Check out our mini English Dictionary to learn the most important words in English!
What English words do you need to learn?
We’ve made a list of the most important (the most common) words in English, alphabetically and by level of English. Each page is divided into four lists: Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate and Advanced. Make sure you know all the words at one level before you go to the next level.
How can you use the mini English Dictionary?
You can use our English Dictionary to check the meaning of a word, or to check your overall understanding of English vocabulary.
Each word in the dictionary has a definition, and most of the words also have example sentences. Other parts of the word (ie noun, verb, adjective, opposite adjective) are also included.
Click on the page below “Words Starting with A in English” to get started!
Words Starting with A in English
How to use an English dictionary
You can use an English dictionary to check the spelling, pronunciation and stress, grammatical information, formality and use in context of a word. For more information, check out our article:
How to use an English dictionary
Buying an English dictionary
If you want to buy a dictionary, make sure it’s going to be useful for you. Here are some recommendations:
Make sure it’s up-to-date
Check the edition to be sure the dictionary is recent. English changes quickly and you want to be certain that recent words are in there.
Make sure you can understand the definitions
Is the dictionary easy to read? Read a couple of definitions at random so you know if you’ll be able to use it.
Check for other useful information
Some dictionaries give you information about the formality of a word, or if it’s particularly British or American, spoken or written. These are useful details because they help you use the word with more confidence.
Recommended dictionaries
The dictionary I always use is the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English. It’s packed with useful details like commonly confused words, and the definitions and example sentences are always clear.
You can buy it here.
Another useful dictionary is the Longman Essential Activator. This dictionary suggests synonyms and more precise vocabulary for the concept you’re trying to find.
