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 11 of 104

bestow GRE TOEFL IELTS

To give or present something as an honor or gift.

betray GRE TOEFL IELTS

To reveal unintentionally, or to be unfaithful to someone or something trusted.

beverage GRE TOEFL IELTS

A drink, especially a non-alcoholic one.

bias TOEFL IELTS

A tendency to favor one person, group, or outcome over others, often unfairly.

biased TOEFL

Having or showing prejudice in favor of one side; unbalanced.

bicameral GRE TOEFL

Having two legislative chambers, such as the House and Senate in the U.S. Congress.

bicker GRE TOEFL

To argue or quarrel about trivial matters.

bid GRE IELTS

An offer to pay a specific amount for something, especially in an auction.

bilateral SAT TOEFL

Relating to or involving two sides or parties.

bill TOEFL IELTS

A statement of money owed for goods or services, or a proposed law under consideration by a legislat...

billion TOEFL IELTS

A number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000).

biographer TOEFL IELTS

A person who writes the story of someone else's life.

biography TOEFL

A detailed description of someone's life written by someone else.

biologist TOEFL IELTS

A scientist who studies living organisms and life processes.

birch GRE TOEFL

A type of tree with thin, peeling bark, often white or silver, or the wood from this tree.

bitter TOEFL IELTS

Having a sharp, pungent taste; or feeling deep anger or resentment.

bitterness SAT TOEFL IELTS

The quality of being bitter in taste, or a strong sense of anger and resentment.

bizarre GRE TOEFL IELTS

Very strange or unusual, especially in a way that is unsettling or hard to understand.

blacksmith TOEFL IELTS

A person who makes and repairs objects made of iron, such as tools and horseshoes, typically by heat...

blame TOEFL IELTS

To hold someone responsible for a fault or mistake.

bland GRE TOEFL

Lacking strong flavor or character; soothing or uninteresting in manner.

blandishment GRE TOEFL

A flattering or pleasing statement or action intended to persuade someone to do something.

blanket TOEFL IELTS

A large piece of cloth used as a covering, especially for warmth; can also mean to cover something c...

blast TOEFL IELTS

A sudden burst of air, force, or sound; also refers to an explosive or a strong criticism.

blatant SAT GRE TOEFL

Obvious and offensive, often in a loud or disrespectful way.

blaze SAT TOEFL IELTS

A large, quickly moving fire; also means to shine brightly or to set a trail.

blazing TOEFL

Burning intensely; also describes something extremely hot, fast, or vivid.

bleach TOEFL IELTS

A chemical used to remove color or whiten materials; also means to make something paler or to whiten...

bleak SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

Lacking hope, warmth, or brightness; also describes a cold, barren, and exposed environment.

blemish SAT GRE TOEFL

A mark or flaw that spoils appearance or purity; can refer to physical or moral imperfection.

blend TOEFL IELTS

To mix smoothly so that the individual components are indistinguishable.

bless GRE IELTS

To confer a blessing upon; to make holy or invoke divine favor.

blessing TOEFL IELTS

A prayer asking for divine favor; a thing that brings good fortune or joy.

blight GRE TOEFL

A disease or condition that damages plants or destroys hope and growth.

blink TOEFL IELTS

To close and open the eyes quickly; to flash on and off.

blithe SAT GRE TOEFL

Showing a casual and cheerful indifference, often inappropriately.

blizzard GRE TOEFL

A severe snowstorm with strong winds and reduced visibility.

block TOEFL IELTS

A solid piece of material, or to obstruct or prevent passage.

bloom TOEFL IELTS

The flower of a plant; to produce flowers.

blossom TOEFL IELTS

A flower, especially one from a fruit tree; to develop or grow.

blot TOEFL

A spot or stain caused by a liquid; to wipe or absorb with a blotter.

blues GRE TOEFL

A genre of music with African American origins characterized by melancholy themes; also, feelings of...

bluff GRE TOEFL

A false appearance intended to deceive; to deceive through a bold act or statement.

blunder GRE TOEFL

A careless mistake, typically one that causes problems or embarrassment.

blunt GRE TOEFL IELTS

Direct and unreserved, often in a way that seems rude; also, not sharp.

blur GRE IELTS

An unclear or distorted perception of something; to make something unclear.

blush GRE TOEFL IELTS

To become red in the face, especially from embarrassment or shyness.

board TOEFL IELTS

A flat piece of material made of wood or other hard substance; also, to get on a vehicle.

boardinghouse TOEFL

A private house that provides room and meals for paying guests.

boast TOEFL

To talk with excessive pride about one’s achievements or possessions.

boastful TOEFL

Excessively proud of oneself; inclined to boast.

bohemian GRE TOEFL

A person with an unconventional lifestyle, often involving artistic or literary pursuits.

boisterous SAT GRE TOEFL

Noisy, energetic, and cheerful, often in an unruly way.

bold TOEFL IELTS

Showing a willingness to take risks; confident and courageous.

bolster SAT GRE TOEFL

To support or strengthen; also, a long narrow cushion used for support.

bolt GRE TOEFL IELTS

A metal rod with a threaded end, used to fasten parts together, typically with a nut; also, to move ...

bombastic GRE TOEFL

High-sounding but with little meaning; inflated or pretentious in speech or writing.

bonanza GRE TOEFL

A situation that creates sudden wealth or prosperity; a source of great benefit or profit.

bond TOEFL IELTS

A close connection or feeling of friendship between people; also, a certificate of debt issued by a ...

boom TOEFL IELTS

A sudden increase or expansion; also, a deep, resonant sound.

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