Dictionary
Words starting with M
14 words
magnanimous
/mæɡˈnæn.ɪ.məs/Showing great generosity of spirit, especially toward someone who has wronged you or someone less powerful. A magnanimous person acts with noble kindness even when they don't have to. The word suggests moral greatness, not just politeness.
manifest
/ˈmæn.ɪ.fɛst/Clearly seen or understood by anyone who looks. There is no doubt or confusion about it. This word is more formal than 'obvious' and is common in academic writing.
mansplain
/ˈmæn.spleɪn/When a man explains something to a woman in a way that assumes she knows less than he does, often without being asked and in a patronizing tone. The woman usually already understands the topic, sometimes better than the man does.
marginal
/ˈmɑːdʒɪnəl/Very small in size or importance; making very little difference. Something marginal exists or matters, but only just barely.
maturity
/məˈtjʊər.ɪ.ti/The quality of thinking and behaving in a sensible, calm, and responsible way. It reflects good judgment and emotional balance, often developed through experience.
mellifluous
/mɛˈlɪf.lu.əs/Describes a sound, voice, or speech that is smooth, sweet, and very pleasant to hear — like honey flowing. It suggests a quality that is both rich and effortless.
methodical
/məˈθɒd.ɪ.kəl/Doing things in a careful, step-by-step way, following a clear plan or order. A methodical person does not rush or skip steps — they move through a task in a calm, organised sequence.
meticulous
/mɪˈtɪk.jʊ.ləs/Giving very careful attention to every small detail. A meticulous person makes sure nothing is missed or done carelessly. The word usually has a positive meaning — it shows high standards and professionalism.
milestone
/ˈmaɪl.stəʊn/A stone post by the side of a road showing the distance to the next town, measured in miles. This is the original, literal meaning.
mitigate
/ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/To make something bad, harmful, or serious less severe. You do not remove the problem completely — you reduce its negative impact.
moderate
/ˈmɒd.ər.ɪt/Not too much and not too little — somewhere in the middle. It describes something that avoids extremes in amount, degree, or intensity.
modify
/ˈmɒd.ɪ.faɪ/To make deliberate changes to something so that it works better, fits a new purpose, or meets certain requirements. You keep most of the original thing but adjust specific parts.
monetary
/ˈmɒn.ɪ.tər.i/Relating to money, especially the supply and value of money in a country's economy. It often describes systems, policies, or official matters controlled by banks or governments.
mundane
/mʌnˈdeɪn/Lacking excitement or special interest; too ordinary and everyday. It often carries a slightly negative feeling, suggesting something is disappointingly dull or repetitive.