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 69 of 104

peerless SAT TOEFL

Without equal; unmatched.

penal TOEFL

Relating to punishment, especially as imposed by law.

penalty SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract.

penance SAT GRE TOEFL

An act of repentance for wrongdoing, often religious in nature.

penchant SAT GRE TOEFL

A strong liking or inclination for something.

pendant SAT TOEFL

A piece of jewelry that hangs from a necklace.

penetrate SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

To enter or pass through something, often with force or effort; to gain access to or understanding o...

penetrating GRE TOEFL

Able to enter or pass through something; keen or intense, especially in insight or perception.

peninsula TOEFL

A piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water.

penitent TOEFL

Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant.

pension SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

A regular payment made to a person after retirement, funded by earlier contributions from the indivi...

pensive GRE TOEFL

Engaged in deep or serious thought, often with a hint of sadness.

perceive SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

To become aware of or recognize something through the senses or mind; to interpret or understand som...

perceptible SAT TOEFL

Capable of being seen, heard, or noticed; detectable.

perception SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

The way in which something is understood, interpreted, or sensed; the process of becoming aware of s...

perceptive GRE TOEFL

Having or showing keen insight and understanding; quick to notice and interpret details.

perch GRE TOEFL IELTS

A place where a bird rests, typically a narrow branch or rod; to sit or be positioned high up.

percolate SAT GRE TOEFL

To pass a liquid slowly through a porous substance; to gradually spread or become widely known.

percussion SAT GRE TOEFL

A musical instrument that produces sound by being struck; the act of striking something to produce s...

peremptory SAT TOEFL

Admitting of no contradiction or delay; decisive and commanding.

perennial SAT GRE TOEFL

Lasting for a very long time; enduring or recurring regularly.

perennially TOEFL

In a way that lasts over a long period or recurs regularly.

perfect TOEFL IELTS

Having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; without flaw.

perfection TOEFL IELTS

The state or condition of being perfect; freedom from fault or defect.

perforate SAT GRE TOEFL

To pierce or make holes through something, often in a regular pattern.

perform SAT TOEFL IELTS

To carry out or complete a task, action, or duty.

performance TOEFL IELTS

The action or process of carrying out or accomplishing an action, task, or function.

performer TOEFL IELTS

A person who carries out an action, especially an entertainer on stage or in a show.

perfume GRE TOEFL IELTS

A fragrant liquid substance used to give a pleasant scent to the body or clothes.

peril GRE TOEFL IELTS

Serious and immediate danger.

perilous GRE TOEFL

Full of danger or risk.

perimeter GRE TOEFL IELTS

The continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure; the total length of this boun...

period GRE TOEFL IELTS

A length or portion of time; a full stop at the end of a sentence.

periodic TOEFL IELTS

Occurring at regular intervals.

periodical TOEFL

A publication that appears at regular intervals, such as a magazine or journal.

peripheral GRE TOEFL

Peripheral refers to something on the edge or margin; not central or important.

periphery GRE TOEFL

The outer边缘 or boundary of a surface or object; a region lying beyond the core.

perish GRE IELTS

To die, especially in a sudden or violent way; to decay or be destroyed.

perishable GRE TOEFL

Capable of decaying or spoiling quickly, especially due to its organic nature.

permanent SAT TOEFL IELTS

Lasting or intended to last indefinitely; not temporary.

permeable GRE TOEFL

Allowing liquids or gases to pass through; penetrable.

permeate SAT GRE TOEFL

To spread throughout and be present in every part of something.

permission TOEFL IELTS

Consent or authorization given to do something.

permissive GRE TOEFL

Allowing great freedom of behavior or action; tolerant of wrongdoing.

pernicious SAT TOEFL

Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

perpendicular SAT TOEFL

At an angle of 90 degrees to a given line, plane, or surface.

perpetual TOEFL IELTS

Never ending or changing; continuing indefinitely.

perpetuate SAT GRE TOEFL

To cause something to continue indefinitely, especially a tradition or error.

perplex TOEFL

To confuse or puzzle someone, often causing uncertainty.

perplexing TOEFL

Difficult to understand or explain; confusing.

perplexity TOEFL

A state of being confused or puzzled about something.

persecute GRE TOEFL

To treat someone unfairly or cruelly, especially because of their beliefs, race, or religion.

perseverance SAT TOEFL IELTS

The quality of continuing to try despite difficulties or setbacks.

persist SAT TOEFL

To continue to exist or occur despite opposition or challenges.

persistence SAT TOEFL IELTS

The fact of continuing to exist or to try despite difficulties.

persistent GRE TOEFL

Continuing to exist or occur over time; determined to continue despite obstacles.

personality SAT TOEFL IELTS

The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's character.

personnel SAT TOEFL IELTS

People employed in an organization or engaged in a particular task.

perspective SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

A particular way of viewing or understanding things; a mental point of view.

perspiration SAT GRE TOEFL

The process or fact of sweating, especially as a response to heat or exertion.

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