Short everyday words are easy to understand – use them as much as possible. Reading complex words take more time even for native speakers. We made this dictionary to suggest simpler alternatives. Some filler words add little value such as completely dead. We mark them (skip?) meaning you might not need them.
Note: We recommend to continue using maritime terms such as “forecastle”, "bollard", and other IMO standard marine phrases.
A |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| a and/or b | a or b or both |
| a number of | some, many |
| abandon | stop, give up, break off |
| abate | ease, improve, become less intense |
| aberration | unusual, abnormal |
| abundance | enough, plenty |
| accede to | allow, agree to |
| accelerate | speed up |
| accentuate | stress |
| accommodation | housing, room |
| accompany | go with, with |
| accomplish | do, finish, complete |
| accorded | given |
| according to | in line with, as listed in |
| accordingly | so, therefore |
| accrue | add, gain |
| accurate | correct, exact, right |
| acquiesce | agree |
| acquire | get, buy |
| activate | start, operate, connect |
| actuate | start, push, turn on, use |
| additional | added, extra, more, other |
| address | discuss, tell, talk, speak |
| addressees | you |
| adequate | enough |
| adjacent to | next to, near by |
| adjustment | change, alteration |
| admissible | allowed, accepted |
| admit | let |
| advantageous | helpful, useful |
| adversely impact on | hurt, set back |
| advise | recommend, tell |
| affirmative | yes |
| affix | add, attach, stick on |
| afford an opportunity | allow, let |
| aggravate | increase, make worse |
| aggregate | total |
| alert | tell |
| alleviate | ease, reduce |
| allocate | give, find |
| aloft | at height, above |
| along the lines of | like, as in |
| alteration | change |
| alternatively | or |
| ambivalent | unsure |
| ameliorate | improve, help |
| ample | plenty, enough, sufficient |
| an absence of | no, none |
| and/or | use either "and", "or" or both |
| annotation | write |
| annunciate | show, come on |
| anticipate | expect |
| apiece | each |
| apparent | clear, plain |
| applicant | you |
| application | use |
| appreciable | many |
| apprehend | arrest |
| apprise | inform, tell, advise |
| appropriate | proper, right |
| approximate | about |
| arise | rise |
| arrive onboard | arrive |
| as a means of | to |
| as per | see, following, in line with, according to |
| as prescribed by | in, under |
| as to | about |
| as yet, as of yet | yet |
| ascend | rise, climb |
| ascertain | find out, learn, make sure, confirm, |
| assign | give |
| assist, assistance | help |
| at its discretion | can, may |
| at the moment | now |
| at the present time | now |
| at your earliest convenience | as soon as you can |
| attain | get, meet |
| attempt | try |
| attributable to | because |
| augment | increase |
| avid | eager |
B |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| because of the fact that | because, since |
| belated | late |
| beneficial | helpful, useful |
| benefit | help |
| bestow | give, award |
| beverage | drink |
| by means of | by, with |
| by reason of | because |
| by virtue of | by, under |
C |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| capability | ability, can |
| capable of | am, is, are, can |
| carry out | (skip or rewrite to avoid nominalization?) |
| caveat | warning, caution |
| cease | stop, end, finish |
| chauffeur | driver |
| close proximity | near |
| cognizant | aware, mindful |
| combat environment | combat |
| combined | joint |
| commence | begin, start |
| commensurate | equal |
| competent | qualified, skilled |
| component | part |
| comprise | form, include, make up |
| computation | calculation |
| conceal | hide |
| concerning | about, on |
| conduct (conduct a meeting) | hold, run |
| conduct (conduct an inspection) | make, do |
| conduct a… | (skip or rewrite to avoid nominalization) |
| conform | comply with or follow |
| conformity | (in conformity with) see conform |
| consensus | agreement |
| consequently | so, therefore |
| consolidate | combine, join, merge |
| conspicuous | clear and visible |
| conspicuously | in a clearly visible way |
| constitutes | is, forms, makes up |
| contains | has |
| continuity | steady, stable, constant, without breaks |
| convene | meet |
| cumulative | increasing, growing, collective |
| currently | now |
| curtail | restrict, reduce, cut down |
| curvature | curving, bend |
D |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| decelerate | slow down, brake, reduce speed |
| decrease | reduce |
| deem | believe, consider, think |
| deficiency | shortage, lack |
| delete | cut, drop |
| deleterious | unsafe, harmful |
| delve | dig, (explore, research) |
| demonstrate | prove, show |
| depart | leave |
| designate | appoint, choose, name |
| desire | want, wish |
| determine | decide, figure, find |
| deviate | stray, differ |
| dilapidated | broken-down, run-down |
| discard | remove |
| discernable | clear, apparent, noticeable |
| discernible | clear, apparent, noticeable |
| disclose | show, make known |
| discontinue | drop, stop |
| display | show, put on the wall |
| dispose | arrange, place |
| disseminate | give, issue, pass, send |
| dissimilar | different |
| divulge | show, tell, reveal |
| does not have | lacks |
| doubtlessly | probably |
| due to the fact that | because, due to, since |
| during the period of | during, while, when |
E |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| each and every | all, we, you, us |
| effect modifications | make changes |
| effort | try |
| egregious | extremely bad, gross, terrible |
| elect | select, choose, pick |
| eliminate | cut, drop, end |
| elucidate | explain |
| emit | produce, release, send out |
| emphasize | stress |
| employ | use |
| encounter | meet, run into, come across |
| endeavor | try |
| engage | (be more specific) involve, start, take on, activate, hold |
| enquiry | question |
| ensure | make sure |
| entangle | tangle, twist |
| entitlement | right |
| entrust, entrusted | assign, trust |
| enumerate | count |
| envisage | expect, forecast |
| equally as | equally |
| equitable | fair |
| equivalent | same, equal |
| erroneous | wrong |
| establish | set up, prove, show |
| evidenced | showed |
| evident | clear, obvious |
| evince | show, prove |
| excluding | except, without |
| exclusively | only |
| execute | (skip or rewrite to avoid nominalization?) |
| exhibit | show |
| expedite | hurry, speed up |
| expeditious | fast, quick |
| expeditiously | quickly, speedy, fast |
| expend | spend |
| expertise | ability |
| expiration | end |
| extenuating | justifying, excusing |
F |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| facilitate | ease, help |
| failed to | did not |
| fallacious | wrong, false |
| feasible | can be done, workable |
| finalize | complete, finish |
| first and foremost | first |
| first(ly), second(ly), third(ly) | first, second, third |
| following | after, next |
| for a period of | for, during |
| for the duration of | during |
| for the purpose of | to |
| for the reason that, | to |
| forewarn | warn |
| forfeit | give up, lose |
| formulate | plan |
| forthwith immediately, at once, now | |
| forward | send |
| frequently | often |
| frigid | very cold, freezing |
| function | act, role, work |
| furnish | give, send |
| furthermore | also, then, and, still |
G |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| gain | get, gather |
| garner | collect, gather |
| gaseous | gas |
| generate | make |
| govern | control, run |
| grant | give |
H |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| has a duty to | shall |
| has a requirement for | needs |
| hence | therefore |
| henceforth | from now on, from this point on |
| hereby | now, by this (skip?) |
| herein | here |
| hereinafter | after this (skip?) |
| hereof | of this |
| hereto | to this |
| heretofore | until now, up to this time |
| herewith | below, here, with this, enclosed, attached |
| hitherto | until now |
| honest truth | truth |
| however | but, yet |
I |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| identical | same |
| identify with | agree, understand |
| identify | find, name, show |
| if and when | use either word; not both |
| immerse | dip, wet, soak |
| impacted | affected, changed |
| impervious | resistant, proof |
| implement | do, start, put into action |
| imply | suggest, hit at |
| imprudent | unwise, careless, foolish |
| in a timely manner | on time, quickly |
| in accordance with | by, following, under |
| in addition | also, besides, too |
| in all likelihood | probably |
| in an effort to | to |
| in between | between |
| in close proximity | near |
| in conjunction with | and, with |
| in connection with | with, about |
| in excess of | more than |
| in favor of | for |
| in lieu of | instead (of) |
| in light of the fact that | because, since |
| in many cases | often |
| in order for | for |
| in order that | for, so |
| in order to | to |
| in regard to | about, concerning, on |
| in regard(s) to | about, concerning, on |
| in relation to | about, with, to |
| in some instances | sometimes |
| in the amount of | for |
| in the case of | if |
| in the event of | if |
| in the majority of instances | usually |
| in the nature of | like |
| in the near future | shortly, soon |
| in the process of | (omit) |
| in the process of | are |
| in view of the above | so |
| in view of | because, since |
| inasmuch (as) | since |
| incandescent | extremely bright, (extremely bright and hot) |
| inception | start |
| incompetence | inability, lacking skill |
| incumbent upon | must |
| incumbent | necessary, required, mandatory, essential |
| incur | have to pay, owe |
| indicate | say, state, or show |
| indication | sign |
| individual | person |
| initial | first |
| initiate | begin, start |
| innumerable | many, countless, too many (to be counted) |
| inside of | inside |
| instigate | begin, start |
| inter alia | among others, and others |
| interface | meet, work with |
| interpose no objection | do not object |
| irrespective | no matter, regardless |
| is applicable to | applies to |
| is authorized to | can, may |
| is in consonance with | agrees with, follows |
| is responsible for | shall |
| it appears | seems |
| it is essential | must, need to |
| it is requested | please, we request, I request |
J |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| jointly | together |
K |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| knead | press, squeeze |
L |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| lastly | last |
| leverage | use |
| liaison | discussion, contact person |
| limited number | limits |
| livid | angry, irritated |
M |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| magnitude | size, level |
| majority | most |
| make an attempt | try |
| make an effort | try |
| make reference to | refer to |
| maximum | greatest, largest, most |
| mental attitude | attitude |
| methodology | method |
| minutiae | minor detail, finer points |
| miscellaneous | mixed, varied |
| mislay | lose |
| moreover | also, besides, in addition |
| muchly | much |
| multiple | many |
N |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| necessitate | cause, need |
| negligible | very small |
| nevertheless | still, besides, even so |
| not certain | uncertain |
| not later than 10 May | by 10 May, before 11 May |
| not many | few |
| not often | seldom, rarely |
| not the same | different |
| not unlike | similar, alike |
| notwithstanding | in spite of, still |
| null and void | use either "null" or "void" |
| numerous | many |
O |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| obligate | require, bind |
| observe | see |
| obtain | get |
| occasionally | sometimes |
| olfactory | sense of smell |
| on a daily basis | daily |
| on the basis of | by, from |
| on the contrary | but, so |
| on the part of | by |
| operate | run, use, work |
| optimize | perfect |
| optimum | best, greatest, most |
| option | choice, way |
| orientate | orient |
| owing to the fact that | because, since |
P |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| paramount | very important, most important |
| participate | take part |
| per annum | a year |
| per annum | a year, each year, yearly |
| perchance | perhaps |
| perform a… | (skip or rewrite to avoid nominalization?) |
| perform | do |
| peril | danger, risk, unsafe |
| peril | risk, danger |
| perilous | dangerous, risky, unsafe |
| permit | let |
| perspire | sweat |
| pertaining to | about, of, on |
| peruse | read |
| place | put |
| point in time, particular point in time | time, point, now, moment |
| portion | part |
| portray | show, display, describe |
| possess | have, own |
| post | after |
| potentiality | potential |
| practicable | practical, possible |
| pre | before |
| precipitate | cause, lead to |
| preclude | prevent |
| predicament | difficult, dilemma |
| preliminary to | before |
| preowned | used |
| preparatory to | to prepare for |
| prescribed | approved, given |
| prevailing | existing |
| previous to | before |
| previous | earlier |
| previously | before |
| prior to | before |
| prioritize | rank |
| proceed | do, go ahead, try |
| proficiency | skill |
| promulgate | issue, publish |
| provide guidance for | guide |
| provide | give, offer, say |
| provided that | if |
| provides guidance for | guides |
| proximity | near |
| prudent | wise, careful, sensible, well judged |
| purchase | buy |
| pursuant to | by, following, under |
Q |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| quadral | in four parts |
| quasi | in part, somewhat |
| questionable | not sure |
R |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| rectify | correct, repair |
| reflect | say, show |
| regarding | about, of, on |
| reiterate | repeat, restate |
| relative to | about, on |
| relevant | similar/related |
| relocate | move |
| remain | stay |
| remainder | rest |
| remittance | payment |
| remuneration | pay, payment |
| render | give, make |
| rendezvous | meeting |
| represents | is |
| request | ask |
| require | shall, must, need |
| requirement | need |
| requisition, requisitioned | ask, request |
| reside | live |
| resume | continue, start again |
| retain | keep, has, continues to have |
| revoke | cancel |
S |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| said, some, such | the, this, that |
| selection | choice |
| set forth in | in |
| signify | suggest, show, mean |
| similar to | like |
| solicit | ask for, request |
| speedily | fast |
| state-of-the-art | latest |
| statutory | legal, by law |
| strategize | plan |
| subject | the, this, your |
| submit | give, send |
| subsequent (to) | later, next, after, then |
| subsequently | after, next, later, then |
| substantial | large, much |
| successfully complete | complete, pass |
| sufficient | enough |
| supplement | add, in addition, increase |
T |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| take action to | (omit) |
| terminate | end, stop |
| the undersigned | I |
| thereafter | then, afterwards, later |
| thereby | so, by that, because of that |
| therefore | so |
| therein | there |
| thereof | its, their |
| this activity, command | us, we |
| thus | so, therefore |
| time period | (use one – not both) |
| timely | prompt |
| to be violative of | violate |
| tranquil | peaceful, calm, quiet |
| transmit | send |
| transpire | happen |
U |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| unambiguous | clear, with only one meaning |
| under the provisions of | under |
| undernoted | the following, noted below |
| undersigned | I, we |
| undertake | start, begin |
| uniformity | consistent, equal |
| unilateral | one-sided, one-way |
| unobtainable | unavailable |
| until such time as | until |
| utilize, utilization | use |
| utter | total, complete, absolute |
V |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| validate | confirm, verify |
| viable | practical, workable |
| vice | instead of, versus |
W |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| warrant | call for, permit |
| whatsoever | whatever, any, what, at all |
| whensoever | when |
| whereas | because, since |
| wherein | where, in what |
| whether or not | whether, |
| whilst | while, when, during |
| with reference to | about |
| with regard to | about |
| with respect to | on, about |
| with the exception of | except (for) |
| witnessed | saw |
X |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| xeric | dry |
Y |
|
| Complex | Clear |
| yield | give, supply, profit |
| your attention is drawn | see, note |
Z |
|
| Complex | Clear |