B2 word list: the first 50 English words to learn next
Sep 11, 2026 · 9 min read
This B2 list follows the B1 list of the first 50 words: 50 words you reach for when you argue a point, follow the news, deal with money and services, or discuss how information spreads. Nothing repeats the A2 list, so every entry is new. Each word shows its part of speech, a plain definition and one example, in five themes of ten.
Why the first 50 B2 words feel different
At B1 you could state an opinion and describe your week. At B2 the sentences get longer: you weigh one idea against another, soften a claim, or report what a source said. That work needs words such as relevant, apparently and however, none of which can be pointed at. Learn them inside a phrase you would really say.
Set 1: work and study (10 words)
For jobs and study:
- achieve (verb) — to succeed after effort: She achieved her target early.
- apply (verb) — to make a formal request: He applied for a scholarship.
- require (verb) — to need something: The role requires experience.
- responsible (adjective) — having a duty: She is responsible for the report.
- efficient (adjective) — working without waste: The new system is more efficient.
- promotion (noun) — a move to a higher job: He earned a promotion after two years.
- qualification (noun) — a pass or skill needed for a job: The post needs a teaching qualification.
- sector (noun) — a part of the economy: She works in the public sector.
- responsibility (noun) — a duty you must handle: The budget is my responsibility.
- flexible (adjective) — able to change with circumstances: The company offers flexible hours.
Set 2: society and public issues (10 words)
For news and debate:
- affect (verb) — to have an effect on: The new rule affects small shops.
- issue (noun) — an important topic or problem: Housing is the main issue.
- evidence (noun) — facts showing something is true: There is strong evidence for the claim.
- average (adjective) — typical or usual: The average wait is twenty minutes.
- majority (noun) — most of a group: The majority of members agreed.
- reduce (verb) — to make smaller: The city plans to reduce traffic.
- improve (verb) — to make better: The scheme improved air quality.
- benefit (noun) — an advantage: The main benefit is lower cost.
- pressure (noun) — a difficult demand on someone: Staff work under real pressure.
- policy (noun) — an official plan of action: The new policy starts in January.
Set 3: opinions and argument (10 words)
For disagreeing politely:
- argue (verb) — to give reasons for or against: She argued that the plan cost too much.
- assume (verb) — to believe without proof: I assumed the meeting was cancelled.
- consider (verb) — to think about carefully: We are considering a move abroad.
- doubt (verb) — to feel unsure about: I doubt the figures are right.
- persuade (verb) — to make someone agree: He persuaded me to join the course.
- relevant (adjective) — connected to the subject: Add only the relevant details.
- obvious (adjective) — easy to see or understand: The mistake was obvious to everyone.
- slightly (adverb) — a little: Prices rose slightly last month.
- apparently (adverb) — as it seems from what you heard: Apparently the road is closed.
- however (adverb) — but, despite that: The room is small; however, it is bright.
Set 4: money and everyday services (10 words)
For banking and bills:
- account (noun) — money held at a bank: I opened a savings account.
- budget (noun) — a plan for spending: We keep a monthly budget.
- valuable (adjective) — worth a lot, or very useful: Her advice was valuable.
- avoid (verb) — to keep away from: Avoid the motorway at rush hour.
- replace (verb) — to put something new in place of: We replaced the old boiler.
- urgent (adjective) — needing quick attention: The repair is urgent.
- queue (noun) — a line of people waiting: A long queue formed outside.
- deliver (verb) — to bring goods to a place: They deliver on Fridays.
- discount (noun) — a lower price than usual: Members get a ten per cent discount.
- staff (noun) — the people who work somewhere: The staff were helpful.
Set 5: media and communication (10 words)
For what you read:
- source (noun) — the place something comes from: Check the source of the story.
- platform (noun) — a service that hosts content: The clip spread across several platforms.
- audience (noun) — the people who watch or read: The podcast has a loyal audience.
- review (noun) — a written opinion of something: The film got good reviews.
- publish (verb) — to make available to the public: They publish a report each year.
- influence (noun) — the power to affect others: Advertising has a strong influence.
- suitable (adjective) — right for a purpose: The room is suitable for group work.
- broadcast (verb) — to send out by radio or television: The match is broadcast live.
- access (noun) — the chance to use something: Students have free access to the library.
- contact (verb) — to get in touch with: Contact the office for details.
How to work through the 50 words
Take one set of ten per week, learn each word inside its phrase, and produce the word from the definition instead of rereading the list. The spaced repetition guide explains the one-day, three-day and one-week rhythm that keeps earlier sets alive, and the 20 words a week plan sets a faster pace. Test in the hard direction — cover the example, read the definition, say the word — then try a round at the flash recall game, and use the word lists section when the sets feel automatic.
Frequently asked questions
What does B2 level mean for vocabulary?
B2 is the fourth stage of the Common European Framework of Reference, one step above B1. At B2 you follow the news, argue a point and explain a process. Estimates vary, but learners at this stage usually recognise roughly 3,000 to 4,000 word families, including abstract words.
Are these 50 words different from the A1, A2 and B1 lists?
Yes. Nothing repeats the earlier lists. A1 names everyday objects and people, A2 describes feelings and routines, and B1 covers opinions, work and community. This list adds the abstract vocabulary of argument, public life and media.
How should I study one set of ten words?
Take one set at a time and learn each word inside a phrase, not on its own. Cover the example, read the definition, and say the word aloud before you check it. Review the set the next day, after three days and again after a week.
What is the difference between B1 and B2 vocabulary?
B1 words let you state an opinion and describe your life in simple, connected sentences. B2 adds the words that let you weigh an idea and link it to another: however, slightly, relevant, assume, evidence. What changes is the precision of the vocabulary and the length of sentence it can carry.
How can I test myself on these words?
Cover the example sentences and produce each word from its definition, then write one true sentence for five. A timed recall round does the same job under pressure: see a meaning, type the word before the timer ends. Words that take too long go into tomorrow's review.