Duolingo English Test Vocabulary List

If you intend to take the Duolingo English Test, be sure to read our top advice for getting the highest possible score! 

You’ll be asked to complete various exercises that will assess your speaking, reading, listening, and writing abilities. These tasks will be graded using the Duolingo scoring system but in relation to IELTS and TOEFL scores.

You should be aware that vocabulary accounts for most of your overall score on the reading and speaking tests, so they must appreciate its significance. 

If you intend to get a good score, you should employ a variety of languages in these areas since the Duolingo English Test will be grading your vocabulary usage. 

In this article, we’ve put up a list of Duolingo English Test vocabulary terms that applicants may use in their preparation.


What is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Exam is a unique and creative certified English language test that allows test takers to take the test from any location and at any time. On July 15, 2019, the latest edition of the Duolingo English Test was launched.

Unlike other popular English language exams like Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, and PTE, test takers do not need to go to a particular test center. 

After the test certificate is issued, it may be forwarded to any institution that accepts the Duolingo English Test certificate. The Duolingo English Test is now approved for admission at over 3,000 institutions across the globe.

The Duolingo English Test was created in response to student demand for admission to various colleges across the world. The exam is especially handy during uncertain periods like COVID-19 since it allows students to take the test anywhere without having to worry about getting to the test center.


Why is Vocabulary Important in the Duolingo English Test?

You should have a broad vocabulary to attain a competitive score since this will aid you in discussing and writing on a variety of subjects. If you are unable to employ the proper words correctly, this becomes a serious flaw that might lower your total score.

It’s all about the language’s words. As a result, knowing as many words as possible is preferable. After you’ve mastered more vocabulary, you’ll have no trouble understanding English.

Most will fail in the reading, writing, speaking, and listening areas because they do not understand the language.

As a consequence, learning how to extend your vocabulary is crucial. If you know the words, you will be able to express your thoughts, sentiments, and emotions. You will have no problems.

So, how are you going to develop your vocabulary?

  • Read and listen: The majority of the vocabulary is learned via context. So, choose a program, magazine, podcast, book, or magazine in English that interests you. Avoid listening to or reading anything that does not pique your interest since it may cause you to get distracted.
  • Write down the following words: Make it a practice to write down any new or unusual terms you come across, understand their meanings, and learn how to use them in suitable situations.
  • Use Memory Techniques: It is not sufficient to merely learn new terms. It is also vital to remember them. As a result, you must continue to study the terms you have previously learned at regular intervals. Consider evaluating them in a week, seven days, three weeks, a month, or whenever is convenient for you.
  • Practice, practice, practice: When writing and speaking, you must employ the words that you have written down. As an outcome, keep a careful eye on your vocabulary.

How to Study for Duolingo English Test Vocabulary?

1. Look Up Any Words You Don’t Comprehend

To learn new terms, many people advocate reading publications, novels, and watching television programs. 

However, it is equally important to search for any academic terms that you are unfamiliar with. Many ignore difficult and unusual terms because they believe they will not be used in their daily lives or tests.

However, make it a practice to search up vocabulary terms that you are unfamiliar with, especially if they are difficult to read, write, or spell.

2. Keep a Notebook for Duolingo English Test Vocabulary and Look Up Words You Don’t Know

Keeping a notepad to record all new academic terms and their definitions may seem to be a bit of a cliche. It may, however, assist you in better comprehending those terms. 

Furthermore, you may utilize the book to study the written words when the test is approaching. That is a far better alternative than scrambling to locate new terms the night before the exam.

3. Experiment, But Don’t Go Overboard

So, whether you bring a notepad or download an app to learn new words, the only thing to do is to use the words in practice in real life. You may take on any issue or topic that was previously asked in the exam when it comes to speaking abilities. Then, for at least 2 minutes, attempt to talk about the issue using the new terminology you’ve learned.

Next, you must avoid exaggerating phrases in your Duolingo English Test Writing or Speaking since you may utilize a single advanced word. This is another great way to improve your vocabulary for the Duolingo English Test.

Most essential, avoid focusing too much on a single word by gathering a large number of similar sample phrases. Doing so, however, may be a waste of time since, if you want to learn, practicing the word a few times is sufficient.

4. Use Apps to Improve Your Vocabulary

Nowadays, everyone owns a smartphone, and there are a plethora of applications available on the Play Store/App Store that may assist us in improving our language skills.

The reason we recommend using apps to boost your vocabulary for Duolingo English Test speaking is that you may use them in your free time and immediately acquire new vocabulary terms. 

As a result, it may save a lot of time, and it doesn’t even need to be added to your schedule since learning from them takes less time.

5. Use YouTube to Help You Understand

We all use YouTube for enjoyment. So it should not be a surprise if a large number of apps provide English lessons on the site. 

Every such channel also discusses many academic vocabularies, including how to pronounce a word, as well as how to apply it in a sentence or phrase with examples.

It’s not simple to learn 2,000 rich words that are crucial for your Duolingo English Test vocabulary. You may wind up remembering those words. In the end, it may be of little use if you acquire vocabulary but are unable to use it properly in writing or speech.

6. Know What You’re Doing, But Don’t Memorize Everything

Words should be learned by heart and not memorized since a single word might have a variety of meanings. To put it simply, we may use the same word in different circumstances and have it imply different things at the end of the day.

The rationale is as simple as it seems: although learning a word is simple, the same word may not always have a single meaning. 

The simplest approach to grasp this is to be familiar with homophones, which are words that have similar spelling and sound but distinct meanings.

7. Go Through Newspapers

Reading is the most efficient way to gain new terms, and it will also help you improve your Duolingo English Test speaking abilities. You may read news/articles every day by subscribing to a newspaper, either online or offline.

While you’re reading them, make a note of any academic terms you’re unfamiliar with and pay close attention if you observe a word being used in a new manner. This will assist you with a variety of Duolingo English Test topics. Then, in your dictionary, look up the definition of the term and write it down in your notebook. 

8. Invest in a Dictionary

Keeping a compact, pocket-sized dictionary with you is a typical approach to acquiring new terminology for the Duolingo English Test. 

If you don’t have time to acquire new vocabulary terms this way, now is the time to start. You may learn words from your dictionary in two ways.

To begin with, you may consult it whenever you come across a new term and look up its definition in the dictionary.

Second, you may begin memorizing the terms on the first page of the dictionary and work your way down to the final page.

You will be able to learn new terms every day in this manner. You may be able to read all of the terms in your dictionary in a few days or months, depending on how much time you dedicate each day. 

However, remember to learn a word passionately for optimal learning. If you don’t grasp a term, just leave it out since learning a word improperly is far worse.

9. Watch Videos and Listen to Audio

Listening to others use an unknown term is the most effective way to learn how to use it. As a result, you may watch news stations, programs, YouTube shows, English movies, chat shows, and group conversations, among other things. You may also listen to audio files like songs, podcasts, and radio stations.

Furthermore, you might decide to listen to or see the things that interest you so that you do not get bored and quit on your objective to acquire new words.

10. Study Idioms and Connectives

It would be useful to use connectives and idiomatic expressions while speaking and writing about a subject. It makes you more fluent and knowledgeable in the use of the language. 

However, make sure you just use them when necessary and don’t attempt to abuse them.


Duolingo English Test Vocabulary Wordlist

You must determine whether the word is a genuine English word or a created one in two questions on the Duolingo English exam. 

Because the words often resemble English terms, it is important to pay close attention to spelling. 

Because the words might sound similar to English terms, it’s also vital to practice listening.

A. Common Words 

1. Advertising

obsessionfoolednowfreesynergy
surgingbewareexclusiveprovenoptimize
pioneeringblindedscarcelucrativepromise
unsurpassedalarmingrareunbelievableprofit
confidentialdevastatingimmediatelybargaincommission
boldheartbreakinginstantlydoublequota
temptinghoaxhurryaffordablepitch
unconventionalprisononlyconvertleverage
astonishingrevengelimitedessentialopportunity
epicriskyimpossibledetailedactionable
explosiveavoidmiraclebetterlearnings
secretscarytemporarynewviral
unusualbacklashtestedremarkabledisruption
daringcostlyimmediatelyprofessionalholistic
imagineassaultbonusbest-sellinginnovative
discoverfranticeasyguaranteedseamless
createhazardousadvanceduniquerobust
polarizinguntestedresultsimprovedgranular
inspireimpactfuleffectiveincreasesnackable
highestlifetimemassiveexpertparadigm

2. Arts

absorbingboundlessdelicatemeanderingrealistic
abstractbrilliantdensemosaic-likerefined
acclaimedcandiddetailedmovingrefreshing
accomplishedceramicinfusedmysteriousremarkable
adroitcharacteristicinspirationalmysticalresourceful
aestheticclassicinspirednarrativerevealing
aesthetically collectibleinstinctiveorganicdisciplined
aggressivecolorfulintellectualoriginaldisruptive
appealingcomplementaryintenseparadoxicaldistinctive
artisticcomplexintensivepassionatedistinguished
astonishingconceptualinterestingpeacefuldivine
atmosphericcontemplativeintuitivepersonaldreamlike
authenticcontemporaryinventivephenomenaldreamy
avant-gardecontroversiallabyrinthinepictorialdynamic
award-winningconversationallayeredplayfuleclectic
awe-inspiringcreativelifelikepotentelevated
balanceddaringliteralprofoundelevating
baroquedazzlingluminousprovokingemergent
beautifuldecorativelyricalpureemerging
boldthoughtfulmatureradiantemotional
enchantedexoticgorgeoussaturatedstimulating
energeticexplosivegracefulsculpturalstirring
engagingexpressivegranularsemi-abstractstudied
engrossingextremehonestsensualstunning
enigmaticfascinatinghumanserenesublime
epochalfiguralhyper-creativesignaturesubstantive
etherealfigurativeimaginativesimplesupple
evocativefluidimpassionedskilledsurreal
exceptionalfreelanceimpeccablesoftsymbolic
touchingfreshromanticsparsetactile
traditionaluniquevisualspiritualtalented
tranquiluniversalvoyeuristicuniversaltasteful
unconventionalunpredictablevoyeuristicunpredictabletextile
unexpectedvariedunforgettablevariedprovoking
unforgettablevisionaryuniquevisionarytimeless

3. Body Language

actionstrongexplainjerkyboredom
body languagenoddedunderstandwispfear
bowsmoothcommunicationnonverbalsadness
curtsypointedunbelievablequickslouching
expressioncontrolledsquintpointingunderstanding
genuflectionbowedexcitedfluidclenching
high signeffortlesscuriousnoddisgust
indicationshookglareregimentedsurprise
intimationswaygazefrownwringing
kinesicspattedkicksmilehandshake
mimebouncewaveamplifyposture
motionbeckonedbangthreateningperception
nodrhythmtokendisapprovalrespect
pantomimewinkedmuscleangerlisten
reminderstaggerrockcompassionshush
saluteshruggedgrindpursingtwitch
shrugburstcrosseddrummingv-sign
signhuggedziptappingsnigger
sign languagelullwinkyawningavoidance
signalwavedyankjoydemeanor

4. Pandemic

epidemicplaguebacteriacontact tracingrestricted
pestcontagioncomorbiditysuper-spreadershielding
murrainailmentconjunctivitiscontagiousspread
affectionscourgecoronavirusinfectioussymptoms
blightrifedysgeusiaantigensurge
pervasivemajorityepidemiologistsasymptomaticswab
commonwidespreadhygieneantibodysymptomatic
unanimousoverallimmunitycasetriage
pophouseholdincidenceclustertesting
everydaypresentdiseasecocooningclinical
contemporarypreponderantmorbiditytransmissionvirologist
dominantusualmortalitycommunicablevulnerable
characteristicwell-knownmyalgiacompromisedomicron
communalillnesspandemiccontactdelta
pestilenceinfectiondistancingcontainmentfrontliners
afflictionprevailingplasmadisinfectantsanitizer
cursepopularprevalencediagnosticsventilators
prevalentinfirmityquarantineinfluenzahumidifier
generalmaladyself-isolationimmunizationcircuit breaker
universalsicknessserologyincubationprotection
familiarpublictreatmentinfodemicunprecedented
currentreceivedvaccinelockdownsyndrome
predominantrulingvirusmasksfatality
typicalanosmiafomitewellbeingpositive
sharedantibodiesoutbreakrespiratorynegative

5. Clothes

abayajumperswimsuitsevening dressslacks
amoraljumpsuittanktopevening gownsleeve
apparellong-sleeve toptee shirtgarter-beltslip
apronlycra shortstennis shortshandbagstockings
ascot tieoverallthree-piece suithatsweater
attirepajamastieheadbandswimsuits
balaclavapanttrench-coathoodietracksuit
ball gownpolo shirttuxedojackettrouser
bandannaponchounderpantsjeanst-shirt
bathrobepullovervestjumperturtle neck
beltraincoatwaist-coatknickersundershirts
blazerrunning shortswindbreakerslaceuniform
bomber jacketscarfapronladieswearveil
bow-tieshirtbathrobeleggingswedding dress
capshortsbikinilingeriezipper
cardigansingletblousematernity dressbeanies
cargo pantsski-jacketbootsmini-skirtcardigans
down jacketsleeveless-shirtboxersmittensdown jacket
down vestsocksbrapantydown vest
glovessportcoatbracespurseearmuffs
hatsuitcardiganrobefleece jackets
Hawaiian shirtsweatbandcoatsareegloves
jacketsweatercollarscarfjackets
jeanssweatpantdressshortsjeans
jogging suitsweatshirtdungareesskirtslong coat

6. Education

imperativefoundationornamentruddersophisticated
focusedstandardnoteworthytalentdetermined
momentouscompetitiveingeniouswisesuccessful
higher educationsecondary educationliteracyco-educationqualification
pacehighly educatedknowledgeprivatediversity
informal educationfinancialsocially independentinstitutionnon-profit
scholarshipschoolingundergraduateformal educationpremise
academicsharpimmenseexotericinfluence
studentachievecommunicationgradekindergarten
preschoolgraduatevaluableonline educationelementary education
curriculumessentialdevotedinformaldegree
attendmedicinedidacticspedagogicspedagogy
academicprimaryhigher educationhigher learningenlightenment
campusprincipalcoachingconditioningpedantry
curriculumprofessordevelopmentdirectionbookishness
degreereviseedificationenlightenmentignorance
economicssciencecultivationpreparationilliteracy
engineeringsecondaryguidancenurturanceilliterateness
graduateseminarimprovementculturecomprehensive
lecturetutoredificationreadingsubject

7. Environment

ambientpoachinggreenhouselandslidecontaminant
atmosphereactivistsstratospherenaturalcontamination
backdropaqueductdisasterozonedeforestation
backgroundbalanceecosystempoisonousdisposable
climatebiodegradableevaporationendangered speciesdiversity
climeclimatepowerresearchecology
contextcoastalrainforestecologyecosystem
elementcontaminatedrecycleaquiferemission
geographydecaysludgeatmosphereendangered
habitatemissionssolarbiodegradableenergy
locationendangeredspeciesbiodiversityenvironment
microenvironmentscientistsurfacecarbon dioxideenvironmentalist
placeerosiontectoniccarbon monoxideerosion
positionextincttidalcarcinogenextinct
situationfaminetoxicclimateextinction
spacefertilizerunleadedcoalfossil fuel
statusfossiluntappedcompost (noun)geothermal
condensationgeneticallywetlandscompost (verb)solar
acidglobalwindconservationsustainable
industrialgreenhousepolluteconservationisttoxic
global warmingherbicideozone layerradiationtoxic waste
green (adjective)landfillpesticiderain forestwaste
greenhouse effectmethanepetroleumrecyclewetland
groundwaternuclear energypollutantrenewablewildlife
habitatorganicpollutionsmogwindmill

8. Films

actorfirst-ratesecond-ratesuspensefulextra
blooperscomicalflawedsentimentalsequel
directorinsightfulviolentlow-budgetscreenplay
dubbingclevermoronicdramaticstunt
flash-forwardcharmingthird-ratehighly-chargedgenre
flashbackcharismaticjuvenilefantasynominated
outtakesenjoyableboringslowbox office
premiereabsorbingstaticpicaresquestar
prequelhilarioussenselessoddballcritic
produceruproariousdistastefulromanticpremiere
reeloriginalordinarysatiricalscene
rehearsaltenderdisgustingfast-movingpart
scenesynopsisintriguingdisappointingframe
screenplayvisual effectspowerfulbloodyaudition
scriptwritervoice overfascinatingsillyadventure
sequelpleasanttiredunpretentiousanimation
sound effectssurprisingpredictablelegendarybiography
stuntmandazzlingstupidincredibly tiresomecomedy
cameramansensitivebrutalbig-budgetdetective
subtitlesrivetingconfusedwackydocumentary
thought-provokinguninterestingimaginativeweakdrama
triteoutdatedanimatedhorrorfantasy
filmdreadfulromanticmusicalfilm noir
unevenblandscience fictionmysteryforeign
sepiacliché riddensilentpropagandahistorical

9. Food

chickena la cartecafedelieat
coffeea la modecafeteriadelicatesseneggs
drinks menuappetizercakedeliciousentree
colabeefcandledessertfish
coldbeveragecashierdinefood
winebillcenterpiecedinerfork
condimentsbistrochairdiningfrench fries
cook bowlchefdishfruit
spillbraisedchickendishwasherlemonade
spoonbreadcoffeedoggie baglettuce
vegan optionbreakfastcoladressinglunch
startersbrunchcoldicemain course
dinerbuttercondimentsice cubesmaitre d’
diningglasscookicedmanager
cutlerygourmandcookedingredientsmeal
steakgourmetcourseketchupmeat
eatgrilledcreamkitchenmedium
fish eggshamburgercredit cardknifemenu
foodheadwaitercutlerynapkinmilk
fork frieshigh teautensilsnoodlesmug
specialshors d’oeuvrecashieronionmustard
fruithostessvegetablesorderwaiter
glasshotingredientspartyseafood
grilleddinnerketchuppastaseared
hamburgerdishkitchenpepperserver
paydishwasherknifeplateside order
headwaiterdoggie baglemonadeplatterstaff
platewell-donebookingpoptip
platterpastacheeseburgermanagersilverware
high teawaitresslunchmealbreakfast
hostesspeppermain courseset menubrunch
hotrarebillmeatnapkin
ice cubessaucerbistromugreservation
sugartomatoboiledmustardsoggy
orderhalalspicymenubeef
roasteddessertchargetablebarbeque 
vegetarian souppizzamilkvinegar
saladspecialkosherchefbeverage
sodaspicesmediumappetizerbowl

10. People

comradecandidateA-listcommonersdepopulate
co-workercelebrityaristocracycommonsunpeople
roommatechatterboxbestcrowdacquaintance
pen-palcitizenchoiceherdadversary
fair-weather classmatecorps d’elitehoi polloiagitator
acquaintanceclimbercreammassanarchist
buddycollectorelectmillionsretiree
boyfriendconnoisseurelitemobbuddy
soul matecreatorfatmultitudebather
folkscriminalflowerplebeiansbrute
humanitycustomerpickplebsbuyer
humankindcyclistpinkpopulaceburglar
publicbourgeoisiepridepubliccamper
speciesmiddle classupper crustrank and filedeceased
worldbloodunwashedcattledefendant
communityclanbourgeoisieproletariatdelegate
societyfamilymiddle classrabbledemonstrator
crowdfolksgentilityrabblementdiver
masseshousegentlefolkstrangerdreamer
mobkingentryriffraffdriver
populacekindredhaute monderoutenemy
proletariatkinfolknobilityscumevacuee
rabbleroyaltypatriciatewounded personexpat
rabblementsocietypeeragetrashexpert
riffraffinhabitqualitylisteneridol
handymanjurormemberloserimmigrant
hero
heroine
killermovie starpalinternet user
hikerking
queen
murdererpartnerinterpreter
historianknitterobserverparty animalplaintiff
hitch-hikerlearneronlookerpassengerplayer
homeless personlectureropponentpatientprisoner
housemateliarownerpedestrianprotagonist
readerskaterstrikerteammateprotestor
recruitskierstrikebreakertenantvacationer
rentersleepersupporterthiefvagabond
residentsocial climbersurvivortouristveteran
revolutionaryspeakersuspecttraitorvictim
rioterspectatorswimmertranslatorvolunteer
roommatespyweight liftertravelervoter
runnerwalkerwhispererwinnerwitness

11. Plants

acorncactusgardenlaminastipule
agriculturecalyxgerminatelanceolate stoma
alfalfacanopyginkgolateral budstyle
alternatecarpelgrainlead scarsucculents
angiospermcleft leafgrassleafsunlight
annualclovergroveleafletopposite 
anthercomposite growlegumeovary
meristemcompound guard celllilypalm
autotrophconegumlobedpalmate
axilcorkhardymarginparted leaf
auxiliary budcormhastatemeristempeduncle
budcorollaherbmidribperennial
bamboocrenate leafhorsetailmonocotperfect flower
barkdeciduoushorticulturemosspetal
beandentate leafhybridnectarpetiole
berrydicotimperfect needlepetrified wood
biennialembryoincomplete nettedphloem
bladeemergentsinflorescencenodephotosynthesis
blossomendosperminternodenutpinnate
botanyentireivyrachispistil
bractepicotyljunglerain forestpith
branchevergreenjuniperreniformplumule
bromeliadfernkapok treeresinpoison ivy
brushfertilizerkelpreticulatepollen
budfilamentkudzuringspollinate
bulbflorasaprootprickle
bulbelflowersaplingroot cappulse
bushfoliageseaweedroot hairsvegetable
shamrockforestseedroot tipvegetation
shootfrondseed podrootstockvein
shrubfruitseedlingweedvenation
simple leafthornsepalwhorledvine
soiltoothedsproutwoodtuber
spinetreestalkwoodyxerophyte
sporetree ferntrunkxylemyucca

12. Technology

accessaccountactivityadministrativeadvantage
back upbandwidthbannerbasicsbenefit
cadcamcamcordercameracapabilities
daemondatadatabasedebugdecipher
e-mailediteducateeffectiveefficiency
face bookfaxfiber opticfieldfile
geek squadgenerategifgradualgraphics
hackershand-heldhard diskhard drivehardware
iconsinfiltrateinformationinformativeinnovation
jobjoinjournalismjournalistjoystick
keep track ofkeyboardkeypadkeywordkind
landscapelaptoplaserlayoutlearning
mainframemarketmaterialmatrixmeasurement
navigatenetworksnewnewsgroupnewspaper
obsessionofflineon lineoperateoperating system
passwordperformancepersonalphishingphotography
qualityquantityqueryquestionsqueue
radiorandomrankingraterecord
safetysatellitesavescanscreen
techtechnologytechnophobictelecomtelemarketer
u tubeuncoverunderstandingunusualupdate
valuevarietyvariousvideovideo conference
warrantywavewebmasterweb pageweb site
animatereferencehistoryapplicationsregistry
blue toothscriptinputbookmarkssearch
capturetelevisionjunk mailcareersterminal
deliveryuser-idopportunitydependencyuser name
electronicviruspopularityelectronicsvision
firewallswirelesslistservflexibilityword

B. Prepositions 

In English, there are around 150 prepositions. When you consider the thousands of other terms, this is a pretty modest number (nouns, verbs, etc.). 

Prepositions are crucial terms. Individual prepositions are used more often than other terms. The prepositions of, to, and in are among the top 10 most frequently used terms in the English language. 

A list of 70 of the most popular one-word prepositions follows. There are several meanings for many of these prepositions. 

aboutaboveacrossafterunder
againstalongamongaroundup to
atbeforebehindbetweenuntil
beyondbutbyconcerningwith
despitedownduringexceptup
followingforfrominwithin
includingintolikenearupon
ofoffonontowithout
outoverpastplusvia
sincethroughouttotowardsthrough

C. Idioms

Idioms, proverbs, and phrases in English are common in daily conversation. They often appear in written and spoken English. You’ll need to learn the meaning and application of each idiom since they don’t always make sense literally. 

While this may appear to be taking a lot of effort, studying idioms is enjoyable, particularly when comparing English idioms to idioms in your own tongue.

Using common idioms and phrases may make your English seem more natural. The tables below list the idioms in order of their prevalence in American English. You may start by learning the most common English idioms since you’ll hear them a lot whether watching English movies or TV shows or visiting America. 

Relax when you’ve mastered things. These idioms are neither unusual nor obsolete, so you may use them with native English speakers from any English-speaking country.

Below are the commonly used idiomatic expressions:

IdiomMeaningUsage
A blessing in disguisean excellent thing that at first seemed to be a terrible oneas a sentence component
A dime a dozensomething usualas a sentence component
Beat around the bushFail to express yourself because it is unpleasant.as a sentence component
Better late than neverArrive late rather than not at allon its own
Bite the bulletTo finish something because it is inevitableas a sentence component
Break a legWish for successon its own
Call it a dayPut down something you’re working on.as a sentence component
Cut somebody some slackDon’t be too harsh on yourself.as a sentence component
Cutting cornersPerforming a task in a substandard manner in order to save time or moneyas a sentence component
Easy does itTake it easy.on its own
Get out of handBecome uncontrollableas a sentence component
Get something out of your systemSo you can go on, do the thing you’ve been yearning to do.as a sentence component
Get your act togetherWork harder or go.on its own
Give someone the benefit of the doubtYou should believe what someone says.as a sentence component
Go back to the drawing boardBegin againas a sentence component
Hang in thereDon’t quiton its own
Hit the sackGo to bed; have some sleepas a sentence component
It’s not rocket scienceIt’s not difficult.on its own
Let someone off the hookto absolve someone of responsibility for a wrongdoingas a sentence component
To make a long story shortBriefly describe thingsas a sentence component
Miss the boatIt’s already too late.as a sentence component
No pain, no gainYou must persevere to achieve your goals.on its own
On the ballPerforming wellas a sentence component
Pull someone’s legto make a joke on someoneas a sentence component
Pull yourself togetherCalm downon its own
So far, so goodSo far, everything is going nicely.on its own
Speak of the devilThe man we were just discussing arrived!on its own
That’s the last strawRunning out of patienceon its own
The best of both worldsA perfect scenarioas a sentence component
Time flies when you’re having funWhen you’re having fun, you don’t notice how long anything lasts.on its own
To get bent out of shapeto be irritable or annoyedas a sentence component
To make matters worseexacerbate an issueas a sentence component
Under the weatherto become illas a sentence component
Cross the bridge when we get thereLet’s not discuss that issue right now.on its own
Wrap your head around somethingComprehend something difficultas a sentence component
You can say that againThat is correct, and I agree.on its own
Your guess is as good as mineI’m not sure.on its own

D. Collocations

Below are brief listings of frequent collocations to help you learn more about them. Collocations related to certain words may be found in several reputable learners’ dictionaries. 

Collocation dictionaries are also available, albeit they are harder to come by.

domakecatchtime
do your hairmake a differencecatch a thiefrun out of time
do your homeworkmake a messcatch firesave time
do your bestmake moneycatch sight ofspare time
do your hairmake progresscatch the fluspend some time
do someone a favormake roomcatch firetake your time
takepaycomebusiness
take a restpay cashcome earlycease trading
take a seatpay interestcome firstchair a meeting
take a taxipay the billcome into viewclose a deal
take an exampay the pricecome lastclose a meeting
take notespay your respectscome latecome to the point
getgosavequantifiers
get a jobgo bankruptgo bankrupta ball of string
get a shockgo blindgo blinda bunch of carrots
get angrygo crazygo crazya bar of chocolate
get divorcedgo darkgo darka cube of sugar
get drunkgo deafgo deafa bottle of water

E. Phrasal Verbs

A phrasal verb is constructed by combining a regular verb with an adverb or a preposition to form a completely new verbal phrase. A phrasal verb’s meaning is frequently unconnected to the meanings of the words that make it up, so think of it as a completely new and independent term.

Phrasal verbs behave similarly to other verbs in terms of conjugation and placement when employed in a phrase. However, they do have particular constraints concerning word order, which we discuss further below. 

Phrasal verbs may be conjugated into any verb form. Therefore they can be used everywhere a regular verb can be.

PhrasesMeaning
blow upburst
bring upbring up a subject or topic
call-offwithdraw; revoke
do-overre-do a task or project
fill outsign or complete a form
fill upfill to the top
find outexplore or uncover
give backreturn an object or a favor
hand inturn in or submit an assignment
hang upend the call
hold uppostpone or prolong
leave outomit
look overinspect, verify
lookupscan the list
makeupmake up a narrative or tell a fib
make outlisten or comprehend
pick outdecide or select
pick uplift something off something else
point outremove something from another
put awaypreserve or conserve
put offwithhold
put onwear some clothing
read overbrowse or explore
set upto start, to organize
takedownjot down your thoughts

F. Descriptive Words

The most popular sort of descriptive word is adjectives. They show us how beautiful a sunset is or how acrobatic a cat is.

A list of adjective examples may be found here.

acrobaticweatheredfreckle-facedself-centeredalive
adorablelankyhard-heartedshort-temperedancient
adventurouslazytatteredhigh-heeledbumpy
bravelimphard-nosedsure-footedbusy
brightluxuriousverdantice-coldcombative
brilliantmediocreheavy-handedthin-skinnedcotton
concretemellowsophisticatedleft-handeddangerous
conventionalmiserablebaby-facedtight-fisteddusty
deliriousnocturnalstunninglife-givingelderly
foolhardyordinarybow-leggedadaptableexpensive
gregariousorganicthornylong-leggedgraceful
grimornateresponsibleactivegranite
handsomepowerlessbroken-heartedlong-windedhandsome
handypracticalsensible;eagreeablehollow
intelligentpreciousbull-headednext-doorlazy
intrepidquestionableoptimisticencouraginglow
joyfulquirkycandy-strippedpigeon-toedmassive
jubilantradianttrustworthycuriousmelodic
keenrusticfour-sidedred-bloodedminuscule
kookyslyimmaturediplomaticnew

G. Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms are words that have the equivalent or almost the same meaning as another term. 

Antonyms are words that have the same meaning as one another but have the opposite connotation. 

Selecting the appropriate synonym improves the quality of your work. Learning frequent antonyms improves your language skills and broadens your vocabulary.

WordSynonymAntonym
answerrespondask
badevilgood
beautifulhandsomeugly
beginstartfinish
bighugesmall
cleversmartdumb
coldcoolhot
comearriveleave
correctrightwrong
dangerousriskysafe
easysimpledifficult
fairjustunfair
fastquickslow
fatchubbyskinny
friendpalenemy
happygladsad
harddifficulteasy
lovelikehate
quietsilentnoisy
repairfixdemolish
showhidedisplay
stayexitleave
trueauthenticfalse

H. Commonly Confused Words

Some words have the same appearance, while others have the same sound. It might be difficult to tell the difference between these related terms. 

In this handout, we’ve included definitions for some of the most typically misunderstood word pairings, as well as phrases that demonstrate them in context. 

These are the top ten most perplexing word pairings, as determined by us, are listed below in alphabetical order:

accept vs. except
  • Accept refers to receiving or agreeing to something, while except refers to excluding something.
dessert vs. desert
  • Dessert is a sweet food, but the desert is a hot, arid environment that is often strewn with sand.
there vs. their
  • When we speak about where something is, we utilize ‘there’ the adverb of location.
  • When we speak about something that belongs to a group of individuals, we use ‘their’ as a possessive pronoun.
principle vs. principal
  • Principal or principle are two different words for the same thing.
  • Principles are fundamental views, values, or facts, while principal refers to the leader of a school or the most important object.
advice vs. advise
  • Because counsel is both a noun and a verb, you may advise someone by providing them sound advice.
borrow vs. lend
  • Borrowing is the act of receiving something as a loan, while lending is the act of giving something as a loan.
despite vs. although
  • These words have the equal meaning but are used in various ways.
  • However, it is frequently followed by an entire phrase, while despite is usually followed by a gerund or a word.
personnel vs. personal
  • Your personal information includes your name, age, and country, while personnel refers to a company’s workers.
assure vs. ensure
  • Assuring someone implies removing their doubts or reassuring them while ensuring something means ensuring that it occurs.
affect vs. effect
  • The verb affect is a noun, whereas the noun effect is a verb.

I. Transition Words

Constructing effective transitions typically requires identifying words or phrases that express to the reader the logical links you wish to convey. This table should help you discover these words or phrases. 

If you need help identifying a word, phrase, or sentence to act as a transition, consult the table. 

Look in the table’s left column for the logical connection you want to communicate. Then seek words or sentences that illustrate this logical connection in the table’s right column.

Remember that each of these words or phrases may indicate something different. A dictionary or writer’s guide may help you decipher a term or phrase.

To emphasize
  • undoubtedly
  • unquestionably
  • obviously
  • particularly
  • in particular
  • especially
  • clearly
  • importantly
  • absolutely
  • definitely
  • without a doubt
  • indeed
  • it should be noted
To add detail
  • along with
  • apart from this
  • moreover
  • furthermore
  • also
  • too
  • as well as that
  • in addition
  • besides
  • not only…
  • but also
  • in addition to this
  • additionally
  • an additional
To show contrast
  • unlike
  • nevertheless
  • on the other hand
  • nonetheless
  • despite
  • in spite of
  • in contrast to
  • contrary to
  • whereas
  • alternatively
  • conversely
  • even so
  • differing from
To show order
  • following
  • at this time
  • previously
  • first
  • firstly
  • second
  • secondly
  • third
  • thirdly
  • subsequently
  • above all
  • before
  • last but not the least
  • first and foremost
To show cause and effect
  • because
  • meanwhile
  • for
  • so
  • thus
  • therefore
  • hence
  • henceforth
  • owing to
  • as a result of
To compare
  • Similarly
  • as with
  • the same
  • in the same way
  • likewise
  • like
  • of contrast
  • despite this
  • in comparison
  • in contrast
  • even though
To express opinion
  • I think…
  • I believe…
  • I feel…
  • In my opinion…
  • In my view…
  • As far as I know…
  • It seems likely…
  • It seems to me…
  • In my experience…
  • I believe that…
  • As for me, I think…
To illustrate
  • for example
  • such as
  • for instance
  • in other words
  • an instance
  • as revealed by
  • to show that
  • in the case of


Final Thoughts

Learn new words slowly. Be patient and keep working on your vocabulary. An average individual can learn 5-10 words every day. But it’s better to learn five correctly than 10.

Remember:

  • You will undoubtedly make errors.
  • The Duolingo English Test isn’t looking for flawless performance.
  • They’re interested in what you can do well, not what you haven’t mastered completely.
  • Your coherence will be at stake if you use terminology wrongly, and you may lose points as a result.
  • Make the most of what you already know.

Additional FAQs – Duolingo English Test Vocabulary

Is there a Duolingo English Test vocabulary test?

No, the Duolingo English Test does not have a vocabulary exam. A large vocabulary, on the other hand, may help you do well in the test.

To prepare for the DET test, you may use our collection of vocabulary terms. (They are all listed in this article below).

Is the Duolingo English Test a valid measure of English proficiency?

The Duolingo English Test is dependable and safe thanks to Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence technologies. 

The test-taker must follow the recommendations and obey specific regulations, such as leaving the face exposed, not using any suspicious things while taking the exam, and not communicating with a second person while taking the test, among others. 

For authentication, the ID and pictures are taken remotely.

What is the Degree of Difficulty of the Duolingo English Test Questions?

The Duolingo English Test has questions ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate, with each question becoming more difficult as candidates reply. 

Several types of questions are asked in each subject, such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Some questions are difficult to answer, while others are straightforward.

What Kinds of Questions Are Asked in the Duolingo English Test’s Interview Section?

The Duolingo English Test’s interview section is used to assess the candidate’s English speaking abilities. You’ll be asked to talk about a subject in this section of the exam. 

For at least 30 seconds, the test-taker must talk on a specific subject. When taking this part of the exam, the candidate’s voice must be clear, and he or she must adhere to the guidelines set out by the speaking section.

Is the Duolingo English Test’s Speaking Component Performed Separately?

The whole Duolingo English Test is completed in about an hour on the same day. The speaking element of the Duolingo English Test referred to as the interview, is covered in the second half of the test. 

This component is equally significant since it evaluates the candidate’s speaking abilities.