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Don't confuse these
Jealous
Afraid of losing something you already have.
He got jealous when she spent the evening talking to someone else.
Envious
Wanting something that someone else has.
I'm envious of her ability to fall asleep anywhere.
Jealousy is about keeping. Envy is about wanting. Everyday speech blurs them, but careful writing keeps them apart.
Learn the differenceQuick practice
Your _____ that I would agree was unwarranted.
Full word pageSay this, not that
She was very careful with the wording.
She was meticulous with the wording.
Careful about detail.
Stop saying “very”Everyday word
To improve something by making small changes.
Many valuable nutrients are refined out of the foods in our modern diet.
Where you'll meet it: B1 · verb
Full word pageUsage insight
Naming emotions precisely, distinguishing “frustrated” from “resentful,” or “content” from “elated”, helps you communicate more clearly and, often, understand your own reactions better.
Read the lessonWord in context
To open something that was folded, or to develop over time.
A walk through town will unfold many interesting buildings.
How it's used: C1 · verb
Full word pageWord worth knowing
Unable to stay still or relax.
Why it's useful: B2 · adjective
Full word pageA better word
good (person)
kind
Warm towards other people.
Better ways to say “good”Quick practice
The _____ of the forest after the fire was surprisingly rapid.
Full word pageDon't confuse these
Their
Belonging to them.
Their car is blocking the driveway.
There
In that place.
Put the boxes over there.
They're
Short for 'they are'.
They're waiting outside.
Their shows ownership, there points to a place, and they're is two words squeezed into one.
Learn the differenceUsage insight
Sleepy or drowsy means you want to sleep. Worn out and drained mean your energy is used up. Exhausted is extremely tired, and burned out means long-term tiredness from too much stress or work.
Read the lessonWord worth knowing
Kindness in welcoming guests or strangers.
Why it's useful: B2 · noun
Full word pageDon't confuse these
Affect
To influence or change something.
The rain affected our plans.
Effect
The result of a change.
The rain had an effect on our plans.
Affect is the action. Effect is the result of that action. If you can put 'the' or 'an' in front of it, you want effect.
Learn the differenceQuick practice
The airline _____ to more fuel-efficient jets.
Full word page