Max Vocab

This TOEFL vocabulary list has 4500 words. It is particularly useful when test day is coming, and you are planning to review TOEFL words in a short time frame.

Max Vocab Icon

Study on Your Phone

Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play

TOEFL 4500 - Set 13

(300 words)
WordPOSDefinition
intellect
noun
The ability to think and understand
intent
noun
Purpose or plan
interact
verb
To communicate or engage with others
interest
noun
A feeling of wanting to learn more about something
internship
noun
A temporary position with an emphasis on on-the-job training rather than merely employment
interplay
noun
The way in which two or more things have an effect on each other
interpret
verb
To explain the meaning of something
intersection
noun
A point or line where two or more things cross each other
interstellar
adj.
Occurring or situated between stars
interval
noun
A space between two things or a gap in time between events
intoxication
noun
The state of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
intriguing
adj.
Arousing curiosity or interest
intuitive
adj.
Easy to understand without needing explanation
invertebrate
noun
An animal lacking a backbone
invitation
noun
A request to attend or participate in something
involve
verb
To include as a necessary part or result
ironic
adj.
Happening in a way opposite to what is expected, often causing wry amusement.
ironically
adv.
In a way that is opposite to what is expected
irony
noun
A situation or statement where the actual outcome or meaning is opposite to what is expected or intended.
isolated
adj.
Far away from other places or people
ivory
noun
A hard, white material from the tusks of elephants and other animals
jaw
noun
The part of the skull that frames the mouth and holds the teeth
jeans
noun
Casual pants made from denim fabric
jelly
noun
A sweet, soft, and elastic food made by boiling sugar and fruit juice
jeopardize
verb
To put at risk or in danger
jewelry
noun
Decorative items worn for personal adornment, usually made from precious metals and stones
jog
verb
To run at a slow, steady pace
joint
noun
A point where two bones are connected in the body
journal
noun
A daily record of news and events
juice
noun
Liquid extracted from fruits or vegetables
Jupiter
justice
noun
The quality of being fair and reasonable
keen
adj.
Having a sharp edge or point
kennel
noun
A shelter for dogs
kernel
noun
The central or most important part of something
kerosene
noun
A flammable liquid derived from petroleum, used as fuel
kiln
noun
A furnace or oven for burning, baking, or drying, especially for firing pottery, bricks, or ceramics.
kinetic
adj.
Related to motion
label
noun
A piece of paper, plastic, or other material attached to an object and giving information about it
laboratory
noun
A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching.
lace
noun
A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern
landing
noun
The act of coming down to the ground or another surface
landmass
noun
A large continuous extent of land.
landscape
noun
Visible features of an area of land, often considered in terms of their aesthetic appeal
larva
noun
The immature form of an insect that undergoes metamorphosis
laser
noun
A device that emits a focused beam of light through the process of optical amplification.
latent
adj.
Existing but not yet developed or manifest
Latin
latter
adj.
Referring to the second of two things mentioned
laundry
noun
Clothes and linens that need to be washed or have been washed
laureate
noun
A person honored with an award for outstanding achievement
lava
noun
Molten rock expelled by a volcano
lay
verb
To put something down carefully
layer
noun
A sheet, quantity, or thickness of material, typically one of several, covering a surface or body.
layout
noun
The way in which parts of something are arranged
leap
verb
To jump or spring a long way, to a great height, or with great force
leather
noun
Material made from animal skin
leftover
noun
Remaining food after a meal
legend
noun
A traditional story sometimes regarded as historical but not authenticated
legible
adj.
Clear enough to be read
legislation
noun
Laws collectively
legislature
noun
A group of people with the authority to make or change laws.
leisure
noun
Free time
lens
noun
A piece of glass or other transparent material with curved sides for concentrating or dispersing light rays.
lethargy
noun
A state of sluggishness or lack of energy
lettuce
noun
A leafy green vegetable often used in salads
level
noun
A specific height or layer
liberty
noun
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions
librarian
noun
A person responsible for managing a library
license
noun
Official permission to do something
lichen
noun
A composite organism made up of a fungus and an alga living together in symbiosis
lightning
noun
A natural electrical discharge in the atmosphere
likewise
adv.
In the same way
limb
noun
An arm or leg of a person or an appendage of an animal
lime
noun
A small, green citrus fruit known for its acidic juice
linear
adj.
Arranged in or extending along a straight or nearly straight line
linen
noun
A fabric made from flax fibers
linger
verb
To stay in a place longer than necessary, often without a clear purpose or reason
linguist
noun
A person skilled in languages
linguistic
adj.
Related to language or the study of language
lipid
noun
A type of organic compound that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, including fats, oils, and waxes.
literally
adv.
In a strict sense without exaggeration
literary
adj.
Relating to literature
literature
noun
Written works, especially those considered to have artistic value
lithosphere
noun
The rigid outer layer of the Earth
litter
noun
Waste materials carelessly discarded
livelihood
noun
A means of securing the necessities of life
livestock
noun
Animals raised for commercial purposes
lizard
noun
A reptile with a long body and tail, movable eyelids, and usually four legs.
load
verb
To put a large amount of something into or onto a vehicle, container, etc.
lobby
noun
A large entrance or reception area
locality
noun
A particular neighborhood or area
locally
adv.
In a particular area or neighborhood
locomotion
noun
The act or ability of moving from one place to another
locomotive
noun
A powered rail vehicle used for pulling trains.
lodge
verb
To become stuck or fixed in a particular place
lounge
verb
To relax or recline in a lazy manner
lower
adj.
Situated below or less in position, rank, or quality
loyal
adj.
Showing constant support or allegiance to a person or institution
lubricant
noun
A substance used to reduce friction between surfaces
lumber
verb
To move in a slow, heavy, awkward way
lunar
adj.
Relating to the moon
lush
adj.
Having a lot of green, healthy plants
luxury
noun
A state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense
machinery
noun
Machines collectively or the components of a machine
maglev
noun
A train that uses magnetic levitation to move without touching the ground
magma
noun
Molten rock beneath the Earth's surface
magnesium
noun
A chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12, known for being a light, silvery-white metal.
magnet
noun
An object that attracts iron and some other materials
magnetic
adj.
Having the properties of a magnet
magnify
verb
To make something appear larger than it is, especially with a lens or microscope
magnitude
noun
The size or extent of something
maintenance
noun
The process of keeping something in good condition
male
adj.
Relating to the sex that produces small, mobile gametes, especially sperm cells
mammal
noun
A warm-blooded vertebrate animal with hair or fur, females have mammary glands which produce milk for feeding young.
mammoth
noun
A large, extinct elephant
manage
verb
To be in charge of or control
manifest
adj.
Clear or obvious to the mind or eye
manner
noun
A way in which something is done or happens
mansion
noun
A large and impressive house
mantle
noun
A covering layer or cloak
manual
noun
A book or booklet that gives instructions or information
march
verb
To walk in a military manner with a regular measured tread
marked
adj.
Clearly noticeable or evident
market
noun
A place or area where goods are bought and sold
marsh
noun
An area of low-lying land that is flooded in wet seasons or at high tide, and typically remains waterlogged at all times.
marvel
verb
To be filled with wonder or astonishment
mask
noun
A covering for all or part of the face, worn as a disguise, for protection, or for entertainment
mason
noun
A person skilled in building with stone, brick, or concrete
mast
noun
A tall vertical pole on a ship or boat that supports the sails
mat
noun
A piece of material placed on a floor for wiping feet or as a protective layer.
match
verb
To be equal to something in quality, amount, or value
mate
noun
A friend or companion
material
noun
Substance or matter from which something is made
mature
adj.
Fully developed physically; full-grown.
maturity
noun
The state of being fully developed
maximum
noun
The highest or greatest amount, extent, or degree possible.
meager
adj.
Lacking in quantity or quality; insufficient; scanty.
meantime
noun
The period between two events
measure
verb
To determine the size, amount, or degree of something using an instrument or device.
mechanic
noun
A person who repairs and maintains machinery
mechanism
noun
A system of parts working together in a machine or process
mechanist
noun
A person skilled in the design or construction of machinery
mechanize
verb
To equip with machinery
medal
noun
A piece of metal given as an award.
media
noun
Means of communication that reach large audiences
medieval
adj.
Relating to the Middle Ages, a period in European history from about the 5th to the late 15th century.
melodic
adj.
Having a pleasing melody
melodie
noun
A sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single entity
melody
noun
A sequence of musical notes that is musically satisfying
melt
verb
To change from a solid to a liquid state, usually due to heat
melting
verb
To change from a solid to a liquid state due to heat
membrane
noun
A thin, flexible layer of tissue or material that covers or lines a structure or separates two areas.
mental
adj.
Relating to the mind
menu
noun
A list of dishes available in a restaurant
mercantile
adj.
Related to trade or commerce
merchant
noun
A person involved in trade
mercury
noun
A chemical element that is a heavy, silvery metal, liquid at room temperature
mercy
noun
Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone
mere
adj.
Being nothing more than something
metabolic
adj.
Relating to the chemical processes within a living organism in order to maintain life
metallic
adj.
Having the characteristics of metal, such as a shiny appearance or a certain sound.
meteor
noun
A small body from outer space that enters the Earth's atmosphere
meteorite
noun
A piece of rock or metal from space that has landed on Earth's surface
meteorology
noun
The science of the atmosphere and its phenomena
methane
noun
A colorless, odorless flammable gas that is the main constituent of natural gas
method
noun
A particular form of procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, especially a systematic or established one.
meticulous
adj.
Showing great attention to detail
metric
noun
A standard of measurement
metropolis
noun
A very large and densely populated city
microbe
noun
A microorganism, especially a bacterium causing disease or fermentation
microorganism
noun
A microscopic organism, such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus
microprocessor
noun
An integrated circuit that contains the functions of a computer's central processing unit
microscope
noun
An instrument used to see objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye.
microwave
noun
An appliance that cooks food using electromagnetic waves.
migrate
verb
To move from one region or habitat to another, especially regularly according to the seasons
mild
adj.
Gentle in nature or behavior
military
adj.
Relating to soldiers or armed forces
millennium
noun
A period of one thousand years
mime
noun
A theatrical technique of expressing an idea or mood without speech, using only gestures, facial expressions, and movement.
mimic
verb
To imitate someone or something, often to entertain or ridicule
mineral
noun
A naturally occurring substance with a definite chemical composition
minimal
adj.
Smallest in amount or degree
minimize
verb
To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree
minimum
noun
The least or smallest amount or quantity possible, attainable, or required.
minor
adj.
Lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance
mint
noun
A place where coins are made
miracle
noun
An extraordinary event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws
mission
noun
An important task or duty that is assigned, allotted, or self-imposed
mobile
adj.
Able to move or be moved easily
mode
noun
A way or manner in which something occurs or is experienced, expressed, or done.
modeling
noun
The act of creating a representation of something
modem
noun
A device that converts digital data to analog signals and vice versa for communication over telephone lines or other media.
moisture
noun
A small amount of water or other liquid, often in the form of small drops
molten
adj.
Made liquid by heat; melted
monumental
adj.
Great in importance or size
moral
adj.
Relating to principles of right and wrong behavior
mosaic
noun
Art made by assembling small pieces of colored material
mosquito
noun
A small flying insect known for biting and feeding on blood
moth
noun
A nocturnal insect similar to a butterfly
motivate
verb
To provide someone with a reason to act
motive
noun
A reason for doing something
motor
noun
A machine that produces motion or power for doing work
mottled
adj.
Marked with spots or smears of color.
mount
verb
To climb or ascend
mountainous
adj.
Having many mountains
multiple
adj.
Having or involving several parts, elements, or members
multiply
verb
To increase in number, especially by reproducing
mundane
adj.
Lacking excitement or interest; dull
municipal
adj.
Relating to a city or town or its governing body
mural
noun
A large picture painted or affixed directly on a wall or ceiling.
muscle
noun
A tissue in the body that can contract, allowing movement
mushroom
noun
A type of fungi with a stem and cap, often edible
musical
adj.
Related to music or having a pleasant sound
musician
noun
A person who plays a musical instrument or is musically talented
musicologist
noun
A person who studies music and its history
myriad
noun
A very large number of things
myth
noun
A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.
mythical
adj.
Relating to myths or legends
mythology
noun
A collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition
naive
adj.
Lacking experience or understanding
naked
adj.
Not wearing any clothes
nap
noun
A short period of sleep, usually taken during the day.
narrative
noun
A spoken or written account of connected events; a story
nationalism
noun
Devotion to one's nation and its interests
naturalist
noun
A person who studies or is an expert in natural history, especially a zoologist or botanist.
navigate
verb
To plan and direct the course of a vehicle or vessel
navy
noun
A nation's fleet of warships
nectar
noun
The sweet liquid secreted by flowers to attract pollinating insects and birds
negate
verb
To make ineffective or nullify
negative
adj.
Consisting in or characterized by the absence rather than the presence of distinguishing features.
negotiation
noun
A discussion aimed at reaching an agreement
neoclassical
adj.
Relating to a style of art, architecture, or literature that draws inspiration from classical Greek and Roman forms.
neolithic
adj.
Relating to the later part of the Stone Age, when ground or polished stone weapons and implements prevailed
neon
noun
A chemical element that is a colorless, inert gas
neutron
noun
A subatomic particle with no electric charge
nevertheless
adv.
In spite of that
newsletter
noun
A printed or digital publication distributed regularly to a group of people, containing news and information.
niche
noun
A specific area of expertise or interest
nickel
noun
A silver-white metal used in alloys and for plating
nitrogen
noun
A colorless, odorless gas that makes up 78% of Earth's atmosphere
nomadic
adj.
Relating to people who move from place to place rather than settling permanently in one location
nominee
noun
A person proposed for an award or position
notate
verb
To write notes or comments on
noticeable
adj.
Easily seen or detected
notify
verb
To inform someone officially
notion
noun
An idea or belief
notwithstanding
prep.
In spite of
nourish
verb
To provide with the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition
novel
noun
A long written work of fiction with a complex plot
nucleus
noun
The central and most important part of an object or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth.
nutrient
noun
A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.
nutrition
noun
The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.
oak
noun
A large tree with lobed leaves, known for its strength and durability
oblivious
adj.
Not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one
obsess
verb
To preoccupy or fill the mind continually and to a troubling extent
occupy
verb
To take control of a place, especially by military force
occur
verb
To happen or take place
oceanographer
noun
A scientist who studies the ocean
octopus
noun
A marine animal with eight arms
odd
adj.
Different from what is usual or expected; strange.
olfactory
adj.
Related to the sense of smell
onslaught
noun
A fierce or destructive attack
ooze
verb
To slowly leak out a thick or sticky liquid
opal
noun
A gemstone known for its iridescent play of colors.
opaque
adj.
Not allowing light to pass through
oppose
verb
To disapprove or fight against
opposite
adj.
Completely different or contrary to something else
optical
adj.
Related to sight or the action of light
optimal
adj.
Most favorable or desirable
optimistic
adj.
Hopeful and confident about the future
oral
adj.
Spoken rather than written
orchid
noun
A type of flowering plant with complex blooms, often grown for decoration.
organic
adj.
Relating to or derived from living matter
orientation
noun
Introduction to a new situation or environment
outgas
verb
To release gas
outline
noun
A general description or plan showing the essential features of something but not the detail.
outrageously
adv.
In an extremely or shockingly bad or excessive manner
overcome
verb
To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty
overhaul
verb
To thoroughly examine and repair or improve something
overlap
verb
To extend over and cover part of something else
overseas
adv.
In or to a foreign country, especially one across the sea
overwhelm
verb
To overpower or crush emotionally or physically
owl
noun
A nocturnal bird of prey with large eyes and a flat face
oxide
noun
A compound of oxygen with another element or group
oyster
noun
A marine mollusk with a rough, irregular shell, often found in coastal waters, some of which are edible.
pack
verb
To fill a container with things to be stored or transported
packed
adj.
Filled to capacity
paddle
noun
A tool used for moving a boat through water
palate
noun
The roof of the mouth
pale
adj.
Light in color or having little color
pancreas
noun
A glandular organ in the digestive system that produces insulin and enzymes for digestion.
panel
noun
A flat or curved component, typically rectangular, that forms part of a surface or structure.
pants
noun
Clothing worn from the waist down
paralyze
verb
To cause (someone or something) to lose the ability to move or feel in part or all of the body
paramount
adj.
Most important or significant
parliament
noun
The supreme legislative body in a country, typically a democracy
participate
verb
To take part in an activity or event
particular
adj.
Specific or distinct from others
passage
noun
A way through which one can pass