Studying in an English-speaking country requires more than just academics. You need strong communication skills. Your academic progress depends on mastering vocabulary because it helps you in classroom discussions, writing research papers, or networking with professionals. Learning common English words for studying abroad can significantly improve your fluency and confidence.
You don’t need an advanced vocabulary to communicate effectively. In fact, mastering just 500 essential words can help you in daily conversations and perform well in exams like IELTS or TOEFL. These words form the foundation of academic and professional communication. It smoothes your transition to a new country.
In this guide, we will explore these must-know words, helping you easily speak, write, and understand English. Let’s start building your vocabulary and setting you up for success in your studies and beyond!
Why Do You Need To Build Your Vocabulary?
Your ability to express yourself grows when you learn daily English words before travelling abroad for studies. Below are some reasons why it’s important:
- Express Yourself Clearly: You won’t struggle for words. It will be easier to communicate your thoughts.
- Engage in Meaningful Conversations: A good vocabulary can help you develop better connections.
- Better Academic Performance: You can understand difficult texts and write well-structured essays.
- Prepare for English Proficiency Tests: Tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE check your vocabulary skills. A good vocabulary can affect your overall score
- Build Confidence: The more words you know, the more fluent and self-assured you’ll feel in any conversation
List of 500 Daily Use English Words
Building a strong vocabulary is essential for communication, especially for students planning to study abroad. Below is a list of the most common words in English, along with their meanings and examples.
Common English Words Starting with A
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Ability |
The power to do something |
She has the ability to solve complex problems |
Abandon |
To leave something completely |
He had to abandon his old car on the road |
Accept |
To agree to something |
She accepted the job offer happily |
Access |
The right to enter or use something |
Students have access to the university library |
Achieve |
To successfully reach a goal |
He achieved his dream of becoming a doctor |
Active |
Engaging in physical or mental activity |
She leads an active lifestyle by exercising daily |
Advice |
A recommendation or suggestion |
My teacher gave me good advice about my studies |
Affect |
To influence something |
The weather can affect my mood |
Afford |
To have enough money for something |
I can’t afford to buy a new car right now |
Agree |
To have the same opinion |
I agree with your decision to study abroad |
Allow |
To give permission |
The teacher allowed us to leave early |
Almost |
Nearly, but not completely |
I am almost finished with my homework |
Always |
At all times |
She always arrives on time |
Amazing |
Very surprising or impressive |
The view from the mountain was amazing |
Amount |
A quantity of something |
The total amount of money spent was high |
Announce |
To make something known |
The principal announced a holiday for students |
Appear |
To become visible |
The moon appeared behind the clouds |
Apply |
To make a request or use something |
I applied for a scholarship at my university |
Arrange |
To organize or plan something |
She arranged the books neatly on the shelf |
Assist |
To help someone |
The teacher assisted me with my project |
Common English Words for Studying Abroad Starting with B
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Balance |
A state of stability |
A good work-life balance is important |
Basic |
Simple or fundamental |
She has a basic understanding of French |
Benefit |
An advantage or profit |
Exercising daily has many health benefits |
Believe |
To accept something as true |
I believe in hard work and determination |
Best |
The most excellent |
This is the best book I have ever read |
Better |
Of a higher standard |
He is feeling better after taking medicine |
Beyond |
Further than something |
The mountains are beyond the river |
Big |
Large in size |
They live in a big house near the park |
Borrow |
To take something for a short time |
I borrowed a book from the library |
Brave |
Showing courage |
The firefighter was very brave during the rescue |
Break |
To separate into parts |
He accidentally broke the glass |
Bright |
Giving off a lot of light |
The sun is very bright today |
Bring |
To carry something to a place |
Please bring your notes to the class |
Build |
To construct something |
They are building a new shopping mall |
Busy |
Having a lot to do |
She is busy preparing for her exams |
Buy |
To purchase something |
I need to buy a new laptop |
Budget |
A financial plan |
He made a budget for his expenses |
Common English Words Starting with C
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Calculate |
To determine mathematically |
She calculated the total bill |
Calm |
Peaceful and quiet |
The sea is very calm today |
Capable |
Having the ability to do something |
She is capable of solving complex problems |
Careful |
Taking caution |
Be careful while driving on icy roads |
Carry |
To hold and move something |
He carried a heavy box up the stairs |
Change |
To make something different |
She decided to change her career |
Choose |
To select from options |
He chose to study in Australia |
Clear |
Easy to understand |
The teacher gave a clear explanation |
Clever |
Smart and intelligent |
She is very clever in mathematics |
Climb |
To go up something |
He climbed the mountain successfully |
Close |
To shut something |
Please close the door when you leave |
Collect |
To gather things together |
She collected all her books before leaving |
Comfort |
A state of ease |
This chair provides great comfort |
Compare |
To examine similarities and differences |
He compared two different laptops before buying |
Complete |
To finish something |
She completed her assignment on time |
Condition |
The state of something |
The car is in good condition |
Connect |
To join together |
The bridge connects the two cities |
Consider |
To think carefully about something |
He considered all options before making a decision |
Continue |
To keep going |
She continued her studies despite difficulties |
Common English Words Starting with D
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Decide |
To make a choice |
He decided to study abroad in Australia |
Deep |
Far below the surface |
The ocean is very deep here |
Defend |
To protect from harm |
The lawyer defended his client well |
Delay |
To make something late |
The flight was delayed due to bad weather |
Deliver |
To bring something to someone |
The package was delivered on time |
Demand |
A strong request |
The demand for skilled workers is high |
Depend |
To rely on someone or something |
Children depend on their parents for support |
Describe |
To explain in detail |
She described her travel experience vividly |
Design |
To create a plan |
He designed a beautiful website |
Develop |
To grow or improve |
She is developing her writing skills |
Different |
Not the same |
They come from different backgrounds |
Difficult |
Hard to do |
The exam was very difficult |
Discover |
To find something new |
Scientists discovered a new species of fish |
Distance |
The space between two places |
The distance between cities is long |
Divide |
To separate into parts |
He divided the cake into equal pieces |
Doubt |
A feeling of uncertainty |
She had doubts about her decision |
Draw |
To create an image using lines |
He loves to draw landscapes |
Dream |
Thoughts while sleeping or aspirations |
She dreams of becoming a scientist |
Dry |
Without water or moisture |
The clothes are dry now |
Common English Words Starting with E
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Earn |
To receive money for work |
He earns a good salary |
Easy |
Not difficult |
This assignment is easy to complete |
Educate |
To teach or train |
Schools educate children for the future |
Effect |
A result of something |
The new law had a positive effect |
Efficient |
Working well without waste |
The new system is more efficient |
Effort |
Hard work |
She put in a lot of effort to succeed |
Encourage |
To support and motivate |
The teacher encouraged students to participate |
Energy |
The ability to do work |
He has a lot of energy in the morning |
Enjoy |
To take pleasure in something |
She enjoys reading books |
Entire |
Whole or complete |
He read the entire book in one day |
Equal |
The same in amount or value |
Everyone should have equal opportunities |
Escape |
To get away from something |
The prisoner tried to escape |
Essential |
Very important |
Good health is essential for success |
Establish |
To set up something |
The company was established in 1990 |
Estimate |
To guess an approximate amount |
He estimated the cost of the project |
Example |
A specific case to illustrate something |
This is an example of a good essay |
Excellent |
Very good |
She did an excellent job on the project |
Excite |
To cause strong emotions |
The news excited everyone |
Expand |
To make something larger |
The company expanded its business overseas |
Common English Words for Studying Abroad Starting with F
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Face |
To deal with something |
He had to face many challenges in his new job |
Fact |
A piece of true information |
It is a fact that the Earth orbits the Sun |
Fail |
To not succeed |
He failed his driving test |
Fair |
Just and equal treatment |
The teacher was fair to all students |
Faith |
Strong belief in something |
She has faith in her abilities |
Familiar |
Well known or easily recognized |
This place looks familiar |
Famous |
Known by many people |
She is a famous scientist |
Fast |
Moving quickly |
He runs very fast |
Fear |
Feeling afraid |
She has a fear of heights |
Feature |
A distinctive characteristic |
The new phone has many features |
Feel |
To experience an emotion |
He felt happy after winning the game |
Few |
A small number |
There were only a few people at the meeting |
Fight |
To engage in a struggle |
The two teams fought hard to win |
Find |
To discover something |
She found a lost puppy |
Finish |
To complete something |
He finished his homework on time |
Fix |
To repair something |
The mechanic fixed the car |
Follow |
To go after someone |
She followed the teacher’s instructions |
Force |
Strength or power |
The wind blew with great force |
Free |
Without cost or restrictions |
The museum entry is free |
Common English Words Starting with G
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Gain |
To obtain something |
He gained valuable experience from the job. |
Game |
A form of play or sport |
They played a fun game. |
Garden |
A place where plants are grown |
She planted flowers in her garden. |
Gather |
To bring things together |
They gathered information for the project. |
General |
Involving all or most people |
This is a general rule for all students. |
Gentle |
Kind and soft |
She has a gentle voice. |
Get |
To obtain or receive |
He got a gift for his birthday. |
Gift |
Something given without payment |
She received a beautiful gift. |
Give |
To hand something to someone |
He gave her a book. |
Glad |
Feeling happy |
She was glad to see her friend. |
Global |
Related to the whole world |
Climate change is a global issue. |
Go |
To move to a place |
They went to the park. |
Good |
Of high quality |
He is a good student. |
Grade |
A level of quality or rank |
She got a high grade in English. |
Graduate |
To complete a course of study |
He graduated from university last year. |
Great |
Very good |
The movie was great! |
Group |
A number of people or things together |
She joined a study group. |
Grow |
To increase in size |
The plant grew quickly. |
Guide |
Someone who leads or shows the way |
The tour guide showed us around. |
Common English Words for Studying Abroad Starting with H
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Habit |
A regular practice |
Brushing your teeth is a good habit |
Happy |
Feeling joy |
She is always happy |
Hard |
Difficult or firm |
The test was very hard |
Harm |
Physical or mental damage |
Smoking can harm your health |
Hate |
To strongly dislike |
He hates waking up early |
Have |
To own or possess |
She has a pet cat |
Head |
The upper part of the body |
He wore a hat on his head |
Hear |
To listen to something |
She heard a strange noise |
Help |
To assist someone |
He helped his friend with homework |
Here |
In this place |
She is sitting here |
High |
Far above the ground |
The mountain is very high |
History |
The study of past events |
He loves reading about history |
Hold |
To grasp something |
She held the baby in her arms |
Home |
A place where one lives |
They bought a new home |
Hope |
A feeling of expectation |
She hopes to pass her exam |
Hospital |
A place for medical treatment |
He was admitted to the hospital |
Hot |
Having a high temperature |
The weather is very hot today |
House |
A building for living |
They live in a big house |
Huge |
Very large |
The elephant is a huge animal |
English Simple Words Starting with I
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Idea |
A thought or plan |
She had a great idea for the project |
Identify |
To recognize or name something |
Can you identify this bird? |
Ignore |
To not pay attention to something |
He ignored the noise outside |
Imagine |
To create a picture in your mind |
Imagine living in space! |
Important |
Having great significance |
Education is important for success |
Improve |
To make better |
She wants to improve her writing skills |
Include |
To contain as part of something |
The price includes taxes |
Increase |
To become greater |
The population has increased over the years |
Independent |
Not depending on others |
She is an independent person |
Inform |
To give information |
The teacher informed us about the test |
Inside |
The inner part of something |
The keys are inside the drawer |
Inspire |
To motivate or encourage |
His speech inspired many students |
Instant |
Happening immediately |
She got an instant reply |
Instead |
As an alternative |
He chose tea instead of coffee |
Interest |
A feeling of curiosity |
She has an interest in science |
International |
Relating to different countries |
She wants to work for an international company |
Introduce |
To present someone or something |
Let me introduce you to my friend |
Invent |
To create something new |
Thomas Edison invented the light bulb |
Invest |
To put money or effort into something |
He invested in a new business |
Involve |
To include as part of something |
The project involves teamwork |
Simple English Words Starting with J
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Job |
Work done for money |
He got a new job as a teacher |
Join |
To become a part of something |
She joined the dance club |
Joke |
A funny statement |
He told a hilarious joke |
Journey |
A trip from one place to another |
The journey took five hours |
Joy |
A feeling of happiness |
She felt great joy on her graduation day |
Judge |
To form an opinion |
Don’t judge a book by its cover |
Jump |
To push oneself off the ground |
The kids jumped on the trampoline |
Just |
Fair or reasonable |
The decision was just and fair |
Justice |
The quality of being fair |
Everyone deserves justice |
Jealous |
Feeling resentment over someone’s success |
He felt jealous of his friend’s new car |
Joint |
A point where two things are connected |
The knee joint is very important for movement |
Journal |
A daily record of activities |
She writes in her journal every night |
Junior |
A lower rank or younger person |
He is a junior engineer at the company |
Juggle |
To manage many tasks at once |
She juggles work and studies efficiently |
Jumpy |
Nervous or easily startled |
He felt jumpy before the test |
Jumbo |
Very large in size |
They ordered a jumbo pizza |
Justify |
To give a reason for something |
She justified her decision with facts |
Jolly |
Cheerful and happy |
He is always in a jolly mood |
Jigsaw |
A puzzle with interlocking pieces |
The kids completed the jigsaw puzzle |
English Talking Words Starting with K
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Keep |
To hold or retain something |
Please keep your phone on silent |
Kind |
Being nice and considerate |
She is always kind to animals |
Knowledge |
Information or understanding |
His knowledge of history is impressive |
Key |
Something important or a tool to unlock |
Hard work is the key to success |
Kid |
A young child |
The kid was playing in the park |
Kill |
To end a life |
Pollution is killing marine life |
Kick |
To hit something with the foot |
He kicked the football into the goal |
Knock |
To hit a surface to make noise |
He knocked on the door before entering |
Kitchen |
A room where food is prepared |
She is cooking in the kitchen |
Kingdom |
A country ruled by a king or queen |
The kingdom was known for its wealth |
Knee |
The joint between the thigh and lower leg |
He injured his knee while running |
Know |
To have information |
Do you know the answer? |
Kindness |
The quality of being kind |
Kindness makes the world a better place |
Kite |
A light frame covered with paper that flies in the wind |
The kids were flying kites in the sky |
Kit |
A set of tools or equipment |
He bought a new first aid kit |
Kettle |
A container used to boil water |
She made tea using a kettle |
Knot |
A twisted loop of string or rope |
He tied a knot in the rope |
Kangaroo |
A hopping animal native to Australia |
Kangaroos are found in the wild in Australia |
Keyboard |
A set of keys used for typing |
He bought a new keyboard for his computer |
Common English Words for Studying Abroad Starting with L
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Laugh |
To make a happy sound |
She laughed at the joke |
Learn |
To gain knowledge |
She is learning French |
Large |
Bigger than usual |
They bought a large pizza |
Light |
A source of brightness |
The sun gives us light |
Listen |
To hear carefully |
Please listen to the teacher |
Like |
To enjoy something |
I like reading books |
Look |
To see something |
Look at that beautiful sunset! |
Love |
A strong feeling of affection |
She loves her family |
Leave |
To go away from a place |
They will leave for Paris tomorrow |
Letter |
A written message or a character in the alphabet |
She wrote a letter to her friend |
Lucky |
Having good fortune |
He was lucky to win the lottery |
Life |
The state of being alive |
Life is full of surprises |
List |
A series of items |
She made a shopping list |
Little |
Small in size |
She has a little puppy |
Leader |
A person who guides others |
A good leader listens to their team |
Library |
A place with many books |
She borrowed a book from the library |
Language |
A system of communication |
English is a global language |
Long |
Measuring a great distance |
The road is very long |
Local |
Related to a nearby area |
He supports local businesses |
English Talking Words Starting with M
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Make |
To create or produce something |
She will make a cake for the party |
Move |
To change position |
Please move the chair closer to the table |
Meet |
To come together with someone |
I will meet my friend at the café |
Money |
A medium of exchange used to buy goods |
He saved money for his vacation |
Moment |
A very short period of time |
Wait a moment, please |
Morning |
The early part of the day |
I wake up early in the morning |
Mother |
A female parent |
My mother is a great cook |
Market |
A place where goods are bought and sold |
We went to the market to buy vegetables |
Music |
Sounds arranged in a pattern to create melody |
She loves listening to music |
Machine |
A device used to perform a task |
The washing machine is broken |
Message |
A written or spoken communication |
I sent a message to my friend |
Mind |
The thinking part of a person |
Keep an open mind when learning new things |
Mistake |
An error |
I made a mistake in my exam |
Modern |
Relating to the present time |
The house has a modern design |
Mountain |
A large natural elevation of the earth’s surface |
Mount Everest is the highest mountain |
Member |
A person who belongs to a group |
She is a member of the school club |
Method |
A way of doing something |
He used a new method to solve the problem |
Month |
A unit of time with about 30 days |
This month has been very busy |
Map |
A visual representation of an area |
He looked at the map to find the way |
Common English Words for Studying Abroad Starting with N
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Name |
A word used to identify a person or thing |
What is your name? |
Near |
Close to something |
The school is near my house |
Need |
To require something |
I need a glass of water |
Night |
The time when it is dark outside |
We went for a walk at night |
Never |
Not at any time |
I have never seen such a big cake |
Notice |
To become aware of something |
Did you notice the new sign? |
Number |
A mathematical value |
Please write down your phone number |
Nice |
Pleasant or kind |
She is a very nice person |
Normal |
Usual or expected |
It is normal to feel nervous before a test |
Nation |
A country or a large group of people |
India is a diverse nation |
Natural |
Existing in nature |
This park has a lot of natural beauty |
Noise |
Unwanted or loud sound |
The noise from the traffic is too loud |
Narrow |
Not wide |
The road is very narrow |
New |
Recently made or discovered |
I bought a new laptop |
Now |
At this moment |
We need to leave now |
Next |
Coming immediately after |
The next train arrives in 10 minutes |
Nothing |
Not anything |
There is nothing in the fridge |
North |
One of the four cardinal directions |
Canada is to the north of the USA |
Notice |
To pay attention to something |
She didn’t notice the sign |
Simple Words Starting with O
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Object |
A thing that can be seen or touched |
She picked up a small object from the ground |
Observe |
To watch carefully |
Scientists observe stars through telescopes |
Offer |
To present something for acceptance |
He offered me a cup of tea |
Office |
A place where people work |
She works in an office downtown |
Often |
Frequently or many times |
I often visit my grandparents |
Open |
Not closed |
Please leave the window open |
Order |
A request for something to be made or delivered |
I placed an order for a pizza |
Ordinary |
Normal or usual |
It was just an ordinary day |
Outside |
The outer area of something |
The kids are playing outside |
Opinion |
A belief or view about something |
Everyone has a different opinion on politics |
Opportunity |
A chance to do something |
This job is a great opportunity for me |
Organize |
To arrange things properly |
She helped organize the event |
Original |
The first of its kind |
This is the original painting by the artist |
Other |
Different or another |
Do you have any other questions? |
Over |
Above or across something |
The plane flew over the city |
Owner |
A person who owns something |
He is the owner of this restaurant |
Obvious |
Easy to see or understand |
It is obvious that she is happy |
Ocean |
A large body of saltwater |
The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean |
Offer |
To give someone the choice to accept something |
He offered to help me with my project |
English Simple Words Starting with P
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Place |
A location or position |
This is a great place to live. |
People |
Humans or persons |
There were many people at the concert |
Problem |
A difficulty or challenge |
We need to solve this problem quickly |
Public |
Open to everyone |
This is a public park |
Possible |
Able to be done |
Is it possible to finish the project today? |
Parent |
A mother or father |
My parents are very supportive |
Present |
A gift or something happening now |
She gave me a birthday present |
Price |
The cost of something |
What is the price of this book? |
Plan |
A detailed proposal for achieving something |
We need a plan for our trip |
Protect |
To keep safe from harm |
Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun |
Product |
Something made or produced |
This company sells quality products |
Perfect |
Without flaws or mistakes |
The weather is perfect today |
Power |
Strength or ability to do something |
The president has a lot of power |
Promise |
A commitment to do something |
He made a promise to help me |
Picture |
An image or photograph |
I took a picture of the sunset |
Practice |
The act of doing something repeatedly to improve |
You need more practice to become better |
Patient |
A person receiving medical care |
The doctor checked on the patient |
Police |
Officers who enforce the law |
The police arrested the suspect |
Purpose |
The reason something is done |
What is the purpose of this meeting? |
Daily Use Words Starting with Q
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Quick |
Fast or speedy |
She gave a quick response |
Quiet |
Making little or no noise |
Please be quiet in the library |
Question |
A sentence asking for information |
Do you have any questions? |
Quality |
The standard of something |
This brand is known for high quality |
Quantity |
The amount of something |
The quantity of sugar needed is two spoons |
Queen |
The female ruler of a country |
The queen lives in a palace |
Quarter |
One-fourth of something |
A quarter of the cake is left |
Quite |
To a large extent |
She is quite happy with her job |
Quickly |
At a fast speed |
Finish your homework quickly |
Quit |
To stop doing something |
He decided to quit his job |
Questionable |
Doubtful or uncertain |
His excuse was questionable |
Quote |
A famous saying or phrase |
I love this quote from Shakespeare |
Quarrel |
An argument or disagreement |
They had a quarrel over money |
Qualification |
A skill or certification needed for a job |
You need a qualification to apply |
Queue |
A line of people waiting |
We stood in a queue at the bus stop |
Quench |
To satisfy thirst |
Drinking water quenches thirst |
Quota |
A fixed share of something |
The company met its sales quota |
Quicksand |
Loose wet sand that can swallow objects |
Be careful of quicksand near the river |
Quiver |
To shake slightly |
His hands quivered from the cold |
Common English Words for Studying Abroad Starting with V
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Value |
The worth of something |
The value of gold is high |
Various |
Different kinds |
There are various options available |
Vehicle |
A means of transportation |
He bought a new vehicle |
Very |
To a high degree |
She is very intelligent |
View |
A sight or opinion |
The view from the hill is beautiful |
Victory |
Winning a competition or battle |
Their victory was well deserved |
Visit |
To go see someone or someplace |
I will visit my grandmother this weekend |
Vital |
Extremely important |
Water is vital for life |
Voice |
The sound we make when speaking |
Her voice is very soft |
Vote |
To choose a leader or decision |
Citizens vote in elections |
Volume |
The amount of space something takes |
The volume of this bottle is 1 liter |
Volunteer |
A person who helps without pay |
She volunteers at the hospital |
Variety |
A selection of different things |
This store offers a variety of fruits |
Vacation |
A break from work or school |
We went on vacation to Spain |
Visible |
Able to be seen |
The moon is visible at night |
Village |
A small town |
My grandparents live in a village |
Verify |
To check if something is true |
Please verify your details |
Vast |
Very large in size |
The desert is vast and empty |
Vision |
The ability to see or imagine something |
He has a clear vision for the future |
Common English Words for Studying Abroad Starting with W
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Walk |
To move on foot |
I walk to school every day |
Want |
To desire something |
I want a new phone |
Warm |
Having a mild heat |
The weather is warm today |
Water |
A clear liquid necessary for life |
Drink plenty of water |
Way |
A method or direction |
This is the best way to do it |
Wealth |
A large amount of money or assets |
He built his wealth through business |
Weather |
The condition of the atmosphere |
The weather is sunny today |
Welcome |
A greeting or acceptance |
You are welcome to join us |
Well |
In a good way |
She is doing well in her studies |
Win |
To succeed in a competition |
Our team won the match |
Wide |
Covering a large area |
The river is very wide |
Wise |
Having good judgment |
He gave me wise advice |
Work |
To do a job or task |
I work at a software company |
World |
The planet we live on |
The world is full of wonders |
Worth |
Having value |
This painting is worth a lot |
Write |
To put words on paper |
Please write your name here |
Wrong |
Not correct |
That answer is wrong |
Wonder |
To think curiously about something |
I wonder what will happen next |
Worry |
To feel anxious about something |
Don’t worry, everything will be fine |
Common English Words Starting with X
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
X-ray |
A type of radiation used in medical imaging |
The doctor took an X-ray of my hand |
Xenon |
A chemical element used in lamps |
Xenon lights are very bright |
Xerox |
A copy of a document |
I need a xerox of this paper |
Xylophone |
A musical instrument with wooden bars |
The child played the xylophone in school |
Xenophobia |
Dislike of foreigners |
Xenophobia is harmful to society |
X-axis |
The horizontal axis in a graph |
The points are plotted on the X-axis |
Xmas |
Another word for Christmas |
We celebrate Xmas with family |
X-factor |
A special quality that makes someone unique |
She has the X-factor for success |
X-ray machine |
A device that takes X-ray images |
The airport has an X-ray machine for security |
Xeno- |
A prefix meaning foreign |
The study of aliens is called xenology |
Common English Words for Studying Abroad Starting with Y
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Year |
A period of 12 months |
This year has been great! |
Yellow |
A bright color |
She wore a yellow dress |
Yes |
A word used to agree |
Yes, I will join the meeting |
Yesterday |
The day before today |
I met him yesterday |
Young |
Not old |
He is a young athlete |
Yourself |
Referring to you |
Take care of yourself |
Yard |
An outdoor area |
The kids played in the yard |
Yawn |
To open the mouth when tired |
She yawned during the lecture |
Yield |
To produce something |
The farm yields a lot of crops |
Youth |
The time of being young |
Youth is full of energy |
Yoga |
A form of exercise |
I practice yoga every morning |
Yummy |
Tasty or delicious |
The cake is so yummy! |
Yearly |
Happening once a year |
This is a yearly event |
Yacht |
A small boat |
They own a luxury yacht |
Yolk |
The yellow part of an egg |
The yolk is rich in protein |
Yell |
To shout loudly |
He yelled for help |
Yarn |
Thread used for knitting |
She bought some yarn for her sweater |
Yahoo |
An expression of excitement |
Yahoo! We won the game |
Yet |
Until now |
I haven’t finished yet |
Common English Words Starting with Z
Word |
Meaning |
Usage Example |
Zebra |
A black-and-white striped animal |
The zebra ran across the field |
Zero |
The number 0 |
He scored zero points in the game |
Zigzag |
A pattern of sharp turns |
The road has a zigzag path |
Zip |
To close with a zipper |
Please zip up your jacket |
Zoom |
To move quickly |
The car zoomed past us |
Zone |
An area with a specific purpose |
This is a no-parking zone |
Zenith |
The highest point |
The sun reached its zenith at noon |
Zeal |
Great enthusiasm |
She has a zeal for learning |
Zest |
Great excitement or energy |
He has a zest for adventure |
Zombie |
A fictional undead creature |
The movie was about zombies |
Zipper |
A device used to fasten clothes |
The zipper on my jacket is broken |
Zillion |
A very large number |
I have a zillion things to do today! |
Zodiac |
A system of astrology based on birth dates |
My zodiac sign is Leo |
Zinc |
A metallic element |
Zinc is used in batteries |
Zap |
To destroy or move quickly |
The microwave zaps food in seconds |
Zookeeper |
A person who takes care of animals in a zoo |
The zookeeper fed the lions |
Zany |
Funny or crazy |
His jokes are always zany! |
How To Use Good Vocabulary in Your IELTS Exam?
A strong vocabulary helps you achieve a high score in the IELTS exam. Knowing the basic English vocabulary for daily communication will help you communicate ideas clearly, avoid repetition, and demonstrate language proficiency.
Here’s how you can effectively use important English words for students:
- Use Precise Words: Avoid vague or repetitive words. Instead of saying “good,” say “excellent” or “outstanding.”
- Expand Your Lexicon: Read books, articles, and research papers to learn new words and their usage.
- Practice Synonyms: IELTS examiners value variety. Instead of using “important” repeatedly, try “crucial,” “essential,” or “significant.”
- Be Contextually Aware: Use words appropriately. For example, “discuss” fits better in academic writing, while “talk about” is more conversational.
- Apply Words in Writing & Speaking: Regularly incorporate new words in essays and discussions to make them a natural part of your vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it important to learn common English words before studying abroad?
Learning common English words before studying abroad is important because it helps you effectively communicate in daily situations, navigate academic environments, and interact with locals.
2. What are the best methods for learning and memorizing common English words?
These are some of the best methods for learning and memorizing common English words include:
- Using flashcards
- Creating associations with mnemonics
- Putting words into context through sentences
- Using spaced repetition techniques
3. How do these words help in passing English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL?
These words are important for passing English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL because they form the foundation of language comprehension and expression.
4. What role does vocabulary play in writing and speaking fluently in English?
Vocabulary is one of the key building blocks in learning a new language. The more words a learner knows the more they will be able to understand. Plus, they will be better they will become at communicating in speech or writing.
5. How can students test their knowledge of these common English words?
You can engage in these activities
- Taking multiple-choice quizzes
- Matching words with their definitions
- Filling in the blanks in sentences
- Creating sentences using specific words
- Playing vocabulary-based games
- Participating in timed word-spelling exercises
6. How can knowing basic English words help in part-time jobs while studying abroad?
English is the primary language used in companies with international presence or clients abroad. It will give you a competitive advantage over others to work with teams worldwide and apply to any internal promotion or external positions abroad.
7. Can learning common English words help in emergency situations abroad?
Yes, learning common English words can be extremely helpful in emergency situations abroad. It is the language of international communication.
8. What strategies can be used to remember and apply these words in real life?
Use these strategies to apply these words in real life:
- Use memory techniques
- Learn from real-life situations
- Put the words in context
- Create a learning environment
- Focus on useful words
- Make it interactive
- Repeat and then repeat some more
- Take it to the next level
- Use mnemonics