People: English Vocabulary List

a person whom one knows but is not a close friend

"She is an acquaintance."

"I recognized the man from the gym, but he was only a casual acquaintance, not a close friend."

a person, typically a child, who demonstrates exceptional talent or ability in a particular area, often beyond what is considered normal for their age

"The prodigy played brilliantly."

"The musical prodigy performed complex compositions before international audiences at fourteen."

a person who claims to have the ability to perceive events or objects beyond normal sensory capabilities

"She is clairvoyant."

"She claims to be a clairvoyant who can see future events and read minds."

(of a person) physically attractive with large muscles

"He is buff."

"The lifeguard was buff with broad shoulders and a muscular chest and the teenagers on the beach giggled whenever he walked by."

an influential individual who inspires or enlightens others

"She is a luminary."

"The renowned scientist, a true luminary in her field, inspired countless students with her groundbreaking research."

a person who behaves in a ridiculous or amusing way, often to entertain others

"He acted like buffoon."

"He acted like a complete buffoon and made everyone laugh during the party."

a wanderer who has no settled place to live and travels from place to place

"Old vagabond traveled."

"The old vagabond traveled from town to town without a permanent home for many years."

an individual who illegally and secretly imports or exports goods or people

"The smuggler hid drugs inside the truck."

"The smuggler hid the illegal goods inside a false compartment in his truck to avoid detection."

an individual, typically within a family setting, responsible for managing household tasks to create a comfortable and functional living environment

"My grandmother worked as a homemaker."

"She is a dedicated homemaker who takes care of her family and house every day."

a person who visits unknown places to find out more about them

"The explorer traveled to remote lands."

"The brave explorer traveled to many unknown places around the world."

a male resident of a town or city, typically emphasizing a person's connection to and involvement in local community affairs

"Local townsman spoke."

"The local townsman spoke about the history of the small village with great pride."

all the people who will come after the current generation

"We must preserve the environment for posterity."

"We must protect the environment for posterity and future generations."

a military unit with a specific organizational structure and operational role within an army

"The army regiment marched in formation."

"The army regiment marched perfectly during the national parade last week."

a military stronghold where soldiers are stationed for defense

"The garrison held the fort against the enemy for many days."

"A garrison is a permanent military base housing troops assigned to defend a specific strategic location"

a group of people, animals, or vehicles moving ahead in an organized formation

"A funeral procession moved slowly."

"The long funeral procession moved slowly through the town streets."

a carefully arranged group of people or things brought together for a particular purpose

"The suspect was identified in a lineup."

"The police asked the witness to identify the thief in the lineup."

the general population or a large group of people within a society considered collectively

"The candidate appealed to the masses."

"The politician's speech appealed to the masses rather than addressing specific policy details."

the minimum number of people that must be present for a meeting to officially begin or for decisions to be made

"The meeting lacked a quorum."

"The committee postponed voting because a legal quorum was not present yesterday."

a procession or parade, typically consisting of a series of vehicles, horses, or people

"A cavalcade of cars followed the president."

"A colorful cavalcade of horses and carriages passed through the historic town square."

a fake name people use for certain activities

"The author wrote under a pseudonym."

"The writer used a pseudonym to hide his real identity from readers."

a nickname or alias that someone or something is known by, often used informally or affectionately

"His moniker is "Speedy" because he runs fast."

"His friends gave him the funny moniker “Speedy” because he always walks very fast."

influenced or controlled by a demon or spirit

"She seems possessed."

"The possessed man spoke in a strange voice and the priest performed an exorcism to drive out the evil spirit."

famous and admired by many people

"The doctor is renowned."

"The renowned chef opened a new restaurant in the city and food critics from all over the world came to review it."

to experience a reddening of the skin, typically in the face, due to emotions like embarrassment, excitement, or strong reactions

"He felt a flush."

"A nervous flush spread across her cheeks as she stepped onto the stage to accept the award."

to stare openly and foolishly

"Do not gawk at strangers."

"The tourists stopped to gawk at the famous celebrity who was shopping in the expensive boutique store."

(of individuals or communities) to be present in a particular area

"Settlers populated the new land."

"The new housing development will populate the previously empty area with thousands of new residents over the next few years."

to help end a dispute between people by trying to find something on which everyone agrees

"He mediated the dispute between friends."

"The United Nations sent a diplomat to mediate the peace talks between the two warring countries."

to attempt to repair something in an experimental or unskilled way

"He tinkers with old radios."

"My grandfather likes to tinker with old clocks and radios in his workshop as a relaxing hobby."

to voluntarily relinquish or give up a right, claim, or privilege

"The school waived the application fee."

"The university decided to waive the application fee for students from low income families to encourage more people to apply."

to put on clothing

"Don your coat before leaving."

"Before entering the sterile laboratory the scientist had to don a white coat gloves and a protective face mask."

to talk a lot about unimportant things and in a way that may seem foolish

"The child prattled on about his toys."

"The toddler continued to prattle on about his day at the park without noticing that his mother was not really listening to every word he said."

to try to make someone love one, especially for marriage

"He woos her with flowers and gifts."

"The young man tried to woo his girlfriend by writing her romantic poems and sending her flowers every week."

to romantically pursue someone by expressing interest and affection to establish a relationship

"He courted her for years."

"The young man spent several months trying to court the woman he loved by bringing her flowers and gifts."

an individual with whom one has established a professional or personal relationship, typically for the purpose of obtaining information, assistance, etc.

"I lost contact with my old friend."

"Please make contact with the client as soon as possible to discuss the new project details."

someone who is deeply interested in and well-informed about a particular topic

"He is a movie buff."

"As a dedicated history buff, she spent hours researching obscure facts for her documentary project."

a person who illegally hunts or catches wildlife, typically for profit or personal gain

"Illegal poacher caught."

"The illegal poacher was caught hunting protected animals in the national park last week."

someone who engages in a study, sport, or activity for pleasure or personal interest rather than as a profession or for financial gain

"He is an amateur photographer."

"Despite being an amateur, his dedication to painting was evident in every brushstroke."

a person who is too ill or disabled to care for themselves or participate in normal activities

"The invalid stayed in bed."

"The long-term care facility is designed to support the needs of the invalid."

someone who aggressively promotes or imposes their religious beliefs on others, often without sensitivity to cultural or personal differences

"The missionary shared his beliefs."

"His zealous approach as a missionary alienated many of the local inhabitants."

a group of people with a shared characteristic, often studied or observed over a period of time

"His cohort helped."

"His loyal cohort helped him during the difficult political campaign last year."

a small group of people in a society who enjoy a lot of advantages because of their economic, intellectual, etc. superiority

"The elite group meets in private."

"The elite military unit underwent the most rigorous training program in the armed forces."

someone who acts or serves as a substitute or representative on behalf of another person or entity, often in a legal or formal capacity

"He acted as a surrogate father."

"The surrogate mother carried the baby for the couple who could not have children."

a group of individuals, especially within a community or social setting

"Hello, folks!"

"The entire group of folks gathered together for the annual town meeting."

(of a person) not known by name

"The donation was anonymous."

"The generous donation came from an anonymous source who did not want any recognition for the kind act."

relating to young people who have not reached adulthood yet

"That is a juvenile joke."

"The comedian's juvenile jokes about bodily functions amused the children but the adults in the audience found them tasteless and boring."

having a great amount of bravery, charisma, and a sense of adventure

"The hero is swashbuckling."

"The swashbuckling hero fought pirates with a sword and the audience cheered as he saved the princess from danger."

to give someone or something a nickname, often to show affection or to highlight a specific trait

"Dub him 'King'."

"The fans affectionately dub their charismatic leader 'The Maestro'."

to receive money, property, etc. from someone who has passed away

"She inherits a house from her grandmother."

"When his grandfather died he was surprised to inherit a large house and a considerable amount of money."

to direct or participate in the management, organization, or execution of something

"They conduct the meeting."

"The orchestra conductor will conduct the symphony with precision and passion."

to take responsibility for something and start to do it

"She will undertake a huge project."

"The scientist decided to undertake a dangerous expedition to study the effects of climate change in Antarctica."

to go somewhere with someone

"I will accompany you home."

"The father agreed to accompany his young daughter to the school dance because she was nervous about going alone."