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Words 9801–9900 of 10,000Independent bank · American English

weightedadjectiveAdjusted to reflect value or proportion.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A weighted average.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

weightyadjectiveOf great gravity or crucial import; requiring serious thought.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The weighty matters to be discussed at the peace conference.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

weirdadjectiveSuggesting the operation of supernatural influences.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The three weird sisters.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

weirdlyadverbIn a weird manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She was dressed weirdly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

welcomeverbAccept gladly.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I welcome your proposals.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

welfarenounGovernmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She lives on welfare.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

welladverbThoroughly or completely; fully; often used as a combining form.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She was well informed.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wellbornadjectiveOf good or upper-class lineage.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A rich and wellborn husband.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wendverbDirect one's course or way.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wend your way through the crowds.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

westboundadjectiveMoving toward the west.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Westbound pioneers.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

westerlyadverbToward the west.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

We began to steer away westerly.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

westernadjectiveLying toward or situated in the west.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Our company's western office.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

westsideadjectiveOf the western part of a city.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He lives in upper westside Manhattan.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

westwardadverbToward the west.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

They traveled westward toward the setting sun.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wetadjectiveCovered or soaked with a liquid such as water.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A wet bathing suit.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wetnessnounThe condition of containing or being covered by a liquid (especially water).intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He confirmed the wetness of the swimming trunks.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whacknounThe act of hitting vigorously.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He gave the table a whack.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

whammynounAn evil spell.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He put the whammy on me.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French, Scots. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whangverbAttack forcefully.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Whang away at the school reform plan.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Scots.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whateveradjectiveOne or some or every or all without specification.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Give me whatever peaches you don't want.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whatsoeveradjectiveOne or some or every or all without specification.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

No milk whatsoever is left.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Japanese, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wheezenoun(Briticism) a clever or amusing scheme or trick.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A clever wheeze probably succeeded in neutralizing the German espionage threat.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whereaboutsnounThe general location where something is.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I questioned him about his whereabouts on the night of the crime.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wheynounWatery part of milk produced when raw milk sours and coagulates.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet eating some curds and whey.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whiffverbUtter with a puff of air.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Whiff out a prayer.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whilenounA period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was here for a little while.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whimsicaladjectiveDetermined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The victim of whimsical persecutions.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French, Scots. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whimsynounAn odd or fanciful or capricious idea.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He had a whimsy about flying to the moon.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French, Scots. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whippingadjectiveSmart and fashionable.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Some sharp and whipping lines.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

whirlnounConfused movement.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was caught up in a whirl of work.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whiskernounA very small distance or space.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

They lost the election by a whisker.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Chinese, Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whisperverbTo speak very softly, using little or no voice.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Please whisper while the baby is asleep.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Old English

Original teaching entry.

whisperedadjectiveSpoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A long whispered conversation.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

whiteadjectiveBeing of the achromatic color of maximum lightness; having little or no hue owing to reflection of almost all incident light.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A bride's white dress.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whitenessnounLightness or fairness of complexion.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Only the whiteness of her cheeks gave any indication of the stress from which she was suffering.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whitewashverbCover up a misdemeanor, fault, or error.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Let's not whitewash the crimes of Stalin.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whitewashedadjectiveCoated with whitewash.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Miles of whitewashed fences.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whittleverbCut small bits or pare shavings from.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Whittle a piece of wood.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, Late Latin, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

whiznounA buzzing or hissing sound as of something traveling rapidly through the air.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He heard the whiz of bullets near his head.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

wholeadjectiveIncluding all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A whole loaf of bread.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wholeheartedadjectiveWith unconditional and enthusiastic devotion.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wholehearted commitment.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wholesaleadjectiveIgnoring distinctions.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wholesale destruction.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wholesomeadjectiveConducive to or characteristic of physical or moral well-being.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wholesome attitude.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wicknounAny piece of cord that conveys liquid by capillary action.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The physician put a wick in the wound to drain it.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wideadjectiveBroad in scope or content.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Granted him wide powers.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

widelyadverbTo a great degree.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Her work is widely known.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

widenverbExtend in scope or range or area.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Widen the range of applications.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

widespreadadjectiveWidely circulated or diffused.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A widespread doctrine.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wieldverbHave and exercise.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wield power and authority.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wildadjectiveIn a natural state; not tamed or domesticated or cultivated.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Edible wild plants.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wildcatadjective(of a mine or oil well) drilled speculatively in an area not known to be productive.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Drilling there would be strictly a wildcat operation.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Late Latin, Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old Northern French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wildlyadverbTo an extreme or greatly exaggerated degree.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The storyline is wildly unrealistic.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wildnessnounA feeling of extreme emotional intensity.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The wildness of his anger.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

willnounA fixed and persistent intent or purpose.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Where there's a will there's a way.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

willfuladjectiveDone by design.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Willful disobedience.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

willfullyadverbIn a willful manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She had willfully deceived me.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

willingadjectiveDisposed or inclined toward.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A willing participant.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Old English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

willinglyadverbIn a willing manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I willingly accept.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

willingnessnounCheerful compliance.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He expressed his willingness to help.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wilyadjectiveMarked by skill in deception.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A wily old attorney.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Northern French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

winnounA victory (as in a race or other competition).beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was happy to get the win.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

windingadjectiveOf a path e.g.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A winding country road.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

windownounAn opening in a wall, usually with glass, that lets in light.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I opened the window to let in fresh air.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Original teaching entry. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

windsweptadjectiveOpen to or swept by wind.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Windswept headlands.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

windwardadjectiveOn the side exposed to the wind.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The windward islands.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

windyadjectiveUsing or containing too many words.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Long-winded (or windy) speakers.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French, Old Norse, Scots. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wingnounA barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

In Britain they call a fender a wing.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wingedadjectiveHaving wings or as if having wings of a specified kind.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The winged feet of Mercury.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wingsnounA means of flight or ascent.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Necessity lends wings to inspiration.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

winningnounSucceeding with great difficulty.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Winning is not everything.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

winnowverbSelect desirable parts from a group or list.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Winnow the finalists from the long list of applicants.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

winnowingnounThe act of separating grain from chaff.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The winnowing was done by women.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

winterizeverbPrepare for winter.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Winterize your houses.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wintryadjectiveCharacteristic of or occurring in winter.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Brown wintry grasses.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wipeverbRub with a circular motion.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wipe the blackboard.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wireverbProvide with electrical circuits.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wire the addition to the house.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wiredadjectiveEquipped with wire or wires especially for electric or telephone service.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A well-wired house.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wirelessadjectiveHaving no wires.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A wireless security system.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wiseadjectiveHaving or prompted by wisdom or discernment.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A wise and perceptive comment.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wiselyadverbIn a wise manner.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She acted wisely when she invited her parents.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wishnounAn expression of some desire or inclination.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I could tell that it was his wish that the guests leave.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wishfullyadverbIn a wishful manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He wishfully indulged in dreams of fame.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wishingnounA specific feeling of desire.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was above all wishing and desire.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

wispnounA small person.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A mere wisp of a girl.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wispyadjectiveLacking clarity or distinctness.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A few wispy memories of childhood.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wistfuladjectiveShowing pensive sadness.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The sensitive and wistful response of a poet to the gentler phases of beauty.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

wistfullyadverbIn a wistful manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His sister would have looked beautiful in that dress, he thought wistfully, just like an angel.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

witchingadjectivePossessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

'tis now the very witching time of night.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

withdrawalnounThe act of withdrawing.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The withdrawal of French troops from Vietnam.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Hindi, Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

witheredadjectiveLean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He did well despite his withered arm.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

witheringadjectiveMaking light of.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

To compliments inflated I've a withering reply.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

withholdingnounThe act of holding back or keeping within your possession or control.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I resented his withholding permission.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

witsnounThe basic human power of intelligent thought and perception.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I was scared out of my wits.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

wittilyadverbIn a witty manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He would wittily chime into our conversation.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French, Scots. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wittingadjectiveAware or knowing.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A witting tool of the Communists.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Old Norse.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wittinglyadverbWith full knowledge and deliberation.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He wittingly deleted the references.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wittyadjectiveCombining clever conception and facetious expression.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His sermons were unpredictably witty and satirical as well as eloquent.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French, Scots. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wizenedadjectiveLean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A wizened little man with frizzy grey hair.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wobblingadjective(of sound) fluctuating unsteadily.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A low-pitched wobbling sound.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

wobblyadjectiveInclined to shake as from weakness or defect.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A wobbly chair with shaky legs.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Low German.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

Definitions and usage examples in the expanded bank come from WordNet 3.0, with pronunciation references from CMUdict. Records are automatically screened and source-validated, not individually human reviewed. Practice difficulty is an estimate, not a grade level or official Scripps band. Sources and coverage ↗ · WordNet license · CMUdict license

No matching words.