abrasive
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C1 adjective /əˈbreɪsɪv/

abrasive

Meaning
harsh, rough, or capable of wearing down by rubbing
Example
His abrasive tone made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 verb /ˈdɛsɪmeɪt/

decimate

Meaning
To destroy or kill a large proportion of something.
Example
The wildfire decimated the forest.
C1 verb /ˈdɪsləkeɪt/

dislocate

Meaning
To disturb the normal position of something, especially a joint in the body.
Example
He dislocated his shoulder while playing football.
C1 adjective /ɡrəˈtjuːɪtəs/

gratuitous

Meaning
Unnecessary, unwarranted, or given freely without reason or cause.
Example
The movie was criticized for its gratuitous violence.
C1 adjective /ˈliːf.ləs/

Leafless

Meaning
without leaves; bare
Example
The leafless trees looked bare in winter.
C1 noun /ˈrɪdəns/

riddance

Meaning
The action of getting rid of something unwanted or unpleasant.
Example
His departure was considered a welcome riddance by the team.
C1 verb /ˈfɜːrmɛnt/

ferment

Meaning
to undergo a chemical process where sugars are converted to alcohol or acid; to incite or stir up change
Example
The grapes are left to ferment for several weeks.
C1 noun /ˈten.jər/

Tenure

Meaning
the period of time during which someone holds an office or position
Example
During his tenure as CEO, the company expanded globally.
C1 adjective /ˌhɪpəˈkrɪtɪkəl/

Hypocritical

Meaning
behaving in a way that contradicts one's stated beliefs or values
Example
It's hypocritical to preach honesty while lying yourself.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsiːvəbl̩/

inconceivable

Meaning
Impossible to imagine or believe; beyond comprehension.
Example
It seemed inconceivable that she could finish the marathon after such little training.
C1 noun /ˈæl.kə.laɪ/

alkali

Meaning
a soluble base substance, typically with a pH greater than 7, that neutralizes acids
Example
Soap contains alkali which helps remove grease.
C1 noun /ˌmiːdɪˈeɪʃən/

mediation

Meaning
Intervention between parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or compromise.
Example
The mediation helped resolve the conflict between the two teams.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɛk.ərd/

checkered

Meaning
Having a pattern of alternating squares of different colors; also describing a past full of ups and downs or varied experiences.
Example
He had a checkered career with many highs and lows.
C1 noun /ˈkroʊ.bɑːr/

Crowbar

Meaning
a heavy iron bar with a curved end used as a lever for prying things apart
Example
He used a crowbar to remove the old nails.
C1 adjective + noun ˈfeɪvərəbəl klaɪˈmætɪk kənˈdɪʃənz

favorable climatic conditions

Meaning
Weather conditions that are suitable and beneficial for growth or development
Example
Winter offers favorable climatic conditions for farming.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈskeɪðd/

unscathed

Meaning
Without suffering any injury, damage, or harm.
Example
She escaped from the accident unscathed.
C1 noun /ˈsmætərɪŋ/

smattering

Meaning
A small amount or superficial knowledge of something.
Example
He has a smattering of Spanish.
C1 noun /kənˈtɛndər/

contender

Meaning
a person or team competing for a title or prize
Example
She is a strong contender for the mayoral position.
C1 adjective /səbˈmɪs.ɪv/

Submissive

Meaning
ready to obey others; yielding to authority; humble and compliant
Example
She became submissive after years of harsh treatment.
C1 noun /ˈves.tɪdʒ/

Vestige

Meaning
a trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
Example
No vestige of the ancient city remains.
C1 noun dɪˌzɝː.t̬ə.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

desertification

Meaning
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
Example
Deforestation accelerates desertification.
C1 adjective /pərˈsɛptəbl̩/

perceptible

Meaning
Able to be noticed or recognized by the senses or the mind.
Example
There was a perceptible change in the atmosphere.
C1 noun /ˈmɪs.hæp/

Mishap

Meaning
An unlucky accident or unfortunate event, typically minor
Example
The cooking mishap resulted in a burnt dinner.
C1 noun /ˈnɔːrmən/

Norman

Meaning
A member of a people of mixed Scandinavian and Frankish origin who settled in Normandy, or relating to their culture.
Example
The Normans conquered England in 1066.
C1 verb /rɪˈsʌsɪteɪt/

resuscitate

Meaning
to revive someone from unconsciousness or apparent death
Example
The doctors tried to resuscitate the patient after the heart attack.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.trəˈspek.tɪv

introspective

Meaning
Characterized by or given to introspection; examining one's own thoughts and feelings.
Example
Writers tend to be highly introspective individuals.
C1 noun /ˈbʊzəm/

bosom

Meaning
the human chest, especially a woman’s breast; also used metaphorically to refer to closeness or intimacy
Example
She kept the secret close to her bosom.
C1 noun /pækt/

Pact

Meaning
a formal agreement between individuals or parties; a treaty or contract
Example
The two countries signed a peace pact to end the war.
C1 noun /ˈmɛm.breɪn/

membrane

Meaning
A thin layer of tissue or material that covers, separates, or connects structures.
Example
The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪlkən/

Silken

Meaning
made of silk; smooth and soft like silk
Example
She wore a beautiful silken dress to the party.
C1 noun /ˌkɒk.əˈtuː/

Cockatoo

Meaning
a large parrot with a prominent crest that can be raised or lowered
Example
The white cockatoo raised its beautiful crest.
C1 noun /ˈvɔːrtɛks/

vortex

Meaning
A mass of whirling fluid or air, especially a whirlpool or whirlwind.
Example
The plane was caught in a dangerous vortex of air.
C1 noun ˌriːˌvaɪ.təl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

revitalization

Meaning
The action of giving new life and vitality to something.
Example
Proper rest and nutrition lead to revitalization of the body.
C1 noun /ˈpɔː.pəs/

Porpoise

Meaning
a small toothed whale with a low triangular dorsal fin and a blunt rounded snout
Example
The porpoise jumped gracefully out of the water.
C1 adjective deft

deft

Meaning
Neatly skillful and quick in one's movements; dexterous and adroit.
Example
The artist's deft hands created a masterpiece.
C1 noun /ɪnˈtruː.ʒən/

intrusion

Meaning
Unauthorized entry into a system or place without permission
Example
The company detected an intrusion in its server.
C1 adjective ˈɑː.dʒu.əs

arduous

Meaning
Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
Example
The trek through the mountains was an arduous journey.
C1 adjective /ˌsuːɪˈsaɪdəl/

Suicidal

Meaning
relating to or having thoughts of killing oneself; extremely dangerous or harmful
Example
The reckless driving was suicidal behavior.
C1 verb /dɪˈbeɪs/

debase

Meaning
to reduce the quality, value, or dignity of something
Example
Corruption can debase the values of a society.
C1 noun ˈhaɪ.drə.dʒən ˈpaʊ.əd bʌsɪz

hydrogen-powered buses

Meaning
Buses powered by hydrogen fuel cells that produce only water vapor as emission.
Example
Hydrogen-powered buses reduce air pollution.
C1 noun ɪnˈsɛpʃən

inception

Meaning
The establishment or starting point of an institution or activity.
Example
The inception of the company marked a new era in the industry.
C1 verb /ˈrʌf.l̩/

ruffle

Meaning
to disturb the smoothness of something; to annoy or upset someone
Example
The wind ruffled her hair.
C1 noun /ˈdɛljuːdʒ/

deluge

Meaning
A severe flood; an overwhelming quantity of something.
Example
The town was hit by a deluge of rain in just a few hours.
C1 noun /ˈrɒndɪvuː/

rendezvous

Meaning
a meeting or appointment at an agreed time and place
Example
They arranged a secret rendezvous at the café.
C1 noun /fɔːrˈmæl.ə.ti/

Formality

Meaning
the rigid observance of rules of convention or etiquette; a thing done simply to comply with requirements
Example
The signing of the contract was just a formality; the deal was already agreed upon.
C1 adjective /ˈmɔːtəl/

Mortal

Meaning
subject to death; having a limited lifespan; human
Example
All human beings are mortal and will eventually die.
C1 adjective ˌsʌbˈlɪm.ɪ.nəl

subliminal

Meaning
Existing or operating below the threshold of consciousness; perceived by or affecting someone's mind without their being aware of it.
Example
Advertisements often have subliminal messages.
C1 noun /ˈpiː.kɒk ˈflaʊ.ər/

Peacock flower

Meaning
a tropical tree with bright orange and red flowers that resemble a peacock's tail
Example
The peacock flower tree blooms with stunning orange flowers in summer.
C1 verb /trænˈskraɪb/

transcribe

Meaning
to make a written copy of spoken words or notes
Example
The secretary transcribed the meeting minutes.
C1 adjective /ˈænsɪləri/

ancillary

Meaning
providing necessary support to the main system or organization
Example
The company provides ancillary services to the healthcare industry.
C1 noun ˈnɛktər

Nectar

Meaning
A sweet liquid produced by flowers that serves as food for butterflies.
Example
Butterflies drink nectar from flowers.
C1 adjective ˈkʌm.bə.səm

cumbersome

Meaning
Heavy, unwieldy, difficult to handle or carry.
Example
The cumbersome luggage slowed him down.
C1 noun /ˈkærət/

carat

Meaning
a unit of weight for precious stones, equal to 200 milligrams
Example
She received a two-carat diamond ring for her engagement.
C1 adjective /ˈtɔːrtʃuəs/

tortuous

Meaning
Full of twists and turns; excessively complex or complicated.
Example
The tortuous mountain road made driving very difficult.
C1 verb /ˈɛkskəˌveɪt/

excavate

Meaning
to dig out or remove earth carefully, often for building or archaeological purposes
Example
The workers excavated the site to prepare for construction.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrmjuˈteɪʃən/

permutation

Meaning
An arrangement or reordering of elements, often in mathematics or logic.
Example
The puzzle can be solved by trying all possible permutations of the tiles.
C1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈbɛrɪŋ/

overbearing

Meaning
unpleasantly or arrogantly domineering
Example
His overbearing attitude made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 noun /rɪt/

writ

Meaning
A formal written order issued by a court.
Example
The judge issued a writ of habeas corpus.
C1 noun /ˈnep.ə.tɪz.əm/

Nepotism

Meaning
the practice of favoring relatives or friends in business or politics
Example
The company was accused of nepotism in its hiring practices.
C1 adjective /ˌɪməˈtɪəriəl/

immaterial

Meaning
Not important or relevant; lacking physical substance.
Example
The judge ruled that the argument was immaterial to the case.
C1 adjective /ɪˈstiːmd/

Esteemed

Meaning
respected and admired; held in high regard
Example
He is an esteemed professor at the university.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌl.ki/

Sulky

Meaning
bad-tempered and sullen; moody
Example
The child became sulky when he couldn't get his favorite toy.
C1 noun /θiˈɒlədʒi/

theology

Meaning
The study of the nature of God and religious beliefs.
Example
She is pursuing a degree in theology at the university.
C1 adjective /ˌnɒn ɪɡˈzɪstənt/

non-existent

Meaning
not real or not present; lacking existence
Example
The supposed evidence turned out to be non-existent.
C1 noun /ˈpeɪ.ɡən/

Pagan

Meaning
a person holding religious beliefs other than the main world religions; a heathen
Example
Ancient Romans considered early Christians to be pagans.
C1 noun /ˌdep.rɪˈveɪ.ʃən/

deprivation

Meaning
The damaging lack of material benefits considered to be basic necessities in a society.
Example
Sleep deprivation affects cognitive function.
C1 verb /ˈpleɪdʒəraɪz/

plagiarize

Meaning
to take someone else's work or ideas and present them as your own
Example
He was warned not to plagiarize his friend's essay.
C1 noun /ˈflæn.əl/

Flannel

Meaning
a soft woven fabric, typically made of wool or cotton and slightly milled and raised
Example
He wore a warm flannel shirt in winter.
C1 verb /klɪntʃ/

clinch

Meaning
To secure or settle something decisively; to grasp tightly.
Example
The team clinched the championship with a last-minute goal.
C1 noun /mɑːrʃ/

Marsh

Meaning
An area of low-lying land that is flooded in wet seasons or at high tide
Example
The endangered birds built their nests in the protected marsh.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/

imposing

Meaning
having an appearance that is grand, impressive, or commanding
Example
The castle is an imposing structure overlooking the valley.
C1 verb /dɪsˈɑːrm/

disarm

Meaning
to take weapons away from someone; to make someone feel less hostile
Example
The soldiers were ordered to disarm the rebels.
C1 adjective /ænˈtɪriər/

anterior

Meaning
Situated at or toward the front; coming before in position or time.
Example
The anterior part of the brain controls logical thinking.
C1 verb /ˈoʊvərˌhɔːl/

overhaul

Meaning
to examine thoroughly and repair or improve something that is worn or ineffective
Example
The company decided to overhaul its outdated computer system.
C1 adjective /rɪˈper.ə.bəl/

Repairable

Meaning
able to be fixed or mended; capable of being repaired
Example
The broken phone is repairable with the right parts.
C1 verb /per/

pare

Meaning
to cut away the outer covering or reduce something gradually
Example
She pared the apple before eating it.
C1 adjective /mjuːˈnɪsɪpəl/

municipal

Meaning
relating to a city or town or its local government
Example
The municipal authority is responsible for maintaining the park.
C1 noun /ˌrɛs.ɪˈprɒs.ɪ.ti/

reciprocity

Meaning
The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit.
Example
Business relationships thrive on reciprocity.
C1 verb /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/

sidetrack

Meaning
To distract from the main subject or activity.
Example
She was sidetracked by an unexpected phone call.
C1 adjective /ˈmæn.əd/

mannered

Meaning
Having or showing a particular manner, especially an artificial or affected one.
Example
The actor’s performance was too mannered to feel natural.
C1 adjective /diːˈsɛntrəlaɪzd/

decentralized

Meaning
Controlled by several local offices or authorities rather than one single one.
Example
The decentralized system allowed for more control at local levels.
C1 noun /ˈkʌn.stə.bəl/

constable

Meaning
a police officer of the lowest rank
Example
The constable directed traffic at the busy intersection.
C1 noun /ˈhɑː.stɪdʒ/

Hostage

Meaning
a person seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition; captive
Example
The police negotiated carefully to secure the release of all hostages unharmed.
C1 adjective /trænsˈluːsənt/

translucent

Meaning
allowing light to pass through, but not clearly enough to see detailed images
Example
She placed the flower in a translucent vase.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrspəˈreɪʃn/

perspiration

Meaning
The process of sweating.
Example
Heavy exercise causes perspiration.
C1 noun /ˌvaɪ.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

viability

Meaning
Ability to work successfully; feasibility.
Example
The viability of the project depends on funding.
C1 noun /ɪnˈtaɪərəti/

entirety

Meaning
the whole of something; the complete form
Example
He watched the movie in its entirety.
C1 adjective /aʊtˈmoʊdɪd/

outmoded

Meaning
No longer in fashion or useful; outdated.
Example
That old computer is completely outmoded.
C1 adjective /ˈnæs.ənt/

nascent

Meaning
Emerging, developing, or in the early stages of formation
Example
The nascent technology is revolutionizing industries.
C1 noun /ˈoʊvərˌtʊr/

overture

Meaning
An introduction to something more substantial; a proposal or preliminary action.
Example
The peace overture was welcomed by both nations.
C1 verb /fret/

fret

Meaning
to worry or be anxious; to be troubled
Example
Don't fret about the exam results.
C1 adjective /ˈtrænzɪtɔːri/

transitory

Meaning
Not permanent; temporary.
Example
The transitory nature of fame makes it difficult to maintain.
C1 noun /daɪˈsɛkʃən/

dissection

Meaning
the act of cutting apart or analyzing something in detail, especially a body or structure
Example
The dissection of the specimen revealed important details about its structure.
C1 noun /moʊld/

Mould

Meaning
a hollow container used to give shape to molten material; fungus
Example
She poured chocolate into the mould to make candies.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɛn.ɪ.trə.bəl/

impenetrable

Meaning
Impossible to pass through or enter; impossible to understand.
Example
The dense forest was nearly impenetrable.
C1 noun /juːˈfɔː.ri.ə/

euphoria

Meaning
A feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness; elation.
Example
Winning the championship brought a sense of euphoria.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈɡreɪnd/

engrained

Meaning
Firmly fixed or established; difficult to change.
Example
Cultural practices are often deeply engrained in the fabric of society.
C1 adjective /fərˈlɔːrn/

forlorn

Meaning
extremely sad, lonely, or abandoned
Example
The abandoned puppy looked so forlorn in the rain.
C1 noun /ˌɛks.həˈleɪ.ʃən/

exhalation

Meaning
The action of breathing out.
Example
Slow exhalation calms the nervous system.
C1 noun sɪˈmɛntɪd ɡreɪv

cemented grave

Meaning
A grave that is constructed with cement for permanence.
Example
The cemented grave of the martyrs was seen near the river.
C1 noun /ˈɪnflʌks/

influx

Meaning
A large arrival or flow of people or things.
Example
The city experienced an influx of tourists during the festival.
C1 verb /slaʊtʃ/

slouch

Meaning
To stand, sit, or move in a lazy or awkward way.
Example
He slouched in the chair, looking tired.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.floʊ/

inflow

Meaning
The movement of things such as money, people, or water into a place.
Example
The inflow of tourists boosted the local economy.
C1 adjective /rɪˈstreɪnd/

restrained

Meaning
characterized by reserve or self-control; held back
Example
Her restrained reaction surprised everyone.
C1 verb /ɔːɡˈmɛnt/

augment

Meaning
To increase or strengthen something.
Example
The company plans to augment its workforce.
C1 noun ˈpær.ə.daɪm

paradigm

Meaning
A typical example or pattern of something; a model or framework for understanding or approaching something.
Example
The paradigm of education is changing with digital technology.
C1 noun /hɪˈpɑː.krə.si/

Hypocrisy

Meaning
the practice of claiming to have moral standards that one does not actually possess; insincerity
Example
His hypocrisy was exposed when he criticized others for the same mistakes he had made.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈspjuːtəbəl/

Indisputable

Meaning
impossible to deny or argue against; undeniable; certain
Example
The evidence against him was indisputable.
C1 noun /ˈdʒɒt.ər/

Jotter

Meaning
a small notebook for writing quick notes or reminders
Example
The student carried a jotter to write down important points during lectures.
C1 noun ɪkˌstræp.əˈleɪ.ʃən

extrapolation

Meaning
The action of estimating or concluding something by assuming that existing trends will continue.
Example
His extrapolation of market trends helped in financial planning.
C1 adjective /ˈnɒm.ɪ.nəl/

Nominal

Meaning
very small in size or amount; existing in name only
Example
He paid only a nominal fee for the membership since he was a student.
C1 noun /ˈɜːrθənˌwɛr/

earthenware

Meaning
pottery made of clay and hardened by heat
Example
The shop displayed beautiful earthenware pots and bowls.
C1 noun /dɪsˈlɛksiə/

dyslexia

Meaning
A learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and decoding words.
Example
The teacher used special methods to help the student with dyslexia.
C1 adjective ˌkɒn.ʃiˈen.ʃəs

conscientious

Meaning
Wishing to do what is right, especially to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly.
Example
A conscientious worker always delivers high-quality results.
C1 noun ˈɛf.lu.ənt

effluent

Meaning
Liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea.
Example
Factory effluent contaminates nearby rivers and lakes.
C1 adjective /ˈvɪʒ.ən.er.i/

Visionary

Meaning
having original ideas about what the future will bring; innovative; imaginative
Example
Steve Jobs was a visionary leader who revolutionized technology.
C1 verb /reɪz/

raze

Meaning
To completely destroy or demolish something, especially a building.
Example
The old factory was razed to make way for new apartments.
C1 adjective/noun nɪˈmɒn.ɪk

mnemonic

Meaning
Assisting or intended to assist memory; a device or technique to aid memory.
Example
A mnemonic device helps students remember complex concepts.
C1 verb /hjuːˈmɪlieɪt/

humiliate

Meaning
to make someone feel ashamed or foolish by injuring their dignity
Example
He was humiliated by his public failure.
C1 noun /ˈhɛksəˌɡɒn/

hexagon

Meaning
A six-sided polygon.
Example
A honeycomb cell is shaped like a hexagon.
C1 adjective /ɪɡˈzæktɪŋ/

exacting

Meaning
demanding a lot of effort, attention, or precision
Example
She is known for her exacting standards in design.