A–Z Vocabulary
Strong IELTS words starting with H — harness, hierarchy, holistic and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
verb
Definition
To control and make use of natural resources, especially to produce energy.
Example sentence
“Coastal countries have a unique opportunity to harness the energy of tidal currents.”
Memory trick
A harness controls a horse — to harness is to control and put to use.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
A system in which members of an organisation or society are ranked according to relative status or authority.
Example sentence
“Flatter organisational hierarchies tend to foster greater innovation and employee satisfaction.”
Memory trick
'Hier-' (sacred) + '-archy' (rule) — a sacred order of rule.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To make it difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen.
Example sentence
“Excessive regulation can hinder the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.”
Memory trick
'Hind' = back — hindering pulls something back.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Considering all parts of something as interconnected; treating the whole.
Example sentence
“A holistic approach to mental health addresses physical, social, and economic factors simultaneously.”
Memory trick
'Holistic' = 'whole' + '-istic' — looking at the whole thing.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Of the same kind; uniform throughout.
Example sentence
“Increasingly diverse societies are replacing the largely homogeneous communities of earlier generations.”
Memory trick
'Homo-' (same) + '-genous' (kind) — same kind.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
A proposed explanation, made on the basis of limited evidence, as a starting point for further investigation.
Example sentence
“The researchers tested the hypothesis that bilingualism delays the onset of cognitive decline.”
Memory trick
'Hypo-' (under) + 'thesis' — an idea sitting under your main thesis.
Common collocations
adjective / noun
Definition
Concerned with the welfare of human beings, especially in crises.
Example sentence
“Humanitarian aid agencies have struggled to reach those displaced by the ongoing conflict.”
Memory trick
'Human' + '-itarian' — focused on humans.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To make consistent or compatible; to bring into agreement.
Example sentence
“EU member states have worked to harmonise food safety standards across the single market.”
Memory trick
Like singing in harmony — different parts brought into agreement.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
A distinctive feature, especially one of excellence.
Example sentence
“Critical thinking is widely regarded as a hallmark of a strong liberal education.”
Memory trick
Originally the mark stamped on silver at Goldsmiths' Hall — proof of authenticity.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Friendly and welcoming to strangers or guests; (of an environment) suitable.
Example sentence
“Cultures that are hospitable to immigration tend to benefit from greater entrepreneurial activity.”
Memory trick
Like 'hospital' welcoming patients — hospitable means welcoming.
Common collocations