /ˈdʒʌdʒ.mənt/
nounAn opinion or evaluation formed about someone.
opinion, assessment, verdict
seen in context →kindle /ˈkɪn.dəl/
verbTo light a fire; to arouse interest or emotion.
ignite, spark, awaken
seen in context →kindness /ˈkaɪnd.nəs/
nounThe quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
compassion, generosity, warmth
seen in context →knowledge /ˈnɑː.lɪdʒ/
nounInformation and understanding gained through learning.
learning, understanding, expertise
seen in context →limit /ˈlɪm.ɪt/
noun · verbA point beyond which something cannot continue or extend.
boundary, edge, threshold
seen in context →mankind /mænˈkaɪnd/
nounHuman beings considered collectively; humanity.
humanity, humankind, people
seen in context →master /ˈmæs.tɚ/
verbTo gain full control or skill over something.
command, control, conquer
seen in context →mastery /ˈmæs.tɚ.i/
nounComplete control or command over something.
command, control, dominance
seen in context →mighty /ˈmaɪ.ti/
adjectivePossessing great and impressive power or strength.
powerful, formidable, strong
seen in context →momentum /moʊˈmen.təm/
nounThe force or energy of a moving or developing process.
drive, impetus, motion
seen in context →opportunity /ˌɑː.pɚˈtuː.nə.ti/
nounA set of circumstances that makes something possible.
chance, opening, opening
seen in context →optimist /ˈɑːp.tə.mɪst/
nounA person who expects good outcomes.
hopeful, positive thinker
seen in context →passionately /ˈpæʃ.ən.ət.li/
adverbWith strong, intense feeling or enthusiasm.
ardently, intensely, eagerly
seen in context →patience /ˈpeɪ.ʃəns/
nounThe ability to wait or persist calmly without frustration.
endurance, tolerance, calm
seen in context →perceive /pərˈsiːv/
verbTo become aware of or notice something through the senses or mind.
notice, discern, grasp
seen in context →perch /pɜːrtʃ/
verbTo sit or rest on something, as a bird does.
settle, roost, alight
seen in context →perseverance /ˌpɜːr.səˈvɪr.əns/
nounSteady persistence despite difficulty.
persistence, tenacity, grit
seen in context →persistence /pərˈsɪs.təns/
nounContinued effort despite difficulty or delay.
perseverance, determination, grit
seen in context →perspiration /ˌpɜːr.spəˈreɪ.ʃən/
nounSweat; by extension, hard effort.
sweat, effort, toil
seen in context →potential /pəˈten.ʃəl/
nounLatent qualities that may be developed.
promise, capacity, possibility
seen in context →powerful /ˈpaʊ.ɚ.fəl/
adjectiveHaving great strength, force, or influence.
strong, potent, forceful
seen in context →practice /ˈpræk.tɪs/
noun · verbRepeated performance of an activity to improve skill.
drill, rehearsal, training
seen in context →precise /prɪˈsaɪs/
adjectiveExact, accurate, and clearly defined.
exact, accurate, specific
seen in context →precision /prɪˈsɪʒ.ən/
nounThe quality of being exact and accurate.
accuracy, exactness, clarity
seen in context →preparation /ˌprep.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
nounThe action of getting ready for something.
readiness, groundwork, planning
seen in context →prepared /prɪˈperd/
adjectiveReady and equipped for something.
ready, equipped, primed
seen in context →pressure /ˈpreʃ.ɚ/
nounA demanding or stressful influence or situation.
strain, stress, tension
seen in context →presuppose /ˌpriː.səˈpoʊz/
verbTo assume or require something as a prior condition.
assume, imply, require
seen in context →profound /prəˈfaʊnd/
adjectiveVery great, deep, or intense.
deep, intense, meaningful
seen in context →purpose /ˈpɜːr.pəs/
nounThe reason something exists or is done.
aim, function, intention
seen in context →reality /riˈæl.ə.ti/
nounThe state of things as they actually are.
actuality, fact, truth
seen in context →realize /ˈriː.ə.laɪz/
verbTo become fully aware of something as a fact; to understand clearly.
grasp, recognize, understand
seen in context →reclaim /rɪˈkleɪm/
verbTo get back something that was lost or taken.
recover, regain, retrieve
seen in context →recover /rɪˈkʌv.ɚ/
verbTo return to a normal state after a setback.
rebound, bounce back, regain
seen in context →reflection /rɪˈflek.ʃən/
nounSerious thought or consideration.
contemplation, thought, meditation
seen in context →remember /rɪˈmem.bɚ/
verbTo keep something in your mind or recall it.
recall, retain, memorize
seen in context →resilience /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/
nounThe ability to recover quickly from difficulty.
toughness, grit, elasticity
seen in context →resistance /rɪˈzɪs.təns/
nounThe act of opposing or withstanding something.
opposition, defiance, pushback
seen in context →reveal /rɪˈviːl/
verbTo make something previously hidden known or visible.
show, uncover, disclose
seen in context →secret /ˈsiː.krət/
nounThe key or hidden reason behind something.
key, basis, essence
seen in context →sequence /ˈsiː.kwəns/
nounA particular order in which things follow each other.
order, series, progression
seen in context →skillful /ˈskɪl.fəl/
adjectiveHaving or showing ability and expertise.
adept, accomplished, deft
seen in context →soul /soʊl/
nounThe spiritual or emotional part of a person; their inner self.
spirit, essence, heart
seen in context →still /stɪl/
adverbUp to and including the present time; even now.
yet, even now, continually
seen in context →strength /streŋkθ/
nounThe quality of being strong, in body, mind, or character.
power, resilience, fortitude
seen in context →stronger /ˈstrɔːŋ.ɚ/
adjectiveHaving more strength or power than before.
tougher, hardier, sturdier
seen in context →subtle /ˈsʌt.əl/
adjectiveSo delicate or fine as to be hard to notice.
fine, slight, nuanced
seen in context →understand /ˌʌn.dɚˈstænd/
verbTo grasp the meaning or nature of something.
comprehend, grasp, fathom
seen in context →valuable /ˈvæl.jə.bəl/
adjectiveWorth a great deal; very useful or important.
precious, prized, worthwhile
seen in context →vision /ˈvɪʒ.ən/
nounThe way a person understands or imagines something; the act of seeing.
outlook, perspective, sight
seen in context →waste /weɪst/
verbTo use something carelessly or without good purpose.
squander, fritter, misuse
seen in context →wasted /ˈweɪ.stɪd/
adjectiveUsed without benefit or purpose.
squandered, pointless, futile
seen in context →well written /wel ˈrɪt.ən/
adjectiveComposed with skill and clarity.
polished, skillful, elegant
seen in context →wild /waɪld/
adjectiveNot tame or controlled; free and full of energy.
untamed, bold, vivid
seen in context →wisdom /ˈwɪz.dəm/
nounThe quality of having good judgment and deep understanding.
insight, sagacity, understanding
seen in context →wit /wɪt/
nounQuick intelligence, often expressed humorously.
cleverness, humour, sharpness
seen in context →wonder /ˈwʌn.dɚ/
nounA feeling of amazement and curious admiration.
awe, curiosity, marvel
seen in context →