A–Z Vocabulary
Helpful IELTS words starting with K — keen, kindle, knack and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
adjective
Definition
Highly developed; eager; sharp.
Example sentence
“A keen awareness of cultural differences is essential for successful international diplomacy.”
Memory trick
Keen like the sharp edge of a knife — sharp and intense.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To arouse or inspire an emotion or interest; to light a fire.
Example sentence
“Good teachers kindle a lifelong curiosity that goes well beyond the curriculum.”
Memory trick
Like kindling for a fire — kindling starts a flame of interest.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
A natural skill or ability to do something.
Example sentence
“Successful entrepreneurs often have a knack for identifying unmet consumer needs.”
Memory trick
Short and sharp — a knack is a quick, natural talent.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Intelligent and well-informed about a particular subject.
Example sentence
“Patients are now more knowledgeable about treatment options thanks to widely available online resources.”
Memory trick
Full of knowledge — knowledge + -able.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
The central, most important part of a system or theory on which everything else depends.
Example sentence
“Universal primary education remains the keystone of sustainable development efforts.”
Memory trick
The key stone of an arch — remove it and everything collapses.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
A sharing of characteristics or origins; a sense of connection.
Example sentence
“Online communities can foster a sense of kinship that traditional neighbourhoods no longer provide.”
Memory trick
'Kin' (family) + '-ship' — the relationship of kin.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
Praise or recognition for an achievement.
Example sentence
“The research team received international kudos for their breakthrough in cancer detection.”
Memory trick
From Greek 'kydos' (glory) — kudos = glory and praise.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Relating to or resulting from motion.
Example sentence
“Modern stadiums are exploring kinetic flooring that converts the energy of moving crowds into electricity.”
Memory trick
Cinema = moving pictures; 'kine-' = motion.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
One's family and relatives.
Example sentence
“Many migrants send a substantial portion of their income to support kin in their countries of origin.”
Memory trick
Short word, strong meaning — kin = family.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To unite or join closely together.
Example sentence
“Community sports programmes can knit fragmented neighbourhoods back into cohesive social units.”
Memory trick
Like knitting yarn into one piece of fabric — knitting joins separate strands.
Common collocations