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These are the 36 vocabulary words starting with I from our free 565-word 11 plus vocabulary list, from idiosyncrasy to isolation including 8 advanced words of the kind that separates top verbal reasoning scores. Each entry shows the meaning, synonyms, antonyms and an example sentence — the exact skills tested in GL and CEM verbal reasoning, comprehension and cloze questions. You can also download the full list as a free PDF or practise these words with our free vocabulary games.
A distinctive or peculiar habit, behavior, or characteristic unique to an individual
“Her idiosyncrasy of humming while working amused her colleagues.”
Synonyms: quirk, peculiarity, eccentricity, mannerism
Antonyms: normality, conformity, convention
Not active or in use; avoiding work; lazy or without purpose
“The machines sat idle during the factory's summer shutdown.”
Synonyms: inactive, unused, lazy, unoccupied
Antonyms: busy, active, industrious
A person or thing that is greatly admired and loved; an image used as an object of worship
“The pop star was an idol to millions of teenagers worldwide.”
Synonyms: hero, icon, star, role model
Lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about something
“She was ignorant of the company's financial troubles until the announcement.”
Synonyms: unaware, uninformed, uneducated, unknowing
Antonyms: knowledgeable, informed, educated
To copy or reproduce the actions, appearance, or sounds of someone or something
“Children often imitate the behavior of their parents.”
Synonyms: copy, mimic, emulate, replicate
Antonyms: originate, innovate, create
Occurring or done without delay; nearest in time, relationship, or space
“The patient requires immediate medical attention.”
Synonyms: instant, prompt, urgent, direct
Antonyms: delayed, distant, eventual
Without any delay; at once; instantly
“Please report any suspicious activity immediately.”
Synonyms: instantly, promptly, straightaway, directly
Antonyms: later, eventually, gradually
To dip or submerge completely in liquid; to involve oneself deeply in an activity or interest
“She decided to immerse herself in Japanese culture by moving to Tokyo.”
Synonyms: submerge, plunge, engross, absorb
Antonyms: withdraw, extract, surface
Showing a lack of respect; rudely bold or disrespectful
“The impudent student interrupted the teacher mid-sentence.”
Synonyms: rude, disrespectful, insolent, impertinent
Antonyms: respectful, polite, courteous
Unable to be heard; too quiet or unclear to be perceived by the ear
“Her whisper was almost inaudible in the noisy restaurant.”
Synonyms: unhearable, silent, muted, faint
Antonyms: audible, loud, clear
Marking the beginning of a new venture or the start of someone's time in office
“The president gave a moving inaugural address.”
Synonyms: first, opening, initial, maiden
Antonyms: final, closing, concluding
To formally begin or introduce a new system, policy, or period; to admit someone to office with a ceremony
“The mayor will inaugurate the new community center next week.”
Synonyms: initiate, launch, commence, introduce
Antonyms: terminate, conclude, end
A surgical cut made in skin or flesh; a clean, precise cut
“The surgeon made a small incision to begin the procedure.”
Synonyms: cut, gash, slit, slash
Antonyms: closure, seal
Not clearly visible or attracting attention; not easily noticed
“The security cameras were placed in inconspicuous locations.”
Synonyms: unnoticeable, unobtrusive, hidden, subtle
Antonyms: conspicuous, noticeable, obvious
A single person distinct from a group or class; a unique entity
“Each individual has the right to express their opinion.”
Synonyms: person, being, human, character
Antonyms: group, collective, mass
Not suitable or safe for eating; unfit for consumption
“Some wild mushrooms are inedible and can be poisonous.”
Synonyms: uneatable, unpalatable, toxic, harmful
Antonyms: edible, eatable, palatable
Lower in rank, quality, or importance compared to something else
“The counterfeit product was of inferior quality.”
Synonyms: lesser, lower, subordinate, substandard
Antonyms: superior, better, higher
The capacity to have an effect on someone's character, development, or behavior; power to shape outcomes
“Parents have a significant influence on their children's values.”
Synonyms: power, impact, effect, authority
Antonyms: powerlessness, weakness, insignificance
To live in or occupy a place; to be present in a particular area
“Many rare species inhabit the depths of the ocean.”
Synonyms: occupy, reside, dwell, live
Antonyms: vacate, abandon, leave
People or animals that live in a particular place
“The island's inhabitants depend on fishing for their livelihood.”
Synonyms: residents, occupants, dwellers, population
Antonyms: visitors, tourists, outsiders
Not harmful or offensive; unlikely to cause any damage or controversy
“What seemed like an innocuous remark actually hurt her feelings.”
Synonyms: harmless, safe, inoffensive, mild
Antonyms: harmful, dangerous, offensive
In a state of mental illness; extremely foolish or irrational
“The prices at that restaurant are absolutely insane.”
Synonyms: crazy, mad, irrational, absurd
Antonyms: sane, rational, sensible
To place or put something into something else; to add something in between
“Please insert your card into the machine.”
Synonyms: put in, introduce, add, place
Antonyms: remove, extract, withdraw
Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect
“The insolent teenager rolled his eyes at his parents.”
Synonyms: disrespectful, rude, impudent, impertinent
Antonyms: respectful, polite, courteous
To fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something creative or positive
“Her courage inspired others to stand up for their beliefs.”
Synonyms: motivate, encourage, stimulate, influence
Antonyms: discourage, dishearten, demotivate
Unable to be touched or grasped; not having a physical presence but still perceptible
“Trust and loyalty are intangible but invaluable assets.”
Synonyms: abstract, immaterial, incorporeal, invisible
Antonyms: tangible, physical, concrete
Of extreme force, degree, or strength; deeply felt or highly concentrated
“The intense heat of the desert was almost unbearable.”
Synonyms: extreme, severe, powerful, fierce
Antonyms: mild, weak, gentle
A thing intended; a plan or aim that guides action
“Her intention was to finish the project before the deadline.”
Synonyms: aim, purpose, goal, plan
Antonyms: accident, chance, aimlessness
Showing curiosity or concern about something; wanting to learn more or be involved
“She was deeply interested in ancient history.”
Synonyms: curious, fascinated, engaged, attentive
Antonyms: uninterested, indifferent, bored
To get involved in a situation where one's involvement is not wanted; to obstruct a process
“Please don't interfere with our plans.”
Synonyms: meddle, intrude, intervene, obstruct
Antonyms: assist, help, support
The inner part or inside of something; the internal affairs of a country
“The interior of the house was beautifully decorated.”
Synonyms: inside, inner part, core, internal
Antonyms: exterior, outside, surface
To explain or understand the meaning of something; to translate spoken words from one language to another
“Different readers may interpret the poem in various ways.”
Synonyms: explain, understand, translate, decode
Antonyms: misunderstand, misinterpret, confuse
To ask questions of someone closely and aggressively, especially in an official context
“The police interrogated the suspect for several hours.”
Synonyms: question, examine, grill, cross-examine
Antonyms: answer, respond, reply
To stop something from continuing by breaking in; to cut into someone's speech
“Please don't interrupt me while I'm speaking.”
Synonyms: disturb, disrupt, break in, cut off
Antonyms: continue, resume, maintain
Not legally or officially acceptable; having no force or foundation
“The contract was declared invalid due to missing signatures.”
Synonyms: void, null, illegitimate, unacceptable
Antonyms: valid, legitimate, legal
The state of being separated from others; the condition of being alone or apart
“The patient was kept in isolation to prevent the spread of infection.”
Synonyms: solitude, seclusion, separation, segregation
Antonyms: connection, togetherness, integration
The interactive word list adds British audio pronunciation, memory tips and progress tracking for every word — and our 6 free vocabulary games turn revision into play.