absorb
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B2 verb /əbˈzɔːrb/

absorb

Meaning
to take in or soak up a liquid, energy, or information
Example
The sponge absorbed all the water.
C1 adjective /snaɪd/

snide

Meaning
mocking or insulting in an indirect way
Example
He couldn’t resist making a snide comment about her dress.
C1 noun /ˈkwæɡˌmaɪər/

quagmire

Meaning
a soft, wet area of land that gives way underfoot; a complex or dangerous situation
Example
The hikers were trapped in a political quagmire.
B2 adjective /ˈklʌm.zi/

clumsy

Meaning
awkward in movement or lacking skill
Example
He is so clumsy that he drops things all the time.
B2 noun ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəl ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən

environmental degradation

Meaning
The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems.
Example
Environmental degradation threatens biodiversity.
C2 noun (plural) /ˈlɪniəmənts/

lineaments

Meaning
The features or distinctive characteristics of the face or body.
Example
The lineaments of his face were sharp and stern.
C1 adjective /ˈrɛtɪsənt/

reticent

Meaning
not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved
Example
She was reticent about her personal life.
C2 noun /spɪˈlʌŋkər/

spelunker

Meaning
A person who explores caves as a hobby.
Example
The spelunker carried ropes and lights into the dark cave.
C2 verb /ˌweɪˈleɪ/

waylay

Meaning
to stop or interrupt someone unexpectedly, often to attack or detain them
Example
He was waylaid by reporters as he left the courthouse.
B1 noun ˈsɛʃənz

sessions

Meaning
A meeting of an official body, especially a court of law, to conduct its business; a period devoted to a particular activity.
Example
The sessions lasted for three hours.
C2 noun /ˌspoʊliˈeɪʃən/

spoliation

Meaning
The act of destroying or ruining something, often evidence or property.
Example
The court punished the company for the spoliation of evidence.
C2 adjective /ˈstraɪ.eɪ.tɪd/

striated

Meaning
marked with thin lines, grooves, or stripes
Example
The muscle fibers appeared striated under the microscope.
C1 adjective /ˈɪmpətənt/

impotent

Meaning
Lacking power, ability, or strength to take effective action.
Example
The citizens felt impotent against the corrupt system.
A2 noun /ˈdaɪət/

diet

Meaning
the kinds of food that a person usually eats
Example
He follows a strict vegetarian diet.
A2 noun /ɡɒlf/

golf

Meaning
A game in which players use clubs to hit a ball into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible.
Example
He spends his weekends playing golf with his friends.
C2 verb /ˌdɪskəmˈpoʊz/

discompose

Meaning
To disturb the order or calmness of something or someone.
Example
The unexpected question seemed to discompose her.
C2 adjective /bɪˈwɪtʃɪŋ/

bewitching

Meaning
charming, enchanting, or captivating in a magical or irresistible way
Example
She wore a bewitching smile that captivated everyone in the room.
C1 noun ˌɔːɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən

augmentation

Meaning
Increasing quantity, power or performance.
Example
The company invested in the augmentation of its workforce.
C1 noun /nɒb/

Knob

Meaning
a rounded handle on a door or drawer; a small rounded switch on a machine
Example
He turned the brass knob to open the old wooden door.
B2 adverb /ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/

consequently

Meaning
as a result; therefore
Example
He didn’t study, and consequently he failed the exam.
C2 adjective /ˈmiː.di.eɪ.tɪv/

mediative

Meaning
Related to mediation, helping to resolve conflicts through diplomatic means.
Example
His mediative skills helped resolve the conflict.
B2 noun /ˈhaɪəˌrɑːrki/

hierarchy

Meaning
A system in which people or things are arranged in levels of importance or authority.
Example
The corporate hierarchy determines who makes the final decision.
C1 noun ˌmɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən

mitigation

Meaning
The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Example
Mitigation of climate change requires collective effort.
B2 noun ˌkɒnsəlˈteɪʃən

consultation

Meaning
The action of consulting or discussing; a meeting with an expert or professional to seek advice.
Example
Consultation was essential.
C2 noun /ˈspuːnərɪzəm/

spoonerism

Meaning
A verbal error in which the initial sounds of words are swapped to create a humorous effect.
Example
He made a spoonerism by saying 'queer old dean' instead of 'dear old queen'.
B2 noun /ˈmeɪər/

mayor

Meaning
The elected head of a city, town, or municipality.
Example
The mayor announced a new policy to improve public transport.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈwɪl.ɪŋ/

Unwilling

Meaning
not ready to do something; reluctant; not wanting to do
Example
He was unwilling to share his secret with anyone.
C2 adjective /roʊn/

roan

Meaning
denoting an animal, especially a horse, having a coat of mixed colors, typically reddish-brown and white
Example
The rider mounted a roan horse with a speckled coat.
B2 noun /slɒt/

slot

Meaning
a narrow opening into which something fits or is placed
Example
Insert the card into the slot to open the door.
C1 adjective /ˈɒptɪkəl/

optical

Meaning
related to or used in seeing or sight
Example
The optical illusion fooled everyone at the exhibition.
B1 verb /loʊˈkeɪt/

locate

Meaning
to find the exact position or place of something
Example
They managed to locate the missing keys under the couch.
C1 noun /ɪˈvæp.ər.ə.tɪv ˈkuː.lər/

Evaporative cooler

Meaning
a cooling device that uses water evaporation to reduce air temperature
Example
The evaporative cooler works best in dry climates.
B2 noun /ˈlɪz.ɚd/

Lizard

Meaning
a cold-blooded reptile with a long body, four legs, and a tail
Example
A small lizard ran across the garden wall.
B1 adjective ˈkruː.ʃəl

crucial

Meaning
Decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something.
Example
Fault-tolerance is crucial for reliability.
C1 noun /əˌlɪtəˈreɪʃən/

alliteration

Meaning
the occurrence of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words in close succession
Example
She used alliteration in her poem to add musicality.
A2 adjective/noun /ˈɪndiən/

indian

Meaning
Relating to India, its people, or their culture.
Example
She loves Indian food, especially biryani.
A2 noun /ˈtɒpɪk/

topic

Meaning
a subject of conversation, discussion, or writing
Example
The topic of the meeting was company expansion.
C1 noun /straɪf/

strife

Meaning
angry or violent conflict; struggle or discord
Example
The region has been torn apart by political strife.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtæŋɡəl/

entangle

Meaning
to become twisted together or caught in something; to involve in difficulties
Example
The fish got entangled in the net.
A1 adverb /wʌns/

Once

Meaning
one time only; at some time in the past; formerly
Example
I have been to Paris once in my life.
C1 noun ˈstræt.ə.sfɪər

stratosphere

Meaning
The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 50 km above the earth's surface.
Example
The stratosphere provides a unique environment.
C1 noun /ˈbaɪoʊˌsfɪr/

Biosphere

Meaning
the regions of the surface and atmosphere of the earth occupied by living organisms
Example
Climate change is affecting the entire biosphere.
C1 adjective /loʊθ/

loath

Meaning
reluctant or unwilling to do something
Example
She was loath to admit her mistake in front of everyone.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈkaʊntəbl/

unaccountable

Meaning
Not able to be explained or justified.
Example
She felt an unaccountable fear as she entered the dark room.
B2 adjective /ˈsʌb.sɪ.kwənt/

subsequent

Meaning
Coming after something in time; following in time or order.
Example
Subsequent events clarified the outcomes.
C2 noun /məˈbɒkrəsi/

mobocracy

Meaning
Rule or control by a mob or mass of people, often disorderly.
Example
The protest turned into mobocracy when the crowd started destroying property.
B1 noun /prəˈduː.sər/

Producer

Meaning
a person who supervises the making of a film, play, or broadcast program; someone who creates or manufactures goods
Example
The film producer invested millions in the new movie project.
C1 verb /smɪr/

smear

Meaning
to spread or apply a substance messily; to damage someone's reputation with false or unfair words
Example
The child smeared paint across the wall.
C2 verb /bɪˈdaɪzən/

bedizen

Meaning
to dress up or decorate in a showy or tasteless way
Example
She was bedizened with cheap jewelry.
C1 verb /ˈnɪbəl/

nibble

Meaning
to take small bites of food
Example
The rabbit nibbled on a carrot.
A2 noun /roʊl/

role

Meaning
a part or function of something
Example
Her role in the project was crucial.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɛtʃ.u.əs/

impetuous

Meaning
Acting or done quickly and without thought or care; impulsive.
Example
His impetuous decision led to unexpected consequences.
C2 noun ˈtræn.zi.əns

transience

Meaning
The state or fact of lasting only for a short time; impermanence.
Example
The transience of youth makes it more precious.
A2 adjective /ˈreɡ.jə.lər/

Regular

Meaning
happening at fixed intervals; consistent; normal; frequent
Example
She goes for regular exercise every morning at 6 AM.
A2 preposition /bɪˈloʊ/

below

Meaning
At a lower level or position than something else.
Example
The basement is below the ground floor.
B2 noun /ɑːrtʃ/

arch

Meaning
a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight above it
Example
The ancient arch still stands in the city center.
C1 adjective /ˈsæk.rəˌsæŋkt/

sacrosanct

Meaning
Regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with; sacred.
Example
Freedom of speech is considered sacrosanct in democratic societies.
B1 noun /raɪs ˈkʊkər/

Rice cooker

Meaning
an electric appliance designed to cook rice automatically
Example
The rice cooker automatically switches off when the rice is perfectly cooked.
B2 noun /kəˈroʊnə/

corona

Meaning
a crown or crown-like structure; also refers to the outer atmosphere of the sun
Example
The sun's corona was visible during the total solar eclipse.
B2 verb /ˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/

constitute

Meaning
To make up, form, or establish something.
Example
These documents constitute the legal agreement between the two parties.
B2 adjective ˌsɪm.əlˈteɪ.ni.əs

simultaneous

Meaning
Occurring, operating, or done at the same time.
Example
Simultaneous crop failures affect global food supply.
B1 noun, verb /stɒk/

stock

Meaning
a supply of goods kept for sale or use; to keep or fill with goods
Example
The shop stocks a wide variety of products.
A1 verb /klɪr/

clear

Meaning
to remove obstructions; to make clean or transparent
Example
Please clear the table after dinner.
A2 noun /ˈdʒækɪt/

Jacket

Meaning
a piece of clothing worn on the upper body, typically having sleeves and fastening down the front
Example
He wore a leather jacket to protect himself from the cold wind.
C2 noun /ˈswɑːvɪti/

suavity

Meaning
smoothness and charm in manner
Example
His suavity made him popular in social gatherings.
C1 verb /ˈænɪmeɪt/

animate

Meaning
to bring to life or make lively; to create animation for films or cartoons
Example
The artist will animate the characters for the movie.
C1 noun /ˈtrɪkəri/

trickery

Meaning
The use of dishonest methods to deceive or cheat someone.
Example
The politician was accused of winning the election through trickery.
C2 noun /ˈiːɡres/

egress

Meaning
The action of going out or leaving a place; an exit.
Example
The emergency door provided an egress for the trapped workers.
C2 noun /dreɪk/

Drake

Meaning
a male duck; a type of waterfowl
Example
The drake led his family of ducks across the pond.
B2 noun /ˌkɔr.əˈspɑn.dəns/

Correspondence

Meaning
letters sent or received; similarity or equivalence; communication by exchange of letters
Example
The historical correspondence between the two famous writers was recently published.
B1 adjective /ˈliː.dɪŋ/

Leading

Meaning
foremost; principal; most important; guiding
Example
She is a leading expert in environmental science.
C1 adjective /ˌaʊtˈspoʊkən/

Outspoken

Meaning
frank; speaking directly
Example
She is known for being outspoken about social issues.
A2 adjective /laɪt red/

Light Red

Meaning
a pale or diluted shade of red color
Example
She wore a light red dress to the party.
C2 noun /ˈɡræfaɪt/

graphite

Meaning
a soft, black form of carbon used in pencils and as a lubricant
Example
The artist sketched the portrait using a graphite pencil.
B2 adverb /ɪmˈpɒlɪtli/

impolitely

Meaning
in a rude or discourteous manner; without showing respect or proper manners
Example
He spoke impolitely to the waiter despite the polite service.
C2 verb /meɪm/

maim

Meaning
To wound or injure someone so that part of the body is permanently damaged.
Example
The accident maimed several passengers.
C1 noun /əˈkwɪtl/

acquittal

Meaning
a judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged
Example
The acquittal of the accused shocked the public.
B2 noun ˈbreɪk.θruː

breakthrough

Meaning
A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development.
Example
The breakthrough opens doors for new technology.
C1 adjective /əˈluːf/

aloof

Meaning
Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.
Example
He remained aloof during the entire discussion.
A2 noun /kriːm/

Cream

Meaning
the thick white or pale yellow fatty liquid that rises to the top of milk
Example
She whipped the cream until it became fluffy.
C1 noun /ˌdaɪəˈrɑːmə/

diorama

Meaning
a three-dimensional model representing a scene, often with miniature figures
Example
The museum displayed a diorama of an ancient village.
C1 noun ɪnˈdaʊmənt

endowment

Meaning
An income or form of property given or bequeathed to someone.
Example
The university received a large endowment for research.
B2 adverb /ɔːˈθentɪkli/

authentically

Meaning
in a genuine, real, or true manner; in a way that reflects true character or origin
Example
She speaks authentically about her experiences.
C1 noun ˌoʊ.vɚˈɡreɪ.zɪŋ

overgrazing

Meaning
The practice of allowing livestock to graze to the point of damaging vegetation.
Example
Overgrazing leads to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdəstəl/

pedestal

Meaning
the base or support on which a statue or object stands
Example
The statue was placed on a marble pedestal.
B2 noun /ˈædvərtaɪzər/

advertiser

Meaning
a person or company that advertises a product, service, or event
Example
The advertiser paid millions for a Super Bowl commercial spot.
C1 verb /ɪnˈkæp.sjʊ.leɪt/

encapsulate

Meaning
To express the essential features of something succinctly; to summarize or contain within.
Example
The introduction should encapsulate the main points of the article.
B1 noun /rɪˈsɜːtʃə(r)/

researcher

Meaning
a person who conducts research
Example
The researcher published her findings in a scientific journal.
C1 noun ˌhaɪ.drəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl ˈsaɪ.kəl

hydrological cycle

Meaning
The cycle of processes by which water circulates between the earth's oceans, atmosphere, and land.
Example
The hydrological cycle ensures continuous water movement in nature.
B1 noun /leɪn/

lane

Meaning
a narrow road or path, often in the countryside or for specific traffic
Example
They walked down a quiet country lane.
C2 adjective /prəˈvaɪzəri/

provisory

Meaning
conditional; depending on certain terms being met
Example
The arrangement was only provisory until the final contract was signed.
C1 noun /dɪˈfaɪəns/

defiance

Meaning
Open resistance or bold disobedience.
Example
The protest was an act of defiance against injustice.
C2 noun /ˈmʌɡwʌmp/

mugwump

Meaning
a person who remains independent from party politics or remains aloof from disputes
Example
He was called a mugwump for refusing to join either political side.
C2 adjective /ˈfɪnɪki/

finicky

Meaning
difficult to please; very particular about details
Example
He is so finicky about his food that he only eats organic vegetables.
A2 noun /ˈjuːzər/

user

Meaning
a person who uses or operates something
Example
He is a frequent user of this app.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈmæm.əθ/

mammoth

Meaning
An extinct large elephant-like animal with long curved tusks; also means something huge.
Example
The company faced a mammoth challenge during expansion.
C1 noun /ˌæntɪˈsiːdənt/

antecedent

Meaning
something that came before; a previous event, condition, or cause
Example
The cultural antecedents of this festival go back centuries.
B1 adjective /ˈvɪʒuəl/

visual

Meaning
Relating to seeing or sight.
Example
The movie was praised for its stunning visual effects.
C1 noun /bɑːrˈbeəriən/

Barbarian

Meaning
a person from an uncivilized group; someone who is cruel or brutal
Example
The ancient Romans considered anyone outside their empire to be barbarians.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsɪdiəs/

insidious

Meaning
Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way but with harmful effects.
Example
The insidious spread of misinformation can damage trust.
A1 verb /seɪ/

say

Meaning
to speak words; to express something in words
Example
She said hello to me.
C1 noun /ˈkætərækt/

cataract

Meaning
A medical condition causing clouding of the eye's lens; also a large waterfall.
Example
The old man suffered from cataracts in both eyes.
C1 verb /ˈdʒɪtər/

jitter

Meaning
to shake or tremble slightly, often from fear, nervousness, or excitement
Example
He began to jitter nervously before giving his speech.
A1 pronoun /hɪm/

him

Meaning
Used to refer to a male person or animal already mentioned.
Example
I saw him at the park yesterday.
A2 noun /ˈkaʊ.bɔɪ/

Cowboy

Meaning
a man who tends cattle on a ranch, especially in the western United States
Example
The cowboy rode his horse across the vast prairie to find the cattle.
B2 verb /ˈkæt.ɪ.ɡə.raɪzd/

categorized

Meaning
Placed in a particular class or group.
Example
The city was categorized as highly polluted.
B2 noun/adjective /ˈlætɪn/

latin

Meaning
the language of ancient Rome; relating to Latin culture or language
Example
Many English words are derived from Latin.
C2 adjective /ˈbaɪ.fərˌkeɪ.tɪd/

bifurcated

Meaning
Divided into two branches or parts.
Example
The river became bifurcated as it flowed around the island.
C1 noun /ˈskrɪmɪdʒ/

scrimmage

Meaning
A practice game or informal match, often in sports, especially football.
Example
The team had a scrimmage before the official season started.
C2 verb /dɪˈdʒɛkt/

deject

Meaning
to make someone feel sad, depressed, or dispirited
Example
The news of his failure seemed to deject him deeply.
C1 adjective əˈblɪv.i.əs

oblivious

Meaning
Being completely unaware of surrounding events.
Example
He was oblivious to the noise around him while reading.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪnt/

counterpoint

Meaning
an argument, idea, or theme contrasting with another; also a musical term for independent melody
Example
Her calm attitude was a counterpoint to his anger.
B1 noun /ˈhel.mət/

Helmet

Meaning
a hard or padded protective hat worn by motorcyclists, construction workers, or soldiers
Example
The cyclist always wore a bright yellow helmet for safety and visibility while riding.
C2 noun /bəˈfuːnəri/

buffoonery

Meaning
Foolish or ridiculous behavior intended to amuse.
Example
His constant buffoonery irritated the serious audience.
A2 noun /ˈherˌdrɛsər/

hairdresser

Meaning
a person whose job is to cut, style, and treat hair
Example
The hairdresser gave me a stylish haircut before the wedding.
C2 noun /ˈreɪləri/

raillery

Meaning
good-humored teasing or joking
Example
Their friendship was full of light-hearted raillery.
C1 adjective /kəˈnɒnɪkəl/

canonical

Meaning
Conforming to a general rule or accepted standard; officially recognized.
Example
Shakespeare’s works are considered canonical in English literature.
B1 noun /prəʊ/

pro

Meaning
a professional, especially in sports; or a person who is in favor of something
Example
He plays tennis like a pro.
B2 adverb /ˈpʌŋk.tʃu.əl.i/

Punctually

Meaning
at the exact time arranged; on time; not late
Example
She always arrives punctually for meetings.
B2 noun /ˈsɪɡ.nə.tʃər/

Signature

Meaning
a person's name written in their own handwriting as identification or authorization
Example
Please put your signature at the bottom of the document.
B1 noun /ˈʃel.tər/

Shelter

Meaning
a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger
Example
The hikers found shelter in a cave during the heavy rain.