Common English words starting with V

Word begin with V

Pronunciation

Definition

Example

Vacation

/veɪˈkeɪʃn/

A period of time spent away from work, school, or daily activities, usually for rest or pleasure.

I’m planning a summer vacation.

Vacuum

/ˈvækjuːm/

A space completely empty of matter; a device used for cleaning by suction.

The physicist studies the vacuum in the lab.

Vagabond

/ˈvæɡəbɒnd/

A person who has no fixed home and travels from place to place.

He lived like a vagabond for many years.

Vain

/veɪn/

Too proud of one's appearance or achievements; not producing the desired result.

He is too vain to admit his mistakes.

Valley

/ˈvæli/

A low area of land between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it.

The valley is surrounded by high mountains.

Value

/ˈvæljuː/

The importance, worth, or usefulness of something.

We must appreciate the value of hard work.

Vampire

/ˈvæmpaɪər/

A mythical creature that drinks the blood of living people, often depicted as undead.

A vampire is a mythical creature in folklore.

Vanity

/ˈvænəti/

Excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements; the quality of being meaningless or futile.

Excessive vanity can harm relationships.

Variance

/ˈveəriəns/

The amount by which something changes or differs.

The variance in temperature is quite large.

Variety

/vəˈraɪəti/

A range of different things of the same general type.

We offer a variety of courses at PREP.

Varnish

/ˈvɑːrnɪʃ/

A liquid that dries to form a hard, shiny surface, used to protect wood or other materials.

You should apply a varnish to protect the wood.

Vascular

/ˈvæskjələr/

Related to the tubes (such as veins and arteries) that carry fluids in living organisms.

The vascular system is crucial for blood circulation.

Vase

/veɪs/ or /vɑːz/

A container, usually made of glass or ceramic, used for holding flowers.

She placed roses in a tall vase.

Vastness

/ˈvæstnəs/

The quality of being extremely large in size, extent, or number.

The vastness of the ocean amazed me.

Vault

/vɔːlt/

A secure room or space for storing valuable things; an arched ceiling or roof.

The gold is stored in a secure vault.

Vector

/ˈvektər/

A quantity in mathematics and physics that has both magnitude and direction.

In math, a vector has both direction and magnitude.

Vegetable

/ˈvedʒtəbl/

A plant or part of a plant eaten as food.

Eating fresh vegetables is essential for health.

Vehicle

/ˈviːɪkl/

A machine, such as a car or truck, used for transporting people or goods.

A car is a common vehicle used for commuting.

Vendor

/ˈvendər/

A person or company that sells goods or services.

The street vendor sells delicious snacks.

Veneer

/vəˈnɪr/

A thin layer of material applied to the surface of something for decoration or protection.

The table has a fine oak veneer.

Venom

/ˈvenəm/

A poisonous substance produced by animals such as snakes and spiders.

Snake venom can be fatal if not treated.

Vent

/vent/

An opening that allows air, gas, or liquid to pass out or into a space.

There’s a vent above the stove for smoke.

Venture

/ˈventʃər/

A business or project that involves risk.

They embarked on a new business venture.

Verb

/vɜːrb/

A word that expresses an action, condition, or experience.

A verb indicates an action or state.

Verdict

/ˈvɜːrdɪkt/

A decision made by a jury in a court of law.

The jury returned a guilty verdict.

Verge

/vɜːrdʒ/

The edge or border of something; the point just before something happens.

The company is on the verge of bankruptcy.

Version

/ˈvɜːrʒn/

A particular form or variation of something.

Have you tried the latest version of the app?

Vessel

/ˈvesl/

A large ship; a container for holding liquids.

A cargo vessel carries goods across the sea.

Veteran

/ˈvetərən/

A person with long experience in a particular field; a former soldier.

He is a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Vibration

/vaɪˈbreɪʃn/

A continuous, rapid movement back and forth.

The machine’s vibration is quite strong.

Vice

/vaɪs/

A bad habit or immoral behavior.

Greed is a common human vice.

Vicinity

/vəˈsɪnəti/

The area near or around a particular place.

There is a library in the vicinity of the park.

Word begin with V

Pronunciation

Definition

Example

Vacate

/ˈveɪkeɪt/

To leave a place so that it is available for other people.

We must vacate the room by noon.

Vouch

/vaʊtʃ/

To say that you believe someone is honest or that something is true, based on your experience or knowledge.

I can vouch for his honesty.

Validate

/ˈvælɪdeɪt/

To confirm that something is true or correct; to officially prove that something is acceptable.

The data was validated by experts.

Vanish

/ˈvænɪʃ/

To disappear suddenly or in a way that cannot be explained.

The magician made the rabbit vanish.

Vary

/ˈveri/

To change or be different depending on the situation.

Results may vary depending on conditions.

Vault

/vɔːlt/

To jump over something in a single movement, using your hands or a pole for support.

The athlete can vault over the high bar.

Venture

/ˈventʃər/

To go somewhere or do something that involves risk or uncertainty.

We decided to venture into new markets.

Verify

/ˈverɪfaɪ/

To check that something is true or accurate.

We need to verify the information.

Vest

/vest/

To give someone the legal right or power to do something.

They vested the authority in the committee.

Vibrate

/vaɪˈbreɪt/

To shake or move continuously and quickly.

The phone will vibrate when someone calls.

Vindicate

/ˈvɪndɪkeɪt/

To prove that someone is right or not guilty after being accused.

The new evidence vindicated the suspect.

Violate

/ˈvaɪəleɪt/

To break a rule, law, or agreement.

Don’t violate the traffic rules.

Visualize

/ˈvɪʒuəlaɪz/

To form a picture of something in your mind.

Try to visualize your goals every day.

Volunteer

/ˌvɑːlənˈtɪr/

To offer to do something without being paid or forced.

We should volunteer to help the community.

Vote

/voʊt/

To make a choice in an election or other decision-making process.

Everyone should vote in the election.

Vow

/vaʊ/

To make a serious promise to do something.

She vowed to support him forever.

Vacillate

/ˈvæsəleɪt/

To keep changing your opinion or decision.

He vacillates between two job offers.

Veer

/vɪr/

To change direction suddenly.

The car veered sharply to the left.

Vent

/vent/

To express feelings, especially anger, in a strong way.

She needed to vent her frustrations.

Victimize

/ˈvɪktɪmaɪz/

To treat someone in an unfair way, especially by making them suffer.

Don’t victimize others based on their beliefs.

Voice

/vɔɪs/

To express your thoughts or feelings.

You should voice your opinion.

Vomit

/ˈvɑːmɪt/

To bring food or liquid back up from the stomach through the mouth.

The medicine caused him to vomit.

Vilify

/ˈvɪlɪfaɪ/

To say or write unpleasant things about someone to make others have a bad opinion of them.

She was vilified in the press.

Voyage

/ˈvɔɪɪdʒ/

A long journey, especially by sea or in space.

They voyaged across the Atlantic.

Word begin with V

Pronunciation

Definition

Example

Vacant

/ˈveɪkənt/

(of a seat, house, or job) not being used or filled by someone

There are no vacant rooms at the hotel.

Vague

/veɪɡ/

not clear in a person’s mind or in meaning

His instructions were vague.

Vain

/veɪn/

too proud of your own appearance, abilities, or achievements

He’s too vain about his appearance.

Valuable

/ˈvæljuəbl/

worth a lot of money or very useful or important

That is a valuable painting.

Various

/ˈveriəs/

several different types of the same thing

We have various options to consider.

Vast

/væst/

extremely large in size, number, or amount

The desert is incredibly vast.

Vehement

/ˈviːəmənt/

showing very strong feelings, especially in anger or opposition

She made a vehement argument against the proposal.

Venomous

/ˈvenəməs/

(of a snake, insect, etc.) producing poison; full of hatred or anger

A venomous snake can be dangerous.

Verbal

/ˈvɜːrbl/

relating to words or spoken rather than written

We had a verbal agreement only.

Versatile

/ˈvɜːrsətl/

able to do many different things

She’s very versatile in her roles at work.

Vertical

/ˈvɜːrtɪkl/

going straight up or down

We need a vertical arrangement for this design.

Vibrant

/ˈvaɪbrənt/

full of life and energy

The city is vibrant at night.

Victorious

/vɪkˈtɔːriəs/

having won a victory

They returned victorious from the battle.

Vigorous

/ˈvɪɡərəs/

very active, determined, or full of energy

He does a vigorous workout every morning.

Virtual

/ˈvɜːrtʃuəl/

made to appear to exist by the use of computer software

A virtual meeting was scheduled online.

Vital

/ˈvaɪtl/

necessary or essential in order for something to succeed or exist

Water is vital for all forms of life.

Vivacious

/vɪˈveɪʃəs/

having a lively, attractive personality

Her vivacious personality makes everyone happy.

Void

/vɔɪd/

(of a contract, agreement, etc.) not valid or legally binding

The contract is void if it’s unsigned.

Volatile

/ˈvɑːlətl/

(of a substance) changing easily into gas; (of a situation) likely to change suddenly

This chemical is extremely volatile.

Voluminous

/vəˈluːmɪnəs/

very large or containing a lot of information

She has voluminous hair.

Vulnerable

/ˈvʌlnərəbl/

weak and easily hurt physically or emotionally

Old buildings are vulnerable to earthquakes.

Venal

/ˈviːnl/

willing to do dishonest things in exchange for money

A venal official accepts bribes.

Verdant

/ˈvɜːrdnt/

covered with green plants

The verdant fields are beautiful.

Vengeful

/ˈvendʒfl/

showing a desire to harm someone who has harmed you

He’s vengeful after being betrayed.

Voluptuous

/vəˈlʌptʃuəs/

(of a woman’s body) attractive in a sexual way

The model had a voluptuous figure.

Vested

/ˈvestɪd/

having a special right or interest in something

He has a vested interest in this project’s success.

Vocational

/voʊˈkeɪʃənl/

connected with the skills and training needed for a particular job

The school offers vocational training programs.

Vocal

/ˈvoʊkl/

expressing strong opinions openly

She’s extremely vocal about her political views.

Venerable

/ˈvenərəbl/

respected because of age, wisdom, or character

He’s a venerable leader in the community.

Veteran

/ˈvetərən/

having a lot of experience in a particular activity

She’s a veteran teacher with 20 years of experience.

Voracious

/vəˈreɪʃəs/

eating or wanting large amounts of food; extremely eager for something

He has a voracious appetite for reading.

Word begin with V

Pronunciation

Definition

Example Sentence

Vaguely

/ˈveɪɡli/

In a way that is not clear

I vaguely remember meeting her once.

Vainly

/ˈveɪnli/

Without success

He vainly tried to fix the leak.

Variously

/ˈveriəsli/

In different ways

The plan was variously criticized by experts.

Vehemently

/ˈviːɪməntli/

In a forceful way

She vehemently denied the accusation.

Vertically

/ˈvɜːrtɪkli/

In an up-and-down direction

The paintings were hung vertically.

Vicariously

/vɪˈkeəriəsli/

Indirectly, through someone else’s experience

Many people live vicariously through celebrities.

Vigorously

/ˈvɪɡərəsli/

With great energy or effort

He exercises vigorously every morning.

Virtually

/ˈvɜːrtʃuəli/

Almost, nearly

It’s virtually impossible to solve this puzzle.

Visibly

/ˈvɪzəbli/

In a way that can be noticed

She was visibly upset after the argument.

Vocally

/ˈvoʊkəli/

Expressing opinions aloud

He vocally opposed the new policy.

Voluntarily

/ˌvɑːlənˈterəli/

Done by free choice

She voluntarily offered to help.

Voraciously

/vəˈreɪʃəsli/

Eagerly and in large amounts

He reads voraciously.

Vacuously

/ˈvækjuəsli/

In a way that shows a lack of thought

She stared vacuously at the TV screen.

Validly

/ˈvælɪdli/

In a legally or logically acceptable way

The contract is validly executed.

Varietally

/vəˈraɪətəli/

Relating to different varieties (rare)

Wines can differ varietally.

Venomously

/ˈvenəməsli/

In a cruel or hateful way

She spoke venomously about her rivals.

Verbally

/ˈvɜːrbəli/

Using words, spoken rather than written

They agreed verbally, but not in writing.

Versatilely

/ˈvɜːrsətəlɪ/

In a flexible or adaptable manner (rare)

She manages tasks versatilely.

Very

/ˈveri/

To a great extent

She is very excited about the trip.

Viciously

/ˈvɪʃəsli/

In a violent or cruel way

The dog barked viciously.

Viscerally

/ˈvɪsərəli/

In a deep, instinctive way

I viscerally felt the tension in the room.

Vivaciously

/vɪˈveɪʃəsli/

In a lively and energetic way

She vivaciously greeted everyone.

Vociferously

/voʊˈsɪfərəsli/

In a loud and forceful way

They vociferously criticized the proposal.

Volubly

/ˈvɒljʊbli/

In a fluent and talkative manner

She spoke volubly on many subjects.

Vulgarly

/ˈvʌlɡərli/

In a rude or offensive way

He vulgarly interrupted the speaker.

Veeringly

/ˈvɪərɪŋli/

In a way that changes direction (rare)

The conversation veeringly changed topics.

Vocationally

/voʊˈkeɪʃənəli/

In a way related to work skills

The school supports students vocationally.

Virtuously

/ˈvɜːrtʃuəsli/

In a morally good way

He acts virtuously, always helping others.

Vigilantly

/ˈvɪdʒɪləntli/

In a watchful and careful way

The guard watched vigilantly.

Volitionally

/voʊˈlɪʃənəli/

By one’s own free will

She volitionally chose to join the project.

Idiom

Meaning

Example Sentence

Vanish into thin air

To disappear completely without leaving a trace.

The file seems to have vanished into thin air.

Vote with your feet

To express an opinion or protest by leaving or stopping support.

If customers don’t like the new policy, they’ll vote with their feet.

Vent one’s spleen

To release anger by complaining or shouting at someone or something.

He vented his spleen on the referee after the match.

Variety is the spice of life

Life is more interesting with new and diverse experiences.

I like trying new hobbies. Variety is the spice of life!

Veni, Vidi, Vici

"I came, I saw, I conquered" – used to describe a swift and easy victory.

He finished the project in record time – veni, vidi, vici.

Veg out

To relax and do nothing, often after stress or exhaustion.

After a long week at work, I just want to veg out in front of the TV.

Voice in the wilderness

An opinion or warning that is ignored by the majority.

He felt like a voice in the wilderness when he warned about climate change years ago.

An iron fist/hand (in a velvet glove)

A person who appears gentle but is actually strict or forceful.

The CEO uses an iron fist/hand in a velvet glove approach to manage the team.

Vote with your wallet

To support or reject a product/service by choosing to buy or not buy it.

If you disagree with the company’s policies, you should vote with your wallet and shop elsewhere.

Vicious circle

A situation in which one problem leads to another, making the original problem worse.

Poverty often creates a vicious circle of crime and low education.