Oxford 3000 Words Starting with E – Complete List with Meanings & Quizzes

each determiner / pronoun / adverb

Short meaning: every one of two or more people or things, considered separately.

Example: Each student received a book.

each other pronoun phrase

Short meaning: used to show two people or groups have the same action toward the other.

Example: They hugged each other.

eager adjective

Short meaning: wanting very much to do or have something.

Example: She is eager to start her new job.

ear noun

Short meaning: the part of the body used for hearing.

Example: She whispered into his ear.

early adjective / adverb

Short meaning: happening before the usual or expected time.

Example: He arrived early to the meeting.

earn verb

Short meaning: to receive money or something valuable for work or effort.

Example: She earns $20 an hour.

earth noun

Short meaning: the planet we live on; also soil or ground.

Example: The Earth orbits the sun.

ease noun / verb

Short meaning: (n.) lack of difficulty; (v.) to make something less difficult or painful.

Example: A warm bath may ease the pain.

easily adverb

Short meaning: without difficulty; in a simple or quick way.

Example: She solved the problem easily.

east noun / adjective / adverb

Short meaning: the direction where the sun rises.

Example: The city lies to the east of the river.

eastern adjective

Short meaning: in or from the east part of a place or region.

Example: Eastern Europe has many historic cities.

easy adjective

Short meaning: not difficult; requiring little effort.

Example: The test was surprisingly easy.

eat verb

Short meaning: to take food into the body.

Example: They usually eat dinner at 7 p.m.

eat up phrasal verb

Short meaning: to eat all of something completely.

Example: Eat up your vegetables!

economic adjective

Short meaning: related to money, trade, or the financial system of a country.

Example: The country is facing economic challenges.

economics noun

Short meaning: the study of how money, goods, and services are produced and used.

Example: She is studying economics at university.

economy noun

Short meaning: the system by which a country’s money, industries, and trade are organized.

Example: The global economy is changing quickly.

edge noun

Short meaning: the outer or sharp side of something; also a slight advantage.

Example: She stood at the edge of the cliff.

noun edition

Short meaning: a particular version of a book, newspaper, or magazine.

Example: The latest edition includes new chapters.

editor noun

Short meaning: a person who checks, corrects, and prepares text or media for publication.

Example: The editor reviewed every article carefully.

educate verb

Short meaning: to teach someone, especially in a formal setting.

Example: Schools exist to educate children.

educated adjective

Short meaning: having received a good amount of schooling or training.

Example: She is highly educated in economics.

education noun

Short meaning: the process of teaching, learning, and gaining knowledge in schools or other settings.

Example: Education plays a key role in development.

educational adjective

Short meaning: related to learning, teaching, or studying.

Example: LVF creates high-quality educational content.

effect noun

Short meaning: a change that happens because of something else.

Example: The medicine had no side effects.

effective adjective

Short meaning: working well and producing the result you want.

Example: It’s an effective way to study vocabulary.

effectively adverb

Short meaning: in a way that works well and gets good results.

Example: She communicates very effectively.

efficient adjective

Short meaning: working well without wasting time, energy, or resources.

Example: The new system is more efficient than before.

effort noun

Short meaning: the physical or mental energy you use to do something.

Example: Learning new words takes time and effort.

e.g. abbreviation

Short meaning: used to introduce one or more examples of what you mean.

Example: You should eat more fruit, e.g. apples and oranges.

egg noun

Short meaning: a round or oval object laid by a bird, often eaten as food.

Example: She had an egg for breakfast.

either determiner / pronoun / adverb

Short meaning: one of two choices, or used in negatives to mean “also not”.

Example: You can choose either coffee or tea.

elbow noun

Short meaning: the joint in the middle of your arm where it bends.

Example: He rested his elbow on the table.

elderly adjective

Short meaning: used to describe people who are quite old.

Example: The bus has special seats for elderly passengers.

elect verb

Short meaning: to choose someone for a position by voting.

Example: They elected her as class president.

election noun

Short meaning: an event when people vote to choose someone for a public position.

Example: The election will be held next month.

electric adjective

Short meaning: using, producing, or powered by electricity.

Example: They bought an electric car to reduce emissions.

electrical adjective

Short meaning: connected with electricity or electrical equipment.

Example: An electrician fixed the electrical problem in the house.

electricity noun

Short meaning: a form of energy that provides power for lights, machines, and devices.

Example: We lost electricity during the storm.

electronic adjective

Short meaning: using small parts like chips and circuits to control electric current.

Example: Many people read news on electronic devices.

elegant adjective

Short meaning: attractive in a simple, stylish, and graceful way.

Example: The restaurant has an elegant interior.

element noun

Short meaning: a basic or important part of something larger.

Example: Practice is a key element of language learning.

elevator noun (US)

Short meaning: a machine that carries people or things up and down in a building.

Example: We took the elevator to the tenth floor.

eliminate verb

Short meaning: to remove something completely or get rid of it.

Example: We need to eliminate unnecessary mistakes.

else adverb

Short meaning: in addition; different; other than the one mentioned.

Example: Do you want anything else?

elsewhere adverb

Short meaning: in or to another place.

Example: The answer can be found elsewhere.

e-mail noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a message sent electronically over the internet.

Example: I received an e-mail from my teacher.

Short meaning (verb): to send someone a message electronically.

Example: I’ll e-mail you the details.

embarrass verb

Short meaning: to make someone feel shy, uncomfortable, or ashamed.

Example: His question embarrassed her.

embarrassed adjective

Short meaning: feeling shy, awkward, or ashamed because of something.

Example: She felt embarrassed when everyone stared at her.

embarrassing adjective

Short meaning: causing someone to feel shy or uncomfortable.

Example: Forgetting my lines on stage was embarrassing.

embarrassment noun

Short meaning: a feeling of shame or awkwardness.

Example: The mistake was a huge embarrassment for him.

emerge verb

Short meaning: to appear or come out from somewhere.

Example: A few new details emerged during the investigation.

emergency noun

Short meaning: a serious and unexpected situation that needs immediate action.

Example: Call 911 in an emergency.

emotion noun

Short meaning: a strong feeling such as happiness, anger, or sadness.

Example: She tried to hide her emotions.

emotional adjective

Short meaning: showing or having strong feelings.

Example: It was an emotional speech.

emphasis noun

Short meaning: special importance or extra attention given to something.

Example: The teacher placed emphasis on pronunciation.

emphasize verb

Short meaning: to give special importance to something.

Example: She emphasized the need for practice.

empire noun

Short meaning: a large group of countries or regions controlled by one ruler or government.

Example: The Roman Empire lasted for centuries.

employ verb

Short meaning: to give someone a job or to use something for a purpose.

Example: The company employs over 500 people.

employee noun

Short meaning: a person who works for a company or organization.

Example: The new employee started yesterday.

employer noun

Short meaning: a person or company that gives people jobs.

Example: Employers must ensure a safe workplace.

employment noun

Short meaning: the state of having a job or work.

Example: Employment levels rose this year.

empty adjective / verb

Short meaning (adjective): containing nothing; not filled.

Example: The box was completely empty.

Short meaning (verb): to remove everything from something.

Example: Please empty the trash bin.

enable verb

Short meaning: to make something possible or give someone the ability to do something.

Example: This feature enables users to save time.

encounter verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to meet someone or something unexpectedly.

Example: We may encounter some problems along the way.

Short meaning (noun): an unexpected meeting or experience.

Example: It was his first encounter with wildlife.

encourage verb

Short meaning: to give someone confidence or support to do something.

Example: Teachers should encourage students to ask questions.

encouragement noun

Short meaning: words or actions that give someone confidence or hope.

Example: Her encouragement helped him continue studying.

end noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): the final part of something.

Example: The movie had a surprising end.

Short meaning (verb): to finish or stop something.

Example: The meeting will end at 4 PM.

ending noun

Short meaning: the final part of a story, event, or situation.

Example: The ending of the novel was emotional.

enemy noun

Short meaning: a person or group that hates or opposes you.

Example: The two countries used to be enemies.

energy noun

Short meaning: the power or strength needed to do work or be active.

Example: I don’t have enough energy to continue.

engage verb

Short meaning: to take part in something or attract someone’s interest.

Example: Students must engage actively in discussions.

engaged adjective

Short meaning: busy doing something or formally promised to marry someone.

Example: She is engaged in volunteer work.

engine noun

Short meaning: a machine that produces power to make something move.

Example: The car’s engine needs repair.

engineer noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a professional who designs or builds machines, structures, or systems.

Example: She is a software engineer.

Short meaning (verb): to cleverly plan or arrange something.

engineering noun

Short meaning: the science and work of designing or building machines and structures.

Example: He studied mechanical engineering.

enjoy verb

Short meaning: to take pleasure in something.

Example: I enjoy reading at night.

enjoyable adjective

Short meaning: giving pleasure; fun to do.

Example: It was an enjoyable trip.

enjoyment noun

Short meaning: the feeling of pleasure or satisfaction from something.

Example: Music brings her great enjoyment.

enormous adjective

Short meaning: extremely large.

Example: The project required an enormous amount of work.

enough determiner / pronoun / adverb

Short meaning: as much or as many as needed.

Example: We have enough chairs for everyone.

ensure verb

Short meaning: to make certain that something will happen.

Example: Please ensure all doors are locked.

enter verb

Short meaning: to go into a place or join an activity.

Example: She entered the building quietly.

entertain verb

Short meaning: to amuse or interest people.

Example: The show was created to entertain children.

entertainer noun

Short meaning: someone who performs to amuse people.

Example: The entertainer thrilled the crowd.

entertaining adjective

Short meaning: enjoyable and amusing.

Example: It was an entertaining evening.

entertainment noun

Short meaning: activities that amuse or give enjoyment.

Example: The city has many entertainment options.

enthusiasm noun

Short meaning: strong excitement, interest, or eagerness about something.

Example: She showed great enthusiasm for the project.

enthusiastic adjective

Short meaning: showing strong excitement or eagerness.

Example: The students were enthusiastic about learning.

entire adjective

Short meaning: whole; complete; including everything.

Example: He spent the entire day studying.

entirely adverb

Short meaning: completely; fully; in every way.

Example: The plan is entirely different now.

entitle verb

Short meaning: to give someone the right to do or have something.

Example: The ticket entitles you to one free drink.

entrance noun

Short meaning: a door, gate, or opening used to enter a place.

Example: The main entrance is on the left.

entry noun

Short meaning: the act of entering a place or a piece of information written down.

Example: Your entry must be submitted by Friday.

envelope noun

Short meaning: a flat paper container used for mailing a letter.

Example: She put the letter in an envelope.

environment noun

Short meaning: the natural world or the surroundings in which people live and work.

Example: We must protect the environment.

environmental adjective

Short meaning: related to the environment or natural world.

Example: Environmental problems are increasing worldwide.

equal adjective / noun / verb

Short meaning (adj): the same in amount, size, value, or level.

Example: All citizens should have equal rights.

equally adverb

Short meaning: to the same degree or in a fair and equal way.

Example: The money was equally divided among them.

equipment noun

Short meaning: the tools, machines, or supplies needed for a particular activity or purpose.

Example: The gym has new fitness equipment.

equivalent adjective / noun

Short meaning (adj): equal in value, amount, or meaning.

Example: Ten euros is roughly equivalent to eleven dollars.

era noun

Short meaning: a long and important period of history or time.

Example: We are living in the digital era.

error noun

Short meaning: a mistake or something that is incorrect.

Example: There was an error in the report.

escape verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to get away from a place or situation of danger.

Example: They managed to escape the burning building.

Short meaning (noun): an act of getting free from something.

especially adverb

Short meaning: more than usual; particularly.

Example: She loves desserts, especially chocolate cake.

essay noun

Short meaning: a short piece of writing on a particular subject, often for school or exams.

Example: We had to write an essay about climate change.

essential adjective / noun

Short meaning (adj): extremely important and necessary.

Example: Water is essential for life.

essentially adverb

Short meaning: basically; in the most important ways.

Example: Essentially, the two methods are the same.

establish verb

Short meaning: to start something such as an organization, system, or rule; or to prove something is true.

Example: The company was established in 1998.

estate noun

Short meaning: a large area of land or property; all the money and assets a person owns.

Example: The family owns a large estate in the countryside.

estimate verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to guess or calculate the size, amount, or cost of something approximately.

Example: They estimated the cost at $500.

etc. abbreviation

Short meaning: used after a list to show that more similar things could be added.

Example: apples, bananas, oranges, etc.

ethnic adjective

Short meaning: connected with a particular race, nation, or cultural group.

Example: The city has many ethnic communities.

even adverb / adjective

Short meaning (adv): used to emphasize something surprising.

Example: She didn’t even say goodbye.

evening noun

Short meaning: the part of the day between late afternoon and night.

Example: They went for a walk in the evening.

event noun

Short meaning: something that happens, especially something important or organized.

Example: The school is organizing a sports event.

eventually adverb

Short meaning: in the end, especially after a long time.

Example: He eventually found a job he liked.

ever adverb

Short meaning: at any time.

Example: Have you ever been to London?

every determiner

Short meaning: including all members of a group without exception.

Example: She goes running every morning.

everyone pronoun

Short meaning: every person; all people.

Example: Everyone enjoyed the party.

everything pronoun

Short meaning: all things.

Example: Everything is ready for the trip.

everywhere adverb

Short meaning: in all places.

Example: The posters were everywhere in the city.

evidence noun

Short meaning: facts or information that show something is true.

Example: There is no evidence to support the claim.

evil adjective / noun

Short meaning (adj): very bad or harmful; morally wrong.

Example: The story describes an evil character.

ex- prefix

Short meaning: used to show a former role or status.

Example: ex-teacher, ex-manager.

exact adjective

Short meaning: completely accurate or correct.

Example: Can you give me the exact time?

exactly adverb

Short meaning: used to emphasize accuracy or agreement.

Example: That’s exactly what I meant.

exaggerate verb

Short meaning: to make something seem larger, worse, or more important than it really is.

Example: Don’t exaggerate the problem.

exaggerated adjective

Short meaning: made to seem more extreme than it really is.

Example: His fears were exaggerated.

exam noun

Short meaning: a formal test of knowledge or ability.

Example: She has an English exam tomorrow.

examination noun

Short meaning: a detailed check or a formal test.

Example: The doctor began the examination.

examine verb

Short meaning: to look at something carefully to understand it.

Example: The police will examine the evidence.

example noun

Short meaning: something used to show or explain an idea.

Example: She gave an example to explain the rule.

excellent adjective

Short meaning: extremely good; of very high quality.

Example: She did an excellent job.

except preposition / conjunction

Short meaning: not including; apart from.

Example: Everyone came except John.

exception noun

Short meaning: a person or thing that is not included in a general rule.

Example: There are a few exceptions to this rule.

exchange noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): the act of giving one thing and receiving another.

Example: They had a brief exchange of ideas.

excite verb

Short meaning: to make someone feel happy, enthusiastic, or eager.

Example: The news will excite the whole team.

excited adjective

Short meaning: very happy and interested in something that is going to happen.

Example: She is excited about the trip.

excitement noun

Short meaning: a strong feeling of joy, enthusiasm, or interest.

Example: There was excitement in the air.

exciting adjective

Short meaning: causing strong interest or enthusiasm.

Example: It was an exciting match.

exclude verb

Short meaning: to leave someone or something out; not include.

Example: The price excludes taxes.

excluding preposition

Short meaning: not including someone or something.

Example: The cost is $50, excluding delivery.

excuse noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a reason given to explain a mistake or behavior.

Example: That’s just an excuse.

Short meaning (verb): to forgive someone or allow them not to do something.

Example: Please excuse my delay.

executive noun / adjective

Short meaning (noun): a person with senior managerial responsibility.

Example: She is a company executive.

Short meaning (adj): related to management or decision-making roles.

exercise noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): physical activity to stay healthy.

Example: Regular exercise is important.

Short meaning (verb): to move your body to stay fit.

exhibit verb

Short meaning: to show something in public.

Example: The museum will exhibit new art.

exhibition noun

Short meaning: a public display of art or other items.

Example: The exhibition opens today.

exist verb

Short meaning: to be real or present.

Example: Many species no longer exist.

existence noun

Short meaning: the state of being alive, real, or present.

Example: The existence of water made life possible.

exit noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a door or way out of a place.

Example: Look for the nearest exit.

Short meaning (verb): to leave a place.

expand verb

Short meaning: to become larger or make something larger.

Example: The company plans to expand its services.

expect verb

Short meaning: to think something will happen or be true.

Example: We expect the results tomorrow.

expectation noun

Short meaning: a belief that something will happen or be true.

Example: The project met everyone's expectations.

expected adjective

Short meaning: thought likely to happen.

Example: The expected results were announced.

expense noun

Short meaning: the amount of money needed for something.

Example: Travel expenses were high.

expensive adjective

Short meaning: costing a lot of money.

Example: The restaurant is too expensive.

experience noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): knowledge or skill gained over time.

Example: She has teaching experience.

Short meaning (verb): to go through something yourself.

experienced adjective

Short meaning: having a lot of skill or knowledge from doing something for a long time.

Example: She is an experienced engineer.

experiment noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a scientific test done to discover something.

Example: The experiment proved the theory.

Short meaning (verb): to try new ideas or methods.

expert noun / adjective

Short meaning (noun): a person with a lot of knowledge or skill in a subject.

Example: She is an expert in computer science.

Short meaning (adj): having or showing special skill.

explain verb

Short meaning: to make something clear or easy to understand.

Example: Can you explain the rules?

explanation noun

Short meaning: a statement that makes something easier to understand.

Example: The teacher gave a clear explanation.

explode verb

Short meaning: to burst or break apart suddenly with a loud noise.

Example: The bomb could explode at any moment.

explore verb

Short meaning: to travel through a place or think about an idea to learn more about it.

Example: They plan to explore the city this weekend.

explosion noun

Short meaning: a violent burst that happens when something explodes.

Example: The explosion damaged nearby buildings.

export verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to send goods to another country to sell.

Example: The company exports coffee worldwide.

Short meaning (noun): a product sold to another country.

expose verb

Short meaning: to show something that is usually hidden, or to put someone in a situation where they are not protected.

Example: The report exposed serious problems in the system.

express verb / adjective

Short meaning (verb): to show or say what you think or feel.

Example: She expressed her thanks to the team.

Short meaning (adj): fast and direct, especially for transport.

expression noun

Short meaning 1: a word or phrase used in a particular way.

Short meaning 2: the look on someone’s face that shows how they feel.

Example: Her expression showed she was surprised.

extend verb

Short meaning: to make something longer, larger, or last for more time.

Example: They decided to extend the meeting by 30 minutes.

extension noun

Short meaning 1: extra time allowed for something.

Short meaning 2: a new part added to a building or object.

Example: He asked for an extension on the deadline.

extensive adjective

Short meaning: large in amount or covering a wide area.

Example: The book is based on extensive research.

extent noun

Short meaning: the degree or amount of something; how far something reaches.

Example: We don’t yet know the full extent of the damage.

extra adjective / adverb / noun

Short meaning (adj/adv): more than is usual, expected, or needed.

Example: You have to pay extra for dessert.

Short meaning (noun): an additional thing that is added.

extraordinary adjective

Short meaning: very unusual, special, or surprising.

Example: The team did an extraordinary job.

extreme adjective / noun

Short meaning (adj): very great in degree; far from normal.

Example: They work in extreme heat.

Short meaning (noun): the highest or lowest level of something.

extremely adverb

Short meaning: very; to a very high degree.

Example: The task was extremely difficult.

eye noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): the part of the body used for seeing.

Example: She has blue eyes.

Short meaning (verb): to look at someone or something carefully.