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B1 noun ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv

alternative

Meaning
(Of one or more things) available as another possibility or choice.
Example
Finding an alternative to plastic is essential.
C1 noun dəˌmɛstɪˈkeɪʃən

domestication

Meaning
The process of taming an animal and keeping it as a pet or for farm produce.
Example
Domestication of animals has been crucial for human survival.
B2 adjective /səˈraʊndɪŋ/

surrounding

Meaning
located all around a particular place or thing; nearby
Example
The surrounding hills were covered in mist.
C2 noun /kwiːn kreɪp ˈmɜːrtəl/

Queen crape myrtle

Meaning
A flowering tree with colorful, crepe-like flowers, scientifically known as Lagerstroemia
Example
The Queen crape myrtle bloomed beautifully in the garden with its purple flowers.
C1 verb /rɪˈtrækt/

retract

Meaning
to withdraw a statement, promise, or part of the body; to pull back
Example
The company retracted its earlier statement after realizing the error.
C1 verb /əˈtɛst/

attest

Meaning
To provide or serve as clear evidence of; to confirm or certify the truth of something.
Example
The witness attested to the accuracy of the report.
B1 verb /stretʃ/

stretch

Meaning
to extend or expand; to make or become longer or wider
Example
Athletes stretch their muscles before exercising.
C1 noun (plural) /ˈɪndɪˌsiːz/

indices

Meaning
plural form of index; statistical measures or reference points used for comparison
Example
Stock market indices fell sharply after the announcement.
C2 noun /ruːθ/

ruth

Meaning
A feeling of pity, compassion, or sorrow.
Example
He felt no ruth for the people he had betrayed.
B2 noun /ˌaʊtˈsaɪdə(r)/

outsider

Meaning
a person who is not accepted as a member of a particular group or community
Example
As a new student, she often felt like an outsider at school.
C1 noun /dɪˈprɛsənt/

depressant

Meaning
A drug that reduces functional or nervous activity in the body.
Example
Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system.
C1 noun /ɪˌluːmɪˈneɪʃən/

illumination

Meaning
the act of lighting something or making something clear
Example
The street was filled with bright illumination from the lamps.
B2 verb /rɪˈteɪn/

retain

Meaning
to keep possession of something
Example
The company decided to retain its experienced employees.
C1 adjective /kwɪər/

Queer

Meaning
strange; unusual; peculiar; odd
Example
The old house had a queer atmosphere that made visitors uncomfortable.
B1 noun /weɪv/

Wave

Meaning
a moving ridge on the surface of water; a gesture of greeting or farewell
Example
The surfer rode the big wave all the way to the shore.
B2 adjective /dɛns/

dense

Meaning
Closely compacted in substance; having parts crowded together.
Example
The forest was so dense that little sunlight reached the ground.
C1 noun /rɪˈpen.təns/

Repentance

Meaning
the action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse
Example
His genuine repentance moved everyone in the courtroom.
C1 adjective /kənˈteɪ.dʒəs/

Contagious

Meaning
likely to spread to and affect others; infectious
Example
Her laughter is contagious and makes everyone smile.
C1 verb əˈnaɪ.ə.leɪt

annihilate

Meaning
Destroy utterly; obliterate; reduce to nothing.
Example
The explosion annihilated the entire village.
C2 noun /ˌkɛəriˈætɪd/

caryatid

Meaning
A stone carving of a draped female figure, used as a supporting column in architecture.
Example
The ancient temple featured a caryatid holding up the roof.
A1 noun /pɔɪnt/

Point

Meaning
a particular detail, idea, or fact; the sharp end of something
Example
What's the point of arguing about this issue?
C1 noun /moʊˈtiːf/

motif

Meaning
A recurring theme, subject, or idea in a work of art or literature.
Example
The motif of love is central to the novel.
C2 adjective /ˈkælkjʊləbl/

calculable

Meaning
Capable of being calculated, estimated, or measured.
Example
The risk involved in the project is calculable.
C1 adjective /ˈdɛkədənt/

decadent

Meaning
Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline; excessively self-indulgent.
Example
The party was filled with decadent luxury and excess.
C1 adjective /klæd/

clad

Meaning
dressed or covered in a particular way
Example
The knight was clad in shining armor.
A2 verb /mætʃ/

match

Meaning
to be equal to something; to find something that corresponds to another
Example
The colors of her dress match perfectly with her shoes.
C1 adjective /əˈwɒʃ/

awash

Meaning
covered or flooded with water or something in large quantities
Example
The market was awash with cheap imported goods.
B2 verb /dɪˈspætʃ/

dispatch

Meaning
to send off to a destination or for a purpose
Example
The company dispatched aid to the flood victims.
C1 noun /ˈfaɪər.wɔːl/

firewall

Meaning
A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
Example
A firewall protects networks from cyber-attacks.
A1 adjective /fjuː/

few

Meaning
A small number of; not many.
Example
Only a few students attended the class.
B2 adjective /ˈles.ər/

Lesser

Meaning
smaller in amount; of lower importance; inferior
Example
He chose the lesser of two evils when making his decision.
B2 verb /boʊlt/

bolt

Meaning
To move suddenly and quickly; also to fasten something with a bolt.
Example
The horse bolted from the stable after hearing a loud noise.
C1 adjective /ɪˈlɪsɪt/

illicit

Meaning
Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.
Example
The police shut down the illicit drug operation.
C1 noun/verb /ˈɡlɪmər/

glimmer

Meaning
A faint or wavering light; to shine with a faint light.
Example
A glimmer of hope shone in her eyes.
B1 adverb /ˈæŋɡrɪli/

angrily

Meaning
in a manner showing anger or strong displeasure
Example
She spoke angrily when she heard the news.
B2 verb /ˈmɑːdərət/

moderate

Meaning
to make less extreme or intense; to control or preside over
Example
She moderated the heated debate between the candidates.
C2 noun /əˈmæl.ɡəm/

amalgam

Meaning
a mixture or blend of different things
Example
The new policy is an amalgam of several previous laws.
A2 adjective /skɛrd/

scared

Meaning
feeling afraid or worried
Example
She was scared of the dark.
C1 noun /wɪsp/

wisp

Meaning
A small thin or twisted bunch, piece, or amount of something.
Example
A wisp of smoke rose from the chimney.
B2 noun /dʒɜːm/

germ

Meaning
a microscopic organism, especially one that causes disease
Example
Washing your hands helps prevent the spread of germs.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌlən/

sullen

Meaning
bad-tempered and gloomy; silently resentful
Example
She gave him a sullen look and walked away.
A2 noun ˈliːdər

leader

Meaning
A person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.
Example
The leader inspired people.
B2 phrase kəˈlek.tɪv ˈæk.ʃən

collective action

Meaning
Action taken by a group of people working together toward a common goal or purpose.
Example
Collective action is needed to mitigate climate change.
C1 verb /kwɛl/

quell

Meaning
To suppress or put an end to something, usually by force.
Example
The police were called to quell the violent protest.
B2 adjective /ˈspiːtʃləs/

speechless

Meaning
Unable to speak because of shock, surprise, or strong emotion.
Example
She was speechless when she received the award.
B2 noun /ˌekspləˈreɪʃən/

exploration

Meaning
the action of traveling through or studying an area to learn more about it
Example
Space exploration has expanded our understanding of the universe.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.krəˈmen.təl

incremental

Meaning
Relating to or denoting an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale; proceeding in small stages.
Example
Incremental changes ensure sustainability.
A2 noun /rɪˈzʌlt/

result

Meaning
a consequence, effect, or outcome of something
Example
The result of the test was excellent.
B2 adjective /ʌnprəˈfɛʃ.ən.əl/

Unprofessional

Meaning
not conforming to the standards expected in a particular profession
Example
His unprofessional behavior led to his dismissal from the company.
C1 adjective /rɪˈzɪdjuəl/

residual

Meaning
Remaining after the greater part has gone.
Example
The patient experienced residual pain after the surgery.
A2 adjective, noun /ˈplæstɪk/

plastic

Meaning
a synthetic material that can be molded; flexible or easily shaped
Example
These containers are made of durable plastic.
C2 adjective /ˈwiːk niːd/

weak-kneed

Meaning
Lacking determination or courage; easily frightened or yielding.
Example
The leader was criticized for being weak-kneed in the face of opposition.
B1 noun /ˈel.boʊ/

Elbow

Meaning
the joint between the forearm and the upper arm
Example
He hurt his elbow while playing tennis.
B2 verb /əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/

acknowledge

Meaning
to accept or admit the existence or truth of something; to recognize
Example
She acknowledged her mistake and apologized.
B2 noun /buːθ/

booth

Meaning
a small enclosed space or area used for a specific purpose, such as voting or selling.
Example
He went into the voting booth to cast his ballot.
B1 adjective /sɪnˈsɪər/

Sincere

Meaning
honest and genuine in expressing feelings; free from pretense or deceit
Example
She gave me a sincere apology for her mistake.
C2 noun /ˈfærɪsiː/

pharisee

Meaning
A member of an ancient Jewish sect; by extension, a self-righteous or hypocritical person.
Example
He acted like a pharisee, judging others while ignoring his own faults.
A2 noun /ˈsɛlˌfoʊn/

cellphone

Meaning
a portable telephone that uses a cellular network for wireless communication
Example
She forgot her cellphone at home and couldn’t call anyone.
C2 noun /ˌɪrɪˈdɛsəns/

iridescence

Meaning
a play of lustrous, changing colors like those of a rainbow
Example
The butterfly's wings shimmered with iridescence.
C1 verb /ˈwɒloʊ/

wallow

Meaning
to roll about or indulge oneself in something excessively
Example
The buffalo likes to wallow in the mud on hot days.
A2 noun /maʊθ/

Mouth

Meaning
the opening in the face used for eating, drinking, speaking, and breathing
Example
Please open your mouth wide for the dentist to examine.
A1 pronoun /ðɪs/

this

Meaning
used to refer to a person or thing that is close or near in space, time, or thought
Example
This is my favorite book.
C1 noun /ˈæntənɪm/

antonym

Meaning
A word opposite in meaning to another.
Example
‘Hot’ is the antonym of ‘cold’.
A2 noun /ˈtreɪnɪŋ/

training

Meaning
the process of teaching or learning a particular skill or type of behavior
Example
She completed her training as a nurse last year.
C2 verb /ɪnˈdɛmnɪfaɪ/

indemnify

Meaning
to compensate someone for harm or loss; to secure against future damage or cost
Example
The insurance company agreed to indemnify the client for the damages.
B2 adverb /ˈbrɔːdli/

broadly

Meaning
in a general or wide manner.
Example
The rules are broadly similar across all regions.
C1 adjective /rɪˈtɔːrɪkəl/

rhetorical

Meaning
relating to the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; often a question asked to make a point rather than get an answer
Example
He asked a rhetorical question during the debate.
A2 verb /wɛr/

wear

Meaning
to have clothing or accessories on one's body
Example
She likes to wear bright colors.
C2 noun /taɪð/

tithe

Meaning
A tenth part of one’s income or produce, often given as a religious offering.
Example
He gave a tithe of his earnings to the church.
B1 noun /ˈsʌn.flaʊər/

Sun flower

Meaning
a large yellow flower that turns to face the sun
Example
The sunflower field looked amazing in the bright sunlight.
C2 noun /ˈæntɪk/

antic

Meaning
a playful, funny, or silly act or gesture
Example
The children laughed at the clown’s antics.
A1 noun /pɑːrk/

park

Meaning
a large public area of land with grass, trees, and paths, where people can walk or relax
Example
The children were playing in the park.
C1 noun /ˈkæviˌæt/

caveat

Meaning
a warning or condition to be considered before taking action
Example
The proposal was accepted with one caveat.
B1 noun /ˈjuːnjən/

Union

Meaning
the action of joining or combining; a political unit formed from separate states
Example
The union of the two companies created a powerful corporation.
C1 verb /raʊz/

rouse

Meaning
To awaken from sleep or to stir into action.
Example
The loud alarm roused him from his deep sleep.
C1 adjective /ɪˈvæljʊətɪv/

evaluative

Meaning
Relating to or involving evaluation or assessment.
Example
The evaluative phase of the project involves assessing its success.
B2 noun /liːk/

Leak

Meaning
a hole in a container or covering through which contents escape or enter accidentally
Example
There is a leak in the water pipe.
A2 noun ˈprəʊ.ses

process

Meaning
A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.
Example
Recruitment involves a three-stage process.
C2 noun /ˌæbsəˈluːʃən/

absolution

Meaning
formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment
Example
The priest granted him absolution for his sins.
A2 adjective ˈiːkwəl

equal

Meaning
Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value; having the same status or treatment.
Example
Bose was regarded as Galileo's equal.
B2 noun /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/

compound

Meaning
a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; an enclosed area with buildings
Example
The scientist studied the chemical compound in the lab.
C2 noun /ˈɡoʊld.moʊ.hɜːr/

Goldmohur

Meaning
A tropical tree with bright orange-red flowers, also known as flame tree or royal poinciana
Example
The goldmohur tree bloomed beautifully in the summer heat.
C2 noun /ˈɑːr.bɪ.trɑːʒ/

arbitrage

Meaning
The simultaneous buying and selling of securities in different markets to take advantage of differing prices.
Example
Investors use arbitrage to make profits in global markets.
C1 verb /ˈrek.ən.saɪl/

reconcile

Meaning
Restore friendly relations between; cause to coexist in harmony.
Example
They tried to reconcile their differences through open communication.
B1 verb /ˈɪndɪkeɪt/

indicate

Meaning
to point out; to show or suggest; to be a sign of
Example
The red light indicates that you should stop.
C1 noun /ˈɡraʊnd kruː/

ground crew

Meaning
a team of people who maintain and service aircraft on the ground
Example
The ground crew prepared the plane for takeoff.
A2 noun /ˈiː.ɡəl/

Eagle

Meaning
large bird of prey with powerful wings and sharp talons
Example
The eagle soared high above the mountains.
B2 noun /ˈnjuːzˌlɛtər/

newsletter

Meaning
a printed or electronic report containing news or information about a company or organization
Example
The company sends a weekly newsletter to its employees.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈkwaɪətɪŋ/

disquieting

Meaning
Causing worry, unease, or anxiety.
Example
The news report was deeply disquieting to the public.
C1 adjective /ˈspjʊəriəs/

spurious

Meaning
Not genuine, authentic, or true; false or fake.
Example
The report was based on spurious claims.
C1 adjective ˌkwɪn.tɪˈsen.ʃəl

quintessential

Meaning
representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
Example
The artist's work is the quintessential example of modernism.
C1 noun /ˈliːweɪ/

leeway

Meaning
Freedom to act within certain limits; extra space or time.
Example
The manager gave the team some leeway to finish the project.
B2 noun /ˈhæb.ɪ.tæt/

habitat

Meaning
The natural environment where an organism lives and meets its needs.
Example
The polar bear's natural habitat is the Arctic region.
B1 adjective /bɔɪld/

Boiled

Meaning
cooked in boiling water
Example
She served boiled eggs for breakfast.
C2 noun /ˈɛksplɪkeɪtər/

explicator

Meaning
a person who explains or interprets something in detail
Example
The critic served as an explicator of the poet’s complex works.
B2 noun rɪˈzentmənt

resentment

Meaning
Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.
Example
Resentment grew among the students.
C1 noun /rɪˈpɛərə/

repairer

Meaning
a person whose job is to fix damaged or broken things
Example
The repairer fixed the broken washing machine quickly.
C1 noun /əˈtjuːn.mənt/

attunement

Meaning
Being in harmony or responsive to someone's emotional state.
Example
Attunement to emotions improves relationships.
C1 noun /lʌmp/

Lump

Meaning
a compact mass of a substance, especially one without a definite or regular shape
Example
She found a lump of sugar in the bowl.
A2 noun ˈpræktɪs

practice

Meaning
The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method; repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill.
Example
Daily practice improves fluency.
B2 noun ˈəʊnəʃɪp

ownership

Meaning
The act, state, or right of possessing something; legal title to something.
Example
Ownership of resources was crucial.
B2 adjective /əˈtɒm.ɪk/

Atomic

Meaning
relating to atoms or atomic energy; extremely small
Example
The atomic structure of hydrogen is the simplest.
B2 adjective /ˈvʌl.ɡər/

Vulgar

Meaning
lacking sophistication or good taste; crude and offensive in language or behavior
Example
His vulgar language offended everyone at the dinner party.
B2 noun /ˈɡeɪt.weɪ/

Gateway

Meaning
an entrance or opening that provides access to a place; a means of achieving a particular state or condition
Example
The ancient stone gateway served as the entrance to the magnificent palace.
B2 adverb /ˈnoʊtəbli/

notably

Meaning
used to indicate something worthy of attention or significant
Example
She is notably talented in painting.
C2 noun /ˌæpəˈrɪʃən/

apparition

Meaning
A ghostly figure or an unusual or unexpected appearance.
Example
The children were frightened by the sudden apparition in the old house.
C2 adjective /ɪˈnjʊərd/

inured

Meaning
Accustomed to something, especially something unpleasant.
Example
After years of hardship, she was inured to suffering.
C1 adjective /koʊˈɜːrsɪv/

coercive

Meaning
Relating to or using force or threats to make someone do something.
Example
The government faced criticism for adopting coercive measures against protestors.
C2 verb /ˈstʌltɪfaɪ/

stultify

Meaning
to make someone or something appear foolish, or to hinder effectiveness and enthusiasm
Example
The repetitive tasks seemed to stultify the workers' creativity.
C1 adjective /ˈkwɑː.drʊ.pəl/

Quadruple

Meaning
four times as much or as many; consisting of four parts
Example
The company's profits have shown quadruple growth this year.
C2 noun /dʒɔːnt/

jaunt

Meaning
A short journey or excursion, usually taken for pleasure.
Example
They went on a weekend jaunt to the countryside.
B2 adjective /ɪˈmens/

Immense

Meaning
extremely large or great; huge
Example
The immense mountain range stretched across the horizon.
C1 noun /ˈmʌltɪtuːd/

multitude

Meaning
A large number of people or things.
Example
A multitude of fans gathered at the stadium.
B1 noun/verb /ˈleɪ.bər/

labor

Meaning
work, especially hard physical work; to work hard
Example
The workers labored in the hot sun all day.
B1 verb/noun /haɪk/

hike

Meaning
To take a long walk in the countryside or mountains; also to increase suddenly (prices, rates, etc.).
Example
We decided to hike in the hills this weekend.
A1 interjection /ɑː/

ah

Meaning
used to express realization, surprise, or relief
Example
Ah, now I understand what you mean.
B2 adjective ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪ.tɪd

integrated

Meaning
Combining or coordinating separate elements so as to provide a harmonious, interrelated whole.
Example
Integrated systems optimize efficiency.
C2 noun /ˌæk.wiˈes.əns/

acquiescence

Meaning
The reluctant acceptance of something without protest.
Example
His silent acquiescence to unfair rules was surprising.
C2 noun /stɒˈkeɪd/

stockade

Meaning
a defensive barrier made of strong posts or timbers, often around a fort or prison
Example
The prisoners were kept inside the wooden stockade.
A1 adjective ˈdɪfɪkəlt

difficult

Meaning
Needing much effort or skill to accomplish, deal with, or understand; hard.
Example
Managing urban challenges has become increasingly difficult.
C2 adjective /ˈdʒɒkjələr/

jocular

Meaning
fond of or characterized by joking; humorous
Example
His jocular nature made him popular among colleagues.