List of 75+ daily used English words with meaning

Updated on Jun 5, 2024
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List of 75+ daily used English words with meaning

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There are many advantages to learning English as a second language, from expanding your job prospects to enhancing your memory and cognition; the benefits abound. As anyone who has struggled to learn the difference between their, there, and they're can attest, learning English is not an easy task.

However, once you start to get a handle on the language, you will quickly realize that many of the words we use on a daily basis are actually quite simple. In fact, there are a number of English words that are used so frequently you probably didn't even realize they were English!

If you have the desire to study abroad, you will be required to take some form of English language proficiency test in order to register for programs in many educational institutions.

There are different exams for different levels of English language proficiency, but the one thing in common is that they all test your understanding of basic grammar and vocabulary. One way to increase your score on these exams is to learn English words that are used daily.

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This list of 75 English words used daily (and their meanings) will help you with your grammar and vocabulary, prepare you for any upcoming language assessments, and better understand how native speakers use these words in everyday conversation.

Are you ready to learn more about them? Great.

Let’s take a closer look.

The importance of knowing basic English words for daily use

In a world where the English language is increasingly becoming the international standard for communication, it's more important than ever to have a strong command of the language. This is especially true for those who use English as their second language.

One of the best ways to improve your English vocabulary is to focus on words that you can use in your everyday life. These are what we call "daily use" or "functional" words, and they are words that you need to be able to use quickly and correctly in order to communicate effectively.

By increasing your vocabulary of these functional words, you will also be more prepared when it comes to taking (and passing!) your English language proficiency test when it comes time.

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What are English Language Proficiency Tests?

An English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) assesses your ability to use and understand English. The test is usually taken by non-native English speakers who are applying to study at an English-speaking university or college or who need to demonstrate their language proficiency for work or visa purposes.

There are many different types of ELPT, but most tests include reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections. Some tests also have a grammar and vocabulary section.

The difficulty level varies depending on the test. Still, most ELPTs are designed to assess whether you have the language skills necessary to study or work in an English-speaking environment.

Also read: Is IELTS necessary for UK education?

Types of English Language Proficiency Tests

There are four types of English Language Proficiency Tests:

  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This test is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native speakers of English.
  • The International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This assessment is another international standardized English language proficiency test, specifically for individuals who wish to study or work in an English-speaking country. 
  • The Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE). This is a qualification offered by Cambridge English Language Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge. 
  • The Oxford Test of English (OTE). This is a new English language proficiency test developed by the University of Oxford in collaboration with the British Council.

If you’re starting to feel some pre-test anxiety by reading about these tests, fear not! We will get you started on your way to success by starting you off with 75 English words used daily.

Also read: IELTS Vocabulary Words

List of daily used English words with meaning

Here are 75 English words that are used daily and their meanings.

WordMeaning
abouton the subject of; concerning
abovein or to a higher place; overhead
acrossfrom one side to the other
afterfollowing in time or order
againonce more, a second time
againstin opposition to; contrasting with
almostvery nearly, close to doing or being something
beexist; have life
becamedevelop into; change into something else
beda piece of furniture for sleep or rest
WordMeaning
catchto grab something suddenly; to understand something
carefultaking caution or being cautious
cata domestic animal that is kept as a pet
clocka device that tells time; verb meaning to record the time of an event.
closenear in space or time; to shut something
dabto touch or pat with a quick motion
dada father
daillyhappening or done every day
dampslightly wet; not completely dry
dareto have the courage to do something
WordMeaning
dashto run or go somewhere in a hurry
datainformation that is collected and can by analyzed
datea specific day, month, and year; the time when something happened or will happen
daythe time of light between one night and the next; 24 hours in a day
eagervery keen or enthusiastic
earnto receive money or reward for work done or services provided
easynot difficult; requiring little effort
eatto take in food or drink; to consume
educationthe process of giving or receiving systematic instruction, especially at school or college
effectthe result or consequence of an action or event
WordMeaning
eggthe oval reproductive body produced by a female bird, reptile, fish, or insect, usually containing a developing embryo
fewnot many; a small number
fillto make something full
findto discover or locate something
fitto be the right size or shape for something
finishto complete something
gladhappy; pleased
goodpositive or favorable
greatexcellent; wonderful
groupa number of people or things that are together
WordMeaning
growto become larger
guessto estimate without knowing for sure
habitsomething you do often and regularly, without thinking about it
handthe part of your body at the end of your arm
hangto put something up or be suspended from something
happyfeeling pleased, satisfied or content
Iuse when referring to yourself (most common word in the English language)
inused to describe a location
isan action word (verb) meaning equal to
ituse when referring to a thing or an animal
WordMeaning
justin a manner that is fair or right; done without planning
jointo become part of something; to cause two things to become connected
judgeto form an opinion
keepto have or hold something in your possession
keya small, usually metal object, that is used to open a lock
kindhaving a gentle or caring nature
knowto be aware of or have information about something
lieto say something that is untrue
lonelyto feel sad when you aren’t with other people
lazywhen you are lazy, you do not want to do anything
WordMeaning
lostwhen you don’t know where you are; you can’t find something
loveto have strong feelings and affection for someone
mothera parent who identifies as female
manan adult male human
moneycurrency or coins used as a medium of exchange
montha unit of time equal to one-twelfth of a year
noonmidday; 12 o’clock
normalaverage or typical
notea short letter or message
nothingzero; not anything
WordMeaning
obeyto follow someone’s orders or commands
objecta thing you can see or touch
obviouseasy to see or understand
peoplehuman beings in general
placea specific location or position

Now that you’ve seen our list of English words used daily and their meanings, you’re probably wondering what your next step will be. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.

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Tips to help you memorise and use daily-use English words

Now that you have a list of English words used daily, it’s time to get started committing them to memory and using them when you are out and about! 

  • Learning new words can be difficult, but it's worth the effort. Not only will it improve your vocabulary, but you'll also be able to communicate better with others. Here are some tips to help you learn daily English words:
  • Read as much as possible. The more you read, the more likely you encounter new words. When you see a word you don't know, look it up in a dictionary and try to remember it.
  • Keep a notebook handy. Whenever you come across a new word, write it down in a notebook along with its meaning. This will help you review the words later and ensure you remember them.
  • Use flashcards. Another great way to memorize new words is to use flashcards. You can make your own flashcards or find some online. Write the word on one side of the card and its meaning on the other side. Then, test yourself by trying to recall the meaning of the word without looking at the card.
  • Try a word game. Many online games can help you learn new words in a fun and interactive way. Give them a try and see how quickly you improve!
  • Talk to others. One of the best ways to learn new words is to chat with others in English. When you have a conversation, pay attention to the words that are used and try to incorporate them into your own speech.

It’s not easy learning a new language, but these strategies are a great way to break the task into smaller, attainable chunks. By simply practicing these and other simple strategies, you’ll be speaking like a native English speaker in no time.

Go forth and use your daily words!

It is often said that practice makes perfect. The best way to learn English as a second language is to remind yourself that practice makes progress. 

By simply taking one word from this list of 75 English words used daily and their meanings each day and incorporating it into your conversation and activities, you will be one step further toward sounding like a native English speaker and one step closer to acing your English proficiency test!

Wishing you all the best of luck on your journey toward speaking fluent English!

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