30 Common English Verbs and Their Exact Meanings
Daily conversation relies heavily on foundational actions that people perform without second thought. One might drop an object by letting it fall to the ground, or agree with a colleague when standing in accord on a plan. Another person might handle a complex task by taking charge of it, or choose to welcome a new guest by accepting them gladly. These are fundamental verbs used continuously in standard English.
Every word on this page can be added to Memorabit, an app that sends definitions and translations as reminders at unexpected moments of the day. The complete collection of thirty common verbs appears below.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| beat | come out better in a competition, race, or conflict | We beat the competition |
| allow | make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen | This sealed door won't allow the water to come into the basement |
| welcome | accept gladly | I welcome your proposals |
| consider | deem to be | I consider her to be shallow |
| drop | let fall to the ground | Don't drop the dishes |
| agree | be in accord; be in agreement | I can't agree with you! |
| fear | be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event | I fear she might get aggressive |
| touch | make physical contact with, come in contact with | Touch the stone for good luck |
| carry | move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body | You must carry your camping gear |
| plant | put or set (seeds, seedlings, or plants) into the ground | Let's plant flowers in the garden |
| block | render unsuitable for passage | block the way |
| avoid | stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something | Her former friends now avoid her |
| ride | sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions | Did you ever ride a camel? |
| receive | get something; come into possession of | receive payment |
| count | determine the number or amount of | Can you count the books on your shelf? |
| throw | propel through the air | throw a frisbee |
| apply | put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose | Apply a magnetic field here |
| cast | put or send forth | cast a spell |
| handle | be in charge of, act on, or dispose of | This blender can't handle nuts |
| produce | bring forth or yield | The tree would not produce fruit |
| dress | put on clothes | we had to dress quickly |
| stick | put, fix, force, or implant | stick your thumb in the crack |
| treat | interact in a certain way | Treat him with caution, please |
| fly | travel through the air; be airborne | Man cannot fly |
| file | record in a public office or in a court of law | file for divorce |
| reduce | cut down on; make a reduction in | reduce your daily fat intake |
| fuel | provide with a combustible substance that provides energy | fuel aircraft, ships, and cars |
| ensure | make certain of | This nest egg will ensure a nice retirement for us |
| jump | move forward by leaps and bounds | Can you jump over the fence? |
| grant | let have | grant permission |