CEFR Level
a person who steals goods, especially during war or civil disorder
"The plunderers ransacked the village after the battle."
the state of being multiple; the greater part or majority
"In the election, she won by a plurality of votes."
a doctor specializing in foot care
"I have an appointment with the podiatrist for my ankle pain."
the study or theory of poetry and its principles
"He wrote a book on poetics explaining the art of verse."
the quality of evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; emotionally touching
"The poignancy of the farewell brought tears to everyone's eyes."
evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; deeply touching
"The movie's ending was so poignant that many in the audience were moved to tears."
graceful and elegant bearing in a person; composure under stress
"She maintained her poise even under intense questioning."
the state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies, opinions, or aspects
"The polarity between the two political parties is growing stronger."
to divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs
"The controversial decision polarized public opinion."
divided into two sharply contrasting groups or opinions
"The debate polarized the community on the issue of climate change."
a bright star that appears to stay in the same position in the sky and is used for navigation
"Sailors used the polestar to navigate across the ocean."
shrewd, prudent, or tactful in practical matters
"It was politic of him to remain silent during the argument."
The process by which pollen is transferred from flowers, enabling plant reproduction.
"Butterflies play a vital role in pollination."
a person or organization that conducts surveys to gauge public opinion
"The pollster predicted a close election outcome."
the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time
"Polygamy is legal in some countries but frowned upon in others."
a person who knows and can use several languages
"She is a polyglot, fluent in English, Spanish, and Bengali."
a flat shape with three or more straight sides
"The artist drew a colorful polygon on the canvas."
an educational institution offering practical and technical courses
"She studied engineering at a well-known polytechnic in her city."
A time management technique that uses a timer to break down work into intervals.
"The Pomodoro technique improves productivity."
ceremonial display or splendor; grandeur
"The graduation ceremony was full of pomp and circumstance."
exaggeratedly self-important; ostentatious
"The manager had a pompous attitude that annoyed his team."
slow and clumsy because of great weight; dull and labored
"The ponderous lecture made it hard for students to stay awake."
tiny round seeds from the poppy plant used as a spice or garnish in cooking
"Poppy seeds are sprinkled on top of breads and used in Bengali curries."
the general public; the ordinary people living in a country or area
"The new law was welcomed by the local populace."
A politician or person who seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are ignored by elites.
"The populist leader promised to put the needs of common citizens first."
Having a large population; densely inhabited.
"Dhaka is one of the most populous cities in the world."
A white, hard ceramic material often used for dishes and ornaments.
"The museum displayed ancient porcelain vases from China."
a large rodent with defensive spines or quills on its body
"The porcupine raised its quills when threatened."
As a noun: a tiny opening in the skin or surface. As a verb: to study something carefully.
"She pored over the documents for hours before making a decision."
Having tiny holes that allow liquid or air to pass through.
"The soil is very porous and drains quickly."
a small toothed whale with a low triangular dorsal fin and a blunt rounded snout
"The porpoise jumped gracefully out of the water."
To assume or suggest something as a fact or basis for reasoning.
"The scientist posited a new theory to explain the phenomenon."
A person who owns or holds something.
"The possessor of the land built a new house."
To assign a date later than the actual date to a document or event.
"She postdated the check to next month."
Situated at or toward the back; later in time.
"The posterior part of the brain controls vision."
All future generations of people.
"The monument was built for the benefit of posterity."
Occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator.
"He received a posthumous award for his bravery."
An examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.
"The doctor carried out a postmortem on the body."
an additional remark at the end of a letter or text, after the signature
"She added a brief postscript to thank him again."
to suggest or assume the existence of something as a basis for reasoning
"The scientist postulated that life could exist on other planets."
safe to drink; drinkable
"The villagers did not have access to potable water."
The power or ability of something to affect or influence; strength or effectiveness.
"The potency of the new medicine amazed the doctors."
Having great power, influence, or effect.
"This is a very potent drug that should be used carefully."
a liquid with healing, magical, or poisonous properties
"The witch gave the hero a healing potion."
to push one's lips forward as an expression of annoyance or sulkiness
"The child began to pout when he didn’t get the toy."
able to be done or put into practice successfully
"The plan is not practicable without more resources."
Dealing with problems in a practical and sensible way rather than depending on theories or ideals.
"She took a pragmatic approach to solving the business challenge."
A pragmatic attitude or policy.
"Pragmatism is essential in problem-solving."
A person who deals with things in a practical and realistic way.
"He is a true pragmatist who values results over ideals."
A large open area of grassland, especially in North America.
"The bison roamed freely across the prairie."
