Learning a new language can be an exciting yet challenging journey. For those aiming to reach the B2 level in English, it’s essential to expand your vocabulary to better understand and communicate complex ideas. At this stage, you should be able to handle most situations that come up while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. You should also be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. To help you on this journey, I’ve compiled a list of 50 essential words that you need to know to excel at the B2 level.

1. Abundant

An adjective meaning existing or available in large quantities. Example: “The region is known for its abundant wildlife.”

2. Allegation

A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof. Example: “The allegation of corruption has yet to be proven.”

3. Ambiguous

An adjective meaning open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning. Example: “The wording of the contract is ambiguous.”

4. Apprehensive

An adjective meaning anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen. Example: “She felt apprehensive about the upcoming exam.”

5. Arbitrary

An adjective meaning based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. Example: “The decision seemed arbitrary and unfair.”

6. Assertive

An adjective meaning having or showing a confident and forceful personality. Example: “He is an assertive leader who gets things done.”

7. Authentic

An adjective meaning of undisputed origin and not a copy; genuine. Example: “The museum displayed authentic artifacts from the ancient civilization.”

8. Beneficial

An adjective meaning favorable or advantageous; resulting in good. Example: “Regular exercise is beneficial to your health.”

9. Candid

An adjective meaning truthful and straightforward; frank. Example: “She gave a candid interview about her experiences.”

10. Collaborate

A verb meaning to work jointly on an activity or project. Example: “The two companies decided to collaborate on the new product.”

11. Compelling

An adjective meaning evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way. Example: “The film’s plot was compelling from start to finish.”

12. Complacent

An adjective meaning showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements. Example: “After winning several awards, he became complacent and stopped striving for excellence.”

13. Comprehensive

An adjective meaning complete and including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. Example: “The report provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s performance.”

14. Condone

A verb meaning accept and allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive. Example: “The school does not condone bullying.”

15. Conspicuous

An adjective meaning standing out so as to be clearly visible. Example: “His bright red car was conspicuous in the parking lot.”

16. Controversial

An adjective meaning giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement. Example: “The politician’s controversial statements sparked heated debates.”

17. Conventional

An adjective meaning based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed. Example: “She prefers a more conventional approach to problem-solving.”

18. Corroborate

A verb meaning confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding). Example: “The witness’s testimony corroborated the defendant’s alibi.”

19. Credible

An adjective meaning able to be believed; convincing. Example: “The journalist provided credible evidence to support her story.”

20. Cynical

An adjective meaning believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity. Example: “He has a cynical view of politics.”

21. Defer

A verb meaning put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone. Example: “The committee decided to defer the decision until next week.”

22. Deteriorate

A verb meaning become progressively worse. Example: “The condition of the building has deteriorated over time.”

23. Discrepancy

A noun meaning a lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts. Example: “There was a discrepancy between the two reports.”

24. Disparate

An adjective meaning essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison. Example: “The two cultures were so disparate that it was hard to find common ground.”

25. Dubious

An adjective meaning hesitating or doubting. Example: “She looked dubious about the plan’s success.”

26. Elicit

A verb meaning evoke or draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone. Example: “The teacher’s question elicited a thoughtful response from the student.”

27. Emphasize

A verb meaning give special importance or prominence to (something) in speaking or writing. Example: “The speaker emphasized the importance of education.”

28. Encompass

A verb meaning surround and have or hold within. Example: “The festival will encompass a wide range of activities.”

29. Enhance

A verb meaning intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of. Example: “The new software is designed to enhance productivity.”

30. Exacerbate

A verb meaning make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse. Example: “His aggressive comments only exacerbated the situation.”

31. Exploit

A verb meaning make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource). Example: “The company aims to exploit new opportunities in the market.”

32. Feasible

An adjective meaning possible to do easily or conveniently. Example: “The plan is ambitious but feasible.”

33. Fluctuate

A verb meaning rise and fall irregularly in number or amount. Example: “The prices of commodities fluctuate daily.”

34. Foster

A verb meaning encourage or promote the development of (something, typically something regarded as good). Example: “The teacher’s goal is to foster a love of reading in her students.”

35. Gauge

A verb meaning estimate or determine the magnitude, amount, or volume of. Example: “It’s difficult to gauge his reaction from just a phone call.”

36. Hinder

A verb meaning create difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction. Example: “Bad weather could hinder the construction project.”

37. Imminent

An adjective meaning about to happen. Example: “The announcement of the new policy is imminent.”

38. Imply

A verb meaning strongly suggest the truth or existence of (something not expressly stated). Example: “Her smile implied that she was pleased with the results.”

39. Incentive

A noun meaning a thing that motivates or encourages one to do something. Example: “The company offers financial incentives to its employees.”

40. Inhibit

A verb meaning hinder, restrain, or prevent (an action or process). Example: “Fear of failure can inhibit people from trying new things.”

41. Intrinsic

An adjective meaning belonging naturally; essential. Example: “The artist’s work has intrinsic value.”

42. Ironic

An adjective meaning happening in the opposite way to what is expected, and typically causing wry amusement because of this. Example: “It’s ironic that the fire station burned down.”

43. Keen

An adjective meaning having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm. Example: “She is keen to learn new languages.”

44. Lucrative

An adjective meaning producing a great deal of profit. Example: “He left his job to start a lucrative business.”

45. Mitigate

A verb meaning make less severe, serious, or painful. Example: “Measures have been taken to mitigate the risks.”

46. Obsolete

An adjective meaning no longer produced or used; out of date. Example: “The technology has become obsolete.”

47. Perceive

A verb meaning become aware or conscious of (something); come to realize or understand. Example: “She perceived a change in his behavior.”

48. Predominant

An adjective meaning present as the strongest or main element. Example: “The predominant color in the painting is blue.”

49. Reluctant

An adjective meaning unwilling and hesitant; disinclined. Example: “He was reluctant to accept the offer.”

50. Scrutinize

A verb meaning examine or inspect closely and thoroughly. Example: “The detective scrutinized the evidence.”

Conclusion

Reaching the B2 level in English requires a good grasp of essential vocabulary. By incorporating these 50 words into your daily practice, you can significantly enhance your language skills. Understanding these words and their usage will not only help you in conversations but also in reading, writing, and comprehending more complex texts. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to use these words in your daily interactions to become more fluent and confident in English.