Intermediate Vocabulary Words

Academic vocabulary common across TOEFL, IELTS, and multi-test contexts. These words appear in university-level texts and are essential for scoring well on standardized English proficiency tests.

6223 words · Page 10 of 104

barb GRE TOEFL

A sharp, pointed projection on a fishhook or arrow; a cutting, sarcastic remark.

barbecue GRE TOEFL IELTS

A method of cooking food over an open flame or grill; a social gathering at which such food is serve...

barber TOEFL IELTS

A person who cuts or trims men's hair and often shaves or trims beards.

bare TOEFL IELTS

Uncovered or naked; lacking a natural or customary covering.

barely TOEFL IELTS

Hardly; only just; by the narrowest margin.

bargain GRE IELTS

An agreement between parties to exchange goods or services; a purchase made at a favorable price.

barge GRE TOEFL IELTS

A large boat used to carry freight on rivers and canals; can also mean to move heavily and forcefull...

bark GRE TOEFL IELTS

The sound made by a dog; also refers to the outer covering of a tree.

barn GRE TOEFL IELTS

A large farm building used for storing grain, hay, or housing animals.

baron GRE TOEFL IELTS

A powerful or wealthy businessman; historically, a member of the nobility.

baroque GRE TOEFL

A highly ornate and elaborate style of art, music, or architecture from the 17th century.

barrel TOEFL IELTS

A cylindrical container, usually made of wood, with curved sides; also a unit of volume.

barren GRE TOEFL IELTS

Unable to produce crops or support vegetation; infertile.

barrenness TOEFL

The state of being unable to produce plants or offspring; infertility.

barrier GRE TOEFL IELTS

A physical or symbolic obstruction that blocks movement or progress.

barter GRE TOEFL

To trade goods or services without using money.

basement TOEFL IELTS

The floor of a building that is partly or entirely below ground level.

bashful GRE TOEFL

Shy or self-conscious in the company of others.

basin TOEFL IELTS

A bowl-shaped or dip-shaped depression that holds water; also refers to a sink.

batch GRE IELTS

A quantity of material produced in one operation or process.

bathe TOEFL IELTS

To wash oneself or someone else with water and soap.

baton SAT GRE TOEFL

A short staff carried as a symbol of authority, often by law enforcement or a conductor.

bead TOEFL

A small decorative ball with a hole for threading, or a small drop of liquid.

beaded TOEFL

Covered or decorated with beads, or resembling beads in appearance.

beak TOEFL IELTS

The hard, pointed mouth of a bird used for eating or preening.

beam GRE TOEFL IELTS

A long, sturdy piece of wood or steel used to support structures; or a ray of light.

bean TOEFL IELTS

A small, hard seed from certain plants, used as food, or a coffee bean.

bear TOEFL IELTS

A large mammal with thick fur, or to carry or endure something.

beard TOEFL

Facial hair growing on a man's chin and cheeks, or to defy boldly.

bearing GRE IELTS

Manner or way of carrying oneself; relevance or influence.

beat GRE TOEFL IELTS

To strike repeatedly; to defeat or gain an advantage over someone.

beaver GRE TOEFL

A large aquatic rodent with a flat, scaly tail; a person who works diligently.

beckon TOEFL

To signal someone to come closer, often with a gesture.

bedrock TOEFL

The solid rock layer beneath surface materials; a fundamental basis or foundation.

behalf TOEFL IELTS

In support of or acting as a representative for someone else.

behave TOEFL IELTS

To act in a particular way, especially in accordance with rules or standards of good conduct.

behavior TOEFL IELTS

The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others.

beleaguer GRE TOEFL

To harass or besiege with attacks, or to trouble persistently.

belie SAT GRE TOEFL

To give a false impression; to contradict or misrepresent.

bellicose SAT GRE TOEFL

Demonstrating an aggressive or hostile attitude, especially eager to fight.

belligerent SAT GRE TOEFL

Hostile and aggressive, often ready to fight; also refers to a nation engaged in war.

bellows TOEFL

A device for blowing air into a fire, or a loud, deep shout or roar.

belly TOEFL IELTS

The front part of the body from the chest to the legs; the abdomen.

below TOEFL

In a lower position than something else; underneath.

beneath TOEFL IELTS

In a lower position than; directly under; also implies inferiority in rank or quality.

benefactor SAT GRE TOEFL

A person who provides help or financial support, often through generous donations.

beneficial SAT GRE TOEFL

Producing good or helpful results; advantageous.

beneficiary SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

A person or group who receives benefits or profits, especially from a will or insurance policy.

benefit SAT TOEFL IELTS

An advantage, gain, or something that promotes well-being; also a payment or perk from employment or...

benevolent SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

Well-meaning and kindly; showing goodwill and a desire to help.

benign SAT GRE TOEFL

Not harmful; gentle or favorable in effect.

bent GRE IELTS

A natural talent or inclination toward something; also a temporarily deformed shape.

bequeath SAT GRE TOEFL

To leave or give personal property by will; to pass on something in a formal or meaningful way.

bequest GRE TOEFL

Something, especially personal property, left to someone in a will.

berth SAT GRE TOEFL

A space for a ship to dock; also refers to a sleeping cabin on a ship or train, or figuratively, suf...

beseech SAT GRE TOEFL

To implore or beg someone earnestly for something.

beset SAT GRE TOEFL

To trouble or attack someone constantly or from all sides.

besides TOEFL

In addition to; apart from; also used to introduce a new point in an argument.

besiege GRE TOEFL

To surround a place with armed forces to prevent help or supplies from entering, often to force surr...

besmirch GRE TOEFL

To damage or tarnish someone's reputation or the purity of something.

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