anachronism
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C2 noun /əˈnækrəˌnɪzəm/

anachronism

Meaning
something that is out of its proper time period, especially something old-fashioned in a modern context
Example
Using a typewriter today feels like an anachronism.
A2 noun ækt

act

Meaning
A written law passed by a legislative body.
Example
The act was passed in 2023.
C1 noun/verb /spuːf/

spoof

Meaning
A humorous imitation of something, or to trick or parody someone or something.
Example
The comedian spoofed the politician’s speech to entertain the audience.
C1 noun, verb /ˈliːvər/ or /ˈlɛvər/

lever

Meaning
a rigid bar used to move or lift heavy objects; to move something using leverage.
Example
He used a lever to lift the heavy stone.
B2 noun ˈsʌbstɪˌtut

substitute

Meaning
A person or thing acting or serving in place of another.
Example
Money cannot be a substitute for genuine happiness.
B2 adjective /ˈspeɪ.ʃəs/

Spacious

Meaning
having a lot of space; roomy and comfortable
Example
The house has a spacious living room with high ceilings.
B1 noun /weɪl/

Whale

Meaning
a very large marine mammal with a streamlined hairless body, a horizontal tail fin, and a blowhole on top of the head for breathing
Example
The blue whale is the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth.
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.
C2 adjective /rɪˈkʌmbənt/

recumbent

Meaning
lying down or in a resting position
Example
He was found recumbent on the sofa after a long day.
C2 verb /ˈɪmprɛɡneɪt/

impregnate

Meaning
To make pregnant; to fill or saturate with something.
Example
The scientist used a method to impregnate the material with resin.
A2 adverb /ˈɛniweɪ/

anyway

Meaning
used to emphasize a statement or to return to a previous subject; regardless of what happened
Example
I was tired, but I went to the meeting anyway.
A2 verb /sɔːrt/

sort

Meaning
to arrange or categorize something
Example
Please sort the files by date.
B1 noun /tʃɑːrt/

chart

Meaning
a sheet of information in the form of a table, graph, or diagram
Example
The teacher used a chart to explain the statistics.
B2 verb /əˈstaʊnd/

astound

Meaning
to greatly surprise or amaze someone
Example
The magician's final trick astounded the audience.
C1 verb ɪˈnɪʃɪeɪtɪd

initiated

Meaning
Caused a process or action to begin; started something.
Example
The project was initiated to enhance marine biodiversity.
C1 noun /ˈwɔː.tər ˈspɪn.ɪtʃ/

Water Spinach

Meaning
A semi-aquatic leafy vegetable with hollow stems, popular in Asian cuisine
Example
Water spinach grows well in wet soil.
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 /ɡeɪt/

gait

Meaning
A person's manner of walking.
Example
His slow gait showed that he was tired.
B2 verb /ɪˈvæljueɪt/

evaluate

Meaning
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
Example
The teacher will evaluate the students’ projects tomorrow.
C1 noun /ˈpetɪkoʊt/

Petti-coat

Meaning
an undergarment worn by women under a dress or skirt
Example
She wore a white petticoat under her dress.
C1 noun /ˌdez.ɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən/

Designation

Meaning
the action of choosing someone for a position; a name, title, or official status
Example
His designation as team leader came with additional responsibilities and authority.
C1 adjective /ˈloʊli/

lowly

Meaning
humble in status, position, or manner
Example
She rose from a lowly position to become the company's CEO.
A2 adjective /ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒənt/

intelligent

Meaning
Having or showing high mental capacity, quick to learn and understand.
Example
She is one of the most intelligent students in the class.
C2 verb /kənˈsɪlieɪt/

conciliate

Meaning
to stop someone from being angry; to win over by friendly acts
Example
He tried to conciliate the angry customer with an apology.
C1 verb /sɪˈsiːd/

secede

Meaning
To formally withdraw from a political or organizational union.
Example
Several states threatened to secede from the union.
C2 verb /dɪsˈtɛnd/

distend

Meaning
to swell or expand by pressure from within
Example
Her stomach began to distend after the large meal.
C2 adjective /ˈprɛʃənt/ or /ˈpriːʃənt/

prescient

Meaning
having or showing knowledge of events before they take place
Example
The prescient investor sold his shares just before the market crashed.
B2 noun /æs/

Ass

Meaning
a donkey; a small domesticated animal of the horse family
Example
The farmer used an ass to carry heavy loads.
B1 adjective, verb (past participle of wear) /wɔːrn/

worn

Meaning
damaged, weakened, or deteriorated from use or age
Example
His shoes were old and worn.
C2 noun /trʌs/

truss

Meaning
a framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts, supporting a roof, bridge, or other structure
Example
The engineer designed a strong truss for the new bridge.
C2 noun /ˌdɛd ˈhiːt/

dead-heat

Meaning
a race or contest in which two or more competitors finish exactly equal
Example
The race ended in a dead-heat between the two runners.
A2 noun (plural) /ˈnuːdəlz/

noodles

Meaning
long, thin strips of dough made from flour, water, or eggs, cooked and eaten as food
Example
She cooked noodles with vegetables for dinner.
C2 verb /pɑːrtʃ/

parch

Meaning
to make something extremely dry, especially by exposure to heat
Example
The scorching sun began to parch the fields.
A2 adjective /ˈpraɪ.vət/

Private

Meaning
personal; confidential; not public; individual
Example
This is a private conversation between two friends.
C2 verb /dɪˈnɒmɪˌneɪt/

denominate

Meaning
to give a name or designation to something
Example
The currency was denominated in dollars.
B2 verb ədˈhɪər

adhere

Meaning
To stick firmly to something or stay attached.
Example
Neutrons adhere to protons.
A2 verb /ˈmenʃən/

mention

Meaning
to refer to something briefly; to speak about or name
Example
She forgot to mention the meeting time.
C1 noun ˌwɛðəraɪˈzeɪʃən

weatherization

Meaning
The practice of protecting a building and its interior from the elements.
Example
The house underwent weatherization to improve energy efficiency.
C2 adjective /hɪk/

Hick

Meaning
unsophisticated person from a rural area; country bumpkin
Example
He had a hick accent from growing up in a small town.
C2 noun /ˈbɛlˌwɛðər/

bellwether

Meaning
A person or thing that leads or indicates a trend.
Example
The company is seen as a bellwether of the technology industry.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɛstɪməbl/

inestimable

Meaning
Too great or valuable to be measured or estimated.
Example
Her contribution to the project was of inestimable value.
B2 verb /ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/

contemplate

Meaning
to think deeply and carefully about something; to consider thoughtfully
Example
She sat quietly to contemplate her future plans.
B1 verb rɪˈdjuːst

reduced

Meaning
Make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
Example
Singapore has reduced plastic usage significantly.
C2 noun /ˈæsɪˌteɪt/

acetate

Meaning
a salt or ester of acetic acid; a synthetic material used in textiles and film
Example
The company produces acetate fibers for clothing.
C1 noun /ˈɡoʊld.smɪθ/

Goldsmith

Meaning
a person who makes or repairs articles of gold
Example
The goldsmith crafted a beautiful wedding ring.
B2 verb /əˈpɔɪnt/

appoint

Meaning
to choose someone for a job or position
Example
The board will appoint a new director.
C2 noun /boʊ/

beau

Meaning
a male admirer or boyfriend; a fashionable young man
Example
She arrived at the party with her beau.
C1 adjective /rɪˈmoʊtɪd/

remoted

Meaning
placed at a distance; made remote
Example
The system was remoted to a secure location.
C2 verb /ˈhɑːrkən/

hearken

Meaning
To listen attentively; to give heed.
Example
He would hearken to his mentor’s advice before making decisions.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪmpɪd/

limpid

Meaning
Clear and transparent, easily understood.
Example
The limpid water of the lake reflected the sky perfectly.
A2 noun /ˈbækɡraʊnd/

Background

Meaning
the circumstances or situation that form the setting; a person's education, experience, or social circumstances
Example
She has a strong background in mathematics and computer science.
C2 adjective /prəˈpɪʃəs/

propitious

Meaning
giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable
Example
The sunny weather was a propitious start to the picnic.
B1 adjective /səˈfɪʃənt/

Sufficient

Meaning
enough; adequate for the purpose; satisfactory
Example
We have sufficient time to complete the project.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈpɒpjʊlə/

unpopular

Meaning
not liked or supported by many people
Example
The decision was unpopular with the public.
B2 noun /ˈdeɪtəbeɪs/

database

Meaning
a structured collection of data stored and accessed electronically
Example
The company's customer details are stored in a secure database.
B2 verb /ˈsʌmən/

summon

Meaning
To order someone to come or to gather courage or strength.
Example
The king summoned his advisors to the court.
B2 noun /ˈskændəl/

scandal

Meaning
an event or action that causes public outrage or damage to one's reputation
Example
The politician's affair became a public scandal.
B2 noun/verb /ˈoʊvərˌdoʊs/

overdose

Meaning
An excessive and dangerous amount of a drug; to take too much of a substance.
Example
He was rushed to the hospital after a drug overdose.
C1 noun /ʃəˈmiːz/

Chemise

Meaning
a woman's loose-fitting undergarment or dress hanging straight from the shoulders
Example
The vintage chemise was made of delicate lace and silk.
A2 verb /klaɪm/

climb

Meaning
to go up using hands and feet; to ascend
Example
We decided to climb the mountain.
A2 verb /hæŋ/

hang

Meaning
to suspend or be suspended from above; to attach from a higher point
Example
I hang my coat on the hook.
B2 adverb /ˈʃɑːrpli/

sharply

Meaning
suddenly and strongly; in a cutting or intense way
Example
Prices rose sharply after the announcement.
C1 noun /ˌpɑːrʃiˈæləti/

partiality

Meaning
an unfair preference or bias toward one side or person
Example
The judge was criticized for showing partiality in the case.
C2 noun /ˈdɛkəˌlɔːɡ/

decalogue

Meaning
The Ten Commandments in the Bible; a set of fundamental rules or principles.
Example
The priest gave a sermon on the importance of the Decalogue.
C1 noun /ɔːˈdæs.ə.ti/

audacity

Meaning
The willingness to take bold risks; boldness or fearlessness.
Example
His audacity to question authority was admirable.
C2 adjective /əˈθɜːrst/

athirst

Meaning
Very eager or desirous for something.
Example
The explorer was athirst for adventure.
C2 noun /ˈpriːsɛpt/

precept

Meaning
A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.
Example
Honesty is a fundamental precept in all religions.
C1 noun /ˈɔr.ə.kəl/

Oracle

Meaning
a person regarded as a source of wise counsel; in ancient times, a priest or priestess acting as a medium
Example
The ancient Greeks consulted the oracle at Delphi.
A2 noun /naɪf/

Knife

Meaning
a cutting instrument with a sharp blade
Example
She used a sharp knife to cut the vegetables for dinner.
A1 preposition /ɪn/

in

Meaning
expressing the situation of being enclosed or surrounded by something
Example
She is in the kitchen preparing dinner.
C2 noun /ˈɪrɪtənsi/

irritancy

Meaning
the quality or state of causing irritation; legal or formal invalidation
Example
The constant noise became an irritancy to the neighbors.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnsər/

sensor

Meaning
a device that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or responds to it
Example
The motion sensor turned on the light automatically.
B2 noun ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃənz

revolutions

Meaning
Dramatic and wide-reaching changes in political, social, or economic systems, often involving the overthrow of a government or social order.
Example
Revolutions often lead to significant societal changes.
C1 noun /rɪˈsaɪtər/

reciter

Meaning
a person who recites or repeats something aloud from memory, especially poetry, prayers, or formal texts
Example
The reciter delivered the poem with clarity and emotion.
C1 verb /hoʊn/

hone

Meaning
To sharpen a blade or to improve a skill through practice.
Example
She honed her presentation skills before the big meeting.
C2 noun /ˈbɪbliəfaɪl/

bibliophile

Meaning
A person who loves or collects books.
Example
She is a true bibliophile who spends weekends at old bookstores.
C1 noun /ˌæntiˈklaɪmæks/

anticlimax

Meaning
A disappointing end after a big build-up of excitement or expectation.
Example
The movie's ending was an anticlimax after such a thrilling story.
B1 verb /fərˈbɪd/

forbid

Meaning
to order someone not to do something
Example
The school forbids smoking on campus.
C2 adjective /bəˈθɛt.ɪk/

bathetic

Meaning
displaying insincere or trivial emotion; producing an unintended ridiculous effect through sudden change from serious to silly
Example
The movie's ending was unintentionally bathetic rather than tragic.
A2 noun /ˈkɪt.ən/

Kitten

Meaning
a young cat
Example
The little kitten loves to play with yarn balls.
A1 noun /kiː/

Key

Meaning
a small piece of shaped metal used to operate a lock; something that provides a means of access
Example
She lost her house key and couldn't get inside until the locksmith arrived.
C2 adjective /ˈtʃɜːrlɪʃ/

churlish

Meaning
Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way.
Example
It would be churlish to refuse her kind invitation.
B1 adjective /ˈɪrɪteɪtɪŋ/

irritating

Meaning
causing annoyance, impatience, or mild anger
Example
The constant noise from the street is extremely irritating.
C1 verb /ˈdʒɜːrmɪneɪt/

germinate

Meaning
To begin to grow or develop, especially referring to a seed.
Example
The seeds germinate quickly in moist soil.
B2 noun /beɪ liːf/

Bay leaf

Meaning
dried aromatic leaf of the bay laurel tree used as a culinary herb
Example
Add a bay leaf to the soup for extra flavor.
B2 adjective ˌɒn.trə.prəˈnɜː.ri.əl

entrepreneurial

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by the activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.
Example
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a successful startup.
C2 noun /brɪˈtæniə/

britannia

Meaning
the personification of Britain, often shown as a woman with a helmet and shield
Example
Britannia has been a symbol of Britain since Roman times.
A2 conjunction /ˈwɛðər/

whether

Meaning
used to express a doubt or choice between alternatives
Example
I don’t know whether I should go.
C2 verb /ˈstɪp.əl/

stipple

Meaning
to cover a surface with numerous small dots or specks, often in drawing or painting
Example
The artist stippled the canvas to create a textured effect.
B2 noun /ˈmeɪnˌlænd/

mainland

Meaning
the principal landmass of a country or continent, as opposed to the surrounding islands
Example
The mainland of Australia is home to most of its population.
C2 noun /ˈpiːən/

paean

Meaning
A song or piece of writing expressing great praise or triumph.
Example
The article was a paean to the beauty of nature.
C2 verb /ˌdɒmɪˈnɪə/

domineer

Meaning
to assert one's will over another in an arrogant way
Example
He tends to domineer over his younger colleagues.
A1 noun /saɪd/

side

Meaning
a position to the left or right of something
Example
The store is on the side of the road.
B2 noun /aɪˈdiː/

id

Meaning
identification; a document or number used to prove who someone is
Example
Please show your ID at the entrance.
C1 verb /tʃɑːr/

char

Meaning
To burn or scorch something so that it becomes blackened.
Example
The cook accidentally charred the steak.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmeɪʃieɪtɪd/

emaciated

Meaning
Abnormally thin or weak, usually due to illness or lack of food.
Example
The emaciated dog was rescued from the abandoned house.
A2 verb /dɪˈskraɪb/

describe

Meaning
to give an account of something in words, including details
Example
She described the scene vividly.
B2 noun /ˈdʒʊəri/

jury

Meaning
a group of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case based on the evidence
Example
The jury found him guilty of the crime.
C2 adjective /ˈtɔːdri/

tawdry

Meaning
cheap and showy but of poor quality
Example
She wore a tawdry necklace that broke easily.
A1 noun, verb /rɛst/

rest

Meaning
to cease work or movement in order to relax or recover strength
Example
He needs to rest after the long journey.
C2 noun /ɪɡˈzækʃən/

exaction

Meaning
the act of demanding or obtaining something, especially unfairly
Example
The peasants suffered under the king's heavy exactions.
B2 noun /ˈtɜːnˌəʊvə/

turnover

Meaning
the amount of business conducted during a particular period, or the rate at which employees leave a company
Example
The company reported a high turnover in its sales department.
B2 noun /fɪˈzɪʃən/

physician

Meaning
a person qualified to practice medicine; a doctor
Example
The physician prescribed some medicine to treat the condition.
C2 adjective /ˌdɪskəmˈbɑːbjuleɪtɪd/

discombobulated

Meaning
confused and disoriented; feeling unsettled
Example
She looked discombobulated after hearing the unexpected news.
C2 adjective /stɛnˈtɔːriən/

stentorian

Meaning
Extremely loud and powerful in sound.
Example
The teacher’s stentorian voice quieted the noisy classroom.
A2 noun /ˈtæk.si kæb/

Taxi cab

Meaning
A car that carries passengers for a fare, usually in cities
Example
We took a taxi cab to the restaurant.
B2 noun ˈmɒn.ə.ki

monarchy

Meaning
A form of government with a monarch at the head, where supreme power is held by a single person such as a king or queen.
Example
The monarchy was abolished during the revolution.
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.
C1 noun /krɛst/

crest

Meaning
the top of a hill, wave, or mountain; a symbol of identity
Example
The hikers reached the crest of the mountain at sunrise.
C1 adjective ˈɒb.stɪ.nət

obstinate

Meaning
Refusing to change one's mind or accept others' advice easily.
Example
He remained obstinate despite the logical arguments.
C2 noun /ˈθɝː.moʊ.klaɪn/

thermocline

Meaning
A layer in a body of water in which temperature changes rapidly with depth.
Example
The thermocline separates warm surface water from cold deep water.
C1 noun /ˈrɛvərəns/

reverence

Meaning
deep respect for someone or something
Example
The students showed reverence to their teacher.
A2 adverb /ˈklɪrli/

clearly

Meaning
In a way that is easy to perceive, understand, or see.
Example
She spoke clearly so that everyone could understand.
C1 adjective /ˈsek.j ə.l ər/

Secular

Meaning
not connected with religious or spiritual matters; worldly
Example
The country maintains a secular government that separates religion from politics.
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.
B2 noun /ˈaɪ.bɔːl/

Eyeball

Meaning
the round part of the eye within the eyelids and socket
Example
The doctor examined his eyeball carefully.
C1 noun /blɒˈkeɪd/

Blockade

Meaning
an act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving
Example
The naval blockade prevented supplies from reaching the port.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrəˈtɔːri.oʊ/

oratorio

Meaning
A large-scale musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists, usually on a sacred theme, performed without costumes or scenery.
Example
Handel's 'Messiah' is one of the most famous oratorios ever written.
C2 noun /ˈhɔːzər/

hawser

Meaning
A thick rope or cable used in mooring or towing a ship.
Example
The sailors secured the ship to the dock with a heavy hawser.
B2 noun/adjective /ˈbʌmpər/

bumper

Meaning
A protective bar at the front or back of a vehicle; also used to describe something unusually large or successful.
Example
The farmer celebrated a bumper harvest this year.
C2 noun /ˈmɪn.i.ən/

minion

Meaning
A follower or underling of a powerful person, especially a servile one.
Example
The dictator was surrounded by loyal minions who carried out his orders.