Words starting with P

A p-zombie is a philosophical idea of a being that acts exactly like a conscious person, but has no inner experience. It looks and behaves human, but is said to have no awareness or feelings.

To put things together in a bag, box, or other container for travel, storage, or moving. It can also mean to fill something tightly.

A feeling of physical suffering caused by injury, illness, or pressure. It can be sharp, dull, or constant.

To cover a surface with paint. You also use it for making a picture with paint or another colouring medium.

Having the look or style of a painting. It is often used for writing, music, or images that feel rich, expressive, and artistic.

A paintmarker is a pen-like tool filled with paint or thick ink. People use it to write on surfaces like metal, glass, wood, and plastic.

A paintover is a new layer of paint applied to cover an older surface. It can be done to refresh, hide marks, or change the look of something.

The roof of the mouth, especially the hard part at the front. It is the part you feel with your tongue when you eat or speak.

the study of Earth's past magnetic field, as recorded in rocks, lava, and sediments. Scientists use it to learn about plate movement and Earth's history.

A palette is a flat board that a painter holds and uses to mix paints on. It can also mean the range of colours an artist or designer uses in a work.

A thing that still shows traces of its earlier form, even after being changed or covered. It is often used for texts, places, or ideas.

A chicken breast cooked in a hot pan with a little oil, so the outside turns brown while the inside stays juicy. It is often served as a main dish.

A panegyric is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something very highly. It is usually formal and often sounds public, official, or literary.

To look through food or kitchen shelves for something to eat, often without much planning. It can suggest casually picking snacks or leftovers.

Panzanella is a salad from Italy made with stale bread, tomatoes, onions, olive oil, and vinegar. It is usually served cold, especially in warm weather.

The skill or hobby of making objects from paper. It can include folding, cutting, gluing, and decorating paper.

A paradigm is a widely accepted model or set of ideas that shapes how people think about a subject. It acts as a standard framework in science, education, or society. When the framework changes completely, we call it a 'paradigm shift.'

A statement or situation that seems impossible or contradictory, but turns out to be true or meaningful on closer thought. It appears to break logical rules, yet often reveals a deeper truth.

The process of doing several tasks at the same time, or of making a computer program do that. In computing, it often means splitting work across processors or threads.

To describe or set up something using parameters, especially in mathematics, computing, or technical work. It means to make a process depend on chosen values or variables.

More important than everything else. When something is paramount, it must be treated as the top priority above all other things.

Things and equipment used for a particular activity. It often suggests many small items, sometimes in a messy or unnecessary-looking group.

Material that comes with a text but is not the main text itself. It includes things like the title, preface, notes, and cover blurbs.

To boil food for a short time, usually before cooking it fully in another way. People often parboil rice, potatoes, or vegetables.

To take part in an activity or event together with other people. This is a formal way to say 'join in' or 'take part in.'

A very small piece of something. It can be a tiny bit of dust, soil, or matter.

A small detail or a special feature of something. It is often used when one detail matters more than the rest.

To be strong, trustworthy, or effective under close checking or in a difficult situation. It means something still works well when tested hard.

To satisfy an important basic standard or check. It means something is acceptable enough to continue, join, or be trusted.

A secret word, phrase, or character string used to prove who you are and get into a computer, phone, or account.

A type of sweet baked food made from flour, fat, and water. It is often used for pies, tarts, and cakes.

An area of grassland where animals, especially cows and sheep, graze. It is often open land in the countryside.

a small piece of material used to repair a hole, cover a weak spot, or add extra cloth to something.

The development and origin of a disease. It explains how a disease starts and how it changes in the body.

Pathogenic means able to cause disease. It is often used in science, medicine, and biology.

A thin layer that forms on metal, wood, or other surfaces over time. It can be caused by age, weather, or use, and may change the surface's colour or shine.

The support given to a person, business, or group, usually by customers, clients, or powerful people. It can also mean regular buying or use of a place or service.

To give someone money for goods, services, wages, or a debt. It can also mean to spend money for something, or to suffer a cost or consequence.

A state of calm and freedom from war, fighting, or worry. It can describe both a country and a person's mind.

Peaceful describes a place, person, time, or situation that is calm and quiet, with little or no disturbance. It can also mean free from violence or war.

The process of repairing damaged peatlands so they can hold water again and support plants and wildlife. It is often used in climate and conservation work.

To remove the outer skin or covering from something. You can peel fruit, vegetables, paint, or a label.

Pelagic means relating to the open sea, far from land and the sea bottom. It is often used in science, especially for animals and plants that live in deep ocean water.

The open part of the ocean away from the shore and the sea bottom. It includes the water column where many fish, whales, and plankton live.

Very clear and easy to understand. It is often used for writing, speech, or ideas that are simple and precise.

A visible trace of an earlier change in a painting or drawing. It shows that the artist first made one choice, then changed it later.

Having a sharp, hot taste like black pepper. It can also mean slightly rude, angry, or likely to argue.

To notice, see, or become aware of something through your senses or mind. It often means understanding something in a particular way.

An experience that comes from noticing or sensing something. It is about how a person sees, hears, feels, or understands the world through the senses.

To filter slowly through a small space or through a material. Water can percolate through soil or coffee through grounds.

Lasting for a very long time, or continuing again and again. In biology, it describes a plant that lives for more than two years.

To do a task, duty, or action. This is the most common meaning in formal and everyday English.

Done quickly and without real care or effort, usually only because it is expected or required. A perfunctory action is done as a formality — the person is going through the motions, not genuinely trying.

Relating to the outer edge or boundary of something, rather than the center. When used to describe an issue or idea, it means it is not the main focus and is of lesser importance.

To spread through something slowly and completely. A liquid, smell, light, or feeling can permeate a place or material.

Continuing forever or for a very long time without stopping. It describes something that has no end or that seems to go on indefinitely.

To cause something to continue for a long time, often forever. It is most commonly used when talking about something negative — like a harmful belief, a bad situation, or an unfair system — that keeps being passed on or kept alive.

To keep trying to do something, even when it is hard or takes a long time. It often suggests patience and steady effort.

To keep doing something even when it is difficult or when others want you to stop. This sense focuses on a person's determined action.

A human being, especially when you want to talk about one individual. It can be used in general statements, official forms, and legal language.

Connected with one person and not shared with others. It can also mean private, or about your own feelings and life.

A standard used to judge whether a person is the same person over time. It is used in philosophy when people discuss identity, memory, and change.

A way of thinking about or understanding something. It is the viewpoint from which you judge a person, idea, or situation.

Having a clear and quick understanding of people, ideas, or situations. A perspicacious person notices important details and sees what others may miss.

Spreading through every part of something, so it is hard to avoid or ignore. Often describes problems, feelings, influences, or smells that reach into all corners of a place or situation.

Expecting bad things to happen, or believing a situation will end badly. A pessimistic person often sees the negative side first.

The pleasant, earthy smell that rises from dry ground when rain begins to fall on it. It is one of the most widely recognized scents in nature, especially strong after a long dry spell.

Very frightened or shocked. It is stronger than 'afraid' and usually means someone cannot move or speak easily.

To make someone very frightened or shocked. It can also mean to make someone unable to move because of fear.

A change in the timing of natural events in plants and animals. It often means flowers bloom, birds migrate, or insects appear at different times than before.

Related to phenomenology, the study of how people experience things. It describes an approach that focuses on lived experience, not only facts or theories.

A method in philosophy that sets aside beliefs about whether things really exist. It focuses only on how things appear in experience.

A fact, event, or situation that can be observed, often one that is unusual, significant, or hard to fully explain. Scientists and researchers commonly study phenomena to understand the world.

A phenotype is the visible or measurable traits of an organism. These traits come from its genes and its environment.

A device you use to call, text, and connect to the internet. In everyday English, this usually means a mobile phone.

An order for goods or services placed by telephone. It is often used in shopping, restaurant, and business contexts.

A method used to make very small patterns on a surface, especially in making computer chips. It uses light to copy a design onto a material.

The process in which green plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make food and release oxygen.

If a plant photosynthesizes, it uses sunlight to make food from water and carbon dioxide. This process gives plants the energy they need to grow.

Relating to phylogeny, or the evolutionary history and relationships of species, groups, or genes. It is used in biology and scientific writing.

Related to the body, or to things you can touch and see. It can also mean about real objects, not ideas.

A picture-frame is the border around a picture, photo, or painting. It helps protect the image and makes it look neat or attractive.

A pie is a baked food with a filling inside a pastry crust. It can be sweet, like apple pie, or savoury, like chicken pie.

Something that is very easy to do. You say this when a task takes little effort or skill, and anyone could do it without much trouble.

To eat a lot of food in a greedy, relaxed, or uncontrolled way. It is often casual and informal.

A pipette is a small tube used in laboratories to measure and transfer very small amounts of liquid. It is common in science, medicine, and school experiments.

Piquant food has a pleasantly strong, spicy, or sharp taste. It can also describe something lively, a little daring, or slightly provocative.

If something piques your interest or curiosity, it makes you more interested or curious. It is often used in writing and formal speech.

A feeling of sadness for someone who is suffering or in a bad situation. It can also mean kind or gentle sympathy.

a particular area or point in space. It can be a town, room, seat, or spot.

A planet is a large round body in space that moves around a star, such as the Sun. It does not make its own light.

Plangent describes a sound that is loud, deep, and often sad or rich. It is often used for voices, bells, music, or other sounds that seem to linger.

A plant is a living thing that grows in soil or water. It usually has roots, stems, and leaves, and it makes its own food.

Seeming reasonable or likely to be true, even without full proof. A plausible idea or explanation makes sense on the surface and is easy to accept. It does not mean something is definitely true — only that it could be.

To take part in a game, sport, or activity for enjoyment. It can also mean to perform music, a role, or a part in a drama.

A playwright is a person who writes plays for theatre. They create the dialogue, characters, and stage action.

A very large amount of something, often more than is needed or wanted. It suggests an overwhelming quantity that can feel like too much.

To work or go on in a way that is lonely, independent, and different from other people. It often suggests someone does not follow the crowd.

Able to work immediately after you connect it, with little or no setup. It is often used for devices, software, or systems.

To jump or fall suddenly and with force into something, especially water. The movement is quick, dramatic, and often downward.

To cook food gently in hot water or another liquid. People often poach eggs, fish, or fruit.

Having the beauty, feeling, or imagination often found in poetry. It can describe language, writing, music, or a scene that feels delicate and expressive.

A poetry-book is a book of poems. It may contain work by one poet or by many poets.

In a way that is deeply moving, sad, or touching. It can also mean in a way that is sharply and clearly effective.

A way of thinking about something or a personal opinion about it. It shows how one person sees a situation, issue, or story.

A situation where people do not see a government, leader, or system as rightful or acceptable. It means the power looks weak, unfair, or not backed by public trust.

to move pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part, so the plant can make seeds or fruit. This can happen by insects, wind, or by people helping.

Polymerization is the process of joining many small molecules together to make a large molecule called a polymer. It is often used in chemistry and industry.

Having two or more separate musical lines sounding together. It describes music where each voice or part can be followed on its own.

Polyphony is music with two or more independent melodies played or sung at the same time. Each line can be heard on its own, not just as background harmony.

To think carefully about something for a while, especially before making a decision or giving an answer. It often suggests slow, quiet thinking.

Having little money or few things. It can describe a person, family, place, or country. It can also mean low quality or weak in some way.

Liked by many people, or enjoyed by many people. It can also mean common or widely used.

Easy to carry or move from one place to another. A portable thing is made so you can use it away from one fixed place.

A portion is a part or share of a whole. It is often used for food, money, time, or something divided among people.

A portrait is a picture, photograph, or painting of a person, especially the face and shoulders. It is made to show what someone looks like.

To suggest or state something as true, often without strong proof. It is common in academic or formal writing.

Able to happen or be done. It can also mean allowed by rules or conditions.

A mental state after trauma where a person feels emotionally shut down or less able to feel joy, sadness, or fear. It is often linked to post-traumatic stress.

To suggest or assume that something is true, especially as a basis for an argument or theory. It often appears in academic or formal writing.

Poultry is birds kept on farms for their meat or eggs, especially chickens. It can also mean their meat as food.

To make a liquid flow from one container to another, or onto something. It often means to let the liquid come out in a steady stream.

Power is the ability to do something or to make something happen. It can also mean control over people, events, or machines.

Having a lot of power, strength, or force. It can also mean very influential or very effective.

Useful and sensible in real life. A practical idea, method, or solution works well and is easy to use. It focuses on results, not theory.

An evaluation of how well someone can think clearly about real-life problems and choose sensible actions. It is often used in academic or professional settings.

The act of doing something again and again to improve your skill. It can also mean regular work in a job like medicine or law.

Dealing with problems and decisions based on real situations and what actually works, rather than on theories or perfect ideals. A pragmatic person focuses on results over principles.

Not safe, stable, or secure; likely to get worse or fall apart at any moment. A precarious situation feels like it could tip in a bad direction without warning.

To come before something or someone in time, order, or position. It can describe events in a sequence, rank in a hierarchy, or physical placement.

To cause something to happen suddenly or sooner than expected. It often suggests an action that creates a bad result or a rush.

An animal that hunts, kills, and eats other animals. Predators are part of a food chain or ecosystem.

In grammar, the part of a sentence that says something about the subject. It usually includes the verb and any words linked to it.

More common, noticeable, or present than anything else in a group or place. It describes something that clearly stands out above the rest.

An event or action that comes before something bigger and more important. It hints at what is going to happen next.

To plan or think about an action — especially something harmful or criminal — before actually doing it. It implies the person had time to think and made a deliberate choice, rather than acting on impulse.

To make someone or something ready for a purpose, event, or activity. It can also mean to get yourself ready.

Something that must exist or happen before something else can happen. It is a necessary first step or condition — without it, the next thing cannot proceed.

In a place, situation, or group at the current time. It means not absent or not missing.

A preservative is a substance added to food, medicine, or other products to stop them from going bad or spoiling too quickly.

Under pressure because of little time, money, or other problems. It often describes a person who feels busy or worried.

Very worried, upset, or uncomfortable about something. It usually means the person is thinking hard about a problem or situation.

Pressure is force that is pushed onto something. It can also mean stress or strong demands from people or situations.

Suppose something is true without certain proof; take for granted.

To suppose that something is true before you have proof. It often means an idea is already taken for granted.

To succeed, win, or be common despite opposition or change.

Widespread or common in a place, time, or group. It describes something you often notice or find in many cases.

a list that shows the prices of products or services. It helps buyers compare costs quickly.

A feeling of pleasure and respect for yourself, your achievements, or someone you are connected with. It can also mean a strong sense of dignity or self-worth.

Best, most important, or at the highest level. It often means someone or something is in top condition, value, or quality.

Primeval means very old and from the earliest time in history. It often describes things that seem wild, untouched, or basic like the first world or early nature.

A fundamental truth or rule that guides behavior or reasoning.

A philosophical idea that says every fact or event must have a reason or explanation. It means nothing happens without a sufficient cause or explanation.

A printer is a machine that makes paper copies of text or pictures from a computer. It can print in black and white or in colour.

Printmaking is the art or process of making pictures by printing them from a plate, block, screen, or digital surface. It includes methods such as etching, engraving, and lithography.

To decide that one thing is more important than others, so you do it first. It can also mean to rank things in order of importance.

to treat mental health as more important than some other duties, goals, or habits. It means making choices that protect your emotional and psychological health.

Describing someone who acts in advance to deal with a problem or opportunity, instead of waiting for things to happen first. A proactive person plans and prepares rather than simply reacting.

In a way that takes action before a problem happens or before others ask. It means you do something early, to prevent trouble or improve a result.

A problem is something that is difficult to deal with or understand. It can also be something that goes wrong and needs a solution.

To treat something as a problem, or to present it as something that needs questioning, study, or change. It is often used in academic, social, and policy writing.

In a way that follows a fixed process, rule, or set of steps. It often describes how something is done in law, government, business, or technical work.

A natural tendency to do something, often one that is hard to control. It is usually used in more formal writing or speech.

To delay doing something that you should do, often because you feel lazy, nervous, or distracted.

To obtain something, especially with effort or through official channels.

To make or create something. It can mean making goods, results, or effects. It is common in formal, academic, and business English.

A producer is a person or company that makes something, especially goods, food, or media. In film, music, and TV, a producer helps plan, fund, and manage the project.

A product is something that is made or grown to be sold. It can be a physical item or a service sold by a company.

A small example of a product, given so people can see, test, or try it before buying. It is often used in shops, sales meetings, and marketing.

In a skilled, careful, and proper way, especially at work. It can also mean by someone whose job is in a particular field, not just as a hobby.

Profitable means making money or bringing a good financial result. It can also mean giving a useful advantage or benefit.

Having great depth, strength, or importance. A profound thing affects you deeply or changes the way you think. It goes far beyond what is ordinary or surface-level.

In a very deep or strong way. It often describes feelings, ideas, beliefs, or changes that are serious and important.

To increase quickly in number. It is often used for plants, cells, ideas, or problems.

Producing a very large amount of work, output, or creative material. Most commonly used to describe writers, artists, scientists, or athletes who create or achieve a great deal.

To make something last longer in time.

Very important, well known, or easy to notice or see. We use it for people, jobs, facts, or parts that stand out clearly.

If something happens promptly, it happens quickly and without delay. It can also mean someone does something as soon as they are asked or needed.

To spread or pass on to others; to cause something to multiply or move further.

In the right way, with enough care, skill, or attention. It can also mean completely or fully, especially in careful speech.

To make someone less angry or upset by doing or giving something they want. It is often used in formal or literary English. It can also mean to calm a god, spirit, or force by offering something.

Correct or appropriate in amount or degree; matching a situation fairly.

To suggest a plan, idea, or solution for other people to think about or discuss. It is common in formal, academic, and business English.

The proscenium is the part of a theatre stage that frames the opening to the audience. It often includes the arch around the stage. It can also mean the area near the front of the stage.

A way of writing or speaking in which a dead person, absent person, or non-human thing talks. Writers use it to make ideas feel vivid and alive.

To do well financially or grow strong and successful. A person, business, or place can prosper when it gets better over time.

The balance and control of proteins inside a living cell or body. It means making proteins correctly, keeping them working, and removing broken ones.

A system of rules for how people should behave or how things should be done in a formal situation. It is common in offices, hospitals, technology, and diplomacy.

Feeling pleased about your own success, or about someone connected to you. It can also mean having too much self-respect, so you may seem arrogant.

The place where something comes from, or the history of who owned it before. It is often used for art, antiques, and important documents.

The act of supplying or preparing food, materials, or services for a trip, group, or system. In business and IT, it often means setting up resources before they are needed.

Provisions are supplies of food and other things needed for a journey, trip, or emergency. They can also mean items or resources set aside for use.

Near the point where something begins, joins, or is attached. In anatomy, it means closer to the main body or to where a limb starts.

The state of being near something or someone in space, time, or relationship. It can also mean closeness in how two things are connected or compared.

Showing careful thought and good judgment before making decisions. A prudent person thinks about risks, costs, and future results before acting. The word often appears in formal, financial, or academic writing.

In a careful and sensible way, especially to avoid risk or bad results. It means someone uses good judgment before acting.

Small pools of water on the ground, especially after rain. They are usually shallow and temporary.

To joke with someone by making them believe something untrue. The joke is usually friendly, not cruel.

To crush something into very small pieces or powder. It can also mean to destroy something completely.

If someone is punctual, they arrive or do something at the expected time. It can also describe something that happens on time.

Used to mean only, completely, or for one reason. It shows that nothing else is involved.

The reason why something is done or exists. It is the main aim or intended result.

To actively seek knowledge, learning, and mental growth. It often means reading, studying, and exploring ideas to become wiser or more informed.

To do something in a very new, bold, or extreme way. It often means going beyond normal limits in style, technology, or performance.

If someone is pushing buttons, they are saying or doing things that strongly annoy another person on purpose. It can also mean they are trying to make someone react emotionally.

To settle in one place and make it your home for a long time. It often suggests building a stable life there.