adoptive
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C1 adjective /əˈdɒptɪv/

adoptive

Meaning
relating to the adoption of a child or the act of taking something as one’s own
Example
She grew up in a loving adoptive family.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmjuː.tə.bəl/

immutable

Meaning
Unchangeable, permanent, or fixed
Example
The laws of physics are considered immutable.
C1 verb /sɪˈsiːd/

secede

Meaning
To formally withdraw from a political or organizational union.
Example
Several states threatened to secede from the union.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdem.nə.ti/

Indemnity

Meaning
security or protection against a loss or other financial burden; compensation for damage or loss
Example
The insurance company provided full indemnity for the damages caused by the flood.
C1 noun /ˈhʌbʌb/

hubbub

Meaning
a loud noise caused by a crowd of people talking or shouting
Example
There was a hubbub in the market as the sale began.
C1 noun /ˈmʌf.lər/

Muffler

Meaning
a long strip of cloth worn around the neck for warmth
Example
She wrapped a warm muffler around her neck before going outside.
C1 verb /ɪˈkɒnəmaɪz/

economize

Meaning
To reduce spending or use resources carefully.
Example
Families are trying to economize by cutting unnecessary expenses.
C1 adjective /həˈmɑː.dʒə.nəs/

homogenous

Meaning
Similar or uniform in nature; often used interchangeably with 'homogeneous'.
Example
The class was made up of a homogenous group of students.
C1 noun, verb /ˈfɛrɪt/

ferret

Meaning
a small domesticated animal used for hunting; to search or uncover something persistently
Example
He ferreted out the hidden documents.
C1 noun /ˈdæɡ.ər/

Dagger

Meaning
a short knife with a pointed blade used as a weapon
Example
The ancient warrior carried a silver dagger.
C1 noun səˈfɪʃənsi

sufficiency

Meaning
The condition of being adequate or enough; adequacy.
Example
The sufficiency of food supply is critical for survival.
C1 noun /səˈbætɪkəl/

sabbatical

Meaning
A period of paid leave granted to a teacher or worker for study or travel, traditionally every seventh year.
Example
She took a sabbatical to research her new book.
C1 noun /ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃən/

provocation

Meaning
An action or statement that is intended to make someone angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His rude comment was a clear provocation.
C1 adjective /ˈɡæst.li/

ghastly

Meaning
Causing great horror or fear; very unpleasant.
Example
The crime scene was a ghastly sight.
C1 noun /ˌtæm.bəˈriːn/

Tambourine

Meaning
a small drum with metal discs around the edge that jingle when shaken or hit
Example
She shook the tambourine to the rhythm of the music.
C1 noun /mɪˈrɑːʒ/

Mirage

Meaning
An optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially in deserts
Example
The travelers saw a mirage of water in the desert.
C1 verb /ˈsɔːntər/

saunter

Meaning
to walk in a slow, relaxed manner without hurry or effort
Example
We sauntered along the riverside, stopping now and then to watch the boats.
C1 noun /ˈseɪɑːns/

seance

Meaning
A meeting where people attempt to communicate with the spirits of the dead.
Example
They held a seance to contact their late grandmother.
C1 noun /rəˈviːn/

ravine

Meaning
A deep, narrow valley with steep sides.
Example
The river carved a deep ravine through the mountains.
C1 verb, noun /ˈɡrɪməs/

grimace

Meaning
to make an ugly, twisted expression on one's face, usually in disgust or pain
Example
He grimaced when he tasted the sour fruit.
C1 verb /ˌdiːˈbʌŋk/

debunk

Meaning
Expose the falseness or hollowness of (a myth, idea, or belief).
Example
Scientists debunked the myth that vaccines cause autism.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔːrəl/

choral

Meaning
Relating to, written for, or performed by a choir or chorus.
Example
The church hosted a choral performance on Sunday.
C1 noun /baʊt/

Bout

Meaning
a short period of intense activity of a specified kind; a wrestling or boxing match
Example
After a bout of illness, she finally recovered and returned to work.
C1 noun/verb /kwɪp/

quip

Meaning
A witty remark; to make a witty or clever comment.
Example
She quipped about the weather during the meeting.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæriət/

Chariot

Meaning
an ancient horse-drawn vehicle used in warfare and racing
Example
The warrior rode his chariot into battle with great courage.
C1 noun /krʌst/

crust

Meaning
the hard outer surface of something, especially bread or the Earth's outer layer
Example
He cut off the crust of the bread before eating.
C1 noun /oʊˈbɪt.ʃu.er.i/

Obituary

Meaning
a notice of someone's death published in a newspaper; biographical account of deceased person
Example
The newspaper published his obituary yesterday.
C1 noun /ˌhɑːmənaɪˈzeɪʃən/

harmonization

Meaning
The process of making things compatible or consistent with one another.
Example
The harmonization of different policies ensures consistent results.
C1 noun ˌkæl.ɪˈbreɪ.ʃən

calibration

Meaning
The action or process of adjusting or determining the accuracy of measuring instruments.
Example
The accuracy of a scale depends on regular calibration.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdɪrmənt/

endearment

Meaning
A word or phrase expressing affection or love.
Example
She whispered a gentle endearment to her child.
C1 adjective /səˈriːn/

serene

Meaning
Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.
Example
The lake had a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
C1 noun /ˈpɛntəɡən/

pentagon

Meaning
A plane figure with five straight sides and five angles; also refers to the US Department of Defense building.
Example
The Pentagon is one of the most iconic government buildings in the United States.
C1 adjective /ɪˈvɒkətɪv/

evocative

Meaning
bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind
Example
The music was evocative of her childhood memories.
C1 adjective /məˈlɪɡnənt/

malignant

Meaning
dangerous or harmful in influence or effect; medically, tending to invade and destroy tissue
Example
Doctors confirmed that the tumor was malignant.
C1 noun /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃmənt/

encroachment

Meaning
the act of gradually intruding or taking over someone’s rights, land, or space
Example
The villagers protested against the encroachment on their farmland.
C1 verb /dʒɒt/

jot

Meaning
to write something quickly and briefly
Example
She jotted down his phone number on a napkin.
C1 noun/adjective /fɔːrˈboʊdɪŋ/

foreboding

Meaning
A feeling that something bad will happen; ominous.
Example
She felt a deep sense of foreboding as she entered the abandoned house.
C1 adjective /ˌpriːˈmɛdɪˌteɪtɪd/

premeditated

Meaning
planned in advance; done deliberately
Example
The crime was clearly premeditated.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːrfjuː/

curfew

Meaning
a rule requiring people to stay indoors after a certain time, usually at night
Example
The city imposed a curfew during the unrest.
C1 noun ɪnˈflɛk.ʃən

inflection

Meaning
The change in pitch or tone of voice when speaking for emphasis.
Example
His inflection kept the audience engaged.
C1 adjective /bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.ənt/

belligerent

Meaning
Hostile and aggressive, ready to fight or argue.
Example
His belligerent attitude often leads to conflicts.
C1 noun /ˈloʊ.fər/

Loafer

Meaning
a person who avoids work or effort; an idler
Example
Don't be a loafer, help us with the work.
C1 noun /ˌfɜːrmənˈteɪʃən/

fermentation

Meaning
a chemical process by which substances like sugar are converted into alcohol or acids using microorganisms
Example
The fermentation of grapes produces wine.
C1 noun /ˈpræɡ.mə.tɪ.zəm/

pragmatism

Meaning
A practical approach to problems and affairs; dealing with things sensibly and realistically.
Example
His pragmatism helped solve the financial crisis.
C1 noun /ˈmæk.ər.əl/

Mackerel

Meaning
a streamlined marine fish with a forked tail and wavy stripes
Example
Mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
C1 verb ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪʃ

languish

Meaning
To remain in a state of neglect or decline for a long time without improvement.
Example
The project began to languish due to a lack of funding.
C1 verb /ɪnˈreɪdʒ/

enrage

Meaning
To make someone extremely angry.
Example
His unfair remarks enraged the audience.
C1 noun /ˈmæɡnɪtuːd/

Magnitude

Meaning
The great size or extent of something; importance
Example
The magnitude of the earthquake was measured at 7.5 on the Richter scale.
C1 noun /ˌdɛtəˈneɪʃən/

detonation

Meaning
The act of exploding or causing something to explode.
Example
The sudden detonation shook the entire building.
C1 noun /ˈhaɪbrɪd/

hybrid

Meaning
a mixture of two different things, often combining the best qualities of both
Example
The car is a hybrid that runs on both electricity and fuel.
C1 noun /ˈkɒlərə/

cholera

Meaning
An infectious disease of the small intestine causing severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Example
The village suffered an outbreak of cholera after the flood.
C1 noun /ˈænti ˈeəkræft ɡʌn/

Anti-aircraft-gun

Meaning
a weapon designed to attack aircraft from the ground
Example
The anti-aircraft gun was positioned to defend the military base.
C1 noun /ˈhɑː.mɪdʒ/

Homage

Meaning
special honor or respect shown publicly; tribute paid to someone in recognition of their merit
Example
The memorial service was a touching homage to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives.
C1 adjective /ˈlɛdʒəbl/

legible

Meaning
clear enough to read
Example
Her handwriting was barely legible.
C1 noun /læʃ/

Lash

Meaning
an eyelash; a sharp blow with a whip or rope; to strike forcefully
Example
She carefully applied mascara to make her lashes look longer and darker.
C1 noun /ˈseɪ.tən/

Satan

Meaning
the chief evil spirit; the Devil in Christian and Islamic belief
Example
According to religious texts, Satan tempts people to sin.
C1 noun /næk/

knack

Meaning
a natural skill or ability; a special talent for doing something easily
Example
She has a knack for making people feel comfortable.
C1 verb /ˈɡloʊbəlaɪz/

globalize

Meaning
to make something worldwide in scope or application; to integrate into a global system
Example
Many companies globalize their operations to reach international markets.
C1 noun /ˈmedoʊ/

Meadow

Meaning
A piece of grassland, especially one used for hay
Example
The cows grazed peacefully in the green meadow.
C1 verb /ˈfɔːrfɪt/

forfeit

Meaning
to lose or give up something, usually as a penalty for wrongdoing
Example
He had to forfeit the match after breaking the rules.
C1 noun prəˈkjʊrmənt

procurement

Meaning
The action of obtaining or procuring something, especially for official purposes.
Example
The procurement of modern equipment has improved research accuracy.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪn.tɪ.leɪ.tɪŋ/

scintillating

Meaning
brilliantly clever, exciting, or sparkling
Example
Her scintillating conversation kept everyone entertained.
C1 adjective /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/

apprehensive

Meaning
feeling anxious or fearful that something bad will happen
Example
He was apprehensive about starting a new job in a foreign country.
C1 noun /ˈæntənɪm/

antonym

Meaning
A word opposite in meaning to another.
Example
‘Hot’ is the antonym of ‘cold’.
C1 adverb /ˈsɜːrtʃɪŋli/

searchingly

Meaning
In a way that seems to look for hidden meanings or truth.
Example
She looked at him searchingly, hoping for an honest answer.
C1 noun /səˈprɑːnoʊ/

soprano

Meaning
the highest female or boy’s singing voice
Example
She sang beautifully in the soprano range during the concert.
C1 adjective ɡəˈlæktɪk

galactic

Meaning
Of or relating to a galaxy or galaxies.
Example
The galactic phenomena observed by the telescope were mesmerizing.
C1 noun /ˈæk.jʊ.mən/

acumen

Meaning
The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions; keenness and depth of perception.
Example
His business acumen helped the company grow rapidly.
C1 verb /ˈhæmpər/

hamper

Meaning
to hinder or impede the movement or progress of
Example
The heavy rain hampered our travel plans.
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 verb /kɑːrp/

carp

Meaning
to complain or find fault continually, often about trivial matters
Example
She tends to carp about the smallest inconveniences.
C1 adjective /pəˈdæntɪk/

pedantic

Meaning
Excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overly academic or bookish.
Example
Her pedantic explanations made the lecture dull.
C1 noun /ˈdek.ə.dəns/

decadence

Meaning
Moral or cultural decline characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury.
Example
The novel describes the decadence of the wealthy elite.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrtɪnənt/

pertinent

Meaning
Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
Example
She asked a pertinent question during the meeting.
C1 noun /ɪkˈspɛktənsi/

expectancy

Meaning
the state of expecting something; anticipation or likelihood
Example
There was a sense of expectancy in the room before the results were announced.
C1 noun /ˈoʊ.mən/

Omen

Meaning
an event regarded as a sign of future good or bad luck
Example
Many people consider a black cat crossing your path a bad omen.
C1 noun dɪˌlɪb.əˈreɪ.ʃən

deliberation

Meaning
Long and careful consideration or discussion.
Example
The agreement was finalized after much deliberation.
C1 verb /rɪˈnaʊns/

renounce

Meaning
to formally declare rejection of something, such as a claim, belief, or way of life
Example
She renounced her citizenship to move abroad permanently.
C1 verb /bɪˈhɛd/

behead

Meaning
to cut off a person's or animal's head; to remove the leader or most important part
Example
The historical account describes how the traitor was beheaded as punishment.
C1 adjective /ɡlʌm/

Glum

Meaning
sad; dejected; downcast; gloomy
Example
He looked glum after hearing the bad news.
C1 noun /dɪˈvɪnɪti/

divinity

Meaning
The quality or state of being divine; a deity.
Example
The priest spoke about the divinity of the soul.
C1 adjective /ˈbækˌhændɪd/

backhanded

Meaning
Indirect or sarcastic, often appearing as praise but actually insulting.
Example
She gave him a backhanded compliment about his work.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɜːrst/

dispersed

Meaning
Scattered or spread across a wide area.
Example
The dispersed population made it difficult to provide public services.
C1 noun /ˈpʌndɪt/

pundit

Meaning
An expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called upon to give opinions to the public.
Example
Political pundits debated the election results on television.
C1 adjective /priːˈɛmɪnənt/

preeminent

Meaning
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
Example
She is a preeminent scientist in the field of genetics.
C1 verb /ˈkʌn.dʒər/

conjure

Meaning
to summon something as if by magic; to imagine vividly
Example
The magician conjured a rabbit out of the hat.
C1 adjective /ˈroʊ.ɡɪʃ/

Roguish

Meaning
mischievous; playfully dishonest
Example
His roguish smile suggested he was up to some mischief.
C1 adjective /fəˈnætɪk/

Fanatic

Meaning
extremely passionate about something; showing excessive enthusiasm or devotion
Example
He is a fanatic supporter of his football team.
C1 adjective /məˈnæstɪk/

monastic

Meaning
Relating to monks, monasteries, or a life of religious seclusion.
Example
He chose to live a monastic life away from the city.
C1 verb /ˌkɒm.pɑːtˈmen.təl.aɪz/

compartmentalize

Meaning
To divide into sections or categories; to separate things into compartments.
Example
To increase efficiency, he compartmentalized his work tasks.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈstɜː.lɪŋ/

sterling

Meaning
British money, especially pounds; of excellent quality.
Example
She was praised for her sterling work on the project.
C1 verb /ləˈmɛnt/

lament

Meaning
to express grief, sorrow, or regret about something
Example
She lamented the loss of her childhood home.
C1 adjective /dɪˈplɔːrəbl/

deplorable

Meaning
deserving strong condemnation; shockingly bad in quality
Example
The refugees were living in deplorable conditions.
C1 noun ˌsætʃəˈreɪʃən

saturation

Meaning
The state of being saturated; the degree or extent to which something is dissolved or absorbed
Example
The saturation of the market with similar products reduced sales.
C1 adjective /ˈtækt.fəl/

Tactful

Meaning
showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with others or difficult situations
Example
He gave a tactful response to avoid hurting her feelings.
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 verb/adjective /dɪˈdʒɛnəreɪt/

degenerate

Meaning
To decline or deteriorate in quality, character, or condition; or someone with low moral standards.
Example
The once thriving empire began to degenerate into chaos.
C1 noun ˌnæʃ.ən.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

nationalization

Meaning
The process of a government taking control of private property or industry.
Example
The nationalization of banks was aimed at stabilizing the economy.
C1 adjective ˈbɜːdʒənɪŋ

burgeoning

Meaning
Beginning to grow or increase rapidly; flourishing.
Example
The burgeoning tech industry has attracted many investors.
C1 noun /ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən/

trepidation

Meaning
a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen
Example
She opened the letter with some trepidation.
C1 noun /ˌdɪs.əˈreɪ/

disarray

Meaning
A state of disorganization or untidiness; confusion or disorder.
Example
His desk was in complete disarray.
C1 noun /ˈkoʊhɔːrts/

cohorts

Meaning
Groups of people who share a common feature or experience.
Example
Researchers compared the health outcomes of different cohorts.
C1 adverb /əˈfrɛʃ/

afresh

Meaning
From the beginning, in a new way.
Example
After the failure, they started the project afresh.
C1 adjective /priˈɛmptɪv/

preemptive

Meaning
Serving or intended to prevent something by taking action first.
Example
The government took preemptive measures to control inflation.
C1 adjective /kənˈdjuː.sɪv/

conducive

Meaning
Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible; contributing to or helping to bring about.
Example
A quiet environment is conducive to studying.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɪkəbl/

despicable

Meaning
Deserving hatred and contempt; vile or shameful.
Example
His despicable actions shocked the entire community.
C1 adjective /dɪˈvɪzəbl/

divisible

Meaning
Capable of being divided by another number without leaving a remainder.
Example
Twelve is divisible by three and four.
C1 adjective /ˈɡæstrɪk/

gastric

Meaning
Relating to the stomach.
Example
She was prescribed medicine for her gastric problems.
C1 adjective /ˈfrɪdʒɪd/

Frigid

Meaning
extremely cold; freezing; icy
Example
The frigid weather made it difficult to go outside.
C1 noun /pɪˌdɛs.tri.ə.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

pedestrianization

Meaning
Making areas pedestrian-friendly, closing any area to vehicle traffic and making it open only for pedestrians.
Example
The pedestrianization of city centers reduces pollution.
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 adjective /ˌærɪˈstɒkrætɪk/

Aristocratic

Meaning
noble; having the manners of the upper class
Example
She had an aristocratic bearing that commanded respect.
C1 noun /ˈsəʊdiəm/

sodium

Meaning
a soft, silver-white chemical element that is highly reactive and found in salt.
Example
Sodium is an essential element for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsɜːʃən/

insertion

Meaning
the action of inserting something into something else
Example
The insertion of the new data was completed successfully.
C1 verb /dɪˈmoʊt/

demote

Meaning
to reduce to a lower rank or position
Example
The manager decided to demote the employee for poor performance.
C1 verb /ˈɡlɔːrɪfaɪ/

glorify

Meaning
to praise or honor someone or something; to make something seem better than it is
Example
The movie glorifies war heroes.
C1 verb /əˈpɛnd/

append

Meaning
to add something as an attachment or supplement, usually at the end of a document or list
Example
She decided to append a note to the end of the report.
C1 noun /ˈkliː.vər/

Cleaver

Meaning
a heavy knife with a broad blade used for chopping meat or vegetables
Example
The chef used a cleaver to chop the chicken bones.
C1 noun ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən

degradation

Meaning
The condition or process of degrading or being degraded.
Example
Soil degradation due to overuse is a growing issue.
C1 adjective /ˈvɛnəˌreɪtɪd/

venerated

Meaning
respected and admired deeply
Example
The venerated professor was honored with an award.
C1 verb /rɪˈkɔɪl/

recoil

Meaning
To suddenly spring back in fear, horror, or from force such as a gun's kickback.
Example
She recoiled at the sight of the snake.