Simple words with advanced meanings
- Irina
- Mar 21, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 22, 2023
We often think that 'high-level' words have to look unfamiliar and be difficult to pronounce. Yet, some of the very basic words have less common and more 'advanced' meanings (that's the level of vocabulary Advanced and Proficiency-level speakers are expected to have). You will find some of those words below (but please note, most of these words have other meanings and uses as well).
1. Minute
A1 (noun) - a period of time equal to sixty seconds
It takes me 20 minutes to get to work.
I’ll meet you at the car in five minutes.
C2 (adjective) - extremely small /maɪˈnjuːt/
The substance is so toxic that even a minute dose of it could be fatal.
The print was so minute I nearly went blind reading it.
2. Sport
A1 (noun) - a game, competition, or activity needing physical effort and skill, that is played or done according to rules, for enjoyment and/or as a job
What's your favourite sport?
She used to do/play a lot of sports when she was younger.
C2 (verb) to have or wear something in a proud way
She was sporting a T-shirt with the company's logo on it.
Back in the 1960s he sported platform heels and hair down past his shoulders.
3. Exercise
A2 (noun) - physical activity that you do to make your body strong and healthy
You really should take more exercise.
I don't get much exercise sitting in the office all day.
C2 (verb) - use your power, rights or personal qualities in order to achieve something
He was a man who exercised considerable influence over people.
When she appeared in court she exercised the right to remain silent.
4. Match
A2 (noun) - a sports competition or event in which two people or teams compete against each other
They’re preparing for a big match tomorrow.
I'll probably watch the match on TV.
C1 (noun) - a person who is equal to somebody else in strength, skill, intelligence, etc.
A lot of kids who are used to being the smartest student in school are a little shell-shocked when they meet their match in college.
Stevenson used to be the dominant player on the tour, but it looks like she has finally met her match in the young newcomer.
5. Stand
A2 (verb) - to support yourself on your feet or be in an upright position
It looks like we’ll have to stand – there are no seats left.
People stood waiting for a bus in the rain.
B2 (noun) - an opinion, especially one that is public
What is your stand on gender equality?
He has avoided taking a firm stand.
C2 (verb) - to have a particular attitude or opinion about something or towards somebody
Where does he stand on foreign policy issues?
6. Question
A1 (noun) - a sentence, phrase or word that asks for information
You didn't answer my question.
Does anyone have any questions?
B2 (verb) - to express doubts about the value or truth of something
I seriously question his ability to do his job.
No one dared to question his decisions.
7. Milk
A1 (noun) - a white liquid produced by cows or goats that is drunk by people
Would you like some milk in your tea?
Drinking milk keeps your bones strong.
C2 (verb) - to get as much money or as many advantages as you can from a situation, in a very determined and sometimes dishonest way
He seems to be milking the incident for all it’s worth
If the press hear about this, they will milk the story for weeks.
8. Water
A1 (noun) - a liquid without colour, smell or taste that falls as rain, is in lakes, rivers and seas, and is used for drinking, washing, etc.
Is there enough hot water for a bath?
Does anyone want a drink of water?
B2 (verb) - to pour water on to plants or the soil that they are growing in
I've asked my neighbour to water the plants while I'm away.
C2 (verb) - produce saliva
The smells from the kitchen made our mouths water.
9. See
Turn the light on so I can see.
The moment we saw the house, we knew we wanted to buy it.
Please see that the lights are switched off before you leave.
It’s up to you to see that the job’s done properly.
10. Say
A1 (verb) - to pronounce words or sounds, to express a thought, opinion, or suggestion, or to state a fact or instruction
Small children find it difficult to say long words.
She said goodbye to all her friends and left.
C1 (noun) - the right to influence something by giving your opinion before a decision is made
We had no say in the decision to sell the company.
People want a greater say in local government.
11. Still
A2 (adverb) - continuing to happen or to be done
I'm still hungry.
I can still remember them.
B2 (adjective) - not moving, calm and quiet
Keep still while I brush your hair.
The air was so still that not even the leaves were moving.
12. Will
A2 (auxiliary verb) - used to talk about something that is going to happen in the future
I’m sure the party will be a big success.
A meeting will be held next Tuesday at 3 p.m.
C1 (noun) - what someone wants to happen
She claims the police forced her to sign the confession against her will.
He accused her of trying to impose her will on others.
The definitions and examples in this post are borrowed and adapted from various online dictionaries.
If you feel like you are not getting enough speaking practice, here is an information leaflet about the conversation course you could join:
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