Action Words That Start With E [LIST]

Action words, or verbs, are the backbone of communication, driving sentences and conveying movement, change, or states of being. While many verbs are commonly used, some letters of the alphabet offer a treasure trove of dynamic, engaging words that can enrich both written and spoken language. In this article, we focus on action words that begin with the letter “E”, a versatile and expressive starting point for verbs that can inject energy, emphasis, and clarity into your vocabulary. From everyday actions to more specialized tasks, verbs beginning with ‘E’ provide a unique set of words to explore and incorporate into your language use.

Whether you’re a writer, speaker, or language enthusiast, expanding your collection of action words can help you communicate more effectively and creatively. The letter ‘E’ alone offers a variety of verbs that span multiple contexts, from simple motions like ‘eat’ and ‘enter’ to more complex actions like ’emancipate’ or “energize”. This list is designed to provide a diverse range of action words to help you express yourself with precision, whether you’re crafting stories, making persuasive arguments, or simply trying to add more variety to your speech and writing.

Action Words That Start With E

1. eliminate

To eliminate means to completely remove or get rid of something. It suggests the act of ending, abolishing, or clearing away something undesirable or unnecessary.

Examples

• The company plans to eliminate outdated processes to improve efficiency.
• She decided to eliminate all unnecessary expenses from her budget to save money.
• The goal is to eliminate the risk of errors by implementing a new system.

2. enhance

Enhance refers to improving or increasing the quality, value, or effectiveness of something. It often implies making a positive change that adds value or makes an experience more enjoyable.

Examples

• The new software update will enhance the user experience with improved features.
• He used lighting effects to enhance the atmosphere of the room during the party.
• The company aims to enhance customer satisfaction through better support services.

3. empower

To empower means to give someone the authority or power to do something. It can also refer to making someone stronger or more confident in their abilities.

Examples

• The organization seeks to empower women by providing them with access to education and job opportunities.
• Her manager’s supportive approach empowered her to take on leadership responsibilities.
• The new policy is designed to empower local communities by giving them more control over decision-making.

4. engage

Engage means to involve or attract someone’s attention, interest, or participation. It suggests a purposeful interaction or commitment, often to create involvement or connection.

Examples

• The teacher engaged the students by asking thought-provoking questions.
• She used a variety of methods to engage her audience during the presentation.
• They decided to engage with the community by organizing volunteer events.

5. examine

To examine means to inspect or analyze something carefully and thoroughly. It often involves detailed observation and investigation to understand or assess the condition, nature, or quality of something.

Examples

• The doctor will examine the patient to determine the cause of the symptoms.
• We need to examine the report closely to identify any errors.
• Scientists examine the data to draw conclusions about the environmental impact.

6. expand

Expand means to increase in size, volume, number, or scope. It refers to the act of making something larger or more extensive, often involving growth or broadening.

Examples

• The company plans to expand its operations into international markets next year.
• Her company is looking to expand the product line to include more eco-friendly options.
• They decided to expand the school’s curriculum by offering advanced STEM courses.

7. excavate

To excavate means to dig, remove, or hollow out material from a specific area, often for construction, archaeology, or mining purposes. It implies digging to discover or uncover something beneath the surface.

Examples

• Archaeologists excavated the ancient site to uncover artifacts from a past civilization.
• Construction workers excavated the foundation for the new building.
• The team had to excavate the area carefully to avoid damaging the pipes underground.

8. express

Express means to convey or communicate thoughts, feelings, or ideas. It involves sharing or showing emotions, opinions, or creative concepts through words, actions, or art.

Examples

• She expressed her gratitude for the support she received during the challenging time.
• The artist used vibrant colors to express emotion in her paintings.
• He expressed his opinion clearly in the meeting, addressing every concern raised.

9. enlighten

To enlighten means to give someone greater knowledge and understanding of a subject or situation. It suggests the process of educating or informing someone to broaden their perspective.

Examples

• The seminar was designed to enlighten attendees about the latest advancements in technology.
• He took the time to enlighten me on the history behind the ancient ruins.
• She enlightened the group with her in-depth knowledge of the subject.

10. encourage

Encourage means to give someone confidence, support, or hope. It involves motivating others to take positive actions, try their best, or continue working toward their goals.

Examples

• The coach encouraged the team to give their best effort in the final quarter.
• Her parents always encouraged her to pursue her dreams and follow her passion.
• The teacher’s words of encouragement motivated the students to work harder.

11. exceed

To exceed means to go beyond a set limit, expectation, or standard. It suggests surpassing or outperforming a particular benchmark or goal.

Examples

• The company’s profits exceeded expectations, leading to a bonus for all employees.
• Her performance in the competition exceeded all of the judges’ criteria.
• The project’s costs exceeded the budget, requiring additional funding.

12. evacuate

To evacuate means to remove people from a dangerous or potentially harmful area, often due to emergencies like fires, natural disasters, or hazardous situations. It implies a safe and orderly departure from a place.

Examples

• The authorities ordered residents to evacuate the area due to the approaching hurricane.
• Firefighters worked to evacuate the building after the alarm went off.
• We had to evacuate the office because of a gas leak in the building.

13. elaborate

To elaborate means to provide more detail or explanation about a particular subject or point. It involves expanding on a topic to offer a clearer or fuller understanding.

Examples

• Could you elaborate on your reasoning behind that decision?
• She asked the presenter to elaborate on the details of the new marketing strategy.
• He began to elaborate on the specifics of the project, providing a more in-depth explanation.

14. emphasize

To emphasize means to give special attention or importance to something. It involves highlighting or stressing particular points to make them stand out or be more noticeable.

Examples

• The professor emphasized the importance of time management during the lecture.
• She emphasized the need for teamwork in the success of the project.
• During the meeting, they emphasized that safety is the top priority.

15. elude

To elude means to evade or escape from something, typically in a skillful or cunning way. It can also refer to something that is difficult to grasp or comprehend.

Examples

• The criminal managed to elude capture by fleeing the country.
• The solution to the complex problem continued to elude the researchers.
• Despite their best efforts, the true meaning of the message seemed to elude him.

16. encompass

To encompass means to include or cover a wide range of elements or aspects. It suggests a comprehensive scope or range of subjects, areas, or features.

Examples

• The project will encompass several phases, including research, development, and testing.
• Her career as a doctor encompasses many different areas, from surgery to patient care.
• The new law will encompass various environmental issues, aiming to address pollution and conservation.

17. enlist

To enlist means to recruit or sign up for a cause, service, or effort. It often refers to joining the military, but it can also apply to seeking or engaging assistance or support.

Examples

• She decided to enlist in the army to serve her country.
• The teacher encouraged students to enlist the help of a tutor if they struggled with the material.
• The company sought to enlist the expertise of a consultant to improve efficiency.

18. expel

To expel means to force someone to leave or remove them from a place, often due to violations of rules or laws. It can refer to expulsion from schools, organizations, or even countries.

Examples

• The school decided to expel the student after several violations of the code of conduct.
• The manager was forced to expel the disruptive team member from the meeting.
• They were expelled from the country after overstaying their visas.

19. exert

To exert means to apply physical, mental, or emotional effort or influence. It suggests using one’s strength, power, or influence in a determined way to achieve a goal or result.

Examples

• The athlete had to exert every ounce of energy to finish the race.
• She exerted great influence over the team, guiding them toward success.
• The workers exerted pressure on the management to improve working conditions.

20. explain

To explain means to make something clear or understandable by providing more details or information. It involves breaking down a topic or concept so that others can comprehend it.

Examples

• She took time to explain the new software to her colleagues.
• Could you explain how the new system will improve efficiency?
• He was asked to explain the reasoning behind the decision during the meeting.

Historical Context

The English language, with its deep historical roots in various cultures and societies, has a rich tradition of dynamic verbs, also known as action words. Among these, verbs beginning with the letter E occupy a significant position, both in terms of frequency and utility. To understand these words in depth, it’s essential to consider their historical context—the cultural and linguistic shifts that have influenced their development and use over time.

The English language is fundamentally Germanic in origin, though it has absorbed vast influences from Latin, French, and other languages throughout its history. During the early development of Old English (circa 5th to 12th century), many of the verbs beginning with "E" were influenced by the Germanic roots that were brought to England by the Anglo-Saxons. Words like enter, enlist, and expand can trace their origins to these early Germanic roots. However, the vast vocabulary of modern English has also been shaped by waves of Latin influence, particularly after the Norman Conquest in 1066, when French and Latin became dominant in the royal court, education, and religious practices.

The Renaissance, a period of intense intellectual and artistic revival from the 14th to the 17th centuries, was also a time of great linguistic evolution. During this time, many Latin-derived action words were borrowed into English, and the letter "E" became a common prefix used to form verbs that indicated a process or movement—embellish, enlighten, examine—showcasing the language’s increasing capacity to convey nuanced meaning through action.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, as the industrial revolution reshaped society and the English-speaking world’s focus turned toward science, technology, and exploration, verbs starting with E continued to proliferate, now often tied to innovation and social change. Words like engineer, empower, and evolve gained prominence, reflecting the new realities of a rapidly changing world.

Thus, the historical context behind action words starting with "E" is tied to the gradual process of language development, expansion, and transformation, as well as to the shifting priorities and influences within English-speaking societies. These verbs encapsulate the rich tapestry of human experience, from ancient conquests to scientific breakthroughs, mirroring the evolution of human culture itself.

Word Origins And Etymology

The etymology of action words beginning with the letter E offers fascinating insights into the linguistic evolution of the English language. These words often reveal the diverse sources from which English has borrowed and adapted, as well as the ways in which meanings have evolved over centuries.

1. Enlighten

The word enlighten derives from the Old French enluminier, which meant "to illuminate" or "to make clear." It entered Middle English as enlighten in the late 14th century. The verb has its roots in the Latin word illuminare, which means "to light up" or "to make bright," itself derived from illuminare (from in- "into" and lumen, "light"). Over time, the meaning shifted from a literal sense of "lighting up" to the metaphorical sense of bringing knowledge or understanding to someone, as in "enlightening" their mind or spirit.

2. Examine

The verb examine comes from the Latin examinare, which means "to weigh" or "to test." This Latin verb is formed from ex- meaning "out of" or "from," and examen, meaning "a balancing scale" or "a test." In its earliest uses in English (from the 14th century), examine meant to inspect or test something carefully, often through some form of measurement. Over time, its use broadened, and it came to encompass a range of meanings, from questioning a person (as in a legal examination) to analyzing an object or idea.

3. Enter

The verb enter traces back to the Latin word intrare, meaning "to go in" or "to enter." Derived from intro, meaning "within," and ire, meaning "to go," the word has remained remarkably consistent in meaning throughout its history. The sense of physically going into a place was the primary usage in early Old French (entrer) and Middle English. It wasn’t until the 15th century that enter began to take on metaphorical meanings, such as entering a profession, an agreement, or a narrative.

4. Empower

The action word empower emerged in English relatively recently, around the 17th century, but its roots can be traced to older words meaning "to make powerful." It is a compound of em- (a variation of the Latin prefix in- meaning "in" or "into") and power, which ultimately comes from the Latin potentia ("power" or "ability"). The verb empower initially meant to give permission or authorization, but it soon expanded to encompass the idea of giving someone the ability or strength to act with confidence and autonomy, often in the context of social and political rights.

The etymology of these words demonstrates the constant interaction between Old English, Latin, and other European languages, revealing the complexities and layers of meaning that have been built into the action words beginning with E. Each of these words carries with it echoes of historical usage, and their continued evolution showcases the adaptability of the English language.

Common Misconceptions

While action words beginning with E are widely used, there are several common misconceptions about their meanings, usage, and connotations that can cause confusion for both native speakers and learners of English.

1. Elicit Vs. Illicit

A frequent mix-up occurs between the verb elicit (to draw out or bring forth, often referring to drawing out a response or information) and the adjective illicit (meaning illegal or unlawful). The similarity in pronunciation and spelling can be deceptive. For example, one might say, “His questions were meant to illicit a confession,” when the correct verb should be elicit, as illicit refers only to things that are prohibited by law.

2. Enervate Vs. Energize

Another common confusion involves the words enervate and energize. While they sound similar, they are opposites. To enervate means to drain someone of energy or to weaken them, whereas energize means to give energy or vitality. For instance, a long, exhausting meeting might enervate a person, whereas a good workout might energize them. The misconception arises because both words contain the root “energy,” but their prefixes shift the meaning in very different directions.

3. Enter Vs. Inter

A subtle but important confusion exists between the verbs enter and inter. While enter means "to go into or come into a place," inter means "to bury (a body) in the ground." These words, though nearly homophones, are not interchangeable. For example, “We will enter the building” and “The remains were interred in the cemetery.” It is easy to mistake the two, especially in spoken language, but the difference lies in their meaning and usage context.

4. Enslave Vs. Enfranchise

The words enslave (to make someone a slave) and enfranchise (to grant voting rights) might seem somewhat related due to the "en-" prefix, but they are opposites in meaning. One refers to restricting a person’s freedom, while the other refers to expanding their rights. This dichotomy highlights how prefixes like “en-” can generate opposite meanings, depending on the root to which they are attached.

5. Excavate Vs. Exhume

The verbs excavate and exhume are often confused because both involve digging or removing something buried. However, excavate refers to digging out something (such as archaeological ruins), while exhume specifically refers to the act of digging up a body from the earth. Thus, the contexts in which these words are used are critical to avoiding confusion.

These misconceptions often stem from the intricacies of English word formation and the shifting meanings of words over time. Understanding the nuances between these terms helps to preserve clarity in communication and enrich one’s command of the language.

Conclusion

Action words that start with E are a testament to the rich history and evolving nature of the English language. Their historical context reveals a tapestry of linguistic development, from the early Germanic roots to the influence of Latin and French. Their etymology offers a glimpse into the cultural exchanges and transformations that shaped English over centuries, as well as the ways in which the meanings of words have adapted to changing societal needs and values.

However, as with all aspects of language, the richness of E-starting action words comes with its share of challenges. Common misconceptions—whether about subtle differences in meaning or the correct application of similar-sounding verbs—remind us of the complexities inherent in mastering a language. By delving deeper into the history, origins, and usage of these words, we not only improve our understanding of the English language but also gain insight into the broader shifts in human thought and society that these words reflect.

In conclusion, E-starting action words offer a window into the dynamic and adaptive nature of English. Whether through their historical evolution, their etymological roots, or the challenges posed by their usage, they provide an essential part of the lexicon for expressing human action, intent, and experience.