arcane
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C1 adjective /ɑːrˈkeɪn/

arcane

Meaning
understood by few; mysterious or secret
Example
The professor’s lecture was full of arcane details that only specialists could follow.
C1 noun /əˈduː/

ado

Meaning
a fuss or unnecessary activity; trouble or difficulty
Example
Without further ado, let’s begin the ceremony.
C1 noun /ˌænɛkˈseɪʃən/

annexation

Meaning
the act of adding or taking control of territory or property, especially by a state
Example
The annexation of the region led to international condemnation.
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 noun əbˈzɔːrp.ʃən

absorption

Meaning
The process or action by which one thing absorbs or is absorbed by another.
Example
Plants help in the absorption of carbon dioxide.
C1 adjective /əˌpɒk.əˈlɪp.tɪk/

apocalyptic

Meaning
Describing the end of the world, or something catastrophic and disastrous.
Example
The movie depicts an apocalyptic future after a nuclear war.
C1 noun, adverb /ˈeɪliəs/

alias

Meaning
A false or assumed identity; also used to mean 'otherwise called'.
Example
The criminal was known by the alias 'Shadow'.
C1 noun ˈæ.sɛt ˌæl.əˈkeɪ.ʃən

asset allocation

Meaning
An investment strategy that aims to balance risk and reward by apportioning a portfolio's assets according to an individual's goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
Example
Proper asset allocation is key to financial growth.
C1 noun /ˌædəˈreɪʃən/

adoration

Meaning
deep love and respect; worship
Example
The fans showed their adoration for the singer.
C1 noun ˌɔːɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən

augmentation

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

appraisal

Meaning
An assessment or evaluation of performance or quality.
Example
The annual appraisal determines salary increments.
C1 noun /ˌɔːkʃəˈnɪər/

auctioneer

Meaning
a person who conducts auctions by calling out bids and selling items to the highest bidder
Example
The auctioneer quickly raised the price as bidders competed for the painting.
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.
C1 noun /ɔːˈdæs.ə.ti/

audacity

Meaning
The willingness to take bold risks; boldness or fearlessness.
Example
His audacity to question authority was admirable.
C1 noun /əˈtrɑːsəti/

atrocity

Meaning
an extremely cruel or violent act, often involving physical violence
Example
The world condemned the atrocity committed against civilians.
C1 adjective /ɑːrˈkeɪɪk/

archaic

Meaning
very old or old-fashioned; belonging to an earlier time
Example
Some laws are considered archaic and no longer relevant.
C1 noun /əˈvɜːrʒən/

aversion

Meaning
a strong feeling of dislike or unwillingness towards something
Example
She has a strong aversion to smoking.
C1 noun/verb /ˈætrəfi/

atrophy

Meaning
a decrease in size or wasting away of a body part, tissue, or ability due to lack of use
Example
Without regular exercise, muscles may atrophy over time.
C1 noun ænˈtɪk.wə.ti

antiquity

Meaning
The ancient past, especially the period of classical and other human civilizations before the Middle Ages.
Example
The ruins are a reminder of the city's antiquity.
C1 noun əˈtrɒs.ɪ.tiz

atrocities

Meaning
Extremely wicked or cruel acts, typically involving physical violence or injury.
Example
The atrocities shocked the international community.
C1 noun /ænˈtæɡənɪzəm/

antagonism

Meaning
active hostility or opposition
Example
There was clear antagonism between the two political parties.
C1 verb /ˈɑːrbɪtreɪt/

arbitrate

Meaning
to settle a dispute between two parties by acting as an impartial judge
Example
The committee agreed to arbitrate the contract dispute.
C1 noun /ɑːrˈmɑːdə/

armada

Meaning
A large fleet of warships.
Example
The Spanish Armada sailed against England in 1588.
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 /əˈbreɪʒən/

abrasion

Meaning
a scrape or wearing away of the skin or surface due to friction
Example
He suffered a minor abrasion on his knee after falling.
C1 noun /əˈrɪəz/

arrears

Meaning
Money that is owed and should have been paid earlier.
Example
She was months in arrears with her electricity bill.
C1 verb /əˈdɔːrn/

adorn

Meaning
to decorate or add beauty to something
Example
The hall was adorned with flowers for the wedding.
C1 noun /əˌsæsɪˈneɪʃən/

assassination

Meaning
The act of killing someone important, often for political or ideological reasons.
Example
The assassination of the president shocked the nation.
C1 noun /əˈtaɪər/

attire

Meaning
Clothing, especially formal or elegant wear.
Example
She wore traditional attire at the wedding ceremony.
C1 adverb /əˈtroʊʃəsli/

atrociously

Meaning
in a very cruel, shocking, or extremely bad manner
Example
The service at the restaurant was atrociously slow.
C1 noun ˈæltruɪzəm

altruism

Meaning
The belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example
His altruism motivated others to volunteer.
C1 adjective /ˈɑːrɡjuəbl/

arguable

Meaning
open to debate or discussion; not certain and capable of being argued for or against
Example
It is arguable that technology has improved our quality of life.
C1 noun /əˈrɪs.tə.kræt/

Aristocrat

Meaning
a member of the aristocracy; a person of noble rank or birth
Example
The aristocrat lived in a magnificent castle.
C1 adverb /əˈkjuːtli/

acutely

Meaning
in a sharp, intense, or severe way; with keen awareness
Example
She was acutely aware of the risks involved.
C1 noun /əˈkuːstɪks/

acoustics

Meaning
the science of sound, or the properties of a space that affect how sound is heard
Example
The hall’s excellent acoustics made the orchestra sound rich and clear.
C1 adjective /ˈæŋ.ɡjə.lər/

Angular

Meaning
having sharp corners or edges; relating to angles
Example
The building has an angular design with sharp corners.
C1 verb /əˈdʒɜrn/

adjourn

Meaning
to suspend a meeting or session to another time or place
Example
The judge decided to adjourn the hearing until next week.
C1 noun /əˈstrɑː.lə.dʒər/

Astrologer

Meaning
a person who studies astrology and makes predictions based on the positions of stars and planets
Example
The astrologer predicted good fortune in her future.
C1 verb /əˈliː.vi.eɪt/

alleviate

Meaning
To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe; to relieve or ease.
Example
Meditation can alleviate stress and improve focus.
C1 noun /ˌænəsˈθetɪk/

anesthetic

Meaning
A substance that causes loss of sensation or consciousness, especially used during surgery.
Example
The doctor administered a local anesthetic before stitching the wound.
C1 noun /ˌeɪ.li.əˈneɪ.ʃən/

alienation

Meaning
The state of being isolated or estranged from a group or activity.
Example
The new policies created a sense of alienation among employees.
C1 adjective /əˈrɛstɪŋ/

arresting

Meaning
Attracting attention in a striking or impressive way.
Example
The actress gave an arresting performance.
C1 noun ˌæp.əˈreɪ.təs

apparatus

Meaning
The technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or purpose.
Example
The apparatus was designed to be eco-friendly.
C1 noun /ˈeɪ.peks/

apex

Meaning
The highest point or peak of something; the top or summit.
Example
He reached the apex of his career.
C1 adjective /ˈɛərˌtaɪt/

airtight

Meaning
Completely sealed so that no air can get in or out.
Example
Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
C1 noun /ˌætəˈʃeɪ/

attache

Meaning
A person officially assigned to the staff of a diplomatic mission, often with a specific area of responsibility.
Example
The cultural attache organized an art exhibition in the embassy.
C1 noun /əˈkʌmpənɪmənt/

accompaniment

Meaning
Something that goes together with or complements another thing, often music or food.
Example
The dish was served with a spicy sauce as an accompaniment.
C1 adjective /əˈfɜːrmətɪv/

affirmative

Meaning
expressing agreement, approval, or a positive response
Example
She gave an affirmative answer to the proposal.
C1 noun esˈθet.ɪks

aesthetics

Meaning
A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art and design.
Example
Interior design focuses on aesthetics and functionality.
C1 noun /əˈseɪlənt/

assailant

Meaning
a person who attacks another
Example
The police arrested the assailant at the scene.
C1 verb /ədˈmɪnɪstreɪt/

administrate

Meaning
to manage or supervise the execution of duties, laws, or resources; to formally give or apply something such as a test or medicine
Example
The committee will administrate the new policy across all departments.
C1 noun /æmˈniːʒə/

amnesia

Meaning
A partial or total loss of memory, usually caused by injury, illness, or psychological trauma.
Example
After the accident, she suffered from amnesia and could not remember her own name.
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 noun ˌæf.ɔːr.ɪˈsteɪ.ʃən

afforestation

Meaning
The action of planting trees on an area of land in order to form a forest.
Example
Afforestation helps restore biodiversity.
C1 noun /ˌæŋɡloʊ ˈsæksən/

anglo-saxon

Meaning
A member of the Germanic peoples who settled in England in the early Middle Ages; also relating to their language or culture.
Example
The Anglo-Saxon period greatly influenced English culture and language.
C1 noun /ˌædʒ.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

agitation

Meaning
a state of nervousness, excitement, or unrest; or action of stirring up public concern
Example
There was visible agitation among the crowd.
C1 adverb /əˈlɜːrtli/

alertly

Meaning
in a watchful, attentive, and quick-to-notice manner
Example
She listened alertly to every sound in the dark forest.
C1 noun /ədˈhiːʒən/

adhesion

Meaning
the process or state of sticking to something
Example
Strong adhesion is needed for the tiles to stay in place.
C1 verb /əˈlɒt/

allot

Meaning
to give or assign something, often a share or portion, to someone
Example
Each student was allotted ten minutes to present.
C1 adjective /əˈsɛndənt/

ascendant

Meaning
Rising in power or influence; dominant.
Example
She is an ascendant leader in the political party.
C1 verb /əˈdʒɔɪn/

adjoin

Meaning
To be next to and joined with something.
Example
Their house adjoins the park.
C1 noun /əˈpɒsəl/

apostle

Meaning
A vigorous and pioneering advocate or supporter of a particular cause, often used for the early Christian disciples.
Example
He became an apostle of environmental protection.
C1 adjective /əˈvɜːrs/

averse

Meaning
having a strong dislike of or opposition to something
Example
He was averse to taking unnecessary risks.
C1 noun /ˈænərkɪst/

anarchist

Meaning
a person who believes in or promotes the absence of government or authority
Example
The anarchist group protested against state control.
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 verb /ˌæprɪˈhɛnd/

apprehend

Meaning
to arrest or seize someone; to understand or perceive something
Example
The police managed to apprehend the thief after a long chase.
C1 noun /ɔːˈtɒkrəsi/

autocracy

Meaning
A system of government in which one person has absolute power.
Example
The country suffered under decades of autocracy.
C1 noun /ˈælɪɡəri/

allegory

Meaning
a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, often moral or political
Example
The novel is an allegory of the struggle between good and evil.
C1 verb /əˈkwɪt/

acquit

Meaning
to declare someone not guilty of a criminal charge; to conduct oneself in a specified way
Example
The jury decided to acquit the defendant of all charges.
C1 noun /æɡˈnɒs.tɪk/

agnostic

Meaning
a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known about the existence of God; uncertain in belief
Example
He described himself as an agnostic rather than an atheist.
C1 noun /ˌæɡ.rəˈveɪ.ʃən/

aggravation

Meaning
The act of making a situation worse or the state of being worsened.
Example
The delay caused great aggravation for the passengers.
C1 noun /ˌæn.ɪˈmɒs.ə.ti/

Animosity

Meaning
strong hostility or dislike; active hatred or ill will
Example
There was clear animosity between the two rival teams.
C1 noun əˈtrɪʃ.ən

attrition

Meaning
The process of reducing something's strength or effectiveness through sustained attack or pressure.
Example
The company faced high employee attrition due to job dissatisfaction.
C1 noun /ˈɔːnɪŋ/

awning

Meaning
a sheet of canvas or material stretched on a frame to shelter a place from the sun or rain
Example
We sat under the awning to avoid the heavy rain.
C1 adjective /ˌæntiˈneɪtl/

antenatal

Meaning
Relating to the medical care and treatment given to a pregnant woman before the birth of her child.
Example
She attended regular antenatal checkups throughout her pregnancy.
C1 verb /ˈeɪ.li.ə.neɪt/

alienate

Meaning
To make someone feel isolated or estranged; to cause someone to become unfriendly.
Example
His rude behavior alienated many of his friends.
C1 adjective /ɔːˈdeɪ.ʃəs/

Audacious

Meaning
showing willingness to take bold risks; daring
Example
His audacious plan to climb the mountain without proper equipment shocked everyone.
C1 verb /əˈkrɛdɪt/

accredit

Meaning
to officially recognize, authorize, or approve someone or something
Example
The university is accredited by the national education board.
C1 noun /ˈækwɪˌdʌkt/

aqueduct

Meaning
a structure built to carry water over long distances
Example
The Romans built aqueducts to supply water to their cities.
C1 adjective /ˈeɪ.mi.ə.bəl/

Amiable

Meaning
friendly and pleasant; good-natured; kind
Example
My neighbor is very amiable and always greets everyone warmly.
C1 verb /ˈæn.ə.teɪt/

annotate

Meaning
to add notes or comments to a text, diagram, or document for explanation or clarification
Example
The teacher asked the students to annotate the poem with their interpretations.
C1 adjective /əˈluːf/

aloof

Meaning
Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.
Example
He remained aloof during the entire discussion.
C1 adjective ˌæd.vɚˈser.i.əl

adversarial

Meaning
Involving or characterized by conflict or opposition.
Example
The two companies have an adversarial relationship in the market.
C1 adjective /æmˈbɪvələnt/

ambivalent

Meaning
Having mixed or contradictory feelings about something or someone.
Example
She was ambivalent about accepting the new job offer.
C1 noun /əˈkɔːrdiən/

accordion

Meaning
a musical instrument played by squeezing and expanding with keys and buttons
Example
The musician played a cheerful tune on the accordion.
C1 adverb /iːsˈθetɪkli/

aesthetically

Meaning
in a way that is concerned with beauty or visual appeal
Example
The building is aesthetically pleasing despite its simple design.
C1 adjective /əˈwɒʃ/

awash

Meaning
covered or flooded with water or something in large quantities
Example
The market was awash with cheap imported goods.
C1 noun æmˈbɪvələns

ambivalence

Meaning
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something; uncertainty or confusion.
Example
She felt ambivalence about taking the job offer.
C1 noun /ˈæntɪˌdoʊt/

antidote

Meaning
A substance that neutralizes the effects of a poison; something that relieves or counteracts.
Example
The doctor quickly administered an antidote to the snake venom.
C1 noun /ˈælɪbaɪ/

alibi

Meaning
A claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a crime, was committed.
Example
She had a strong alibi that proved she was at the cinema during the theft.
C1 verb /əˈsæsɪneɪt/

assassinate

Meaning
To murder someone important, often a political or religious leader, usually by surprise attack.
Example
The rebels planned to assassinate the king.
C1 noun /ˈeɪ.nəs/

Anus

Meaning
the opening at the end of the digestive tract through which waste leaves the body
Example
The doctor examined the patient's anus during the medical checkup.
C1 adjective /ˈɑːr.dənt/

Ardent

Meaning
very enthusiastic; passionate; fervent
Example
She is an ardent supporter of environmental conservation.
C1 preposition /əˈtɒp/

atop

Meaning
on the top of something
Example
A flag was placed atop the tower.
C1 adjective /ˌɔːtəˈkrætɪk/

autocratic

Meaning
Relating to a ruler who has absolute power and does not consult others.
Example
The manager’s autocratic style discouraged employees from sharing their ideas.
C1 verb ˌæs.ɚˈteɪn

ascertain

Meaning
To find out or discover something with certainty; to verify.
Example
The police tried to ascertain the cause of the accident.
C1 adjective /ˌæl.ɡəˈrɪð.mɪk/

algorithmic

Meaning
Based on or using algorithms; relating to mathematical rules or procedures.
Example
Algorithmic processes power artificial intelligence systems.
C1 adjective ɔːˈspɪʃ.əs

auspicious

Meaning
Favorable or bringing good luck and success
Example
The wedding was held on an auspicious day.
C1 noun /ˈæbsɛs/

abscess

Meaning
A swollen area within body tissue containing pus, usually caused by infection.
Example
The dentist treated the abscess in his tooth.
C1 noun /ˈæd.vənt/

advent

Meaning
The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.
Example
The advent of the internet changed the way people communicate.
C1 noun /əˈbɪs/

abyss

Meaning
a deep, immeasurable space, chasm, or void; something seemingly without end
Example
The climbers looked down into the dark abyss below.
C1 noun /ˈænvɪl/

anvil

Meaning
A heavy iron block used by blacksmiths for hammering and shaping metal.
Example
The blacksmith placed the hot iron on the anvil.
C1 verb /əˈfɪliˌeɪt/

affiliate

Meaning
to officially attach or connect (a group or organization) to a larger body
Example
The school is affiliated with the local university.
C1 adjective /əˈtjuːnd/

attuned

Meaning
Being receptive or sensitive to something; well adjusted or in harmony.
Example
She is attuned to the needs of her students.
C1 noun /ˌɑːrtʃˈbɪʃəp/

archbishop

Meaning
A senior bishop in charge of an archdiocese in the Christian Church.
Example
The archbishop delivered a sermon to thousands of people.
C1 noun /æbˈstrækʃən/

abstraction

Meaning
the process of forming general ideas by removing specific details; an abstract concept or idea
Example
Abstraction allows complex ideas to be represented in a simplified form.
C1 noun əˌsɪm.ɪˈleɪ.ʃən

Assimilation

Meaning
Connecting new information with existing knowledge
Example
Proper assimilation of knowledge leads to effective learning.
C1 adjective /ˈæm.ɪ.kə.bəl/

amicable

Meaning
Having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement or rancor.
Example
They reached an amicable agreement.
C1 noun /əˈfɪn.ɪ.ti/

affinity

Meaning
A natural liking for or attraction to a person, thing, idea, etc.
Example
She has an affinity for classical music.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːrəl/

aural

Meaning
Relating to the ear or the sense of hearing.
Example
The lecture was an aural experience as well as an intellectual one.
C1 noun /ˈæd.və.ser.i/

adversary

Meaning
One's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute.
Example
The boxer faced a strong adversary in the ring.
C1 noun /ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/

anguish

Meaning
Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.
Example
She was in deep anguish after hearing the tragic news.
C1 adverb /əˈraɪ/

awry

Meaning
away from the expected or proper direction; wrong or amiss
Example
The plan went awry when the weather suddenly changed.
C1 noun /ˈɑːrmfʊl/

armful

Meaning
As much as can be carried in one or both arms.
Example
She carried an armful of books into the library.
C1 adjective /əˈlʊr.ɪŋ/

Alluring

Meaning
attractive and tempting; fascinating
Example
The alluring fragrance of roses filled the garden.
C1 noun /əˈtjuːn.mənt/

attunement

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

alloy

Meaning
A mixture of metals or a metal combined with another element.
Example
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.
C1 verb əˈkruː

accrue

Meaning
To accumulate or receive (payments or benefits) over time.
Example
Interest accrues on the savings account every month.
C1 noun /əˈkʌmplɪs/

accomplice

Meaning
a person who helps another commit a crime
Example
The thief was arrested along with his accomplice.
C1 verb /əˈtoʊn/

atone

Meaning
to make amends for a wrong or injury; to make reparation
Example
He tried to atone for his mistakes by helping others.
C1 noun /ədˈmɪtəns/

admittance

Meaning
the process or fact of entering or being allowed to enter a place
Example
No admittance without a valid ticket.