Word Groups by Topic

They are short vocabulary lists on common topics for Speaking and Writing. Each vocabulary entry includes meanings and example sentences. These word groups are organized by topic to help learners practice efficiently. Some groups are also available as YouTube videos.
Stories of USA Today
Materials for Reading & Listening Practice
 Small Vocabulary Example
Age

reality   Pronounce
n. the state of things as they actually exist
He refuses to face reality.
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quite   Pronounce
adv. completely
The colors almost match but not quite.
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enjoy   Pronounce
v. to get pleasure from the situation that you are in
Time passes so quickly when you're enjoying yourself.
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relive   Pronounce
v. to remember an experience clearly
She and I like to reminisce and relive the good-old-days.
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appear   Pronounce
v. to seem
It appears to me we need to make some changes.
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near   Pronounce
adv. not far away in time
As the date of his operation drew near, he became more and more anxious.
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adulthood   Pronounce
n. the state of being an adult
When she reached adulthood, she moved away from home.
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experienced   Pronounce
a. having knowledge or skill in a job or activity
We are looking for experienced truck drivers.
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recognize   Pronounce
v. acknowledge the existence
He was recognized as an international authority.
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dynamic   Pronounce
a. having a lot of ideas and enthusiasm
Jones favors a dynamic, hands-on style of management.
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personality   Pronounce
n. the type of person you are, which is shown by the way you behave, feel, and think
He has a dynamic personality, makes excellent decisions, and is a true leader.
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relaxed   Pronounce
a. free from tension and anxiety
At the press conference, he sounded at his most relaxed.
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predict   Pronounce
v. to say that an event or action will happen in the future
I cannot predict what will happen next year.
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intriguing   Pronounce
a. very interesting because of being unusual
She has a really intriguing personality.
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confident   Pronounce
a. being certain of your abilities
Be a bit more confident in yourself!
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vastly   Pronounce
adv. to an extremely great degree or extent
Train and ferry services were vastly reduced.
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ponder   Pronounce
v. think about something carefully
I'm continually pondering on how to improve the team.
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mature   Pronounce
a. fully developed and balanced in their personality
You and I are mature, freethinking adults.
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independent   Pronounce
a. not taking help or money from other people
I've always been financially independent.
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insecure   Pronounce
a. lack confidence
Most mothers are insecure about their performance as mothers.
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embrace   Pronounce
v. to accept something with great interest or enthusiasm
He has wholeheartedly embraced life in Japan.
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ageless   Pronounce
a. never looking old or appearing to grow old
She was rich, beautiful, and seemingly ageless.
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mindset   Pronounce
n. a person's way of thinking and their opinions
We have to change people's mindsets and motivate them.
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re-energize   Pronounce
v. to inject with energy again
The injury required a period of rest and an intensive round of physical therapy, during which time she was able to reassess, re-energize, and reorganize her life.

vibrant   Pronounce
a. full of life, energy, and enthusiasm
Tom felt himself being drawn towards her vibrant personality.
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inevitable   Pronounce
a. certain to happen
War was inevitable.
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priority   Pronounce
n. something that is considered more important than other matters
The safety of the country takes priority over any other matter.
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behave   Pronounce
v. to be good by acting in a way that has society's approval
Let's stay calm and try to behave like responsible adults.
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physically   Pronounce
adv. things are connected with a person's body, rather than with their mind
Physical activity promotes good health.
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mentally   Pronounce
adv. relating to the process of thinking
I think you are mentally tired.
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obsessed   Pronounce
a. unable to stop thinking about something
The kids are obsessed with video games.
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relevant   Pronounce
a. related to a subject or to something happening or being discussed
We turned over relevant documents to the investigating team.
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inclination   Pronounce
n. a person's natural tendency
He was free to follow his inclinations.
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interact   Pronounce
v. to communicate with or react to each other
He does not interact well with the other students.
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