Vocabulary Test
- This test can take up to 10 minutes.
- You should choose the most similar word in meaning to the given word.
- Once you start the test, you should not close the page until it is completed.
- If you don't know the answer, click on the "next" button without choosing any option.
Ready to take your English skills to the next level?
- Expand your vocabulary
- Master grammar
- Learn phrasal verbs and idioms by heart
- Develop professional writing skills
- Connect with friends from around the world to practice speaking
- Reach Proficiency (C2) level
Who is this test for?
This vocabulary level test is designed for anyone interested in assessing their English vocabulary skills. Whether you are an English learner looking to track your progress, a student preparing for exams, a professional aiming to enhance your language proficiency, or a native speaker curious about your vocabulary range, this test is for you.
It caters to all dialects of English, including American, British, Australian, and Canadian English, ensuring that everyone can benefit from it. Take this test to discover your vocabulary level and identify areas for improvement.
What is a word, a word family, and vocabulary?
A word is a fundamental unit of language that conveys meaning. Words are combined with others to form sentences and communicate ideas (e.g., check, book, range).
A word family comprises all inflected forms of a word sharing the same root (e.g., count, counted, counter). This allows for varied expressions while maintaining a common base meaning.
Vocabulary encompasses all words and symbols that convey meaning within a language. It can be divided into two main categories:
- Passive Vocabulary: Words you recognize and understand when you hear or see them.
- Active Vocabulary: Words you can use effortlessly in speech and writing.
Vocabulary is not static; it is dynamic and grows throughout your life. Actively expanding your vocabulary sharpens your mind, stimulates creativity, and enhances adaptability in our ever-evolving world.
A robust vocabulary enables you to express yourself clearly and precisely, minimizing ambiguity and misunderstandings. It allows you to select the most appropriate words to effectively convey your emotions, thoughts, and ideas. The broader your vocabulary, the more persuasive and impactful your communication becomes.
How many words I need to know to speak fluently?
Vocabulary size varies greatly: Studies suggest that the average vocabulary size for adult native speakers ranges from 15,000 to 40,000 words depending on factors like education, occupation, and personal interests.It's possible to speak fluently with a few thousands words in daily conversations, but being flexibly fluent in various domains requires a vast vocabulary.
Individuals with a larger vocabulary tend to be more fluent in their language skills. A larger vocabulary allows for greater flexibility in expressing ideas and thoughts, leading to smoother and more natural communication.
Building a strong vocabulary is essential for language development and fluency. However, it's crucial to combine it with other factors like grammar, confidence, and regular practice to achieve effective and nuanced communication.
How many words do I know?
Our test try to estimate your vocabulary size and the level according to your score. You can see word ranges for every level in the following table.
Word counts by levels
| Level | Approximate Word Range |
|---|---|
| A1 | 800 |
| A2 | 800-2000 |
| B1 | 2000-4000 |
| B2 | 4000-7000 |
| C1 | 7000-10500 |
| C2 | 10500+ |
How many words are there in English?
English, with its rich history and global reach, has diversified into a stunning array of dialects, each dialect added new words to its vocabulary by taking words from other languages. Some dictionaries have a few hundred thousands words in their databases.
Loanwords in English
Loanwords are words that are borrowed from other languages. Loanwords make up about 85% of English words. Almost 60% of English words come from German (~26%), French, and Latin. In addition to these languages English has also loanwords from the following languages: Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Scandinavian, Japanese, Arabic, Aboriginal languages, Portuguese, Sanskrit, Russian, Maori, Hindi, Hebrew, Persian, Malay, Urdu, Irish, Afrikaans, Yiddish, Chinese, Turkish, Norwegian, Zulu, and Swahili.
An example list of loanwords
| Origin Language | Barrowed Words |
|---|---|
| Arabic | Algebra, sugar, coffee, zenith, zero, magazine etc. |
| Chinese | Dim sum, chow mein, kowtow, tai chi, kung fu etc. |
| Japanese | Karaoke, sushi, tempura, tsunami, origami etc. |
| Greek | Phobia, platonic, tragedy, lexicon, muse etc. |
| Maori | Kiwi, mana, moa, waka etc. |
| Hindi | Bandanna, bangle, bungalow, loot, pajamas, punch etc. |
| Hebrew | Behemoth, jubilee, sabbatical, amen etc. |
| Persian | Chess, checkmate, check etc. |
| Russian | Borscht, tzar, kosmonaut, icon, vodka, sputnik, balalaika etc. |
| Spanish | Mosquito, siesta, tornado, canteen, guitar etc. |
| Turkish | Baklava, yurt, yogurt, sarma, pasha, kiosk, kilim, dolma, hamam etc. |
| Other | Kangaroo (Aboriginal languages), robot (Czech), ketchup and amok (Malay), apartheid, commando, meerkat and wildebeest (Afrikaans) |
What vocabulary levels are there?
Vocabulary levels in English refer to the range of words and phrases that a person is able to understand and use effectively. These levels are often categorized into four main groups and six CEFR levels from A1 (Beginner) to C2 (Mastery):
Basic vocabulary (A1-A2): This level includes common, everyday words and phrases that are essential for basic communication.
Intermediate vocabulary (B1-B2): This level includes a wider range of words and phrases that are more specific or complex than basic vocabulary.
Advanced vocabulary (C1): This level includes sophisticated or technical words and phrases that are typically used in academic, professional, or specialized contexts.
Proficient vocabulary (C2): This level includes highly advanced or specialized words and phrases that are typically used by native speakers or experts in a particular field.
What are CEFR levels?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is one of the most common language level categorization frameworks.
CEFR levels and descriptions
| Level | Ability |
|---|---|
| A1 (Beginner) | Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. |
| A2 (Pre-intermediate) | Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of personal information, family, shopping, local geography, employment, etc. |
| B1 (Intermediate) | Can understand the main points of extended discussion, everyday conversation and discussion, on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. |
| B2 (Upper-intermediate) | Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. With some effort can catch much of what is said around them, but may find difficult to participate in colloquial discussions effectively with native speakers. |
| C1 (Advanced) | Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express himself/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. |
| C2 (Mastery) | Can effortlessly understand virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express himself/herself very fluently and spontaneously, with fine shades of meaning, even on more complex topics. |