Definition: To have a deep love or admiration for someone or something.
Usage in Context: Often used to express strong positive feelings toward things or people we value highly, such as hobbies, pets, or family.
Example: “She adores classical music and finds it soothing. Every evening, she listens to her favorite composers like Mozart and Bach.”
Additional Example: “Many children adore their grandparents because they feel loved and cherished when spending time with them.”

Definition: To feel intense dislike or hatred for someone or something.
Usage in Context: This word often conveys a strong, moral or ethical judgment, showing disapproval.
Example: “He despises dishonesty and goes to great lengths to maintain transparency in his business dealings.”
Additional Example: “Some people despise fast food because they believe it’s unhealthy and contributes to poor eating habits.”

Definition: To feel a lot of affection or sympathy for someone or something.
Usage in Context: This phrase is frequently used to describe a gentle affection or fondness, especially for things that others may not particularly care for.
Example: “She has a soft spot for stray animals and often takes them in, providing a loving home for those who have been abandoned.”
Additional Example: “Although he pretends to be tough, he has a soft spot for romantic movies and secretly enjoys watching them.”

Definition: Something that doesn’t interest or appeal to you.
Usage in Context: Commonly used in casual conversation to politely express disinterest.
Example: “Watching horror movies is not my cup of tea. I prefer lighter, more uplifting films.”
Additional Example: “Skiing is not my cup of tea. I prefer warmer climates and activities that don’t involve snow.”

Definition: To become fond of or develop an attraction to something or someone.
Usage in Context: Used when talking about a sudden interest or liking.
Example: “She’s taken a fancy to gardening, and now she spends hours in her garden, tending to her flowers.”
Additional Example: “He seems to have taken a fancy to the new coffee shop down the street and goes there every morning.”

Definition: To be unable to tolerate something, often due to personal dislike or strong feelings against it.
Usage in Context: Usually applied to situations where something evokes a strong negative reaction.
Example: “He is not able to stomach violent movies and finds them disturbing.”
Additional Example: “I can’t stomach spicy food; even a little bit of heat makes me feel uncomfortable.”

Vocabulary for IELTS: Words to Avoid and Their Alternatives

Avoid: very good, very bad, very interesting
Use: excellent, terrible, fascinating
Example: “The movie was excellent, with a compelling storyline and outstanding performances.”
Tip: Replacing “very” with more precise adjectives makes your speech and writing sound more sophisticated.

Avoid: a lot of people, a lot of money
Use: numerous people, a significant amount of money
Example: “Numerous people attended the concert, making it a huge success.”
Tip: Using phrases like “a significant number” or “a considerable amount” gives a clearer sense of quantity.

Avoid: many things, good things
Use: many aspects, positive attributes
Example: “She admired many aspects of his personality, especially his kindness and honesty.”
Tip: Choosing specific nouns instead of “things” makes your speech more descriptive and precise.

Avoid: get better, get worse, get a job
Use: improve, deteriorate, obtain employment
Example: “His health began to improve after he started the new treatment.”
Tip: Verbs like “acquire,” “receive,” or “gain” can often substitute for “get” and sound more formal.

Avoid: big problem, big difference
Use: significant problem, substantial difference
Example: “Climate change is a significant problem that requires immediate action.”
Tip: Words like “considerable,” “major,” or “notable” can be used to add weight to the statement.

Avoid: good effect, good result
Use: beneficial effect, positive result
Example: “Regular exercise has a beneficial effect on mental and physical health.”
Tip: Think of specific positive qualities, like “effective,” “advantageous,” or “helpful.”

Avoid: very important
Use: crucial, essential, pivotal
Example: “Education is crucial for personal and professional development.”
Tip: Synonyms like “vital,” “fundamental,” or “key” can emphasize importance more effectively.

Advanced Vocabulary for IELTS Band 8.5

Definition: The large-scale removal of trees, which contributes to climate change and habitat loss.
Example: “Deforestation is a major environmental issue that leads to a loss of biodiversity and increased greenhouse gases.”

Definition: The process by which the natural environment becomes damaged or depleted.
Example: “Unregulated industrial activities have led to severe environmental degradation in many parts of the world.”

Definition: An action or amount that is far too small to make any impact.
Example: “While recycling helps, it’s only a drop in the ocean compared to what’s needed to combat climate change.”

Definition: A small part of a larger problem or situation that is yet to be revealed.
Example: “The issues we see with air pollution are just the tip of the iceberg; the true impacts are much more widespread.”

Definition: There is always something positive in a difficult situation.
Example: “Despite the floods, every cloud has a silver lining, as the disaster brought the community closer together.”

Definition: Feeling very sad or depressed.
Example: “He’s been down in the dumps ever since his best friend moved away.”

Definition: To reach a low point in life, usually emotionally or financially.
Example: “After losing everything, he felt he had hit rock bottom, but he managed to rebuild his life.”