Reaching a B2 level in English is an impressive milestone for any language learner. At this stage, you are expected to understand the main ideas of complex texts, interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity, and produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects. To help you on this journey, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of essential words that will broaden your vocabulary and enhance your communication skills. These words span various categories, including everyday life, work, technology, and more.

Daily Life Vocabulary

In daily life, you will encounter a range of situations where a rich vocabulary can help you express yourself more precisely and understand others better.

Acquaintance: A person you know slightly but who is not a close friend.
– Example: “I met an old acquaintance at the grocery store.”

Convenience: The state of being able to proceed with something without difficulty.
– Example: “The convenience of online shopping has changed consumer behavior.”

Obligation: A duty or commitment.
– Example: “He has an obligation to support his family.”

Leisure: Free time when one is not working or occupied; time for ease and relaxation.
– Example: “I enjoy reading books during my leisure time.”

Routine: A sequence of actions regularly followed.
– Example: “My morning routine includes a cup of coffee and a short walk.”

Errand: A short journey undertaken in order to deliver or collect something, often on someone else’s behalf.
– Example: “I have a few errands to run before dinner.”

Work and Business Vocabulary

Work and business-related conversations demand a specific set of vocabulary to articulate tasks, responsibilities, and processes effectively.

Colleague: A person with whom one works, especially in a profession or business.
– Example: “I discussed the project with my colleagues.”

Deadline: The latest time or date by which something should be completed.
– Example: “We need to meet the deadline for the report submission.”

Negotiate: To discuss something in order to reach an agreement.
– Example: “We need to negotiate the terms of the contract.”

Efficient: Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
– Example: “The new system is more efficient than the old one.”

Entrepreneur: A person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.
– Example: “The entrepreneur launched a successful startup.”

Strategy: A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.
– Example: “Our marketing strategy has significantly increased sales.”

Technology and Internet Vocabulary

Technology and the internet are integral parts of modern life, and having the right words to discuss these topics is crucial.

Gadget: A small mechanical or electronic device or tool.
– Example: “My new gadget helps me track my fitness activities.”

Software: The programs and other operating information used by a computer.
– Example: “I need to update the software on my laptop.”

Browser: A program with a graphical user interface for displaying HTML files, used to navigate the World Wide Web.
– Example: “Google Chrome is a popular web browser.”

Network: A group or system of interconnected people or things.
– Example: “Our office network is down.”

Encryption: The process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorized access.
– Example: “All sensitive data is protected through encryption.”

Algorithm: A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.
– Example: “The search engine uses a complex algorithm to generate results.”

Health and Wellness Vocabulary

Discussing health and wellness requires a specific set of vocabulary that can help you articulate symptoms, treatments, and lifestyle choices.

Symptom: A physical or mental feature that is regarded as indicating a condition of disease.
– Example: “Common symptoms of the flu include fever and chills.”

Diagnosis: The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.
– Example: “The doctor made a quick diagnosis.”

Treatment: Medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury.
– Example: “She is undergoing treatment for cancer.”

Prevention: The action of stopping something from happening or arising.
– Example: “Regular exercise is important for the prevention of heart disease.”

Nutrition: The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.
– Example: “Good nutrition is essential for maintaining good health.”

Therapy: Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
– Example: “She is in therapy to deal with her anxiety.”

Travel and Transportation Vocabulary

Traveling and understanding transportation systems are easier with the right vocabulary to describe your experiences and navigate new places.

Itinerary: A planned route or journey.
– Example: “Our travel itinerary includes several historical sites.”

Accommodation: A room, group of rooms, or building in which someone may live or stay.
– Example: “We found affordable accommodation near the beach.”

Destination: The place to which someone or something is going or being sent.
– Example: “Our next destination is Paris.”

Commute: Travel some distance between one’s home and place of work on a regular basis.
– Example: “I commute to the city every day for work.”

Transit: The act of passing through or across a place.
– Example: “Our luggage was lost in transit.”

Tourist: A person who is traveling or visiting a place for pleasure.
– Example: “The city is full of tourists during the summer.”

Education and Learning Vocabulary

Education and learning are ongoing processes that benefit from a strong vocabulary to describe various aspects of study and intellectual pursuit.

Curriculum: The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
– Example: “The curriculum includes science, math, and history.”

Scholarship: A grant or payment made to support a student’s education, awarded on the basis of academic or other achievements.
– Example: “She received a scholarship to attend university.”

Lecture: An educational talk to an audience, especially to students in a university or college.
– Example: “The professor gave an interesting lecture on climate change.”

Assignment: A task or piece of work allocated to someone as part of a job or course of study.
– Example: “We need to complete the assignment by Monday.”

Syllabus: An outline of the subjects in a course of study or teaching.
– Example: “The syllabus for the course is available online.”

Degree: The qualification obtained by students who successfully complete a university or college course.
– Example: “She has a degree in mechanical engineering.”

Environment and Nature Vocabulary

Understanding and discussing environmental issues and nature is important, especially in today’s context. A rich vocabulary helps you articulate these topics more effectively.

Conservation: The action of conserving something, in particular, preserving, protecting, or restoring the natural environment and wildlife.
– Example: “Conservation efforts are vital for protecting endangered species.”

Pollution: The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
– Example: “Air pollution is a major problem in large cities.”

Habitat: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
– Example: “The panda’s natural habitat is being destroyed by deforestation.”

Sustainable: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level, especially without causing environmental degradation.
– Example: “We need to develop sustainable energy sources.”

Biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
– Example: “The rainforest is known for its high biodiversity.”

Climate: The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
– Example: “Climate change is a pressing global issue.”

Culture and Society Vocabulary

Navigating different cultures and societal norms requires a nuanced vocabulary to discuss traditions, behaviors, and social issues.

Tradition: The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation.
– Example: “Christmas is a tradition celebrated in many countries.”

Custom: A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time.
– Example: “Shaking hands is a common custom in many cultures.”

Diversity: The state of being diverse; variety.
– Example: “Cultural diversity enriches our communities.”

Society: The aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.
– Example: “Society plays a significant role in shaping individual behavior.”

Ethics: Moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity.
– Example: “Ethics are important in professional conduct.”

Heritage: Property that is or may be inherited; an inheritance.
– Example: “The city has a rich cultural heritage.”

Science and Research Vocabulary

Engaging in scientific discussions and understanding research requires a specific vocabulary to describe processes, findings, and methodologies accurately.

Experiment: A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.
– Example: “We conducted an experiment to test the hypothesis.”

Hypothesis: A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
– Example: “The scientist formulated a hypothesis before conducting the research.”

Data: Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
– Example: “The data collected from the survey was analyzed.”

Variable: An element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change.
– Example: “Temperature is a variable in the experiment.”

Theory: A supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained.
– Example: “The theory of evolution is widely accepted in the scientific community.”

Conclusion: The end or finish of an event, process, or text; a judgment or decision reached by reasoning.
– Example: “The study’s conclusion supports the initial hypothesis.”

Advanced Expressions and Idioms

At a B2 level, understanding and using advanced expressions and idioms can greatly enhance your fluency and make your speech more natural.

Break the ice: To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social setting.
– Example: “He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.”

Hit the nail on the head: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
– Example: “You hit the nail on the head with your analysis.”

Bite the bullet: To endure a painful or otherwise unpleasant situation that is seen as unavoidable.
– Example: “I decided to bite the bullet and start the difficult conversation.”

Cost an arm and a leg: To be very expensive.
– Example: “The new car cost an arm and a leg.”

Burn the midnight oil: To work late into the night.
– Example: “She has been burning the midnight oil to finish her thesis.”

Throw in the towel: To give up; to admit defeat.
– Example: “After several failed attempts, he decided to throw in the towel.”

Expanding your vocabulary to include these essential words and expressions will help you navigate various situations with greater confidence and ease. Whether you’re discussing daily routines, engaging in business meetings, or exploring scientific theories, having the right words at your disposal is crucial. Keep practicing and incorporating these words into your conversations, and you’ll find yourself progressing steadily towards fluency. Happy learning!