Key words · 24 to learn · B2

A Christmas Carol vocabulary

by Charles Dickens, 1843

24 useful words from A Christmas Carol, from easier to harder. Each has a simple meaning and an example sentence, so you learn words you can actually use, not just recognise.

  1. deadadjective

    No longer alive.

    The plant is dead because it hasn't been watered.

  2. beginverb

    To start doing something.

    Let's begin the meeting now.

  3. doubtnoun

    A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.

    I have doubt about the success of the project.

  4. signverb

    To write one's name on a document to show agreement or acknowledgment.

    Please sign your name at the bottom of the form.

  5. funeralnoun

    A ceremony for burying or cremating a dead person.

    The family attended the funeral to say goodbye.

  6. friendnoun

    A person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.

    She is my best friend and we do everything together.

  7. businessnoun

    The practice of making one's living by engaging in commerce.

    He runs a successful business selling handmade crafts.

  8. firmnoun

    A business organization, especially a partnership.

    The law firm specializes in family law.

  9. coldadjective

    Having a low temperature, especially when compared to the temperature of the human body.

    It's very cold outside, so wear a coat.

  10. rainnoun

    Water that falls from the clouds in drops.

    The rain helped water the garden.

  11. beggarnoun

    A person who lives by asking for money or food.

    The beggar asked for some change on the street corner.

  12. nephewnoun

    The son of one's brother or sister.

    I bought a toy car for my nephew's birthday.

  13. pooradjective

    Having little money or few possessions.

    The poor family struggled to pay their bills.

  14. richadjective

    Having a great deal of money or assets.

    The rich businessman donated to the charity.

  15. reasonnoun

    A cause or explanation for an action or event.

    The reason for the delay was the traffic jam.

  16. merryadjective

    Cheerful and lively.

    We had a merry time at the party.

  17. happyadjective

    Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.

    She was happy to see her old friends again.

  18. angryadjective

    Feeling or showing strong annoyance or displeasure.

    He was angry when he found out he was lied to.

  19. gentlemannoun

    A polite or formal way of referring to a man.

    The gentleman opened the door for the lady.

  20. partnernoun

    A person who takes part in an undertaking with another, especially in a business.

    She is my business partner in the new venture.

  21. spiritnoun

    The non-physical part of a person, regarded as their true self.

    Many cultures believe in the spirit living on after death.

  22. ghostnoun

    An apparition of a dead person that is believed to appear to the living.

    The old house is said to be haunted by a ghost.

  23. believeverb

    To accept something as true.

    I believe in the power of kindness.

  24. changenoun

    The act or instance of making or becoming different.

    The change in weather was sudden and unexpected.

Learn these words in context

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